Review Highlights
“Fabulous variety in a relatively small space, plenty of classic literature as well as more contemporary titles.” in 5 reviews
“Kate is wonderful, and while the selection is restricted due to the size of the shop, but wonderfully selected.” in 2 reviews
“s. It also feels nice to buy from a bookstore and not just have something shipped onlin” in 2 reviews
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About the Business
Business owner information
Kate L.
Papercuts is an award-winning independent, locally-owned bookstore located in the beautiful Boston neighborhood of Jamaica Plain. Est. 2014
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Overall rating
27 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Oct 24, 2023
Fabulous women-owned bookstore in Jamaica Plain, selling, as far as I could tell, only new books. Leave plenty of time to browse - the selection of books is wide ranging, and, for a relatively small space, very large and comprehensive. The exterior signage alone is remarkable! Definitely among my favorite bookstores world-wide.
I came away with their The Papercuts Anthology: What Happened Here, a collection of poems, essays, and fiction by authors they hosted during their first year (2014) in business. What a nice souvenir, co-edited by the store's owner, Kate Layte.Helpful 2Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 - Ammy T.Brookline, MA7871Nov 15, 2023
The store is small and the selection of books in some categories is limited. I live in the neighborhood and come in frequently, but am never recognized or greeted, nor am I ever offered any help. I like to shop local, but I don't find a very welcoming atmosphere.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Hilary D.Boston, MA417Jan 28, 2023Updated review
Great bookstore. They pack a LOT into a space that isn't huge but never feels cramped - it's really nicely arranged. The folks who work there are wonderful, and will be delighted to make some excellent book recommendations if you ask. They have a fun selection of gifts and puzzles, too. Bonus points for any visit that includes Penny the shop dog.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Dec 9, 2021Previous reviewMy favorite bookstore in Boston - and we have lots of good ones! Papercuts packs a terrific selection into a fairly small space. The staff is always warm and welcoming, and happy to make recommendations. They carry a thoughtful selection of cards and gifts, too, while keeping the focus on the books. Special orders of anything not in stock are quick and easy, too.
- Rachel M.Boston, MA03Apr 16, 2023
Such a cute shop with a great selection of books. Fun for browsing, and I love that you can shop online and pick up in store. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I enjoy the helpful reviews on the shelves when I'm browsing to help me find great new books!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 8234216Mar 13, 2020Updated review
The new location does not disappoint! So cosy still, even though it is bigger. Their selection also expanded a bit. You can call them to order books, so don't be scared off by our current public health disaster and keep shopping local at a wonderful spot like Papercuts!
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Aug 26, 2018Previous reviewI'm so happy they're doing well enough that they could purchase the spot next door! Now there is even more room to increase inventory and seating, plus sell some adorable and punny shirts. The kids section is now considerably larger and there are more non-fiction DIY type books. Very nice. I love that they sponsored Lindy West's book tour visit to Boston (it was wonderful!) and their mailing list is full of useful insights.
Dec 16, 2014Previous reviewJust checked this place out last week and I'm really excited they're part of JP! The store is charming and the book selection is pretty great. They sell little hipster gifty things (quirky calendars, little notebooks with funny designs, clever literary posters) so you can easily knock off some of the items on your gift-giving list. The owner is a charming young woman and was friendly and knowledgeable. I picked up a few gifts and ordered a book for myself. I'm still waiting for it and when I called to check up I learned they were still working on a system for orders and are constantly getting new inventory. A big awning is also on its way. Just be advised they're still working on the kinks of a brand new business, but I'm very optimistic they will be a raging success.
- Jamie H.Providence, RI19068106Jul 18, 2017
Giving this place four stars because my heart will always be with used books and there are none here. But otherwise, the shop is a fantastic way to shop local; it's small but packs a powerful punch!
They also host events including an amazing event with Lindy West who spoke about her recently published collection of essays Shrill. (She's hilarious and also a kick-ass feminist so grab a copy of her book!)
I always appreciate when a place has recommendations and Papercuts offers some personal reviews from staff which I'm sure is helpful for those just browsing with no book in mind. And they have totes and cards and other small gifts so a gift certificate here is a good idea for anyone who likes nice things in life.
Keeping a small feminist-minded book store open is no easy task so I'm glad Jamaica Plain has this lil' book nook of a store!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Diane G.Chelsea, MA247297Apr 2, 2018
Randomly came across this gem of a bookstore! Support your local shops and stop in. They curate a wonderful selection, taking time to think of the community and the local needs. Came across authors I had not heard of and books that me and my friend took time to process and evaluate.
I didn't know what to expect but found so many gems I purchased two books and have my eye on a few other items as well.
The books my friend purchased have been a big influence on her at the moment. All this to say they know what they are doing here. Everything from kids corner to autobiography they have it all. It is a small space so it is filled purposefully.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Bex A.Boston, MA28366Jul 12, 2017
I love this place so hard. Great selection of books, bests sellers and EXCELLENT gift ideas. So cozy, it's an introvert's slice of heaven. Staff (owner?) is always sweet. Shop local!
I'm happy I was here to see it open and I hope it thrives long after I leave JP.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Zoe E.Newton, MA1634Feb 14, 2020
A small, hole-in-the-wall bookstore. The owner is lovely, a friendly young woman who shares my passion for literature. It has a great selection considering the shop's small size. I miss living by it!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0
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