Insider Pages Reviews for After-Words Bookstore

1 Stars: After-Words Bookstore has the WORST service (by Ryan M.)

Ryan M. — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:27:00 GMT

We received three quotes for wedding invitations, which could not have taken more than 10 minutes for each to be created. We continued to look around as these invitations were not exactly what we wanted, but were very interested in. When we found something else we liked at another store and called Beverly Dvorkin, the owner, that we were only going to purchase the Thank You cards, we were insulted and berated for our "wasting of her time". We were then told that we were NOT ALLOWED to purchase the Thank You cards from her store, and that we should shop at Hallmark instead.

I'm disgusted by Beverly Dvorkin's treatment of a customer who decided to spend their money on something else. Why patronize a store that refuses their products to someone just because they decided to shop around and not buy the products that they requested a quote for?

I remind you. We put no money down. We signed no contracts and made no guarantees that we would purchase invitations from their store.

If you intend to comparison shop, DO NOT go to After Words. If you are looking for amazing service and wonderful products, try Paper Boy in Lakeview on Belmont and Southport.

4 Stars: Great, interesting selection and great children's book section (by Christina W.)

Christina W. — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 03:49:00 GMT

I don't know where the previous reviewer was looking, but After-Words has an enormous children's section. They mix new and used editions together in the same area, which is at the back of the first floor. It's true that the selection of new adult books is small (although still not bad)--but this store's strength is the breadth and depth of selection of used books downstairs. I never leave without something! They have a good classics section, but quite a few newer books, too. Even their film and theatre sections are interesting.

3 Stars: Sub-Par Selection (by Alicia F.)

Alicia F. — Sat, 12 Nov 2005 13:19:00 GMT

'After Words' is a cute bookstore, that's all. They are a small store and the employees are very helpful and seem to be knowledgeable but even good service and a delightful store cannot make up for bad selection. Because of the store's very small size, they hardly have a lot of products! A lot of their books I have never even heard of and I could find NONE of the 15 books I had on my list to find. Most were well known. They do not have a children's section either, so, it's all books for adults. I am not doubting that the books that they do have are not quality, because the one book I did buy (as not to waste my time) turned out to be actually, pretty good. Employees are friendly and helpful and can recommend good books in your favorite genre. Prices are fair, nothing amazing, but since, you can't find most of these books anywhere else locally, then, this is about the only choice you have. It's a good store with great employees but that selection really hurts it. =/

4 Stars: Friendly used book store (by Kimberly S.)

Kimberly S. — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 18:43:00 GMT

This store carries some new books, but the majority is made up of used books. Prices seem very reasonable, it's a great way to save a few dollars. Books are pretty well organized. They also buy books on certain days, you can get cash when it's available (come early) or get more via store credit.

PROS: Bargain books
CONS: not a lot of places to sit down

4 Stars: used and new bookstore (by Carol E.)

Carol E. — Mon, 11 Jul 2005 15:15:00 GMT

After Words is a cute little bookstore that is an alternative to a super chain bookstore. On the upper level, it offers new books, and they showcase books according to themes and staff recommendations. On the lower floor are used books, and quite a variety of them. They also pay cash for used books at certain times in the week.