Underground Books

Really great little bookstore; passed by it and couldn’t resist walking in. Great atmosphere and incredible selection. Prices aren’t competitive with Amazon (only reason I have one star lower) but that’s understandable and even appreciated since it’s a local business and I support local businesses over corporations anyday! Right next to Old Soul too, so you can grab a coffee and head inside!

This is an amazing store it has a great selection of books. You can’t help but to enjoy time spent with Mother Rose she is extremely helpful and inviting. Please take sometime to visit and support this store!

This bookstore is warm and inviting and I always find a book I need. There’s an excellent children’s section and many community activities going on. Lots of small-​press books available here, too, plus t-​shirts and greeting cards and cool pencils and whatnot. You should stop by.

This bookstore focuses on the African American culture. It is a warm comfortable environment. There is a kid corner with a good assortment of books. I walked away with a great book called «I like Me!» for my two year old. When I was paying the owner ringing me up suggested I get the Board Book version, which was very thoughtful of her! The customer service is great, so I will be back to visit!

Just got off the phone with Mother Rose and had to laugh because when I asked what time she closed she said «6:30 a quarter to 7,» which to me means whenever I’m rea2go. hahaha… so I am running there now because I have an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes before they close but I got a quick response to whether or not they had the book I was looking for which is alright by me. Now yesterday I was yelling explicits in my car in regards to this place and Sacramento Appliances (also AA ran) because both were closed at 5:45 but I guess you got to expect this from the mom and pops stores.

one of two (of the best) african american book stores in the sacramento area. african american authors, book club, discussion groups, lectures. the other african american bookstore being carol’s books. this store is in a nice area, near the guild theater, and a super coffee house, old soul, right on the corner next door, the service is fantastic — always with a smile. make it part of your trip and say hi to mayor (and former nba star) kevin johnson’s mom, georgia mother-​rose west.

I am NOT a fan of Kevin Johnson but I am a fan of his mother who owns and runs the place. She is amazing and offered me a ride home once as I was on foot. I had never met her before this, yet she offered her time.
This place is a utpoia of books for people of color and/​or interested in people who have been marginalized by the color of their skin. If you wish to learn through books as I best do, come here by all means.
I have spent hundreds of dollars here and have never been disappointed. I very highly implore you to give this place your businesses. I appreciate and love that this gem of a store is also next door to Old Soul Coffee.

This bookstore is owned by Mayor Kevin Johnson’s mother (a doll!) and stocks books that are by or feature African Americans. It’s very comfortable inside and the prices are very reasonable. There is a $ 1 stash of books in a treasure chest in the back corner. The staff is extremely friendly and they will always chat you up about other upcoming bookish or other artistic community events. When I first was a customer, they took my name as I paid and now, every time I go back in my name must pop up in their computer system since, after looking at the screen, they will always give me a peppermint or other small mint. I think it’s great that they actively trying to build relationships.
From seeing stuff in their displays they also frequently have book signings or talks with the author. I’ve never been to one, but I think it’s wonderful that this small bookstore can bring in big names.
I love this independent bookstore in Oak Park and I wish that more people would stop by.

Went to this bookstore yesterday before 7pm. The answering machine and sign in the window both stated it closed at 8pm. Oh well.