I genuinely loved this place. When I first got there, I was greeted by the flying of two pride flags right on the facade of the building. I felt welcome from the very first second. The inside is genuinely a beautiful place, curated choices and thematic selections. This place is a mature, knowledgable store; they know what their message is and are willing to allow you to explore it if you want. I found books I never expected, several for a great price. And in liu of a bookmark, I got free stickers! This was a breathe of fresh air coming from a conservative town, I actually felt welcome, I felt at home there- for the few minutes I was there. I found some great books, and am currently enjoying one of the ones I bought. I would love to go back and immerse myself more in the store and its culture! Lovely place! read more

The parking situation was immediately a turn off, the everyone must wear a mask was also a turn off... I love and indie bookstore but this just missed it for me. read more

I loved the selection of books, stickers, local art, and cards. I bought a little is everything! The space is affirming for queer and trans folks & inclusive of diverse voices and authors. I also appreciated how many people were still masking in the store. We keep us safe! read more

Firestorm Books - Mural and seating outside of the store - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Almost left due to the lack of parking- don't park directly behind the building because it's not their parking lot. They seem to have legit one parallel parking spot directly in front of the store. Really just wanted to turn around at that point and go home. My sister and I wanted to check it out because we were in the area but as soon as we walked in she (part of LGBTQ+ community) felt very out of place among all the activist/anarchist stuff. We wanted fantasy and chill art and maybe nature books and just everything in our faces was about political or social issues/ justices or stories. We ended up politely looking around and leaving soon after empty handed. We found it ironic that for a community who believe in being and I quote from their sign "an anarchist community bookstore" that they immediately wanted to put all people entering in masks. We thought it was a little funny. They did have some cool art but a lot had words that just didn't make me want to buy it. It's dog friendly and not for profit but I wouldn't be back. We felt we were definitely outsiders and just didn't find what we were expecting or wanting. read more

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Great & unique bookstore, I'm so glad I checked this one out. I felt welcome and received good service. There were many different genres of books. And I loved the greeting cards! Parking can be limited so I went to Izzy's coffee a door over, got some good coffee and walked over. read more

Firestorm Books - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I thought this was a bookstore, not a campaign office. It'd be nice to shop for books without feeling like I'm being recruited into something. read more

Great selection of books. Staff was kind and they had a lot of lesser known titles and authors. Great sci-fi/fantasy selection.

I have never been to the actual store, but I order "small" batches of books (listen, small for me is about 5-10 items, depending on price) from them probably once or twice a year. I think I discovered this store when I was looking for bookstores that A) Weren't Amazon and Walmart, B) Had an eclectic book selection, C) Had political views that weren't the antithesis of my own, and D) Was Black, BIPOC-owned. They didn't meet all the criteria, but they mark enough of my boxes that I rave about the place on my social. Most of the materials I find here, I don't find many other places... Well, I do, but not all in one place. Usually, I'm having to scour book lists and articles to find what I like. At Firestorm, it's just right there on the website. Many times, when browsing, I usually find something where I'm like, "OMG, show me more!" I've spoken with several of the staff members through their online form/email, and found them to be very receptive to me and my inquiries. I have never had a problem with ordering materials, payments, or receiving my items. The only issue I've had is with individuals not liking the fact that this business wears its political leanings on their proverbial sleeves. I take no issue with it simply because I've been to places in the South that explicitly state that they're religious, have Bible verses on their promotional materials, and are outwardly hostile towards "unwanted business." That's been deemed okay, yet the opposite is not? Doesn't make much sense, but okay. Otherwise, this business is awesome and I'd give the place more stars if I could. read more

I don't know what people think they're going to get when they come in here, but no one is going to be accosted by anyone's political beliefs. As an anarchist, I love going to this bookstore. The people are always friendly and there's lots of material to choose from (their children's book section is gigantic!). I was present one time when someone came in causing a scene, and the way staff handled conflict was calm, level-headed and following deescalation protocol (that the police don't even use, mind you). This is a really chill place overall, they still require masks too so it's safer for immunocompromised folks and just people who don't want to get sick in general. Don't believe inflammatory news (that's usually perpetuated by the Alt Right/Alt Right adjacent people, mind you). There are hateful people out there who want to make staff, and Firestorm as a business, crumble. They're just transphobic, racist people who are scared of anyone who isn't like them. This place is downright pleasant. Love Firestorm! read more

Great bookstore. Friendly employees. What's not to like? Go buy a book here. They are great.

My first impressions of this store were very positive. On the outside I saw art, band posters, and posters in reference to their political beliefs in regards to various social causes; which I absolutely loved. I walked in and the man behind the counter was very sweet. I went to sit in the bookstore section. The bookstore had a wide variety of great books to choose from. We sat down on the couch to have our coffee and look out the window. While we were hanging out in the bookstore area my husband noticed an extremely small and discreet sign that was stuck in the bottom corner on one of their front windows. It read "neighborhood watch area, police not allowed," and referring to them as "uniformed gang members." After seeing this we got up and immediately left. As a business you are entitled to your beliefs, but like the rest of your signs you should make this one much bigger. Why was it the size of an index card among a sea of much larger signs? Why is it nestled in a corner? If you feel passionately about this, then make the sign bigger so that people can decide if they want to give you their money. Don't be sneaky about it. Not all cops are bad. There are people who make bad calls in every profession and all walks of life. That doesn't mean you shouldn't want to work with your community police to help the bigger picture. How do you feel when people do these kind of things to the LGBTQ+ community? Just be aware that the people who you refuse to serve coffee to, will give their life to protect you. read more

Firestorm Books - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I always enjoy going to Firestorm. They have an awesome selection for a variety of topics and are always getting new books and they always have tons of books on sale. I recently went there to buy some baby books for an upcoming baby shower and found exactly what I wanted. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the workers are always very nice, helpful, and enjoyable to talk to. read more

I always like visiting different bookstores when I travel . This staff seemed rude and weren't the friendliest .

Firestorm was one of the first places we went into when we were in Asheville and it immediately set the tone for what I could expect out of this awesome town. A self-described "collectively-owned radical bookstore, vegan coffee shop and community event space in Asheville," Firestorm made me feel like I was in Portland OR, and I mean that in the best way possible. It reminded me of my favorite bookstores and independent press spaces in that town that I loved. They carry forward-thinking, progressive publications that I enjoyed browsing, cool artwork/buttons/stickers/patches for all your radical protest needs, a rack of smart and activist friendly self-published local zines, plus a really well-curated section of non-fiction, fiction, and children's books as well. My favorite kind of space to explore when I'm traveling. We were already heavily caffeinated from our drive from Tennesse earlier that day so we didn't hit the coffee shop there, but it looked welcoming and comfortable. read more

Ok so I've never ever ever ever been to a book store like this!!!!! It is so damn cool, dope, awesome and whatever other adjective one can come up with. The lady at the desk is amazing and is a local so she knows her shit. They have books for every one and every body!!! Super inclusive, doesn't matter your race or sexuality, there's something for you. And they have pins for your Jean jacket which I am heavy into. The bathroom is all gender approved and has a box for needles because hey...they're inclusive. Condoms in there as well. And it's in a diverse area which I feel has been gentrified but the atmosphere is chill and positive read more

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I have frequented Firestorm Books & Coffee off and on for years. In my experience, this bookstore is very predictable in what you will get, every single visit. What you take away from that experience is highly dependent on various things, I would guess. Like: Your comfort level being in the presence of certain media topics, your need to be welcomed with an overly jovial attitude (because you're not getting that here...), or your desire to be checked on, or catered to, while browsing. Again, you're not going to get that here and that's necessarily not a bad thing either. Personally, I like the hands-off approach of the staff on the bookstore side - but, that's me. It makes for a peaceful and quiet visit - and I like that. Small sections, but quality selections. You can tell that Firestorm puts a lot of thought into hand picking the books they choose to sell. Cute selection of things for the kiddies like stickers, animal erasers, etc. Great selection of cards, postcards, and social justice books, zines, stickers, pins, magnets. The cafe side of the store is always clean and tidy. Prices clearly marked on counter items. Easy to read and, organized menu. Friendly and attentive guy behind the counter (today 7/16). I was greeted and kindly asked what I'd like within 30 seconds of approaching the counter. Very walkable area of west Asheville. Plenty of on street parking. read more

Firestorm Books - Herbal blend bubble tea. - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Firestorm is one of those few remaining places that you can point to and say, that place made Asheville special. Sure, it has moved, and evolved, but it stands tall and true no matter where it finds itself located. I challenge you to find a better self governing employee owned cafe bookstore co-op anywhere in the world. Firestorm recently relocated to west Asheville and the new space couldn't be more beautiful. Hardwood floors, large windows letting in tons of sunlight, an open cafe, and a well stocked independent bookstore. There's ample seating for reading, conversing, working... I'm writing this review as I sit at their well powered cafe bar. Electricity for everyone!!! If you're in to HYPER independent literature there's a lovely zine rack as well. Something about Firestorm feels homey to me. Not even the fact that I used to enjoy their board game nights in their downtown location. (I wonder if they still ever do these here)... No, Firestorm reminds me of my years spent in San Diego, hanging out at the Che Cafe... an anarchist vegan collective... Firestorm is like the nice older sister, who has been there, done that, now she smiles and welcomes you into her home where she has prepared a lovely afternoon tea for you. Parking can be a challenge, especially in the late morning, as they're located extremely close to Sunny Point and get the trickle down breakfast parking maelstrom. If you live close enough to walk here I don't understand why you aren't here more often. The only other sad note for me caused by the transition to this new location is the loss of the classic bagel sandwich.... Where ever will I get a bagel sandwich with sprouts on it while sipping delicious cold brewed coffee now? All things change... but it doesn't mean that I can't reminisce over the days that have passed. If you're a local who cares about supporting your fellow locals, well prepared coffee, and great reads, you owe it to yourself and Firestorm to be a regular. read more

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Very strange place with a very strange weird atmosphere. It seems like everybody there that I talked to, both workers and patrons live in some fake, make believe, alt world where hating your police, your parents, your neighbors, and your government seems to be normal to them and they therefore contribute nothing of benefit to the society that provides for them as a whole.. read more

I wandered over here while waiting for a table at Sunny Pointe Cafe and was pleasantly surprised to see a coffee shop connected to the bookstore. I ordered a lavender latte (they have a large selection of syrups!) but the barista put wayyy too much syrup in my drink. The lavender flavor overpowered the coffee and it almost tasted kind of soapy...not really appetizing. I probably took a risk trying something less traditional but I still didn't find anything particularly special about the coffee. Other than the cafe, the adjoining bookstore is pretty neat and a nice place to browse. read more

Firestorm Books - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

As we were about to leave Asheville on Memorial Day I saw Firestorm as we had parked near it on the street. What an awesome bookstore! It was beautiful to walk around and see books you would not see in the big retailers. The children's section was so diverse and full of wonderful selections. The staff was welcoming and helpful as I bought a couple of patches. What a lovely bookstore! read more

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I have never visited this bookstore, and I have never been to Asheville, but I am a happy customer nonetheless. After seeing one of their posts on social media and looking more into them, I decided to purchase a book for my friend's son's 10th birthday. I was very impressed with their selection and wound up buying a book for my friend's daughter as well. The books were shipped out promptly and arrived today (Wednesday), despite an estimated delivery date of Saturday. My friend texted to tell me that the packaging was "so pretty", and when her daughter opened the package (her son is waiting until his birthday this weekend) they were delighted to find it came with a bookmark, sticker, and booklet introducing anarchist politics. I'm very glad that they were able to get the books there so quickly, and the bonus gifts were a fun surprise. I will definitely check their website first next time I need to order a book for myself. read more

Firestorm Books - The stamp on the outside of the box - Bookstores Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Always love coming in here. Great vibes. I wish they had a larger vegan section since being anti fascist and anti-hate should include cruelty toward animals. read more

They need to improve their customer service. Not recommended, you can find better books on Amazon. Enter with caution, no social distancing or sanitation whatsoever. Too bad can't rate negative stars. read more

Such a great spot for vegan and gluten free food options, tea and coffee, and those hard to find books for radicals. We consider ourselves radicals too, even though we are turning around the real estate industry with our REALean franchise brand... so we love it... not the socialist or communist stuff, more so the mindset that we don't have to accept the world as it is. "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one adapts the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends upon the unreasonable man." -George Bernard Shaw If you dig that mindset, you'll love this spot! We do! read more

I kind of hate Firestorm's attitude in general. They pride themselves on accepting all types, regardless of gender, yet are openly hostile to my very sweet white male friends whenever they come in for coffee, which seems entirely hypocritical. Unfortunately, it's happened multiple times now so i will no longer give my patronage. Places like Firestorm give feminism a bad name. read more

I am new to the area so I wanted to check out this local coffee shop since I was at a nearby store. I was really happy to see that they had plenty of vegan options available. I ordered a coffee and a bagel. I had plans on sitting for a while and checking out the books, but to be honest I kind of just left after a short while. I got a really bad vibe from the person behind the counter. I mean I don't want someone to be fake and throw confetti at me upon arrival, but the employee couldn't of been more annoyed by my presence. The coffee and the bagel were okay. I just wish this was more of a welcoming space. read more

Not the nicest part of town, homeless bathing in the bathroom, lots of people that looked cracked out inside. Appreciate the vegetarian message though. Book selection limited. read more

By far best bookstore in town. Incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff and I care deeply for everything they stand for.

I love Asheville, but this place sucks. Walked in and ordered a bagel with cream cheese at 11:15am. Took my coffee and sat down. And waited. And waited. Watched 6 customers order their coffee, talk about their weekend, etc. Meanwhile, the cashier just went about her business. I approached her after 11 minutes, inquiring about bagel. "Oh yeah, sorry about that". Then she quickly toasts it, and hands me a shitty bagel with even more bland organic cream cheese on the side. Sunny Point Cafe had an hour wait, which is why I thought I would check this place out. Bad move. This place blows. read more

Fantastic independent bookstore with a great selection! There's a little something for everyone, but my favorite section is the fantasy/sci-fi one. They always have a wonderful mixture of books to find and have a clear commitment to making sure the selection is diverse. read more

Firestorm has a great selection of books that you won't find anywhere else in town. I can't afford as many as I would like, but when I can it saves me from having to buy through Amazon or endure shipping costs from publishers. They do offer a book club membership that gives you 10% off for a year after you pay a flat fee, which is cool. I always want to spend more time in their cafe but never do. It seems to get pretty hot and stuffy in the warmer months and the music choices are usually a little too distracting for me to want to sit down and read something. All in all I'm glad Asheville has a place like Firestorm, even if I don't frequent it as much as I'd like to. read more

Firestorm has a great selection of books, graphic novels, and zines, especially kids books for raising a socially minded child! It is a great space for meetings and book readings, and serves excellent coffee for very fair prices. Truly local and worker owned. A nice place to visit with a friend to chat or with comrades to plan. read more

Firestorm is a cool little space and a great bunch of people. It's so exciting to see them opening in their new space. It's beautiful, well lit, and has gorgeous floors. I went in for the grand opening and had the espresso. It was on point! So I had more ;-) read more

Firestorm is one of my go-to places in West Asheville. They serve excellent coffee and have a great selection of gluten free and vegan treats. The little café is the perfect spot to relax with a good book or work on your laptop. Also, their bookstore that is conveniently connected to the café has a wide variety of books about LGBTQ issues, feminism, social rights, etcetera. I highly recommend giving them a visit! read more

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I was there for open mic. The book store was cute and had some variety. Both areas were petite lets say. There was a decent coffee and tea list and it seemed priced right with a small selection of desserts. The staff wasn't overly friendly and I had to ask for toilet paper for the bathroom which seemed to irritate the woman behind the register. I didn't get a good vibe, but will try it again to see if it's a one off situation because I would really like to like it. read more

A small but tasty selection of food and a small but amazing collection of books. Plus community events, and who doesn't want to support a worker's cooperative? Personally, when I see a service worker forcing a smile for every single customer who walks through the door, I want to take my business elsewhere. Because I don't want to support a workplace that forces its workforce to perform emotional labor for every single rude customer. Instead, I've found the employees at firestorm to be personable and polite without being fake, and I appreciate the hell out of that. read more

We are out of town and decided to check out a cool coffee shop, this place came out and we choose it out of the thought of reading a good book and having a good cup of coffee, when we came in, the staff did not seem very welcoming. Overall there is a really strange vibe to the place and it doesn't come across as cozy or charming/hip. Our chai latte was bland and the earl gray tea tastes like plain water and smelled burnt (not sure how that was possible). The brownies were decent. There is a cute little kids corner but we were a bit alarmed/disturbed that they would have sexual books and other overt symbolism in posters and books all around this section and throughout, making it uncomfortable with our child. We had to leave after that. read more

I am a huge book store fan. Big box or mom & pop shops, I love them all. Firestorm is a great representation of the West Asheville vibe. Fun staff and always interesting groups in the back meeting room. I recommend this place as a must stop shop in West Asheville. read more

I really appreciate Firestorm's curated collection of books. They put a lot of energy into providing an unusual and thought provoking selection, of relevant books that would be hard to find elsewhere. The staff are friendly, and you can of course make special book orders. I'm trying to support local bookstores rather than Amazon. read more

I was very unimpressed. After reading the reviews I was excited to visit. My imminent thought was "am I in the right place?" There's nothing there's. 4 rows of books and that's all. None of which are tradition books. They are all what I would describe as "change the world" books. There was also 4 employees and none of them said a word to me. Unimpressed and will not be going back. read more