The Book Nerd’s Guide to Chicago

Come on babe, why don’t we read the town. Ahhh, Chicago. Home of Barack Obama, deep dish pizza, Divergent, McDonalds, and the Twinkie. We are so excited to introduce you to chi-town (and all that jazz.)
Below you will find an infographic that details the best bookstores to visit, best places to read, authors that live in The Windy City and the quintessential YA books set Chicago! (Want to print out the guide below? Click here to download the PDF!)

 

The 8 Best Chicago Bookstores

Andersons’s Bookshop (Naperville) – This is a must for a book nerd! There’s almost always a great event going on (check out their robust events schedule!), whether it’s your favorite author stopping by or a celebrity like Amy Schumer. It’s an independent bookstore that’s still going strong because of its amazing repertoire.
The Book Cellar (Lincoln Square) – You always have to check out a bookstore with a café (coffee and books go hand-in-hand), especially when they serve wine. It’s basically the best place for your mom’s book club meetings. The store provides staff recommendations, and it happens to have a spectacular YA section.
Bookman’s Corner (Lakeview) – We love jam-packed bookstores because we definitely know the feeling of stacking our shelves high and this has it in abundance. There’s a great variety of books, a friendly owner, and with some prices so low you’d think you’d were in an informercial.
Myopic Books (Wicker Park) – This independent and well-loved bookstore has three floors full of shelves packed with books to explore. With their wide selection of new and used books, you’ll be able to just get lost and spend a couple hours browsing. An added bonus: the store often features free music nights and poetry.
Barnes & Noble (Near North Side) –  It’s always smart to include a mainstream bookstore on the list. They’re honestly the most reliable if you’re looking for something specific and new. The Barnes & Noble on Webster Ave is huge and has multiple floors to check out (and bookstores with elevators always get extra points).
Unabridged Bookstore (Lakeview) – Another quaint independent bookstore that just so happens to be dog friendly. On the shelves you’ll find handwritten recommendations from the employees. And to make your trip out more convenient, you can check their stock online to see if they carry the books you’re looking for.
First Aid Comics (Hyde Park) – Let’s be honest, bookstores are so much more pleasant when the staff is lovely (and genuinely love and know a lot about what they’re selling). And when the owner hangs around and happens to be overwhelmingly nice, that’s a plus too. This is probably the best option if comic books are what you’re looking for, and the giveaways and special deals are even more incentive to check it out.
Quimby’s (West Town) – Here’s another independent bookstore where the staff is spectacular, both in terms of personality and book recommendations. And this truly is an independent bookstore; they carry smaller book, magazines, and comics you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else. It’s a great place to discover new titles you’ve never heard of.

The 8 Best Places to Read in Chicago

Harold Washington Library (South Loop) – If you’ve never read in a library before, you’ve never truly appreciated the “no talking” rule they always strictly enforce. The Harold Washington Library is the main branch of the Chicago Public Library and it’s gorgeous. They have a winter garden with high glass ceilings and so much natural lighting that you’ll feel serene. (Also, free wi-fi, yay!)
Eva’s Cafe (Old Town) -This cafe is so, so cozy and we mean it literally because they have an actual fireplace complete with leather chairs. You could lose hours sipping tea and reading here.
Millennium Park (The Loop) – If you know anything about Chicago, you probably know about “The Bean.” What you might not know is that it sits in Millennium Park with other awesome sculptures you can check out. And, of course, there’s a sprawling green field where you can kick back, pull out your book, and read.
Garfield Park Conservatory (East Garfield Park) – It’s free, it’s beautiful, what more could you want? It’s a true oasis with wonderful exhibits, lush greenery everywhere, and open 365 days. Also, did we mention it’s free? There is a suggested donation and we suggest you go!
The ‘L’ (Everywhere) – If you’re living in a big city like Chicago, you probably know its hard to escape large crowds. Pulling out your book on the “L” is the perfect way to enter a different world and  take a break from the chaotic city!
Heritage Green Park (West Loop) – This is a dog owner and book nerd’s heaven. Kick back, relax, and read your book in one of the city’s most peaceful parks while your dog enjoys the company of other precious pups!
Bridgeport Coffee Company (South Side) – Like we said earlier, books and coffee go hand-in-hand. This bright coffee shop has a great vibe, and the company whose beans they use is located around the corner. Like the great booksellers in Chicago know their books, these baristas know their beans.

10 Young Adult Books Set in Chicago

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
2. In The After by Dimitria Lunetta
3. Ballads of Suburbia by Stephanie Kuehnert
4. Chasing Shadows by Swati Avasthi
5. Pointe by Brandy Colbert
6. The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski
7. Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
8. Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone
9. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
10. Vixen by Jillian Larkin

 
Author Spotting in Chicago!

Keep an eye out for these authors while you’re out on the town, they all live here!

1. Natalie Blitt, author of The Distance from A to Z
2. Joella Charbbonneau, author of The Testing Trilogy
3. Simone Elkleles, author of Perfect Chemistry Trilogy
4. Michelle Falkoff, author of Playlist for the Dead
5. Elizabeth Fama, author of Monstrous Beauty
6. Demitria Lunetta, author of In The After
7. Laura Ruby, author of Bone Gap
8. Veronica Roth, author of Carve the Mark
   

Need a map of all these wonderful places you should visit? Here you go! We made this Google map just for you:

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