The Indie Bob Spot: Maze Books

Maze Books, Rockford, IL

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Bookstore matches!

For those of you keeping score, Maze Books is now my 560th bookstore visited. Never, in any of my previous 559 visits have I been given something like what owner Dave P. gave to me here. You name it and I've received it. T-shirts, stickers, coffee cups, books of course, caps, bookstore pins (thanks Dave), offered a rescued cat (declined, allergic), postcards, popcorn, cookies, pens, socks and anything else you could imagine. But on my 560th bookstore visit I'm still enjoying unique experiences and Dave kindly gifted me my very own Maze Books matches! Indie owners following this blog can now consider adding this to their store merch inventory. But Dave, I don't smoke so what do I do with the matches? Just follow the directions!

Suggested use.

Congratulations to Dave and wife Kim on the one-year anniversary of their opening at this cute little bookstore. Things are going very well since opening and Dave is not only a strong voice for Maze Books but also for all the Rockford independent bookstores. He was the founder of the 1st annual Rockford Indie Bookstore Crawl that involved all the Rockford bookstores and was wildly successful for all. He has really ignited the community consciousness about bookstores to the forefront. Way to go Dave!

The store offers some new books but mostly used. Most of the used books are acquired from estate sales but as Dave said, he's always hunting books. He also receives some books simply as donations. Even though his inventory includes only about 10% new books, they're all recent releases or popular editions. He also offers rare, vintage, and signed 1st editions and these may be found through their online sales. I thought the store was extremely well-curated.

If you're planning to visit Maze Books at their current location you need to do it soon. They're already poised to move to a new space in October around the corner and a couple of blocks away on State St. But the good news is the new location will have the same terrific owner and same wide selection of books. And either place will guarantee the same wonderful bookstore experience. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Testament of Caspar Schultz, Jack Higgins. Paul Chavasse is a British Intelligence officer hired to track down a manuscript that reveals the corruption and truth about many Nazi officials. The problem is there are people on both sides that want to get their hands on this and there is danger at every turn. Think of Paul Chavasse as James Bond.

CURRENTLY READING: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, Grady Hendrix.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Troop, Nick Cutter. Not purchased but gifted, City Lights: Pocket Poets Series 1955-2005, from the collection of Donald A. Heneghan. Thanks Dave.

This will be the new location for Maze Books, quite possibly by the time many of you read this post.

View looking into the bookstore from the front entrance.

View looking to the right from the front entrance.

Just a few of the local authors featured and available.

Find most of the new books on this attractive wall display in the front of the store.

List of events and best sellers posted for easy reference.

Help Maze Books celebrate its one-year anniversary with their anniversary specials!


Stephen King fans should definitely pay a visit.

Take a close look at this book. Originally published in 1931, an uncommon early novel of homosexuality set in NYC. Think of it. Where were the book bans? I guess Herbert Hoover was too busy trying to run the country. Can you imagine if this book hit the stores and libraries today? Read banned books!

A few of the vintage leather-back editions.

Always good to know and I like seeing this guide in used book stores.

Looking into the room behind the front room. To the right of this space are two more additional rooms. This place is much larger than it looks from the outside.