Nothing beats the feeling I get from pursuing a local bookstore. My sole focus shifts to the vast amount of books lining the shelves and I quickly start to regret walking into the store in the first place. I know that there’s no way I’m leaving without buying another book that I don’t need. Since I live in the Kansas City area, I know of some wonderful bookstores in or near the city. I’m feeling generous, and I’m here to share some of my staples with you.
- Rainy Day Books
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If you’re looking for a quaint, independent bookstore, then Rainy Day Books is the ideal spot for you. It’s located right on the corner of the Fairway Shopping area near Shawnee Mission Parkway, and its small-town vibe is the perfect escape from an always busy city. When you walk in, there will surely be someone ready to welcome you into the world of books the store has created. Along with a friendly staff, the layout of the store is very satisfying and easy to follow. Don’t be discouraged by its smaller size; Rainy Day Books is equipped with a variety of books ranging from new releases to classic novels. It’s also stocked with many wonderful journals, puzzles and trinkets to shop from. It really is the quintessential charming bookstore.
- Wise Blood Booksellers
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Wise Blood Booksellers is a really unique bookshop, not only because of its selection of books to choose from but also because it’s located inside a record shop. So, after you’ve looked through all their books, you can walk on over to the music side of the store and grab a vinyl to go along with your new novel. I also appreciate how this bookstore has a combination of new and used books. If you stumble upon a used book that you’re interested in, you’ll find the reduced price written on the inside of the cover. As for their newer books, if you’re looking for popular releases, you won’t find them here. However, that’s what I love about the store. It’s refreshing to browse through books I haven’t heard of before because it allows me to discover new books from different authors. If you’re on the hunt for an enjoyable, unique read, then I suggest you check out this bookstore.
- Half Price Books in Westport
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This bookstore is the bookstore for all your reading needs. As the name implies, all the books are at a reduced price point. This specific location in Westport proves to be one of the better Half Price Books, and not only because of its proximity to Kansas City. Half Price Books has a fantastic selection. When I walked into this bookshop for the first time I was in awe of its presence. I immediately noticed that the shelves in the front were lined with new releases and popular books that are normally a fortune at places like Barnes and Noble. I’m not exaggerating when I say that they probably have any book on your TBR list in stock (but if not all, then at least most ). The only downside to Half Price Books is that because of its low price, you’re not walking out of there without purchasing something. Enter at your own risk.
The most exciting part about visiting any bookstore is that you never know what you’re going to find or walk out with. If you check out any of my recommendations, I hope that you find them as endearing as I do. I’d like to give a shout-out to my honorable mentions which are the Barnes and Noble on the Country Club Plaza for having three stories of bookshelves to browse through, and Prospero Books for just being a cool book spot to visit. Grab your tote bag and headphones and venture out to any of these wonderful bookshops in Kansas City to fulfill your little book-loving heart.