Undercover Books

Rebecca Johnson

year ago

This bookstore feels like a cozy home with the best hosts ever. Come and hang out find amazing reads and feel part of a community. I love it every time I walk through the door!!!

Christopher Biewer

8 months ago

Charming book store with one of the most unique vibes. The selection is amazing, from best sellers to hard to find gems. The owner (Todd, I believe was his name) is an excellent source of information he turned my son, who never reads, onto a new graphic novel (Bone or Amulet, I can’t recall he is now reading both). Highly recommend.

Natasha Nicholes

2 years ago

What a great space in the 21st ward of Chicago! I'm a book lover and nothing beats pouring through someone else's library. This is exactly what Undercover Books feels like. Someone letting you into their sacred space to see just how far their love of words goes. I'm bummed that I didn't know about it when it first opened, but that has been remedied. The books are categorized wonderfully, with a spacious Youth/YA section, puzzle table, fireplace and much more. The dark wood theme is the perfect backdrop and a joy to those who always wanted a room to hang in on rainy days, or sunny days, or....days in general. And like all true supporters of reading, they had books by a variety of authors and backgrounds and if we didn't agree with the POV or subject matter, we just looked at the next book in that category. I walked out with several books that had been loved on by others, and I can't wait to raid my personal library to share what I've loved with someone else through donation.

P. C. (ALIO)

year ago

Very VERY cool little shop - and easy access on 103rd St. The owners are friendly and helpful, and the selection of rare and out of print titles exceeded my expectations. I look forward to my next trip here.

David Weeks

8 months ago

This is an amazing bookstore and more! It's a community hub with rotating art exhibits, various performances, book signings, talks with authors, story time and more! It's a beautifully retrofitted space with cool lighting and an unforgettable front door. Enormous selection of carefully maintained, gently used books. Very friendly owners. Peep all the events, there's literally something for everyone.

M D

2 years ago

Picture this-you are driving/walking down a dark street in an otherwise quiet neighborhood and lo and behold, you look up only to find these gorgeous hues of warmth peeking from inside. What you don’t realize when you walk inside this quaint, stunning, carefully curated bookstore is being serenaded by a sheer labor of love. The family who owns this gem has provided a haven for this neighborhood, a refuge for bibliophiles who love the excitement of holding, touching, smelling a book, a place where you can sit by the fire and converse deeply, or find a quiet nook and get lost in a story, perhaps even yours. Aside from the stunning and gorgeous architecture, this is not only a bookstore (and a very fine one indeed), it is a place of both connection and solitude, a place to get completely immersed in the joy and wonder of browsing and reading, but most importantly, a place to be held with love.

Megan Grenville

6 months ago

MUST VISIT FOR BOOK LOVERS!!! It feels like a book store you see in the movies, only better. Warm and cozy. Thoughtfully decorated. And importantly - sooo many books in great condition for great prices! I could spend hours going through the shelves. The cherry on top is that the owners are so kind and ready to help. Don’t be afraid to ask them for what you’re looking for, or if you need recommendations.

Carrie Kelleher

2 years ago

I drove to Undercover Books today to donate books to this newish used book store on the south side. When I walked in the door…it was MAGIC! It’s HUGE, full of books of every kind, curated so intentionally, and organized beautifully. It felt wonderful looking around and browsing. A cozy nook with fireplace and sections just for specific authors or themes. A HUGE kids section with bean bags and games. I can’t wait to go back again, and again.

Debby Albrecht

6 months ago

What a gem! We picked up some early readers for the grandbabies and a fun vinyl and cocktail pairing book.

Vanessa Valliere

4 months ago

It's really hard to find a bookshop like this anymore. A great place with quality selection and a staff that is happy to intuit whether you want to chat it up or be left alone to browse. It's a little warren, filled with unexpected nooks for tucking into a book. The prices are beyond reasonable and there's even a little mantlepiece with a sweet faux fireplace. There's a super unique front window unlike anything I've seen in Chicago and it makes for such interesting, warm light during the day. Essentially, the place is a unicorn. Except it exists. Right here in our city. Lucky us.