Jin Kim6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleBy far the best book store in Madison
The Book Deal
How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%94+59.7Reliability 28%99+28Replies to reviews 8%29+2.4Experts Score= 90Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.90SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#3 of 32 bookstoresPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 94%
4.9 ★★★★★ 451 Google reviews · 24 photos
95%five-star reviews
4.91★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
13%reviews answered by the owner
Nov 2026latest review
The Book Deal at a glance
Google reviewers rate The Book Deal 4.9 out of 5 based on 451 reviews, highlighting its extensive selection of new and used books, reasonable pricing, and friendly, helpful staff. Customers frequently praise the store's organized layout, comfortable seating areas, and availability of free children's books for donation. While most feedback is positive, some note that prices are not always cheap, though the variety of titles remains a key draw for visitors.
- Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 451 reviews (95% five-star).
- Reviews on this page: 451 Google reviews (300 with written comments, 7 with photos).
- Owner responses: the business replied to 13% of reviews.
- Most recent review: November 1, 2026.
- Service: Bookstore serving Madison, Wisconsin.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Score profile vs other bookstores
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.The Book Deal: 94/100 on this factor. Category median: 80.A
94
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.The Book Deal: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
99
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.The Book Deal: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.The Book Deal: 29/100 on this factor. Category median: 38.D
29
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
451 Google reviews we collected
- 5 stars42895%
- 4 stars204%
- 3 stars31%
- 2 stars00%
- 1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 300 written reviews
- Praise24699%
- Complaints21%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
- Staff & attitude11245%
- Price & value9739%
- Would recommend177%
- Speed & response94%
- Quality & results83%
- Honesty & trust52%
What customers talk about
We read 300 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I found some nice books and a vintage 1800s book I really wanted and lots of childrens books!”
“Easy to access, bright and well organized, and prices are reasonable.”
“Would definitely recommend stopping if you’re in the Madison area”
“have to stay away because i always leave with an unintentional armful of books.”
“Immediately upon walking into The Book Deal, I was greeted warmly by staff.”
“Great selection, reasonable prices and wonderful service.”
“The Book Deal is honestly one of the best used book stores I have ever visited!”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
LindaLocal Guide · 519 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
1st time here Cute little big place Book selection is huge and amazing Staff was very friendly and helpful
JustinLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Thorough, affordable, helpful, great selection. And free kids books which we were able to donate to the NICU at the children's hospital. Everything you can expect great to be if you love books.
PaulLocal Guide · 791 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
You can always find a good book here. The place is organized and the place is spotless.
MashalaLocal Guide · 80 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Great place to buy (or sell) used books with lots of newer finds, some special editions, and great prices. My kids love the children’s book space. I appreciate that you can shop online too.
Olivia3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Such a great selection! Friendly staff, well organized, great prices. Would definitely recommend stopping if you’re in the Madison area
CamilleLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Just discovered this bookstore, I just happened to be in the area for a medical appointment and I saw it on the map and decided to go frolick… this is amazing, it is huge, lots of titles and even tho its a used book store (with great prices btw) they have new titles to keep up with the hype of the books coming out…
Photos
Customer reviews
4.9 ★★★★★ 451 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Emma D12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Emma has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleCozy store with lots of sitting areas
Hiam Garner9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Hiam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleFriendly service and nice people. They even have holds.
excaliburskeeper10 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews excaliburskeeper has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleGreat selection and wonderful service!
Carol Vandenberg9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Carol has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLove these guys and their hearts They give to kids! Prices are reasonable.
Linda PlazaLocal Guide · 519 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Linda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google1st time here Cute little big place Book selection is huge and amazing Staff was very friendly and helpful
Justin RinglemanLocal Guide · 12 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Justin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleThorough, affordable, helpful, great selection. And free kids books which we were able to donate to the NICU at the children's hospital. Everything you can expect great to be if you love books.
aparna joshi1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews aparna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleLoved the vibe of this place.will visit again
Paul Quella (PQ5876)Local Guide · 791 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleYou can always find a good book here. The place is organized and the place is spotless.
Mashala TemasLocal Guide · 80 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Mashala has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on GoogleGreat place to buy (or sell) used books with lots of newer finds, some special editions, and great prices. My kids love the children’s book space. I appreciate that you can shop online too.
Business details
- Address: 3822 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705
- Phone: (608) 571-7575
- Website: thebookdeal.com
- Service area: Madison, WI