Harriett's Bookshop Founder Shares Her Inspiring Story

Jeannine Cook to discuss her memoir 'Shut Up and Read' at virtual event hosted by Booklight PA

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Jeannine Cook, the founder of the iconic Harriett's Bookshop in Philadelphia, will join Booklight PA for a virtual discussion about her new memoir 'Shut Up and Read'. The memoir chronicles Cook's life, from being raised by a blind librarian to fleeing abuse and finding purpose in creating the community-focused bookshop that has become a beloved local institution.

Why it matters

Harriett's Bookshop has become a hub for the Philadelphia community, offering not just books but also hosting events and serving as a gathering place. Cook's memoir provides an inspiring personal story behind the shop's founding and resilience, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that forced many small businesses to close.

The details

In her memoir 'Shut Up and Read', Jeannine Cook shares her journey from a difficult upbringing to finding her calling in opening Harriett's Bookshop in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood in 2020. The bookshop was named after the famous abolitionist and political activist Harriet Tubman, and has since become a beloved community space hosting book clubs, author events, and other programming.

  • Jeannine Cook's memoir 'Shut Up and Read' will be discussed in a virtual event hosted by Booklight PA on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6 p.m.
  • Harriett's Bookshop opened in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia in 2020.

The players

Jeannine Cook

The founder of Harriett's Bookshop in Philadelphia and author of the memoir 'Shut Up and Read'.

Booklight PA

A community-focused book club hosting the virtual discussion with Jeannine Cook about her memoir.

A Novel Idea

A community-minded bookstore and event space in East Passyunk, Philadelphia, that is partnering with Booklight PA for the event.

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What they’re saying

“Shut Up and Read is not just a saying for me. It's an affirmation, a prayer, and the title of my new memoir.”

— Jeannine Cook, Founder, Harriett's Bookshop

What’s next

Readers can register for the virtual event with Jeannine Cook on March 26, 2026 and submit questions in advance.

The takeaway

Jeannine Cook's inspiring memoir 'Shut Up and Read' chronicles her journey from a difficult upbringing to finding purpose in creating the beloved Harriett's Bookshop, a community hub in Philadelphia that has thrived even through the challenges of the pandemic.