158 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME

Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop is located on the quaint-yet-bustling commercial strip alongside ice cream shops, a movie house, an oyster shack, a department store with a real soda-jerk counter, and assorted gift emporiums, not to mention one that specializes in ye olde candy and Moxie paraphernalia. But despite the many places one can wander through in town, this bookshop is a robust nexus of culture and commerce in Damariscotta, which is pronounced dama-riscotta, not damara-scotta; a handy pro tip given to me by many a local during my first visit many years ago. And as such a nexus, I cannot recommend it enough.

Locals also informed me it was once an “independent” shop before that “chain” called Sherman’s swooped in and bought it up, a point of historical note offered with casual chagrin. The “chain” is really just a small series of bookshops along the coast of Maine, so it’s really a chain, but to Mainers I am sure anything in existence after 1492 with more than one location is a “chain” trying to horn in on the local way of living—I say this with absolute adoration for anything Maine. Some of my favorite people live there, along with some of my favorite writers. And this shop carries them, which of course they would. They carry almost everything.

Sherman’s is filled with gifts, toys, clothing, local merch, calendars, magazines, and books by the boatload. Shelves line every wall and aisle and there are overflowing display cases everywhere you turn, though it isn’t messy by any means. The whole shop is bright and inviting and each shelf pulls you onward to the next and the next. And so much is Maine related. There are cookbooks and then Maine cookbooks, history books and Maine history books, nature books and Maine nature books, and so on. They do a great job representing local talent and interests.

I won’t bother trying to explain which genres and categories are found in which part of the shop, there’s just too much to note, but trust me when I say that they cover pretty much all of the bases, from poetry and sci-fi to nautical and architecture. They also have a huge section toward the back that is full of discounted new books, which gets major bonus points from me for a bookshop. And it wasn’t just junk remainders and old stock. I bought a new Stephen King hardcover for $9.98, and there were new fiction and nonfiction books by Zadie Smith, Dennis Lehane, Clive Cussler, Denis Johnson, Michelle Obama, and many others. An outstanding array.

The point is, if you’re passing through Maine along Route 1 and you’re in need of a book, get thee to Damariscotta and enjoy a stroll through town, stock up in Sherman’s, and enjoy a drink in the adjoining cafe that shares the first floor. You’ll be able to get a coffee, a cold drink, and a pastry (like we did) and dive into your new book. What could be better?

Atmosphere — A bright and busy shop full of books that shares a space with a coffee store and has all kinds of bestsellers and local offerings.

Quality — The books are new and in great shape, and the games and souvenirs are all excellent quality too.

Quantity — Loads and loads. You won’t be lacking for books to browse here.

Diversity — They cover an excellent range and I saw plenty of favorites mixed in with new titles I wanted.

Affordability — I like a bookshop that has a sale section for new books, and the deals were plentiful.

Amenities — A full coffee shop on the grounds, plus you’re steps away from all kinds of restaurants and cafes.

Location — Right in the heart of the commercial district in Damariscotta, in the Boothbay Harbor region.

Customer Service — There were many staffers on hand and they rang up my purchase quickly.

Overall — This is a fun shop to browse through and we really took our time, dug through the sales, and came out with something great for each of us. It’s a superb shop in a wonderful town and I recommend it to everyone.