The few times I have browsed the collection in this tiny bookstore, it is almost always empty of customers. Maybe I come in at odd hours, maybe it’s the plight of today's independent bookstores...or maybe Evanston's avid used-book buyers are turned off by my spandex pants. But whatever it is, it confuses me because not only are its prices reasonable ($3-$15 for most books) for those who like to hunt for treasure, but all books that have been stocked for over a year are 50 per cent off the penciled price. Though the selection is sparse (some entire categories take up just one arm-length shelf), it is varied and easy to browse. However, trying to sell your used books can be a bit trickier—what you get back largely depends on genre and condition.

It may be tough to ask for help here, (Howard's slogan is "We Are Usually Friendly…," with a sarcastic stress on "usually"), but with its plum location (just a block away from the Foster L stop), I'm baffled as to why more commuters don't stop by to pick up a read a bit more substantial than the Red Eye.

Centerstage Reviewer: Kate Puhala