The Last Chapter, a bookstore that "will feature every subgenre within romance including fantasy, mystery, romantic suspense, and thrillers," is hosting its grand opening celebration tomorrow, September 2, at 2013 W. Roscoe Ave. in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago, Ill., Block Club Chicago reported. Owner Amanda Anderson said the new shop will also "definitely be highlighting BIPOC voices, LGBTQ plus romances because I am a firm believer that there is something for everybody in romance." A soft opening for friends and family was held earlier this week.
Noting that she wants her store to be a fun place for people to hang out, Anderson said she plans to host many events, including author signings, book clubs and holiday parties. She added that she had always joked that opening a bookstore was her retirement plan. "I want to be the little old lady that has the bookstore that everybody goes to and that they always hang out in."
Anderson had previously worked in publishing, focusing on independent romance authors, but the onset of the pandemic made her realize that she was not happy with her job. Opening a bookshop focused on romance "was her opportunity to give back to the books and authors that gave her so much in return," Block Club Chicago wrote, noting Anderson initially opened the Last Chapter in 2021 online, with plans to open a bricks-and-mortar store at some point.
"If it takes me 10 years to be successful, it takes me 10 years," she said.
She started looking at possible locations last December, and eventually her real estate agent encouraged her to see the location in Roscoe Village. Anderson realized she had grown up only a few blocks away. When she toured the space, she visualized what the shop would look like in the location.
"It was like the universe was trying to tell me it was gonna work out," said Anderson, who is currently finishing up decorating the store.
For the opening, the Last Chapter will feature author signings, giveaways, and snacks. The bookstore space used to be a boutique, and the dressing rooms have been repurposed as book-themed photo booths.
Anderson described herself as a reader at heart: "The Last Chapter is a place for readers. We don't yuck anybody's yum here. We want you to come as you are; we have something for everybody. It doesn't take much convincing for me to read your favorite book."