A Novel Idea is far and away my favorite bookstore. I was fortunate enough to meet the owners prior to their store’s opening, so of course, I went to check it out and support.Two and a half years later I’m here to say being a part of ANI’s community has changed my life. Not only are they are at the ready and willing to help me acquire whatever books I may want when I visit the shop, but the events and the classes have led me to meet some of the best artists, witches, and generally cool people in Philadelphia that I am humbled to call friends.That doesn’t happen at your everyday independent bookstore! I’m so grateful for their team and for opening such an incredible and welcoming space for bibliophiles who like other cool stuff, too. 🙂

I see all the good reviews but I have to dissent. Went here for the first time and came away thinking it was the worst bookstore Ive ever been to. Poor selection, especially for fiction, and the employees showed zero interest in customer service or being friendly. Also got no feeling from them that they knew anything about books or care about them. Terrible hours too: they closed at 3PM ON A SATURDAY. Bookstores like these make me want to support Amazon or Barnes & Noble. And the they can order whatever book you want is nothing special; every bookstore can do that, and A Novel Ideas turnaround time for that service is extremely slow. And when we got home I realized that they overcharged me for a book by charging the Canadian Dollar price. Disappointing in every way. Support a used bookshop (which has 10x the selection) instead of this place.

Clean, minimal and friendly atmosphere. The selection of books on display could be better.

In this era of megacorporations and online retailing, it is difficult to conceive of the sort of coziness we have lost. It seems that A Novel Idea is attempting to return us to that level of coziness and connection that we once enjoyed with local businesses. I am not sure how long it has been since there was a locally-owned bookstore in this neighborhood, but it is a welcome development that one now exists.It is a shame that the idea of a bookstore owned by people in the neighborhood with a commitment to local authors and creators is a “novel idea,” but that is the world in which we live. This bookstore has a cozy lay out and nice selection of new releases and used books, but what sets it apart is the commitment to local artisans, authors and publishers, the small presses that are increasingly proliferating in our hunt for authenticity and community. This commitment to buying local and selling local, but also being local, sets A Novel Idea apart, and, hopefully, will contribute to its long term success.Come in to browse some local books and products, and stay for one of the readings or events.

Awesome neighborhood bookstore. Super friendly staff. Theyll order any book for you even if they dont carry it, in case you dont want to support the richest man alive.

So charming, so quaint, and a ton of a great finds to be had. The owners are incomparably lovely and passionate about all literature and are quick to make a recommendation!

A fantastic store with the latest books in all the genres.

My go to place to find “woke books.” The owners are lovely people who really care about the prosperity of the neighborhood . Best of all, A Novel Idea is dog friendly!

Is really good place

I love this store! I plan on buying all my Christmas books here. They regularly host community events, author events, etc. Please support local businesses this Christmas! This store brings a lot to our community, its MORE than just books. So go and get your Christmas gifts for your loved ones this year!

I never know what to get when I go into bookstores. The staff were so helpful in finding a perfect book for what I said I enjoyed and currently reading a book basically tailored for me. Great bookstore!

Novel Idea is very peaceful and pleasant! Time really flew by during my visit. There are kid, young adult, and adult books. The books range from new releases, local authors, and gently used books. Along with fiction and non-fiction novels, there are also graphic novels, self-help books, and cookbooks! I will definitely be back!

Great local bookstore with a very knowledgeable employee!

What a great addition to Passyunk Avenue! Who doesnt love a great bookstore? I went in last week, and leisurely looked at all the book sections, until I found what I was looking for. The owner, Christina, was so nice and didnt rush me out of the store. Such a great bookstore, such a great variety of books.

This bookstore is unlike any other! The moment you walk in you feel immediately welcomed by the owners, Christina and Alex. The ambience is cozy, warm and nostalgic. The selection is superb. If you are in the Passyunk area, do not pass up the opportunity to check out A Novel Idea! I cannot wait to visit this wonderful bookstore again!

A great bookstore with a distinctly local atmosphere. Its alarmingly easy to wander in and spend an hour simply browsing the shelves. The owners have excellent taste, and they proudly feature works by local authors. They also host events for the areas literary scene. I recommend highly.

Thank goodness this is only blocks away!

This is the shop that East Passyunk Ave has been in dire need for! With such a great selection of used books as well as new releases, you’re guaranteed to find something you had no idea you’d been looking for. Great kids section too, so there’s something there for your whole family. My personal favorite is the Local Authors section! It’s more than just a bookstore, it’s a hub for a thriving literary community! I stopped by on Sunday for a book release party and the place was packed and everyone was so great and supportive! They have readings and events there all the time (I’ll be sure to make it to the witchcraft poetry reading and discussion in January). Alex and Misty are the owners and they’re fantastic; very knowledgeable and helpful—a perfect fit for the East Passyunk area. They’ll make you feel more like you’re coming over to see good friends, rather than just shopping at a retail establisment. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone. I’d give it more stars if I could!

LOVE THIS PLACE! Being able to walk into a neighborhood bookstore, chat about authors and favorites, and get recommendations from other voracious readers is such a pleasure. Thanks for opening such an amazing store, and ty for supporting local events in your community. You two are awesome.

Love this place. A lot of unique and small publications. Great stop if youre looking to branch out.

Very well-curated little bookstore!

A Novel Idea is cozy and warm with a wonderful book selection and passionate owners. I intended to buy one book and left with closer to 10 - there were too many amazing options! Christina and Alex have created a space that is just made for building community. Between the relaxed atmosphere and long list of upcoming events, there is no reason for you not to stop in!

Came here for a flash fiction festival. Seems like a great place either friendly staff and a wide selection of books. Hopefully Ill return.

This bookstore is so warm and inviting. You can spend hours browsing the shelves and relax. They also host community events! The owners are also welcoming and sweet :)

Great selection & stellar open mic; (there is no censorship so parents be warned.) Warm customer service and a restroom open to shoppers.

A Novel Idea is a great little book store with a nice selection of just about everything. Thank you for making us feel at home during our visit. We will be back!

What a great book store with a knowledgeable and helpful staff, really fair prices and a nice space to boot! My son loved their kids section.

Ive never really been a bookstore person, but A NOVEL IDEA is really something special. I love they are community focused on local writers and artists and have an amazing collection of new and used books. If youre in the area please support this local gem

Wonderful, welcoming owners. Lets shower them with our appreciation -- buy books.

A novel idea on Passyunk is a well thought out, beautifully decorated, adorable bookshop run by two wonderful people who care about their impact on the community and have created a welcoming space for everyone :)

Lovely bookshop with two great, friendly owners, lots of wonderful selections & interesting events.

Great selection of new and used books, even better events! The area needed a community-minded bookstore just like this.

Gorgeous bookstore. Cool people.

Small store with a great curated collection. Inclusive atmosphere with a diverse selection. Also had a number of used books available for just $1. Didnt feel rushed or pressured to make a purchase, staff were genial and polite.

Great community book hub!

This is a well curated little shop.

Nice people