Why we love Bright Side Bookshop in Flagstaff, Ariz. (and why they love 'Divine Rivals')

Local, independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.

Of course, they do so much more than sell books. Independent bookstores are a community connector, hosting events, clubs and social events that keep citizens engaged and informed. A local bookstore is a great place to make friends.

Each week we'll be profiling an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting expert book recommendations from booksellers plugged into the pulse of their local readership. Up this week is Bright Side Bookshop in Flagstaff, Ariz.

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What makes your independent bookstore unique?

Bright Side Bookshop is an independent bookstore in Flagstaff, a scenic mountain town just 70 miles from the Grand Canyon. Our town and the surrounding region is a travel destination that brings 5 million visitors, from around the country and globe, each year.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

Our beautiful, well-curated bookshop brings over 140,000 customers annually, pulling an annual revenue of $1.5 million per year that continues to grow. Our readership is uniquely different from bookstores in major metropolitan areas due to our proximity to the Grand Canyon and other national parks, monuments and heritage sites. We are surrounded by 22 federally recognized Tribes of Arizona and are known regionally for our extensive collection on Native Culture and Native American literature.

Bright Side Bookshop also strives to be a gathering space for community, connection and a civil exchange of ideas. We regularly host literary and community events, and partner with other businesses downtown to create accessible spaces where connections can be made and ideas can be shared.

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What's a book you can't keep on the shelves?

"Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon," by Melissa L. Sevigny. This is a local author and science writer whose fascinating and meticulously researched book tells the riveting true story of two pioneering botanists and their historic boat trip down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon.

"Brave the Wild River"at Bookshop.org for $28

What's a book you think deserves more hype?

"The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi," by Shannon Chakraborty. This is the ultimate adventure story featuring a fearsome female pirate who is also a mother and has bad knees. The story is fully equipped with sea monsters, demons and treasure hunts. Amina is a legend and everyone needs to party with her.

"The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" at Bookshop.org for $30

What book are you most excited about coming out in the next few months?

"Ruthless Vows," by Rebecca Ross (out Dec. 26). This sequel gives an epic conclusion to Ross' hugely popular “Divine Rivals," as Iris and Roman face impossible decisions as war wages on. Half our staff has been obsessed with "Divine Rivals" for months, and we would have named this book as one that deserves all the hype if not for its recent surge on BookTok. To say we are eagerly anticipating “Ruthless Vows” is an understatement.

"Ruthless Vows" at Bookshop.org for $19

Why should customers should shop local in your area?

Shopping local provides support to the local economy through employment and taxes. We provide cultural and literary events and programs through the year for locals and community visitors to attend. Customers also get the added benefit of a real person to help them find the perfect book rather than an algorithm. Contrary to popular belief, the printed word is not dead or outdated. There are tons of people who still love it. Otherwise, we would not exist!

• "Brave the Wild River" at Bookshop.org for $28
• "The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi" at Bookshop.org for $30
• "Ruthless Vows" at Bookshop.org for $19