Tucked into Camp North End, That's Novel Books runs on a simple idea: reading does not have to be a solitary habit.

Owner Alyssa Pressler held the shop's grand opening on February 28, 2020.

Two weeks later, the pandemic shut the doors.

The store is open today, and her published bio explains why she wants to keep it that way: to help people discover a love of books and connect them with other book lovers in Charlotte and beyond.

Last August, a newcomer asked a Charlotte online forum where to meet people, and one neighbor pointed to the shop's Silent Book Club.

Once you see how the club works, it is easy to understand why.

What is on the shelves

The shop describes itself as a used bookstore, with a small selection of new books by local Charlotte authors.

Shoppers also mention new releases, along with bookish gifts, puzzles and goods from local makers.

The shelves are sorted into genre sections, and reviewers have singled out a banned book collection, a section of LGBTQ titles, a small poetry shelf and a kids nook with a bean bag.

There is also a Blind Date with a Used Book subscription for $10 a month, a concept more than one reviewer called a fun surprise.

If a title is not on the shelf, the shop says it will order it for you.

What readers say

We looked through a sample of 100 Google reviews posted between April 2024 and August 2026.

Ninety-three were five stars, and 67 included written comments.

Friendly staff and a welcoming owner come up again and again, followed closely by praise for the selection and variety.

Reviewers also point to local authors, gifts from local makers and the events, including Silent Book Club and Writing Club.

One visitor wrote that Pressler is building community and that it is needed.

Another said a phone left behind in the shop was turned in to the security office and waiting after closing.

Not every review was glowing.

One reviewer found much of the store devoted to niche genres that did not match their taste, while acknowledging the curation.

Another called the shop a little pricey.

That is the tradeoff of a small, curated shop: it makes choices, and readers react differently.

These reviews are a sample, not the store's current overall rating.

A calendar built around reading

Silent Book Club is the anchor.

Attendees arrive early to claim a spot, grab food and drinks from nearby restaurants and chat, then read their own books in silence for an hour.

Afterward, the store reopens for anyone who wants to browse or stay and talk.

Nobody has to read an assigned title, and no RSVP is needed.

For writers, Writing Club offers two 25-minute silent writing sprints, followed by conversation, sharing and feedback.

The monthly Novels & Needles Craft Club meets across the street at Free Range Bar for knitting, crochet and other portable crafts.

The calendar also includes local author signings, a Warhammer paint and build night, workshops and a natural wine pairing for new releases.

Recurring events give people a reason to come back, and what happens from there is up to the people who show up.

Coming up at That's Novel

This Sunday: read for the library

On Sunday, October 4, That's Novel is kicking off Banned Books Week with a read-a-thon that benefits the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.

Participants create a fundraising profile online, and friends and family pledge donations based on how many pages they read.

Then everyone comes to the shop from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and reads.

Bring any book you like, because it does not have to be a banned title.

Breaks are built in, including a snack and coffee break and a stretch break led by a local yoga teacher.

A prize basket raffle is part of the day with tickets sold at the event, and the top fundraiser goes home with a prize.

Beyond setting up the participant page, there is no registration or fee.

Can't make it but want to help? You can donate directly to the Foundation through the event page on the shop's website.

It is the Silent Book Club idea with a purpose: a room full of people reading their own books, with pledges behind every page.