We’re lucky to live in a city with nearly 100 independent bookstores, so I tried to focus on a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.
I hope this list will help you find inspiration for your next summer beach read, no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Last Chapter (Roscoe Village)
No matter where you’re sitting on the concrete beach, look around, and you’ll see a romance novel in someone’s hands. Last Chapter at 2013 W Roscoe St. is the place to go if you want to find “tales of love and stories that feel like home.”
- 🌹 The Latina-owned bookstore aims to connect readers with romance novels, merch, and authors.
Underground Bookstore (Calumet Heights)
Are you the kind of person who’s always in the mood to learn something new? For about 30 years, The Underground Bookstore at 1727 E. 87th St. has specialized in Black history and books by African and diaspora authors.
- 🏛️ The genres range from mystery, esoteric, spiritual, new world order, health, fiction, and much more!
Call & Response Books (Hyde Park)
This Black women-owned bookstore at 1390 E. Hyde Park Blvd. is filled with books by authors of color and home to a variety of events, including open mics, author talks, book clubs, and trivia nights.
- 🎙️ Tonight at 7 p.m., Call & Response is hosting a book talk and signing with Shirlene Obuobi, author of “Die For Me,” a page-turning, paranormal romance that follows the only Black woman cardiologist at a local hospital and her love story with a mysterious younger man.
Burst Into Books (Roseland)
For the younger readers in your life, Burst Into Books specializes in literacy and resources for children from 6 months to 18 years old. Located at 119 E. 107th St., they aim to inspire young readers to engage with the magic of books and share their own stories through family events, writing workshops, book giveaways, and more.
- 📚 Since 2018, Burst Into Books has impacted more than 30,000 young readers and distributed over 60,000 free books.
