Category: | Book Store |
Address: | 661 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101, USA |
Phone: | +1 207-253-6808 |
Site: | greenhandbooks.blogspot.com |
Rating: | 4.9 |
Working: | Closed Closed Closed Closed 11AM–6PM 11AM–7PM 12–5PM |
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Tapu Bergen
Green Hand Books is THE place to go in Portland Maine for the most varied and full nonfiction sections, conveniently divided into sub- and sub-sub-genre and content areas. There you can find, in one trip, say, half a dozen quality books on cognitive and neuropsych along with an unexpected discovery of something highly unusual--like a book on the treatment of stigma in the art and literature of the 1800s--rounded out by a photographic examination of pop culture in the 70s! Im sure the fiction selection comes up to the same level, though I cant speak to its specifics as well as I can to the nonfiction there. Someone who certainly can, though, is the proprietor of Green Hand, who is well educated in library science and who is organized, helpful, and full of knowledge about books and an understanding of the book lover. Shell even remember your preferences and collect for you related works that come in. Go there to be assisted in pursuing your interests, without being overwhelmed by other input. If you decide to pop into Green Hand and just browse a particular interest ("I wonder if theres anything on plant and insect death"), I promise that what I describe will unfold before you. Have fun!
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Jacob Krueger
In the five years Ive lived in Portland, this bookstore has been something of a fixture in my life and in the community. Around the corner from home and work, its always been easily accessible to me, both in location, and in approachability. Supplying a vast collection of well organized used books, both common and rare, as well as notebooks, Tarot cards, post cards, and the usual bookstore fare, this shop is a treasure for anyone who has a place in their heart for that quintessential used book shop. The shop owner, Michelle, is about as kind a human being as they come. You can usually find her hiding behind a stack of books, entering them into her system. Shes the kind of friendly folk who, even when its kinda busy, will give you her kindness and patience as you ask questions or chat literature. All told, this is one of my favorite places in Portland, period. If you have some time, check it out. You wont regret it.
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TD Elliott
With an incredibly diverse selection that showcases her intense love for all things book, Michelle has created one of my favorite bookstores in the country, one I value even over the invisible country known as the Internet. It really speaks volumes when you can wander into a bookstore and wander out with a bag-ful of books hours later, unsure how the time flew. The proprietress is helpful, kind, witty, and determined to help you find That Book - the one you didnt know you needed - but the one which, days later, youre sighing and exclaiming over, now newly on a quest to discover Everything Else That Author Has Written. Fans of the quirky, the obscure, the delightful, and the just-plain-awesome will always find something in The Green Hand, visit after visit, even if its the very next day. Highly recommended!
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Audrey Mason
A wonderful place to browse and find books you forgot about and books you never knew existed. Although the term may be over used, Michelle truly curates her wonderful collection of used books. I never leave the store empty handed. Not sure what to read next? Tell Michelle what you like to read and she will likely clap her hers together, dash to the stacks, and pull out the perfect book. The Green Hand also participates in the First Friday Art Walk with shows from some of the quirkiest artists in town. Dont forget to check out the fun chatskes and cards. For those of you with allergies, no book goes on the shelves without "passing the sniff test." Been thinking of going but never get around to it? The International Cryptozoology Museum is right next door.
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Cindy Chiuchiolo
The Green Hand is an amazing little book store chock full of all kinds of affordable books and some art as well. Its a fun place to browse. If youre looking for something specific, the staff is friendly and its well organized. Particularly of note are the horror, sci fi, art, and occult sections, but I think theres books for everyone here. Is it a magic shop where it appears smaller on the outside than the inside? Because it doesnt seem like it should be able to hold as much as it does. In a time when these kind of fun little book stores are getting more and more rare, Im happy that this store exists!
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Damian Maffei
The Green Hand is the kind of book store book junkies like myself search the country for. From wall to ceiling, aisle after aisle, it seems the titles are endless and there truly is quite a bit to please everyone. The owner is exceptionally helpful, knows where everything is, and the prices are perfect for those people who want to walk out of there with their arms full of books. Its also got a great looking storefront and fun decorations and such throughout, but just head in there to see for yourself. Highly recommended.
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Dave Goudsward
No trip to Portland would be complete without a visit to the Green Hand. The shelves cover a kaleidoscopic variety of topics, all well organized and perhaps more importantly, Michelle and her staff know what they have and how to find it. The stores collection of contemporary and classic horror is particularly note-worthy, but whether youre looking for mainstream fiction, or a particular sub-genre of literature, Green Hand is the most eclectic and one-stop book shopping you will find north of Boston.
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Kenny Lamb
The best used book store in Maine. A gigantic selection of all genres with a specialty in old sci-fi and horror, great finds in the bargain pile, and a ton of rarities! Michelles buyback prices for cash/credit are also very fair; I usually end up spending my store credit the same day. The inventory varies a lot - if you couldnt find what you were looking for the first time, theres a good chance itll be there the next time.
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Lillian Schmid
Really fantastic inventory! The local section is particularly top notch. Its clean, and snug though well-organized, with lots of fun knick-knacks around. The owner/staff also writes fun notes under the price, like "great photos!" or "so good!" The woman working the front desk was very pleasant. I really wish I had been able to spend more time there, and if I ever make it back to Portland this is definitely my first stop.
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Kali Lightfoot
I moved away from Portland and one of the things I sorely miss is the Green Hand. Owner Michelle Souliere genuinely loves books, is a professional, and has an encyclopedic knowledge of books and the book business, particularly genre fiction, art, poetry, childrens books -- you can see where this is headed... For a great, unhurried shopping experience, stop by the Green Hand and indulge your inner bibliophile.
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Miles Heise
Best bookstore in the city. has some of the same "cute old space, piles of books, feels like you could stumble on some exciting crazy old thing" vibe as Yes Books does, but also feels more like it is really organized and you could find things on purpose as well as serendipitously. Noticed it seemed especially good for some more out there things like horror, comics, philosophy, etc.
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Chris Barr
In a town that has been known for some wonderful small book shops, this one should be at the top of anyones list. Michelle is delightful and always willing to order books, hunt down obscure titles, and hold things for customers. Dont be fooled by the apparent small size. Its like a Shop of Holding; reach in and you can probably find what youre looking for.