Pudd’nhead Books

It’s a revolutionary idea, so crazy it just might work.
Instead of selling books online, sight unseen through websites, why not get a whole bunch of them, put them on display in a cozy neighborhood shop with friendly, helpful staffers, add some fun reading events, and let people see, touch and browse among the books in person?
It could catch on.
At least it could if it’s done as well as Pudd’nhead Books (and even though I live a strict «no-​punctuation-​in-​the-​middle-​of-​a-​word» policy, I happily waive it for Pudd’nhead). A very fine little enterprise.
If you like books and all that goes with them, give this store a try.

Books everywhere! What a cool place. The fact that they have a big parking lot next door (actually I think that’s for Weber’s Front Row but I used it anyway) doesn’t hurt either. I adore this place for many reasons. See some examples:
1) One of the books they sell is called «Go the Fuck To Sleep.»
2) They have a big selection of both adults and children’s books
3) On the «books» section of their website, they have a link that says «What to read instead of Fifty Shades of Grey» with this description: «Yes, everyone is talking about it. We get it. But the thing is, there are better books. So we made a list of options, just in case you want something awesome.» THAT is awesome. Fifty Shades of Grey freaks me out.
If you want to support an independent bookstore, let this be the one you choose. The owners are nice, the store is quiet, and there’s literally something for everyone. Bring your little one with you and let them choose something while you find something that’ll keep you reading for hours — they also have a book club if that’s your thing. Great place that I’ll be back to again and again.

Best of the best. A store for those with a passion for the written word, run by same. LI love the new location, too!

In an area when the e-​book is making its slow but inevitable takeover, it’s comforting to know that small, locally owned book stores liked Pudd’n Head are still around. Yes, this book store sells books: you know, those things made of paper and binding with words printed in ink. No DVDs, CDs, Blu-​rays, calendars, games, or novelties here — just books.
The problem with large retail book stores like Borders or Barnes & Noble is that they are overwhelming. It would take you several hours to walk around and get a sense what is available. Small book stores have fewer titles, which is good, because you can quickly browse several genres, and you will stumble upon books that you wouldn’t have made a conscious effort to find.
The charm of Pudd’n Head and other small bookstores of its kind is hard to describe in words. I once walked in on a Sunday morning during a meeting of a book discussion club. As I perused the titles, I overheard women talking about books, characters, and what they meant to them. Another time I overheard a long conversation between a mother and Pudd’n Head employee (perhaps it was the owner?) about the kinds of books that the mother’s daughter was reading. That mother must have been to Pudd’n Head a lot over the years because the employee was spotting trends in the daughter’s reading preferences. Are you going to get this kind of charm in a big box retail store? Absolutely not!
They have several book arrangements here that you won’t see at a normal book store. For instance, they have a shelf titled «As Heard on NPR» which has several books that have been discussed on NPR over the past few months. I love it!
Now let’s not pretend that these book stores don’t have their downside; you will pay the full retail price on most titles. For a new, popular hardback book, that price could be between $ 25.00 and $ 30.00, which is around two to three times the cost of the Kindle version. Ouch!
Still, I love Pudd’n Head and other small book stores, so I will give them my first five-​star review! I’m not sure how much longer small book stores are going to be around, but I’ll continue making visits until books made out of dead trees go the way of vinyl records. If you’re in the Old Orchard strip mall and can’t find Pudd’n Head, just looks for the big sign that says «BOOKS».

I stumbled across Pudd’nhead books one morning when I was shopping at the neighboring Ben Franklin store. I saw the big «Books» sign at the end of the plaza and had to check it out. As an avid reader, I can’t resist the lure of a bookstore! I instantly loved the funky, creative and cozy vibe. I chuckled at the clever way they shelved and labeled the books. I was hooked before I talked to a single person! And once I spent a few minutes chatting with Nikki, the owner and Melissa, the kids bookseller I knew I was a «goner.» I loved their passion for books and picked up a couple of great novels that I would have likely never found in a big box store.
Even though my husband and I are avid readers, sadly, two of our three children are not. I should correct that and say they WERE not avid readers. Thanks to Melissa and her fervor for children’s and young adult books –my former reluctant readers have become bookworms. I am thrilled. She asked me about my kids, what they liked, their personalities etc. and came up with a couple of selections that kept them up well past their bedtimes. And they have kept on reading. It was just a matter of finding engaging, interesting books. Once they realized how much fun a good book can be, they have been reading ever since. I strongly encourage parents to take their kids to Puddnhead and let Nikki and Melissa work their bookseller magic. It will change their life.

A wonderful small bookstore. Why? The selection. This place is ¹⁄₂₀^th the size of a B&N, but on every shelf is a book well worth reading. It was so refreshing to have such a rich selection, and a staff that is so helpful. Heck, they even offer counseling. I bought Role Models, by John Waters, and the clerk helped me through my guilt. (It turned out to be a great read, if you can get past the filth.) Long live the independent bookstore.

There is no better bookstore in St. Louis — no, Missouri, perhaps the country. Period, end of sentence. Well, except I have to say, what makes an independent bookstore relevant, is the people that work there, and the owner of this store has employed people who are IN LOVE with the written word. So they know what the hell they are talking about. Go to Pudd’nhead. Spend your money there — you will be a better person for it!

Allow me to set the scene… A lovely day in charming Webster Groves, a town of genuine, interesting, good-​hearted people, two girls in search of a relaxing place to write Thank You notes to family and friends, sip coffee drinks, and purchase gifts for upcoming graduation events. We stumble upon PuddinHead Books in Old Orchard.
Trying not to judge a book by its cover, we ignore the awkward silence, horrendous lighting, unpleasant welcome, and watery Chai lattes. I browse one of the tables of memoirs as my sister orders our beverages. We nestle into the cushy couch, attempting to make ourselves at home as we have done in bookstores in cities across the world, from Paris to San Francisco, so many times before.
As we begin to write in our cards, within moments are approached by who I assume to be the owner, or perhaps an employee on a power trip. «Could you NOT write on a book I am trying to sell? I am going to need to sell that at full price one day.» As shocked as I was by the tone and demeanor, I quickly looked to see what sort of crime my sister had committed. She was in fact writing on a book, but on top of at least 30 sheets of thick, card stock. What would have been a reasonable request came off as one of the most rude and aggressive acts of «customer relations» I have ever witnessed. There was not a hint of compassion or friendliness in her voice and she proceeded to stand scowling until the book was placed back on the coffee table, casually stacked in the messy heap where it was found. My sister’s apology did not matter in the least, as she stormed off, making the silence unbearable.
ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK.
FYI: The tainted book is a «Not for Children Children’s Book» entitled The Littlest Bitch.

I would have completely missed this place if it hadn’t been for the fact that we made it to the area a little early for a dinner reservation at Big Sky. So we figured, what better way to pass time? Let’s go into the tiny bookstore! It’s so cute. Very cozy and small but they had a great selection of books and everything was organized very well. For example, they had a shelf of books right by the door that have been mentioned on NPR recently. Best thing about this place has to be the people working there. I asked about a local author sticker on a book and one of the women at the front desk talked to me for a few minutes about how long the author has lived here and how she’ll be doing an upcoming event with another author – wish I lived there because I’d totally go. It’s that little amount of service that you don’t find at the big chains and it makes a difference. I hope this place lasts — it’s a great addition to the area.

Lovely little store. It’s small but the selection is impeccable. If you are looking for a specific book, they might not have it, but if you are looking for something good to read, you get a lot of ideas, and have fun browsing.

I saw this place and my friend and I started joking that it must be a store that sells only Mark Twain books. Ok, now that I typed it out, it doesn’t seem as funny… too late, I already shared.
This is a seriously cute little independent book store nestled in a quasi dead shopping center in the Old Orchard section of Webster. I only found it because I love penny candy and unfortunately spend a little too much time at Ben Franklin’s around the corner.
However, I am so glad I stumbled in here. It’s small and, therefore, does not have everything nor does it have 14 copies of every book in existence like say, Borders. However, if you are looking for something and they don’t have it, they are more than happy to order it for you and it will get to you in you in just a few days, even if it’s a rare book. Not bad.
Also, the place is cozy. I mean, really cozy and warm. There are comfy chairs and a nice bright atmosphere. The staff is friendly and they actually have helpful suggestions because they are avid readers and book lovers. They REALLY know what they are selling and I love that. I have a little niece that doesn’t like to sit still for books. When i explained this to one of the ladies working, she pointed out a perfect book (It’s called Dog Food for anyone who may have a similar situation) and my 16 month old niece LOVES it. I am telling you, they actually know their stuff, it’s wonderful.
Also, great coffee and treats. It’s a little bookstore like something out of Gilmore Girls. I just loved it in there. Also, unlike a lot of independent stores, the books cost the same as at any big chain. Maybe not the same slasher sales, but if you are looking to pay fair prices (say 12.99 for a paperback) this place is great.
Big fan. OH, and if you go on a Tuesday, that’s when they get their deliveries, so chances are, if it’s popular, your book will be there. I am told they get deliveries a few times a week, but with Tuesday being the big book day (like how new DVDs are released on Tuesday) I have experienced this may just be the best day to buy books, period.