Next Chapter Booksellers — Local services in Saint Paul

Is it a nice bookshop? Yes. Is there a decent selection of books? Sure. Is it worth the trek across town? I say no.

I honestly was expecting a bit more from this place. I have been wanting to check out this place for a few months now and was happy to finally have the time and energy to venture over this way. In all fairness this is a very nice local shop, but it definitely didn't live up to the hype I imagined. The organization of books was a bit confusing for and the labeling wasn't as clear as I had hoped. Instead of searching for books on topics that might pique my interest, my first several minutes were spent attempting to orient myself in relation to the categories. There was a decent selection of local authors and fiction books, but I found this shop to be lacking on the nonfiction section. After 30 minutes of browsing I left with only a feeling of mild disappointment. While I did not interact with any of the shopkeepers, I should note that I was never welcomed or offered assistance during my time in the store. In the conversations I overheard with other customers, I could tell they were very knowledgeable about the books and such - but in a way that made me almost feel intimidated to ask...

At first glance, one might think Common Good Books is a store for (forgive me) Democrats, but that might be overthinking it. Perhaps some of the individual people running the store may have leftist political views, but that doesn’t take away a patron’s right to select on their terms.

However, I do highly recommend this store for college students; undergraduate specifically. Paired neatly with the values of Macalester college, students can find books on writing, religion, science, philosophy, gardening, Minnesotan Flora and Fauna, cooking, history, psychology, and memoirs for the nonfiction umbrella. As for the fiction section, it holds a great selection of science fiction, mysteries, horror, and the literary genre. The children’s part in the far back is likewise a place where a child can become fixated for hours. For fast-thinkers, there’s also fantastic collection of graphic novels and comic books. And, of course, an extensive collection of chapbooks, anthologies and collections by new and,...

Next Chapter Booksellers is the main place where I buy books. They have a great set of tables right inside the door that typically carry what I want to read. The staff are chill and friendly and they write good recommendations.

While the book clubs organized at Next Chapter aren't my particular taste, I like that they exist.

I take one star off because the hours are a little tough for someone who works full time. 10-5 on weekdays means I can only stop in to pick up on weekends. Certainly not the end of the world, but I'd love to be able to browse quietly at the end...