Barbara's Bookstore prides itself on being the thinking person's alternative to giant bookstore chains. Its selection is both broad and diverse, with its emphasis is on quality literature. On its shelves, classics mingle alongside bestsellers of both fiction and nonfiction. And as popular as it is for its quality, it is equally well-known for cultivating an intimate venue for authors to read and connect with fans. Writers like Margaret Atwood, Jane Hamilton and David Sedaris have all made appearances at one of the handful of Barbara's locations throughout Chicago and area suburbs. Not too bad for an independent bookstore in today's age of colossal corporate chains.

Staffed by knowledgeable readers who regularly write short recommendations of favorite books, Barbara's Bookstore is the kind of shop where genuine book lovers can lose themselves for hours.