Voyage Books: Your Journey, Our Passion

Curious about the passionate book lovers who personally curate your reading recommendations and champion Seattle's literary community? At Voyage Books, we're lifelong Seattle residents and literary enthusiasts, combining deep local roots with innovative technology to create the most personalized and community-centered bookstore experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Discover Our Story

Our Story: From Book Lovers to Literary Community Builders

A shared love for stories and a vision for a connected Seattle literary scene led to Voyage Books.

Two founders, a man and a woman, smiling and holding books in a cozy, modern Seattle-style cafe with Puget Sound visible through the window
Our journey began with a shared cup of coffee and a dream for Seattle's readers.

Founded in 2019 by Evelyn Reed, a former university librarian with a passion for rare manuscripts, and Marcus Thorne, a literature professor known for his engaging public lectures, Voyage Books emerged from a desire to bridge the gap between the intimate warmth of an independent bookstore and the expansive convenience of digital access. Both lifetime Seattleites, they recognized the vibrant pulse of the city's reading culture, yet saw an opportunity to enrich it further.

Their vision was clear: to create an online haven where books were not just sold, but thoughtfully presented, where recommendations felt like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, and where the community could gather, virtually, to celebrate the written word. They poured their own extensive personal reading journeys and transformative book experiences into the foundation of Voyage Books, ensuring that every interaction reflects a genuine love for literature.

From a concept fueled by late-night discussions over coffee, Voyage Books has grown into Seattle's trusted online literary destination. We are committed to serving diverse reading communities, ensuring accessibility for all, and championing both local voices and global narratives. Our future vision includes expanding our literary community connections, fostering new generations of readers, and continuing to innovate the way people discover and engage with books.

  • 2019: The Voyage Begins

    Evelyn Reed and Marcus Thorne launch Voyage Books, combining expertise in library science and literary studies. Focused on curated online book sales and fostering a nascent digital community.

  • 2020: First Author Event & Digital Book Clubs

    Hosted our inaugural virtual author event with a local Seattle novelist. Launched our first digital book clubs, instantly connecting readers across the region for stimulating discussions.

  • 2021: Personalized Recommendations & Growth

    Introduced our advanced personalized recommendation system, achieving a 94% satisfaction rate. Expanded our curated collections significantly, driven by community feedback.

  • 2023: Community Partnerships Flourish

    Active partnerships with over 20 Seattle cultural and educational institutions established, bringing literary events and resources to a broader audience. Embraced audiobook subscriptions.

  • Meet the Literary Experts Behind Your Recommendations

    Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and a personal touch to every book suggestion.

    Portrait of Evelyn Reed, co-founder of Voyage Books, a woman with warm smile, holding an old leather-bound book in a library setting.

    Evelyn Reed

    Co-Founder & Chief Curator

    A former university librarian, Evelyn's expertise lies in literary theory and historical fiction. Her personal library boasts first editions and forgotten gems. Evelyn believes the right book can change a life, and she's dedicated to connecting readers with their literary destiny.

    Favorite Genre: Historical Fiction & Philosophy

    Portrait of Marcus Thorne, co-founder of Voyage Books, a man with intelligent gaze, surrounded by modern literature books.

    Marcus Thorne

    Co-Founder & Head of Community Engagement

    A celebrated literature professor, Marcus specializes in contemporary fiction and speculative genres. He's a fervent advocate for emerging authors and passionately believes in the power of shared stories to build community. He often hosts our digital book club discussions, bringing a dynamic energy to every session.

    Favorite Genre: Contemporary Fiction & Speculative Fiction

    Portrait of Sarah Chen, marketing manager at Voyage Books, a young woman with a friendly smile, reading a digital tablet.

    Sarah Chen

    Marketing & Digital Experience Lead

    Sarah, with a background in publishing and digital marketing, ensures our literary treasures reach the widest possible audience. She curates our online presence and develops innovative ways for readers to discover new authors. Her life-changing book was a fantasy epic that sparked her imagination at an early age.

    Favorite Genre: Fantasy & Young Adult

    Curious about more of our team or interested in joining us? Reach out!

    Our Mission: Making Great Reading Accessible to Everyone

    At Voyage Books, our purpose transcends transactions; it's about enriching lives through literature.

    Mission Statement: To cultivate a vibrant, inclusive literary community in Seattle and beyond, by providing expertly curated books, personalized reading experiences, and engaging platforms that connect readers with stories and each other.

    Our core values guide every decision we make:

    • Accessibility: Ensuring everyone, regardless of background or ability, can access quality literature. This includes diverse formats and inclusive content.
    • Diversity & Inclusion: Championing a wide array of voices, perspectives, and authors from all walks of life. We actively seek out and promote underserved narratives.
    • Literary Quality: Maintaining high standards for the books we curate, focusing on works that inspire, educate, and provoke thought.
    • Community Engagement: Building strong connections with local institutions, authors, and readers to foster a thriving literary ecosystem.
    • Environmental Responsibility: Implementing sustainable business practices, from packaging to digital operations, to minimize our ecological footprint.
    Diverse group of people of various ages and ethnicities reading books together in a modern, well-lit community space.
    Our mission brought to life: fostering diverse reading experiences for all.

    Our Impact on Seattle's Literary Community

    Numbers tell a part of our story, but the true impact lies in the connections forged and lives touched.

    500+

    Author Events Hosted

    Supporting local and visiting writers since 2019, fostering direct connections between authors and readers.

    15,000+

    Personalized Recommendations

    Delivered with a 94% satisfaction rate, tailoring reads precisely to individual tastes and preferences.

    20+

    Seattle Partnerships

    Active collaborations with cultural and educational institutions, enriching the local literary landscape.

    98%

    Reader Satisfaction

    Our commitment to quality curation and exceptional service is reflected in our loyal reader base.

    An infographic bar graph showing increasing community engagement metrics over time, with clear labels for events, recommendations, and partnerships.
    Visualizing cumulative growth in our community engagement initiatives.

    Recognition and Community Partnerships

    We are proud to be recognized by the community and collaborate with esteemed organizations.

    Seattle Public Library logo
    Pacific Northwest Book Publishers Association logo
    Seattle Arts & Lectures logo
    Local Seattle Authors Guild logo
    Read for Life Literacy Initiative logo
    University of Washington Press logo
    IndieBound Seattle Chapter logo
    Seattle Maritime Museum literary program logo

    What Our Partners Say:

    "Voyage Books has been an indispensable partner in promoting local literary talent. Their online platform and event hosting capabilities have allowed us to reach audiences we never could before."

    Dr. Lena Hansen, Director, Seattle Arts & Lectures

    "Their dedication to diversity in literature is truly commendable. They've helped us distribute a broader range of voices, making reading more accessible and representative for all Seattleites."

    Carlos Rodriguez, Community Outreach Lead, Seattle Public Library

    Our Vision for the Future of Reading

    The literary journey is ever-evolving, and Voyage Books is committed to leading the way.

    Enhanced Personalization

    Leveraging cutting-edge AI, we're developing even more intuitive recommendation engines that understand your evolving tastes and introduce you to authors you'll love before you even know them.

    Expanded Community Features

    Imagine virtual reading lounges, interactive author Q&As, and collaborative storytelling projects. We're building digital spaces where literary connections deepen and thrive.

    Sustainability & Outreach

    From carbon-neutral shipping options to book donation programs for underserved communities, our commitment to environmental and social responsibility will only grow in scale and impact.

    We invite you to be a part of this exciting future. Join our literary community and experience the Voyage Books difference.