The staff at Walden Pond Books:
• (shelved alphabetically)
• Comments from our customers found on Yelp reviews, Google reviews, news articles, blogs, letters, etc., etc., etc.

"Much more akin to scholars in classic literature than people you would find working at Barnes and Noble or any other large bookstore. These guys know their stuff. This is what a bookstore should be." - Erica G.

Abby Ask Abby about contemporary fiction and nonfiction, classic fiction, and Russian literature.

"This bookstore feels like home. The staff recommendations are always amazing, and the staff is lovely." - Kacie J.

Aldous Ask Aldous about art, music, Latin American literature, books in Spanish, magazines and periodicals, Mexico, and publisher imprints.

"GASP! The staff actually know what's in their store and seems to have read most of the books as well - they aren't illiterate idiots from the chain stores!" - Kim L.

Angela Ask Angela about eBay, fantasy and science fiction, tarot and the occult, true crime, gift-wrapping, Vladimir Nabokov, Thomas Pynchon, Thomas Harris, and mouselit.

"Very knowledgeable staff that take pride in their expertise without the ego." - Chris H.

Bob Ask Bob about rare books, publishers, modern British authors, current and forthcoming fiction, book awards, historical novels, fantasy and science fiction, mysteries, world history, mythology, classic children's literature, ex-pat fiction, and Samoyeds.

"I appreciate their knowledgeable buyer and the mind behind such a worthy selection of both fiction and non-fiction." - Linda H.

Dot Ask Dot about the rare book room, first editions, poetry, handmade ceramics, historical fiction, and books her kid likes.

"Knowledgable staff that is always willing to look up books and help you find what you are looking for. If they don't have it, they will order it." - Alexis B.

Jay Ask Jay about radical studies, political science, jazz, antiques, collectibles, Art Deco mica lampshades, and the use of Bakelite in early 20th century electrical appliances.

"They're knowledgeable without being pri*ks. Kind of amazing considering how many snobs work at independent bookstores." - Annalisa L.

Kyle Ask Kyle about vinyl - LPs and 45s, music history, hard bop, soul, early rock 'n' roll, blues, punk, 20th-century American literature, classic science fiction, and board games.

"The staff is very helpful. I have described books in the most vague terms and they've been able to help me find them." - Nikki C.

Magdalene Ask Magdalene about children's books, juvenile and young adult fiction, graphic novels, true crime, and reference books.

"The people who work here REALLY know books! When I couldn't find the kid's book I thought I would buy as a birthday present for my niece, I was introduced to the "Half Magic" books. (When the first book proved a hit, I was happy to tell my niece where she could get the rest in the series.)" - Mycroft H.

Marshall Ask Marshall about jazz, radical studies, literature, books by B. Traven, Cuba, Mexico, post cards, greeting cards, and everything else in the store. Also ask Marshall about how he's owned the East Bay's finest independent bookstore for 50 years.

"Great service. Wonderful treatment. For example, I called checking to see if they had a book in stock that my Grandfather is looking for. They went out of their way to go through several locations in their store looking for it. Compared to a couple chain stores I called where I was put on hold for 5 minutes before I could even ask them... What a huge contrast!" - Emily

Neder Ask Neder about contemporary literature, Marxism, labor history, Middle East studies (particularly Israel/Palestine), and anything else really. Don't be shy!

"A paradise of great books and music and magazines of all kinds, a wonderful children's area, awesome recommendations, and a friendly and knowledgeable staff." - Jahan S.

Paul Ask Paul about metaphysics, enneagrams, astrology, art books, self-help, sports, comics, music, Maui, and Flatland. Also ask Paul about how he manages to pay all the bills of the East Bay's finest independent bookstore.

"Ahhhh, a bookstore that seems to prioritize the enjoyment of books over the purchase of books! The laidback, welcoming vibe makes me much more likely to buy books." - Beth B.

Ronah Ask Ronah about gender studies, queer studies, poetry, Middle East studies, Persian literature, Afghanistan, and dark feminist fiction.

"Always friendly, actually answer the phone, and usually have what I want." - Jennifer S.

Taylor-Lynn Ask Taylor-Lynn about new and used cookbooks, books about cooks, anything in the card and gift section, contemporary and historical romance, horror, speculative fiction, transformative fiction, the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson in popular media, and that book you heard about on TikTok.

"What's really great about this place is the staff; they pick out what to highlight and their selections are smart, inclusive, and well-considered." - Johnny V.