Graphic by Brianna Stockwell ’28
YunTong Liu ’27
Staff Writer
Located across from Mount Holyoke College, the Odyssey Bookshop is more than just a bookstore: It’s a community hub. Whether it’s college students, retirees or families, people from all walks of life come to relax, browse or enjoy a quiet moment. But what makes the Odyssey so special? What stories lie within this beloved bookstore that people don’t know? Mount Holyoke News had the privilege of sitting down with Joan Grenier, the shop’s owner, to learn more about its history.
It was Grenier’s father who started the bookstore, and she worked with him for many years. After he died in 1997, she took over.
Besides working at the Odyssey, Grenier has worked in a factory and several hospitals. “It’s not easy,” she said, when asked about the challenges of running an independent bookstore. Sometimes small business margins are tight, and bookselling is even tougher. But the Odyssey makes it work. They host about 125 events a year, bringing in authors and speakers from across the country. “It is great to meet them and hear about what they’re doing, and how they wrote their book. Our customers are wonderful, and they’re all ages and all backgrounds,” Grenier said.
The Odyssey has also evolved beyond books. In addition to its vast collection, the store offers programs like the First Edition Club for collectors and the Gift of Reading Club for children. Their Mount Holyoke College merchandise has been popular among students and alums for nearly a decade. "It’s going to continue to be a gathering place,” Grenier said proudly.
Inside the store, every detail is thoughtfully designed. With warm colors, oak decorations and an inviting layout, the space feels like a second home to many. Grenier pointed to the “ziggurat” display of new nonfiction hardcovers, which is constantly updated and is a big hit with customers. “We call [it] the Zig,” she said with a smile. It’s a display that keeps things fresh, always featuring new nonfiction books in hardback. She also explained how the design of the store is intentional: From the lighting to the carpet and the shelves, every detail is carefully planned, ensuring that the space is accessible even for those in wheelchairs.
Customer service is another cornerstone of the Odyssey’s charm. Grenier mentioned that sometimes customers come in unsure of what they’re looking for; perhaps they’ve forgotten the title or author of a book. Other times, they’re looking for the perfect gift: A book for a grandchild, a retiree or a new baby. “We pride ourselves on our customer service,” she said.
As the conversation came to a close, Grenier shared a memorable story about regular visitors to the Odyssey. In a hidden corner behind the cashier’s counter, a room covered in drawings and signatures can be found. “These are mostly [from] authors and illustrators that have come to the store,” Grenier explained. The walls are covered in beautiful illustrations and messages in various languages left by those who had shared their work with the Odyssey’s community.
Odyssey continues to host numerous book-related events, so anyone interested in joining a book club or meeting others who share a love for reading will agree that the Odyssey is the place to be.
The Odyssey isn’t just a place to buy books; it’s where both real and imagined stories come to life. With its rich history and the dedication of people like Grenier, it’s a place where stories and love intertwine, making it a true community treasure.
Karishma Ramkarran ’27 contributed fact-checking
