Mila: Narrative
“The stories are for everyone and they should matter to everyone.”
Mila Hossain's passion for books and community led her to open Narrative, which will be officially opening in Somerville, Massachusetts May 26, 2024! She was inspired by the meaningful work being done at indie bookstores, particularly those run by women, to pursue building a life around her love for books that was fostered by her family, the Levittown Public Library and “incredible” English teachers (shouting out Ms. Kristen Stritzl.) Mila described the journey as more challenging than expected, involving extensive self-education in the book industry, managing multiple roles, and navigating additional necessary systems - graphic design, taxes, social media - through independent learning from crash courses.
Despite the exhausting effort, moments of support from the community has made it worthwhile, including messages from locals about how much seeing her progress has meant to them. Also, “living out [her] fangirl dreams” by getting to interact with authors who have had a monumental impact on her life has been another highlight. Curating the bookstore's collection has been a personal and intentional process. Mila has handpicked nearly 1,000 titles, focusing on BIPOC and marginalized voices, often relying on recommendations from other bookstore owners and the community. She aims to make the bookstore a community hub where people feel connected and represented, with plans for a book recommendation box and a dedicated bookshelf for those community picks. The ultimate goal is for people to see themselves and recognize how “The stories are for everyone and they should matter to everyone.” She says that although the challenge of handling the curation was daunting, it feels extremely special because she is excited about every single book on the shelves at Narrative. Including, But What Will People Say by Sahaj Kaur Kohl, Babel by R.F. Kuang, Exhibit by R.O. Kwon and Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha.
Mila has described opening the bookstore as a “whirlwind” and gives the advice of finding a way to document the journey for yourself, such as by journaling, to stay grounded in your vision and have something to look back on for a significant phase of life like starting a business that can go by in a blur. Some upcoming events that she feels particularly proud of include the first bookshop event that centered mental health in the AAPI community and an author talk with Sahaj Kohli of Brown Girl Therapy. These events underscore her goal of building community, fostering connection, and providing a look into the path it has taken for her to get to this point.
Mila’s vision for Narrative is to help broaden people’s perspectives by encouraging people to read more diversely - to help cultivate a culture of connection. She believes, “We’re all tied together in one way or another.” She also wants to push back on the idea of apathy - the idea that “if it doesn’t affect my personal day-to-day, I don’t have to think about it” - and challenge it with Narrative’s vision of fostering community and taking care of each other. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating culture and heritage, including her Bangladeshi roots, which are infused within the bookstore's identity. The enthusiastic response from the community highlights a strong need and welcome for such a space.
She recalled the moment when she got the keys to place, she sat on the middle of the floor and thought, “Wow this is happening.” And this weekend, it will be officially opening its doors. Check it out and support this new amazing venture for Mila and the local community on Narrative’s Opening Day on Sunday, 5/26 12PM-6PM! ☙
387 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02144 - Website
