There is something magical about stumbling upon a bookstore when you least expect it. Now imagine that bookstore rolling into your favorite local coffee shop, weekend market, or community event. That’s exactly what The Paper Hare Books has created—a charming little mobile bookstore that is proving books really can meet readers wherever they are.
I recently had the opportunity to chat with Carla Thompson, the founder of The Paper Hare Books, to learn about the story behind the truck, the dream that inspired it, and why this tiny bookstore on wheels is already making such a big impact.
Meet the Woman Behind the Wheel
The Paper Hare Books is a true family business.
Carla runs the bookstore alongside her husband, Justin, while raising their two children. With experience in retail, bookselling, and social media content creation, she combined everything she loves into one business that allows her to stay connected to both books and family.
Justin has been just as involved from the beginning. He helped build the truck itself and continues to handle many of the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep everything running smoothly.
Together, they’ve created more than a bookstore—they’ve built a place where stories, family, and community intersect.
How a Dream Became a Book Truck
Like many of the best ideas, this one started with a simple question:
What if books could come to people instead of waiting for people to come to them?
After working in the bookstore world, Carla realized she loved helping readers discover their next favorite story. At the same time, becoming a mother shifted what she wanted life to look like. She needed flexibility without giving up the work she loved.
A mobile bookstore became the perfect answer.
With Justin’s encouragement and a lot of determination, the idea slowly transformed into reality.
Then came the moments every dreamer remembers forever.
The first was buying the tiny kei truck.
“That was the point where the idea started to feel real,” Carla shared.
The second came when boxes upon boxes of books arrived at their home.
Seeing hundreds of stories waiting to fill the shelves was emotional.
“I remember thinking, ‘I’m actually doing this.'”
Why Books Mean So Much
One of my favorite parts of our conversation wasn’t about the truck at all.
It was about books.
Carla’s love for reading didn’t begin in childhood.
Her first meaningful experience with books came in middle school when her psychologist recommended a young adult fantasy series by Isabel Allende. For the first time, reading became personal.
Growing up, books weren’t a large part of home life, and her relationship with reading came and went over the years.
Eventually, she found her way back.
Books became more than entertainment—they became healing.
Today, reading is part of daily life in the Thompson household, and sharing that love with her children is one of the driving forces behind The Paper Hare Books.
More Than Just a Bookstore
When you visit The Paper Hare Books, you’re not walking into an overwhelming bookstore packed floor to ceiling.
Instead, you’ll find a carefully curated collection filled with intention.
The truck features:
- Romance
- Fantasy
- Romantasy
- Thrillers
- Horror
- Young Adult fiction
Children’s books are also a growing focus, something Carla is especially excited to expand because they’re one of her personal passions.
Every title earns its place on the shelves.
Rather than carrying everything, Carla carefully selects books that showcase meaningful stories, diverse voices, exciting new releases, and unforgettable favorites.
A Bookstore That Comes to You
Instead of waiting behind a storefront, The Paper Hare Books pops up throughout the community.
You’ll find the truck at:
- Local markets
- Coffee shops
- Community festivals
- Small businesses
- Pop-up events
The goal is simple:
Bring books into places where people are already gathering.
It makes discovering your next favorite read feel spontaneous—and honestly, a little magical.
The Challenges Behind the Magic
Running a bookstore on wheels sounds charming—and it absolutely is—but it also comes with challenges most readers never think about.
One of the biggest hurdles?
Figuring out how to safely transport hundreds of books.
Designing shelves that fit inside the truck, protecting inventory from weather, securing books during highway drives, and maximizing every inch of space required months of planning and plenty of trial and error.
Then there was Carla’s biggest fear:
Driving the truck.
She laughed while telling me that one of the questions she hears most often is:
“Wait…you actually drive it?”
Yes.
She absolutely does.
And after plenty of highway trips, she’s proven both she—and the books—can handle the journey.
What Makes The Paper Hare Books Different?
Of course, the adorable miniature truck catches everyone’s attention first.
It’s impossible not to smile when you see it.
But what keeps readers coming back goes beyond the aesthetic.
Everything about The Paper Hare Books feels intentional.
The collection is thoughtfully curated.
The atmosphere is welcoming.
There is no pressure.
Just conversations, recommendations, and a shared love of stories.
It’s the kind of place where readers can slow down for a while.
Supporting Local Authors
One thing I was especially excited to hear is Carla’s commitment to supporting indie and local authors.
She’s currently working on building a dedicated local author section within the truck, creating another opportunity for readers to discover incredible stories from writers in their own communities.
It’s still in the early stages, but it’s clearly something she’s passionate about.
Three Books Carla Thinks Everyone Should Read
Naturally, I had to ask.
If Carla could recommend only three books, they’d be:
- Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
- Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
And if she could champion one underrated novel forever?
Without hesitation:
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams.
According to Carla, it’s beautifully written, emotionally rich, and deserves far more attention than it receives.
Building a Reading Community
At its heart, The Paper Hare Books isn’t just about selling books.
It’s about creating connection.
Carla hopes visitors leave feeling welcomed, inspired, and excited to read.
She wants lifelong readers, occasional readers, and even people who haven’t picked up a book in years to feel like there’s something waiting for them.
She’s already partnering with local businesses and dreams of expanding into themed events, adult book fairs, and eventually book clubs as the business grows.
Looking Ahead
When I asked Carla where she sees The Paper Hare Books in a year, her answer was refreshingly honest.
She doesn’t know.
The business has only been running for a little over a month, and right now she’s focused on learning, growing, and serving her community well.
Long-term?
She’d love to open a brick-and-mortar bookstore.
For now, she’s enjoying every stop along the journey.
Even if one of those stops might someday be Vans Warped Tour in Orlando—an idea her husband is especially excited about.
Honestly?
A book truck at Warped Tour sounds like exactly the kind of wonderfully unexpected thing readers would remember forever.
Quick Reader Favorites
Coffee or tea while reading?
Coffee in the morning. Wine at night.
Paperback or hardcover?
Hardcover.
Favorite comfort read?
A contemporary romance.
Currently reading?
A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez.
A book that emotionally wrecked her?
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Final Thoughts
Talking with Carla reminded me that sometimes the best businesses aren’t built around products—they’re built around purpose.
The Paper Hare Books is about creating moments.
It’s about helping someone discover the book they’ll think about for years.
It’s about bringing stories into neighborhoods, coffee shops, festivals, and everyday places where community already exists.
Most importantly, it’s proof that when passion, family, and purpose come together, incredible things can happen.
If you ever see the tiny book truck parked nearby, stop.
Browse the shelves.
Talk books.
You just might leave with your next favorite story—and a reminder that some of the best bookstores don’t have four walls.
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