Behind the Book with Jeannine A. Cook: Founder of Harriett’s Bookshop in Philadelphia
On episode 54 of the Reed, Write, & Create podcast, we’re going Behind the Book with bookseller Jeannine A. Cook, founder of Harriett’s Bookshop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Who is Jeannine A. Cook?
Jeannine A. Cook is a self-described word worker. In 2020, she opened Harriett’s Bookshop in the Fishtown section of North Philadelphia with the mission to celebrate women authors, women artists, and women activists. In 2021, she defied the naysayers and opened Ida’s Bookshop in Collingswood, NJ, and Josephine’s Bookshop (a bookshop installation in Paris).
Jeannine’s work as a literary activist has been recognized by several national and international news outlets including The New York Times, Vogue Magazine, Google, and Forbes, Inc.
Jeannine is also a writer and author who writes about the complex intersections of motherhood, globalism, activism, and the arts. Her delicious debut novel, It’s Me They Follow will be released in September, 2025.
Listen to Jeannine and Get Inspired
During our conversation, Jeannine shares:
How magic, synchronicity, and obedience to spirit play a part in her success as a bookseller.
The history of word working and miracles in her own family that inspire her own literary work.
Why she doesn’t worship money.
The challenges she faces as a bookseller who is also a writer.
What she’s working on next in honor of the late Kenyan environmental activist and Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathii.
This is a magical and motivating episode. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to consume podcasts.
Keep Following Jeannine A. Cook for More Literary Magic
To learn more about the amazing Jeannine A. Cook and what she’s up to, visit her website.
To Follow all the fun at Harriett’s Bookstore and her sister shop, Ida’s Bookstore, visit their website and/or Follow on Instagram.
You can pre-order Jeanine’s debut novel, It’s Me The Follow at the Reed, Write & Create bookstore.
If you enjoyed learning about Jeannine and want to hear more interviews with other word workers, listen to our episode with bibliotherapist Emely Rumble and librarian Sylvia Arthur.