- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Brazos Bookstore
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
2421 Bissonnet StHouston, TX 77005
Neighborhood: West University
(713) 523-0701
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for Brazos Bookstore
Review Highlights
-
"...selections of books and local authors and weekly readings..." In 3 reviews -
"...ones that existed back before Barnes & Noble took over the..." In 3 reviews -
"...and get notices about author readings and book signings." In 3 reviews
Loading...
12 reviews in English
-
Review from Jennifer J.
Houston, TX
2/27/2012
I like this place,,, as indipendant book store this is BEST place near West University. Atmosphere is very peaceful and clam, staffs are very nice. Now days we don't have many indi book store because of Big Company... but I hope we have more of these book stores and give some treat to our brain every once in a while.
-
Review from Helen D.
Houston, TX
Updated - 3/20/2012 7 Check-ins Here
So let's take another look at Brazos Books. Quite a few changes have taken place since my last review. People have come and gone, the bookstore rearranged, a new on-line posting.
I have heard voices raised in dismay. It seems human nature runs true-we don't tolerate change very well. Especially when it comes to something as beloved and familiar as our Brazos Books.
I am trying to be objective in wading through the pros and cons. I admit my own dismay at the total make-over of the store. Gone is the cozy, libraryish feel. The sit down a while, linger, enjoy a cup of tea and browse a book (well not really tea, it just felt that way). Now the feel is slicker, hipper, edgier. Not quite as warm. But I have to say the children's/juvenile lit room was way overdue for some attention and it is really refreshing and inviting. Before it was a mishmash as if everything had just been tossed into the room. If you were serious about looking for something you had to wade in and start digging. I always got the feeling it was only a nod to children but not a serious attempt to attract that market. For myself it was a serious oversight and slight.
I also liked the original staff. Very, very helpful, friendly. Well-read and could recommend or advise on demand. But alas they fell by the wayside one by one. I was always a bit sad to walk in and discover they hadn't been on vacation or had a day off. They were gone! I have discovered some at other places local and enjoy their continued help and knowledge in books.
I have to say I understand that in the cutthroat world of books and dog-eat-dog business world one must do their level best to bring in what will appeal to the largest market. I travel extensively and have seen many small, local bookstores. Brazos Books is trying to reimagine itself as a modern, younger place to attract the younger people. And they are right to try because obviously that is the future business that will keep it open long after I am a memory. But really what everyone should realize is that you live or die by reputation. Not by whether you had the hippest blog with all the latest catchphrases and obsure books. Not that your store was spare and slick. Instead of tea perhaps a glass of champagne while you browse?(Well, that's not half so bad either come to think of it!)
Nope what will keep Brazos Books going is good books, a larger selection of magazines and news papers(just thought I would throw that in if anyone is listening) and super friendly, super efficient, super knowledgeable staff. So far (even though I truly miss my familiar faces) I cannot complain about the people I have met. I am willing to give all this change a chance. If the staff is up for the challenge and keep their smiling gameface on they just might win over all the discontented doubters.
I though will have a harder time w/the on-line blog which seems only to cater to a much younger set. It would be nice if they could reset the tone to be more all-inclusive of all age groups.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
12/26/2011
A treasure of a bookstore in the West University area. I love visiting this shop. They always have… Read more »
-
-
Review from Lisa O.
12/29/2010
I love this place-- it's the only bookstore in Houston I go to find new interesting things to read.
What I find nearly magical is that in any section, any section at all, I find something I would like to read-- usually I stick to fiction or the health/science section but in large part through Brazos Books I've realized a newfound interest in history, biography, even economics. Whoever the buyer is is amazing, don't let the smallish size of this shop turn you away, it's densely packed with quality reads.
The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, I've found I even love the patrons. Sidenote: if you're familiar with BookPeople in Austin, this is just like that only smaller.
It's a neat little place, my favorite in Houston : ) -
Review from Chuck M.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
A great old-fashioned independent bookstore with a well thought out selection. If you're looking for a bookstore like the ones that existed back before Barnes & Noble took over the market, look no further. Sign up for their mailing list and get notices about author readings and book signings. This place might not have the latest bestseller at 40% off...but they probably can direct you to a book that you'll like even better here.
-
Review from Gretchen P.
Houston, TX
1/12/2009
If you are looking for the best independent bookstore in Houston, look no further.
Houston is lacking in independent bookstores. Sterile chains put together using a marketing formula are the norm. Obligatory coffee shop, Information Desk behind which staff members have to refer to a computer for book recommendations, homogeneous music is piped over the tiny, hidden speakers. You won't find this at Brazos. Thank goodness!
I've meant to stop by here for quite a while. Oddly enough, I forget about it; it's on an awkward part of Bissonnet. I finally made it here about a week ago; I was on the quest for a book that is sold out almost everywhere in Houston. This was stop four on the quest of six stores.
There was a author talk the evening I visited, with a nice-sized crowd of about twenty or thirty people. They ALL turned to look at me as I entered the store. Lovely.
The employee was really nice and helpful, but alas, no book. As he looked up when the books would arrive (they were already on back order) I looked at a few of the display tables. Almost everything I read the back of looked interesting. A whole table and surrounding section of employee favorites. I didn't have the chance to browse around the store much, but almost did anyway out of curiosity and a little spite. (The twenty to thirty people kept eyeballing me every time I whispered something to the employee.)Listed in: One for You, Five for Me, The Village, I Heart Reading
-
Review from Kim H.
1/30/2010
Brazos Bookstore is one of a few independent bookstores in Houston. With the success of Borders and Barnes & Noble which have their place, small bookstores especially in Houston are appreciated on an even deeper level.
Brazos will never have the selection of the larger guys, but what they do have is richer and carefully-selected. They have a great architecture section as well as a diverse selection of magazines from all over the world. They also bring authors like Dave Eggers and Marjane Satrapi to read, answer questions, and sign autographs. Take THAT, large corporations!
Pay Brazos a visit and remember what book stores were meant to be. -
Review from Liz S.
Houston, TX
9/8/2007
This small store has a big selection of mass market books, ndependent (but not in THAT way) books, and works by local authors. They host release parties and readings, and they partner up with many local business and writing groups like Inprint. Their mission is something along the lines of bringing "world-renowned authors and ideas to Houston audiences."
This isn't Barnes and Noble, and it's definitely not a discount store. It is, however, a great bookstore, staffed by knowledgeable, friendly, and book-passionate folks who will help you locate what you need (even if by special order). Even in the age of Amazon and Powell's, there is still a real value to stores like Brazos. -
Review from Emily D.
6/10/2011
A fantastic independent bookstore. They had Camus in French translation! There were so many books here I wanted. There are comfortable spaces to sit and read, the staff is so friendly and helpful, and the kids' nook in the back is delightful. If I lived in Houston I would spend time here daily. Excellent selection of books, journals, and specialty items. (I got Jane Austen playing cards here!)
Listed in: Bookworms
-
Review from Prissy V.
Houston, TX
1/13/2012
Brazos used to be GREAT until they FIRED Jane Moser...Now they have a young kid running things and he thinks - THUMBS DOWN. If you are looking for a great store that CARES about the customer and offers GREAT service - try Blue Willow Book Shop in River Oaks.
-
Review from Kee M.
Houston, TX
10/12/2009
Brazos Bookstore is a gem of a place. Its warm and cozy and the staff are always friendly and helpful. It can get crowded at times but I think thats part of its charm.
The inventory in this store strike a great balance across genres. There are the so-called best sellers available but they also carry local authors, the so called indie authors and other books that you wouldnt think to look for, much less read.
They have an awesome kids section that I always stop by at, and author/book events almost every week. The merchandise is a bit more pricier than a chain bookstore but not overly so. -
Review from Therese T.
Houston, TX
3/11/2008
A great all-round independent bookstore in Houston. The only thing I miss from mega bookstores are that I can buy music and video and other stuff besides from them, while an independent bookstore is more or less stuck to books...and maybe some dailies and journals, but that's it. That said, Brazos is a super cozy bookstore (look for their rocking chair by the children's section--my favorite!), and they also offer weekly events. Knowledgeable and friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere make coming here worth it.
-
Review from Carrie H.
Austin, TX
1/18/2008
Great staff, brilliant selections of books and local authors and weekly readings and meet and greets of up and coming writers.
