rj julia booksellers

RJ Julia Booksellers has been known and well-respected as a noted independent seller of books in Madison, CT for a while. I have attended book signings in the past here, most notably for Anne Rice last year. Expect author diversity for the book signings: Barbara Walters to Anne Rice to Hillary Clinton to Tommy Lee. In addition to "A list" authors for signings, readings, lectures, there are a number of excellent monthly events (writers' workshops, book club meetings, children's functions). This weekend I attended a workshop offered by an accomplished New York City literary agent on memoir-writing, and also purchased Anne Rice's newly published novel as a first edition hardcover (RJ Julia had copies that she had signed, to my delight!). The staff at this shop are attentive without being pushy, and informed. The on-site cafe is adequate in terms of the food and coffee, though the seating can get a little cramped and limited when the place is busy with workshops and author signings. Bookshops like this are not the norm these days, considering the popularity of online monsters like Amazon and brick and mortar chains like Barnes and Noble. RJ Julia is truly a gem in a lovely CT location. Stop by and spend an hour or two, if you love books and reading.

On a first visit to Madison, we strolled over to this bookstore. It felt like time had been rewound. A quaint café in the back, a side room with gifts and accessories, a main room with all the latest books and many old friends. Upstairs I was impressed with the children section, clearly labeled and easy to browse. They do many book signings...this weekend was Jeff Kinney of Diary of a Wimpy Kid fame and Jan Brett soon to name a few. Wishing this bookstore many more years of success since it does it the right way.

This is a wonderful bookstore. You can browse with a coffee, just don't spill; and, you can bring one in from the nearby Starbucks or enjoy one from their on-site cafe. If you love reading you'll be able to spend an hour or more enthralled by their many wonderful books, (and life is so short.)

This is a great book store (and a very good cafe). Very good selection and helpful staff. A great place to stop by if you are in the Madison area to pick up some reading while you're on vacation.

yes, i do frequent bookstores but this one actually has great employees that are accessible and knowledgeable. I loved reading the hand written personal recommendations from staff and fellow book lovers, like good wine ratings, hanging off the wooden bookcases below the books. The lay out is easy and comfortable to follow, just a cozy place. AND great author signing events! I didn't even get upstairs. Don't miss the cafe in the back.

From the fantastic book selection to the wood floors to the cafe aroma that captures you as you enter and peruse, a must see stop if you are visiting Madison. And if you live in Madison, how lucky to have such a gem at your doorstep. Also, how Roxanne does it is a mystery but her guest authors are the A list of the book world. Stop in and grab a book and a chair and lose yourself in whatever world you are transported to...

Kathy from the hotel told us about this place. So nice to visit this kind of book store. What a gem!

Without a doubt, one of the best bookstores I have been to in a long time. The distinguishing feature is the HANDWRITTEN and PERSONALIZED reviews under many of the titles, so that you can see what the staff think. I really felt like I was making an informed choice about what I was buying. And SO MANY of the books had been read - not just the expected ones that you might expect to see reviewed. Wonderful. I wish I could have spent the whole day.

At a time when book stores are on line, or feel like a factory, here is a place that fills your soul. It is everything a book store should be. The books are lovingly arranged, the atmosphere is relaxed and the displays are lovely. The staff actually reads books and are very helpful with suggestions if you want them. Otherwise they leave you free to explore and enjoy,

In my last trip to the USA I was sure there were only two bookshops left; Hudson and Barnes/noble. Until we visited Madison and this was our first stop. The salesperson tried to help but with known writers and then I went off the beaten track to the shelves and found two writers I did not know about ( no browsing on Amazon and lack of stock at B&N) and have absolutely enjoyed reading. My only regret: I wish the café in back wasn't so enticing. I wish that I could visit this shop more often. Its a delight. Make sure you go. They also have some items like scarves etc which were nicer than any other shop in town.

Shop for your book, a unique gift & have lunch at the Bistro in back or the outside deck. Friendly staff and very knowledgable

I love private bookstores and many of the ones near us have closed. This place was perfect, interesting, engaging displays, courteous and friendly staff.

I first learned of RJ Julia when owner would review books on WTNH-CT TV. I was never disappointed. Once inside the store all you can do is wish it was in your town. I truly think book lovers would abandon Amazon if we had local bookstores. Store is like home and staff is like family and, like others have said, the handwritten reviews are a perfect way to insure you get the books you will enjoy.

Don't miss RJR if your in town.Very interesting expansive inventory of up to date titles. The staff is friendly and helpful. The store is frequented with authors and book signings.

I love the book reviews and staff recommendations. Find the staff member you agree with and you will be kept in great reading. Browse titles you would never know about.The atmosphere can't be beat and the goodies in the cafe are worth the wait.