Kaboom Books in Houston
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Houston, Harris County, Texas, US
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Site: http://kaboombooks.com/
- Monday:12–6PM
- Tuesday:12–6PM
- Wednesday:12–6PM
- Thursday:12–6PM
- Friday:12–6PM
- Saturday:12–6PM
- Sunday:12–6PM
I absolutely adored this shop!My friend and I were greeted and escorted inside by a cat, Oliver (satellite, to the neighborhood apparently) and the salesman was friendly and helpful.There are so many books and sections that its easy to get lost in, and I was able to find some great titles and Native history and mythology (as a mix its rare for me to find a selection that well built).The prices are great and I was even told the shop ships books too so Ive found another bookstore to love that Im sure others will too
So disappointed. Strict mask policy and no restroom. I was buying and selling books (for store credit) when my 8 yr old needed to use the bathroom. I asked twice and was told no. We left. I’m not about to use a gas station restroom down the street then come back and pay them. I can’t support a business that doesn’t let paying customers (especially children) use the restroom.
I collect cookbooks and we decided to check this place out at the end of a day thrift shopping. The scale of the collection they have is massive. 20 foot high walls floor to ceiling packed with books. If you are looking for a specific book, especially an older or out of print one, this should be your first stop.
This is my favorite indie bookstore to visit and has the best curated stock selection i’ve come across—I’m a literary fiction fan and my husband loves their nonfiction (history, architecture) stock. As an expat I was overjoyed to find a lot of Australian titles here (and I now sell my used books here in turn to continue this for other readers! 💗). Houston has some fabulous readers so there is always a fantastic selection of beers stock each time I visit (monthly), John and Dee are super helpful and always ready to help you find books in person or via DMs on Instagram, and resident cat Oliver makes an appearance every now and then. Highly recommend this place! (Pictured are some of the books I’ve bought recently there!)
It is sublime to be surrounded by towers of books! I visited this bookstore as part of a Wheres Waldo search for local businesses. The store is located near an intersection around I-45, and parallel parking is available in front of the store.I couldnt stop smiling at the sight of so many towering bookshelves! When I asked the owner if I could take pictures, he simply replied as long as you dont take any of me. At first glance, the sheer volume of books is overwhelming, but the bookstore is organized by subject. Some sections have an applicable prop such as a skeleton for anatomy. There are also various seats and ladders sprinkled throughout the store. I plan to return for closer perusal of the culinary and gardening books.
The best used bookstore in nola has moved to houston! There is literally everything here but best of all is the owner who was known to be a reader. This is what the monologue in Youve Got Mail speaks of when it says people who actually know the authors and the books. There is nothing like it. If you like people and books, this is your place. It is magical.
Oh man what a fabulous find. Husband and I randomly stopped here one day and could not have been happier. The owners and absolutely amazing and truly love books and the enjoyment people get out of books. One of the most organized used book stores I have ever been too and they have tons of amazing rare books as well.
No better bookstore than this place. Ive been to a lot of bookstores, and there is no other place that had this kind of selection, this quality of curation, and this well organized. When you add how awesome the guy who runs it, reasonable prices, it becomes the highlight of any trip into Houston. Its amazing how no matter what subject, the owner always somehow seems like an expert and can talk about it, discuss authors, which books he has, used to have, and wants to have in the future. If you ever want to start up a book store make sure to visit this place, because theres no better place than this.Edit: Still true years later!
The greatest bookstores to go in with no expectations in Houston. If youre looking for new releases, this isnt the place for you. If you want to get lost and find yourself in hidden gems, go here. The owners are super knowledgeable of their inventory and have the sweetest pets that hang out in the shop with them.
Very quaint and relaxing atmosphere. Definitely a must see. In this my first visit to Houston, Texas I enjoyed stopping by Kaboom Books. Staff was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to. I enjoyed making a purchase on a hard to find item and supporting this local bookstore.
Amazing bookstore, truly a hidden gem. Bookshelves from floor to ceiling with every possible book imaginable. I’ve found so many great books which I’ve found difficulty finding elsewhere. Books are always at a great price with many up to 50% off original price in great/like new/new condition. Plus the cat there is cute.
Really big bookstore! new patrons might have trouble navigating the store as not all of the shelves and aisles are labeled. I liked the atmosphere. they had seats and stools in random aisles if you want to sit and read a bit. I looked all over but I didn’t see the cat. I’ll have to make another trip back haha
Amazing atmosphere! Before you enter your hands get sprayed with hand sanitizer from a mini water gun; after entering youre greeted by an adorable cat, surrounded by floor to ceiling books and plenty of chairs to relax and enjoy your stay on. Would recommend everyone to check this place out for all books familiar and rare.
Very very extraordinary book store!! Kaboom is impossibly bigger than it looks and is packed with so many books on shelves that go on and on and are 8 feet high and have stacks of books on top of them. Most if not all are very gently used. One could definitely get lost in all those modern and classic tales. And I would have, too, if it hadnt have been for those pesky meddling kids! Zoinks! Jenkies!
When you enter youll be amazed at the amount of books this place carries. There are 3 sections to this place where books are stacked from floor to ceiling. You can spend hours roaming through all the books. If your looking for books on Metaphysical, Occult, or anything weird, this is not your place. You will be better off going to Half Price books.
Beautiful place with some wonderful titles. Owners are warm and welcoming. Inviting you to share your thoughts in this learning environment. Ive loved reading since a child and have been to many used book stores around the world. Nothing beats learning a new author or subject from a fellow bibliophile.
The store looks very bright in the photos. In reality, the lighting was dimmer and cozier. I love how the books were stacks to the ceilings. Its a nice bookstore and a good place to be in the list of what to do this weekend in Houston. I think itll be nicer if there was a cat. Or two.
A bit overpriced on some selections. Owner does not care some selections based on personal taste (i.e. No Horror/Thriller Novels). An interesting place to check out for unique titles. Owner is very helpful, and will lead you where you need to go if you ask, cause it can be a little confusing in there.
Excellent gem of a bookstore, complete with a wonderfully friendly bookstore clerk and two lovely shop pups who meander around. (One older, less friendly and one younger pup, who loved a good head scratch and petting).The store clerks were the perfect mix of social and helpful, with a great navigation to specific areas and a knowledgeable air about them.They didnt have tons of recent books, as all the books were used, but their selection was very large.The atmosphere was absolutely lovel, as you are surrounded by stacks of books every-which way, but not in a claustrophobic way. There were seats and nooks and chairs tucked away to give you the perfect chance to start reading something to see if it should be your choice for the day.Prices, as far as I could tell, were nicely and lightly pencil-ed in on the first page and were fair for the condition of the books and the original price. It was nearly half of the book price.Im so excited that this store exists and I cant wait to come back. I hear they also hold local events so keep a lookout!
Such a cute, quaint book store! So many interesting books to choose from. There arent too many new editions of books, but the older editions are still knowledgeable and interesting. The owners are very friendly, helpful, and know a lot about their store. The ambiance is relaxing and lovely. Theres also a loving, adorable little cat name Oliver that followed me around and purred loudly when I scratched his head!
You will walk into this bookstore and just smile it is so beautiful. The bookshelves go all the way up to the ceiling, its really a shockingly beautiful bookstore. On top of that the owners are so nice and knowledgeable. Not your average Barnes and noble or half price books experience. So glad I took the time to come and visit this place.
Excellent little nook! So many choices and open for great hours. They helped my son get his first two books on the Harry Potter series at a steal! Man behind the counter is very knowledgeable, I wish I knew his name! Will be coming back for the rest of the series based on the outstanding service and value we received!
I took my 14 year old daughter and 3 year old son here for some books. We had a lovely time! The man working wasnt bothered by my inquisitive little boy running all over the maze of a store. And then We sat and read books for almost an hour! It was absolutely wonderful. I would definitely recommend this place for inexpensive books and a relaxing time.
I love the selection of books at this store. I am a teacher, and was able to spend hours going through all the childrens books! Great selection of books for adults, and random fun gifts as well. Theres a little cafe at the front of the store too, but I didnt try anything.
Best used bookstore Ive been to. Its like entering another world. Classics of history, philosophy, literature, poetry, history, and pretty much anything you can imagine spanning two huge rooms, with hidden nooks and passage ways, the shelves ascending up 12 shelves, with a helpful step ladder. The owner is awesome and very helpful. Its hard to find a parking spot at first. Just make sure to pull around the back of the building and park diagonally.
The best possible used bookstore. Houston is so lucky to have Kaboom and Mr. Dillman. New Orleans is still mourning the loss of this great institution. P.S. About eight years ago i left about 8 boxes of books to be evaluated, but way led on to way and I never got back. Mea culpability. Consider those books a gift.
Fantastic spot to spend a rainy afternoon. Books on top of books on top of books. A real gem of a used bookstore in the heart of the city. The owners are really nice. Theres a store cat, and you might encounter a dog or two as well. I always come in looking for one thing and leave with 2 or 3 more books.
Love this place! The owners are so friendly and always happy to greet guests and make people feel at home. I love Oliver the store cat....and the store pets Maisey and Posey. Such a cozy place....a place for reading, conversation, fellowship, and finding old treasured books. Definitely and sweet spot off the beaten path Houston where youll be reminded of the joy and love found in reading old books!
There are a ton of books in this shop. More depth and breadth than most shops. For the area, this place is a miracle.I visited with my youngest with a very specific assignment and the shop owner was incredibly knowledgeable on the topic. Every time that we dug another level, he could go two deeper.This place is a sanctuary for people who love to read. If I could live there, I would.P.S. There are a few parking spots in back. Use those, rather than park on the street
There is a good selection, not just the same titles that I see in every other used bookstore. It was also pleasant chatting with one of the owners as I checked out. He saw one of my selections and recommended another title that he didnt currently have, which gives me something to watch for.
Lovely place to browse and can spend hours here. Old editions tucked here and there can surprise you and take you back in time. Was surprised by the prices (a bit higher than expected for used books) but definitely did not mind paying. I am sure maintaining the space and inventory is expensive. Great value for what the place provides.
My favorite place on earth! Such an amazing bookstore, everything you could possibly think of, friendliest people ever. Shop local, they have better deals than half price books and an amazing variety. I could stay there all day & I couldnt recommend it enough. Two thumbs up!
A firehazzard to the finest! Nonsmoking a must of this building stocked floor to the sky of paper will burn the books in second flat. But all (bad and distasteful) jokes aside, there are so many used and new books here for the avid reader. Dont get lost in the labyrinth, its easy to do. Owner was very keen in the selection he offered as well
This place is so homey, it literally reminds me of my moms living room. Books (old, really old, and new) stacked everywhere, in some places in precarious little towers atop looming wooden bookcases. The floor creaks when walking on it, and it makes for a rather playful dialog with my shoes as I wander from alcove to alcove, exploring. Ive brought my girlfriend and my mom here and had some of the kindest conversation with the owners, John and Dee. The best bookstores invite exploration and discovery. Stop in and wander these susurrating shelves! There are treasures hidden within!
I enjoyed browsing through the aisles and finally settled on a book. The staff was helpful and willing to help. Finding a section/genre is a bit difficult because I didn’t see any signs. That may have changed since the last time I visited.Visit the this place. You’ll return for more.
In my opinion this is the best used book store in Houston. The former Lousianian owners cover a lot of subjects including those that are more academically oriented than popular. The selection is well-organized by topic in their large space and even have special sections such as ships and maritime and my favorite section on food and food writing. The owners enjoy helping shoppers find items. There is also a patio space with seating and some chairs in the expanded part of the store for browsers to peruse the books or read their recent purchases.
A wonderful couple who run the most intimate and interesting bookstores in Houston. They are knowledgeable about their stock and always are happy to take time out to discuss authors and their work. Theyve rarely let me down when I need literature for classes at UH. The store is cozy and welcoming with a grand selection. They are very much a part of the literary community and host readings with the Creative Writing students and authors from UH. They host a reading for emerging writers from around the US who attend the UH Boldface Conference. I highly recommend Kaboom Books.
It is a bit hard to see from the road and aside from street parking has a small parking area behind it that we had to ask about since there is no signage to indicate this, but once inside it is exactly what you want in a used bookstore... right down to the store cat Oliver.There are plenty of chairs to sit and peruse your literary finds.
Be very careful about taking books to be sold to Kaboom. Be sure to retrieve any books immediately after the owner calls with a quote for buying them. I left 14 antique books and after a laughable quote of $4.00 for all of them, I was not able to pick them up (after refusing offer) for two weeks. When I went to get them, the books could not be found.
Total reviews rating 4.8
199 Reviews for Kaboom Books 2023:
Review №1
2022-05-24I have been a frequent visitor of Kaboom Books for some time now and this review is long overdue. The owners are so very kind and helpful. Bookstores like this are complete rare gems in a sea of others! Their collections are simply incredible with almost every genre you can think of. They take such great care to talk with you and I’ve been fortunate to get to know them. They were also a big encouragement as I decided to make a move out of state and called Houston home!When I first discovered this store I was on vacation and I didn’t know it then but it would be quickly become one of my favorite places on earth. Support local businesses and read on!
Review №2
2022-05-28Absolutely amazing book store. Very charming atmosphere, wonderful selection, great prices. Cannot recommend enough
Review №3
2022-07-15Easy to miss, but worth the find! I feel awful for not remembering the older gentlemans name, but he was SUPER helpful and knowledgeable on all his wares. Floor to ceiling shelves full of the most amazing and diverse collection of books
Review №4
2022-05-24Ive been going to Kaboom for years and its secured itself as my favorite bookstore in the city. I always find something in here that interests me, I dont think Ive ever left empty-handed. The owner has always been very kind and has kept the safety of the community in mind throughout the entire pandemic and Ive really appreciated that about this place.Love the selection, the space is super cozy and the staff is lovely. Its always nice when theres animals around in the store as well. Ive been able to collect some out-of-print editions of books Ive been interested in, and its also one of the only spots in Houston where I can usually find NYRB books for sale. Ill be shopping at Kaboom so long as its in Houston and I have the capacity to read :)
Review №5
2022-06-13Been here lots of times, but each time I find new books on authors I’ve looked for before. Great additions each time
Review №6
2022-07-03I *loved* this place - its like a book mine where you stumble across treasures all the time. If I lived closer, I would spend far too much money here! As it was, I found I had to buy two books - I couldnt help myself! As is only right, there is a bookstore cat to ensure that peace and order is kept. The chap who runs the place for the cat is kind and patient and very knowledgeable about his stock. Its old school in the very best sense of that phrase and I will try to be back.
Review №7
2021-12-17First of all amazing store. Smells like books so that’s a 5 stars right there. The size of the store and amount of books amazing. And there is a shop cat. 10/10 done.
Review №8
2022-04-18Such a great bookstore. Beautiful collection of books. Fluffy bookstore cat. Owner takes great precautions to protect his guests. Masks required. Squirt of hand sanitizer. Good vibe all around
Review №9
2022-05-24Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a great selection of used books. Its very easy to lose yourself amongst the many shelves of gems. Ive found great historical fiction and fantasy books in this store. Ill definitely be back.
Review №10
2022-05-28This place is amazing, great atmosphere and a great selection. with floor to ceiling books you think it would be hard to find what youre looking for but it isnt! plus the staff is so friendly and COVID safe. Ill definitely be back