Mast Books,

72 Avenue A, Manhattan, New York 10009

"A truly wonderful discovery in NYC. An amazing selection of new and rare books, with just too many inspiring titles for your wallet to handle. Beautifully displayed in this light, airy shop, and curated with an intelligent and sensitive approach. Definitely recommended!"

"Sure the curation may be interesting but the experience is not worth it. The woman working there will look at you like you asked for her firstborn if you ask any innocent question. Given the sad state of the lack of independent book shops in NYC, you’d think they would make a slight effort to make the business a tiny bit hospitable and less pretentious."

"I don’t generally write reviews, especially bad ones, but my experience here was pretty shocking. I will also preface this by saying I tend to prefer less “customer service” and mostly like to be left alone in shops. However, the employees at this store were so beyond rude, I’m not quite sure where they get off. I had been looking forward to going to this store because I’m a graphic designer and saw they have a lot of art and design books. The second I walked in, the cashier and another employee (or friend maybe?) looked me up and down, glanced at each other, giggled, and then rolled their eyes. Didn’t say a word to me, which again was fine, I don’t really mind that. I shopped around for a bit, they do have a good selection although it’s pretty overpriced compared to other independent bookstores that sell art books in the area. I found a book I’d been looking for and brought it to the counter. The cashier acted like I was the most annoying speck of dust on the planet because I…wanted to pay for a book? She refused to look at me or speak to me, sighed and rolled her eyes multiple times, barely mumbled the total and I think asked if I wanted a receipt? It was really hard to tell through the condescension. I don’t consider myself better than anyone else or judge people based on their careers but I feel like if you work as a cashier, your main responsibility is to cash people out at the register. That’s the job. I actually needed a bag for the book because the bag I was using was overfilled but I felt like if I asked for one the cashier might explode or wring my neck so I just carried the book around the rest of the night, which was annoying. Also, something (or someone) in the shop absolutely reeked of cat urine. I often wonder if I am too pretentious but after visiting this store, I think I can rest easy at night. (I will say the music they played in the shop was great)"

"I always walk by this place on my expeditions through the East Village, and frequently note how I need to pop in. "I could get a sick coffee table book in there..." But yesterday, I saw a "Sofia Coppola Archive" book in the window and knew that was the good lord screaming at me to come in. Say what you will about nepotism, but Lost in Translation is a top 3 movie of all time for me. I won't go into great detail here, but I will go into minor detail: 1) I am obsessed with Japanese culture and am equally as obsessed with romantic comedies, so put those things together and I am an easy sell. I feel I need to live in Japan for a period of time before it's all said and done. 2) She wrote the script in Japan as she had an obsession with it while she was there working on another project, and would do anything to make it work. It came from her soul, and I truly believe that the best works of art come straight from one's soul. 3) It was shot in 27 days, much of this without permits. She kept a flexible schedule during filming with a small crew and minimal equipment, with a good portion of the script being unfinished. They stayed flowy. Be water. 4) First adult role for Scarlett Johansson!? Speaks for itself. All this to say, I HAD to come in to check this book out. Whoever curates this place is on their SH*T! So many great options. A fantastic place to come and find new artists, authors, or inspirations. Also, I serendipitously ran into my new boss in here who is rad and creative. If you catch Shiva in there you know this is THE place... IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__"

"I love love Mast Books. This bookshop is very well curated. The staff was friendly and helpful. I like the vibe here. The books are displayed beautifully. I always find books that I love here. I wanted a book that was $15.00 and since I was buying a few books the bookseller lowered the price to $10.00. Thank you. I bought the beautiful well made book bag so I can help promote this gorgeous bookshop..."