This is a bookstore that does stock lovely children's books, and we have been there and bought several books int eh past. However, recently my experience with Better Read Than Dead in placing a "SPECIAL ORDER" has been disappointingly horrible. I went in on the thursday evening 29.9.16 and asked for two book titles specifically. I was told that they do not stock the books and they would be a SPECIAL ORDER. The staff who took my order assured me that they would be in within 3 days, which taking into account the 3.10.16 public holiday, the book would be in by wednesday 5.10.16. I walked down the street and into Elizabeth's Bookstore, and the very friendly staff there went and looked through their shelves and happened to find me a copy of one of the titles i was looking for. So i bought it, given it was in stock and half the price (being second hand of course). I wasn't able to return to Better Read than Dead to ask them to cancel the "SPECIAL ORDER" for that book title, as they were closed for the night. I rang them back at the first chance i could,on the following thursday 6.10.16 - given that until then i had not heard back from anyone that my SPECIAL ORDER had arrived as promised. the moment i said i had placed an order for some books but would like to cancel... i was immediately told off very rudely by the staff who answered the phone - lecturing me on the fact that they had made a SPECIAL ORDER, and next time if i want to put an order, make sure i don't go and look for it anywhere else. I had to stop her in track of ranting at me, to say, HOLD ON, just wait for me to finish my sentence, i still wanted the second title i had ordered. she then curtly said oh, ok. I asked her when it will come in, and she said i will get a text. At 8.49pm on the 11.10.16 i get a text to the book i ordered has arrived. So this evening on 12.10.16, i walk in to pick up the book, and paid for it without examining it. I got back to my car and opened the paperbag to look at the book, and quickly discovered that it was the wrong title. The book i ordered was called Fish by Stephen Lundin. The book they got me was called FISH for life by Stephen Lundin. The gentleman who served me was nice, and when i ran back in to return the book, i briefly explained to him that they got me the wrong book, and due to the rude experience i had with the lady on the phone, i only came to pick up the book out of my own ethical obligation that i will purchase a book i requested, despite feeling resentful to have to buy it from them when the staff was rude on the phone. The gentleman had to wait for his colleague to do the refund for me. His colleage had missed the conversation i had with the gentleman, she refunded the book, and then proceeded to tell me YOU PLACED THIS BOOK ON SPECIAL ORDER - the moment i hear her start on SPECIAL ORDER, my back is up, and i tell her that the book is not the correct one. I ordered the book FISH! she says to WHO'S THE AUTHOR? (slowly like i can't speak english and am an idiot - because i am asian? ) I say to her the book i want is FISH! this is FISH for life. YES BUT WHO'S THE AUTHOR?? she says while holding the book and looking at me. I then point to her the front cover of the book, and say rising my voice now - the same guy - (she now looks down at the book, as i point to the writing at the bottom of the cover) look his first book its FISH!, he's done FISH TALES, and FISH STICKS. OH, she says, (upset that i am rising my voice ) look we have refunded the book! I tell her that its not her, i already had a bad experience with the last lady i spoke to. With that i walk out. Will never return to this bookstore again, because the poor customer service some staff have displayed. here's a tip, if SPECIAL ORDERS are too hard to fulfil, just say you don't have the book and can't bring it in. can the SPECIAL ORDER lecture - customers don't owe you a living. I waited 13 days to get my SPECIAL ORDER AND IT WAS WRONG! didn't get a sorry but 2 lectures instead about their SPECIAL ORDER!

Pretty poor experience in the store and extremely rude manager treated me very poorly I have stop by at the bookshop one night and ask one of the staff member for a book called ” 7 Habits of Highly Effective People ”and showed her the book from my phone and she found it on the shelf and bring the book to me and I purchased two other books at the same time when I checked them back home I realized that she gave me the 7 habits of Highly Effective Teens! I came back the next day and request for a change and been told that it's not in stock and I said it's pretty urgent I need the book today and I said I would like a refund and look for another bookshop to find it today rather than waiting for weeks. I am assuming ,the lady gave me a death stare ,was the manager and she said just ok and walked away. I went to counter and explained again and the staff at the counter she said she can not do refund and I said but the other lady with the death stare said it’s ok? And she called the other lady ( assuming manager ) and asked her and I am thinking she will sort this out as she said Ok to me earlier but she simply just said no! Nothing else! I looked at her face waiting for an explanation thinking that she knows the story and this is her staff members mistake but she said nothing and gave me a really dirty smile like I cheated on her saying I need to go to shop from an another store! I said this is unfair now you are forcing me to buy another book from your store for your staffs simple mistake (most likely I would never step in the shop ever again) she just looked at me and just nodded with her death stare. I am extremely dissappointed given that I was calling the shop one of my favourite store on King st, I am sad that I realised that you guys just another commercial shop. Shame on you and your grumpy disrespectful manager for ruining my experience in one of my favourite store in Newtown. I guess I was expecting more genuine attitude from a book store members and that is my mistake.

Amazing selection of books, especially kids books!! I got the majority of my little cousin’s presents here last Christmas and I’ll do it again this year! Some staff are absolutely beautiful and so helpful and friendly (especially Lexie who was my personal kid’s book shopper) and others are more reserved, but I figure that’s a book shop thing - most customers and staff are probably more introverted, and while it’s sometimes been frustrating when I do need help, it’s bliss when I just want to browse in peace with no pressure to buy. Also super helpful knowing that you can ask them to order in books and they will, and the reward program is so great! I also love how much community stuff there is like book clubs or author visits, as well as the social posts around reviews. My favourite independent bookstore for new books. I don’t buy new books very often except as gifts or when I need something specific, and I always choose these guys when Ido!

The five stars given in this review belong exclusively to the floor staff. As someone who for a period of time stopped reading I often struggle to pick what I'd like to read. The floor staff at better read than dead consistently help me choose more fiction to read and do it with such joy. They have helped me widen my taste and in doing so have helped me foster a love for reading by extension life. I know that reads as a exaggeration but I can not express how welcoming the staff and what a positive impact the space they create is. Given their ongoing struggles with management I feel it is pertinent to state that the staff are what make this store great and if they chose to work elsewhere I would elect to shop there instead. Shame on the management. Solidarity forever.

In this beautifully crafted, evocative and poignant anthology of prose and fiction, a diverse group of young black writers are encouraged to find strength in their voices and what is important to them. maar bidi is a journey into what it is to be young, a person of colour and a minority in divergent and conflicting worlds. All talk to what is meaningful to them, whilst connecting the old and the new, the ancient and the contemporary in a variety of ways. These young essayists, critics, novelists, poets, authors shake down words and works to find styles, forms and meanings that have influenced them and all their writings. These pieces are snapshots of peoples, places and perception.

An amazing, modern bookstore with an extensive range of amazing books!!! You can truly find any desired book here on any topic at a very reasonable price. I have bought many books here and received/bought some convenient book vouchers. It is in a nice location on the major street of King Street, Newtown, and is quite popular with customers. The interior is filled to the brim with quality books on many interesting subject. I highly recommend for anyone looking for an interesting and engaging read, there is certainly a book for anyone sitting in Better Read Than Dead!

This is a pretty great bookstore. Sometimes their alphabetical listings for fiction don't always line up, which tends to be a little frustrating. Staff always tend to be kind and helpful, offering great personal insights and recommendations on what they have read. I truly feel at home at times in this bookstore. I also would like to commend their commitment to select graphic novels, which are largely of the independent variety, which is fantastic to see. Reduced prices on older books, and a revised alphabetical system would make this store pitch perfect.

Very friendly and helpful staff. The monthly Bad Women and Better Reader book clubs hosted here are engaging, fun and feature “interesting” (in all senses of the word) books. Book selection is what you’d expect, mostly newer items with some classics. Would recommend to any book lover. Only nitpick is that the various monthly book clubs advertised don’t actually say what the month’s book is, just a picture graphic that doesn’t display the full cover, which makes ascertaining what the book is a bit challenging at times.

Absolutely lovely book store with lovely staff. I said I'd remove the review when they stoped their threatening and termination of staff that unionised and where bargaining for better conditions. I've changed it instead, they've since bargained with RAFFWU and have reach an agreement that is beneficial to all. I now encourage everyone to shop with them when we can, and I'll be visiting as soon as Sydney is safe again. *edited again cause they've reneg on what was negotiated*

An absolutely darling bookstore. From the outside it looks of average size, or perhaps even small, but the interior opens up to be quite large with three levels. Very helpful staff, and stays open late! A must stop if you are in the area. Be sure to go to the top level to check out the art displayed!! Much better than some other ahem bookstores on this street. Also, they offer a chair lift to get up to each level, so it is very accessible for wheelchairs too!

Lovely staff, and great selection. The handwritten staff notes on their favs are always a big help. Im a big supporter of buying local, but your "No refunds" policy is a massive turn off. I brought a book as a present for someone but found out the next day i didnt need it. So took back in less than 24 hours later and could only get exchange or store credit. I can understand why you'd prefer not to refund, but its not great customer service.

A delight the minute you walk into this light-filled oasis of bookish charm and subtle music - with knowledgeable helpful well-read and delightful engaging staff to assist, answer queries, provide advice, and/or give a gentle prod to a different writer or genre ...an instant pick me up of a place; a place I never tire of visiting whether to browse, to attend writer talks or to purchase books and assorted biblophernalia (my word)..Fab

All a waste of time. Why do they have a website if it gives wrong information. The only Bookstore in the city where they supposedly have the book I'm looking for (available according to the information on the Web) Yesterday I came to the store an hour before they closed (according to the schedule on the webside) surprise CLOSED Today I come again, an other surprise! The Webside says that it has books available, and it's a lie.

I've loved this place since I first started visiting in the 1990s. It's still just as much fun, with a wide variety of books in a relatively small space, along with stationery and cards, etc. Not the cheapest but then you can go for dinner, then coffee and cake, then a movie at the Dendy, and then browse the books in Better Read Than Dead, all without walking more than a few hundred metres. Always worth a browse :)

Imagination is everything, and home is where you make it, in the debut picture book from artist and musician Bertie Blackman. If you think that name sounds familiar to you, you're right! Bertie is the daughter of renowned Australian painter Charles Blackman. Written as a dedication to her father who became ill with dementia when she was only 13, Mica the Star Sailor is the story of a young girl experiencing loss.

Awesome bookshop. I particularly like all the events they hold, last weekend we went to a book talk with Peter Drew about his book poster boy. It was very interesting to his view on different aspects of his book and his art in general and will definitely keep me eye out on the upcoming events to see which ones I can make! They have many over the month so there should be something to match different availability.

An absolutely wonderful bookshop in the heart of Newtown. A cozy shop that celebrates the cherished masterpieces of the great writers of our time. I have always found the staff extremely helpful and knowledgeable about any genre of literature. If books were considered medicine, these would be some of our exemplary bibliotherapeutic specialists. They also have free wrapping sometimes (all the time?).

I was missing browsing in this wonderful store during lockdown and discovered their recommendation service for kid's books. Anabelle sent a great list of recommendations based on my daughter's reading level and interests, and we picked up a perfect selection. My normally reluctant reader has been sitting on the couch, laughing at The Unicorn Whisperer for hours! Fabulous service as always.

Purchased a book from here over the phone (we live in Perth) that I wanted to send to my son along with a plant from the shop across the road. The young lady was so helpful and went above and beyond to gift wrap the book and walk it across the road so it could be delivered along with the plant. Thank you so much for your help and for the incredible service it is very much appreciated.

Won't be buying from here because management reneged promises in bargaining new agreement. Until you treat your wonderful and hardworking employees fairly, I will be buying my books elsewhere and advise everyone else to shop elsewhere too. Your workers are the backbone of this store and it is shameful and disappointing for you to not give them the respect and fair treatment they deserve.

My favorite bookstore in Sydney! Their cozy little nook is located close to Newtown Station. They may be a small bookstore but I’m giving a 5 star rating for their customer service! If you’re looking for a book and they don’t have it, they’ll order it for you and just text you when it’s ready for pickup. Amazing staff! And you get a bookmark for free every single time.

Bought a gift card from here in shop and the incorrect use by date was hand written on. Taking it back to change it I did not have a great experience with the young assistant . Wasn’t too keen on the solution that was offered, and informed them so. Now have to wait and see when the person who the gift is for, has any trouble when using it.

A wonderful shop owner who collects all types of books, and they are all in good qualities, the bookshop has two floors, ground floor and floor 1 , I didn’t take a chance to look up on floor two but the book I believe is definitely good!And my handmade greeting cards is also in the shop as well so definitely give a five star review!

This is a great little book store with lots of choices picked and reviewed by staff. They have loads of good novels, kids books, young adult fiction, graphic novels, art books and cook books. They don't cover every topic but it's a really good place to buy a present for someone (or just for yourself). Nice long opening hours too.

A very well curated selection of books including graphic novels and cook books. There are staff reviews on the shelves and then shop window does a good job of grouping books by theme such as feminism, LGBTQ, and ethically diverse authors and themes. It feels like a cultural hub of Newtown. There could be more travel books.

I'd be far more likely to patronise this bookstore if they weren't antagonistic to the staff organising together and asking for a better deal. I'm confident the owners feel like they are entitled to negotiate the terms of their lease or their bank loans, its awful they wouldn't extent that right to negotiate to the staff.

Better Read Than Dead sells a great variety of best sellers and unusual titles. It is the go to bookshop for that hard to buy for relative. Its 2 floors contain a great range of interesting titles and its staff are always happy to make great suggestions. This is the kind of place that will keep bookshops alive.

An iconic part of Newtown that offers an amazing range of books and friendly, helpful service. I recently attended a book launch for Sonny Jane Wife’s newest book, and the staff were welcoming, provided excellent refreshments and snacks, and were more than happy to let the talks go overtime. Such a great shop.

There website said it was in stock, shlepd into Newtown, Battled with Traffic, Battled with parking. Lovely staff, but they do not even have a section for the book i wanted and freely admitted their website says everything is in stock when it is not. Lovely Staff, Horrific Management. Never again.

The staff here are excellent, I always find that they have excellent recommendations and offer a judgement-free zone for people to express their literary desires. I was served today by a very helpful, cheery man named Jimmy who helped me find the perfect easy-reading book for my beach holiday.

Used to be a great bookstore but has really changed over last few years. Many of the staff are actively rude, book events are often canceled without cause and they don't support local authors like they used to. The store is reasonably well set out still but it has lost its cool local fun vibe

My goto local bookshop! This place has a good range that caters to a wide variety of readers, knowledgeable, friendly and professional staff. The fiction shelves, especially, are dotted with staff and customer reviews and they are more than happy to order in titles unavailable on the shelf.

Deceptively large and very well stocked bookshop. And some of the most knowledgeable staff I've encountered. I highly recommend checking out staff picks of books. And the lady (I am sorry I forgot your name) the children's section? Holy moly she knows her stuff. A wealth of knowledge.

this probably is the best ANY store that i've been to, not just the bookstores. if you are confused about what to get, dont hesitate to take help from the store people. they are really smart, well read and super friendly and lovely <3 you would always wanna go back :) :s

I love to support a local small business bookstore. The employees are very friendly and helpful. They have a diverse range of books for different categories and interests, as well as a colouring-in station for kids and book club upstairs. Love the community feel to it.

This book store has an awesome vibe, a beautiful look, and a wonderful selection. The staff were lovely and helped me find exactly what I needed - had no idea where to look and they found the perfect book gift for me. Thank you all for being great and keep it up!!

A really nice bookstore with new titles for sale. Great kids book selection available too. Love the "blind date with a book" idea that they have on display at the front of the store. Store is well laid out with plenty of space to move around.

This place is deceptively large and they've good a pretty extensive range. They host some really interesting author talks and I think they do stuff for kids too. Great local business that's been an active part of the community for many years.

Currently undergoing industrial action. Not shipping orders despite advertising "in stock for immediate despatch". Rang up, staff polite but completely unhelpful due to the industrial action. Going to try and issue a chargeback with my bank.

I am a terrible bookworm and moving house is expensive for the weight of my books alone. Better Red Than Dead has given me many hours of joy over the years. You can tell they value and respect books. If only I could have a house big enough!

I don't read but my kid loved it. I know parking is bad in newtown but it's very close to the train station and the buses are within metres. I again don't read but if my kid enjoy looking around then I recommend the book shop to all ages.

Awesome store. Love the staff reviews and events. High turnover of booksellers but the Sunday crew have been consistent for some time and are always helpful, friendly and have come to know my tastes and preferences. Shop local!

Beautiful bookshop with a wide selection of books. I especially love how they have a wide range of art/design books with smaller publications you couldn't find elsewhere! Treat yourself to a book and visit Better Read Than Dead

There are so few real bookshops left it is great to have one close to home. Whether to buy, check out what the latest is out there, or just yo chill and enjoy the smell of books off the busy King St its one I often stop by

Absolutely lovely independent book store with great staff who are always ready to help. They are very knowledgeable and the collection of books is incredible! Love the feel of the store, the books, the vibe and the events

Absolutely fantastic bookstore. The staff are so attentive (but not annoyingly so) and knowledgeable. Love that it's open late on King St, go for a quick read while out walking the dog or after having had dinner nearby!

Excellent staff who are being mistreated by management. Shame on them for exploiting staff members for the shop to 'look progressive' while actually being incredibly conservative. Solidarity with the workers.

Better Read than dead has so many different types of books. The staff are always wanting to help you. If you're wanting to buy a present our just looking for a read it is a great place to go.

Ordered books online. They had great email communication. The books came in a box with lots of protection to prevent damage, and the books look beautiful. I would order from here again.

My favourite book shop! But I can't keep supporting a store that refuses to pay its workers a living wage and retaliates against workers attempting to create a safer work environment

Awesome bookstore, the staff know their books. Excellent range of books categorised by genre and interest. It’s located next to Dendy, parking is available via street or behind IGA.

I was looking for a gift for a child, and and the staff recommendations / reviews on the shelfs really helped with the decision. It was great experience from start to purchase.

Brilliant range of books and a really wonderful vibe for a local store. Love their events and book clubs – they're among the finest in town! Really lovely, helpful staff too.

These guys really know their stuff. They are friendly and efficient and if they don't have something they are happy to order it in. Support local independant booksellers.

For me it's the best book store in Newtown. Large collection of SciFi. You might get better prices somewhere else, but for some reason I'll always do my shopping here.

Industrial action required by your staff as you reneged on a pay deal to fairly pay the people who provide frontline customer service? That's really bad vibes, maaan.

Probably one of the best book shops in Newtown. Great friendly service and nice floorboards, really nice floorboards! Probably one of the best floorboards in Newtown.

Love this place. They're friendly, helpful and understand when your toddler melts down in the middle of the shop on a rainy day. My favourite bookshop in Sydney.

Great bookstore with lots of good staff recommendations. The mix of books on display makes it a much more pleasant experience for the reader/browser than dymocks

Threatening workers who have legally joined a union by threatening termination and sending cease and resists over protected communication. Do not shop with them.

The staff is lovely. Great range of Aboriginal culture books. I would go there again especially for a gift. They did a nice wrapping for free. That was lovely.

Beautiful local bookshop with a great variety and carefully curated display. Always very helpful staff and great with communicating when I've ordered books.

The loveliest bookshop to have as your local. Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff. Fantastic range of kids’ books right up through all age groups.

Really nice layout and vibe. Lots on offer. Call ahead to see if they have the book you're looking for though as the website was a little misleading.

Gorgeous place with knowledgeable staff and a good selection of books. Definitely worth wandering upstairs to browse through the photography section.

This is paradise for book lovers. Staff were extremely helpful and professional. We found the book we were looking for and it was reasonably priced.

Should stand by agreements made with Retail and Fast Food Workers' Union and honour their commitments instead of delaying and stalling for 3 months

A store made great by its staff, as many other reviews attest. Unfortunately it seems management is trying to threaten staff who want a fair deal.

Locking workers out from Monday just for demanding job security. No solidarity at all. Trading on leftist ideals without following through. Shame

5 stars for the workers, zero stars for their greedy boss who is busting their union. I won't be shopping here until the workers' fight is won

Lovely local bookshop with variety of titles slightly different from the mainstream. Love the staff reviews for various books on the shelves.

Love this place, everyone is always very helpful and communicative. It is the perfect place to try if you're struggling to find a great gift!

I love this book store. It's so beautiful, and the books are reasonably priced. I could spend hours here and the range of books excellent.

Well sorted out but limited collection. The top selling books are at the entrance, in case you need a quick pick for a travel etc.

Lovely display, location, variety, always up to date and excellent well-informed staff. Great children's books collection as well.

Great independent book shop with a wide variety of books. Also stocks greeting cards and at times book bags made by local artists.

Such a great selection of book. We love taking our daughter here for kids books too! Friendly staff make the shop exceptional :)

Great local bookshop with huge range. They have reviews of books all over the shop. Excellent kids section. Support the locals!

good little store but ofcourse, i expected communist literatures due to its name. So i kinda broke my own heart a little there.

My favourite bookshop in Sydney. Great selection of books, particularly for independent publishers, and travel. Lovely staff.

One of the best bookstores in Sydney. Great variety, helpful staff - always great for a browse after dinner/before a movie.

Such a beautifully laid out book store. Found a few gems and lightened the wallet. Great range of titles for children also

Excellent selection and ambiance. Please please please May we have an area for adults to read?? …

Awesome to see an independent bookstore still out there and well supported by the community. Lovley staff quite attentive.

excellent selection of cultural studies & feminist studies, and super friendly and helpful staff - go to this bookstore!!

Nice place for booklovers. Well organised and decent aisles. Good assortment of books from pop science to cookbooks.

One of my favourite bookshops in Sydney. Such a great range and super friendly staff that are always happy to help.

My favourite bookshop! Good recommendations and friendly staff. Good rewards system. Bright and welcoming space :)

Great bookstore in the heart of Newtown. Love the bright atmosphere, helpful staff and array of novels available

Our favorite Newtown book store by a distance. Great selection and staff who are passionate about books …

I like this store for Thier recommendations and stuff picks. However, not always able to choose a book there

Good bookshop with quality books and not endless cookbooks and self improvement filler. Knowledgeable staff.

Quality locally owned bookshop. Good selection and a nice break from the hustle and bustle of King Street

It's nice to see a book store doing well after so many have had troubles. Bright and well merchandised.

Lovely little bookstore in Newtown. Good selection of books and helpful staff. Really nice atmosphere.

Amazing selection of books considering the size of the shop, we had a great after dinner browse.

A fantastic bookshop. Great range and excellent helpful staff. Always great fun shopping there.

good bookstore, good environment, rude Stella. Don’t let bad service damage this lovely place.

My favourite bookstore. I never leave without buying something. I love the staff pics.

Good variety of books. Reasonable serviced. Loved I could take my dog into the store