Whenever I visit Book Tales, a used-book store in downtown Encinitas, CA, I always marvel at the owner's talent

for packing a vast array of books into a small space--and, just as important--keeping the huge selection so well organized. Book Tales is a cozy, welcoming place, and whoever is on duty when I have shopped there has proved to be knowledgeable of the stock and delighted to help me look for any book I ask about. Though small in size, this store offers an amazing variety of books, from paperback bestsellers to very hard-to-find vintage hardcover volumes. Book Tales does paperback trading, so when I am shopping for paperbacks, I bring some along to trade in, and I save a lot of money! On top of that, each day carts and tables laden with an ever-changing variety of bestselling hardcover books for $3 apiece are placed enticingly in front of the store. For me, though, the best way to enjoy Book Tales is simply to walk in and browse for something interesting. Doing that, I have never been disappointed. I strongly recommend this gem of a bookstore to anyone who loves books.