Green Hand Bookshop — Local services in Portland

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!

I'm sure the fiction selection comes up to the same level, though I can't 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. She'll 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 there's anything on plant and insect death"), I promise that what I describe will unfold before...

In the five years I've 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, it's 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. She's the kind of friendly folk who, even when it's 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...

Green Hand has become my favorite local bookshop, bar none. I've poked around at every available store during the years I've lived in Portland and slightly beyond, and Green Hand inevitably comes out on top due to a combination of selection, atmosphere, quality and cost. It's cozy without feeling claustrophobic, and organized enough that I can find what I'm after without feeling lost.

Michelle, the shop owner, always has a smile and a recommendation if you're looking for something, and at the same time is one of those fantastic people who won't bother you if all you want to do is commune with the books. She's a brilliant repository of information.

I'd particularly recommend the horror and sci-fi sections, which are fantastically curated and have introduced me to some new favorite authors. Overall, Green Hand feels like the well-loved shop I wished for as a kid, and I'm grateful to have it in...