San Diego Used Book Store: Helen's Book Mark

Helen's Book Mark Paperback Book Exchange - San Diego Used Book Store

 

Helen's Book Mark is a fun used bookstore in downtown Escondido, and this shop specializes in all things paperback and fiction. They have it all: thrillers, action, mysteries, sci-fi, contemporary, suspense, fantasy, supernatural, horror, YA, classic western, and if you are in a mood for romance, they have a whole section that's guarded by a knight in armor. If you search Instagram, you can even find a video of a romantic proposal in this section of the store (ok I won't make you search, here's the proposal and video, sooo sweet).

I walked out with a David Morrell spy book (my fave author) and a puzzle (they have many to choose from).

This is a paperback book exchange AND use bookstore - meaning if you donate books, you'll get a store credit, and if you want to return a book, you'll get a store credit for a different book. They purchase no books in cash, and if you want to donate books, they'll check them out first. 

To buy a paperback book, it's 50% off the list price on the cover, or $4.00 minimum. My novel was $7.95 so it was $4.00. If you see an older classic paperback for $1.99, it will cost you $4.00, which is fair. The price is different for hardcover books ($12 minimum), trade size ($7.99 minimum), and new releases (half off). Puzzles (they have lots!) are priced by number of pieces.

Variety is key here, and there are many genres.

On my visit, the store was well organized, the staff working there was super friendly, and there were several people happily shopping when I shopped (meaning, it was very much alive with a friendly vibe). If you get a little lost in the stacks, or it's the first time here, or you have a hankering for some fiction and you just don't know exactly what you are looking for yet, there is a laminated map you can borrow that gives a lay of the land. I took a picture of it for handy reference on my phone for my next visit. And there will be a next time because this place encompasses all the love for reading, and shows it.

 

 

 

 

Bookstore Info:

• Name: Helen's Book Mark Paperback Book Exchange
  
• Address: 153 E Grand Ave, Escondido, CA 92025
• Neighborhood: Downtown Escondido
  
• Website: Helen's Book Mark
  

Enjoy,
Renee Shelton
Succotash Book Reviews
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Disclosure and More Info: Most books found in the reviews are purchased by me and some have been given to me by publishers or the writers themselves. Some of my large cookbook library collection can be found on The Library Thing, which is a constant work in progress to categorize all my books. All reviews are independent and opinions my own. Any advertising helps support this site. :) Thanks for reading!