Bright Side Bookshop — Local services in Flagstaff

This was a cute little bookstore! It felt cozy, and there was plenty to look at. However, there were a few things that bumped it down two stars. I wish there was some form of seating or benches. Most bookstores I go to have at least one or two chairs scattered about or a bench by a window. I think I saw someone sitting on a floor step, which actually blocked items people could get to.

The layout made it kind of difficult to explore. There's so much room in front of the checkout counter and front end, but the area near the shelves really only fit one person standing in front of them. I couldn't look without hovering over someone's shoulder. I understand that some places can only make due with the space their given, but the layout could use an update.

I didn't get a chance to look around much, but the genres were a bit weird. I couldn't tell if they were organized by authors alphabetically or if they just put stuff into a genre and called it a day. The majority of the store was touristy stuff, self-help books, biographies and random "why you should eat fried chicken on sundays" kinda books. I didn't see popular genres until I got to the back of the store. They also didn't have more than one copy of a book very often, so I'm not sure what you'll do if you want to buddy read besides go online. But if you have to go online, then that defeats the purpose of coming in and physically enjoying the bookstore.

Finally, I didn't meet any friendly staff members who are mentioned in other reviews. I got to the counter, and no one even made eye contact with me until I put my belongings down. If I hadn't tried starting a conversation, I don't think one would've been had. The cashier seemed very disinterested. Not a single nod to the book I picked out or that it was a staff pick. No comment like "I hope you enjoy your books, definitely come back and let us know what you think." No one asked if I needed help...

Brightside Bookshop is my favorite indie local bookshop! I have started boycotting large booksellers such as Amazon or B&N in order to wholeheartedly support this little bookshop ❤️ the staff are amazing people who care a lot about their jobs and their customers. It’s really easy to find what I’m looking for there as they have a diverse selection and if they don’t carry what I need then I’m able to order it online. If it’s a preorder of a new release or a book club group purchase, they provide discounts too! The events are amazing. Authors from all over come in to do book signings and events. Brightside really leans into supporting other local businesses in the small town of flagstaff and partnering for events which is really incredible and important to see. Brightside is also the perfect place to get gifts because in addition to books they carry some little trinkets like candles, stuffed animals, bookmarks, socks, stickers, chocolates & more! I love that the staff provides personal recommendations all over the store and have specific sections (ex: local or Indigenous authors)! You can’t go wrong going here if you’re ever in downtown Flagstaff. Books pair perfectly with tea from Old Barrel Tea shop right...

Our family visited Flagstaff this week. We always try to find a good local bookstore. Bright Side Bookshop was AMAZING.

The first day we went there my wife and daughter loved the book recommendations that were listed by Sam—and some other they haven’t read yet. We bought some books that day but knew we would be back again.

Today we went back and was greeted by a super friendly person (actually everyone was friendly) but she commented how how she liked my daughter Manon Blackbeak shirt. They book-nerded out on the Sarah J. Maas books and then I noticed her name tag— Sam.

We told her we liked her recommendations that were listed on the shelves. Then Sam spent 30 minutes making more book recommendations and giving the synopsis of each book. My daughter loved every minute of it and happily bought 6 books.

Sam is a book whisperer.

It was a wonderful book store with exceptional book selection. My dad bought two books (a book on essays by a nature writer and a book of poems. My dad loves local bookstores and was very impressed with this one.

We will certainly be back to this bookshop—likely even tomorrow.

Come support this local bookstore...