Love to support such fun and independent book stores. Had a great selection of books, fun displays, and creative gifts. Loved the "banned" books display. Appreciated the dog dishes outside since we're traveling with our dogs. Always nice to see a business that cares about humans and four legged friends too. read more

Brilliant Books - Wonderful books and gifts - Bookstores Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

Absolutely fell in love with this indie bookstore in downtown Traverse City. They have a phenomenal collection of books, with lots of seller recommendations. The sellers were helpful in finding books, and I had to limit myself so I wouldn't overstuff my suitcase home! I especially appreciated the local recs + the wonderful mystery/horror selection. Highly recommend stopping in and supporting a local bookstore! read more

This is a really good normal bookstore. Clean and the staff is very helpful. It only gets three stars because I rate bookstores on what makes them unique. If you are looking for standard titles this isn't a bad place at all. Didn't fit my tastes which area little more obscure. This place does deliver on basic needs so add a star if that's your goal read more

We arrived in Traverse City and it absolutely let loose pouring rain, and we were trying to make the best of it. We noticed a number of shops had pictures of Where's Waldo on the doors, and a quick search revealed that it was a hunt put on by Brilliant Books to locate the Waldos hiding in various stores. So we picked up a passport and got to work. It was a great way to pop in and out of the rain and have some fun. When we turned in the passport at Brilliant Books, the little yelper got a coupon to purchase a book and some fun Where's Waldo? stickers. We enjoyed perusing the lovely shop and had quite the time deciding what to buy. Books, of course, plus additional gift options are available. The children's section is very nice with a good selection. Staff was friendly. read more

The staff was very friendly and amazingly helpfull with ordering large print books for me. Recently, they ordered the original, unabridged "Adventures of Mark Twain", and "Grimm's Fairy Tails". I had enjoyed these as a child, and look forward to reading them again! Although the "Grimm's Fairy Tails" are so scary! Whew Also, as I live out of state now, they sent me these books, with no postal charge! Really great. I look forward to moving back to Traverse City. read more

I was happy to be able to support a local bookstore while visiting TC. They had a book that I had been wanting to get, along with a handful of others that are on my list. The store was clean and organized and the staff working was friendly and helpful. read more

I ordered a book here on 'Shop your community day.' Some participating businesses in our town donate a portion of sales proceeds to a selection of nonprofit's (customer picks which organization). The book I ordered is the first in a series, the series is 'Charlotte Holmes ' I ordered it to be delivered to my house because they only had hardcover copies in store and I just prefer paperbacks. Love me some young adult novels. For a smaller business, this store has a great selection. I also bought some Jane Austen themed mints 'Pride and Peppermint,' if it's Austen-themed it's for me! read more

Good variety of books and cards, well labeled. The girl working seemed completely disinterested in being there and did not greet or say goodbye to anyone. Not a good vibe read more

In this day and age, where Amazon rules the world of online bookselling, and when large box stores such as Borders go out of business, it is so GREAT to see a new independently-owned local bookstore open its doors! This bookstore isn't new to the Traverse City area, since they already have a location in Suttons Bay, but they just opened on Front Street in downtown Traverse City. Good luck! I hope that lots of shoppers walk through your doors! read more

Brilliant Books - Bookstores Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

See all

It was our first time going into the store and they had a lot of great books. I found a truck book that I have been searching for. However, I give them five stars because we made halfway down the block and one of the nice bookstore worker found us and gave me tiny humans sippy cup that was tossed from the stroller. read more

What's not to love about a bookstore. Great location, nice selection + they had the book in stock that my daughter was hoping to tackle during our week in TC. read more

I love this place! I love the way it smells and the lighting and the quietness here. They have fun gifts, t-shirts, cards, and bags and a cute little children's section--plus parking in the back which is handy during the summertime. So far, the staff has been very friendly but not all-up-in-your-stuff which I really appreciate. Also, unlike the big-box bookstores, you don't get harassed at the checkout for a bunch of personal info and "savings." read more

My boyfriend and I went here today. Such a good selection of books! The thing I liked the most was compared to a few places I've been the employees were very good about enforcing social distancing, wearing masks, limited capacity, and offered hand sanitizer to every customer who came in. If you want a nice COVID restriction-friendly bookstore so you feel safe, come here! read more

A staff member decided to explain to my 4 year old why she must wear a mask in the store as if it were their place to do so and as if my 4 year old understood what, "You're not vaccinated" means. Completely inappropriate and mind boggling! Will not be back!! read more

During this crazy time of the 2020 pandemic, I wanted to make sure and support small businesses. I ordered two books from Brilliant Books, and was highly impressed with the personable, efficient communication I received regarding my order. The books haven't arrived yet, but I know they are not a high priority order, so it will take a little longer. Support local, support small businesses! read more

Received a "push" monthly book selection from our adult children. Supposed to receive 6 each for myself and my spouse. They would choose based on our preferences. We each received one book of those selected tat we kept - returned 6 - and they did not provide return materials and pay postage as their offering promised. We received a total of 8 books not 12 and have made repeated attempts to get resolution. They are reputed to be an excellent walk-in bookstore but I suggest sticking with Amazon for mail order. read more

This store is awesome. It had a warm and cozy atmosphere with great book themed apparel and bags. The staff was friendly and helpful

Loved this bookstore! Very nicely arranged and decorated; good selection of books, and well-read, friendly and helpful staff! read more

Brilliant Books - Display in Brilliant Books store - Bookstores Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Brilliant Books proves that good things come in small packages! I mostly read fiction and I read a lot when I have the time, but I always have a mental list of books I'd like to read. Despite its small size, Brilliant Books had every book I looked for on its shelves, and a nice collection of children's books and stationery besides. Honestly, one of the best, most complete small bookstores I've visited. read more

Friendly service. Always willing to make a recommendation or help you find just the right book.

A classic old fashioned bookstore run by people who love books. A shame these places aren't more common these days. I wish they had a selection of paranormal/new age books but they do a great job with current fiction and nonfiction. Great kids selection and a nice table with a train on it to entertain the wee ones while the parents shop. A great atmosphere and an A+ staff. We love going here whenever we are in Traverse City. read more

great collection of children's books. we enjoyed picking out books for our road trip back home while our toddler had fun playing with the train table. fun little shop for the kids and all bookworms. read more

A tremendously fine little brother to Traverse City's other bookstore shows you don't need to be large to be a great book store. The selection is very well chosen, and there are a good selection of gifts such as literary themed shirts and coffee mugs, etc. to make worth visiting for inexpensive gifts as well. It's wonderful that a little town like Traverse City can support two high quality book stores. read more

Oh my yes. Bright, well read staff with a zany sense of humor. Incredible book selection with various literary themed items means you'll never walk out under $50. Parking will challenge you but once you're in, you won't want to leave. Great section of local authors and books about the area. read more

Mind you - there were several people in the store milling around when we entered - they were not flanked. There were several people who came in after us - they were also not flanked. As we left the store, the two employees went back to their place behind the register. read more

Brilliant Books cocoons you in a warm embrace of beautiful book culture the moment you walk in the door. Friendly staff and charmingly arranged shelves and witty fun book-lover accessories -- this independent book store is a rare treat! read more

This is a cute little book store. Staff was super friendly and chatty and I love supporting local. We actually bought a book because the gal at the counter was so nice to us. HUGE bonus, if you do the e-books, you can buy through their website and still support a local business! read more

Wow - what a great bookstore. Lots of fun, eclectic reads, crazy magazine selection, and sweet Penguin Books mugs. Ended up buying a bunch of stuff I didn't need... read more

Great local bookstore in the heart of Traverse City. It's not the biggest book store in town, but it's the nicest one we found. Very knowledgable owner willing to help with anything. Great variety for all ages. read more

Stopped in at Brilliant after coming up empty on beer books at Horizon for a Christmas gift. Sadly, Brilliant was also sold out (apparently beer is popular this year!), but I was very favorably impressed with the store and the staff. The space is small, but the selections were varied and well thought out. They had many titles I would happily have purchased for myself if I wasn't in gift giving mode. A staff person very kindly helped me find some alternatives to the beer books I'd had my heart set on, and steered me toward some new titles I know my family will enjoy. The personal touch really made a difference. I'll be giving them my business frequently. (I also saw a "Year of Books" program in the window. Your loved one receives one book per month for a year selected for them by the store based on their reading preferences. Best present ever... HINT HINT.) read more

What a great book store. The staff loves books and are always willing to just chat about what's good.

Wonderful local bookstore - the likes of which you don't see much anymore! Great selection, excellent service, a joy to browse in - never miss a chance to go there when I'm up north! And in between - they're happy to serve you over the phone or by email. Thank you, BB, for providing book and bookstore lovers with a little piece of Heaven! read more

A happy oasis in downtown TC, impossible to leave without finding something you didn't know you needed to read. I love the curated selection, and the fact that I can phone in an order from halfway across the country, and the owner will answer the phone and chat with me as though I'm a regular who's there every day. read more

An excellent independent bookstore. Please visit it and buy something. Unlike so many these days, it takes its responsibilities seriously enough not to be pushing any particular political POV. The breadth of the stock is very good, with as much depth as a store this size can afford in inventory. read more

Best bookstore in Traverse City. They have a fantastic selection. I could have bought every book in that store. Very friendly staff.