Controversial Bookstore

My experience here was unbelievable. The man working today was super helpful and informative. He read my aura and hit everything dead on and was able to get me something to help. I will definately continue going here!

Used to recommend this store for the book search services the previous owners used to provide. They would check various publishers and sources for out of print or difficult to find printed material (including oracle cards and articles).The store changed hands last year. Recently, I was shocked when a friend came back and told me they did a search on a book that was still in print and offered to order the book for $ 450.00. He declined and actually found it at a shop in Ocean Beach for $ 29.95. Really disappointed.

I had a reading with Art. Speechless he gave me answers to questions i couldn’t get from any other psychic. This has greatly helped me get back on my path. Thank you Art! Oh yes i also come here to buy my witch development books and got a tarot deck here too. The prices were very fair!

Not really an esoteric selection of books, but broad enough within its own topics to fill out your interest if it lies there, where it wouldn’t in a regular bookstore. Not controversial in the least, but better than nothing. No suprise here.

I’m the boring aunt that buys her nephews books for their birthdays and this is where I get them. As they get older I’m able to shop by what age they are at instead of sorting through a bargain bin and hoping for the best. The ABCs of everything are covered no matter what age. On my last visit I had a question and the girl was smiling rather than scowling, the little things… The boys may break their toys or outgrow their clothes but books last a life time.

This awesome store has been around for 52 years! When I walked into this store I felt an immediate calming energy. Art is super cool. Very warm and knowledgable. I purchased some gemstones and I’m so happy with my purchase. I’ll be coming back! Thank you Art!

Really good bookstore for so many books, both new and used. Owners were fantastic and really knowledgeable. I would definitely return and I live in Arizona. The only reason I didn’t give five stars is that I“d like for the store to carry more statues. But the book selection and prices are excellent!

Art has wit and a wonderful energy which made a positive experience for my first ever psychic reading. He could seriously see everything!
Daphne is warm and friendly, great customer service!

I used to visit this shop all the time, and in fact for a good period of time I was the «dutchess» but after my last couple visits after the change in management/​ownership I have to say I am disappointed. The number of books had decreased, cost of items has risen, and the quality and variety has declined. Also of note, the energy has just shifted– not dark, but odd and uncomfortable. I’m not sure whether I will be back.

I got some great new and used things from this store. It’s not controversial it’s comfortable! I thought the owners were kind and helpful. I will go there again.

This store reminds me so so SO much of my little hippie hometown of Ashland, Oregon. So much so that I will honestly just come in here and browse around whenever I’m feeling homesick. It even smells like home! The people are so sweet and helpful and it’s the perfect place to browse around for all your new age/​pagan/​witch/​alternative book and gift needs.
I came in looking for a very specific deck of tarot cards that I had years ago and misplaced. They are now out of print and difficult to find. I read on Unilocal that Controversial Bookstore had a good selection of out-​of-​print cards so I made my way in. They have two huge binders with samples from all their decks, and they have tons of decks! Unfortunately they didn’t have the cards I was looking for, but the employee (owner?) offered to help me locate them if I wanted. Apparently there’s someone she knows who is great at locating lost decks. Awesome!
There’s just a really nice community feel here. People coming in for meetings, or coming in just to chat. I’m not a really chatty/​group kind of person so that doesn’t appeal to me so much, but I love seeing it available for others who do appreciate that sort of thing. And this place has it.
What a great find.

I love this place. I love the variety of things that they have, plus the small bookstore feeling as well as their daily psychic readings. They have a little bit of everything, new and used books, postcards, incense, jewelry, and all sorts of assorted goodies. =) I also love the staff, I always come across someone different and they are always very nice and very willing to help.

Love this store. I come here mainly for my readings which are very reasonably priced. I’ve had readings by a few of them, they’re all good in their own way, but I especially like Tamara. Her readings have been spot on and really resonates with me. They also have a good selection of «spiritual» books and tarot decks, I go there for books by Manly P. Hall and for their astrology books. The workers have always been friendly. Definitely recommend swinging by and checking it out.

Really cool selection of books, a few knick-​knacks, tarot decks and crystals. Prices range from really reasonable (for books) to a bit overpriced (some of the knickknacks). Staff can be a bit cold at times, I have never been greeted on arrival despite being the only customer in the store at the time, though I still would recommend a visit to check it out.

I didn’t know what to expect when I visited Controversial Bookstore, I mean how controversial are we talking? I’m not easily shocked by much there is to be read, so I had to go check it out. What I found was a very down to earth place with genuine friendly employees and all kinds of intriguing books that belong in my collection. No intimidation and no weird vibe like the Lady of the Lake snoots across the street. A great find no doubt

Well stocked store with fair pricing.
Friendly down to earth staff.
What more could you ask for in a merchant of controversial books!!!
They found out I was from out of town and gave me their regular customer discount.
I am happy.

kisses & hugs for the women here!
left Lady of the Lake a bit annoyed by their «new» policy to hold ALL bags behind the register. the associate said «i overheard you hadn’t been here for a while so I wanted to tell you know ALL bags have to go behind the counter. really? I didn’t used to come here, I WoRKeD here, you ninny!
Controversial employees not only let my very pregnant daughter-​in-​law & I keep our bags but asked if we had questions & held items when I realized I’d left my wallet at home. upon my return & as I was being rung up, the woman appeared to recognize me from my ttime across the street.
informative. fun. extensive collection of books. free samples of Indian temple insence. worth stopping in if serious about the craft.

This is what bookstores are all about — comfortable, well-​stocked, well-​lighted, and with knowledgeable and friendly staff.
I really enjoyed browsing their wide collection. This is the sort of experience which Amazon has not gotten close to figuring out.
I’m glad to see they have both used and new books.
Perusing all the shelves, I saw many classics I’ve already read and enjoyed, which helps assure me the ones I don’t know about are as likely well-​chosen.
This wonderful bookstore is not far from a great Thai restaurant — Street Side Thai — which made for a pleasant afternoon in North Park.

I really love their selection of Tarot decks! The cool thing is they have two books full of sample cards from all their decks. What a great way for us to quickly scan through to find a new deck we like! And a lot of readers like myself are always ready to buy fun new deck.
Prices are somewhat reasonable, but the staff are a little grumpy sometimes. All in all, I’d definitely come back to purchase a new deck. The prices are steeper than amazon, but hat’s to be expected considering their overhead costs and price to get them to the store.

I came here primarily on a hunt for loose turquoise gemstones and I was very happy they had some, although they were itty bitty. Approximately the size of a eraserhead of a pencil.
The staff was friendly and helpful though, and asked me if I needed help and then allowed me to browse unfettered. I got what I needed and was on my way with a few mental bookmarks of items ot return for at another time.