Amazing atmosphere and the collection is good.

Form the Golbe, Sunday July 25:“A bookstore returnsIn 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 books and ideas.”

I AM Books is an absolute joy. The customer service is absolutely excellent and warm. I never feel pressured by the staff, but supported. I walked in just to look, but the staff was so kind I couldn’t help but make a purchase. One of the best independent bookstores in Boston!

Staffs were helpful and informative.

A treasure trove of books on Boston & Italy in English & Italian, along side well choosen gifts for all ages. Go here to be reminded why real bookstores matter. Stay to be immersed in Italy and leave with your next book to read and the memory of a good experience.

Great service. Expensive like the North End is. Used books could be less expensive. Great selection of Italian American books.

Love this bookstore. Fun to browse thru the Italian-American authors & the staff picks. Cute gift items in the store too. Great gifts for family. Friendly and helpful staff.

Everything you want in a bookstore without the massiveness of Brandon & Gary. Their used selection is pretty decent and their new books area is large. Its across the street from Boston(duh) so expect it to get packed, especially at the start of a semester. Staff is friendly, store is well organized and clean.

Was walking by here at end of a holiday in 2015. Had a delightful chat with the owner. he knew his books all right. he asked me what was the last book i read, i told him it was high fidelity (again) -he reached down a shelf or two where we were standing and showed me an Italian translation of it.

One visit in and I am a fan of I AM books. I came on a specific mission for a childrens book as a gift but will definitely be back for myself. The kids section and what I saw elsewhere is a really well curated collection of good reads and the small bookshop ambience is everything you want out of this cozy North End gem.

I always visit this book store when I visit Boston. It is quaint, great selection and knowledgeable staff. If you are in line for North Street Grille it is worth leaving a friend in line while the rest of your party peruses the fine selection of books and gifts at this locally run shop. There post card selection is great too!

Stopped here while visiting the North End on vacation. Could not believe how cute, quaint and well curated this shop was! As an Italian American it was so inspiring - wonderful memoirs of travels through Italy, unique cookbooks and an incredible childrens section with English, Italian and Italian/English books for kids. I had to stop myself from buying too much as it wouldnt fit in my suitcase but Ill definitely be going online! Will absolutely return on my next visit to Boston.

An independent bookstore with helpful staff is always a cause for celebration, but I AM Books is truly special. The books, childrens section and handmade items are curated with love and will appeal to anyone who appreciates Italy. Book readings and even concerts are held in its cozy space. A real gem.

An awesome book store in the North End that isnt the same old B&N type bookstore people are used to.Its right by the Paul Revere house and had a few customers when I was in there just browsing around on a nice day. They had a nice table set up outside with books that specialize in anything Italian, such as cooking or travel. The North End is the Little Italy of Boston and this shop definitely caters to that demographic, while having a large selection of other books.

Being a nono, I take my granddaughter their once a month. They speak Italian to the children and are extremely nice to them. Coming from the North End, I Am Books is a fantastic place to purchase Italian books and items and also have your grandchildren learn Italian. 5 stars.

I would certainly have purchased some books here if I had been acknowledged as a human being. I want independent bookstores with nice aesthetics and selections to thrive, but being ignored and then presented with a Santa knows if youve been shopping on Amazon guilt-trip poster at the exit doesnt exactly encourage an investment here. I think Ill stick to my local library.

Charming and warm, I AM Books is a great place to find all things Italian, Italian-American, and Bostonian! Adorable childrens room and great selection of Italian literature. Its a wonderful cultural center as well, hosting many events from book readings to art galleries to music nights!

Just a nice little local individual run book store in the north end of biston.

Fun to pop in there around the Paul Revere house

Nice bookstore specialized on Boston Italian community. You can find many books about history, Italian cuisine and culture.

An Italian childrens book store with great selection. I bought a few Dr Seuss books in Italian. A little pricey!

This bookstore has a great selection of Italian books.

Very friendly staff, cozy atmosphere, and a great collection of books on Italy!

Wide variety of cooking books. This store had a cozy ambiance

Italianissimo! Friendly staff, great location for getting the book you want.

Great selection, warm staff

Great little book store in the heart of the North End. Helpful staff. Thanks for the Fante recommendation!

Really charming store with helpful staff.

They are really friendly and have good books.

Lovely place and cute lobster

Great selection of cards!

Great selection of Italian books.

Great fiction and cooking sections.

The books are awesome

Small, but charming.

The background

A small bookshop in the Italian quarter. Very pretty with books in both Italian and English. They also organize several events. For both adults and children. For the little ones they organize mornings where they are read and tell you the story books. Very helpful staff.