John is a real character, always quick with a book suggestion or an interesting story to tell. There’s no shortage of local-interest books here. The shop doesn’t get nearly the amount of business that it should. I’ve moved away from Alton(my hometown), but hope to stop in the next time I’m back.
Lee C.
Place rating: 3 Chicago, IL
This is not a very large bookshop, and therefore the selection is rather limited. That’s not to say that it’s a bad store, though. I usually buy a few paperbacks whenever I go. The owner is a local author and historian, with his books on display at the front. He can be found at the back of the store, rocking in a chair and petting his cats. With«History & Hauntings» out of business, 2nd Reading is the only game in town.