A mobile bookstore called Modern Literates made its debut in Manistee, Mich., on June 27, the Manistee News Advocate reported.
Modern Literates carries a curated selection of new titles for adults, emphasizing genres including contemporary fiction, romance, science fiction, and fantasy. Blind dates with a book are popular, and alongside books customers can find candles, journals, apparel, and gifts.
Co-owners and sisters-in-law Alyssa Rakoski and Lexi Lund are both avid readers and had talked about opening a bookstore together, but the conversations were never especially serious, Rakoski told the Manistee News Advocate. "We shared the same idea of one day opening up a bookshop because we both enjoy reading…I think we both hit a point in our lives where we were like, 'let's just do it!' Next thing you know, Modern Literates Books was born."
Lund and Rakoski chose to launch the mobile bookstore at the Manistee Community Farmers Market because Manistee is home, Rakoski explained. "Our goal as beginners is to test the waters and earn feedback on what we can improve; what worked and what didn't work so we can be better for next time. Our families live in Manistee so it's just comfortable and familiar. We want to keep coming back."
Rakoski said the store's first appearance went very well. "It was eye-opening and we left with so much gratitude."
Looking ahead, the pair plan to take Modern Literates to other towns and cities in Michigan this summer, including Grand Haven, Stockbridge, Bear Lake, and Ludington.