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Winnetka, IL

The Book Stall

At The Book Stall, you get great reviews, sage advice/recommendations, and a personalized service for all ages and interests. If You love books, look no further than an indie store!

The front of The Book Stall store in Winnetka

Upcoming Events

Oct29
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Author EventWinnetka, IL

The Majesty of Chicago Jazz: A Discussion with Howard Reich

6:30 PM • Thursday, October 29, 2026The Book StallFree

The Book Stall welcomes music journalist Howard Reich for an in-store discussion featuring his new book, The Majesty of Chicago Jazz: Twenty-Five Visionaries Who Define the City's Sound. Author and Chicago native Howard Reich gives readers a front-row seat to the history of Chicago jazz as it roared forth in jazz clubs, concert halls, and festivals. Reich covered Chicago jazz for more than thirty years as the Chicago Tribune’s staff critic, and in this collection, with a musician’s ear and a journalist’s expertise, Reich argues that jazz as an art form is inconceivable without Chicago. The Majesty of Chicago Jazz is captivating for jazz newcomers and aficionados alike—all are guaranteed to learn something surprising here. Howard Reich covered music for the Chicago Tribune for forty-three years and served as the newspaper’s staff jazz critic from 1989 to 2021. Reich is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and the author of six other books, including Let Freedom Swing and Portraits in Jazz. Reich served on the jury for the Pulitzer Prize in Music four times, including the year when Wynton Marsalis’ Blood on the Fields became the first jazz composition to win (1997).

Nov2
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Author EventWomen's FictionWinnetka, IL

The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse: An Evening with Heather Morris

6:30 PM • Monday, November 2, 2026The Book StallFree

The Book Stall welcomes bestselling author Heather Morris for her new book, The Piano Teacher of Montparnasse. The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz returns with a masterful new novel that captures the astonishing bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times. Ms. Morris will be in-conversation with author Renée Rosen. Heather Morris is a native of New Zealand, now residing in Australia. For several years, while working in a large public hospital in Melbourne, she studied and wrote screenplays. In 2003, she was introduced to a gentleman who had "a story worth telling," which formed the basis of her first novel, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and its follow-up, Cilka's Journey. Her third novel, Three Sisters, concluded the Tattooist trilogy. One of the twenty-first century's best-selling books, The Tattooist of Auschwitz was made into an acclaimed miniseries in 2024. Heather's books have sold over nineteen million copies worldwide. Our conversation partner Renée Rosen is a USA Today bestselling author. Her novels include Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl, The Social Graces, Park Avenue Summer, Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants and Dollface as well as the young adult novel, Every Crooked Pot.

Nov10
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Author EventFictionWinnetka, IL

Draw Near to Me: An Evening with Michelle Brafman

6:30 PM • Tuesday, November 10, 2026The Book StallFree

We excited to host Michelle Brafman for her new book, Draw Near to Me. In this highly-anticipated sequel to Swimming with Ghosts, the discovery of a desperately-hidden secret brings a family to the brink of collapse—the exact place where they may ultimately find true healing and forgiveness. She will be in conversation with Rachel Kamin, Director of Lifelong Learning at North Suburban Synagogue Beth El. Michelle Brafman is the author of Washing the Dead, Bertrand Court: Stories, and Swimming with Ghosts, the companion novel to Draw Near to Me. Her work has appeared in Oprah Daily, O Quarterly, Slate, LitHub, Tablet, The Forward, and elsewhere. She teaches fiction writing in the Johns Hopkins University MA in Writing Program and spoken about her work and the creative process at more than 200 venues, including book stores, literary festivals, classrooms, synagogues, and myriad book groups. Learn more at michellebrafman.com.

Nov12
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Author EventBiographyWinnetka, IL

William Howard Taft: A Discussion with Walter Stahr In-Conversation with Jon Grand

6:30 PM • Thursday, November 12, 2026The Book StallFree

We welcome Walter Stahr back to the store to discuss his new book about President William Howard Taft. William Howard Taft was perhaps not a great president, although his limited view of the president’s role looks better today than it did at the time. But Taft’s true claim to greatness lies in his work before and after the White House: five decades of selfless public service culminating as one of the most transformational chief justices in American history. A carefully researched and gracefully written biography, displaying a deep understanding of both political history and human nature, William Howard Taft thoughtfully reassesses what makes a great American public servant worth remembering. He will be in conversation with our very own Jon Grand. Walter Stahr is the New York Times bestselling author of Seward: Lincoln’s Indispensable Man, Stanton: Lincoln’s War Secretary, and John Jay: Founding Father. A two-time winner of the Seward Award for Excellence in Civil War Biography, Stahr practiced law in Washington and Asia for more than two decades. He is an honors graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School.

Nov14
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Book SigningJuvenile FictionWinnetka, IL

Dasher: Saturday Storytime with Matt Tavares

10:30 AM • Saturday, November 14, 2026The Book StallFree

We are so excited to welcome back to the store Matt Tavares for a very special holiday Saturday Storytime featuring his picture book, Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever. Return to the beloved Christmas story of Dasher—now with exclusive additions featuring art from the Disney Jr. and Disney+ animated special! Mr. Tavares will be hosting a fun storytime and drawing demo with a book signing to follow. Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life—one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh—a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same.

Nov16
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Author EventMemoirWinnetka, IL

A Soldier in the Family: An Evening with Nancy Ronquillo

6:00 PM • Monday, November 16, 2026The Book StallFree

We welcome to the store Nancy B. Ronquillo for a moving discussion about her new book, A Soldier in the Family. Exploring the brutal legacy of the Global War on Terror as experienced by one soldier, one mother, one family, this debut memoir follows a twisted road of grief and generational trauma that ultimately leads to resilience and hope. Nancy B. Ronquillo is a nationally recognized leader for innovation and excellence in child and family services. She launched Leave No Family Behind in Illinois as a response to Michelle Obama’s Joining Forces initiative supporting service members and their families. Nancy and her spouse, Tom (a Vietnam veteran), raised three sons in Illinois. She is the daughter of a WWII veteran, granddaughter of a WWI veteran, and descendant of two American Revolution veterans. Nancy serves on the board of the National Veterans Art Museum and as an American Gold Star Mother. She lives in Mequon, Wisconsin.

Nov17
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Author EventWomen's FictionWinnetka, IL

Capital Partners: A Discussion with Libby Fischer Hellmann

6:30 PM • Tuesday, November 17, 2026The Book StallFree

The Book Stall is excited to welcome Libby Fischer Hellmann to the store for a discussion featuring her new captivating thriller, Capital Partners. When hedge fund owner Jay Montgomery raids his own fund, his wife and dead partner's widow try to get their money back. But a mysterious AI is on their trail. An engaging page-turner you can't put down! Libby Fischer Hellmann is the acclaimed, bestselling contemporary and historical thriller author of twenty books. Many of her novels have garnered at least one award nomination or win. A former President of Sisters in Crime, Libby hosted the SECOND SUNDAY BOOKS podcast for 5 years. She conducts workshops on how to write suspense and crime fiction. Her novels have been translated into Spanish, German, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Chinese.

Nov18
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Author EventNon-FictionWinnetka, IL

Fran Lebowitz: A North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Event

7:30 PM • Wednesday, November 18, 2026The Book Stall$59.45

The Book Stall is excited to be on hand at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts to support book sales for a discussion with Fran Lebowitz this fall! Book Stall patrons will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in a special presale at 12:00 pm noon on Thursday, May 7 . Click here for the link to the presale, when prompted, enter the code BOOKSTALL .

Nov19
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Book SigningFictionWinnetka, IL

West of Loveland: An Evening with Tom Drury

6:30 PM • Thursday, November 19, 2026The Book StallFree

The Book Stall is excited to host an evening with Tom Drury featuring his new book, West of Loveland. The award-winning author of the classic The End of Vandalism returns to the Midwestern county he’s chronicled over four decades for a panoramic tale of fate, found families, and the revolutionary possibilities of love. Mr. Drury’s masterwork and the capstone of what is now the Grouse County quartet, West of Loveland offers a revolutionary view of the rural Midwest and a quiet homage to American democracy. Tom Drury is the author of five previous novels, including Pacific, long-listed for the National Book Award, and The End of Vandalism, named one of the best books of the past 45 years by GQ Magazine in 2002. His short stories have appeared in The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Harper’s, and A Public Space, and he has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the American Academy in Berlin, and MacDowell. He lives in Iowa City.

Nov20
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Author EventOccultWinnetka, IL

Rise & Align: Meet & Greet with Clarisse Monahan

3:30 PM • Friday, November 20, 2026The Book StallFree

Stop by The Book Stall on Friday, November 20th between 3:30 and 4:30 to meet expert astrologer, Clarisse Monahan, author of the new book, Rise & Align: Your Weekly Guide to Channelling the Power of the Planets. Discover the astrological significance of each planet, and learn how to plan your week with their unique energies to boost your daily actions and live your most cosmically supported life. Ms. Monahan will be greeting fans and signing copies of both her new book and her first book, Astrocartography: An Astrologer's Guide to Where You'll Thrive. These gorgeous and insightful books make great holiday gifts! Clarisse Monahan is the founder of Venus In Retrograde, an astrology-focused brand offering a range of services, from one-on-one consultations to corporate team-building and product activations. As a resident astrologer for Soho House, Clarisse also travels extensively, lecturing on astrological topics at their Houses worldwide. An expert in astrocartography – a branch of astrology that uses natal charts to align individuals with places ideal for work, family, and romance – she has been featured in Marie Claire, Condé Nast, and the Evening Standard, and writes on the intersection of astrology and culture for Vogue Scandinavia.

Nov21
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Author EventPhotographyWinnetka, IL

Best Seat in the House: An Afternoon with Jeff Garlin

2:00 PM • Saturday, November 21, 2026The Book StallFree

The Book Stall is thrilled to welcome to the store comedian Jeff Garlin to discuss his new photography book, Jeff Garlin: Best Seat in the House: Moments No One Asked Me to Capture...But I Did Anyway. Jeff's debut photography book is a one-of-a-kind collection offering an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at comedy’s biggest stars, captured through candid photographs paired with hilarious and heartfelt personal stories celebrating life onstage and off. This book is a love letter to comedy and its creators, revealing the humor and tenderness of his closest friends, collaborators, and mentors. This event is free with registration required. Mr. Garlin will be happy to sign his work! This gorgeous coffee table book is perfect for gift-giving this holiday season! Jeff Garlin’s talent encompasses writing, producing, directing, acting, stand-up comedy and photography. He is known as the Executive Producer and co-star of the critically acclaimed HBO series “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Garlin’s Netflix stand-up special, “Jeff Garlin: Our Man in Chicago” is currently streaming on the platform. His photo show Big Bowl of Wonderful® has shown in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, and Boston.

Dec3
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Author EventPoetryWinnetka, IL

A Streetlight That’s Been Told It Used to be the Moon: Poetry Reading with Robert McDonald

6:30 PM • Thursday, December 3, 2026The Book StallFree

Join us for a celebratory evening at The Book Stall as we welcome our very own Robert McDonald for a poetry reading featuring his new book, A Streetlight That’s Been Told It Used to be the Moon. Tony Trigilio, author of The Complete Dark Shadows (of My Childhood); Craft: A Memoir, and Proof Something Happened, among others, says, “Whether writing a letter-poem to Auntie Em, a pencil stub, Gertrude Stein’s Chihuahua, or 'an entirely imaginary elderly diva' (to name just a few of this book’s varied, intimate addressees), Robert McDonald’s poems are alive with surprises, discoveries, wit, and empathy. A Streetlight That’s Been Told It Used to Be the Moon sanctifies the mystery of everyday lived experience, inviting us to look for the ordinary luminosities we might miss at first glance...McDonald shapes precise notational and diaristic observation into poems of singular attentiveness and empathy, all while nurturing a warm glow of pop playfulness.” Longtime bookseller Robert McDonald’s poetry and prose have been appearing in literary journals for more than 30 years, most recently in electric pink, Anit-Heroin Chic, Chiron Review, Painted Bride Quarterly, The Marrow, Gyroscope Review, The Madrid Review, and West Trade Review, among others. He’s written book and theater reviews for Publishers Weekly and The Chicago Reader. With Kathie Bergquist, he is the author of A Field Guide to Gay and Lesbian Chicago. His first book of poems, A Streetlight That's Been Told It Used to Be the Moon, has just been published.

Dec12
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Author EventMysteryWinnetka, IL

Bad Company: Meet & Greet with Sara Paretsky

1:00 PM • Saturday, December 12, 2026The Book StallFree

The Book Stall is thrilled to host bestselling author Sara Paretsky for a Meet & Greet featuring her new book, Bad Company. International bestseller and groundbreaking icon Sara Paretsky returns with a brand-new novel and character - proving once again that she's one of the pre-eminent authors in crime fiction and beyond. In a powerful novel about love, power, corruption, aging, trust...and revenge, Bad Company reaffirms Sara Paretsky place as one of the pre-eminent crime writers of our time. Ms. Paretsky will be at the store from 1-2 pm greeting fans and signing copies of her book! Hailed by the Washington Post as “the definition of perfection in the genre,” Sara Paretsky is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the renowned V.I. Warshawski series. She is one of only four living writers to have received both the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America and the Cartier Diamond Dagger from the Crime Writers Association of Great Britain. She lives in Chicago.