"We will only be satisfied when Michigan has raised their literacy rates in young adults to above the national average."
LOGOS is an outlet for underprivileged young adults — and anyone who wants to build a deeper connection with the literary world. We exist to promote maturity and an unwavering sense of self-belief, no matter what path our members choose. Through bi-weekly meetings and the study of enlightened texts, LOGOS fundraises to donate and purchase hundreds — eventually thousands — of books for the community. Through public library donations, pop-up book exchanges, and school partnerships, we want to ensure the next generation understands why reading is essential, and builds a genuine desire to do it.
In Michigan, only 24% of fourth graders score proficient in reading on national assessments — well below the national average of 30%, ranking Michigan 44th out of 50 states. In the Detroit Public School system, that number falls to 11.7–15.2%. Studies by Jeff Cobb of EdTrust Midwest show that early literacy rates in Michigan are lower today than they were 20 years ago. Michigan's current educational system is failing its citizens — and the people who work hardest to provide for their families deserve better.
That is our "Why." Solving this doesn't happen overnight. But as a society of capable and driven young adults, we know there is no better day to act than the present. Our plan is to partner with local libraries for "reading exploration" events, leverage social media to spread our message, and bring resources directly to schools like Detroit Merit Academy. We'll start small — a starter collection of 20–30 books sourced through Thriftbooks, carried to events and sold at a fraction of cost — and grow from there through fundraising into a community-backed effort that lasts.
Paulo Coelho
A shepherd boy's journey across the Egyptian desert in search of treasure becomes a profound exploration of dreams, destiny, and the language of the universe. One of the best-selling books in history — and a perfect starting point for LOGOS.
Literary Fiction Discussion: July 9Read our founder's review →
I came to literacy the long way around. For a while, I was convinced that formal education was a dead end — that I'd only be indoctrinated, and that my time was better spent on personal discipline and serving my country in the military. It took a few pivotal people in my life to redirect my path and show me what I was actually capable of. That shift didn't just change my trajectory; it became my purpose. LOGOS is my way of paying that forward — building a space where books and honest conversation do for others what they did for me.
Reading has always captivated my mind and motivated me to grow as an individual. I remember being a little kid, fascinated with the world of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth. Storytelling is essential to the human experience, and I believe it is our mission to carry that torch. LOGOS is my way of expressing my love for stories — and an outlet for keeping them alive and spreading them to younger generations.
We welcome readers of all backgrounds and speeds. All you need is curiosity, a willingness to engage, and a copy of the current book.