Turn the Page with Lansing’s Literary Scene
Whether you are into fiction, autobiographies, murder mysteries or romance, Lansing’s literary scene is certainly one for the books! Lansing has several independent bookstores and shops that are one of a kind for not only what you find on the shelves, but also for the community you can cultivate during your visit.
This women-owned bookstore holds their books and community close to its heart. A Novel Concept located in Downtown Lansing is one of the newest shops to open its doors to bookworms, but is solidifying itself as a staple to Mid-Michigan. One way they do this is by holding space for diverse communities. They uplift marginalized stories through their carefully crafted shelves that specifically highlight stories of women, people of color, the LGBTQIAA community, international authors and other underrepresented communities whose stories are often forgotten. Their shelves are filled with new and used reads.
A Novel Concept also works heavily on partnering with other organizations across town to stay true to its values and community. They partner with different events such as the Lansing Lit Festival, Mid-Michigan’s first and only book crawl, which featured author events and children’s activities. They hold monthly events like open mic nights, author roundtables, and book clubs that encourage readers to come into the shop, explore genres that aren’t in their typical rotation, and connect within the Lansing community.
Hooked Bookstore
Adjacent to Michigan State University is Hooked Bookstore, whose shelves are filled with everything from fiction and nonfiction selections, biographies, romance novels, self-help guides, cookbooks and more. The store’s appeal goes beyond the shelves as it hosts several meet-and-greets with local and national authors, allowing readers to build relationships and continue conversations the books begin. The bookstore also has a coffee shop complete with a coffee bar, café and wine bar. Consider trying one of their seasonal wine flights next time you pick up a bestseller.
Deadtime Stories: True Crime and Other Books
If the name of this store sounds eerie, then the owner has done her job. Deadtime Stories True Crime and other Books is dedicated to true crime, murder mystery and horror books that keep you on the edge of your seat. In this store, you’ll find page-turning novels that dive into some of Lansing’s oldest crime scenes, and your favorite classic murder mysteries that are still yet to be solved.
The store is owned and operated by Jenn Carpenter, who might sound familiar if you listen to her podcast, Violent Ends, or have come across one of her books, Haunted Lansing. You can make your book purchase complete with a gift since Carpenter also owns the gift store next door, the Screamatorium, which is packed with crime-inspired t-shirts, board games, crafts and films all in the spirit of grim mysteries and notorious crimes.
Socialight Society
If your vibe is Audre Lorde, Alice Walker or Toni Morrison, then this bookshop is dedicated to you. Socialight Society in the Lansing Mall is a space that was made to uplift Black Women and Black literature. This independent bookshop caters to the Black female authors behind classic novels that often have had their voices and stories previously silenced. From the moment you enter the store, you are greeted by portraits of literature leaders such as bell hooks, Maya Angelou and Assata Shakur. The ambience invites guests in for the literature, but also persuades you to stay for the leisure.
On the shelves, you will find the classics such as For Colored Girls who Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf, To Be Young Gifted and Black, as well as titles by your favorite podcasts hosts, political figures and female authors who all strive to celebrate Black women. Sign up for Socialight Society’s newsletter to stay updated on their in-store events, like its ‘Storytime Series’ where influential Black women in Mid-Michigan read their favorite picks or owner Nyshell Lawrence shares her top reads of the month.
About the Author: Rachelle Legrand is a magazine writer and television host based in Lansing, Michigan. rachellelegrand.com