[Out of Towner Review] If a bookstore felt like a HUG, this would be it! I loved visiting this special independent bookstore in Grand Rapids. I love when you walk in you are greeted with the 100 Banned Books to peruse through. I love a business that highlights banned books, as all booksellers should be doing this year. Although I felt like the selection was limited, I wasn't upset with this store. It just took me a little longer to find a book to purchase. I loved all the knickknacks (stickers, bags, etc) they had to shop from. The kind bookseller was helpful when I asked for help. She was completely open to offering suggestions, but I felt capable of finding something else. She was extremely kind and engaging with the few patrons that were in the store. Since I this was my first time here, I was taking it all in. The kid section was really cute and the layout is easy to shop. I enjoyed the staff picks and layouts of the different sections. They are on the smaller side, so I wouldn't expect to show up and find every single top book on the market. But there are PLENTY that I found enjoyable and enough to purchase two books! Small town charm, but make it books! read more

This is a cute little bookstore with good vibes. Located on Cherry street in a lil shopping district, there is street parking but I'm not sure if there are any nearby parking lots. This bookstore has lots of new releases, lgbtq books, books about social justice issues, as well as a young readers section. They have three different book clubs that they host- new best sellers, sapphic book clubs, and birding book club! So cool! read more

Books & Mortar - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

This is the best bookstore in the area by far. The owners are absolutely lovely and the space is beautiful. They feature local authors and have plenty of recommendations. If you don't find what you are looking for they are always willing to order it for you. The bookstore hosts several monthly book clubs and they are fantastic. Maggie hosts them and does such a lovely job asking good questions, asking people for their thoughts and creating an environment where even new comers feel welcomed. You should spend a Saturday morning grabbing a nearby coffee and exploring all their options. They also have beautiful prints, great stickers and fun tote bags available if you're in the mood for something extra. read more

This book store was so beyond cute, the atmosphere and the customer service was phenomenal (helped me find small things like these). I love when a book store just oozes come on in and read a bit, not to mention supporting local is really important to me. This will be most likely a regular return! read more

One of my favorite bookstores of all time! They have a variety of books, and I love that they include little notes of book suggestions all over the store! What's also fun about Books & Mortar is that they often have yearly reading challenges that you can participate in as well as monthly book clubs that meet on the second Wednesday or each month. You can check their website to see which book they've chosen for each month! read more

Small little shop with many popular titles. Relaxed atmosphere to shop. Personal knowledgeable and friendly.

Always top books and ones that you can't find anywhere else! The service is always spectacular and value is beyond! read more

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I was disappointed when I went into the store. The name of the place doesn't suggest it's a special interest bookstore but it is. It's a small store that focuses on politically progressive titles. If that's attractive then by all means add two stars to my rating. But for the standard book lover hoping to find diverse treasures this is not the place for you read more

I absolutely love this bookstore! They have a true community vision and great selection of books. They host monthly book clubs, community events, and more. I love the booksellers here, they are so helpful and kind. read more

I wanted to spend all of my money here! If you loves books (pretty, good, challenging, and diverse books) you belong here! Books & mortar is such a bright and airy place with something for everyone. They support local art and social movements. They have book clubs for adults and children! There is a cute reading corner near the window where you can grab and book and read. I just am obsessed! Located on Cherry street with street parking and other fun shops nearby! Make a day of it :) read more

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Books & Mortar is a charming book shop located on the beloved Cherry Street. Known for their diverse selection, beautifully curated space, cheery staff recommendations, and darling cards, Books and Mortar complements the East Hills neighborhood perfectly! Remember to stop in for a book (or 2 or 3) before you head on your next vacation. (This is also your friendly reminder to stop buying them from Amazon. ) read more

Books & Mortar - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

The bookstore for people who care the most about BOOKS! B&M--scratch that (maybe not every business needs a nickname), ahem, Books & Mortar--is a warehouse of big box ideas tucked into a quaint street corner bookstore. What they lack in shelf inventory is more than made up for with diversity and charm (and they can order anything you don't already see on the shelves). I can spend an hour in here just snooping through their wonderful selection of serious and whimsical and downright irreverent (my faves!) greeting cards. Staffers know their books, but there's no highbrow grumpiness or attitude. I also love their selection of kids' books that address important issues like diversity and consent. Hardcover prices are comparable to Amazon's, maybe a few bucks over. But to me it's worth it seeing how my purchase literally helps local folks take care of their own families. I'll buy from here again and again. :-D read more

What a lovely bookstore! We stopped by while visiting Grand Rapids and we're impressed by the selection. Books & Mortar is located in a charming area that is very walkable. They stock a wide variety of titles and include handwritten staff recommendations with many of the books. It's a fun personal touch that adds to the browsing experience--I saw many old friends in the books reviewed and it was great to see what others thought of some of my favorite recent reads. The children's section includes a variety of beautifully illustrated books, great for gifts! read more

Books & Mortar - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

I went to Books & Mortar at their old location, but I absolutely loved it! I'm so glad there is an inclusive bookstore in the area and I absolutely loved all of their suggestions and the store's curation. If you're in the area, definitely go! And there's a brewery near by! read more

Books & Mortar - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

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This perfectly curated, thoughtfully laid-out and beautiful bookstore feels like a shinier version of The Shop Around the Corner in You've Got Mail. It's bright and airy, yet cozy with exposed brick walls and wood floors. I felt like I was walking into a friend's house when I stopped in to buy some cards from their extensive card wall. They have cards that I've never seen before, and a selection that trumps that of my other favorite place to get cute and unique cards, Rebel Reclaimed. The bookstore sells all the typical best sellers as well as gently used books. I asked if they had a new book in stock and when they didn't, they made a note to order it right away. There is a cute children's area chock full of fun picture books. Books & Mortar also sells gift items like candles, notebooks, fun glassware, etc. I can definitely see it becoming a one stop shop for gifts! The owners were really helpful and friendly, assisting me with finding the perfect cards. They even pulled out some options from behind the desk for me to check out. This is a wonderful addition to the area and I hope they stick around for a long time! read more

Books & Mortar - Exterior of the cutest bookstore in town - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Who else has ever considered a book store one of the highlights of a trip? I have! I am so glad this shop was recommended to us (by our amazing bartender at San Chez). The customer service was unbeatable, the store layout is perfect for browsing, and the little knick knack tables and shelves all had something fun and unique to offer! We bought a book and a candle from Kalamazoo candle company. Every time we light it we are reminded of this wonderful shop! This place has a little something for everyone! read more

Books & Mortar - Don't pass on visiting this great bookstore! - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Wonderful local book shop in the best location! Love the layout and flow of this shop, all the attention to detail from floor to ceiling and all the spotlighted books with corresponding write-up recommendations throughout the store. Everything about this place feels intentional: it's impossible to be in this store fewer than 10 minutes, I find, as you begin noticing more and more the discoveries that await you-- despite only popping in for "that one book." You're gonna browse. And you're gonna be pleased with your meandering, whether it's a journal, candle, card(or 5!), nonfiction or new children's book you scoop up; it's all here for you. And if it isn't? Owner Jenny will gladly order it for you! Grateful we have this terrific book shop in our East Hills local business wonderland. read more

Books & Mortar - #dissent #supportlocal - Bookstores Near Me - Grand Rapids, Michigan

This store is the cutest!! Super cute layout, and really great selection. Adorable kids section in the back as well. Would def recommend this place :) read more

This is the neatest book store I've ever been in. It makes me so proud that we have it here in Grand Rapids. The selection of books is incredibly unique and forward thinking. I could spend hours in this amazing spot. The people who work here are always kind and helpful. The have a section for younger readers in the back and they also have a great selection of greeting cards. Every time I go in this place I come out feeling happy. Love you Books and Morter! read more

Our absolute favorite local book store. They stay on top of new releases very well and don't shy away from social issues and social justice! When I needed a book they didn't have, they ordered it for me and it arrived in just 2 days. Super nice people. Our favorite store on cherry street read more

Excellent selection from a wide range of genres. Nice section for kids in back. Great/friendly service too, love this place! read more

We just stopped in and I love this place!! What a great little bookstore, and a great selection. Staff was super friendly and my 3 kids all found a book they liked in addition to the one I found. They have the cutest card selection and some great gifts (notebooks, canvas bags etc). If you're in the area, stop by. You won't regret it!! read more

I truly love this place, I've been to many bookstores around the world and this is still among my favorite and best! It's a perfectly curated selection, highly diverse and inclusive which in my opinion is something we need to see more of. The space is clean and bright, and you can browse the selections without feeling overwhelmed by too much stuff. The staff recommendations are nice and thoughtful, as are the yearly reading challenges and book club options. There is a great selection of cutesy items like notebooks, mugs, greeting cards - the usual fun bookish related items. I've been here three times in the last few weeks because coming here always fills me with inspiration and puts me in a good mood. read more

Cute shop. Cool people. Interesting stock. I love this place. Two super friendly owners who care about people and looooooove books. They have a wide variety of titles that you're not likely to find in any other small or local spot. Go. You won't be disappointed. read more

I went to Books & Mortar on recommendation of a friend about two weeks ago. I am a book addict and this shop can have all of my money. I love the diversity of offerings at this store and how they are up-to-date on the most recent releases. I don't have kids but the children's section is phenomenal with a significant number of books by authors of color. In addition there are regular events like book clubs and book signings. I went there for a book signing and left with a new favorite shop. It takes me an hour and a half to get there but a day trip to Grand Rapids has to include a stop at Books & Mortar. read more

I love Books & Mortar! I stopped in here when looking for a local bookstore in the Grand Rapids area. They have an adorable shop and a great selection of books, including a nice children's section in the back. The staff is friendly and accommodating - I had a great conversation with the staff. I spent $25 and got a free tote bag for national book day/weekend, which I thought was such a nice touch. I will definitely be back! read more

Books & Mortar is my favorite. I special order books they don't have in stock, and they always come in within a week at shelf price (I skip the shipping and handling!). It's a great store to support local and browse for gifts but also to discover new authors, bestsellers, and progressive recommendations. They also host reading and book club events, which are well attended and are great ways to meet other literary folks! 10/10 I highly recommend shopping here and stimulating the local economy. read more

They have all sorts of books and other stuff to choose from! Pricing was moderate but was definitely worth it! Many unique items and books, good range of children and adult books! Good customer service, very helpful.Very nice inside and out. Very good shop for gifts for everyone! Will come back soon! read more

Was ordering a book for a book study, however it was much cheaper on amazon. They gave a group discount and ordered all of the books within that same week. It wound up being cheaper to go through them and we got to support a local business. They have a great location with helpful employees. Would recommend! read more

Great little stop on a stroll through east town. There's nothing like a well-curated independent book store, and this is one of them. They've got a small selection of gifts/art prints/and cards designed by mostly local artists. And the books they carry are absolutely on-point for current events and cultural references. If I could keep up with my reading I would have walked out with a large handful of books. The staff (and I believe owner) was very kind and welcoming. And they have an adorable kids section in the back! Highly recommend! read more

Looked for a simple moleskin journal. Small selection of journals, even smaller selection of books. Mostly liberal idealist books. Needless to say not a very "tolerant" selection of reads. Barnes and Nobel is a better choice read more

Walked in here and never wanted to leave! The organization is tight and the store is packed with good finds for the overall size of the shop. I appreciated the focus on harder to find titles and tougher topics-it was a refreshing oasis on a rainy day. read more

This is a beautiful bookstore, and the staff is so helpful and friendly. They also were awesome when I emailed them to ask about preordering a book for me. They responded immediately and took care of it. They are my go-to independent book seller to feed my book addiction. read more

The best book store in GR with Wonderful customer service! What a treasure for the city. In an era where bookstores are hard to come by it is so wonderful that we have Books and Mortar in our community! read more