Unabridged Books

05/01/06

Wow. What a bookstore!

by bobelowe at Citysearch

This is an amazing bookstore. It has huge travel sections, childrens, literature and sale sections (great- deals here) but what I love best is that the staff, a group of devoted readers, writes reviews of their favorite books, which makes hunting and picking out a book much easier. The staff oviously love books, so they can point out that perfect book (they also are dog friendly and always give my dog a biscuit).

This is, in my opinion, the best independent bookstore in Chicago, if not in the entire mid-west. It is great fun to wander through and find that really special book that you would not find in other places and then sit in one of the neat lakeview cafes and read the afternoon away.

• Pros: great staff, wide selection, good sale books

11/12/05

great bookstore

by jeffreyb1 at Citysearch

I agree with everything said above...and they are dog friendly as well.

• Pros: staff, dog friendly
• Cons: price, parking

08/14/03

Although dubbed "the gay bookstore," this independent local shop offers titles for all readers.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
This Boys Town bookstore has expanded to more than three times its size since opening in 1980. Staffers are full-time, and their recommendation cards yield thoughtful comments. It's not the most glamorous of settings, with just a few random folding chairs, but customers simply find a spot on the floor to leaf through their choices.

The Goods
While its reputation is one the store is likely willing to accept--the gay and lesbian sections are perhaps the most substantial in the city--it would be a mistake to assume Unabridged Books is anything less than a full-service bookstore. Nearly every category is represented, including large selections of travel guides and cookbooks, and a growing children's section, with many books in Spanish. The periodicals selection is adequate, and all the typical nonfiction sections--art, history, science, religion, psychology--are well-stocked.

12/24/02

Spend your afternoon here

by Stephenm26 at Citysearch

This is a fantastic local bookstore. The staff offer many of their own candid and honest book reviews, there is a huge selection, there's a lovely atmosphere and its in a great neighborhood. I would recommend this place to anybody. Its in a good shopping spot that doesn't get as crowded as downtown and includes some lovely stores.

• Pros: Great staff, Good selection, Sale rack

05/13/02

Great Boys Town bookstore

by jpanderson_citysearch at Citysearch

Love this bookstore. It's got a nice mom-and-pop feel to it, with the best selection of gay and lesbian books in the 'hood. And what a sale rack! You can find great hardbacks for five bucks. Can't beat it. Open late, too.

• Pros: good sale rack, friendly service, great selection
• Cons: can be pricey