Not the best selection of books, but of what they have, you'll find great prices. If you're a history buff, this is not the shop for you. I have purchased books from here before, and while today's purchases were good, they're not what I was looking for. The middle eastern history section is one of the most pathetic sections I've ever seen in any book store. There are no books on Middle Eastern peoples or history, with the exception of the newest comers: Arabs. 99% of the books were on Arabs, which was so comical and pathetic. A couple books on Israel were sprinkled in, and an Iranian novel. Not a single book on history of middle east, or its ancient peoples. So, I inquired. I was told by a girl staffer that "it's bc that's what people are buying I guess." That tells me that either those that frequent this shop have a myopic lens of history or that this is simply a generic, unremarkable bookstore that is far behind in competition. Volumes bookstore nearby is certainly a better choice, if you're looking for scholarly books or notable texts. I'd come in, again, if I'm in the area, but it's certainly an unimpressive bookshop. Purchases today: Islamic imperialism (only good book on middle east); French resistance to Nazism; Art Collection. read more

Have you ever seen that John Tucker movie where the guy brings different women on the same exact date? Not gonna lie, I used to do that with this place. There was a 4 year span where I'd bring people here on first dates & we'd set out on a mission to choose a book we'd think the other person would like, then would have intimate conversations at the coffee table upstairs. Looking back, I know what I did was wrong and that I'm trash. This bookstore, however, is not. read more

I normally love Myopic and have been frequenting it for years. They have a large selection of books and I appreciate the opportunity to buy them used rather than offline. However, on my last visit with my boyfriend, he inquired about a book and the worker said they don't have a database to look up the books in the store. Unless things have changed, I have called in the past and the person with whom I spoke was able to tell me if they had a book or not, presumably by looking it up. I was really disappointed in the service this time and am hoping to have a better experience when I return. read more

Make no mistake this place is huge from the inside. I don't know why but i love bookstores. Something about wisdom, knowledge, stupidity, creativity and so much more all stored somewhere together has an allure to it. This place has a second floor and a basement. Their collection is massive and they have some old and rare gems. They are a bit weird about using your phone in the store and sometimes they will want to hold on to your backpack if you go inside. Its 2017 bro.. read more

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Best book store I've ever been to! Love the selection and vibe. Must visit for wicker park. The customer service is great too! Love love love it! read more

I came here alone, new to the town, just walking the beautiful streets. I thought it looked a bit run down but I actually liked that once I started walking around. It feels like this place has been there for a while and has some history. I got lost in the books and had plenty to explore. The top top floor has tables and some seats you can read books on. I enjoyed stepping in here to be introspective and rest in the midst of a bustlin' city. read more

Very rustic bookstore! Staff was friendly and f helpful. 3 1/2 floors of books of all kind. Has a very handmade feel.

Myopic is a book lovers dream. Now if you are only interested in books that are on the New York Time's best sellers list, this store may not be for you. However, this is the place to find books you never knew you wanted or even knew existed while still having being able to find some of the classics. Upon entering, it may not seem like much, but the further you walk in, the more you see you've entered a book maze of varying floors with some offshoots that feel like secret passage ways half way between one floor and another. After you feel you've mastered the maze, you come across the top floor which is a study area of sorts. There will be other books available here as well, but it is mostly an open space to sit and take your time reading your new purchase, or the one you're considering getting. I think Myopic is a great spot for Chicago locals and visitors alike. read more

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I came here to buy volume 3 of the books that I read. They have many books that you will find in any genre you read. They have a lot of shelves and it is so interesting. You can also see the book in their basement. As you enter you can smell the old books which people who love reading will like the smell since it is a fragrance to them. The place looks vintage because it looks like an old library. About their service, the people there are nice. So you will not have any problems. If you have cash on hand don't worry they accept cards. When I went straight to the basement many books were interesting and I found the books that I was looking for. I also bought romance books. When I paid it was cheaper. You can pay it at a reasonable price. read more

Book lovers dream. Shelves from floor to ceiling crammed full of books! And seemingly an unintentional labyrinth to navigate across 3 floors - everything is well marked - just be prepared for treasure hunting. Fitting that the true crime books are in the basement. Will be back when I have more time to explore. read more

Looks can be deceiving! This store looks pretty small from the outside..but it is a whole different world upon entering the shop. This shop is a front for what seems like a maze, a labyrinth of towers of old dusty books. The selections vary from religion all the way to erotica. A huge selection of fiction, non-fiction, children's books, etc. I was a little disappointed that the book that i actually wanted they didn't have, but I did walk out with 3 other books! The staff are knowledgeable and pretty strict about the cell phone business. I think one of the benefits of these types of shop is that it encourages you to talk to other people about their interest in books and authors. Long gone are the days where people can just go by themselves to a place and not feel awkward... but this little place will change all of that! Wicker Park in general has that vibe! Do yourself a favor & spend an hour there ALONE. *I did take pics..I know, I know the phone policy..but this place is so cool! read more

Myopic Books - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was the first and only customer in the store. Handed over my backpack. Found a book. Was told where to go to find a public restroom since they don't let people use theirs. And left, walking by four staff members just standing around talking, who didn't bother to smile or say goodbye or thank you or anything at all. Curious. read more

Over the years this place has been a refuge for me... Weather to pass the time while the Girl was shopping, a lazy Sunday afternoon of browsing or a place to pick up books of interest second hand. It can look a little overwhelming due to the abundance of books but ask a member of the staff where something is and they will find it for you ASAP. It is a quirky space with plenty of twists, turns and characters but when it come to a used book store it is 1st rate in my book. (whoops) read more

The hipster staff seems less snooty than usual. I even got a smile and word of greeting from one of the female clerks on Saturday. Perhaps the poor economy is forcing them to welcome customers? Otherwise, Myopic is still Myopic. Overpriced books and nothing that I want despite the cavernous size. And on top of everything, the basement was closed on Saturday. Booo. On the upside, they have an imperturbable cat and a neat kid-crafted poster about four-horned sheep. read more

There's something about the smell of used books that's just, um, sexy. Wander. Go upstairs. Get lost in poetry. Or the sofa. Venture down to the basement and you may be surprised. Whether it's a live cat or an unexpected find, the space and time are all yours. And it's cheap. You can also call ahead about specific titles you're looking for, if you must be oh-so-specific. read more

Myopic Books - Second floor, cookbooks & wellness corner - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This is definitely the coolest bookstore in Chicago. The complete anarchy of organization is in a way beautiful. Their stock is on the shelves; what you get is what you get. One of my favorite parts of Myopic is their no cell phone policy and how they stick to it. I will shamefully say I took a call while I was in the store and the staff respectfully asked me to leave until the call was over. It's the little details that makes Myopic an experience. If you are ever wandering around Wicker Park, stop by Myopic, regardless of whether or not you are in the market for a new book. read more

**Highly recommend that you do a search on the word "Rude" in the review section and read all the entries** Came into the bookstore today on a whim, because there's a book I've been looking for for a few months now. Thought I would give it a shot at this neighborhood bookstore. First impression was fine. But that's about when things start to go downhill. WAY DOWN HILL! As I was about to venture into their basement to look at their autobiography selection, a loud condescending voice echoed across the entire bookstore high up from the elevated checkout counter. "Can't go down with that!" I took a quick look around, stunned by the rudeness projected by the lazy, unhelpful staff member, and realized that I was about to violate their backpack policy that was not particularly clearly posted. Whatever, I'll check my bag. I took my backpack to the counter, only to have the same staff member projecting once again from the opposite end of the counter "Uh... you can bring your backpack down this way." Not a big deal... I complied quietly once again and brought my bag over to his end and received a claim ticket, "You can claim your bag with this later." At this particular point, I'm already a bit ticked off, but figure the worst was behind me, so I proceeded down to the dungeon to look for the book that's eluded me for so long... As I browse through the aisles, something caught my eye... sure enough, it can't be! A backpack?! A girl with a red backpack is browsing at book selection in the adjacent aisle. Then I saw it again... another backpack! Worn by cool dude with a backwards baseball cap, punching away on his phone. Then I looked around... 2 more bags. All of a sudden, I was surrounded by handbags and backpacks in this supposed backpack-free zone, so rudely enforced by this particular staff member. I've all the sudden lost my urge to look any further. I headed up, and approached to the part of the counter to claim my bag, to find an empty counter, with all 3 staff members crowded around the front of the store. "Hey yo, bag claim!" I signaled to the same unhelpful staff from the beginning, expected to have my bag brought forth... Nope! "Uh... you can come down this way!" yelled by the staff with the same condescending voice. Like I was the crazy one to assume that where I dropped off the bag was where I would get it back...? Now I'm not sure if this staff member has ownership at the store or what type of intention he had. But I know how this entire experience made me feel. It felt like 1) the store condones its staff to treat customers rudely, 2) the store enforces rules selectively based on their profiling of their customers, and 3) they do not deserve to remain in business with business practices and social attitude that is left over from pre-civil rights movement era. Needless to say... I will never return. ** Fun fact. As I'm about to submit my review, my curiosity piqued. So I did a quick search on all the 1 star reviews this bookstore has received. And a couple of things stood out: 1) the store had multiple reviews that were prompted by the racist action/vibe displayed by the staff, and 2) the reviews are littered with variation of the words "rude" and "condescending" It's good that there are some people who's standing up against this unacceptable business practice that seems to have been frozen in time. read more

Considering that the big boxes and Amazon have stolen so much business from independents it's amazing Myopic is still around. Let's figure out why: Books- From floor to ceiling! On everything imaginable. Music- Monday night improvisational series up on the 2nd floor. Cats- check! What independent bookstore succeeds without at least one cat chilling out? In the heart of Wicker Park, you've got to stop in. I dare you to leave empty handed! read more

I spent a nice rainy afternoon here and honestly had a great time. It was so peaceful browsing through all the books and reading alone undisturbed on the 3rd floor. It's really one of the coolest bookstores I've ever been to - a house of books is what it is. The books are organized into different sections so finding what you need is simple - plus there are signs. I didn't find some of the books I wanted but they still have a pretty decent collection. You can sell your books here too. There are no bathrooms that you can use so if you want to hang out here all day, make sure you have a good bladder. read more

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I've visited used bookstores all over the country and have several good ones in the college town where I live. Still, my discovery of Myopic Books during a recent trip to Chicago was a joy. Great vibe, selection and staff. I look forward to returning many times. read more

Myopic Books is the coolest used book store in Chicago and appropriately in the hipster neighborhood of Wicker Park. It's HUGE (Three floors) and their mystery book room is in the basement in a back room (so creepy but awesome!). If you're in Chicago and love a good book store, definitely stop by Myopic Books! read more

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Very cool used bookstore with lots and lots and lots of books. The bookstore is open late. Loud cool music in the background. So it's not your conventional elevator music place. I do t think it's just best-sellers here. Lots of books of all kinds. read more

Absorbing. Combination of used and new books, just great. Very well organized.

Myopic Books reminds me of that scene in "Beauty and the Beast" when the Beast gives his library to Belle. I know it sounds ridiculous but that look on her face and the overwhelming yet intensely satisfying feeling of completeness is exactly what I'm referring to when I first entered Myopic. Without question, I would be Belle. The used books are all reasonably priced and are surprisingly in excellent condition. I picked up a paperback, pocket-sized (well not POCKET-sized but small enough to fit in my clutch) copy of Tom Robbin's "Still Life with Woodpecker" (which is nearly impossible to find these days) for $2. I also got a copy of "Running with Scissors" which I am very excited to read. The ambiance is perfect too. I could stay at the very top floor of this bookstore, uninterrupted (except by Leonard the cat, who was really just there to keep me company) for hours. Sure the floor creaks at every step, and sure the ceiling-high shelves may first come off as intimidating but I assure you that once you figure out their system, you'll never want to leave. read more

Myopic Books - from myopic to my bedroom - Bookstores Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

No phone makes sense for a used bookstore- they don't want you comparing vs. online. And I don't mind- used bookstores are a public service in my view and I am more than happy to pay extra for the pleasure of finding that hidden book I wouldn't have found otherwise that could change my life. And by the way the prices were definitely reasonable anyway! All the guys there know the book market very well- ask them what good rare stuff they have behind the counter in the glass-cased shelves and watch their eyes light up. read more

It's a crazy place. They probably have what you want, you just have to find it. My only quibble is that the layout is tough. I'm 6'2" and some of the sections are a bit claustrophobic. Also, they don't have a great layout for criticism, essays, etc. I sometimes can't find what I want. Or I just haven't figured it out yet. I prefer Unabridged to Myopic. That said, you should go here and buy books here. The books stack up to the ceiling and it's definitely a magical place. read more

Great spot to get lost in. I've spent many hours digging through books here and coming up with great finds. The upstairs has great big tables and seating areas for studying, and when you need a break, great views from two cute bay windows where you can stare out and daydream. Do not recommend this place if you are trying to get in and get out quickly or have one specific book in mind. Better fit for leisurely perusing and stumbling upon things you didn't know you were looking for. read more

This place is great if you enjoy rude employees with an over-inflated sense of self worth, fire hazards, and crappy collections of bizarre books that no one would read. The prices here are also very overpriced with books averaging around $9. Seriously? I could buy a brand new book for that price. I also cannot stress enough how rude the personnel are, especially when you're trying to sell books. From now on, I'm selling my books on Bookscouter.com, they find buyers that pay the same (sometimes actually more than Myopic) and they don't make me feel like I'm 2 inches tall. Bonus! Do yourself and the community a favor by hopping on the Milwaukee bus and head south about 2 miles to Open Books. Wonderful people, great selection, reasonable prices and proceeds that benefit local literacy programs (and not jerkwads who think they're hot stuff). read more

I love books and bookstores, but this bookstore gave me the creeps. I don't mind their no cellphone policy, or checking in bags, but their employees are really rude. The store is disorganized. And, in my opinion, everything is overpriced for how little inventory they had! I noticed several authors I navigate towards had only one or two books, usually around $4-5 were priced at $9-11. I searched for a bit, but got so uncomfortable with the staff and the environment I decided to leave. Not worth it. read more

No public restrooms!? Mixed staff respectfulness. First person i spoke to was cool laid back and friendly. Next person was annoyed and curt. Sorry it's hard for a second timer to figure out where things are let alone a first timer. It can be very busy though so perhaps that's why? So many customers selling books and asking where things are can get pretty hectic but the large selections makes it hard to navigate. Overall. It's worth coming in to take a look around or find that book for the rides along the CTA but it's not a must destination point like several online guides have commented read more

One of our favorites...an old-fashioned bookstore with racks and racks of books on three different levels. If you can tear yourself away from Amazon...you must try this place. Located in Wicker Park on Milwaukee Avenue. They have a nice selection of fiction, a good one in history, and some real finds in rarer stuff. They stock mostly used books but do have the occasional new book lying around. They also buyback books from the public on certain days...check in with them to find out the specific days but they can help you offload your personal oversupply. Recommended. read more

I'm prompted to write a review here after my great buy today. Right off the bat, this place is a spectacle for the eyes and senses. If you've never been, you're likely to pretend you're a mouse in a maze or some sort of [insert sci-fi reference here] looking for secret passageways in all the claustrophobic makeshift shelves that reach the sky... and three floors of it! Definitely fun to look around, if nothing else but overwhelming. I believe that some of the reviews regarding price are a little deceiving. This is an used bookstore, but for the most part the prices are not less than half of the original price of the book. Today I was flipping through a book that was recently acquired (according to the date and price on the inside of the cover) and I decided I wanted to get this book, but I always check on my Amazon app to see if it's cheaper to buy used through Amazon's marketplace sellers. Usually it is much cheaper. Today this was not the case, so I gladly scooped up my copy of Upton Sinclair's "Oil!" A cool store to browse, they do have some rarities, but definitely compare to Amazon used, as some sellers will unload books for pennies. read more

I was greeted the second I walked into the store and the same person was able to help me find what I needed immediately. My like-new but cheaper book were purchased and out the door in a matter of minutes. While I love the organization, civility, and newness of Barnes & Noble, I do like saving money. Amazon/online is cheaper but Myopic has charm to spare and is a lot more fun than clicking about randomly online. Plus, instant gratification! read more

Hands down my favorite used bookstore in Chicago. Love all of the different levels, and could easily (and have easily) lost myself in here for hours on end, just searching out different books. And finding many that either I had never heard before, or had no intention of getting initially. Their prices are very fair, and all of the workers are super friendly and able to point you in the right direction if you're having difficulty finding anything. Right in the heart of they 5 corner stop of Wicker Park, it's really easy to find and very accessible. Especially from the blue line. If you're out in Chicago looking for a cool used bookstore experience. This is the place to go! read more

***Myopic Books is a little gem (among the many) you will find in Wicker Park. While you might be a little crammed with the narrow space between packed book shelves, you will find lots of first editions here (like a hardback and pristine copy of Tom Perrotta's Election I discovered) for true book fans; you can sell books here too*** I think street parking would be difficult to find around here though Myopic Books is just a few steps away from the CTA Damen station on the Blue line. read more

Both old and new books! I found a book that's about 2 years old and a New York Times Best Seller I've been wanting to read. This book is always on hold at the library and even the ebook is $15! I was really happy to find this book here for only $12 and a hardcover. read more

I've always wanted to visit this place and I finally got to. So many books, you really need at least a few hours. Great selection; beautiful, old building. The negatives? Aisles way too narrow. No seating except for a couple of chairs on the top level, very back. No public restrooms. And what's with the no photos allowed thing...and no social media?! I get the no phone calls. But otherwise, absolutely ridiculous. When I was browsing over by the front desk, there was a young man with a camera around his neck. The first thing one of the employees yelled out to him was, "Hey, no photos allowed!" The dude wasn't even taking photos. He was simply wearing the camera around his neck. He stammered, "I'm renting this camera. It's not even mine." The employee said, "Fine, but don't take any pictures." So incredibly rude. So really, 4 stars for the beauty of the store and selection of books; 1-2 stars for the stupid rules (which people don't obey anyway...check out all the photos on social media!) and rude employee. (Though the girl who rang up my purchases was very nice.) read more

This place is *just* for book junkies. No frills, no food, no gimmicks - just books. For me it was like turning Cookie Monster loose in a Keebler factory. I got a little light headed. Did you know our great founding father Ben Franklin invented the public library? This place feels like what Ben Franklin would've invented had his aims been more capitalistic. It is crammed, floor to ceiling, on three floors, with books, everywhere books. I would make pilgrimages to this place. I'd get married in this place. I'd name my children after this place. If I'm lucky they'll bury me here, but most likely I'll get lost in its zany maze and die of happiness to be found years later curled up next to "A" for Asimov in the sci-fi basement. I walked through the aisles amazed at the variety, then finally made my way to my ultimate destination: the sci-fi basement. I spent at least an hour down there, greeting old friends I'd read years ago and making new friends with authors I'd never heard of and discovering other books from much-loved writers. This isn't the place to find uncreased whole collections of books (though they exist! I saw a brand-new boxed set of the "Chronicles of Narnia" here) but rather to see multiple used copies of your old favorites juxtaposed with the fourth book in a series you've always meant to read (but where are books 1-3? does it matter? ordering online is a thing too you know). read more

The staff is very attentive and approachable. Selection is wonderful. Found what I came in for and I even walked out with extra options I was excited to discover while browsing the shelves. read more

I was patiently waiting with my dog outside this bookstore as my SO ran in to grab something next door. An employee came outside to let me know they were dog friendly and welcomed my dog in. This was a win and for sure won my business. They have an amazing selection of books. Needless to say, their employees are friendly and helpful. They have a corner at the entrance with Chicago themed books, ranging from history to architecture. I will definitely be back. read more