I AM Books
Tucked away on the lower end of Salem Street in the North End, I AM Books (Italian-American Books) is a must-see place for those who are eager to appreciate Italian arts and culture through the written word. Just a short ride from Emerson on the Green line, I paid a visit to I AM Books earlier this week, where I had the pleasure of exploring the many books and stories that celebrate and commemorate all that it once meant, and still means, to be an Italian, whether in America or Rome.
As an Italian-American who was born in Boston and raised in Rhode Island, I’m no stranger to the North End neighborhood; my dad has raised my siblings and me not just to think, but to know, that Regina Pizza on Thacher Street is the best pizza in the whole world. In the 90s, my mom got to experience her dreams of living in the city, specifically this area for its charm, in an apartment on Prince Street while attending graduate school at Boston College. Because of these memories, something about being in the North End always feels so comforting to me.
My journey to I AM Books began as I stepped off the train at Haymarket Station and made my way to the North End, where crossed onto Salem Street. The sounds of traffic and car horns on the busy roadway behind me had instantly ceased to be heard, and I instantly felt a sense of comfort. Before me lay a narrowing path adorned with quaint restaurants and cafes serving authentic Italian espresso, brick oven pizza, and fresh cannoli begging to be taken home and enjoyed by families and people around the city.
I AM Books is an independent bookstore in the heart of Boston’s historic North End neighborhood and serves as a cultural hub for everyone interested in diving into the rich world of Italian and Italian American literature, history, research, art, and more. As I stepped inside, the scent of well-worn pages and the subtle aroma of fresh espresso from outside immediately embraced me. The warm lighting cast a cozy glow over the stacks of books that lined the shelves and invited me to dive into the rich world of Italian literature. The faint sounds of Italian conversations between customers and the friendly chatter of the staff created an atmosphere that felt more like a relative’s home than a bookstore.
Being an Italian-American, the connection to my roots was felt in every corner. Each title presented stories of and by generations past, and when I heard a conversation between two employees speaking Italian behind the counter, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of connection to my cultural heritage. I AM Books serves its community by providing a bridge between the old world and the new, being a place where the essence of being Italian is preserved and celebrated through languages written and spoken.
One section that particularly caught my eye was their lineup of classics, which featured timeless works by Dante and more. The presence of Dante's masterpieces took me back to reading The Divine Comedy for my community college literature classes. Nevertheless, seeing these reminded me of the profound impact these stories still have on my understanding of Italian identity and culture. Dante because he was able to write epic poetry in such a beautiful yet complex tone that takes readers through a journey back in time, retracing the steps of the writers who paved the way for the rich tapestry of Italian literature.
Orichuia’s blog, which can be found here, offers additional context and thoughtful insight into I AM Books, its journey and evolution. Its origin story reflects the spirit of a passionate endeavor, a cultural meeting point evolving day by day. The move to a new location on Salem Street echoed the sentiment of staying true to the North End, a vibrant community that welcomed the world while maintaining its "old school" charm. Orichuia writes of these new beginnings, explaining that “when I set out to look for a new space for I AM Books, I never even considered looking outside the North End. It is our neighborhood, and there is no other place in the world where I AM Books can and should belong”.
The bookstore's logo, which is boldly presented on the store’s front door, is inspired by Dante's vision of stars after emerging from the Inferno, adding a poetic layer to its identity. According to Orichuia, it is a symbol of passion, resilience, and the unique Italian touch that defined I AM Books, “Italianista”. The stars, like those in Dante's sky, represented hope and a bright future for the store and the people responsible for its success from the very beginning.
As I browsed through the shelves, I stumbled upon two books that I ended up purchasing: "My Poems Won't Change the World" by Patrizia Cavalli, a poetic exploration of life's intricacies, and "Four Women (Quattro Donne): A North End Love Story" by Bennet R. Molinari and Richard C. Molinari, a novel comprised of many short stories, set against the backdrop of Boston's North End. Both of these titles caught my eye because they seemed like books I’d always want to refer back to or read multiple times because of how many themes they covered: life, love, loss, the immigrant journey, life in the city, and more.
Their website features the many events they have and plans to host, including their annual IDEA Boston literary festival, which was highly praised by Improper Magazine. The last festival took place in 2018 and 2019 and was a true testament to the store's commitment to fostering a community built around accessibility to Italian and Italian-American literature. Workshops, lectures, and readings were held at the Dante Alighieri building in Cambridge to showcase co-founder Nicola Orichuia’s dedication to this mission. In an interview with Boston Book Blog, Orichuia explained that “the goal of the festival is ideas (thus IDEA Boston) and the mission is dialogue. "My desire is to foster conversations because I don’t see the world as a static place. Society and the world are changing every day”.
I AM Books has two upcoming events scheduled: Marguerite Buonopane's presentation on "The North End Italian Cookbook" and Anthony Marra’s conversation “Scheduled for December 6, this event promised a nostalgic journey through the culinary traditions of the Roman region of Italy, blending family recipes with the flavors of Boston's North End. It was a reminder that I AM Books isn’t just a place for literature, but a place to explore all the components of Italy’s culture. You can register for any of I AM Book’s upcoming events here.
My experience at I AM Books was an experience that brought me closer to my cultural roots and the bookstore is revered as a rediscovery of the stories that shaped Italian culture., With its carefully curated collection, friendly ambiance, and commitment to cultural events, it left a lasting impression on me. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone, not just as a bookstore but as a cultural sanctuary where the soul of Italy resonates through literature, events, and the shared passion of those who call it home.
For more updates, follow I AM Books on Instagram and check out their Events Calendar for upcoming literary and cultural experiences!
