A Few Novel Ideas!
Readers, rejoice: October is National Book Month! So let’s dive into all things reading-related, from our staff’s top book picks of the year thus far to our favorite independent booksellers, along with must-visit destinations for bibliophiles and local organizations dedicated to spreading literacy and the love of reading.
2024 has already brought us some incredible books, and below are a few favorites published this year. These new books are already making waves in 2024, offering something for every reader—whether you crave deep, character-driven stories, sharp social commentary, or a thrilling mystery to keep you up all night.
The Women
by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah delivers an emotional story of female friendship, love, and resilience against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. The Women shines a light on some of the unsung heroes of the war—the women in the military and their struggles abroad and at home.
James
by Percival Everett
James is a reworking of Mark Twain’s classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. For fans of classic literature, this sharp, thought-provoking novel about identity and societal expectations is a captivating journey.
The Midnight Feast
by Lucy Foley
Lucy Foley’s latest thriller, The Midnight Feast, is another winner from the modern successor to Agatha Christie, famous for her ‘locked room’ style mysteries. Her newest book traps intriguing characters in a secluded setting filled with long-held secrets and suspense.
Just like the inviting shop in You’ve Got Mail, independent, locally owned bookstores offer a unique and personal touch. But unlike Meg Ryan’s The Shop Around the Corner, these beloved community gems are still going strong and eager to welcome you.
Bookstore of Glen Ellyn | 475 N Main St, Glen Ellyn: Open 7 days a week, this landmark bookstore has been a vibrant part of the Glen Ellyn Community for over 60 years.
Anderson’s Bookshop | 123 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville: With a second location in Downers Grove, this bustling bookstore has been family owned and operated for 5 generations.
Three Avenues Bookshop | 3009 N Southport Ave, Chicago: This family-run shop is newer to the indy bookstore scene, but thrives on the busy Southport Corridor. A general interest bookstore, they aim to promote literacy, connection and community engagement.
The Book Stall | 811 Elm St, Winnetka: Established in 1940, this community favorite offers a vast inventory and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Their active special events calendar includes best-selling authors, live storytelling, and book fairs.
Women & Children First | 5233 N Clark St, Chicago: Believing in the transformative power of literature, and committed to celebrating and amplifying underrepresented voices, this Andersonville icon has built a loyal following since opening in 1979.
Bookstores and libraries can be more than just places to buy or borrow books; they can be destinations worth traveling to for their unique character, historical significance, and architectural beauty.
Powell’s City of Books, Portland, OR: Spanning an entire city block and housing over a million new and used books, this bibliophile’s paradise is the largest independent bookstore in the world. Filled with smart, eclectic offerings and passionate people, it’s a microcosm of Portland itself.
Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland: Built in the 18th century and regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, the celebrated Long Room is a 200-foot vaulted chamber filled with towering bookshelves and marble busts of great philosophers and writers. It is also home to the Book of Kells, an illuminated 9th-century manuscript.
Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: With an elaborate neo-Gothic façade inspired by Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the jewel-like interior of this 19th-century gem features intricately carved, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and gilded arches that soar three stories. Designed by noted Portuguese architect Rafael de Silva, the room’s crowning glory is the magnificent stained-glass dome and cast iron chandelier.
The Library of Celsus, Ephesus, Turkey: Though only the 2-story façade remains, this is one of the most impressive sites of antiquity in the Mediterranean. Built in the 2nd century, it housed more than 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library of the ancient Greco-Roman world, behind those of Alexandria and Pergamum.
