About
For the love of reading
booked. is the culmination of founder and owner Debra Gress Jansen’s lifelong love of story. Brought into the world of books at an early age, Debra’s own passion for reading stemmed first from her mother’s love of books. As a child, she was surrounded by them—bookshelves filled to the brim, books brought to bed, books snuck when she wasn’t supposed to be reading. As a teacher later in life, Debra got to share her love of books with her students, introducing them to countless authors, poets, and playwrights and delighting in their shared excitement for stories. Today, she continues to share that love with the community at large.
booked. aims to bring together everything you might love about books—the romance and novelty of them, the doors they open, the conversations they can start, the communities they can build—into a shared space that welcomes readers of all ages and backgrounds. The shop is set up for browsing, reading, and conversation. We welcome you to come in and explore, ask for recommendations, or sit down and open up whatever piques your interest.
Community Survey
Thank you for such a great year in 2023! Our store is so dependent on our community, and we are deeply thankful to you for being part of it. This survey aims to help us do more to meet our community's needs; although we cannot guarantee any specific changes will occur, we would be incredibly grateful to you if you answer our questions.
community picks
We want to share the stories you love.
Submit your favorite book and tell us why. We’ll feature it as a “community pick” in the shop. Stop in to see what the folks in our community are reading today.
Your Submissions
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And Always One More Time
A Springside School classmate of mine, Margaret (Peggy) Mandell has written a memoir about her husband's death and her eventual path to a new love. It's beautifully written and a must-read for anyone who has lost a close partner or friend.
–Edith Newhall
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The Guncle
The perfect summer read that was not only funny with plenty of pop culture references but also a touching family story that made me want to know even more about these characters. I want a tv series based off this book!
–Brooke Fishman
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The Time Traveler's Wife
It’s a love story that spans decades. Ultimately showing that love never dies. It only continues on a different plane and place in time
–Savannah Pope
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Lessons in Chemistry
I loved the protagonist who was born before women had all of the career opportunities they do now. She made the most of it in a very inspiring way without losing herself in the process. I flew through the audiobook and loved it!
–Elisa Heisman
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If We Were Villains
This book reeled me in right away! As a huge theater kid growing up, having a thriller set in the world this dark academia, theatrical setting made it all the better. The emotion and writing in this book phenomenal and is probably one of my new all time favorite reads!
–Brianna Wagner
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Olive Kitteridge
Simply perfect. I could not put it down.
–Christy Kelly
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West With the Night
Most beautifully written book I have ever come across, plus it's about Africa!
–Gigi Glendinning
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The Seven 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
As an avid lover of murder mysteries, this book had me from the first page! The imagery and masterful way the author ties all the pieces of the mystery together are major highlights. If you're looking for a new twist on a popular genre, thos is the book for you. Can't recommended it enough!
–Brianna Wagner
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Hamnet
This historical fiction book is magical. It takes you back to around 1500 in Stratford on Avon , England and reimagines Shakespeare's home, family and story. The writing by Maggie O'Farrell is superb, surprising and vibrant, as is the story. If you want to get lost in the past, away from present worries and cares this is the book for you. BTW the name Hamnet is synonymous with Hamlet - that is your first clue :)
–Amy Dougherty
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The Overstory
ENVIRONMENT + FAMILY = WISDOM. You'll resurface from this book with a love for the beauty of trees and an equal love for family ties through generations. An epic story collection spanning generations of a few different families interweaving the importance and ancient lifespan of trees in the ecosystem of the world.
–Rachel Rodgers
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The House We Sheltered In and the Masks We Wore
Let me count the ways that I love this book: 1. It is two books in one. 2. The book contains two stories about the silver linings in the pandemic. 3. The perfect book for children and adults to share. 4. Author Freeman Ng's poetry is beautiful. 5. I was fortunate to be one of the 14 illustrators who collaborated on this special project.
–Rebecca Hoenig