Review Highlights
“This is not a prim and proper, orderly shop, and that's part of its charm.” in 4 reviews
“Seeing the owner surrounded by stacks of books at what I think was the checkout counter (I was unable to see the cash register - it was concealed by books).” in 2 reviews
“I bopped in on a whim as I was headed to Boulevard Park, and snagged a dollar book of poetry.” in 2 reviews
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- Dec 1, 2023
So many of the reviews about Eclipse mention the lack of organization. Let me share a true story that showcases "knowing your inventory ".
Several years ago I was in search of a copy of "Kitchen Confidential", by Anthony Bourdain.
So off I went to Eclipse. I was in a bit of a hurry and didn't have time to spend browsing. Seeing the owner surrounded by stacks of books at what I think was the checkout counter (I was unable to see the cash register - it was concealed by books). I approached, dodging other piles of books covering the floor. As I got closer, the gentleman looked up and nodded, flashing a friendly smile. I asked if he had my desired book.
Without speaking, he turned slightly to his left and using both hands lifted the top seven books off a nearby tall stack. He looked back at me and said, "Your book is the one on the top".
I was speechless.
I have returned to Eclipse on numerous occasions and the polite gentleman never ceases to amaze me with his "inventory knowledge".
This bookstore is truly a one-of-a-kind treasure. Savor it.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Breanna C.Portland, United States0960Jan 22, 2025
The bookstore is absolutely overflowing and that makes it an aesthetic dream but a little bit of a nightmare to find what you want. The sections were not clearly labeled but once I was able to find sections of my interest it was fun to browse and find some gems.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Tina S.Bothell, United States96432Sep 4, 2023
This place has a HUGE collection of used books! Be prepared to spend a LOT of time here, if you love books. There were some rare finds!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Kathleen M.Indianola, United States010Aug 26, 2023
Rather daunting upon entry, with so many books in so many piles...but the genial owner can tell you exactly where to find the categories you seek--spousal person found a music book he didn't already have and I snagged one in the bird section I'd never seen before, but definitely needed. We'll be back.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Denise D.Bellingham, United States125165310Mar 25, 2021
I give this 5 stars in the 'Used Books' category. This is the MacDaddy of used books stores. The type of place that requires a slow morning... wander through and allow your eyes to casually rest on a title.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Oct 27, 2015
DAMN do I want to give this five stars. So badly.
I made a special trip out here from Seattle on my day off. Simply because I wanted to visit this amazing store.. just look at some of the pictures.. amazing! You will be overjoyed and overwhelmed at the endless shelves and stacks of books everywhere. A book lovers dream! There is something about stacks of books on the floor.. EVERYwhere on the floor that is so satisfying. You can get lost in a store like this.
Unfortunately that is also the downfall of this place if you are looking for something specific. I went in with a bucket list of maybe six books and could not find any of them. I am certain that at least half of my list wasn't there since I did find the author's location on the shelves.. but it is not organized in the best of ways.
For example, there is no section dedicated to biographies. If you want a biography, it is categorized under "subject" but even then I think it is hard to find anything. The woman working was very nice in trying to guide me in the right direction; lots of the biographies she seemed to know for sure would be under US History (generals, presidents, etc) but there was another section for literary biographies.. anyway, it was confusing. The shelves and sections are labeled poorly (if at all) so you will end up wandering whether you want to or not.
Perhaps that is the upswing of this place.. it is fantastic for drowning out the outside world and getting lost in books and books. Two floors of floor to ceiling books! Lots of mass market paperbacks one floor down. I think the more popular items will be hard to find... but I found myself a gem of a book! Just as I was about to give up! Items are very reasonably priced.
I think it's worth the journey. After all, Eclipse did make the PNW section of a trivial Buzzfeed article on 44 Great American Independent Bookstores.......Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Momo M.San Diego, United States0321Mar 24, 2021
Love the selection of books and the prices. It can be a little overwhelming the first couple times trying to figure out where things are but once you have the lay of the land you can go right where you need to and see what new stuff has come in.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - J J.Seattle, United States0300Aug 14, 2021
Books everywhere: outside, on the shelves, piled in the aisles, at the end of aisles, parapets before the checkout counter, which itself towered by stacks of books. The proprietor continues to buyback books though they're struggling to drawdown their excess. Help them out, buy an armful, there's plenty to find at great prices.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Sally L.Mountain View, United States03329Jul 5, 2021
This is a book lovers haven. I've found treasures each time I visit Fairhaven (I'm not a local). Now my kids are coming here as well. Check this place out if you come visit Fairhaven.
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