Sidetrack Bookshop
Open now · closes 8:00 PMAbout Sidetrack Bookshop
Sidetrack Bookshop is an independent bookstore at 325 S Washington Ave in downtown Royal Oak, MI, serving readers across Metro Detroit. Its selection centers on new books, including new releases and staff favorites, with booksellers offering personalized recommendations. The women-owned and LGBTQ-owned small business supports local authors and hosts frequent author talks, book launches, and community literary events throughout the year.
Multiple book clubs and partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations are part of Sidetrack’s programming. Its sister store, The Caboose: Sidetrack Bookshop for Kids, focuses on books and events for young readers. Sidetrack offers in-store shopping, in-store pickup, and curbside pickup, along with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible parking. The business identifies itself as LGBTQ-welcoming and a transgender safe space. Its Google listing has a 4.9 rating from 218 reviews.
Known for
- New books and personalized recommendations
- Author talks, book launches, and book clubs
- Support for local authors
- Women-owned and LGBTQ-owned bookstore
- Children’s books at sister store The Caboose
What reviewers say elsewhere
“I love it simply the best. The bookstore was wonderful”
— Mark Taylor, September 4, 2026 · google
“Very helpful staff, super clean, knew what I wanted. Currently waiting for their neighbor store to text me an update on a book order I placed last Sunday.”
— Stephie Corpse, September 2, 2026 · google
“Absolutely love this place, my favorite new bookstore in Detroit metro for sure! Lots of cool, funny stickers and knickknacks in addition to a wide selection of newer books!”
— Jack Franklin Phoenix, August 31, 2026 · google
“You can park in the municipal parking lot and walk over. This is the bookstore so filled with charm and books you could scarcely believe they could fit an art class from Paint Creek Center for the arts, but they did. The employees were w…”
— DonnaJo Dembinski, August 27, 2026 · google
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