Sisters Books & Nooks - Cedar Rapids, IA

Sisters Books & Nooks, Cedar Rapids, IA

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I noticed this bookstore when it opened for business back in September.  Since then, I’ve been like a dog straining at the end of a leash to get here.  I didn’t have to map out a lengthy trip for this one since this new indie is located in my hometown of Cedar Rapids.  I’m happy to hear from co-owner Jamie S. that things are off to a great start in their short three months of business.  It’s also nice to see another independent bookstore open in Iowa, a state that has shown some growth with new bookstores over the past few years.

From vet school, to a legal firm, to retail, and then to bookstore ownership.  This has been the journey to opening Sisters Books & Nooks for Jamie.  In fact, the conception for this indie might have began back in vet school when Jamie met future co-owner Sarah and they became closest of friends.  Jamie’s experience in retail has been helpful for this business that offers new and used books as well as numerous sidelines.  The interior is very homey and spacious which allows for leisurely browsing and many places to sit and sample a book.  One of the store’s intentions was to offer a comfortable third space for visitors.  I think that goal is a success with all of the available seating and lighting.  And as if the browsing experience couldn’t be any better, consider having a glass of wine or cup of coffee as you look around.  The used books offered have been donated, but if customers prefer they can receive store credit for the books that the store agrees to accept.  For those customers who want to support the store but can’t visit in person, you can place your order online through bookshop.org.  Sisters Books & Nooks will gladly order any book you like but the offerings in fantasy, occult, and horror are especially good.

The sidelines are highlighted by stickers, magnets, candles, wrapping paper, store merch, and journals to name a few.  They also have a nice assortment of sidelines created locally like earrings and crocheted items, to name a few.  Events are already a part of the store’s identity and include two book clubs.

One of the best things for me was the store location, in historic Czech Village.  When Czech Village is your destination, then you should absolutely put Sisters Books & Nooks on your list.  An area with numerous small businesses throughout with an Old World vibe and very compatible for foot traffic.  If you’re in the eastern Iowa region, it’s time to discover this new indie and meet Jamie and Sarah for an excellent bookstore experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash, Jean Shepherd.  Based on the popular movie, A Christmas Story, a series of vignettes told by Ralphie reminiscing about his childhood in northern Indiana.  Includes his obsession with getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, and other mildly amusing stories from his childhood.  Overly descriptive and tedious at times.  The movie was better.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Precipice, Robert Harris.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Barn, Wright Thompson.  

 

Entering the Czech Village from the east side of Cedar Rapids.  

Sisters Books & Nooks is located on the ground level of this striking building.  

Storefront and entrance.  

Looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  

Overview of the left side of the store.  

Get any book you want!

Available any time of the year but especially fitting during the holiday season.  

Apologies for the glare but you get the idea.  A nice glass of wine pairs nicely with browsing in a bookstore.  

Join one of the bookstore book clubs.  Get started on this upcoming club book pick. 

A few of the non-fiction books offered.  

Find some of the children's books here, located near the front of the store.  

As with so many of my recent bookstore visits, stickers are very popular.  

Find these shelves for your next thriller and suspense novel.  

Unique store merch.  

 

I love this area in the left rear of the store.  Comfortable seating and a fireplace, a most welcoming area to watch a snowfall, enjoy a book, and sip a wine or a coffee.  This bookstore is a terrific "third place."  

In between chapters, work in a game of chess.  

Journey to the back of the store and checkout the used books.  

Another excellent space in the store.  A reading nook room in the back.  

Gorgeous setting in the middle of the store.  And look, presents already wrapped and ready under tree...

...what a clever way to present the "blind date with a book" promotion

Pricing guide.  

Wonderful seating area in the back right of the store.  

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

Locally and uniquely created items you're unlikely to find elsewhere.  If you see it and you like it GET IT!

A perfect seasonal sideline.  

With Jamie, one of the fine co-owners at Sisters Books & Nooks.  Thanks for a great visit.