This is one of my favorite bookstores in Boston and the Metrowest areas. They have a great selection of current books, Boston books and books set in Italy. They also have some books in Italian, and a nice selection of puzzles, journals, gifts, cards, souvenirs, etc. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they offer shipping if you can't get into the store to buy something. I've taken advantage of their online ordering and been very satisfied. This is a stop for me every time that I'm in Boston! read more

The staff didn't even say hello and looked at me in a condescending way every single time. It made me feel unwelcome.

We stumbled across this place while touring the North End of Boston. This was such a lovely find as my wife and I were able to find a few things for ourselves that were unique and fun for the kids. The staff were friendly and very helpful in locating things were asking about. I'd definitely love to visit here again in the future the next time I'm in Boston. read more

Fantastic bookstore in the North End, maybe the Boston area. They have a great selection of children's books, including books about Boston. It was the highlight of our trip for my 8 year old. We went to the Children's Museum, Science Museum, Swan Boats, Boston Public Library, Tea Party Ships, and Duck Boats. I AM Books is what he enjoyed the most. There are also adorable gifts. They had umbrella with duck handles and other duck items. They also had books in Italian. My four year old wanted an Italian version of the Three Little pigs. Another plus is they are right next to Bova Bakery. read more

I AM Books - Bookstores Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

As a former resident of Boston who lived near the North End, I had the pleasure of being able to walk to I AM Books and was impressed with its wonderful atmosphere and an excellent selection, as well as a very friendly staff. Of particular note, they have an expansive selection of educational books and had a discount section as well. I would highly recommend this bookstore and miss having access to such a wonderful place. If I am ever in need of Italian books, I will certainly order from I AM Books and have them shipped. Even if one isn't looking for books, it's a nice place to visit, as it is, I believe, the only Italian American bookstore in the US. read more

I ran into this small book store on my first trip to Boston December 2024. A kind lady who was standing behind the counter asked me if I needed any help as soon as I walked by the counter. She was very sweet and her energies were inviting. I told her I was looking for non-fiction/historical novel. She then paused for a moment and said, " I think we can help you find something for you." She led me to the sections full of biographies, non-fiction etc. She handed me 3 different books and I ended up purchasing a great book/read about Oriana Fallaci-a famous Italian journalist. It was a very interesting and inspiring read. I learned not only about her life, but the historical time-line that she encountered. The customer service felt so personal, I will definitely return if I return to Boston. Boston is a delightful city. I really enjoyed my short stay. The North End was historical and a must see-walk experience. Safe. Clean. Diverse. Lovely buildings. read more

I AM Books is molto buona! This quaint, local bookstore just screams North End. But not the cannoli-filled, tourist-laden part. The authentic, historic Italian-Bostonian part. You're bound to come across a book that you'll love! There are cookbooks (who doesn't love pasta and wine?), travel books, novels set in Italy (the shelves are arranged by where in Italy they occur - South, Central, North), and even books written in Italian. They also have an extensive kids' section in the back. If you're feeling adventurous, you can opt to take a "Blind Date with a Book." You pick out a brown paper-wrapped book which has a few descriptive phrases written on it, and hope for the best! I love this idea -- perfect if you don't want to make a decision. In addition, you can pick up non-book gifts like Boston mugs, stuffed lobster toys, tote bags, and notebooks. A visit to I AM Books is truly a unique, memorable experience in the North End. read more

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I was very excited to enter your establishment, but quickly made uncomfortable by the staff. Originally I found no issue being one of the only black individuals within the store. But as I continued to walk around and check out the store I felt myself being watched throughly multiple times. I was very uncomfortable and highly disappointed, I will not be visiting again. read more

Book display- I received a 10% discount from Yelp here !! Many of the books jeter are associated with people of Italian descent and subject matter read more

We just happened on this place. We spent way more time than we expected! They have a really interesting selection-lots of Italian obviously, but things you just don't get to touch and leaf through. Great children's section too Loved it! read more

I had such a lovely experience with this store and strongly recommend supporting them! I am located in NYC and reached out to them via email to ask if they could help me find an Italian book that I was looking to get as a special gift for loved ones. They were immediately willing to help me track down the very specific book from a small town in Italy and was not even being sold or shipped to the US when I reached out to the authors team. They managed to get me the book within about 8 weeks, shipped it from Boston to NYC, arriving in time for the holidays. I am so grateful for the customer service Nicola provided & keeping me updated on my order status. And so thankful I AM Books was able to get this very very special book. read more

Though small, it's worth a stop in here! I happened to pass by and my interest was caught by the selection of sale books outside. Inside, most of their books are more Italian oriented, but there were more boxes of sale books under the tables in the middle of the room. I was pleasantly surprised that even their sale boxes were sorted so it made browsing even easier! I ended up finding a great book for my flight back home for $3 plus I got some postcards. It's within easy walking distance from the main restaurant district, so why not stop in, right?? read more

I AM Books - Love this concept! - Bookstores Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Cozy central - this place basically fits my exact mental image of the urban neighborhood bookstore. It has adult books in both Italian and English (where else are you going easily find that?), and really cute kids books in Italian like dr Seuss translations and Harry Potter and Disney books in Italian. Admittedly I don't know anyone right now trying to learn Italian so that's more for browsing fun for me, but this store also has enough in the way of cute stuff for kids if you need to buy stuff for baby showers, books about Boston for the tourists and then awesome stuff like Italian playing cards (different from the ones we probably all know!) read more

We were waiting for our reservation and we stumbled on this cute little book store. They had recent release of our kids favorite series. They also have a large selection of books in Italian (if you are looking for that). Very nice people who didn't mind us hanging out while we waited for our table down the street. read more

#goodnews #indiebookstores Will be opening a new brick and mortar location on Salem Street in the North End Fall 2021! To be continued. And in the mean time -- Go to their website for updates/email newsletters, et al. read more

I'm mostly writing this as a little thank you to I AM Books for letting me stop in here during a down pour while I waited for my uber. While waiting though, I did get to walk through and browse. I do love small business bookstores (maybe it just makes me think of Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail...) One thing I absolutely thought was really cute was their "Blind Date with a Book" section, where they wrapped a book in brown paper so you didn't know what you were about to be reading. Really a very cute store and worth the stop inside even if it isn't raining or you're waiting for your uber. read more

The perfect independent bookstore to visit while you are in the North End . . . Wide selection of Italian books, English books about everything Italian, local history books, children's books . . . Exceptionally friendly staff. I tried their "blind date with a book" (they wrap a book in brown paper with a description to tempt you into taking a chance on an unknown book) and was not disappointed! read more

Employees (as well as the owner himself) went absolutely above and beyond to arrange to very quickly ship a workbook that my son needed for his college Italian class in Washington, DC. The next time I am in Boston, I will definitely be giving them my business in person! Thank you! read more

Quaint store and the selections were nicely displayed. It was a hot day in Boston and a very gracious owner/ employee brought out a few chairs while I waited for my family to complete a tour across the way. Support small businesses, hard to find great service these days and this shop is definitely doing things right. read more

I AM Books - Bookstores Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Small but cute book shop in the North End! If you are into Italian things, come here! They had some cool things! The staff is very nice here too! Definitely worth checking out if in area! read more

I AM Books - They sell Green Eggs and Ham in Italian by Dr.Suess here, which I thought was kinda cool! - Bookstores Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Great little book shop, with friendly staff; and, wide selection of books from Children's books through Arts and Literature to History and Italian language books. The store is just a few steps away from the Freedom Trail, just a block from Paul Revere's house. If you like history, like my daughter does, it's worth stopping in, shopping, and buying something. This is a local gem; and, shouldn't be missed. read more

Whether you are Chinese, Moroccan or of any other extraction, you will freak out over what a WONDERFUL bookstore I Am Books is. It is an intimate, friendly place where you can find high quality books in English and Italian, plus some lovely objects to buy. A few years ago, I bought a set of graceful wineglasses. The owner carefully wrapped these delicate glasses for me to take home, but I was traveling by bicycle. Many perils, like the North End's cobblestone streets threatened the glasses' safety. The owner recorded my address and, shortly after I arrived home, personally delivered to glasses. Given that the Internet has killed most bookstores large and small, it seems obvious why I Am Books will always be there. read more

This was a great find while walking through the North End. Located across the street from Paul Revere's house, it's the perfect place to stop in, talk with the owner, and discover a new book. Although not the overwhelming Barnes & Noble, it has plenty of titles, subjects, and genres to select from. I love independent bookstores and I AM Books is one reason why. Plenty of coolness here. read more

Great find. Italian book store with English language books by Italian authors. Very nice staff.

Cute little store! Found some nice postcards and some cute board books about Boston! Very nice clerk also.

This bookstore is so adorable. The selection is broad - languages, culture, food, coffee table books, and more. It's a joy to peruse through the books and knick knacks. The staff is also friendly. Hope it stays here for the long haul! read more

This review is from a first-time customer, hoping that a one-star yelp review might attract the attention of the business owner to resolve this issue. My husband and I placed an online order with this shop on September 15 for the purchase of 3 books at a cost of $75. Since we are located in Boston we expected a reasonably fast delivery time. At the beginning of October, we began contacting the business to track the delivery since the funds had been taken from our account but no delivery had been made. Mind you, this was not an emergency, other than my Italian-speaking husband is a voracious reader and eager to get into his new choices. We have now spent the last several weeks attempting without success to elicit a response. We've called and left messages and have emailed with no response. We are certainly understanding of Covid-19 related issues involving any small business right now, however, a call or an email with explanation is not asking much. Please do not ignore this review and force us to shop on Amazon. We believe in and consciously choose small over big business whenever possible. Check your messages. Check your emails. Will revise this review when issue is resolved. read more

What a surprise to stumble upon this bookstore! It is filled with travel books, postcards, magnets, cookbooks and literary books from Italian authors. The best part is the little nook they were able to create at the end of the store for kids filled with books for all ages. I am looking forward to get some for my boys soon ;-)) Grazie di cuore per aprire questo gioiello.... read more

I visited this wonderful Italian bookstore today, where is was warmly greeted by lisa. we talked for about 1 hour from everything from food, culture, Italy and books. what a gem along boston's north end neighborhood. I LOVED IT. I am looking forward to attending one of their event nights. what a perfect way to spend a morning. bellissimo read more