If you’ve spent time in any of our cafes—or really, any cafe—you know books are a core part of cafe culture, woven into the experience over many generations. Several of our cafes even feature donation-based libraries that you’re welcome to browse, borrow from, or contribute to during your visit. With books so naturally tied to our communities, we thought it was only fitting to ask the Joe team about their favorite places to buy books here in New York City—and, of course, what they’re reading. From Yu & Me Books on Mott Street in Chinatown to The Ripped Bodice in Park Slope, our team had plenty of recommendations to share.
Lucy Yu, Owner of Yu & Me Books, Photo by Caroline Xia
Yu & Me Books
Luke Wright, Marketing Manager
I have a lot of favorites when it comes to both books and bookstores, but Yu & Me Books holds a special place in my heart. My partner’s last name is Yu, and it was one of the first spots we visited together—so it’s sentimental and also a cheeky nod to the two of us. Lucy, the owner, does an incredible job at curating her collection and prioritizing immigrant stories.
One of my first reads this year was Martyr by Kaveh Akbar, and I couldn’t put it down. I think I finished it in two sittings. It’s one of those books that I’ve since handed out to a bunch of friends because I need them all to read it so we can gab about it. Akbar blends poetry and prose in this heartbreaking story about family, displacement, and inherited trauma.
Photo by Nicolas Heller
Mercer Street Books
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Natalie Raimondo, LaGuardia Place Barista
I read All the Bright Places recently and then I said I simply MUST read it again immediately after I finished it! I am an empath so I enjoy understanding the character’s deep feelings and experiences. This book does an amazing job observing the point of views of the two main protagonists: Violet and Finch. Diving deep into themes of mental illness, suicidal ideation, grief and loss - this book outlines these topics in ways where the reader can identify with the personal experiences of the characters and apply them to their own life with a profound sense of empathy.
This is a comfort book for me. My best friend recommended I read it and we have spent countless hours on the phone talking about this story and how we feel about it. Books like this provide opportunities for more open conversations with those we love and opens a gateway, like it did for my friend and I, for honest conversations and connection.
Life is so short and we never know what other people are going through - but we should!. Meeting everyone with love and kindness is the best way to live every single day.
Photo by Megan Kantor
The Ripped Bodice
Eruption by James Patterson and Michael Crichton
Aindrea Cobb, District Manager
The store is an independent brick and mortar woman and queer owned bookstore. They do sell every genre, but focus a lot on romance fiction. They have pre-wrapped surprise books as well which is always fun. They also have author signings such as Emily Giffin, who is one of my favorite authors and a Joe Coffee drinker when she visits her sons at Columbia!
James did a book signing at Barnes and Nobles Union Square and said that the book had been started by Michael and he wanted to finish it as an ode to his work. It is a departure from Patterson's traditional murder mysteries, while still having many twists and turns, making it impossible to put down!
Photo by Leigh Altshuler
Sweet Pickle Books
My Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Ruby Vishnick, Growth Associate
I love self reflecting and journalling and I feel like Didion's work captures self reflection and pondering on life’s small details so well. This book goes into intense detail on something we all go through and try to rush through. She has helped me process and feel all the feelings. I also love her descriptions of New York and I love all content set in NYC.
Photo by Susan De Vries
Books Are Magic
Reverse Cowgirl by McKenzie Wark
Joshua Siracusa, Brooklyn Heights Barista
It's a genre/gender bending meditation on the malleability and transience of the self, exploring moments of alignment beyond categorization.