I really love Book Beat. The selection is amazing, particularly in the art and childrens books departments. The staff is really awesome, too, and the owners and staff are super knowledgeable. I often visit Book Beat when I don't know what to get someone for a gift because of the great recommendations the staff can provide. read more

I always seem to find exactly what I'm looking for, but I have to budget some serious time as there is literally a smorgasbord of books in this place. You can find anything, but I think it's fair to say Book Beat specializes in pop and counter culture reads. The owner is a great guy and a local legend himself. Definitely my favorite bookstore in the Detroit area. read more

I always find arresting, esoteric, new bestsellers, overstock books, counter cultural esoterica, and novelty items here. Staff is exceptionally knowledgeable. Wonderful children's books area. A must visit for bookstore fans. read more

I have been shopping at book beat since I was kid. This independent bookstore is one of my favorite boostores any where. What I like about the selection here is that they have a lot of books that is not your standard big chain offerings. The poetry section is impressive and the kids section is refreshingly diverse. I still have books I bought from here 10 or 15 years ago, I simply love this store. read more

I love this bookstore. You could easily spend the whole day in here, there's so much to see. Looking through the enormous stacks of used books can be overwhelming, but the staff is very friendly and willing to help you find what you're in search of. And if they don't have it, they will order it for you. The prices here are the same as any other bookstore; sure it costs more than buying from Amazon, but Amazon doesn't have friendly humans offering helpful advice, or secret treasures hidden among piles, or a neat little art gallery to peruse. read more

I'm lucky enough to live with walking distance of this excellent independent bookstore! Married partners Colleen and Cary greet me by name. Book Beat offers strong selections in fiction, history, children's, art and history. Staff will order anything not in stock and you'll get it fast! They carry a lot of whimsical and gifty little books, and I often buy their blank art greeting cards. When my kids were young, Colleen would call to tell me a special book had arrived or make a sugggestion of something they might like based on previous purchases. You don't get THAT kind of service at a Barnes and Noble! This store put on the THE best Harry Potter book parties in terms of the food offered, Cary dressing up, games and uniquely designed keepsake little books for when the embargo lifted at midnight each time. Book Beat also hosts interesting author talks for adults and kids. read more

This is by far the best book store! Coleen specializes in young adult and children's books. I have 2 girls 12 and 13 - every time they pick up a book, Coleen tells them a little bit about the story and gets them hooked. Both my girls beg for me to take them to book beat because Coleen always has amazing books to share with them. Coleen helps me choose books for my book group as well. Everyone is so knowledgable and helpful. If they don't have the book in stock- they will order it and it comes right away. In an age when many people are ordering books on line - it is a real treat to talk to a person who knows what you have read, what types of books you like, and make recommendations for you. This is why this Jewel of a bookstore is still in business when the box stores have pushed others out. read more

The independent bookstore is a thing of the past. That's what makes Bb so amazing. Great selection of EVERYTHING! I look forward to my trips here although I always spend to much. read more

I use to live practically next door to this establishment. However, it never panned out as the welcoming neighborhood bookstore I'd hoped it would be. The staff here was very brusque (I routinely received far better treatment from the transients working at Borders and Barnes and Noble). After several similar experiences (read, purchases) and having observed Book Beat staff interactions with other customers, I was left with the distinct impression that if one isn't a member of a certain "tribe"--or, at least a goyishe white person--then Book Beat really doesn't want your business. read more

Ok, here's the deal. I found this magnificent, huge, ornate, very expensive coffee table book w/exclusive action photos of Muhammad Ali (my idol since childhood) on sale here for ~85% off! With a carrying case and handle! I am now a Book Beat disciple of the highest order, and will probably plan at least two trips a year to Detroit just to see what's going on at Book Beat, and to offer my assistance if they need handyman work done around the place:)) This is probably going to be the best place ever to buy Christmas gifts! And it is next-door to a fantastic vintage used vinyl record & CD shop! read more

Huge, diverse selection of books, both new and used. I could (and regularly do) spend a couple hours perusing this store. Really nice, knowledgeable staff too. The only reason I'm not going for all 5 stars is they are sometimes pricey. It's true that you might find a cheaper deal online, but I'm ok with spending a few extra dollars to support a great local book store. read more

I'm sooooo glad BB still exists. I didnt realize how great I had it (til I moved out of state) to have an true independent book store. You can find almost anything on any subject. Its easier to navigate the store then it is at John King in Detroit. They also have good selection of wierdo music and art books. Highly recommended! read more

This is not your typical bookstore. While they might not have all the latest titles like a Barnes & Nobles, they really have an interesting selection of books and then amazing stuff to go with it. If you love to read you're going to love this place! read more

Bookstores like Book Beat seem to be dying so every time I see a book store, specially ones that carry used book and/or are Independence owned, I try to support them. Book Beat is a great store. Well organized and a ample selection. All the used books are in good condition as well. read more

I'm not sure if people buy books anymore, but they definitely have a good selection at Book Beat. It's a small independent bookstore, so I would sometimes prefer coming here as opposed to the monstrous Borders chain. They have a lot of culture-based books and cards as well; some that you may not find at a larger bookstore. I never had a problem with the prices being too high. Please be advise there is hardly any room to walk around here, so I would definitely try to go early so you can browse untethered. read more

Book Beat - Bookstores Near Me - Oak Park, Michigan

Loved chatting with the man (owner) about our love of Jim Harrison. Weird location, but a terrific store.

Great place. not much of a literati, but when i can't find it at one of the used book stores in Ferndale or the library, I order it from these guys. Bummer location though - a near-vacant strip mall in a declining patch of brutalist suburb. So jarring to come out of this place (or it's neighbor, streetcorner music) and find yourself in a vast lagoon of parking with cars whizzing around in front of vacant bigboxes. The only consolation is a pile of corned beef from the nearby Bread Basket. read more

So, I'm in town for a couple of days, and after reading good reviews on Yelp, decide to check this place out. I drive over, get to the door - which has a giant "open" sign on it, and realize right next to that is a little piece of paper that says the store is closed Sunday's til the end of august. Great way to run a business. read more

My experiences in the store are always positive ones. The employees do searches and order books that are not in the store at the time I am there. The uniqueness and warmth of the store makes it special. I sometimes want to gather lots of books, find a corner, sit down on the floor, fold my legs and read for hours. I am starting a children's book club and will make this bookstore one of our field trips in the near future. This type of bookstore makes me believe its the type of bookstore you'd find in Greenwich, NY but this treaure is right here in Metro Detroit! read more

This store is a goldmine for cool stuff. It is a true specialty store and thank God there's a few left. Handmade greeting cards, hard to find magazines, art work in the back gallery. It makes life worth living! read more

Books are unorganized and hard to find. Prices are on the expensive side. Owner did not seem very receptive in helping me find books. I would highly recommend going elsewhere. read more

There are many things to love about Book Beat -- the funky atmosphere, the eclectic and somewhat esoteric selection and the hip but friendly staff. On the other hand the place is so jammed with books that it can be difficult to sift through it all when looking for something specific. Also, on a completely selfish note, I wish they were located in downtown Royal Oak so that I could walk to it read more

This is what a book store is supposed to be. Great selection, knowledgable staff. An old fashioned book store! Easy to spend the day browsing and walk out with a stack of books you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Great selection of children's books. read more

I am giving this a one star rating only because there is nothing lower. I had a very bad experience with the Bookbeat. I loaned hundreds of books to the owner, who had them on display for a few months. He also tried to sell them for me, which I totally appreciated. However, when it was time to have the unsold books returned to me, I checked them against my inventory list only to find I was missing approximately 100 books and pamphlets. He denies any wrongdoing and has even suggested that my children stole them from me, or they were stolen from my garage. How dare he ! ! ! Perhaps someone associated with his store has them. Some of them were worth alot of money. I asked him to file an insurance claim for mysterious disappearance, and he refused. He also lied to me about a photo album, he claims he had under lock and key and only brought out to certain customers that knew my husband. What a whopper that is. He never even had the album. My family and I are out hundreds of dollars because of the negligence of this proprietor. Buyer beware ! ! ! read more