Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore — Local services in San Diego

This place is amazing! This is a bookstore that exclusively sells sci fi and fantasy books. It's organized by subgenres, making it very easy to find exactly the thing you're looking for, with books in the front of the store being staff picks with detailed reviews on note cards. The subgenres everything is categorized are seriously the best, because it can be incredible frustrating to find fiction with a protagonist you can relate to, particularly if you're black or latinx looking for high fantasy where the only Poc tend to be grunting inhuman bad guys and desert nomads. They also have genres like "strong female protagonist" and "Poc protagonist" and "LGBTQA+" They aren't restricted to just fiction, they also have art resources /reference/collection books and coloring books. Their young adult fiction and children section is impressively sizeable, I would argue half the store. They also only have one shelf of collectibles so they aren't just trying to get kids in with toys etc. The bathrooms were all gender, clean, and themed. The staff was supremely knowledgeable, and readily made recommendations based on what I was looking for, eg stories lead by the antagonist and the bad guys...

Deceitful and Uncaring

June 11th: I ordered a book with the first 100 purchaser get a personalized copy and authors signature.

Unfortunately I suffered a stroke and was unable to attended a in-person event. Knowing I was unable to attend I contacted MG (weeks in advance) and simply asked if i could have the book shipped to my house. I paid the $6 shipping and waited for my book to arrive.

My book arrived with a signature from the author but no personalization, i figure maybe it was a mix up in shipping or something and contacted MG. MG stated "as per event rules" if i switched to "mail out" personalization will not be offered. I get it rules are rules but you couldn't tell me that. Email or on the phone?

So not only did i not get what was promised, I have to ship the book back. $31/book+$6/shipping+ $10/shipping to return All i get was a apology and "Have a Great Day"

Customer Service gets a zero Business gets a community score of Zero

Its a...

Mysterious Galaxy is my favorite bookstore. It’s my favorite place to find something completely new I’ve never heard of while also grabbing something familiar. The book sellers all have great recommendations. I unfortunately did not get a chance to see their new location in Point Loma before COVID shut downs, but their team has kept up their amazing customer service with their online and over the phone orders.

Update 2024: I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the store often. I love love love this store. I’ve read so many titles based on recs from the friendly, amazing staff. And did you know about the kids section? I have a 4 year old who loves visiting and picking out picture books. They put so much care into the selection of titles for kids with diverse characters...