Rochester, Michigan, Bookstore - Novel
Calling readers of all ages and interests! If you live in the Rochester area, it’s time to check out the newest bookstore (and sandwich shop!) on the block: Novel. Whether you’re looking for a new children’s book to keep your kiddos entertained or searching for a swoon-worthy romance novel, we’ve got you covered. When you stop by, you can support small local businesses and get your literary fix all in one trip!
The Backstory of Novel
Our store was inspired by Ray Oldenburg’s theory of the “third place,” which is the idea that we need more than just our homes and workplaces in order to build a strong and stable community. Novel aims to provide Rochester and surrounding areas an informal and welcoming space where the bookstore shelves are always stocked, the food is good, and anyone is welcome. As the “living room” of society, Novel is decorated to feel cozy, encouraging you to slow down, build relationships, and enjoy culinary delights while reading your new book.Ways to Support Novel
Becoming a part of our community is easy! Whether you can lend a hand with community-led storytime or want to pre-order an upcoming book release, any amount of support means the world to us.
- Buying your books in-store (and a sandwich)
- Using our Libro.fm affiliate link to read audiobooks
- Buying a book online with bookshop.org – and Novel still gets a percentage
- Leaving an online review
- Telling your friends and spreading the word
Make the trip down to see us and discover the fun-for-all-ages selection of books for yourself at Novel. We can’t wait to see you!
Our Bookstore Location:
307 South Main Street
Rochester, MI
48037
How to Find Novel in Rochester, MI
Novel is a bookstore located in downtown Rochester on Main Street, between Third and Fourth Streets. With big windows and a brand-new sign, the storefront is easy to recognize. If you can’t find it, just look for the porch goose, who is often dressed up in adorable seasonal garb!
What You’ll Find in Our Bookstore
As a mood reader, Rachel takes care to select books from a wide variety of different genres to provide something for just about everyone. Romance, fantasy, contemporary fiction, self-help, true crime, historical fiction, and more can always be found on our “Luau Green” painted shelves.
Need a little guidance as you shop the bookstore? Head to the back hallway and explore our personal book recommendations, complete with notes on why we loved the novel. You can also find our Liked This? Try This! section, classic novels with beautiful special edition covers, blind dates with a book, and more, depending on the season!
A Little About Us
The selection of books is curated by Rachel May, co-owner of the Rochester establishment with her husband, Elliott. When you search the shelves, you’ll see titles from her all-time favorites list, new finds discovered through her dedication to reading, and recommendations from her trusted friends, family, and staff. You’ll often find Rachel listening to her latest audiobook obsession through an AirPod while cleaning, cooking, and driving or cozying up by the fireplace with a physical copy in her “reading-only chair.”
Rachel and Elliott live in Rochester Hills with their three beautiful kids. While they grew up in Clarkston, Rachel attended Oakland University and always dreamed of raising her family in the area. They’re overjoyed to call this lovely town home and have their indie bookstore and sandwich shop become a part of the downtown Rochester community.