Monstera’s Books - Overland Park, KS

Monstera's Books, Overland Park, KS

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To all my readers who are plant lovers, I have found your Xanadu.  And for my same book and plant enthusiasts, there are a few other bookstores out there that have the same business model.  But admittedly, this is rare.  I’m continually amazed at the new things I learn on this incredible journey,  For Monstera’s Books, owner Kate W. found that indoor plants became part of her home Covid project.  She knew when the store opened 7 months ago that plants would be a part of it.  So at this indie, they curate and care for books AND plants and fortunately they have Hannah on staff as the plant expert.  Well done, Monstera’s.

Kate decided she had had enough of selling software and cybersecurity and embarked on an adventure of bookstore ownership, an adventure that has been very successful.  Monstera’s offers new and used books in a beautiful one-level setting.  The store only takes used books as donations abut Kate and her husband keep their eyes open for estate sales that might have books of interest for the store.  They offer new and used plants (seriously, I half-kidding asked if they take used plants and they said YES but keep them in the back and don’t let them leave the store unless they’re sure they’re free of pests).  I thought the assortment of sidelines were outstanding including greeting cards, puzzles, buttons, journals, and stickers to name a few.  I also thought the store merch offered was excellent including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more all uniquely created by Kate's husband thanks to his talents in graphic design.  Monstera’s enjoys a terrific location in downtown Overland Park.  This ideal location attracts lots of foot traffic twice a week from the nearby farmer’s market. 

This is another bookstore name that leaves me curious how it came about.  It might be obvious to my plant experts (there’s your clue) but not to me.  The store is named after the Monstera plant, a large, leafy-green indoor plant (think Little Shop Of Horrors, the musical).  It sits on the left side of the store next to the large window soaking up all the natural light.

The staff here is simply outstanding.  Hannah, Wesley, and Laramie are wonderful.  My kindred book-spirit Mary wasn’t here but she sold me some books with the help of Kate.

If you’re in the Overland Park area of Kansas City, pay this gem a visit.  I didn’t think bookstores could be any cooler but the plants take it to a whole new level of zen.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Ragged Company, Richard Wagamese.  I love this author but I found this story about four homeless people who escape the cold by going to movies slow and repetitive.  Just couldn't get into it.  I highly recommend Indian Horse by this author. 

CURRENTLY READING:  A Fever In The Heartland, Timothy Egan. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  What The Chicken Knows, Sy Montgomery.  The Heart’s Invisible Furies, John Boyne.  North Woods, Daniel Mason.  

 

Side of the building.  Behind these windows is the Monstera plant. 

Beautiful storefront. 

On nice days, you can start browsing before you go in. 

Buy local, shop local, keep it in your community. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  I like the checkers!

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Plants! 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

A better view of the table display of plants in the front of the store. 

Display of popular releases. 

Head over to the right side of the store and browse these shelves, guarded by the plants above. 

Beautiful seating area in the middle of the store. 

At the check-out counter you'll find numerous sidelines for your impulse buys. 

The stickers are hot and these are just a few. 

The morning sunlight on the left side of the store is glorious.  Next to this chair is the Monstera plant.  Have a seat and enjoy the light. 

More sidelines near the checkout counter. 

Table display of new releases inside the front entrance. 

Right side of the store after you enter. 

View looking into the children's area. 

A book for a child or a senior citizen??  Asking for a friend. 

I love this mural in the children's area. 

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

If you're low on dough, find this basket of bargains. 

 I don't think I've seen this sign in any bookstore. 

With Kate, the fine owner at Monstera's Books.  Thanks for a great visit. 

The Atlas Collective - Moline, IL

The Atlas Collective, Moline, IL

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I’ve been to over 600 bookstores yet I continue to be amazed and awed by the people I meet on this journey.  Their kindness and passion cannot be overstated and if ever our country needed the strength of these wonderful people it is now.  Kara T. is the fine owner at The Atlas Collective and I’m happy to hear that things are going very well.  She’s surrounded herself with the best of people including her mom Jean, bookseller Brooke, and customers like Sarah.  I can tell she has a vision and determination that would be a great resource to any aspiring bookstore owners. 

In their 10 short months of business The Atlas Collective has achieved the perfect balance; the ying/yang, the tastes great/less filling, the bookseller/barista.  As Kara told me, they have really been successful with the even balance of bookstore and coffeeshop.  The store offers new and used books in a setting that includes an expansive coffee and cafe service with plentiful table seating as well as comfortable living room seating.  The talented staff is very flexible and can prepare your latte AND offer book suggestions.  Since this business is so new, people are still discovering it and many enter looking for a book or a coffee and didn’t realize they offer both, all in an attractive interior.  The store is able to supplement the new book inventory with donated books for the used book inventory, a great way to reduce overhead if bookstores can do this.  The sidelines here include buttons, coffees, and some store merch to name a few but the stickers are hot and won’t be found anywhere else since they’re created by Brooke.  The store hosts occasional events and might offer online purchasing in the future.  

The Quad Cities region of Iowa and Illinois located on the Mississippi River has an approximate population of 467,000, deserving of many more indies.  Readers, this is an independent bookstore desert.  Davenport has a couple, there’s nothing in Bettendorf, and the one in Rock Island recently closed.  Thankfully, Kara has stepped up to change this region and has recognized there is a genuine thirst for independent bookstores here.  How do I know this?  Opening day, January 2024, The Atlas Collective opened their doors to a 6-hour line of enthusiastic patrons lined up outside their store.  Could there be any clearer indication of the desire of a community to have an independent bookstore?  If you’re anywhere in the Quad Cities, don’t walk, RUN to this terrific new independent bookstore in downtown Moline.  Congratulations Kara!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Devil In The White City, Erik Larson.  The true story and duel time line of the greatest American architects racing to build a World’s Fair in 1890s Chicago that would rival the Eiffel Tower built in Paris.  And the mysterious disappearance of many young single women who came to Chicago seeking excitement and work from rural America.  A fascinating tale and this author is one of my favorites.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Ragged Company, Richard Wagamese.  

A perfect corner location on the edge of downtown Moline. 

If you have trouble spotting the store, look for this impressive sparkling work of art outside the front door. 

Yes, yes, and yes. 

This explains my nightly nightmares. 

This is the length of the store along 5th Ave. 

No, kids will not have to race through the store to find their section.  This is just inside the front door and immediately to the left. 

I think you can find positivity like this in just about every bookstore. 

The perfect little rocker for a little reader. 

A very uniquely decorated piano in the front of the store.  Piano players welcomed. 

Just inside the front door and looking the length of the store.  The coffee counter is straight ahead in the back of the store. 

Coffee and soy candles.  The candles are provided by Felix's Wares. 

Stroll over to the left side of the store and start browsing.  The store offers new and used books, this is the wall of new books. 

Overview of a beautiful and comfy seating area in the middle of the store. 

Look for those white tabs of paper along the shelves to see the staff recommendations.  These are called shelf talkers and are found in most bookstores. 

These are the bookshelves for the used books, back of the store. 

Pricing guide. 

A beautiful and welcoming neon sign. 

Look for these books wrapped in plain brown paper and play blind date with a book.  Look at the front of the wrapping to see if you want to give it a try.  I love this promotion. 

Cooler of cold drinks near the coffee counter. 

Overview of the coffee service area. 

The staff that makes your drinks can also recommend your books. 

These cinnamon rolls looked delish and this picture will not do them justice. 

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

If your budget is REALLY tight, find this book cart for the $1 books. 

I'm sure the store regulars already know how amazing Brooke is.  She makes the drinks, recommends the books, AND creates the unique stickers that you'll only find at The Atlas Collective.  If you see it and you like it, get it!  You won't find it anywhere else.  Nicely done, Brooke. 

    Partial view of the coffee seating area.  Or grab a book and try it out here. 

With Kara, the fine owner at The Atlas Collective.  Thanks for a great visit.