Revolution Books

209 reviews

437 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037

www.revolutionbooksnyc.org

+12126913345

About

Revolution Books is a Book store located at 437 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037. It has received 209 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday1-7PM
Tuesday1-7PM
Wednesday1-7PM
Thursday1-7PM
FridayClosed
Saturday1-7PM
SundayClosed

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Revolution Books: 437 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037

  • Revolution Books has 4.3 stars from 209 reviews

  • Book store

  • "A very informative and cunning setting, REVOLUTION BOOKS provides a comfy, homelike armosphere for those interested in the history and current events, revolutionization and diversity of the United States"

    "They have great books, but I would not recommend being involved here or attending events"

    "I know of no other independent bookstore in Harlem"

    "This is not Black owned!! False advertising and so disappointing"

    "Great place"

Reviews

  • RaeAllizae

A very informative and cunning setting, REVOLUTION BOOKS provides a comfy, homelike armosphere for those interested in the history and current events, revolutionization and diversity of the United States. I currently volunteer at the shop and I find that every time I'm there, my mind opens to so many possibilities of what can be my full potential. There's coffee, tea and a little nook towards the back of the shop where you can grab a book you fancy, plop down and read for as long as you want. The shopowners also play informational clips and films during hours of operation that you can also sit and watch. They are currently seeking 50 volunteers to help out at the bookstore since the store is run on donations and sponsors; no one gets paid to work there so help is greatly needed and appreciated. The store is settled conveniently 2 blocks away from the 135th St. stop on the 2 and 3 line, across the street from McDonald's. Highly recommend it as a pit stop on your way around the beautiful West Harlem neighborhood.

  • Monica Shah

They have great books, but I would not recommend being involved here or attending events. It is one thing to be encouraged to attend events, but it feels like everything is marketed and the people here are really pushy. The way the people act doesn't feel inclusive at all and it feels like you are monitored while there. They preach a leader and everything is marketed to that leader's views. Went to 1 event and realized sharing my contact info with this bookstore has been a huge regret. Been hounded with info I didn't ask for. Definitely would recommend going to any other bookstore around Harlem besides this one. STAY AWAY. Honestly. And do not share your info here.

  • Umar Ashfaq

I know of no other independent bookstore in Harlem. The book selection is well curated, and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They have a great collection of books on climate, environment, race history and politics. Probably the only book store that carries books on the local history of Harlem. The second hand book shelf is usually well stocked and a fun treasure hunt activity for those inclined. However, this is not a big store and would not cater to everyone’s interests. The collections are limited, though excellently curated. Pro-tip: sign up for the stores mailing list to get updates on book signing and other events.

  • ZHEN SHANREN

This is not Black owned!! False advertising and so disappointing. They know I had to have paid online because I kept giving my order; they held the books in a bag off to the side, pretending they couldn’t find it, stalling to check in the computer if I paid. After getting tired of waiting for people who came in the store after me to be serviced, I said, “do you want me to show you my receipt?, then suddenly she say, “Oh no.” I picked up the bag and said, “both books are in here, am I free to go now?” Will not make any further purchases.

  • Larry Winborne

Great place. They have rare and interesting books. They also have a wide variety of documentary films. I learned a lot from the friendly staff. It's the last bookstore of it's kind in the city. I wish more people realized the value in that place. Book stores are shutting down all over the country and it's going to be harder to find or discover great authors and their creations. Take advantage!!

  • Christa P.

Pretty good selection of books, but they won’t stop following you around and lecturing you about Bob Avakian long enough for you to browse. I won’t be back, but from what they explained, they don’t need my business. They are “volunteers” and are funded privately (very likely through the RCP). The whole selling books thing seems to be an after thought. Go to Sisters Uptown instead.

  • K D Rosenthal (Katie)

Very important books here! Fiction and nonfiction representing various socioeconomic inequality, social justice, and race issues; as well as history, politics, and the environment. Also a fantastic place to engage in stimulating discussion and attend educational events. Hard-to-find kids' books can be found here too! I hope to see you there soon!

  • Lincoln Wettenhall

Cool bookstore, in the world of Kindles and Amazon, this place is a nice gem, decent selection of books, engaging staff that will help you navigate. Events and speakers are a weekly thing here but I can't speak to that as I have never attended. Overall definitely a nice place to check out if you are looking for a local bookstore.

  • Chirag Taylor

This place is an embarrassment. Communist propaganda and terrifying that it even exists. It makes me ashamed that people actually believe this stuff when so many people have died and continue to suffer from communism (Venezuela). If they really believe in communism their pinko trash should be free. Shame on this place.

  • Corrie Davidson

This is the new location (opened in November 2015), having lost their lease in Chelsea, but Jane and Revolution are still going strong hosting readings, and providing New Yorkers and the neighborhood with politically minded books, ethno-centric literature, and a meeting place for discourse in Harlem.

  • Samuel Adel-Mahabadi

Excellent selection of books and a staff that knows Marx and his theory and praxis. However, they will follow you around the store and try to get you into Bob Avakian. Bob’s RCP degenerated into a personality cult in the past couple decades. The members of the RCP are kind of cultish, so beware.

  • Sophia Welbeck

Haven't had much luck here. Always trying to support my small business folks but literally every time I go to support they have a private event going on and I can't get to the books that I want. Just bad timing on my part. But a much needed resource in the community. So I will keep trying.

  • Shon Feliciano

It's not like the Revolution Books I remember from the city. The move up to Harlem has changed the store vibe, I couldn't find much on Chinese Revolution or Mao. As I had in previous visits when the store was at the Chelsea location. But the bookstore seems to be doing well. Good luck.

  • César Omar Sánchez

Love the bookstore! For anyone who wants to read books or reading materials that actually matters...please go to Revolution Books. Nice people and they helped me find the books i was looking for. I'm currently reading a book i just purchased while I'm enjoying my hot coffee.

  • Shawna Green

Super cool independent bookstore mostly Revolutionary topics as the in the Namesake Everyone who works in the store is knowledgeable about the Materials , on the day that I visited the staff was planning a rally it’s a really cool spot ... Check them out and you’re welcome

  • Nicholas Nip

Revolution Books has a lovely staff and a good selection of radical literature. I got a copy of the Ben Fowkes translation of Das Kapital, which is hard to find online these days. The only downside is that you probably will pay MSRP (if not more!) for used books.

  • Chris J

I love this book store! I was there yesterday. I bought a novel, a book on political theory, and a children's book for my son. It's a worker owned shop so it's much more ethical than shopping with Amazon and the people who work there are so friendly and helpful.

  • Zeke Smith

At this critical juncture in history, this bookstore is essential. I have found nothing else like it. Outstanding, relevant selection. Knowledgeable and helpful staff. I make a point of stopping here whenever in NYC! The events held here are also amazing.

  • Phila Momma

Beautiful bookstore managed by beautiful humans! The selection is astonishing! Super-helpful staff and really positive vibes inside! A delightful children’s book nook in the back with cozy chairs for reading while parents shop! A gem in Harlem!!!

  • Hive Atlas

My partner and I were visiting NY to see family, and my dad brought us to this revolutionary bookstore. I was really excited to go to a revolutionary book store in Harlem because it has so much radical black history there, and I assumed

  • Leonard Emile Taylor

Great Customer Service & a delightful and dynamic conversation about Harlem! I stopped in to inquire about ordering a lithograph & gained some insight too! #Make them famous by shopping there! #Buy Banned Books. #1867 #Morehouse College

  • arise07

I thought the reviews were bugging but they legit do not stop bugging you about the revolution and this Bob Avakian dude. Good selection of books but I would not come back to be lectured again about this Bob Avakian guy

  • riley french

Such ease in getting my book and the people working there were so kind, all wearing masks, and immediately gave me some hand sanitizer when I arrived. I highly suggest supporting local and checking them out!

  • Caroline with love

What a wonderful place to pick up books, have social distancing events. I even have my children's books displayed there. Definitely stop by and the staff and volunteers are super friendly.

  • Liz

I stopped by for a first time visit and met so many kind and welcoming people. The store had an eclectic selection of books and they helped me order a book they didn't have on hand.

  • Megan Edmonds

They're very knowledgeable but it's quite niche. All for communism and I'm not that, I'm a socialist. But if you want communist literature and a few other things, go here.

  • Tatiana S.

One of the the best gems of the city! Hard-to-find indie works, activist classics, and an impressive schedule of excellent documentary films, often with a guest speaker!

  • Jon Spinac

This bookstore is one of a kind, Rev Books is such a great Place to find quality books and information, In fact it’s the most intellectual bookstore in Manhattan, NY.

  • Elias Henderson

A great community bookstore run by volunteers. Few better places in terms of selection for books on black history and left wing politics. Revolution now and forever

  • Matthew Brown

I never fail to learn something related to social justice when I visit. Volunteer run by people who care about the issues and what to educate the public for change

  • Reuben Fuller-Bennett

Headquarters for the revolution. Best book store I've ever visited. Pillar of the community. Good conversation. Radically righteous. Wish there were more stars.

  • Ramon

Unique selection of books.. super duper staff... and it always feels so vibrant and clean in there. Great for harlem as book stores are scarce these days..

  • Paul Funkhouser

NOT a bookstore this is a cult outpost for Bob Avakian, an American Maoist, who has stolen money and time from countless would-be activists.

  • Kenny Richetti

l use to come here long ago during a internship before. l gave it a 4 star since that place is small when hard to get around when it packed.

  • Mida Sazon

I go almost every other day to come to support and help and they haven't disappointed and still going strong awesome place for open minds

  • danielle lee

Socially conscious bookstore that goes beyond the utility of just a bookstore. Highly recommend u drop buy and support by buying a book.

  • Amisa Juliet

one of my favorite book stores in the city. they have a great selection here believe it or not. youll always get great service

  • M M W

Hi, book store is highly enlightening with the various selection of reading material for the interested reader. Thanks

  • Brian Pace

The best for them was to Harlem. The staff is friendly and the vibe is where you want to spend your money

  • Jack Daise

Nice people they are a small family run business,even bought a few books help support the neighborhood.

  • tetrah

Front for a cult. Small selection of theory that isn't from BA. Aggressive staff and part of a chain.

  • Rich L

Like the bookstore like the selection of books seems they're always hard pressing for donations....

  • OldTrafford King

Very cool and cozy it's a very cool environment that piqued my interest it's accessible via subway

  • Tingyu Gu

The idea of Lenin, Stalin, Mao Tse Tung, and Bob Avakian will spread over the world …

  • Seth

Great bookstore with a nice collection. Prices were even reasonable for a niche place in NYC

  • chandra brown

Djeliba Mann Puppetry show once a month brings joy and knowledge to Children and adults

  • Pedro Ariza

Well kept store, they will order whatever you need! Support your local bookstore!

  • Chinwe Atkinson

Welcome home! Beautiful selection, vibrant photographs and art. Friendly staff.

  • Galen Barry

I like the selection, but the staff is a bit cultish about their Bob Avakian.

  • B. Moutsila

Very nice neighborhood bookstore. The staff is kind, helpful and passionate.

  • Arlethia Washington

Some very good reading and conversation if you got time. I love the staff.

  • Danielle Sharp

Supporting terror doesn't come hand in hand with supporting human rights.

  • Alfredo Solari

Great books about socialism and critique to modern capitalist society.

  • Ira Gershenhorn

Went there for film screening. Looks like they had a good selection.

  • s o

Great little book store. They have used books for pay as you wish.

  • Natanya Pope-Sohel

Not a large selection of books..but they carry the heavy hitters.

  • Saul Kaiserman

Fantastic local bookstore that will order for you. Skip Amazon.

  • Treesa Ouseph

Wonderful selection of books and the staff was super friendly!

  • mariesa scott

Good prices on used books but young kids section needs work.

  • OWEN GUISCHARD

Great place 4 families w/kids & people who likes 2 read

  • ALLEN C. Dawson

A novel experience for those who speak truth to power.

  • Solanna Manolo

Great place to expand worldly knowledge and education

  • lissa diagne

Amazing .. I even told them what I wanted to pay

  • Lauren White

Great selection of books. Super friendly staff!

  • Lalo Gutierrez

Great library! You get more than books there.

  • Lingsheng Wen

They worship a so-called leader for a utopia

  • pravallika reddy

Nice staff and good atmosphere in the store

  • MsDboyy

Great place for open minded people ☯️ …

  • cr pr

Disgusting behavior

  • Kenneth Jones

It's nice

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