I stopped by at this store a few weeks ago to browse, and I was very impressed by this store's resemblance to my favorite bookstore in Chicago. Although it is a pretty small store, there is an ecclectic selection of books at very good prices. I really like that they have a good selection of feminist magazines and books. The service is very friendly and they are very eager to help you find whatever you're looking for. It would be great if they also sold zines and other more "indie" publications. They buy books too. If I lived in San Diego permanently, this would be my main bookstore.

I'm a nerd. That being said, this place is really cool. It's across the street from what I would have to call my fave used book store, but they both have their strengths.

This one has old books, new books, and a legit selection of law treatises. Law students check it out!! It would be worth a gander to see if you can get something cheaper here than your university's own bookstore, even at their used price.

They also do a bunch of specialty sections. They are smaller than the one across the street but I would look in here if you are going to look in the other one anyway. They have a book club I believe, if you are into that sort of thing, although I have never really checked that out. I went there at first to look up some resources for a project on gender and law and found some helpful titles.

They also have some good art history books too. Definitely check it out if you are in the area!

I love a good book store. I'm not talking about brightly-lit hot topic best sellers. Although they have their place. <br />
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If you're looking for a unique gift. If you need someone knowledgeable, helpful, sometimes downright charming, this book store might be right for you.<br />
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They might not have the selection, but they'll order it. They also have a great wall of posters about events going on around town. It's more than books. It's culture and life style. And you'll find it all here.

This place (along with Adams Ave Books, and Wahrenbrock's) is a real book institution of the city. Good selection, and a very friendly and helpful staff. They've done a lot for the community by supporting local authors and book groups and by planning valuable local events.
A caveat for those looking to sell books: they only offer trade. For trade, though, I recommend them. The amount they offer has always been fair.

One of the few places in San Diego to carry McSweeneys! I wandered into Blue Stocking a couple of years ago after being pummeled by Dave Eggers Heartbreaking work of staggering genius and ended up chatting for an hour with the owner of the store about it's originality and shameless idiosyncratic self refrencing. She pointed me in the direction of arthur nersessian and sent me on my way. I can't tell you how much I appreciate a book store owner who truly has a passion for what they do. The fact that Borders made the list of best bookstores in san diego kind of makes me vommit a little in my mouth.

anyway, bluestocking is very mindful of their stock, happy to help you hunt down literary rarities and refreshingly without book lover snobbery.