While everything is closed down, Chicago bookstores are bringing their inventories online. Browse for something new to read this week!
Bookends & Beginnings
For fans of NPR and The New York Times, Bookends and Beginnings keeps up with the most honorable mentions by the renowned news outlets. This is an independent and woman-owned bookstore. From Otessa Moshfegh to Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison to James Baldwin, they’ve got an incredible selection of noteworthy titles.
Shop Bookends & Beginnings on their full-service website. There are hundreds of books listed online, including a section for pre-order options. Shipping is available.
Challengers Comics
Challengers Comics has been in the comic book game for over 50 years. While some of us might be avid full-length text, novel readers, the stay-at-home order might be hindering attention spans. With the combination of captivating, no-frills dialogue and spellbinding visuals, we’ve found solace in graphic novels.
Their entire graphic novel inventory is available online. Orders are being fulfilled by delivery.
Memoir for Me
Memoir for Me is a special spot. The company works to capture life stories through personal interviews and creates beautiful keepsake books. This is an awesome project to keep adults and children alike connected to parents or grandparents who they can’t see during this time.
Check out their website to learn more. Interviews are being held via conference call and send completed projects straight to your doorstep.
Women & Children First
Women & Children First is one of our favorite bookstores in the city. Their inventory is centered around feminist themes and they stock over 30,000 books by and about women, children’s books, and the best LGBT+ literature. Check out the latest Jesmyn Ward book or grab a classic by bell hooks.
Available inventory has been updated on their website. Anything you don’t see, give them a call to inquire for special order. Orders will be fulfilled via doorstep delivery.
Volumes Bookcafe
A book nerd does not walk through Wicker Park without going into Volumes. While their selection isn’t the largest, they have a specially curated collection of available literature. We recommend Normal People by Sally Rooney. This project is headed to the big screen, so grab a copy before going to see it in theaters.
Parts of their inventory are listed online, but give the shop a call to inquire for recommendations or specific titles. They are offering curbside pickup and delivery.
Pilsen Community Books
When Pilsen Community Books opened a few years ago, it instantly became one of our favorite spots for good vibes and even better book selections. While we can’t shop in person, we can enjoy the same je ne sais quoi from a carefully curated Instagram presence. Their titles specialize in literature and translation, original copies, and social justice.
Check out their website, Instagram, or give them a call to order. Expect your order via doorstep delivery.
