Alessandro Minnella, like many young people, found himself at 19 wondering what path to take. At first, he chose to work in a factory, one that operated 24/7 and required constant availability—even on weekends and holidays—leaving him no freedom to control his own time.

Then the pandemic hit. This time of stillness forced him to face deeper, more uncomfortable questions. Alessandro started to realize that the routine he was trapped in was smothering his passions and draining his energy. It sparked a new desire in him: the desire to find a different path that would give meaning and freedom back to his life.

The Travelling Bookstore: A Rolling Cultural Hub

Alessandro has always been a passionate reader with a deep love for independent publishers and the world of books. This passion became the spark for creating a project that could bring culture and knowledge straight to the people. The solution came in the form of a red apecar.

With dedication, Alessandro transformed the small three-wheeled vehicle into a traveling bookstore, aptly named Pagine Erranti (Wandering Pages): a little cultural hub on wheels, ready to set up anywhere. His mission? To break down the barriers between books and the community, taking them to places where culture often isn’t as visible—like local markets and town squares.

A Co-Created Adventure

The next step was to get a street vendor's license in the local market of Asti, Italy. It was here, in a place full of life and tradition, that Alessandro chose to park his Piaggio apecar. With his mobile bookstore, Alessandro has become an essential part of the market—a space where people stroll, browse, and can stumble across culture in an unexpected but delightful way.

His decision was a challenge, not just to the harsh working conditions that left him unsatisfied, but also to a system that often discourages young people from taking an unconventional path. Despite the odds, his courage paid off, and Pagine Erranti has become a beloved symbol in his city.

For Alessandro, the heart of the project is that, day by day, with the book suggestions from local people, the bookstore becomes a co-created journey—a shared adventure with the community of Asti.

The Courage to Change

Alessandro’s project is much more than just a bookstore on wheels. It’s a symbol of how, when you truly follow your passion, you can turn dreams into reality. The red apecar has now become a local icon, and Alessandro’s story has gone viral, inspiring many young people to rethink their lifestyles and their relationship with work.

By choosing not to conform to the imposed routine, but instead letting his passions lead the way, Alessandro has shown that another way of living is indeed possible. This story of change resonates with anyone who feels the weight of a life that doesn’t match their dreams, offering a real-life example of how a moment of crisis can become the greatest opportunity.

The Future of the Traveling Bookstore

But Alessandro’s initiative isn’t just about selling and sharing books. He’s already working to make his project even more inclusive and community-rooted, creating connections with local schools and associations. The traveling bookstore is a space for sharing—a place where people can meet, get inspired, and feel a sense of belonging.

In the future, Alessandro hopes to expand his offerings by organizing group readings and collaborating with local festivals and events that share his values of culture, inclusion, and social innovation.

In a Nutshell

Alessandro Minnella's story is one of a young man who chose to change his life by leaving an unfulfilling job to pursue a true passion. His traveling bookstore is the living proof that even a small change can have a great impact on an entire community. It’s a testament to how an idea, born in a difficult moment, can turn into a way of life.