Peregrine Book Company - Prescott, AZ

Peregrine Book Company - Prescott, AZ

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Prescott, AZ is a town of approximately 40,000.  There are, unfortunately, towns much larger around the country that have nothing as nice as this.  A few years ago the local Barnes & Noble closed its doors.  Enter Peregrine Book Co. who came to the rescue filling the void left by Barnes & Noble and is now getting stronger and showing growth each year.  After seeing this store, it's no fluke and no accident.  This place compares to the best of them across the country.

I didn't meet Ty F. and Tom B., two of the founders of Peregrine Books, but I know after talking to others that they know their stuff when it comes to bookstores.  Heck, this isn't the only bookstore Tom B. has been involved in starting.  He's been a founder of at least three other bookstores, including Changing Hands in Tempe.  The experience of these two shows in the organization, creativity, design, and neatness of this store.  To say this place has been in good hands is an understatement.

The store sells new and used books as well as publisher's overstock so you can get some great deals.  They'll buy your books back if they need them and offer store credit or cash in return.  Peregrine Books has a wonderful variety of sidelines including the usual greeting cards, journals, socks, and the unusual like fake mustaches and super hero figurines.  The children's department is doing well here and features a weekly story time.  Veri, one of the booksellers, has done a great job with this department and if you need suggestions for a children's book, she's the expert.  There are frequent author events held here and they have a flexible space in the back of the store that can accommodate at least 80 people.  The customer base is a combination of locals, tourists, and transplanted retirees, all contributing to a successful business.  I especially enjoy finding easy and free, on-street parking.

None of my write-ups about these bookstores would be possible without the cooperation of the fine people I meet and Peregrine Books is no different.  I met three very nice humans and one incredibly friendly non-human.  Reva, the floor manager, along with Cynthia and Veri, two of the booksellers were terrific to talk to, all on a week day morning that saw a steady stream of customers.  You'll enjoy talking to any of these three and they will be able to give you MANY book recommendations.  And if Cynthia is there, you'll get to meet her dog, Max.  If you're unsure which one is Max, just look for his employee name tag.  I love it when I see bookstore dogs and if I had an Indie Bob Spot bookstore dog hall of fame, Max would be in it.

Seriously, who could resist this cute little guy?!  What ever they're paying Max, it isn't enough!  Now I've given you two reasons to visit this indie, buy a book and visit Max!  

Even though Peregrine Books has been here for three years, there are still people in the area that haven't found out about it.  Here's what you do.  Those of you who know how great this place is, take a friend on your next visit who hasn't been here yet.  Then tell that friend to do the same.  Repeat ad infinitum.  No more excuses to miss this Arizona gem.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Golem And The Jinni, Helen Wecker.  I don't normally read this kind of a book, fiction fantasy.  But this is a good one for those who might feel tentative about this genre.  Story of two non-humans who live among the people of the lower east side of Manhattan, 1900.  How they were created and how they influence the lives of people around them and the connection they share.  I enjoyed this one.

This Is Water, David Foster Wallace.  I've always wondered about Infinite Jest, by this same author but can't bring myself to tackle it.  This book is very short and a reprint of the author's commencement address.  A good book to read to remind us how to be!

CURRENTLY READING:  Destiny Of The Republic, Candice Millard.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Underground Girls Of Kabul, Jenny Nordberg.  The Sawtooth Complex, Susan Lang.

Great view looking straight through the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right and a large display of staff picks.  

Have a seat here and try out a book.  

A portion of the local authors and local interests.  

Some of the sidelines available, right at the check-out.  

Your kids are going to love these animal hand puppets.  

Lots of great sidelines for kids here as well as the books.  

Lots of magazines available.  

If your kids like superheroes and comic books, take them to this section of the store.  

You can find some of the most unique socks in independent bookstores.  

Bring your book club in and talk about your next book.  

This is the view from the back of the store looking toward the front.  

The owners put a lot of time in refurbishing this space.  I really like how they did the ceiling.  

A view of one of the long book aisles.  

Veri has done a great job in the children's department pairing children's books with the right animal hand puppet.  

Most indies give back to the community or find a worthy social cause.  Another reason to visit.  

With Reva, the floor manager.  Thanks for a great visit.