River House Books

I've always loved supporting independent bookstores, but I was disappointed to see my local shop take such a blatantly one-sided political stance. Their front window display was filled exclusively with "woke" content, including books that promote hostility toward white and Jewish people while pushing Palestinian propaganda--most notably The 100-Year War on Palestine, a book known for its highly biased and revisionist take on history.

Hoping for balance, I asked if they carried any books that present the truth about Israel or historically accurate accounts of the Middle East conflict and the the simple answer was: No. It is clear that this store isn't interested in offering multiple perspectives--only in pushing a singular, agenda-driven narrative.

Bookstores should be spaces that encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives, not ones that engage in ideological activism. I can't support a bookstore that promotes such racist content and pushes narratives that call for the shedding of Jewish blood, just as I wouldn't support a store that encouraged violence against any other ethnicity. Hate is hate, no matter where it's directed.

I believe in free expression, but when a business deliberately highlights only one perspective--particularly one that spreads resentment rather than understanding--it sends a clear message about who is welcome and who is not. Unfortunately, until this store returns to a more balanced and inclusive approach, I can't continue to support it.

2 stars only because book selection is really good. But I randomly got charged $6 for something I didn't buy. I was visiting from out of town so I didn't check it until I got home 3 hours later.
I emailed them a picture of receipt and asked why I received this charge. I thought it was the book marks but I the cashier asked us if we wanted "complimentary" bookmarks. I also called the next morning during business hours but there was no answer. I'll come back and will now always check my receipt before leaving the door.

As of 4/9/24 - never got a reply - nothing.

Picked out some great books, had no idea Alka Joshi was a Monterey local author, and that was a pleasant surprise. Bought another local authors book, and some other book club style finds.

We stumbled upon this gem of a bookstore a few years ago, and were delighted. (I wrote this review then, but just noticed it in my drafts folder. Sorry if it is out of date). It has a great selection, bright and well-designed space for browsing and, most importantly, outstanding curation and presentation of books. If you have an interest in a subject or author, you will see a number of related books presented nearby in a more complete and thoughtful manner than at other independent booksellers.

While we were there, another patron whispered to us that a book we were discussing was available at Costco for less. It is, of course, no surprise that books can be purchased for less than at independent booksellers like this one. That's why it is our sacred duty as book lovers to buy books at well-run independent booksellers that we find there. Otherwise, we will lose forever the joy of thumbing through books by hand and discovering the perfect book that is unknown to us when we walk in the door. (It is simply not the same experience as clicking on amazon's links). Thank you River House for taking on the extreme challenge of selling books by hand and paying high rents. We appreciate that you do it out of a love of books and not money. We will be back!

A pretty nice bookstore however, the people who work there are so cold. Downright rude, actually and unfriendly. I was there today and asked a couple of questions from two different staff members, and they both seemed really irritated to be even speaking to me. It was just not pleasant.
I happened to arrive on a day when a local, children's book author was signing books. I would have loved to have known about this and brought my godchildren but it was not advertised anywhere - not even on the bookstore website. It doesn't seem like it's run very well.

Awkward over-masked staff who seem disturbed
and Cattie if you ask them a question, disturbing
the bubble of whatever they are doing.

Then there is that highly annoying Taylor Swift music
that's misplaced out of Jr. High school

Have the sales etiquette of a hissing cat
OD'ing on that ridiculous Teen-E-Bopper Taylor Swift music.

A few other reviews called it accurately :
"Seemed irritated to be speaking with me", "It was just unpleasant",
"Cold and unfriendly",
"Staff absolutely sucked"

Looks like River House is getting a deserved REP for having uncouth staff.

Thank God For Jeff Bezos.
Books minus the snooty attitude + silly music.

Super friendly new owners and a very welcoming attitude at this small bookstore I have been visiting for nearly a decade. I love the history selection, and have found some arcane art history books here.

It is fun to browse around, and to be able to buy the book you want right off the shelf, and not have to wait for that Amazon package. The store is also just across from a coffee shop, so you can stroll over for a cappuccino and read.

The one thing missing is a cozy reading place, but that might not be possible at this location. I look forward to another visit soon.

Bookstore is nice. The staff absolutely sucks. They don't greet you and ignore. Snobby beyond belief.

I loved this cozy, beautiful bookstore. It helped me discover some wonderful picture books for my daughter while we were on vacation. They don't have everything but had many current and interesting finds. I recommend supporting a local bookstore like this one.

Amazing selection of children's books. I want to support our local bookstore but it's hard when the staff is so cold and unfriendly. Will take my business elsewhere where employees are more friendly to those who still want to shop locally for books.