Sunrise Bookshop

A hidden gem. Probably the oldest, surviving metaphysical bookstore in the Bay Area...that too few people know about.

Sunrise does not have the most "complete" selection of metaphysical books (too many, too broad to stuff in a small shop), BUT they have an impressive and delightfully fascinating selection of used books--including some rare, vintage, 1st editions, out of prints. Inventory changes, so there's no guarantee that every visit will be fruitful.

Subject matter is vast: if you love old books and weird metaphysical subject matter*, or looking for a unique gift book for your eccentric bibliophile friend, this place is browse-worthy. There is a dilapidated sofa upstairs, if you want to sit instead of squatting by the shelves.

*Theosophy, miscellaneous esoterica, christian mysticism, 60s era brainwashing cult religions and "self-help", gypsy lore, metaphysical fiction, hermetic philosophy, eastern gurus, classicals, etc.

This shop has been around for 30 years. Richard, the owner, often makes book-buying trips to England. Come support your local community business.

Shop is easy to miss, because there is a tree in front that obscures the storefront and signage. It's a couple of blocks from the Ashby Whole Foods (same side). Easy street parking available.

My friend liked the store the best for her metaphysical and science books, the store was devoted to this and religions and philosophies too. A small store but chock full of these types of books. The person at the desk was very helpful and knowledgeable and was willing to order any books not found. Had used and new books here. Found street parking around the corner in the residential area.

Small but great little store. I've been to pretty much every metaphysical shop in the bay area and I found more books that I've wanted here than anywhere else. It is two story really well organized shop. I found a great tarot deck upstairs for only $12. My friend bought some amazing smelling incense here. I will definately go back when i make the drive over the bridge.

i am so saddened that this wonderful bookstore went out of business in 2011.

when i liveed in the bay area -- i used to go to berkeley many times a month -primarily just to visit here -- with richard, scott [who was there part time] and -- when she was still alive -- sojourner the black cat.


o well -- those were the days my friend .....

I can't say enough good things about Sunrise. For those interested in metaphysics, spirituality and religion, this bookstore is simply an amazing find. The owner, who is virtually always there during the hours the store is open, is extremely helpful and also a kind and communicative man who is very happy to share his wide ranging knowledge about the books he carries. The books cover a huge range of areas, including Tarot, theosophy, Gurdjieff, Sufism, as well as more traditional religions like Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity. It's a great place to linger and read, and I never feel any pressure to hurry up and buy something.

It's a pretty small store which tries to cover a variety of new-agey subjects in-depth. I can't tell how good job they did in covering the state of the art in astrology or homeopathy, but I was less than impressed with its coverage of philosophy, theory of mind and other semi-scientific areas. There was a section on herbal medicine, but I found it lacking a lot of important and beautiful titles.

I left with just two books which were fairly well-priced but I don't think I'll be back. Perhaps I just don't have enough chakras.

Sadly, Sunrise closed permanently in June of 2011, joining Shambhala, Gateways in Santa Cruz, among the recently lost metaphysical bookshops. They will be missed. Fields Book Store in San Francisco continues the tradition.

i finally got a chance to visit sunrise bookshop the other day, and boy, was i pleased. they have books on everything from wicca to jung to kabalah. i walked away with 2 books, but definitely could've bought a lot more. i think i spent close to an hour in this tiny store! they had a ton of astrology and psychology books which were fascinating, and books on subjects i'd never even seen before (the theosophy section was very interesting.) also, they had more tarot decks than i'd ever seen in one place, as well as books to go along with them. the person working there was very nice and helpful as well. i can't wait to come back and peruse this place some more, and maybe unload some of my books on them ;)

This store is excellent. The staff are well-informed and eager to help. You can get books here, both used and new, that you can't find on Amazon. They have an amazing selection of tarot decks. They are easy to find on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley, and street parking isn't too difficult to find. Check this place out!

i truly love this store. soo sad to hear they are going out of business after 37 years. i'll miss richard---he's a cool dude.