The Indie Bob Spot: Between The Covers Bookshop

Between The Covers Bookshop, Holland, MI

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There is a rose blooming in the most unlikeliest of places. You might not see it or notice it, but it's definitely there and definitely a rose. My challenge to the folks in the Holland community and surrounding areas is to find this rose, embrace it, savor it, and return with a friend. On the northern outskirts of Holland, MI and south of West Olive, you're going to discover this rose of an independent bookstore. As Beth S. the owner told me, they don't get foot traffic so you need to get in your car to discover this rose. The good news for you is the drive will be worth it.

When you discover this indie you'll find out it can do just about anything. They carry mostly used books but if you want a new one they can order it. Need a used one that's not on their shelves, they can order it. Want to return a book that you already have, you can do it. Want a recommendation? If you're a previous custom they can see what you've purchased. Want to place an order online during a harsh Michigan winter, you can do that. How about buying a bag of books for $5, coming to the store to play board games, or adopting a cat? Yes, yes, and yes!

Beth has been at this location for over a year and by moving here she doubled her retail space from the previous location. The trade-off is now getting the customers in the door and she has buckets of events and ideas to do this. Lots of events for kids including games, art classes, summer story times, and more. Other store events include bookstore bingo, Bookaholics (the store book club), and Dungeons and Dragons just to name a few. Want to host a birthday party, wedding party, or any other event? Reserve their upstairs space. I think Beth and Aimee are doing a great job of creating a variety of events to bring people in.

Between The Covers is neatly organized in multiple rooms with lots of comfortable chairs for sampling books. Even though it's mostly used books they have everything on a data base so they know what's in the store. The sidelines are all locally created including a variety of jewelry, book art, and Dungeon and Dragons figurines to name a few. The inventory I browsed in the fiction section was outstanding. Best of all, when you visit here you'll enjoy meeting and talking to Beth who is as nice as any in the business.

So make it a point, Holland, to visit this rose. Who knows, maybe you'll leave with a few books AND a cat. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Gun Love, Jennifer Clement. Imagine Pearl, a 14-year old girl, and her mother in Florida. The only home Pearl has ever known is living in a car in a trailer park. There were hardships but they were doing ok until the mother takes up with a man of questionable character. For Pearl everything changes and she needs help. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Whiskey & Charlie, Annabel Smith.

Browse the bargains before you even enter.

View looking to the right from the front entrance.

Dexter leads me into the store.

Go directly to the left after entering and visit the youth room.

Partial view of the youth room. Includes picture books through young adult.

A few of the sidelines available just inside the front entrance.

Pick up some original book art by The Well Read Nerd. I always enjoy seeing these.

The room behind the check-out counter is a multi-purpose events room of coffee and crafts. You'll also find oversized non-fiction and coffee table books.