Hannah & Lily: Read My Lips Boston
“We want to help people see themselves as the focus of the story’s happily ever after.”
Read My Lips Boston is an inclusive romance pop-up run by sisters Hannah and Lily Barrett, which was born out of a shared passion for romance novels and a deep desire to see more diverse representation in the genre. The sisters, who both have invisible disabilities through hearing loss, often felt unseen in the stories they loved. The lack of representation in media and books was a constant reminder of the narrow spectrum of heroes and heroines typically portrayed—mostly white, cis, hetero, able-bodied, and thin. They wanted to change that and offer readers a chance to see themselves in the characters of their favorite genre.
During the pandemic, with so much time spent indoors, they turned to their Kindles and devoured romance novels. The genre's promise of happy endings provided a much-needed escape and comfort. This period of intense reading led to discussions about the lack of diverse protagonists, prompting them to take action. Reports like the one from The Ripped Bodice, highlighting the overwhelmingly white landscape of published romance authors, reinforced their resolve to create a more inclusive space.
Their pop-up stands out from typical bookstores by offering preloved books, often with just one or two copies of each. Queer representation tends to sell out quickly, and the collection is like “a box of chocolates” because it’s diverse but usually with only 1-2 copies for each title. You never know exactly what books you’re going to get. Hannah and Lily strive to represent indie authors whose voices might not otherwise be heard, providing their books at discounted prices.
Read My Lips Boston's Mission
Their goal is to highlight protagonists who fall outside the traditional mold. By focusing on characters of varying ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and body types, they hope for everyone to see themselves as deserving of a happily ever after. Historically, people with disabilities have not only been cast as villains, but also as objects of pity or as “inspiration” to show able-bodied people that you can do anything if you just stop whining and pull yourself up by your bootstraps. They try to find novels that portray people with disabilities as having agency and starring in their own stories, rather than as a stereotype or a plot point.
Each of their pop-ups donates 10% of the proceeds to Boston-area nonprofits such as “Read to a Child,” “826 Boston,” “QT Library,” “Malden Reads,” among others. This commitment to their community is at the heart of what they do, ensuring that the mission extends beyond just books.
Personal Favorites and Joys
Reflecting on their earliest book memories, favorites like Amelia Bedelia, Junie B. Jones, and the Ramona series come to mind. These characters, with their quirks and imperfections, resonated deeply with the sisters. Books like The Girl with the Green Ribbon also left a lasting impression, blending sweet childhood stories with a touch of the unusual.
One of the most rewarding aspects of their journey has been the connections made. A memorable moment was meeting someone who was deaf in one ear, who expressed gratitude for the space they created. Another highlight was having Nisha Sharma attend one of the events, which brought incredible energy and validation to their mission. The community of booksellers and book enthusiasts they’ve encountered has continually been inspiring and supportive.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering starting their own small business, the sisters’ advice is to start with what you can handle and not to overextend yourself. Both of them still work full-time jobs, so balancing commitments has been crucial. Another piece of advice is to reach out to knowledgeable individuals in your area, offer to buy them coffee, and attend as many events as possible to understand the landscape. Their last recommendation was to connect with other readers, local officials, and the Bookstagram/romance book communities to gauge interest and gather insights.
Check out one of Read My Lips Boston’s local events and support Hannah and Lily’s mission at: https://read-my-lips-boston.square.site/events
