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Book Beat
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
26010 Greenfield RdOak Park, MI 48237
(248) 968-1190
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
21 reviews for Book Beat
Review Highlights
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"Great greeting cards." In 3 reviews -
"There is also an amazing variety of unique art books." In 8 reviews -
"...walking distance of this excellent independent bookstore." In 6 reviews
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21 reviews in English
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Review from William G.
South Bend, IN
12/29/2011
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!
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Review from Kevin J.
Detroit, MI
3/30/2012
I'm not sure if it's the desolate, suburban wasteland Book Beat is set in, the awesome, overwhelming, overflowing collection of strange and exquisite literature contained here or a combination of both that makes walking into this place so transcendent. Two steps in the door and I'm transported. It was like arriving in town the last time I went to New Orleans. My whole body just relaxes. I half expect to encounter some crazy old witch offering me Turkish delight, a Chesire cat or some other such literary fantasy.
It's easy to lose hours here since this place makes it seem that it's the hours not spent here that are wasted. I wish I had a basement like this. When I die lay me down in one of these narrow aisles and cover my body with books. I'll come back as a character in one of them. -
Review from M. R.
Ferndale, MI
3/20/2012
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. -
Review from Cate W.
Ferndale, MI
7/20/2011
Holy cow! I like independent bookstores, and this place is better than almost any other I've seen in the area. Book Beat sells new, gently used and rare, my favorite combination, and its pickings are magnificent!
It was kind of like a wish dream, actually, because I kept finding out of print books in hardback, with dust jacket, that I'd been looking for. The only downside is that they were priced at their worth, so I couldn't buy everythng I wanted. Still, I know they're there!
I also found signed copies of favorite children's books (the kids books section is mesmerizing), and a fabulous card and gift selection; in fact, I kept getting distracted by all the new places to look.
What's funny about this place is its location, just off a strip mall in a corner of the parking lot that hosts my nearest DMV and an Aldi. Parking is not a problem, which is great, and let me say, the location is misleading for the kind of experience Book Beat offers. I will return and spend more money here. This business ought to be supported by local book lovers, fabulous shops like Book Beat need to be rallied around in times fat and lean.
I take one star off because I couldn't afford to buy everything I wanted to, but really, that's petty of me and I know that. -
Review from Anna S.
1/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I walked into this bookstore and immediately fell in love. First of all, I'm a "wannabe reader." Meaning, I buy books that I want to read, I start them and then after my ADD kicks in and a squirrel darts by, I forget all about reading and just giggle maniacally until the stares of on-lookers causes me to stop and question myself.
Book Beat has that awesome feel that you didn't know you wanted from a bookstore; the smell of incense, calming music in the background, artsy people quietly shuffling from aisle to aisle and quirky gifts and must-haves on every shelf. I could've spent hours there. I left with a huge book of 140 Mad-Libs and a small, yet thick, book of lists. The staff was pleasant and not in your face, the prices reasonable and the selection was really great. I plan on going directly here when I need to find a cool gift for a friend. -
Review from Michael E.
Huntington Woods, MI
2/17/2011
If your idea of a bookstore is a chain like Barnes and Noble or Borders, you owe it to yourself to see how great a real, independent bookstore can be. And if you have any interest in art or children's books- well, you will not find a better selection of these two genres anywhere on the planet.
A visit to Book Beat is an adventure. You never know exactly what you'll come across, either in books, or artworks, or just interesting little geegaws that can be found at the counter and scattered around the store. Owners Cary and Coleen and their staff are all interesting and educated people who will take their time to help you find whatever it is you may be looking for. Visit once, and you'll be back again and again. -
Review from Laura H.
12/4/2010
Oh, man.
The Book Beat is one of the weirdest finds in the area, but a weird-good find. I can't believe it's still in business after all these years and the rise of the big book giants, but it's still placidly sitting at the corner of Lincoln and Greenfield, waiting for your business should you choose to meander in.
I find that this is a place that's best for wandering. It can be a little challenging if you come to the Book Beat with a specific title in mind - though if you ask one of the staff, they probably have it. It's amusing to watch one of the workers clamber over a couple piles of books, thrust a hand into another pile, and pull out the book you wanted. There probably is an organizational system to this place, but I've never figured it out.
But the Book Beat is better for poking through the stacks and piles and seeing what you can find. Whenever I've allotted myself the privilege of doing so, I've been pleasantly surprised. It's a very nice way to spend an afternoon or two.
Overall, I would definitely say that it's a must-see if you're in the area. When I've had friends visiting from out of town, I generally try to take them here if they're the bookish type.
The only reason why it doesn't have five stars is the weird pricing system that a couple other reviewers have mentioned - a lot of the books don't have prices, and even some that do have prices will often ring up differently at the register.
All things considered, though, it's a minor gripe and you really should go visit if you're into books at all. It's worth the extra couple of bucks to keep this place in business; it's an experience. I just wish that the pricing was more upfront. -
Review from Ryan L.
I went here after finding it on Yelp. This place seems out of place in these days of monolithic Borders and B&N in strip malls. The Book Beat is like a mythical local book seller that seems like it would exist in downtown Ann Arbor in the 80s or early 90s. The days of the local, independent bookseller may be gone, but Book Beat hearkens back to those days of legend.
Book Beat isn't a Big Box Bookstore. It's books are organized by topic but not in any real discernible way. You just kind of have to look around until you find the subject you're looking for. The aisles are narrow and the books are overflowing from the shelves. It's a tight squeeze in some places, but it's not claustrophobia-inducing.
There are a lot of books in this place and there is a good selection. Some areas or genres get more attention than others, but they've got just about everything. If you're looking for childrens' books, there is a large section with a lot of great books. In addition, I saw a lot on art, music, classics, young adult and fantasy books.
I was surprised that such a nice bookstore is so close to me. If you're a locavore looking to buy local and keep your money in the community, this is definitely a good alternative to the big guys. -
Review from Robert R.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2009
As I live in San Francisco, and haven't yet been to the Detroit area, I have yet to visit the Book Beat in person. That said, their online service is excellent.
I was looking for a T-shirt that I randomly saw online. After sending the word out to some friends that I was looking for said shirt, one of them sent me a link to the BB. I promptly placed my order, wondering if it was a good idea.
Never fear, not only was their response prompt and personal, but the shirt arrived sooner than they had estimated.
Browsing their online shop, they have quite a bit of stuff I came across a bunch of stuff I haven't seen anywhere else.
In any case, I know that if I am looking for some books online, I will definitely throw some more business their way when possible. -
Review from Dil F.
7/1/2010
Some used but mostly new books, decent prices, insane art collection.
Somebody pointed me here when I first got to town, hunting down what southeast Michigan had to offer in terms of used books. Well, when i arrived, i discovered it's not a used book store. There are SOME used books, but it's mostly new books. That said, everyone else's review has hit the highlights. Some of their collections are SUPER strong, esp. their art/art history section. You can find exhibition catalogues, single artist retrospectives, glossy coffee table books organized by period, style, artist, and criticism. Art books are always pretty pricey, but the ones here are reasonable... still pricey, but reasonably pricey.
Very small aisles. Some great oddities and first editions in the display cases around the register.Listed in: Books Gone Wild
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Review from Kevin B.
Pasadena, CA
8/16/2011
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.
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Review from Reviewer O.
1/7/2012
Lots of books all expensive and all poorly organized. The owner came off arrogant and unhelpful. Commented that they're messy like a used book store but these are all new books. Not really something to brag about. Why spend hours sifting through boxes of unorganized overpriced books ? There's much better out there.
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Review from Emily L.
Detroit, MI
3/29/2009
I really love Book Beat. Yes, it unorganized and it can sometimes be hard to find things. Yes, sometimes the pricing is weird. But 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.
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Review from Cait S.
10/23/2010
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.
Listed in: Local Heroes, Still Kicking
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Review from Esther I.
Oak Park, MI
12/16/2009
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.
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Review from Cherice J.
Detroit, MI
8/2/2008 1 photo
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.
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Review from o o.
Ann Arbor, MI
11/4/2007
When you need a recommendation for a good book there is nowhere else to go. An eclectic mix of books, music, and art. Best photography and children's section in town. Great greeting cards.
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Review from Haroun K.
5/20/2007
I don't really like when people give those paeans to the dying independent bookstore. But this is an independent that survives on its own merits. It is possible to be overwhelmed by the mustiness and clutter at first, books piled all over the aisle floors. But, the searching and navigating is an integral part of bookfinding. I've found so many amazing, unlikely gems hidden or camoflaged among the masses. Bookbeat specializes in Beat Generation books, of which you'll find a lot, especially Kerouak and Ginsberg. Also they carry some books by published by Green Integer and Pushkin Press, which specialize in titles from Avant Garde Europe. There is also an amazing variety of unique art books. The 5th star was lost because they have an annoying tendency of not marking a price in a book, not finding a price written in their catelogue for this book, and then pulling a ridiculous price out of nowhere. Ugh.
Update: So for maybe the trillionth time, I found a good book with a reasonable marked price, only to have the price increased at the register. I think it's pretty shady. There are enough interesting bookstores which do not do this, and I think I'll patronize them instead... -
Review from evan c.
Emeryville, CA
12/23/2009
Seriously. Just go.
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Review from Sid D.
Berkley, MI
11/27/2009
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!
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Review from Kristopher S.
Royal Oak, MI
3/1/2011
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
