Miles Books - Highland, IN

 

Miles Books, Highland, IN

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As has happened many times on this journey, sometimes meeting the bookstore owner overshadows the bookstore.  Jim R. has been in business since 1984, a remarkable achievement deserving of national attention.  Yes, we discussed books (he's a big Steinbeck fan), but more importantly we spent a good deal of time lamenting the downfall of the White Sox season (we disagree about LaRussa's future) and the dismantlement of the GOP.  There are many reasons to visit your local bookstore but for me this experience CANNOT be duplicated online.  As I told Jim when I was leaving, I could've stayed a lot longer shooting the breeze and chewing the fat.  But this was merely the cherry on top of a wonderful bookstore visit.

Miles Books offers an expansive inventory of all used books, approximately 75,000, but it hasn't always been that way.  Up until the year 2000 they sold new books and then gradually transitioned to a used book store.  They're particular about the books they take from customers and I can see why.  This place is packed with books on the shelves, in the aisles, and in boxes still waiting for a place on a shelf.  The store will buy your used books if it fits their needs.  Miles Books offers a great buyer incentive too.  Buy two books and get a third one free, a great deal. 

The pandemic was a 4-month shutdown and was a challenge but they persevered and not only filled orders locally but for people all over the country as well.  The virtual business continues to do well and is a fine complement to the in-person business.  I'm happy to say that the business and the store are on solid ground.  

I should've asked Jim about the origins of the store name but I didn't get to it.  I have a problem with it.  I would think that the store name would be displayed correctly without a typo or missed word.  Given the store's massive inventory, it would only seem fitting to me that the store be called Miles OF Books!

Highland, IN is a short 30 minute drive south of Chicago.  If you're in Chicago, take the quick drive to Highland and enjoy a super bookstore experience.  And also be ready to solve all the problems of the White Sox.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Damnation Spring, Ash Davidson.  Story of a family and their logging community in the Pacific Northwest.  Land that has been logged for generations of families now faces environmental questions and livelihoods are threatened.  The book uses so much vocab and slang familiar to loggers that I found reading this to be a bog.  If you're familiar with logging terminology, you might like it.  I didn't. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Thunderstruck, Erik Larson.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Coin: A Story of The Holocaust, Arthur Barnett.  Growing Up Catholic, Meara/Stone/Kellly/Davis.   

 

Two businesses under one roof.  Enter through that front door and turn right for the bookstore. 

Twist my arm!

So true in every indie I visit. 

A full-service independent bookstore featuring a large inventory. 

Overview of the store from the front entrance. 

The front of the bookstore interior. 

Yes, I could settle nicely here and hold a book. 

Head over to the right side of the store and begin perusing the wall of books. 

Just a fraction of the items of local and regional interest. 

If you're a Roy Rogers fan, take a trip to this store. 

A nice work and seating area to comb through a few books. 

As you walk through the aisles, you'll have to browse more than just the shelves. 

Looking up the long aisle on the left side of the store, from the back. 

An overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  Keep in mind that behind this picture is another large room of books. 

I love used book stores for the unique finds.  Somewhere there is a person that would be all over this one. 

National Geographic fans and collectors will enjoy coming here.

The back room will keep anyone busy. 

Overview looking into the back room. 

Another partial view of the back room. 

Another display of local items, right across from the checkout counter. 

As you can see, I'm horrible at selfies.  With Jim, the fine owner at Miles Books.  Thanks for a great visit.