Bookstore Michigan

Are you proud to call yourself a Michigander? Do you consider yourself an avid reader? Have you been wanting to get back into books after years away from the pages? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s high time you visit Novel, one of the newest independent bookstores in Michigan.

Independent bookstore, Novel

How Our Michigan Bookstore Came to Be

When we were trying to think of a way to make our Michigan independent bookstore unique, we found ourselves inspired by Ray Oldenburg’s “third space” theory. He claimed that in order to build a strong community, our society needs places that we can gather apart from our homes or workplaces—and we agree. That’s why we combined our passions to create a bookstore and sandwich shop in the heart of downtown Rochester.

In order to create a welcoming and cozy space for customers of all ages and backgrounds, we decorated Novel like a living room, with cozy chairs, delicious food, and plenty of places to set up and spend a few hours connecting with friends, family, and neighbors. Whether you’re searching for a specific bestselling romance or just wandering up and down Main Street, our doors are open to you.

How Can You Support Novel?  

You don’t need to blow through a book a week to stop by an independent Michigan bookstore—though we wouldn’t judge you if you did! There are plenty of ways to show support for our local bookstore and become a part of our growing community.

inside Michigan bookstore, Novel

7 Ways to Support Independent Michigan Bookstores:

  1. Join one of our monthly book clubs to discuss an exciting novel and make new friends
  2. Say goodbye to Amazon and buy your titles online through our Bookshop.org affiliate link
  3. Sign up for Libro.fm with our link to connect and listen to the latest audiobooks
  4. Leave a glowing review online after your visit
  5. Attend our volunteer-based Story Times with your kiddos
  6. Tell everyone you know about the latest and greatest Michigan bookstore in town
  7. Come in for a quick lunch and enjoy a bite to eat off our sandwich menu

Where is Novel Located?

Our Michigan bookstore is located in downtown Rochester at 307 South Main Street, between Third and Fourth Streets. If you don’t recognize our storefront by the big windows and brand-new sign, you can always keep your eye out for our dressed-up porch goose!

What Can You Find in Our Michigan Bookstore?

With shelves curated by co-owner Rachel, our Michigan bookstore has something for every kind of reader. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the market for a self-help book, the latest romance novel, a graphic novel for your middle schooler, or a historical fiction epic—you’re all but guaranteed to find a title worth taking home with you on your shopping trip. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, don’t be afraid to ask whoever is at the register if they can order it for you!  We also have an assortment of gifts, pastries, and, of course, handcrafted sandwiches!

Sandwich outside of Novel: A Book & Sandwich Shop

Rachel and Elliott have loved calling this town home for years—and owning an independent bookstore was just the next step. Stop by Novel today to experience the magic in person.