Independent Bookshop Since 1962

Where Every Page Tells a Story

Step into a world of carefully curated literature, rare first editions, and the intoxicating aroma of aged paper. Chapter & Verse is more than a bookshop; it's a sanctuary for the discerning reader.

62+
Years of Stories
50K+
Curated Titles
200+
Author Events/Year
Featured Collection

This Month's Selections

Handpicked by our booksellers, these exceptional titles represent the very best of contemporary and classic literature.

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The Midnight Library book cover
Staff Pick
Fiction

The Midnight Library

by Matt Haig

$24.99
The Anatomy of Dreams book cover
New Release
Literary Fiction

The Anatomy of Dreams

by Chloe Benjamin

$27.99
Whispers in the Garden book cover
Staff Pick
Mystery

Whispers in the Garden

by Elena Rodriguez

$26.99
The Art of Slow Living book cover
Lifestyle

The Art of Slow Living

by James Morrison

$22.99
The Staff Shelf

Personal Recommendations

Our passionate booksellers share the stories that have captured their hearts and why these titles deserve a place on your nightstand.

Sarah Williams

Sarah Williams

Fiction Specialist

12 years with Chapter & Verse

"This book completely rewired how I think about possibility and regret. Haig's prose is like a warm embrace during a cold night. I've recommended it to over 200 customers, and every single one has come back thanking me."

Currently Recommending:

The Midnight Library

Michael Chen

Michael Chen

Rare Books Curator

8 years with Chapter & Verse

"As someone who's handled first editions worth more than my car, I rarely get excited by contemporary work. But this book? It's destined to become a classic. The craftsmanship of the narrative is extraordinary."

Currently Recommending:

The Anatomy of Dreams

Emma Thompson

Emma Thompson

Mystery & Thriller

5 years with Chapter & Verse

"I've read over 500 mysteries, and this one kept me guessing until the final page. Rodriguez weaves atmosphere like a master painter uses shadow. It's gothic, it's gripping, it's absolutely unmissable."

Currently Recommending:

Whispers in the Garden

Literary Calendar

Upcoming Author Events

Join us for intimate readings, spirited discussions, and unforgettable encounters with celebrated authors. Every event includes complimentary refreshments from our cafe.

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18 Jan
Author Reading

Elena Ferrante: An Evening of Stories

7:00 PM - The Grand Reading Room

Join the celebrated author for readings from her latest work, followed by an intimate Q&A session.

25 Jan
Book Club

Classic Literature Circle

6:30 PM - The Fireside Lounge

This month: "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen. New members welcome!

01 Feb
Workshop

The Art of the Opening Line

2:00 PM - Writer's Workshop Space

Master the craft of captivating beginnings with published author James Morrison. Limited seats.

Personalized Discovery

Reading Recommendations

Tell us what you love, and we'll guide you to your next literary obsession. Our booksellers have over 150 years of combined reading experience.

Heartfelt Romance

From sweeping epics to contemporary love stories that make your heart race.

Mind-Bending Sci-Fi

Explore distant galaxies, alternate realities, and futures that challenge imagination.

Gripping Thrillers

Page-turners that keep you reading until 3 AM, wondering what happens next.

Life-Changing Non-Fiction

Books that expand your mind, change perspectives, and inspire action.

Our historic bookshop interior
62 Years
Our Story

A Legacy of Literary Passion

In 1962, Margaret and Theodore Verse opened a small bookshop with a simple belief: that the right book at the right moment can change a life. What began as a modest storefront has grown into a beloved institution spanning three floors and housing over 50,000 titles.

Now in its third generation of family ownership, Chapter & Verse remains committed to the art of bookselling, the joy of discovery, and the irreplaceable experience of holding a book in your hands.

3
Generations of Booksellers
50K+
Curated Titles
200+
Author Events Yearly
15
Passionate Booksellers
Read Our Full Story

Join Our Literary Circle

Weekly book recommendations, exclusive author interviews, event invitations, and early access to rare editions. No spam, just stories.

Join 12,000+ fellow book lovers. Unsubscribe anytime.

The Literary Cafe

Read, Sip, Repeat

Nestled in the heart of Chapter & Verse, our cafe serves artisanal coffees, specialty teas, and fresh-baked pastries. Find your favorite reading spot, order a lavender latte, and lose yourself in a good book.

Single-origin espresso & specialty drinks
Fresh pastries baked daily in-house
Cozy reading nooks with natural light
View Cafe Menu
Cozy cafe corner with coffee and books
Find Us

Visit Chapter & Verse

Step through our doors and discover a world of stories waiting to be told.

Location

42 Wordsworth Lane
Cambridge, MA 02138

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Hours

Monday - Saturday
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Contact

(617) 555-BOOK

hello@chapterandverse.com