We’re counting down the days until The Shop Brooklyn opens its doors, but while the paint dries and the final details come together, our team is keeping busy with something else: books. Welcome back to our monthly series Subway Reads, our series highlighting what’s on our shelves (and our fave books for a subway commute) right now.
Why? Because great workspaces and neighborhoods are built on curiosity and connection. Whether you’re riding the F train, working from a café in Park Slope, or day dreaming about decor choices for your future desk at The Shop BK, these picks are perfect for your commute and beyond.
The Butcher and the Wren by Alaina Urquhart
If you’re into true crime podcasts (guilty), this one is a must-read. Written by one of the hosts of Morbid, The Butcher and the Wren dives into a cat-and-mouse game between a forensic pathologist and a serial killer in the Louisiana bayou. It’s dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, perfect for anyone who loves stories that keep your heart racing from start to finish. Bonus points for reading it on a late-night subway ride for maximum eerie vibes (if you’re brave enough, we are not).
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Sometimes you just need a throwback. This book is like comfort food for the brain, but rereading it as an adult adds layers – out of no where you start to identify different nuances in the politics, power plays, and yes, teenage drama that feels very real. If nostalgia is calling, answer it with a little Hogwarts magic (bonus points for watching the movie once you’re finished with the book, can you believe they cut SPEW?!).
God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Picture a remote Adirondack summer camp, a missing camper, and a decades-old mystery that unravels through dual timelines. This Book Club fave by Liz Moore delivers atmosphere, tension, and literary depth in this slow-burn thriller. It’s camp vibes meets true crime energy making it ideal for a lazy summer weekend or your ride on the G.
Wow, No Thank You by Samantha Irby
Meg is our resident comedian, so of course her pick is laugh-out-loud funny. Irby’s essays tackle aging, awkwardness, and adulting with biting humor that makes even the worst commute bearable. Warning: You will laugh out loud on the Q and people will look at you. Worth it.
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
We’ve established by now that we think coworking is about more than desks alone, it’s about creativity and flow. This pick from Rick Rubin isn’t your typical business book; it’s a manifesto for living creatively in every part of your life. Rubin’s reflections are grounding and inspiring, making it the perfect read while we dream up what The Shop Brooklyn will be for you.
Why Books Matter at The Shop
We believe great work happens in environments that inspire curiosity. That’s why we’re planning features like a community bookshelf in our Brooklyn location, so members can swap favorites and discover new ideas between meetings. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference because The Shop isn’t just a coworking space; it’s a hub for connection, culture, and creativity. Until then, think of this as your pre-opening reading list.
Coming Soon: The Shop Brooklyn
Our new coworking space in Gowanus is almost ready. Designed for flexibility, hospitality, and the neighborhood we love, The Shop Brooklyn will offer private offices, meeting rooms, event space, and communal areas where ideas (and book recommendations) flow. We’re now booking final touch preview tours for founding members, your chance to see the space before anyone else. Founding members get perks like early access, pre-opening rates, and curated local experiences. If that sounds like your kind of vibe, book your tour today!
Which of these books for your subway commute would you pick up first or what should we add next time? Share your current read and tag us @theshopbk on Instagram.