Meet Evangelina Montiel | Quade Books founder and Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Evangelina Montiel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Evangelina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Guided by our purpose, “To improve people’s happiness and well-being through books by creating meaningful spaces that foster connection, reading, and recreation,” we focus on building places that nurture a sense of community.

Bookstores are mental oases in the age of digital technology and artificial intelligence. Free from algorithms, they offer a space where book lovers, and anyone in search of a quiet moment, can get lost in the pages of a book in a calm, welcoming, and character-filled environment. Here, each person can discover a story that resonates with their current moment, or simply enjoy the pleasure of turning pages and breathing in the scent of ink and paper.

We strongly believe that bookstores are essential and irreplaceable pillars of every community.

They also inspire and promote reading, as well as access to other cultural goods. Bookstores enrich cities, foster and strengthen cultural networks, and connect creative works and activities with their authors and readers.

Bookstores are, by nature, “third places”, spaces for social connection and community life, where people can find inspiration, slow down, and take part in cultural and social events in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

What should our readers know about your business?
Quade is a bilingual bookstore born from a deep love for books and a desire to create spaces that inspire connection, reflection, and joy. What sets us apart is not only our carefully curated selection in both English and Spanish, but also the atmosphere we’ve built—welcoming, personal, and full of character. We believe bookstores are more than retail spaces; they’re cultural hubs, community anchors, and places where stories and people meet.

My husband and business partner, Jorge Caparelli, and I started Quade almost two decades ago in Argentina, and today we’re proud to bring that same spirit to Miami. The journey has been anything but easy. As independent booksellers, we’ve faced many challenges, economic shifts, digital competition, international logistics, but we’ve always trusted in the power of books and the value of real human interaction.

Each obstacle taught us something: resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying true to our values.

What I’d love the world to know is that Quade is a small company with big dreams. We deeply believe that books transcend borders, that they know no limits of language, age, or belief. There’s a book for every person willing to enjoy it, and we’re here to share our love for books with the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d start with Aventura Mall, which was just named one of the top shopping destinations in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice 2025. We’d visit Quade Books, explore the great variety of stores and restaurants, and check out the amazing art throughout the mall.

We’d also visit some of Miami’s classic spots—like South Pointe Park for a sunset walk, and take a nice walk along the bay from Maurice A. Ferré Park to Brickell. We’d spend time in Wynwood to see the murals and street art, explore the Design District, and stop by Lincoln Road before relaxing at South Beach. And of course, we’d take time to enjoy one of Miami’s beautiful beaches—just to swim, walk, or soak up the sun.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband and business partner, Jorge Caparelli, and the entire Quade Global team.

Website: https://www.quadebooks.com

Instagram: quadebooks

Linkedin: evangelina montiel bertone