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Category: Bookstores [Edit]
Neighborhood: Lakeview
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I used to go here a loooooot, back in the day. I saw Sandra Bernhard here for a book signing before she was drawing megacrowds. This place had some awesome author signings.
Recently discovered it once again, encouraging my young friend in here for some "discovering the awesomeness of reading" time. Their children's book selection is GREAT. I found myself making suggestions for a woman looking for young adult books (remembering my own obsession with reading as a child).
There's an Egon Schiele (my dog's namesake) book in here that I'm drooling over. *swoon* So sexy, and well designed. (hint).
Love this place, love independent booksellers. And the people who own it/work here are exceptional.
The kids' selection seemed better in some ways - - for its relative title depth - than the rest of the place for adults.
The humor selection was not great.
But, the sale rack for adults yesterday had tons of awesome photography books for under $10 each. And the guys who run this place are gentlemen.
Was able to visit this bookshop more this past year, and my enthusiasm for it has not waned a bit. They have the standard best sellers, but don't focus on them heavily like the big chains.
I particularly like their bargain/sale section. I always seem to find a title to buy every time I'm there, even if I'm not looking for a book that day. If only I had more space on my bookshelves and more time in the day to read everything I buy...
Have only been to this bookstore a couple times, but I love it for the fact it has a great… Read more »
Found some great books for $5 in their overstock section! They had a whole two shelves dedicated to Penguin Classics at 10% off and some great recommendations on new authors as well.
If you're enamored with Maltese Falcon for Yelp Book Club, they have a slough of other Hammet books and Raymond Chandler. I wish I lived closer, I really miss living near this place!
Love this place! They always have the new releases right up front and their Employee Picks are a joy… Read more »
Who would ever want to give their money to another book store when Unabridged exists ? So many great discount books and their 'lil reviews are very personal and useful.
I'm looking for an independently owned place to purchase books that's well organized, with some personality, clean, great selection, good location, and has fabulous customer service. BAM!! And Unabridged Books magically appears.
As soon as you walk into this place you are welcomed by jingling of bells and greeted sweetly by one of the salespeople who actually makes eye contact with you. The front is set up with displays of new books including fiction, non fiction, hardcover, and paperback. And I saw many books I couldn't wait to dive into.
As you make your way toward the back of the store everything is so nicely labeled (love the memoir and sale sections) so you can stroll along each aisle and peruse all the titles, or you can get just what you came for, getting in and out quickly. I'm the type of person who can spend hours in a bookstore and likes to look at all the titles. It's so nice that they call out specific books with index cards that tell you what they're about and why the store/staff is suggesting them, it gives the place a little pazazz.
After walking up and down every bookshelf I found myself holding four books in my arms, none of which were the one that I called and asked them to hold for me earlier in the day. I sat and read through each of them on one of the little benches, I had to practice some self restraint and returned them to each of their homes. I finally made my way to the register, purchased the book they saved for me, and walked out with a smile on my face.
I will certainly continue to give this shop my money even if it means going out of my way and paying full price, they have everything I look for in a bookstore.
p.s. Also while I was browsing, a few different regular customers came in and chatted with the employees which makes me feel like they actually care about their patrons. At one point they were talking about the poetry that they had written and exchanged...I love it!
This bookstore is a wonderful gem!
It's so organized (gasp!) and TONS of selection. My favorite feature of this bookstore are all the little, handwritten signs so perfectly describing a best seller, a "must read", or an award winning book. Most bookstores I'm so overwhelmed about choosing my next favorite novel, but this place makes it easy to choose a good read.
Wish there were more used books, but found a Bill Bryson for $6 in the sale section. Yesss! Can't wait to return and fill my collection for lazy days of summer reading in the park.
I really love this bookstore - my partner and I went in the other night while we waited to pick up our to-go order of thai food next door. They have a great overstock section of "sale" books and wonderful displays of new books - complete with great staff notes about books they love. I definitely felt like this was the store to find a new treasure or a great gift for a friend.
I really got the sense that the people who work in this shop (and stock it) are genuinely in love with the books they sell. If I had a bigger wallet I would have bought every book they recommended. It's just a great store and so happy to have it in the neighborhood.
As far as independent bookstaores go, Unabridged is one of the best. Its actually clean and organized, and the staff is willing to help. Its not terribly big, so when i want an obscure title I still wind up at Borders or http://Amazon.com, but I can usually find what I'm looking for at Unabridged. I would never come here if I didn't live half a block away- I wouldn't say there's anything special about it- but it has an average selection for average prices with an average staff, so if you're in the neighborhood and need a book, why not?
Great travel section, and wonderful helpful staff.
This bookstore is one of my favorite things about Chicago. I could wax rhapsodic about the virtues of buying locally from independent businesses; I could rant about the impersonal corporate blandness of the major bookstore chains just a few blocks further south. But suffice it to say that these are just a few of the things that make me love this store:
-- they thanked me for checking my bag at the counter before shopping. (Yeah, you heard that right: THEY thanked ME.);
-- the oversized, wanderlust-inspiring travel section that virtually fills the southern half of the basement;
-- the handwritten reviews on the staff's current favorite books;
-- the huge selection of sale books, all of which are current, in great condition, and priced around $6.99;
-- the thoughtfully curated children's section, which enables me to easily find great gifts for my nieces of very different ages;
-- free gift-wrapping (and you get to choose your wrapping paper from this uber-nerdy, huge binder of plastic-pocket-protected paper swatches);
-- their free, weekly, public story hour at the elementary school right across the street; and
-- its proximity to Coffee and Tea Exchange.
Stay cool, Unabridged. Stay cool forever.
Selfishly, I've never reviewed this place b/c I didn't want more people to know about it. I decided it's finally time, particularly because in this economy, small business owners can use all the help they can get....and I'd rather see them stick around in the long term than hog them for the short term!
Unabridged is my favorite book store in the city, with a multitude of clearance-priced hardcovers that make great gifts; they're not crappy titles or beaten up, they're just from overstock. They wrap gifts free of charge and are always extremely helpful.
They're also dog friendly, and my pooch loves coming inside and getting a treat at the counter.
Please, please, PLEASE pick up a few books here this holiday season and support local small business.
Dear Unabridged,
I knew that I would like you. Your big storefront windows featuring colorful children's books, exciting new releases, must-read classics, and a sexy man calendar drew me immediately to you. Admittedly, I expected your comfortable and homey independent bookstore vibe, but the truly fantastic selection - several rooms AND downstairs!! - really took me by surprise. Each time I visit, I wander aimlessly, completely overwhelmed with choice, but your well-organized and neat layout, and especially the thoughtful employee reviews, always guide me to the perfect book. Last time I came in, the sale on Augusten Burroughs books ($6.99!) made my day. Thanks for existing.
XOXO
Wonderful little neighborhood bookstore with a (suprisingly) huge selection. It might look small from the outside, but don't be fooled. Rarely have I gone into this place without finding what I need or the employees being able to get ahold of it for me.
There children's selection, I second, is amazing!
One of my favorite places in the city.
Unpretentious, well stocked, and the employees are amazing.
This is not a Barnes and Noble - where you walk in and they have no idea what you are talking about.
I asked for recommendations from one of the staff members and by the time I left I had ten books that I was dying to read. There are also note cards all over recommending books and giving the staffs reviews of certain works.
Overall, a bookstore that knows something about books? Crazy. Definitely worth making a stop for!!
I would give Unabridged five stars for the product knowledge of the staff, convenient location, and breadth of material (impressive for a smaller bookstore). They also carry a nice selection of erotica. And the quality/selection of their remainder/bargain titles is astounding.
But I found the staff to be somewhat aloof and unhelpful - on repeated visits. Many other reviews cited the staff's friendliness, so perhaps I caught them at the wrong time? I'm not in the demographic that the store generally caters to - Gen X gay men and super-hip Lakeview hipsters - so perhaps they thought I wandered in by mistake. (Yes, I know. I'm NOT in CVS. Thanks.)
Regardless of all that - it's worth a trip anytime you're in the area.
Unabridged fills a niche in my book-buying habits. I don't buy many new books, but when I do, I typically use Amazon for their cheap prices and credit card points. Shopping in a large store such as Barnes and Noble makes me depressed--too many books that I want and not enough money and time to buy and read them. They sell mostly at list price, which is pretty steep for a casual purchase. I mostly love used bookstores for their prices and atmosphere; some are better for browsing, some for finding a specific title, but in either case the selection is not the greatest.
Enter Unabridged, a medium-sized, independent shop which sells new books (recent fiction and nonfiction plus "classics"). Thus, I can find a few things that strike my fancy but not be tempted to buy a dozen. And their overstock/remainder prices are great--there are many gems to find here. A few months ago, I spent thirty mintues combing through this section, ending up with three reasonably priced books, plus a few to add to my library list. Perfect.
I love this bookstore. The staff are super helpful, between their hand-written reviews of books and pointing out the discount hardbacks in the back of the store. I really don't discriminate between bookstores, I'll gladly shop at a Borders or Barnes and Noble if its convenient, but it makes me especially happy to shop here because it is local and I genuinely want to support them. I've found some really great books here (Simon Rich's Ant Farm, for example) that I wouldn't have ever picked up without their recommendation.
And, they didn't judge me when I bought the entire Twilight series.
Alright, its confession time: I'll never admit to it and you'll rarely ever hear me talk about it but I am a huge book store nerd. I used to hit this place up once a week as it wasnt far from Wrigley and I love reading...unfortunately I read books like a madman and go through them likeCourtney Love goes through coke, so coming here with great books for cheaper prices made it perfect for me to stock up a bit. I'd been slacking for a while, but since I was on my man-date with my former co-worker, we had to hit this place up as it was right by his old haunting grounds, so we'd usually hit it together a few times. Gotta love the atmosphere and the employees and super smart and helpful.
This small shop is a great local bookstore. What I love most are the little personal hand-written reviews they have taped to the shelves below the books. The staff is very helpful and you can tell they actually read books and know the authors. Once I was fortunate enough to have a man help me by asking me some of my favorite authors - based on that he gave me a recommendation to a book that I really enjoyed. I love the personal attention you can get in a small store like this.
I love this place. One of the last few neighborhood, independent bookstore still around. It truly has a neighborhood feel to it. The staff is very friendly, people bring their dogs inside, and (my favorite part) , throughout the store, along the shelves, are little handwritten note cards from the staff with information about books they recommend. (It's like the low- tech version of this site !) They carry a large selection of books; and they will order a book for you if they don't have it in stock.
All the perks that the chain bookstores offer, without the homogeneous corporate feel. Truly a vanishing breed.
Great local spot. The people who work there are really helpful and cool. There are plenty of recommendations on the shelves for inspiration.
This place has been around I think since chicago was founded. Although they are not a huge box store (which i love) if they don't have it they will certainly order it for you. There are many times I will scope out http://amazon.com and then have the store order it for me. I prefer to give my business locally and when you add up the shipping prices its about the same shopping on-line for new literature.
I love the homey touch with hand written reviews by the staff and have actually bought some of the books with recommendations (some have been great others not my taste).
The only experience that saddens me about the store is that they do not have as many author signings any more. I remember when Ann Rice was in town a few years ago and she was at the store.
They do a great job with new popular books coming out. I was impressed with their coordination of the latest Harry Potter book. They had everybody in and out of the store within 10 min without having to wait long (except for the line you stood in before the store opened).
For those of you looking for a great book store and happen to be a bit conservative be warned - I think its funny as hell but the gay/lesbian hard core literature is next to the children's section. Both of which are very extensive. For a small store they do a great job with children's books and I was told one of the staff volunteers to do story telling time at one of the local schools. Also, they LOVE dogs. There are always doggie treats available. I point this out because they are so accepting and its a pretty cramped store.
So do you remember that "Twilight Zone" episode where Burgess Meredith plays Henry Bemis, the bespectacled bookworm who survives an A-bomb blast and finds all the time in the world to read only to break his glasses? Loved that show...
Anyway, I walked up and down this part of Broadway for three days before I even noticed a bookstore was here, so non-descript is the facade. Yet, when I finally paid attention and went inside, I was impressed with how large the selection is and how friendly the staff is.
There's a great travel section downstairs in their basement and even calendars in yet another alcove. They certainly use every inch of their space. Now I suppose you could go to the Borders down on Diversey, but why? Didn't you see "You Got Mail"? Wouldn't you rather support Meg Ryan than Tom Hanks?
...and get your eyes lasered, will ya Henry?
RIP: Heath & M.C., I miss you dearly.
One of the last proud few bookstores with a little taste of everything and no attitude. Where else could you find a big children's book section next to a large used (and good!) book section, next to a massive GLBT lit section, next to a classic lit section, next to an alternative porn mag section, next to an erotic photo book section next to the travel guides. One stop stimulation for every organ. The only place to peruse Madonna kid books in one hand and erotic bondage artwork in the other hand. I'm making this sound trashy, but really they have a wide selection of the best and newest lit also, and again lots of great sales. Support the local bookstore, especially when its this good!
I used to live up the street from Unabridged Books, and I still miss it. It was great having a well run independent bookstore mere moments from home. At the same time, I spent more money here than I could afford at the time, so maybe it was time to go. Now I live down the street from Women & Children First, and it isn't the same. I appreciate Women & Children First, but I don't love it like I did Unabridged.
Unabridged is gay owned and operated, and they do have great GLBTQ resources. But they have a good general collection as well, especially if you're looking for literary rather than potboiler. They regularly put items on sale -- unusual for an indie merchant -- and have "sale shelves." Ed, the owner, runs the store with an eye to serving the customer, rather than just the bottom line, and it shows. Another reviewer mentioned that Ed pays his staff well and provides benefits. As a result, there's not much turnover, the staff are knowledgeable, and they know a lot of the customers by face and name. This make shopping here a truly pleasurable experience.
Unabridged regularly has readings, and they feature some big names. David Sedaris read here just a couple of years ago, long after he had "broken out." Unabridged is even mentioned in Frommer's travel guide (as is Women & Children First).
Cute book store with lots to look at. I purchased a Chicago themed cookbook that I probably would have never found at any other store.
They are right when they say you can buy your gay porn, latest non-fiction, and children's book all in the same place. Worth the visit for readers and non-readers a like.
You'll feel good walking into this place for a number of reasons:
--it's obviously a small-business operation and it feels real good to support that kind of action
--you'll get the feeling that each book was chosen with care for it's special place in the bookstore
--staff is eager to help, suggest, order, and generally please you
--little message-tags with tidbits and insights about recommended books
--no icky chain-store feeling
--great GLBTQ resources
You'll find your own reasons to come back, I'm sure.
This place is right around the corner from my apartment, yet it took me over two months of living in the neighborhood to actually go inside. I love that it's cozy and a neighborhood bookstore - very refreshing when you're used to Barnes & Nobles and the like. Their staff is friendly, but not overly friendly (I find it annoying when bookstore staff are constantly asking if I need help...I'm just browsing!) and their detailed, handwritten reviews attached to the shelves are quirky and fun to read.
I flippin' love this bookstore! In fact, I now feel a strange alliance with them... kind of like the relationship you have with your hair stylist (you feel like you are cheating on them if you go somewhere else!).
This small, but cozy and inviting, bookstore is fabulous. My New Year's resolution was to read more and this place is the reason. My favorite part are all the recommendations the bookstore staff have written and placed throughout the aisles.
Bottom line, if I am going to buy a book, this is where I want to put my money.
I see that other people have done a rather good job summing up the finer points of the bookstore so I won't write too much. In my opinion the coolest things about it are: huge gay book collection (although there is more for gay men than lesbians, they still have a decent lesbian and mixed collection), they have their GLBT books on sale for really good prices (the sales shelves), they have a ton of travel books and odd pet photography books (everyone knows those are fun to flip through), and (as many others have said) IT'S NOT A CHAIN STORE.
Also, as far as I've seen, it has the best collection of free gay papers in the area. They even have the gay paper from Milwaukee.
I tend to think of Unabridged as a bookstore for (and by) book lovers. An amazing selection of books and periodicals, it's worth spending hours in here - just be prepared to walk away loaded down with purchases.
Great GLBT section, fiction and non-fiction, but a bit weak in the SciFi area. I've found a lot of great things for my nephews in their kids section, and the staff reviews/picks are helpful, too. I'm not sure I understand the earlier reviewer's comment of things being disorganized - the signs are pretty clear, and the sections are distinct.
I hope Unabridged stays a Chicago institution - it deserves the success.
I LOVE this book store.
They're loosely organized, which I can relate to.. plus it makes the joy of discovering something that much more rewarding.
Their travel section, as well as their children's' section, just plain rock.
And for whatever reason, I like that they write purchases down on a small piece of paper rather than working magic with a computer or whatever.
I'd give them five stars if the staff was more able to help me. They're friendly and all, but the four or so times I've had questions for them about their products, they've been of little help to me.
Very orderly and clean. I came in early on a Sunday and immediately found what I was looking for (and it wasn't necessarily a common book). I was greeted when I came in, but didn't have much contact besides that with the employees. They have a large selection of magazines as well.
This is a great bookstore! There are plenty of books, and magazines. Lots of cards, saying this is a good book! Very friendly people. You can stay a very long time, I did! Unabridged, a great store!
I came into Unabridged for the first time today- I don't frequent the Lakeview neighborhood all too much but this place is amazing. I could have spent hours here if I hadn't had a 3 o'clock appointment. It's organized like your favorite local record shop but for books---with bios and recommendations. There are signs that indicate Pulitzer prize winners and books voted best of the century or decade... don't remember. There are also other random recommendations that turned me on to books that I would otherwise have glazed over. I like this place; I like it a lot. I wish they sold used books as well- that would make this gem even shinier. I'm so corny.
**edit- I just read another review indicating that there is a used section- I MUST return.
Nice neighborhood bookstore, but it is truly a shame that large competitors offer their products so much cheaper. Small book shops like this arn't as common as they used to be...
I enjoy coming in here to browse but I rarely buy anything, mainly because I've a complete book obsession and if I let myself go I'd spend too much money... Plus, prices are high.
The staff note cards and featured books are a really nice touch, though, and make it worth coming in. You may find yourself a book you'd never have considered reading before. One huge plus.
A little bothersome is that some authors whose work could be considered one or more genre get split up around the store. A fantasy author might end up in young adult and science fiction. This wouldn't be a problem if their selection were not so small. If you've found the author you're looking for, but not the specific book, try an alternative section or ask the staff at the counter.
A real gem in a world of Borders and B & N's.
You won't go wrong at this store!
We always enjoy shopping here! Their recommendations are wonderful and they are always helpful. A good place to leisurely shop.
Prices are higher here than the chain bookstores however, this is a more enjoyable shopping experience.
I can't believe I am saying this but, it is refreshing to be in a bookstore and NOT smell coffee! I love coffee and I love books just not always at the same time!
Attention all you teachers out there...Unabridged has August to August planners. A must have for people whose years run August to June!
I am a book store groupie. Honestly, I see a book store, I go in, spend hours scouring the shelves,… Read more »
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