IAP 157: It's Not an Italian Bookstore! The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of America's Favorite Italian American Bookstore

As the air begins to chill, and the days grow shorter and shorter, it's the perfect time of year to snuggle up with a good book— and if you love to read about your Italian American heritage and culture, Nicola Orichuia of Boston's I AM Books is the man to help you pick the perfect page-turner! I AM Books is Boston's first—and only—bookstore created specifically for the nation's 25 million Italian Americans. Nicola is here to share the story of this unique creation, from its almost accidental birth to its status as Italian American landmark.  We'll discuss his recent decision to wind down the brick-and-mortar location in the North End, and how this "strategic retreat" was only possible thanks to the growing online trade that IAM Books has begun to develop all over Italian America. Nicola tells us about his journey from his home in Rome to Chicago as a journalist working for Italian American publications, such as Fra Noi and his creation of the Bostoniano magazine before diving into Italian American cultural entrepreneurship. He also shares his dreams to help others explore the undiscovered writers of Italian Americana and how he wishes that his store continues to bridge between Italy and the United States. We discuss how migration changes the Italian story and how digging deeper into one's roots helps strengthen authentic pride in where one comes from. And we share how the writing of Italian Americans helps offer a voice into a world that many Italians in Italy are unaware of. So put down your favorite book for just a second, and join us as share the story of a "shop around the corner" for Italian Americans everywhere!