Island Books

Margaret Renkl noted in the New York Times this week "If you’re hoping to find something unexpected and delightful, you’ll need to go to the little local shops that have survived in the age of online shopping by being quirky and brave, and by knowing their customers well enough to say, “I think you would love this.”  She goes on to laud her local bookstore in particular, and independent bookstores in general. We not only know what books to recommend when you say "My dad loved The Splendid and the Vile" but we also have picked out the most fun and delightful gifts that we happily give to our own families and friends. Despite supply chain woes, we just want remind you that Island Books is full of fantastic books and calendars and toys and journals and mugs and bags and hats and scarves, and, and, and ...  Everything has been hand-picked with our customers in mind. If you don't see exactly what you are looking for, just ask - we are happy to offer suggestions, opinions and advice. Let yourself be delighted and surprised!

The signs of fall are all around. Leaves are swirling, gathering in roads and sidewalks. Darker mornings and evenings. The rain and wind bluster through in violent downpours. Halloween is this weekend, and Island Books has had a spooky reads table set up all month long, as well as a great display back in kids with Halloween reads for all ages. But whenever I’m asked about psychological thrillers or horror recommendations, I don’t have much to offer, big scaredy-cat that I am. 

However, there’s more than one genre that incorporates elements of horror, and I find I’m very comfortable with the dark, spooky, and downright macabre when it comes to fairy tale retellings and fantasy novels. Ghosts, blood, and evil spirits – I don’t bat an eye as long as it’s set in some other place and time, preferably long ago and far away.

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As you may know, we consider Island Books to be more than just a bookstore.  We consider it a community gathering place and hub for thoughtful discussions on a wide variety of topics.  Unfortunately, COVID has changed that dynamic for us; however, we continue to adjust to the changing environment as we have for nearly 50 years.  During the 2019 election, we offered each of the MI City Council Candidates an opportunity to participate in a series of “Meet and Greet the Candidate” events at Island Books.