Sidetrack Bookshop

One of my favorite places to go! Everyone who works there is incredibly friendly and their recommendations are always spot on. I've had tons of fun at their events and monthly book clubs too. It's great to have a queer bookshop near where I live. Can't wait to stop in again!

I loved my visit to this bookstore. Little they may be, but they are not lacking in selection! So many amazing books! Also, their children's section offered a ton of variety. I loved their window book displays and the book displays inside. While listening to the employees banter as I was picking out books, I couldn't help but laugh to myself. These are my kind of people. The atmosphere was great.

A super cute little book store! Well maintained and easy to find what you're looking for. I went in for a specific book, which they had one copy of and it just so happened to be signed! The girls at the counter were talking about where they should go read at which was a cute little conversation too. Good vibes here!

Sidetrack Bookshop is an absolute delight. I could spend hours in there looking at books, talking with employees, and enjoying the atmosphere. I go there often to look for new books for myself or kids, and the staff has always been helpful and kind. Royal Oak is lucky to have such a bright little spot in their downtown.

Rumors of the death of independent bookstores are not only exaggerated they are false. Independents at times can suffer from disorganization, poorly curated works, and a smaller selection. Fortunately, this bookshop never suffers from any of these weaknesses, the number of books are vast without feeling like too, the organization is there, but it doesn’t feel clinical, and the curated selection of books means you won’t leave without making a purchase. The key to bringing customers inside is a unique aesthetic, this bookstore has that. Then you have customer service which makes one feel like you’re among friends. Great selection of cookbooks, kids/ya, mysteries, fiction, current events— the list goes on and on. And guess what if you can’t find what you’re looking for, you have a knowledgeable staff who will suggest, chat, and give you ideas. I only wish every town had a super bookshop like Sidetracked!

Cute little bookshop, definitely a super aesthetically pleasing experience. Unfortunately I didn't find anything I wanted because I was hunting for a YA book that came out last year and it seems like they keep their shelves stocked with only the most current releases, but that's not a bad thing, just a miss for me in particular. The staff were friendly and I was visiting my family in Michigan, so I got a cute & comfy souvenir sweatshirt here. Besides all the books, there are a lot of cute knickknacks you can get as souvenirs here, so it's worth checking out for one reason or another!

Anytime I want a little treat I stop into Sidetrack. The recommendations from the employees are always so good. I’m a voracious reader so it can be hard to find new titles, but the Sidetrack staff makes it easier. It’s so aesthetically pleasing in there. And I love that my money supports a queer-owned business.

One of my favorite indie bookstores! Great selection, awesome staff, and they host fun events!

This place was worth my trip from Ohio! Everyone was so sweet. I went for the midnight release for Crescent City 3.

This is a lovely addition to downtown Royal Oak. The owner’s are lovely and have been able to help me find any book I’m looking for. I hope they are around for many years to come. If you haven’t had the chance to stop out and visit you’re missing out!

I adored everything about this little bookshop. The owner and employees were so friendly, chatting to me about books as I shopped around. Everything was incredibly well-organized and the cozy space inside made me want to come back. I loved their selection of newly published books and older staples. They had a wonderful fantasy section. I can't wait to visit again the next time I am in Royal Oak.

An absolute gem of a local bookstore. We are SO thrilled to have an indie here in Royal Oak! The owners care a lot about the community and are always putting on events. They are always willing to order books. Also, they are dog friendly! You can wander in with a coffee or your pup and you will be welcomed. We are so lucky to have Sidetrack. I hope the community supports them a they can stay open forever. Definitely stop in!!

My absolute favorite. The selection is great and if you can’t find it they can order it for you. The space is so inviting and I love all the other extra little gifts they sell too. The staff is always kind.

Stopped in during Arts, Beats and Eats and so glad I did. Representation matters and there is representation here! I saw several books I had seen on TikTok as well as books that sounded so interesting but hadn’t heard of yet. So to say there is a good selection in a small space. I asked for recommendations and was introduced to new authors. The staff and owner were all super friendly. As a teacher it was great to see a thoughtful children’s section too. I look forward to going back.

This is such a nice independent bookstore. They have a good selection of books for being a smaller store. There is something for everyone here. Friendly staff too! I love supporting an independent bookstore and this is a great one.

I noticed this bookstore a few weeks ago and was very excited to see it! While waiting for the train to pass, I stopped in. I asked if they were closing, because it was getting late and I didn’t want to impose.

The woman at the counter (I believe she is one of the owners) was super sweet! She told me they were going to close soon but to take as much time as I needed and that she was in no rush. I spent a few minutes looking and found two books that interested me right away. The owner was very friendly and talkative when I checked out and left such a welcoming impression. I will definitely be back and spend more time browsing next time!

A nice small neighborhood bookstore. I found a nice selection of new books with a surprising range, given the store's small size. A little something for everyone. The store does appear to have a large selection of children's and young adult books. The staff seemed friendly, and they have a nice website. If you're in the area and want to support a community bookstore alternative to the big box and online shops, then come check this place out.

Was very excited to see an independent bookstore appearing in Royal Oak - our city has needed one for quite some time.

So I stopped in today and was very pleased with their offerings. They’re still quite new, and it takes time to fill so many shelves, but what they had was a lovely selection and many unique titles I hadn’t seen or heard of before.

The store is quite well laid out and easy to navigate, and I found out while checking out that you can order and/or preorder books through the shop! I won’t have to hike to Ann Arbor or even further afield for my books any longer!

Hip hip hooray for independent bookstores! Long may Sidetrack thrive!

My fiancée asked for books for Christmas, so I decided to check here before going online. I loved how big the selection of queer books was - quickly found what she wanted. We just moved to Royal Oak, and I am so glad to have a gem like this in our city!

Sidetrack is great! Their curation is awesome and if they don’t have what you’re looking for in store it’s easy to order through them. Support your indie bookstores!