What I really liked about Murphy-Brookfield Books the last time I was there was that the owner was friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and helpful. I asked for books about the Irish famine of the mid-19th century, and he found me a nonfiction book, "The Great Hunger," which was really good. He also found an historical novel about the Irish famine that was obviously close to the time period because words, idioms, and phrases were used that I'd never heard of. The history book gave me the facts. The novel gave me a sense of what it was like to be a poor Irish person living in those times in Ireland.

Friendly is important. Only one of the Prairie Lights Bookstore owners is friendly. It's not fun to go into a place that isn't friendly. After all, store owners aren't doing me a favor when I shop in their store. I'm doing them a favor. It's easier and more pleasant to go to a friendlier store or order books on Amazon.com rather than put up with cold rudeness.

I like Prairie Lights, but I LOVE the Haunted Bookshop. Used books are more affordable, and often more interesting. The employees are helpful, fun, quirky, and willing to let you just linger for hours. I love the mix of collectibles and more common titles as well as the great kids selection. Plus- toys and puppets and live cats!