DejaVu Books

Being a huge bookworm and on a path of spiritual discovery this place was heaven to me. Take a look and be amazed.

I'm very fond of Deja Vu books; it's a real haunt of mine in Hobart. I've traveled around a little, and it has a nicer feel than any bookstore I have seen in Stratford-Upon-Avon, and maybe even in Oxford, even though you can get much larger stocks there, and elsewhere in Hobart too. Unlike most bookstores in Hobart or in England, Deja Vu is very reasonably priced: for the middle class you can find some real bargains ($6 Plato's Republic, $12 Hobbes' Leviathan both in OUP editions), and although some of the paperbacks are maybe a touch on the higher side, it's cheaper than almost anywhere else in Hobart. Much cheaper than the overpriced Kookaburra books, cheaper than Astrolabe books, and now slightly cheaper than Imperial Books in the CBD, since that business underwent a change in management and started to raise it's prices to city-income prices (and mostly out of my budget). Just as importantly, Deja Vu books has a real vibe around it. The lone attendant, hidden behind his book-laden counter is always kind and amusing, books are crammed everywhere in the small space to make mini-rooms and crevices, and good music (last time I went, a R&B/Soul rendition of Byron's 'We'll go no more a-roaming', then Phillip Glass, then some Arvo Pärt). A really great place in Hobart to spend an hour every now and again; although you may want to leave your family at home to avoid a bit of a squeeze.

Approximate cost: $6-25

This shop stocks books that are hard to find and usually has a great selection. Owner is a published author and is always happy to help provide advice or assistance. Books stacked to the ceiling. Not a large shop so be prepared to share your space with other enthusiasts.

Approximate cost: $7-10 per book