Rainy Day Books is kind of the best of both worlds - a book lover's paradise staffed by book…read moreworms. It's a cozy space, but it's jampacked with books from all subjects. If you can't find what you're looking for - which for some reason happens me a lot - the staff is happy to order a copy for you. They're book club friendly. They also host a ton of fun book-related and author events. If you're interested, please follow their social media accounts. They'll keep you up to date.

Indie bookstores are the best. This one being the oldest in KC, just celebrating 50 years is…read moreabsolutely amazing. They have amazing author events either in their shop or the Unity Temple on the Plaza. There is a great kids section with a ton of options. Employees are super helpful and will help you look up books as well. I needed to make sure a book was appropriate for kids and they looked up the details for me! Great bookstore all around!

I was wondering around on a Saturday evening and found this local gem. What an incredible place…read more Enchanting. I immediately felt at home exploring the 3 floors. The books cover every subject. Some were probably harder to find. I happened upon a hardback about Eleanor Roosevelt and the years she spent alone after FDR's death. I also found a copy of an old magazine which explored all sorts of Tibetan culture. I purchased both. The book on Eleanor was found in the basement which is a bit of a labyrinth. I got tickled because I was entranced by the books so much that I nearly tripped several times on the very uneven floor. And it's painted all the same color so you can't see the weird level changes well but I was weirdly not even upset about it because it added some intrigue to the mystery of searching the shelves in the basement. Even on a nearly 100 degree day, it was chilly down there. Cool! Upstairs on the 3rd floor where it was toasty, I found the magazine. There were some cool lounge areas up there too. Record albums and a music section. I was mesmerized. I believe there were a couple of people putting out books but I'm not sure. I never asked anyone for help because I wasn't sure who worked there and I didn't really need any. The guy who checked me out seemed pleasant but I can't speak too much on the service except to say it was fine. I felt it was very acceptable to read through books even though they were for purchase and except on the crowded main floor, they had places for you to sit and read so it was even encouraged! I love that! The only thing I'd have liked that I did not see is a bit more merchandise that is book and reading related. They had a few Prospero Books tshirts and a tote bag but that was about it. I admit it wouldn't necessarily fit the vibe to have a section like this or maybe it could if done in a nonchalant way. The messages from customers written on the walls and shelves throughout the store along with photos were absolutely perfect! There were some photos that showed the basement before it became the magical place it is right now. Reading the messages and seeing the photos let me know I was in the realm of my people. All the books and magazines I saw were reasonably priced. I spent less than $15 on my large hardback and magazine. I didn't have nearly enough time to explore. I hope to go back!! You should definitely go and support a local bookstore treasure!!! I'm so thrilled they are here! We need more like them! And they carried ALL types of books. There is no censorship. As noted on Prospero Tshirts, "There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." - Joseph Brodsky And you'll find in my friend's book, The Sun Does Shine, they can strip you of everything but if you have an imagination, they can't take that. Books and reading develop that ability. Let the words transport you! READ!

Such a delight! Enjoyed an hour Saturday browsing their selection-- could spend days here. Looking…read moreforward to returning soon. Purchased a book printed 50 years ago comparing where I lived for two decades in California and Kansas City, MO and an out of print philosophy of fairytales companion. Such a find!

Monstera's Books is sooo cute! I love that there are plants along with supplies and books to take…read morecare of the plants. It's a small place but has plenty of variety. They found the book I needed asap and were so kind! They also had cards and stationary items that were so cute. There were also some free book marks at the counter that were so cute!

Omg !!!! LOVED this bookstore. I live in the Northland so I don't often make it down to the OP area…read morebut stopped in here on a day out and I totally will be back at some point! They had a great selection of books and easy to find your way around with the organization of the books. Walked out with a nice little haul :)

Everything that I've had here has been so tasty. They're smoothies are really delicious alsoread more

Made it back to place, visiting a friend; and I give this place high marks for their efforts!…read more The big breakfast burrito, if you're into a little Hispanic spin for your breakfast - well this one is for you and it'll be a good one. I'd personally go for (more) cheese sauce next time. The salsa that came with this burrito dish - it appears they're making that salsa - and it's a great tasting salsa! So good a salsa, that I make one small suggestion: Instead of those Tostitos round chips being served as the side. Might I suggest something like the Tostitos Cantina style chip. The salsa deserves to be paired with a far better chip! And I'll mention again, the music memorabilia adorning the walls, sure is neat, all throughout the place. Somebody took some time collecting that collection of items!

Very nice book store and had some really good prices in some areas. Recommend a visitread more

A hidden Sedalia gem!…read more I was recently visiting family and decided to search for a used book store. I was pleasantly surprised by how cute this place is and they have pretty good prices too.

This was my first time at Afterword (though I have been meaning to go for a while) and I am already…read moreplanning on coming back! I love the vibe of the space, which is lined with bookshelves and they even have a card catalog. The drinks are fun and with some Literary references for the names. I had the poppy war and really enjoyed it. We sat inside but they also have an outdoor patio. The bathroom was also extremely clean. Service was very quick with barely any wait before the drinks were ready. I would recommend anyone that loves a cocktail to stop in!

Cozy, book-filled, and perfect for unwinding with a drink. I tried the drink of the month the…read moreBoozycatipillar, a fun literary-themed cocktail supporting Read to Lead KC delicious! The only downside? Ordering at the bar makes it tricky to hold your seat as a solo guest. Drinks are a bit pricey, but the ambiance is worth it. Great spot for book lovers looking to relax with a cocktail!

I love coming to KD's. As an educator, I can always find the "hottest and newest" books for my…read moreclassroom AND for myself! I love supporting local, and I love what they stand for as well. Every time I come in, I am always welcomed with friendly conversation. The price of the books are great, and better than you can get in those big box stores or Amazon. Support local book stores!

This store was fun a year ago when they had used books and fun book treasures, but it's even better…read morenow with an expanded adult section. They no longer have the used books, but they have all the new releases and more. I always stop in here when I'm in DTLS. The employees are so helpful. I love it when they have events. I once met a local author signing books, and we need more of that! I will continue shopping here so we can keep a great indie bookstore in business.

I love the new Monarch Books space. It is bigger and they have even more books and gift items. I…read morereally enjoyed browsing the new layout and the reading room on the side was very cozy and fun. I already plan to return for future birthdays and Christmas shopping! Highly recommend for book lovers in the area!

I had the joy of going to the new location for Monarch shortly after they opened it! I LOVED the…read moreatmosphere, book selection, and the fact that they also had plants and gift items as well. My one lament is selfish, and that's the fact that the antique books were, from what I understand, for display only (I collect antique books, so I always have an eye out for places to browse for them). I believe the person I met there when I went was the owner, who was extremely friendly! Plus I love that it's a locally owned store. Overall I really loved visiting and browsing. Monarch is definitely one of my go-to bookstores now!

I go to romance bookstores in cities I visit and Under the Cover is probably the best I've seen!…read moreIt's large and organizes books by tropes. There's just a lot of small details that the owners have taken note of and implemented in the store. It's 2 large stores now (it's gotten bigger) and the decorations and gifts are wonderful. Very Instagrammable. Lots of books and gifts like candles, shirts, bags, knickknacks. Cute signs and decor. Books by local authors are highlighted. Staff is very helpful. Bathroom is clean and cute. There's lots of ladders that remind you that you're not Belle, do not stand on them! A must-visit if you're in KC!

I used to be in the bookstore business. Remember bookstores? Those cavernous spaces with endless…read moreshelves of books of which maybe only 5% actually got purchased? Yeah. Good memories. That's not the case at Under The Cover. This is a legit, almost boutique-ish, book and gift store. It's not a warehouse of books and just 'stuff'. No, their specialty lies with LGBTQ+ literature, awareness, and advocacy and that theme is everywhere in this cozy space. Under The Cover is moving books aplenty and their merch and sundries game is amazing. Throw up a hand if you're an LGBTQ+ supporter. Heck, throw up a hand if you're on the other side of those lifestyles, because Under The Cover will WELCOME you, too. There are plenty of Christian bookstores, so balancing that ledger with inclusivity and love by patronizing an alternative choice & lifestyle business should be on anyone's radar. The service is uber-friendly and they will give suggestions for just about anything. Sign their guest book (so fun!) or just drop your email to receive future discounts, notice of specials, or even in-store author events. Support local is not just a rallying cry for farmers markets or service industries. It's critical to buttress our friends and neighbors who pour their hearts and souls into offering the great city a neverending array of shops & locations by supporting their businesses. The value in a place like Under The Cover is not just in the price tag of the items. No, it's more in the merit of small businesses and their place in the fabric that is Kansas City. Parking is city-style, which can mean you're on your own. Prices are fair and consistent, and you will appreciate what this space has become and how it can add to the Union Hill area. Take the time, and the opportunity, to stop in and feel the love.

This is a small book shop tucked away inside a co-op art center. The floors creaked upon entering…read more I was greeted by one of the arts who joked how no one can sneak up on them anymore. According to the workers, their shops were new-ish due to half the space being constructed into a microbrewery. Prior to that, they were spread out around the space. Blue & Grey is the only book store within the four walls. The majority of the selection are history books and cookbooks. I found a large copy of the Illustrated History of Jackson County which detailed postal codes, city development, and land ownership in the early years. Other history topics include WWI, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. I also found the Collectors' Guide to Cookie Jars.There are some VCRs on the shelves too. Everything is reasonably priced. Becky, the owner, was bubbly. She talked to me about what's inside the store and showed me the adjacent art gallery featuring 12 local artists. It seemed that she really enjoyed working in this space with the artists. In short, this space is worth a walk through, and if you can support any of the local artists/vendors inside, do it!

From the owner: The Blue & Grey Book Shoppe has an expanded inventory of Civil War, Local History and other…read moreAmerican History books - New, Used, and Rare. Plus a selection of Fiction and Non-Fiction books, Doll Clothes, Maps, Curated Gift Items, Fine Art, and Much More.