Knoxville TN, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Knoxville, Tennessee, has welcomed a new literary hub with the opening of Good Girl Books, a romance-focused bookstore co-owned by Dr. Rayanne Streeter. Situated in the Rocky Hill neighborhood, this vibrant bookstore aims to celebrate the romance genre and create a sense of community. Notably, the mobile book truck, a hot pink Mitsubishi Minicab, has attracted local attention and fueled the store’s popularity, leading to nearly 75,000 Instagram followers. Good Girl Books emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, providing readers access to an array of romance sub-genres and hosting community events.
Knoxville, Tennessee welcomed a new addition to its literary landscape with the opening of Good Girl Books, a romance-focused bookstore co-owned and operated by Dr. Rayanne Streeter, an associate professor of sociology at Maryville College. Located in the Rocky Hill neighborhood, the store aims to celebrate the romance genre and foster a sense of community among readers.
Good Girl Books has quickly gained popularity, in part due to its eye-catching mobile book truck—a hot pink Mitsubishi Minicab—which has become a notable attraction. The bookstore received significant media attention recently, particularly from People magazine, which highlighted it as a part of the larger trend of romance bookstores gaining public interest. As a testament to its growing following, Good Girl Books now boasts nearly 75,000 followers on Instagram.
Dr. Streeter initiates a dialogue around the often-stigmatized genre, advocating for the idea that there should be no shame in indulging in romance novels. She emphasizes that while the genre faces disparagement, it remains the number one selling genre in fiction, making its acceptance and joy paramount within the literary community.
The bookstore aims to offer a safe and inclusive environment for all readers, showcasing various sub-genres of romance including fantasy, contemporary, historical, young adult, and dark romance. A significant aspect of Good Girl Books is its commitment to diversity, featuring a wide selection of queer books, works by authors of color, and indie authors. The initiative began about a year ago as Dr. Streeter sought creative outlets outside her academic role.
The mobile book truck was inspired by a viral TikTok video that showcased a mobile book dispensary. Good Girl Books celebrated its official brick-and-mortar opening on June 28, the anniversary of the mobile truck’s launch, and drew an impressive crowd of around 750 visitors on opening day. Customers reported a positive atmosphere with staff members encouraging them to embrace their love for romance novels. A line of eager customers extended from the storefront into the adjacent parking lot on that memorable day.
At Maryville College, Dr. Streeter plays an active role in coordinating the Gender and Women’s Studies minor and incorporates discussions about gender inequality into her sociology courses. Good Girl Books has since hosted multiple events, including author meet-and-greets and a popular book club that sold out within 24 hours.
The bookstore also collaborates with local businesses, such as Flourish Flowers, which is located next door, reinforcing community ties. The mobile truck continues to operate, maintaining engagement with the local population and enhancing accessibility to romance literature for all. Staff members actively express joy in creating a nurturing and empowering environment for female readers.
Looking forward, Good Girl Books plans to strengthen community bonds through future events, including book club meetings and genre-themed parties, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of the romance reading community in Knoxville.
FAQ
Who is the owner of Good Girl Books?
Dr. Rayanne Streeter is an associate professor of sociology at Maryville College and co-owns Good Girl Books.
What type of books does Good Girl Books focus on?
Good Girl Books focuses on romance novels, including various sub-genres like fantasy, contemporary, historical, young adult, and dark romance.
What is significant about the mobile book truck?
The mobile book truck, a hot pink Mitsubishi Minicab, has become a popular attraction and was inspired by a TikTok video showcasing a mobile book dispensary.
When did Good Girl Books officially open?
The brick-and-mortar store officially opened on June 28, coinciding with the anniversary of the mobile truck launch.
How many visitors came on the opening day?
Good Girl Books attracted around 750 visitors on its opening day.
What community initiatives does Good Girl Books partake in?
Good Girl Books hosts events like author meet-and-greets and a book club, and collaborates with local businesses to foster community engagement.
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| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Owner | Dr. Rayanne Streeter |
| Location | Rocky Hill neighborhood, West Knoxville, Tennessee |
| Mobile Book Truck | Hot pink Mitsubishi Minicab |
| Instagram Following | Nearly 75,000 followers |
| Opening Day Visitors | Approximately 750 visitors |
| Event Types | Author meet-and-greets, book clubs |
| Focus Genres | Various sub-genres of romance, including queer books and works by authors of color |
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