When Abel Tootle Jr. bought his home 13 years ago, it gave him full freedom to design a space reflecting his interests — most importantly his many, many books.

This sprawling vintage wonderland isn’t just a store. That iconic red roof and bold yellow “ANTIQUES” sign – the universal bat signal for treasure hunters everywhere. Come in, the past is calling!

There are 49 books in front of me, stacked like colorful bricks in a wall. These are the 49 books I didn’t include in the Chicago Tribune’s 10 Best Books of 2025. If you’re curious about the recipe ...