I first came to Changing Hands Tempe way back when I was a wee high school senior attending ASU's Young Adult Writing Project. Part of the program was coming to the bookstore to conduct a poetry reading. I have been in love with this store ever since. My husband has learned that if he needs a gift idea, all he has to do is wander through the store to find a unique coffee mug or novelty item, then grab a gift card toward a book of my choice on his way out. I've trained him well. He knows my need to browse bookshelves endlessly, judging books by covers, opening paragraphs, and final sentences. He waits patiently by the magazines.
This store can tend to feel a little crowded, but you are crowded by books and fellow book lovers. No complaints here. The staff are usually happy to help or lend a recommendation for a good book. Check out the Staff Picks wall for ideas on new books. They have never led me astray and i have discovered some amazing writers on the Staff Picks suggestion. You can also find a decent selection of local authors, the classics, and excellent rare books. My husband complains about the lack of automotive books, but he will admit he is not much of a reader so bookstores just don't do it for him.
Please consider coming here before spending your money at a chain bookstore like Barnes and Noble.
Also, you e-reader lovers can purchase e-books via their website!