Page 1 Books - Evanston, IL

Page 1 Books, Evanston, IL

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Red rover, red rover send Ginger right over.  Attention all bookstore scholars, historians, owners, and staffers, especially those of you who are familiar with 1970s Texas bookstores (Indie Bob, what does this have to do with Page 1 Books in Evanston?  Just stick with me here, people!).  Just as people are curious about their ancestors, Page 1 Books is curious about theirs.  You see, owner Brandy O., grew up in Corpus Christi with a neighborhood bookstore she rode her bike to.  She loved it so much that when she was 9 years old, she asked owner Ginger for a job in this bookstore, Page 1 Books.  Brandy was so inspired by this store and owner that she named her new store Page 1 Books to honor that past.  So now, she's searching for Ginger, Page 1 Book's owner in Corpus Christi during the 1970s.  Brandy is trying to locate Ginger to thank her for the impact and inspiration she's had on her life and the new store.  If only there were an ancestry.com for bookstores!

Here's what I know for sure about Ginger.  She will be extremely proud of Brandy and this new, 6-month old bookstore that she's opened in Evanston, near the Northwestern University campus.  A beautiful interior space offering all new books and a variety of literary-themed sidelines.  If you're looking for literary-themed tea or candles, you'll find them here along with some unique gift ideas.  This business actually began a couple of years ago as an internet book subscription service.  That business grew so well (including 12,000 instagram followers) that Brandy decided to open a brick and mortar store.  Her background in technology and marketing along with a talented team of family members prompted her to tell me that results so far have been "incredibly overwhelming."  

The store is already offering an active events schedule, including a twice-weekly story time.  They enjoy a lot of walk-in traffic and regular customers as well as staff members from the Northwestern community.  And if any Northwestern students stop in to shop they'll get a 10% discount.  Thanks to their subscription series they also enjoy customers from all over the country, some of whom visit Evanston to see the physical store.

Brandy and bookseller Sara are the reasons my journey is such a blast (bookstore dog, Boo Radley, was not present and had the day off.  I'm required to deduct points for this staffing transgression).  These people will make your visit outstanding and Ginger will love this beautiful descendent of her Page 1 Books.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Thirty Years A Slave, Louis Hughes.  Autobiography originally published in 1897.  An excellent primary source of the author's life from the 1840s through the 1890s.  Considering the time period, this is very readable.  The brutality of slavery recorded by this author and the attitudes of both races during this time period are vividly recorded.  Life as a slave on the plantation and the home of the planter.  Also excellent observations about the Civil War.  Published by NewSouth Books.  I thoroughly enjoyed this accounting.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Great Believers, Rebecca Makkai.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:   The Overstory, Richard Powers.  

You probably can't read these unless you enlarge the picture.  This is a display window of gratitude, a great idea.  Thanks Page 1.  

The store already has a busy events schedule.  

This is so indie.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Just inside the front door you'll see a table display of new and noteworthy fiction.  

A very comfortable place in the front of the store to enjoy good company and a good book.  

There are inspirational quotes found throughout the store.  I've seen this in other indies and I like the idea.  

Wonderful display of new and noteworthy non-fiction.  

Literary-themed tea to go with your book.  Jane Austen's black tea blend.  

A few of the greeting cards available.  

I think this is a fantastic service.  This part of the business was in place a couple of years before the store opened.  

And if you don't like your book?  No biggie, no sweat, no hassle.  

This is what one of the book subscription gift bundles looks like.  As one customer told Brandy, it's like getting a present for yourself once a month.  

Much of the artwork you see displayed in the store was done by Brandy's daughter and is available for purchase.  

Sometimes you can find beauty beneath the display tables.  Beautiful.  

You saw the gratitude display window?  I call this the gratitude pole.  Way to go Page One!   

Unique.  A must have.  

Find these shelves for some 50% off bargains.  

A few of the books available by Evanston authors.  

If you know a Shakespeare fan, this gift pack would be perfect.  

Or get the same gift bundle for your Charles Dickens fan.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

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

With Brandy, the fine owner at Page One Books.  Thanks for a great visit.