Second Flight Books

I love going to bookstores and I have been to many all over the state and this is probably the best bookstore in Indiana. It is definitely the best in the area. It is also one of the best I've been to on my many trips around the US, especially for its size. They have the perfect mix of new, bargain new, and used books. Anything worth reading now, they've got it. They also have a great selection of non-book items, like stationary, journals, totes, puzzles, some plushies, and stickers.nnThe old location on Market Square was great but the Scott Street location is even better.nnIf you like to read, you have to go here.nnNeed help choosing what to read next? Join the book club!

Despite having lived in the greater Lafayette area for mostly continuously from the age of five to 18, as well as a number of years as an adult, I’ve never even heard of this store, much to my regret and chagrin (although I did live virtually all those years just west of the westernmost edge of West Lafayette, so that probably explains it). I only happened upon it by chance as I was walking to the BMV (side note: avoid the west side BMV unless you want to wait in line outside in the sun for what seems like a eternity) but thanks to providence or mashallah of whatever your personal beliefs, I decided to make a quick stop in just to check it out (but I mean, who am I kidding, there’s no such thing as a quick stop in a bookstore at least in my case). I’ve been to much bigger used book stores but the quality of the selection (which is obviously a matter of personal taste but anyway) completely blew me away. In the speculative fiction section in particular, my preferred genre, practically every book I saw I would put on my short list for favorite book I’ve ever read. Like all the best books by truly genius authors. Of course that meant that I had already read a lot of that section, but that’s probably for the best since I still haven’t finished unpacking my books from not even my most recent move, but the move before that. I did pick up a few of nonfiction books, a couple on how to landscape your yard to attract the most birds (theoretically a gift but the kind that you give fully intending to borrow indefinitely) and one on the subject of Lagom (Swedish for moderation, or “not too little, not too much”, a key component of the Swedish outlook on life and also theoretical gift of the above variety). I literally had to force myself to leave before I emptied my bank account, although that would have taken quite a bit of work given the amazing prices (especially in light of the like-new quality of many of the books). It is a bit cramped, which is practically a requirement for a bookstore but not great for social distancing, but word is they’re moving locations (no idea where to) so keep that in mind and keep an eye out for it once it completes its third flight. I can’t recommend this place strongly enough. Just go there.

Such a wonderful book store. Owners are very nice, friendly and helpful. Recommend highly!

Store is well put together. Books are in great condition. Service was friendly and helpful. My wife and I both enjoyed our time spent there, and definitely will frequent this location.

They are very helpful in finding books. The staff is friendly. The stock of used books is about as extensive as you can expect in town, and they have a very good selection of new books. They will be moving to a larger location in a month or so (as of 8/2020), so selection might be a little limited until October, but they are still able to do special orders. The new location will also allow more special events.