At Queen Takes Book, we believe in the transformative power of reading. The books we choose to read - and the stories we connect with - shape how we see the world and ourselves. Seeing your experiences, your identity, and your worldview reflected in stories makes reading an act of self-recognition, a way of understanding and affirming who we are, and a pathway for building empathy.
For too long, the marketplace of commonly available books has centered on certain voices, often leaving others on the margins. At Queen Takes Book, our mission is to change that. By intentionally curating a selection that elevates diverse voices and reflects the full spectrum of human experience, we seek to make every reader feel seen and valued.
Our mission feels particularly critical now, as we conclude this year’s Banned Books Week, while our nation is seeing significant growth in the number of books being challenged across schools and public libraries, many of which are telling these marginalized stories.
A Curated Collection for Every Reader
Selecting which books to offer in our store is not just about stocking the latest bestsellers. It’s about crafting a collection that speaks to the experiences of all the people in our community and beyond.
Our bookstore may be small, but each title on our shelves is there for a reason.
We prioritize books that elevate the voices of women, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other marginalized groups. Our collection reflects a wide array of identities - both in the authors we showcase and the stories they tell. Whether it’s a novel that delves into the experiences of a Black family navigating systemic injustice, a memoir from a transgender activist, or poetry by an Indigenous writer, each book is selected with intention. We want to ensure that readers, no matter who they are, can find stories that resonate with their experiences as well as open them up to new ones.
Representation Beyond Special Occasions
While we take great pride in creating special displays for celebratory months and recognition (such as Banned Books Week) our commitment to representation extends beyond these holidays. This representation is woven into the very fabric of our store.
For instance, we spotlight LGBTQ+ authors and stories during Pride Month, but our commitment to elevating queer voices continues long after June. Similarly, while Juneteenth is a time for recognizing the significance of emancipation, we honor the stories of Black authors and activists throughout the year. We carry titles that confront the history of slavery, explore the Black experience in America, and celebrate the resilience and creativity of Black communities.
The Personal Power of Representation
We know that the experience of finding yourself in a book can be deeply personal. It’s an intimate moment of connection between reader and story - one that may not always be shared with others. And we respect that. Our goal isn’t to force anyone to identify with a particular book or story. Instead, we aim to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where readers of all backgrounds can find books that speak to them.
For some, the moment of recognition might be subtle - a character’s struggles mirror their own, or the setting feels like home. For others, it might be more profound - a story that reflects their cultural heritage or explores a part of their identity that they’ve never seen represented in literature before. These moments of connection are what drive our commitment to curating a diverse, inclusive collection.
Raising Voices, Sharing Stories
Queen Takes Book is more than just a place to buy books - it’s a place of connection. We believe that the stories of the people who walk through our doors are just as important as the stories on our shelves. That’s why we want to use our blog, email newsletters, social media channels, and in-store events as platforms to share the lived experiences of our community members. In the coming months, we’ll be featuring guest posts from fellow readers, authors, and community members.
We invite everyone - whether you’re a lifelong reader or someone who’s just beginning to explore the world of books - to share your story with us. We want Queen Takes Book to be a space where all voices are heard and valued.
Join Us in Celebrating Diversity
Whether you’re looking for a book that speaks to your own experience or you’re eager to learn more about the experiences of others, we invite you to explore our collection. We add new titles to our shelves almost every day, with new releases dropping each Tuesday. There’s always something new to discover on our shelves, and we’re here to help you find the perfect book for your next reading adventure.
We hope you’ll reach out to us in person during your next visit, via email or social media, at one of our book clubs or events, where we’ll continue these important conversations about culture, identity, understanding, and representation. And, of course, we encourage you to browse our curated selection, and let us help you find stories that inspire, challenge, and resonate with you.
At Queen Takes Book, your story matters. We’re here to celebrate it.
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