The Book Rack, St. Louis - Ballwin, MO

The Book Rack, St. Louis, Ballwin, MO

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Regular readers of this blog know that I've been on this journey for a few years and have now visited over 300 independent bookstores.  There are some who might think this would get old or ho-hum.  Let me ask you, what could possibly get old about seeing bookstores AND meeting some of the nicest people anywhere?  I know that I sometimes sound repetitive but these people I meet in bookstores are out of this world.  With that in mind, I offer up to you Cindy A., owner, and Lauren G., bookseller.  I hope when you visit The Book Rack that you take time to talk to these ladies.  These two are as nice as any I've met along my journey and once you start visiting with them you won't want to rush this bookstore experience.

The Book Rack has been at it for almost 38 years and Cindy is the third ownership, owning and succeeding for over 7 years.  The one-level store offers almost all used books and very few non-book items.  Understandably, after 38 years there are definitely a good core of regular customers.  This indie gets its books from these customers as well as estate sales or garage sales.  They are also fortunate to receive donated books.  Customers who bring their books in for trade receive "book bucks" to use in the store on more books.  The store is very well organized and as Cindy told me, she can be a little OCD which explains her talent for this.  I thought the quality of the books offered and the breadth of inventory was outstanding.  

My favorite thing at this store was the arrangement of the shelves.  Like many others, there were book nooks throughout the store but here at The Book Rack there was a chair in each nook.  Thank you Cindy!  Pick a nook, find a book, take a seat, and try it out.  This really helps to make browsing easy, relaxing, and fun.  

The store has a great location in a strip with many other businesses and is highly visible on the very busy Manchester Road.  There's lots of easy parking and it's all free, something I always appreciate.

Things are going great here and the store has a terrific vibe.  If you haven't been here yet, check it out and you will have a great time.  Lots of great books and some wonderful people.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Stephen Florida, Gabe Habash.  A recent release that is underrated.  Story of a senior wrestler attending a small college in North Dakota and his drive and passion to win a national title.  Even at the expense of friends, relationships, and all else.  At times, I thought this writer was over my head but it was a good book.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Munich, Robert Harris.    

Lots of window display space.  

You can start your shopping and find some deals before you walk into the store.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Devoted readers may recognize the celebrity on the right.  Yes, that's my mom.  Occasional readers may also recognize one of the Indie Bob Spot staffers on the left, Michelle T.  

View looking down one of the store's aisles.  Notice that every book nook has a chair.  I love this!

Here's one of those nooks with its own chair.  

Many indies do this promotion, blind date with a book.  A fun way to buy a book that you might otherwise never have found out about.  Take a chance and give it a try!

A portion of the children's area and their book nooks have their own little stools.  

If you're anywhere near St. Louis, you would be wise to bone up on Cardinal info.  Thankfully, I chose not to wear my Cubs shirt on this visit.  

Another great place to sit and try out a book.  

A very nice area toward the back of the store to sit and discuss your next book pick.  This would be a great place to bring your bookclub.  

Keep your eyes open and you might find out what Cindy is reading.  Make sure you take time to talk to her, she'll give you lots of book ideas.  

Have you ever wondered what the order of books are in a particular series?  

This store has several authors and info posted about the order of their books.  

Another partial view of the children's section.  

Check out this room in the back of the store, the classics room.  

If you're in a Missouri bookstore, you'll probably find some Mark Twain.  

If you're a Civil War buff and don't have this set, come here to check them out.  

Star Wars fans will want to check this out.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

With Cindy on the left and Lauren on the right, two of the fine people you'll meet at The Book Rack.  Thanks for a great visit.