Our Story

Second Shapes Bookstore is located in the Kenton Neighborhood of North Portland (Stl’pulmsh / Cowlitz land). This shop was a wild dream, made real by loving neighbors and friends. We opened doors on April 5, 2025 and continue to be so grateful for the tremendous support of our community.

Second Shapes is owned and operated by Danielle Alexander (she/her), a writer, artist, list maker, community organizer, and mom. This is the second time Danielle has owned a bookshop, previously caretaking and organizing Bombadil Books in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Danielle lives in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood with an unruly brood of rescue pets that currently includes Austen and Chloe the cats, Sparkles the pitbull, and nine chickens that all have names that start with the letter E (the e.e. cluckings). Danielle also has a six-year-old you may catch in the space, wreaking havoc. Anytime you want to talk about disability justice, housing and food as basic human rights, how to combat fascism, or your favorite book, Danielle’s all ears.