Spotlight on Bookstores: *Sandmeyer's Bookstore* in Chicago, by Emily Tedrowe

In this week’s Spotlight on Bookstore’s post, Emily Gray Tedrowe supports her thesis that “ the people who own, work at, and shop in independent bookstores” are as important as the books themselves, as she pays homage to Sandmeyer’s Bookstore in Chicago.  Tedrowe’s short fiction has been published in many reviews and journals; her debut novel, Commuters, follows the interwoven stories of three extended family members, representing three generations, ”as each is changed by the repercussions of one marriage, and by the complex intertwining of love, family, and money.”  Commuters was named a Target “Breakout Book” selection and an IndieNext Notable Pick for August 2010.

Bookstore love comes about because of the people, not the books.  Okay, the books are important—very important.  But equally as essential, I would argue, are the people who own, work at, and shop in independent bookstores.  Sandmeyer’s Bookstore in Chicago is one of my all-time favorite places—whether book-related or not—because of the warmth and friendliness of the people inside.

Ulrich and Ellen Sandmeyer have owned and worked in their South Loop store since 1982, which is no small feat for any independent bookstore, let alone a true “mom and pop” operation.  Situated on the first floor of a turn-of-the-century industrial building, the store itself is beautiful, with its brick façade, wood beam floors, and natural light.  Quiet classical music from the local station plays to relaxing effect.  The book selection is top-notch, with especially strong holdings in new releases, fiction/literature, travel, design, and Chicago-related books.  There is an excellent children’s section with classic fables, new stories, and old favorites all displayed in an appealing way, within reach of a chair nearby for comfortable browsing. 

But it’s Ellen and Ulrich themselves who make this store so special.  They welcome you with a smile yet encourage peaceful, silent browsing.  Always ready to answer a question or offer a recommendation, they also know that bookstore time is sacred to most of us readers, a haven from the city’s relentless pace.  As someone who arranges her life around books, I’ve found in Sandmeyer’s a true home away from home; it’s a grace note in any book-lover’s experience of this city.

One day around Christmas I stopped in the store to continue my holiday shopping (without much effort, I regularly find gifts here for everyone on my list) and paused when I saw the smiling young man behind the counter.  “Brent?” I said.  “Hi, Professor Tedrowe,” he said.  “Brent, what are you doing here?” I began, truly surprised to see a writing student of mine from New York, several years ago, here in Chicago.  Then I remembered his full name: “Brent . . Sandmeyer!”  Home to help out his parents at the busy holiday season, he explained.  It was a lovely coincidence that made a lot of sense: one of my favorite students, whose smart, well-written essays I could clearly remember, was the son of the owners of my favorite bookstore. 

We are fortunate in Chicago to have a choice of many wonderful indie bookstores, and I love to visit them all.  But when it came time to celebrate the publication of my own first novel, there was no hesitation about where I wanted to go.  Ellen and Ulrich had supported my fledgling steps as a writer from the very first time I mentioned that I was working on a book.  This past July, it was a dream come true to stand in the center of their beautiful shop and read from Commuters, surrounded by friends and well-wishers.  That was a wonderful moment for me personally.  But what thrills me most of all is to think about a copy of my novel on the shelf at Sandmeyer’s.  Maybe it will find its way to a happy browser spending time in this special store.