Check out how the staff of Busboys and Poets Books anticipate spending 2018 (hint: it involves a lot of reading).

  • Kris, Book Events Manager: “Last year my literary resolution was to read one book a week, for 52 books. I met that goal earlier this month (ending the year with 58!) so for 2018, I’m going to challenge myself to both transition more fully from poetry to creative nonfiction and to write more. To put a number on it, I’d like to have at least four finished/publishable pieces by the year end – one per season feels doable!”
  • Taren, Sidelines Buyer: “I’d like to catch up on some classic fiction from authors of color. I’ve been so buried into YA I️’m almost embarrassed to let y’all know who I️ haven’t read!! So for 2018 I’m doing a monthly challenge of a classic and a brand new title from any genre of choice that catches my interest.”
  • Fran, 14th and V Supervisor: “2018 is the year I finally read Ulysses.”
  • Kenlynn, Shirlington Supervisor: “In 2018 I will attend a literary event at each of the Busboys and Poets locations, and I will venture into the science fiction genre – exciting!”
  • Laura, Brookland Supervisor: “I’m going to finally read the Divine Comedy—actually pretty pumped since I bought a gorgeous edition of it!!”
  • Tsahai, Bookseller at Hyattsville: “I really want to read books on class and race in regards to legal policy. Oh, and I need to finish reading ‘Color of Law,’ ‘Age of Anger,’ ‘Failed,’ ‘White Trash: History of Class in America’ and so many more!

What are your resolutions?

The Making of Busboys and Poets

A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets

We’re proud to announce A Seat at the Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets, the new memoir from our CEO and Founder, which reveals the vision, challenges, and triumphs behind opening Busboys and Poets. Packed with misadventures, unexpected triumphs, and insights on race, business and politics, Andy Shallal’s memoir takes us on a “How I Built … Continued

PHOTO 2024 02 01 07 10 14

For Langston Hughes on His 123 Birthday

Speech given on February 1, 2024 in Havana, Cuba In 1927 Langston Hughes walked into a Cuba amid an emerging community of artists, intellectuals, and radicals.  He saw a “sunrise in a new land [– a day – in his words]sic – full of brownskin surprises, and hitherto unknown contacts in a world of color.”  … Continued

PALESTINE WEEK 1920 x 1080 px 2

Palestine Week 2024

January 18, 2024 – January 25, 2024 In keeping with our ongoing mission of uplifting racial and cultural connections, Busboys and Poets is hosting Palestine Week (January 18 through January 25, 2024). This week-long series of events will offer a diverse range of programming featuring Palestinian food, music, dance, poetry, discussions, and other enriching events. … Continued

August Five Favorites

August Five Favorites

With the recent HBO series and our country’s current administration, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (Anchor Books, $15.95) is more relevant than ever. – Aliza

Valentine’s Day Picks with Busboys and Poets Books

Valentine’s Day Picks with Busboys and Poets Books

Whether you are spending this Valentine’s day with that special someone or curled up with a wine bottle alone on a reading binge, there is a book for you. Here is a quick overview of the best books to get for the 14th, because the best Valentine usually comes in the form of a hardcover … Continued

Screen Shot 2021 03 15 at 6.02.09 PM

Everest Base Camp #20

FINAL POSTING FOR EVEREST BASE CAMP TRAVEL LOG. Thank you for staying with me and for your beautiful comments. Hope to see at least some of you soon. Why I am here. It is 7:15 am. Our flight out of Lukla is at 8. I savor a yak cheese omelette and my last Himalayan coffee. … Continued

STOP web

State of the People at Busboys and Poets

We’re 30+ days into the longest federal government shutdown in history with no sure sign of when it’ll actually end (reopening for three weeks does not count, Mr. President.) The State of the Union address was scheduled to take place on January 29, 2019, but has never been given during a government shutdown. What should … Continued