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After-Words
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
23 E Illinois St(between State St & Wabash Ave)
Chicago, IL 60611
Neighborhood: Near North Side
(312) 464-1110
- Nearest Transit:
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Grand-red (Red Line)
Merchandise Mart (Brown Line, Purple Line)
State/lake (Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 10:30 am - 10 pm
Fri 10:30 am - 11 pm
Sat 10 am - 11 pm
- Price Range:
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$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
42 reviews for After-Words
Review Highlights
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"It's well organized and spacious." In 4 reviews -
"...I had a chance on my lunch break from a horrid toy store I..." In 4 reviews -
"Also have found some great fiction pieces and misc." In 5 reviews
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42 reviews in English
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Review from Isaac S.
Chicago, IL
2/4/2012
Spectacular independent bookstore!
I love everything about this place- great location (a few blocks from one of my jobs)- great neighbors (Jazz Record Mart and Star of Siam)- Locally owned- Extensive selection of both new and used books- relaxed environment... What more could I ask for? -
Review from Sapana V.
Near North Side, Chicago, IL
4/22/2012
After-Words is hands-down my favorite bookstore in downtown Chicago. I always walk out of there with something I'd love to read at a very reasonable price (new or used). The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Their annual or semi-annual "Bag of Books" sale is tremendous! I've picked up something like 60 books from them for $12! And many of these are genuinely *good* books like "The World is Flat" by Tom Friedman, several Harry Potter books, works from novelists like Amy Tan, Barbara Kingsolver, Agatha Christie, etc. You can find this place on the lower part of Wabash and illinois. Just delightful!
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Review from J P.
Chicago, IL
3/18/2012
Support local physical bookstores! They're disappearing and that breaks my heart.
I've spent many lovely hours in the basement, and always leave with BIG bag of books. Quiet is lovely. Cookbooks, history, fairly current fiction, auto- and biographies. In the wiki world (which I also love) I appreciate a place that isn't on auto-pilot to dissolve my memory. Finding perspective in information that's more than a week old in "history" is golden.
And they have some fun b&w Chicago magnets, cards, books.
Biggest problem? Parking probably. But I haven't had a car in so many years that it isn't important. Besides, it 's fun to walk around the area, shop, drink, eat.
Go buy books ---- before I get all the good ones. -
Review from Stef M.
7/7/2011
This is a great book store. They specialize in out-of-print books and treasures abound from floor to floor, wall to wall. My top find to date here is a cookbook of recipes that were used on the Titanic. Score! Also have found some great fiction pieces and misc. others.
They are a 4 star for books but get an extra star for having computers with internet for public use (you have to pay but its cheap) and a clean and well organized facility. -
Review from SR C.
Downers Grove, IL
4/30/2011
This is an interesting place. My first thought is to say it's "A-OK" but I keep returning to buy items. Part of the attraction is the "used" aspect and the "find it if you can" thrill. The prices are great to begin with but their prices decreases as the book sits on the shelf. A pricing style based on moving books out the door; it's like a lottery for books.
The staff is not overly helpful, but they seem interested in helping. It's just the nature of the store.
They do have a wonderful policy about birthdays. Sign up and they will send you a birthday card with a discount for your next purchase. -
Review from David R.
8/6/2010
I am deeply perplexed how I have neglected to review this place, because although it's off my usual beaten path, it is one of my favorite bookstores simply to BE in. Unfortunately, I rarely have much luck buying books here, but I could spend a couple of hours just enjoying the space, especially in the basement. I love the peace and quiet, the padded rocking chair in the aisle and the couch in the corner, and of course the 360 degrees of books. It's an oasis of erudite insularity amidst what I often consider the distastefully superficial hustle and bustle of downtown.
As I mentioned, I often find nothing that grabs me, although the store is sizable and the selection varied. (To be fair, I always see books that I could buy, just not usually those magic "finds" or "books that I didn't even know that I HAD to own until I saw them".) This is a good place to come when you are looking for a specific title, as everything is neat and reliably organized, and they don't sell anything decrepit. However, prices are quite reasonable among the used inventory, so you're getting the best of both worlds. If you're shopping used, you will obviously spend most of your time downstairs, but don't miss the handful of cases on the main floor near the front--books which have been recently acquired but not yet priced or shelved. There is bound to be a gem in there that someone has not yet snapped up.
I think that I will put After-Words in my top three, along with Selected Works and Powell's. It's just such a pleasure to spend time there that it is worth the trip downtown, and maybe if I keep going back the books will start jumping into my arms more regularly.Listed in: Quod libros, quam breve tempus
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Review from Kate B.
Chicago, IL
3/2/2009
During that precious hour of the day, often referred to as lunch hour, I try to fit as many errands in as possible. Sometimes those errands turn into mini shopping sprees, this is where After-Words steps in.
After-Words is a hidden treasure trove full of glorious books. New books, old books, any kind of books you may want to read to satisfy that literary need. I have come in here and ended up spending my entire hour browsing the used book section. A wee pricey for used books, but in a pinch, when I only have that one hour to browse and desperately need something for my commute, I am willing to shell out a couple of extra dollars.
Their new section is just as great, in fact I have purchased several gifts from their new section as I always seem to find something that a special someone needs.
If you are in need of a new or used book in the River North area, and sick of the big box stores, After-Words is your place! -
Review from Amy H.
Chicago, IL
3/1/2011
They had just the map I needed.
They have a cool atmosphere, and a nice blend of old and new books. Tons of books! Lots of fun titles. I will definitely be back. -
Review from Jennifer L.
San Bruno, CA
3/4/2010
Open late? Check.
Helpful staff? Check.
Convenient location? Check
Comfortable places to sit and read? Check.
Good selection of new and used books? Check.
Great if you like browsing for books. They're not a Barnes and Noble so they might not have the specific title you wanted in stock. I like that they're open until 10pm most days. -
Review from Tia T.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2009
After the piper is paid, the loans are doled out, the bets are placed, drinks are drunk, and the eats are eaten...I have little reserved for my book fund. However, thanks to After-words and other great priced used booksellers, my thirst for knowledge does not have to suffer.
After-words offers a good selection, but it's a bit hit or miss. However if you keep looking, you're bound to find something good for a great price. As they say...reading is FUNdemental....and it sure is a hell of a lot more fun when it's affordably priced. -
Review from Jim M.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2010
I had a few minutes to kill before a meeting a few blocks away and thought I'd browse.
I love the way the arrangement of wooden shelving felt like an elementary school library. I hate the way the lone clerk copped an attitude with me when I asked if they had a gaming section. As the only potential customer, not just in the store but on the entire block, at noon on a weekday you'd think he'd be a little less condescending.
But what do I know? I'm just a guy who reads and likes to support the brick and mortar in industries I like. I like used book stores and I like this used book store. It's well organized and spacious. I just don't need a pasty douche pursing his lips when I don't ask for the hipster approved surrealist literature or vegetarian cookbook section. Remember Amazon allows me to find what I need more easily and cheaply. I don't need conversation dude, just kill the nonverbals.
4 stars for the store. 2 stars for the only person on the block while I shopped. -
Review from Evann G.
Philadelphia, PA
5/6/2007
Thank goodness I finally found a used bookstore within walking distance of the condo. I liked After-Words; it was spacious with a nice atmosphere, although it's more "airy" than "cozy." They have a LOT of books, but like another reviewer noted, the variety is not as wide as you might imagine it would be. For instance, I couldn't find a copy of 1984.
Still, there are two whole levels to browse through, and they sell new and used books, which is nice. AND, they have a mailing list, and will send you a $5 coupon during your birthday month! Rock on!Listed in: Where I lived
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Review from Matt S.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
I love the smell of old books. You know, that musty scent that actually feels like you're inhaling a dusty residue that coats the inside of your nostrils. Perhaps maybe not so overwhelming... No matter, that is exactly how I'd describe After-Words--at least the basement.
A few friends and I stumbled upon this place while exploring Chicago on a Sunday afternoon. I hate the fact that I've lived in the city nearly five years now, but rarely take the opportunity to get out and explore! My frustration is expounded when I find little treasures like this place.
We spent probably two hours browsing the various new and used books. What's great about a place like this, as opposed to a Barnes and Noble or Borders is the type of books they will feature. B&N isn't likely to put a collection of erotic pulp art done by the guy who created Superman in its front window. For the folks at After-Words, it's probably an afterthought!
The one item of service that I thought was particularly interesting, but didn't spend too much time browsing, was a section where folks can select invitation (wedding, party, birthday, etc.) stationery. Some of the stock was quite high quality!
Rather than stew about not finding After-Words sooner, I'll simply use it as impetus to continue exploring my amazing city whenever possible. -
Review from Dennis R.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
You almost have to know where this bookstore is to get there. It is near heavy traffic areas of the near north neighborhood, but is easy to miss. I've been buying books here for a decade. Lots of selection and the staff are friendlier than the average used-bookstore sorts. Worth the visit. Make sure that you see the downstairs section, too.
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Review from Sarah M.
Port Washington, WI
8/20/2009
I stumbled across After-Words on my way to Navy Pier one day and was very pleasantly surprised to find out that they also do wedding invitations. I looked through all of the books and received great customer service from the owner, Beverly.
After about an hour in the store, my fiance found thank you cards that he loved. I looked through the rest of the books, searching for invites that I loved just as much. There were a few that I really liked, but nothing that was perfect. Beverly wrote up three different quotes for us, all including the thank yous that he loved and the invites that I was considering. I confirmed with her that even if we didn't go with the invites, we could still order the thank yous for the discounted price that she quoted us and she said yes.
Well, as you can probably assume, we found invites at another store that I love and ended up buying those instead. I was truly sorry that I couldn't order from Beverly after all of her help and wrote her an email saying so.
I also called her to personally apoligize for not ordering the invites but still wanting to order the thank yous. And let me just say that when I called her, I was planning on writing a rave review on Yelp....
Then, I received the worst customer service since moving to Chicago 2 years ago. She told me that she didn't need us to "throw her a bone" and she wouldn't let us order the thank yous. After about a minute of her talking down to me, with my face red from the embarressment / shock, I thanked her anyway and hung up.
I cannot believe that in this day and age, with the economy what it is, that she would deny our sale. We had been considering her for the other wedding stationary items but I am so disgraced after her outburst that I will probably never go in her store again. And I'd reccomend you stay away too, unless you enjoy owners with attitudes! -
Review from Sarah B.
East Garfield Park, Chicago, IL
9/11/2011
I am extremely pleased with this bookstore! They have multiple things going in their favor. 1) Not a chain bookstore! In today's overly corporate world, I really appreciate a locally owned bookstore that has a nice, bug selection of books! 2) The owner is actually in the store working behind the front desk on the weekend! When I was in the store yesterday she was actually working behind the desk. Love that! 3) Every once in a while, they have a $5 Bag of Books sale to benefit a different Chicago charity. They had a sale like that this weekend and it was awesome!
To sum it up, come to this bookstore before heading to Barnes & Noble! -
Review from Lynne B.
7/24/2011
For my East coast friends, this is like the WaWa of used bookstores (read: a step above). First, it doesn't smell like mold. Second, it's well-lit and organized. Third, the prices are reasonable. If you love books, it's definitely worth stopping in.
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Review from Bethany L.
Chicago, IL
12/9/2007
There are plenty of better used bookstores in Chicago, but After Words is notable for its location, which is great for lunch hour browsing. Upstairs you'll find new books; downstairs are the used ones. They have fairly large specialty sections in art, photography, and law, but the literature section upstairs is pitiful, and it ain't much better downstairs. A lot of popular fiction, though.
Prices for the new books are generally what you would pay at a chain store, but the used books are expensive; a book that might cost you $5 at a Myopic or The Gallery will probably cost at least $8 here. If you need something to read at lunch hour or are just wasting time by browsing, though, it's a decent enough place. -
Review from Sunyoung C.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2009
I like this place. I've been looking for good used bookstores in my area, which is hard to come by because I live in the Gold Coast area, but I'm glad I found this place.
The top floor is all new stuff, and then the bottom floor are all used books. I like that section. I think I spent an hour in it the other day. I went away with like 5 books for under $30. It was great!
They've got this cool thing for your birthday month, they'll send you a coupon for $5.00 off.
I would have given them 5 stars, but their new books seemed a little more expensive than they should have been...I guess it could be because they are an independent store and though I got books for really cheap, some of their prices were higher than what I thought was necessary. -
Review from Alex W.
Chicago, IL
7/24/2009
Ok...before I go any further, I don't know much about bookstores other than I usually go to Borders or a Barnes and Noble
I didn't know what to really expect coming into a smaller bookstore, but my first impression was: "wow...very nice"
The selection of books is HUGE - you can easily spend a couple of hours in there without realizing it. I stopped in with my gf for what I thought would only be 15-20 minutes, but ended up staying for about 1.5 hours! I got lost looking for books I don't think I'll have time to read, but it definitely was fun!
The only real downside was it was hard to find a book you were looking for and some were very dusty. However, all in all, a fun little bookstore! -
Review from Melissa R.
Chicago, IL
7/27/2009
It actually pains me to write this review and give After-Words only two stars. I used to love this place and wander around it perusing the titles of the thousands of books, a peaceful and independently owned bookstore in the heart of all things focused on tourists.
The last couple of times I've gone in however, have been unpleasant. I haven't found any books I've wanted to buy and have even been turned off from walking up and down the aisles in hopes of a new book.
Recently I went in during my lunch hour to find a book I've seen at every Borders in the country, but I specifically went in here to support the local business. I was greeted by a woman that I'm pretty sure was on downers, she could barely mumble "hello" and when I asked about the book she dragged herself to a computer to tell me they don't have it in stock and that I should check the "Health and Fitness" section. Well, first I expected her to offer to order it for me and second, it's a sociology book about the food industry and obesity in america...not about a low-carb diet.
After her less than helpful assistance, I decided to browse anyways and then was startled when another sales associate jumped into the room and started singing very loudly to EVERY WORD that was playing on the radio...for the next 15 minutes. Anytime someone walked by he nearly scared them by loudly asking "Hey! Did you see this book?!?"
I was happy walking out the door and sad that one of my favorite bookstores has a less than wonderful staff and book selection.Listed in: I'm a Reader
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Review from Jackie H.
10/22/2009
I enjoy coming here to browse the books from time to time on my lunch break at work...It's a block away from my office, so that's a super-plus! The employees are pretty attentive and helpful, and just plain nice.
It's a pretty big store, there's a downstairs, so it's double the size that you expect when walking in...The upstairs seems to have the newer stuff--the one thing that disappoints me is that you're not really getting a discount on the price of the more current booksm even if they are used.
The downstairs has that musty, old smell to it and has those old crusty books that were long-forgotten. But, I like it! That's where you can truly find those hidden gems that time forgot at bargain-basement prices! Earlier this year I found some older (but not too old to be terribly dated) wedding themed books for the "mother of the bride" and the "maid of honor" (I'n getting married soon). I think I paid under $10 for them together! Deal!
Totally come here if you're looking for something to read...You can browse for hours here! -
Review from Lindsay R.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2009
Absolutely love this bookstore. They are a large and independent books store with very very helpful associates. They have wonderful recommendations and a HUGE used book section. They have a large downstairs with a section of tables and a couch to read and look through books. They are very helpful in looking for books. They have a annual book sale where you can fill any paper bag with books and it $5 or $10 dollars.
This is a place that you can get away from the loud and busy downtown and retreat into the wonderful quietness of books. -
Review from Michele D.
Niles, IL
5/27/2010
After-Words is a cute book store right next to the Jazz Record Mart. The main floor is about the size of a typical Walden Books, but then there is a downstairs as well, which makes it a fairly large bookstore. The upstairs has a mix of new and used books, while the downstairs is all used. Compared to other used book stores that I have been in, After-Words is very clean and organized. Now, with cleanliness and order comes a slightly smaller selection. All of the books are shelved neatly. If you are the sort of person who thinks a used bookstore should have dusty books stacked to the ceiling, After-words might not be for you. But, if you want clean, in some cases new-looking used books that are organized by subject, After-Words is exactly that. The staff is really friendly, too.
Now, the prices are a little bit higher than online or at some other used book stores, but the books are generally in really nice condition and the location (right off Michigan Ave) is convenient. And, they are open late. -
Review from Maxx C.
Washington, DC
10/21/2009
Four stars for putting the books they've bought, but not yet priced, on shelving so you can browse them and see if anything interesting has arrived. More stores should follow this practice.
Two stars for pricing interesting and collectible books according to the Internet price. Look, if I wasn't hoping to find a deal, I would just be shopping online.
Still, it's well organized and pleasant. So three stars overall. -
Review from Arnab M.
New York, NY
4/18/2008
I love bookstores. I love them more when they have secondhand books. After-Words has a pretty good but not terribly varied collection of such books. I thought the fiction, sci-fi and fantasy sections were commendable and really cheap. I bought 6 books for $14, which is quite a steal, I thought, and a few of those books are really not easy to find. The lady upfront was really nice, helpful and knowledgeable about their sticks as well as the books I was asking about.
Listed in: Books & Magazines
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Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
5/3/2008
Hidden behind Nordstroms... one of my all-time favorite bookstores in this city.
The selection is astonishing in range- I always walk out with roughly 5 more books than I expected to, on a wide spectrum of subjects: I particularly love the biography shelves.
The shop is pristinely clean, the employeees are always helpful without being remotely clingly. I don't know how they do it, but they will have you out the door with a gigantic bag packed tight with a half-dozen hardbacks, all for about the price you'd pay for only two books at Borders/Barnes & Noble/Waldenbooks... and the staff READS those volumes- Arty Books on the Elgin Marbles procured from the Parthenon? The gorgeous employee at the front desk found me an amazing first edition with color plates. Complete Letters of Napoleon (including the sexy ones to Josephine... Rawwr...) Right Here. Upcoming volunteer work how-tos? Looking for specialty cookbooks and/or cocktail mix handbooks? Hot Bestselling paperback? Take your pick. Crush on Johnny Depp? Gerard Depardieu? Baby, they've got some on them too.
The prices for used books are phenomenal- go downstairs to see what I mean. 25% off if that volume has been waiting, just for you, for a while? True Love, I mean... Sold! -
Review from Matthew C.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2007
A nice bookstore, they have a huge collection of used books at good prices, but they are not very well organized. Overall it is a cool place and check the flyers and such sitting near the entrance-they pimp out a lot of cool stuff!
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Review from EJ F.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2006
Stopped in here on a lunch break about a year ago and it seems like a really great store. I usually like to take my time book stores but it seemed great. I'd love to go back.
Listed in: Favoriate Places for Used…
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Review from Carrie C.
Chicago, IL
2/25/2007
New and used books at reasonable prices. Very friendly and solicitous staff. All together too close to my job. I really don't need a book store on the way to the train. The new books section is limited. It does feature a interesting Chicago section. The used book section is alphabetized; a rarity in many a used book store. There is a lot of junk but I've found what I was looking for at a faction of the new book price.
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Review from Mickey A.
12/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
Off of what is a construction mess near Illinois, State, and Grand Streets is this new and used book store. I have passed it a million times during my lunch hours but never quite made it in. Finally. On a lazy day, with earphones and music keeping me in step, I went in.
I was greeted by the employees and was asked to check in my one and only shopping bag. They keep any shopping bag(s) behind the counter in exchange for a ticket thing that you return when you're ready to leave or purchase (like a coat check system). It's a nice size two-story book store that seems to be fairly organized. With the exception of recently acquired used books that haven't been priced yet, the first floor has mostly for newer/non-used books like fiction, biographies, humor. The basement has a lot of used books (more fiction) and other genres. From what I saw, used books run about $8 or less and are in decent condition. Downstairs is pretty cool too with couch, a couple of table and chairs throughout the space. It's a cozy bookstore and unlike Borders or B&N, not at all loud or crowded... in a good way. Staff seemed nice and offered assistance to everyone who came in. I picked up a new copy of "The Devil in the White City," and at check out, an employee offered me a used copy for much less. Yay for cheap books that look brand new!
Notice the sign on the door about turning off cell phone ringers. It's kind nice to shop without hearing obnoxious ringtones...uh, not that I have one or anything... -
Review from Zach H.
New York, NY
9/18/2006
Prices on new books are on par with any chain store and a bit higher than online vendors, and while the used books are cheap and plentiful (go to the basement!), the selection is really hit or miss - a lot of mass market stuff and most of it is the non-essential mass market stuff (commonly referred to as schlock). However it's worth digging around through what they got - you are sure to unearth a few gems that suit your taste.
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Review from Alured P.
San Francisco, CA
8/7/2010
A pretty good new/used book store, although I focused my attention on the used section. Pretty good selections of history, fiction, and sci-fi. Prices are maybe a bit high, but they do appear to discount books that have been sitting on the shelves for a long time.
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Review from A.S. V.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2005 2 photos
A nice little indie bookstore is a rare thing downtown when seemingly everything is a behemoth chain. The upstairs part is spacious and easy to browse, while the downstairs is more cramped and crammed with used books, as it should be. Stop by for a new book and dig around downstairs for some older titles. Be sure to sign up for their birthday program, where you get a $5 coupon on the month of your birthday.
Listed in: Bibliophilia: Best Used…
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Review from Lee-Han H.
Chicago, IL
12/1/2005
it's a cute store with a wide variety of books to read. It's located downtown so you can hop off the redline at grand or Chicago.
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Review from Janet X.
2/22/2010
A great source for used popular books that are under a year old... I don't think I've ever NOT found a book here. Love the fact that they give you a little bookmark every time you buy a book. Nice location, and the cozy chairs make this the ideal place to spend an hour while shopping Michigan Avenue.
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Review from Kristy N.
2/18/2010
Who knew that this little gem existed so close to my office! I went in on my lunch break and was surprised at the great selection - and at the fact that they were quite busy on a Thursday afternoon. I did not have the chance to go downstairs but will definitely make time to do so on my next trip. The staff was very friendly and seemed helpful. Some bookstore employees won't even acknowledge your existence but this was not the case here.
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Review from Crystal C.
Chicago, IL
4/23/2009
I love this little bookstore! I use to look forward to coming here whenever I had a chance on my lunch break from a horrid toy store I worked at downtown. The best section of this store is the basement full of used books. The top floor is all new books and honestly there is nothing special about it. The new books are kind of expensive compared to large chain stores like Borders, which is to be expected. So why would you spend more to buy them from here except out of some kind of loyalty that is entirely misplaced in this economy? Clearly, you wouldn't, so stick with the basement. It's like a treasure trove full of wonderful and funny things like a plethora of Doctor Who and Star Wars novels from past decades and the original Martha Stewart Weddings guide. There is also a fair bit of new stuff and that's a pretty sweet deal because those are usually 50% off cover which is especially nice for the hardbacks.
Another reason I like this place is the staff. Like a lot of "bookish" people can seem kind of introverted but a lot of time when I checkout they will ask me questions about the books I'm buying. Sometimes because they have read or are thinking about reading the same book, but I have kind of odd taste and usually they ask me I think they have enough variety in those sections because they don't really have an expert in those areas on staff. Those conversations are much more genuine to me than the ones I have with the staff at Borders and have helped me build a much stronger affinity versus other resale shops, and Chicago is covered with them so that is saying something. I am not downtown as much as I used to be but whenever I am nearby I do make it a point to check in here. -
Review from Blake H.
9/9/2010
i really like after-words. it is on my walk home and i really appreciate the mix of new AND old books. and i could spend HOURS snooping around the basement. when i moved out of the loop i took a ton of my books to sell and got completely decent store credit for them. i am still working it off!
Listed in: best used book stores
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Review from matthew b.
Chicago, IL
2/17/2011
It doesn't always have what I want in the used section, but it has a great selection, laid back vibe, and a lot of interesting titles for discovery.
