The Book Cellar has "become a vital part of Chicago's literary and cultural scene," the Chicago Review of Books noted in a q&a with owner Suzy Takacs. Among our favorite exchanges:
What's your favorite part of the store?
My favorite part of the store is the people. The people who shop here, the authors and representatives from publishers who have become my friends, and the terrific people that work with me and help me get everything done. I've watched neighborhood kids grow up here. I once helped a customer with her prenatal care when I was a nurse practitioner, and that baby was an intern at the store last summer.
What would surprise people about running a bookstore?
One thing I didn't realize is that it doesn't go away or give me a break. I could keep working 24/7 and the work would still wouldn't be complete. It's not a nickel-and-dime business, it's a nickel-and-penny business.
What do you see in the Book Cellar's future?
I would love to see the Book Cellar continue to grow in book sales, continue to be an integral part of the Chicago community and the writing community, and continue to be able to host interesting author events.
