I AM Books — Local services in Boston

I always think that a bookseller who knows their inventory is a true gem, and today I found gems at I AM books. I particularly came all the way from Fenway (where I am staying for only two days, I live in Maryland!) To see this bookstore that everyone wrote such beautiful reviews about, and what a delight it was for me to discover this beautiful Italian neighborhood in addition to that. I met Adele and Michela (apologies for misspellings in advance to both!) Who helped me find books from authors I loved and beyond, I asked them so many questions and they let me browse for so long, they didn't seem to mind my messy coat and bag (that I threw on the floor to get to books!) And they were beyond understanding and helpful when they found out I can't take back stuff with me and agreed to mail them to me. The selection is not huge but very decent, especially for lovers of Italian Literature, history and poetry. In addition to all of that there are so many types of cute stationary items, which in my opinion are rare in America (everyone seems to be happy with office max pens and paper, so apparently they don't need beautiful things to write with). Great kids selection, many souvenir type items! These guys even gave me suggestions about which Cafe to go to that's best for reading 😃 Cannot wait to go back sometime...

Form the Golbe, Sunday July 25: “A bookstore returns

In August of last year, the owners of I AM Books, the Boston independent bookstore that celebrates Italian and Italian-American heritage and literature, announced they’d be shuttering their brick-and-mortar store as the result of the pandemic. When they announced the closure they promised to work to find a new, larger home for the bookstore when the time was right. They kept their business going online in the meantime, and have now made good on their promise to find a new home for the store. Owners Nicola Orichuia and Jim Pinzino recently announced they’ll be re-opening the shop at a new location in the North End this fall. “It is our neighborhood,’’ wrote Orichuia, “and there is no other place in the world where I AM Books can and should belong.’’ The storefront at 124 Salem Street is triple the size of the previous location, with a sweeping bank of windows along the sidewalk of one of the North End’s main drags. Orichuia and Pinzino opened I AM Books in 2015, and besides selling books, hosted a number of readings, concerts, film screenings, as well as started an annual two-day cultural festival of...

My go-to spot to grab a cookbook on a Sunday afternoon or a special last-minute housewarming gift. A array of books in English and Italian. Handmade cards for every occasion, in English and Italian. Live readings and music regularly.

Most importantly, this place is what the North End is all about— community. I AM Books never forgets to call and let me know that they set aside a copy of the new Cucina Italiana magazine. I’ve come to look forward to that call of kindness every month. This place is like no other bookstore. It’s my new favorite destination in the city. It is so clear that the owner, Nicola, has poured his heart and soul into this bookshop. The same with the staff— the kindest people I’ve ever met. I AM Books is providing this community with a special place for the mind to graze and people to gather. This place IS community. By far the best bookstore in our...