Love this bookstore so much. Love that it's second hand books and decently priced. Service is…read morealways super friendly.

Wonderful community volunteer-run store with well organized books and great selection! Fair prices…read moreand kind service. Would definitely visit again!

Matchmaker Bookshop is exactly what downtown Highland Park needed. It's the rare independent…read morebookstore that feels both thoughtfully curated and genuinely welcoming. The space is cozy without feeling cramped, with inviting book nooks that make you want to slow down and stay awhile. The selection stands out--smart, eclectic, and clearly chosen by people who actually read. You'll find titles you didn't know you were looking for, for both adults and children, and small, interesting gifts. What really sets it apart, though, is how well it works for families. There are comfortable spaces to sit and read with your kids, along with playful areas that make browsing feel like an experience rather than a chore. It's a charming, well-executed addition to the neighborhood--and the kind of place you'll find yourself returning to often.

What on Earth is better than a quaint little Victorian-style bookshop stocked with best-sellers?…read moreThe rows of books are sprinkled with index cards about staff favorites and unexpected gems. They have a welcome atmosphere- come with your little ones and hang out on the second floor, or ask about their cute conference room available for reservation. I'm loving the book I purchased during our quick perusal; The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab. Forget Amazon, go smell some books ;)

This is the book store I always wished had been at this location! Prior to Secret World Books…read moreopening up here, it was a religious reading room. The space was so nice looking, and they had this adorable little garden in the back that I had only gotten glimpses of for years (like as far back as the 1990s) - but it didn't cater to my tastes and beliefs, so I never really visited there. Secret World Books recently occupied the space, and turned it into everything I love about small independently owned book nooks, which makes me so happy! They have a nicely-curated collection of books. Such a small shop obviously cannot compare to major book stores in sheer volume, but runs laps around them when it comes to style and vibe (sorry, I'm probably gonna say 'vibe' a lot here, please bear with). If you want books from local authors, if you want well-loved hidden gems that maybe missed the "[Insert Celebrity Name] Book Club™®©" spotlight, if you want to find some gently-read books with character unique to used books, if you're looking for some retro magazines, if you like comic books / graphic novels, if you're into tabletop RPGs, if you want books catering to out-of-the-box thinkers, and might enjoy an inviting safe space for people of all walks of life... Yeah, this just might be your place. And if you DO want the latest greatest manufactured-viral or pop culture hit, the Secret World staff can still get it for you, and seem chill about it. Hey, sometimes I just wanna read the latest entry in a best-selling megacorporation-owned franchise, without being judged... It's all good. Just go to the front and ask them to get a copy for you; easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Just maybe also consider looking behind the counter at their collection of books from local and lesser-known authors, who might have something that'll pull you in. It's so tough for local artists, crafters, writers, and other creative individuals go get traction; IMO, it's always bodacious when you put a little effort into checking 'em out, and generate some word-of-mouth magic to help them advance their message and/or skills. You might even just run into an author you know. They recently had some poets reading from their works, including Katana Smith and Highland Park's own poet laureate Laura Joyce-Hubbard. This weekend they'll have authors Jenna Satterwaite and Beth Kander. Seems like this is a somewhat common occurrence here... Pretty cool, huh? Oh, man, and the atmosphere here is sooo... I dunno, my ADHD want to say "cozy" and "crunchy" at the same time. "Crunchozy?" Thanks, wacky-internal-monologue-voice! Secret World feels nice and chill, but still filled with positive lively vibes. It's physically just comfortable, too. They have some comfy seats and a tea station that adds to the vibe, plus a gorgeous view of their secret garden. Dude, they even call it the "Secret Garden," which - funny(ish) personal story - I've been calling it for years. Literally, for decades, I had known there was a cool little secluded garden back there; but it's completely walled in, so I could only catch fleeting glimpses. I had a running head-canon that I would unlock an Elder Scrolls-esque mission there someday. I finally got to see it in person, and it's even cooler now! No RPG mission yet, but I'll be back to see what the zen racoon has to say. Okay, sorry, I've babbled on enough. Secret World Books book store: Cool place. Nice books. Friendly peeps. Comfy vibe. They spread the word on exercising your 5th amendment rights. They have complementary hot tea. Plenty of free street parking, near some 2-hour-free public parking lots. Neighbors to Curt's Café. Yeah, pretty awesome. Books; check 'em out!

This place is great! I was able to find a cool board game for a party. I also found some cool…read morecomics here as well!

As a retired teacher, I now love shopping here for my grandkids. Unique gift ideas that are…read moreeducational! I would have loved a store like3 this when I was teaching. I appreciate the pleasant staff and that they wrap my gifts so beautifully. They have a FREE bookcase of used books, which is also popular.

This store is AMAZING!! So so so bittersweet that I found it as they began closing. I wish I had…read morefound it sooner but there's still so many amazing gems to be found!! Please do yourself a favor and stop in before they close for good! So sad what's happening to all the small business around.

I'm updating this as Jay's has really taken their shop to the next level. Improved store branding…read moreand decor. Increased square footage. Expansion of trades, back issue selection including plenty of wall books with keys and CGC. They carry all the associated toys, pops, statues,etc...but for me I'm there for the comics. Jay's easily has the widest selection of back issues (raw and slabbed) within an hour driving distance. Get in your car and check it out.

Three stars for the selection, but the staff brings the overall rating down. I'm a casual collector…read morejust getting into obtaining collectible issues (I typically purchase to read and enjoy them). I have been interested in the original 4-part Wolverine series for a while, and since the shop had all 4 issues, I asked whether they were newsstand or direct issues. The employee took them out of the case and assured me they were all newsstand, but when I got home and conducted a bit more research, I found that they were ALL direct issues. Whether it was due to incompetence or ignorance, I won't be placing anymore trust in this shop, which is unfortunate because I had a high level of interest in a lot of their glass-case collectible issues. Yes, this is partly my own fault for making the purchase without conducting further research first, but to be taken for a ride like this by an employee who is there to assist customers is enough reason to stay away in the future.

Store feels a little cramped but customer service is excellent. Very welcoming to kidsread more

Great time to be a comic book collector. I have been looking for a nice comic book store and I…read morefinally found one. Beyond Tomorrow Comics reminds me of the old school stores. The store has new owner and he is great to talk to and offered many recommendations of other comics to read. Very friendly service and was very helpful. Definitely going back every week to pick up my comics.

A ROMANCE BOOKSTORE? COUNT ME IN! This is a newer bookstore in the North Shore, and I'm so glad to…read morefinally have a romance specific bookstore for us bookish girlies. Located in the heart of Wilmette, this bookstore is sort of tucked away but when you know it's there you'll be coming back for more. It is a smaller bookstore but packs so much inside. They also host a lot of events for local authors to come in to do signings and more. I came by during one of their first few events and got a few signed books, and some books on my TBR (to be read) shelves. The staff is incredibly friendly and are always willing to make recommendations. They have shelves of young adults, fantasy, romantasy, hot and new, as well as best sellers. Be sure to look at their merch too! You'll find some great hidden gems!

Super cute bookstore focusing on romance novels. The owner is super nice and personable, you can…read moredefinitely talk book recommendations with her. I got a "blind date with a book" and it came with stickers and other extras that are worth more than the cost of the book. Will come back when in Chicago again.

Love this little store. Unique, cute gifts. Always something new for each of the holidays and/or…read moreseason. She packs it up for you, for gift ready.

A great little shop with lots of Christmas decor right now artfully displayed. I will be back in…read morespring to check out the garden gift items.