IAM Books

by nina fauci

Tucked away on the lower end of Salem Street in Boston’s North End, IAM Books is a must-see place for those eager to appreciate Italian arts and culture through the written word. Just a short ride from Emerson on the Green Line, I visited IAM 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 Italian, whether here in North America or in Rome. 

As an Italian-American born in Boston and raised in Rhode Island, I am no stranger to the North End neighborhood. My dad raised me and my siblings not just to think, but to know that Regina Pizza on Thacher Street is the best pizza in the world. In the 90s, my mom got to experience her dreams of living in the city, specifically this charming area, 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 comforting to me. A familiar warmth enveloped me as I set out to visit IAM on a crisp autumn morning.

As I stepped off the train at Haymarket Station and walked towards the North End, where I crossed onto Salem Street, the sounds of traffic and car horns on the busy roadway behind me instantly ceased to be heard. Before me lay a narrow path adorned with quaint restaurants and cafés serving authentic Italian espresso, brick oven pizza, and fresh cannoli, begging to be taken home and enjoyed by families and people around the city. 

IAM is an independent bookstore in the heart of Boston’s historic North End neighborhood. It serves as a cultural hub for anyone interested in immersing themselves into the rich world of Italian and Italian American literature, history, art, and more. Upon entering, 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 the faint sounds of conversations between customers and the friendly chatter of the staff created an atmosphere that felt more like a relative’s home than a bookstore. I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to my cultural heritage, feeling the energy of my ancestral roots greeting me as I turned every corner. IAM Books serves its community by providing a bridge between the old world and the new and being a place where the essence of being Italian is preserved and celebrated through language, both written and spoken. 

Co-founder Nicola Orichuia’s blog, which can be found here, offers additional context and thoughtful insight into IAM Books, its journey, and its evolution. Its origin story reflects the spirit of a passionate endeavor, a cultural meeting point evolving day to day. After being at their original location at 189 North Street in Boston from 2015 to 2020, their move to a new location on Salem Street (the true heart of the North End) in December 2021 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 IAM Books, I never even considered looking outside the North End. It is our neighborhood, and there is no other place in the world where IAM Books can and should belong.”

One section that particularly caught my eye was their lineup of classics, which featured timeless works by Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Boccaccio, Francesco Petrarch (often referred to as the Three Crowns of Italian literature), Italo Calvino, and Alberto Moravia, among many others. The specific presence of Dante’s masterpieces took me back to reading The Divine Comedy for my community college literature classes. Seeing these reminded me of the profound impact these stories still have on my understanding of Italian identity and culture. Dante was able to write epic poetry in such a beautifully complex tone, ushering readers through a journey back in time, retracing the steps of the writers who paved the way for the rich tapestry of Italian literature.

Speaking of Dante, the bookstore’s logo, which is boldly presented on their front door, is inspired by the prominent author’s vision of stars after emerging from the Inferno, which adds a stunningly deep, poetic layer to IAM’s identity. According to Orichuia, it symbolizes passion, resilience, and the unique Italian touch that defines IAM Books, “italianista.” The stars, like those in Dante’s sky, represent hope and a bright future for the store and those responsible for its success from the very beginning.  

As I continued browsing, 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 the themes they covered: life, love, loss, the immigrant journey, life in the city, and more.

My experience at IAM Books brought me closer to my cultural roots, and the bookstore is revered for the rediscovery of the stories that shaped Italian culture. Its carefully curated collection, friendly ambiance, and commitment to cultural events left a lasting impression on me. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone, not just as a bookstore but as a unique cultural experience where the soul of Italy resonates through their selection of titles, store events, and the shared passion of all those who call it home.

For more updates, follow IAM Books on Instagram and check out their Events Calendar for upcoming literary and cultural experiences. You can register for any of IAM Book’s upcoming events here. 

A Literary Life: Official Bookshop Rating Scale

Title Selection: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Atmosphere: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Location: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Pricing (rated by a 21 year-old broke college student): 🌟🌟

Revisit? Yes, definitely! The atmosphere and staff book recommendations made it perfect.