Blue House Books - Kenosha, WI

Blue House Books, Kenosha, WI

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Readers, if you need an energy transfusion to give your system a jolt, this is the place to visit.  I met a super young lady here who has a clear vision, who has it together, and who has an undeniable energy and passion for what she does.  When you meet owner Samantha J. you won't want to leave.  She has been blessed with a talent for customer rapport and if you like books she'll engage you in those topics allowing a conversation to flow for as long as you want it to.  And her energy!  Good gawd, she's the energizer bunny!  THESE are the kind of experiences that you CAN'T get online, but only at an independent bookstore.  And if you're anywhere near Kenosha, WI, this is a must visit.

Blue House Books began as so many other bookstores, as a pop-up bookstore in August 2017.  It grew and evolved into what it is today; a smallish, well-curated, one-level brick and mortar that offers new and used books.  Most of the used books are shelved right along side the new and Sam has them inventoried so she knows what's in the store.  There's an overflow room that has additional used books at discounted prices.  Blue House has been a brick and mortar for about 11 months, another "pandemic baby" that sprang from the Covid crisis and enjoyed surprising success.  This has been the rule rather than the exception of the recently opened bookstores that I've visited.  

The sidelines include the always popular jigsaw puzzles and literary-themed candles made by a bookseller in Peoria.  But my favorite sideline here was one I haven't seen yet.  A classic book cover purse in the shape of a book.  This purse is conveniently large enough to hold a trade sized paperback.  Another of the many unique sidelines you can find in independent bookstores.  If you see it and you like it, get it.  You won't find these things anywhere else. 

This is a classic book cover you can use as a purse/book cover.  It is the perfect size for a trade paperback. 

 

 

But this is just the beginning for Blue House Books.  In a couple of months, Sam is moving the store to a larger space but still staying in downtown Kenosha.  She's already hired an events coordinator to facilitate that part of the business with this extra space.  You're also going to see more sidelines and of course more books.  Downtown Kenosha is on the brink of some positive economic development and Sam is 100% locked in with a crystal clear vision for Blue House Books.  There are big things ahead for this terrific owner and her wonderful bookstore.  Congratulations Sam.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball, Luke Epplin.  A white, eccentric, one-legged team owner who offers fan promotions at many games; a white farm boy from Iowa who becomes a fire-balling pitcher; an African-American who becomes the 2nd person to break baseball's color barrier and the first to do so in the American League; and a wizened and wily African-American pitcher who finally gets his break after many years in the Negro Leagues.  The true story of how these four converge in 1948 to bring a World Series championship to Cleveland.  But their paths to get there are very different.  Outstanding book that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Highly recommended.   

CURRENTLY READING:  Native Son, Richard Wright. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Secret History, Donna Tartt.   

Enter through these doors and take a left. 

Don't mind if I do. 

View looking into the beautiful interior from the front entrance.  New books just delivered. 

Start your browsing immediately to the left with this long wall of books. 

Display table of recent releases. 

A portion of the children's section. 

Every bookseller has a few books that inspired their career.  This was one of Sam's inspirations.  Great book. 

Grab a book, have a seat, and take it for a spin. 

Used books are shelved along with new and they are labeled for easy identification. 

Variety of bookstore candles made by a bookseller from another store. 

These are a few of the book classic covers in purse form.  I think these would make great gifts. 

This is the cozy second room of the store.  Perfect for groups, events, comfortable sitting, and bargain books. 

Quietly remove the opened book from my face and tell me the store is closing.  I'll let myself out. 

Another partial view of the second room. 

Great prices on the antique and vintage books, in the second room. 

$3 for the used book overstock or a bag full for $10?  People, they're practically GIVING these away!

A variety of sidelines in the second room. 

This applies to every indie all over the country!

Check out what the Blue House Book Club is reading.  Or better yet, join them!

Overview of the main room of the store looking toward the front entrance. 

With Sam, the fine owner at Blue House Books.  Thanks for a great visit.