N D J Books

I walked into NDJ Books yesterday, because their window display always catches my eye with their fashion/​art/​design books. I’ve been in there before, but had the worst experience yesterday. I asked the owner if he had any fashion illustration or illustration books and he began saying that he has many books on the shelves and in the back, and that I needed to be more specific. I said from the 40s-​70s. He took me to the outside of the store and pointed out the fashion books on display. Then he pointed to one and said that ‘That one was just released this week, and very good’. He told me it was $ 45 – 50. When I didn’t seem that interested in buying a pretty expensive book that was sealed and I couldn’t look at, he got annoyed and walked inside.
Usually bookstores let their patrons flip through a book if it’s of interest to them. I’m not going to blindly fork over $ 50 for a book I can’t even crack open because it’s sealed in saran wrap. Not sure if this owner understands that his business is SELLING books, not just hoarding them. He is however a pro at acting like a know-​it-​all book snob — won’t ever be shopping there again.

There are some gems to be found at NDJ books. You just need to dig for them. It’s a packed, crowded shop. The selection of art, graphic, fashion and interior design books is top notch. There is a lot of science fiction and fantasy too, if that’s your sort of thing.
There is a narrow section behind the cash register that you would expect to be filled with porn à la ABC Books. It’s unfortunate, because there is a great selection of alternative comics and graphic novels for those brave enough to squeeze themselves back there.
I like the owner, who sits behind a fortress of books. He is a friendly sort and I wish his business well. Toronto needs more stores like this one.