Books are a way to escape to a far-off world.

It has become a mission to find my favorite bookstore here, not including Barnes & Noble.

Yesterday, I visited an independent bookstore that has stolen my heart in more ways than one.

Get our free mobile app

Here is a list of the best independent bookstores in West Michigan, according to Google reviews.

Schuler Books (Grand Rapids)

Credit: Lisha B
Credit: Lisha B
loading...

Schuler Books has become my new bestie in the book game.

Ever since I visited for the first time a few weeks back, I find myself visiting every two weeks.

Credit: Lisha B
Credit: Lisha B
loading...

My favorite aspect of the store is that the employees leave notes on the books, describing what it is about or fantastically explaining why this book should be your next read.

Credit: Lisha B
Credit: Lisha B
loading...

Kris Shannon says that Schuler Books is

"A local gem! At one point it was the country's largest independent bookstore and it still might be. Regardless, the selection is great, the cafe is good and the fact that they have just as many gifts as books makes this a true well-rounded shopping experience! The fact that they have used is the icing on the cake. Support local!"

Books & Mortar (Grand Rapids)

According to its Instagram bio, Books & Mortar is "Grand Rapids' Proudly Progressive, Consciously Curated, Fierce Independent Bookstore."

How does that description not scream "Come visit me?!"

Books & Mortar also has three book clubs that you can join as well:

      • Bookseller Faves Book Club
      • YA Book Club
      • Sci-Fi Book Club

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Books & Mortar (@booksandmortar)

Even travelers like Eveie Edgar loves Books & Mortar.

"Went in here a few days traveling out-of-state and oh my goodness this might be the cutest book store I have ever been to! It is small but everything is so well organized and cozy plus it's full of local artist products too! Will definitely come back every time I'm near Grand Rapids now!"

Readers World (Holland)


View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @readersworldholland

Located in downtown Holland, Readers World has been enhancing each of its readers' worlds. A user named Gidyup says that Readers World is

"Larger than expected. Very friendly staff. Great selection in lots of categories. Good kids section. Lots of magazines. I feel like I'm just listing things. We stopped in twice in the last two weeks and found new things both times. Stop in and support your local bookstore!"

this is a bookstore & Bookbug (Kalamazoo)

This is a bookstore provides space for all readers to broaden their reading horizons.

Bookbug fuels the love and appreciation that children's lit brings to the world.

"We believe in the power of removing economic barriers to education and in the right every child has to celebrate voice and story."

Seely Rotigel says that Bookbug is a

"Fantastic Bookstore! Huge selection for adults and children, friendly/helpful staff, inviting atmosphere, great gifts, great cafe and so much more! Highly recommend. They also support the local community and are very inclusive. So nice to have such a great bookstore in Kazoo! Love supporting local small business!"

We Are LIT! Multicultural Bookshop (Grand Rapids)

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

A post shared by Grand Rapids Bookstore (@wearelitgr)

I have been meaning to visit this bookstore since I moved to Grand Rapids. We Are Lit! is more than a bookstore. It is a mission to bring inclusivity to the forefront in books.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Grand Rapids Bookstore (@wearelitgr)

According to the website, "We Are LIT is on a mission to create a culture around books in West Michigan! We love to bring the bookshop offline and into the Grand Rapids community through pop-ups within some of the city's best venues for art, culture, and entertainment."

Craig Hall gives a simple yet effective review.

"Nice store with a special mission...stop in!"

Lansing Little Free Library—Here's Where You Can Get Some Free Books

These adorable little libraries are located all over the Lansing area. It's an opportunity to grab something new to read while you're out and about. Maybe you're walking the dog and spy one of these fairy-home-looking mini-libraries, you can pop over and see what kinds of books neighbors have left in it. It's also an excellent chance to interact and help out the community. It's kind of like take-a-book, leave-a-book. If you need a book, please have one. And if you have the means to leave a book, please do.

Real Life Locations of "Michigan Chillers" Books

If you remember reading Jonathan Rand's "Michigan Chillers" series, you'll love to look back on the locations used as inspiration for the 15 books that featured some of our favorite Michigan destinations.

More From 97.9 WGRD