Timing of Lunar New Year ‘feels right’ for one New York bookshop owner
New York City’s Chinatown is brimming with anticipation as the Lunar New Year approaches, and for Lucy Yu, owner of Yu &. Me Books, the timing feels particularly resonant. After a devastating fire nearly forced her to close her doors in 2023, Yu is looking forward to a fresh start with the arrival of the Year of the Horse.
“It doesn’t always feel like it’s the right time to have a new beginning at the end of December,” Yu told Sakshi Venkatraman of the BBC, adding that this year, the timing of Lunar New Year “feels right.”
Yu & Me Books, located in the heart of Chinatown, is adorned with lanterns and tapestries in preparation for the celebrations. The neighborhood, she says, always comes alive with excitement during this time of year.
The bookstore’s story is one of resilience and community support. In 2023, a fire destroyed the shop, threatening to extinguish a beloved neighborhood institution. However, the community rallied, raising nearly $370,000 to help rebuild, according to a Facebook post. Yu was able to reopen before the following Lunar New Year.
“I think we have a really deep understanding of looking out for each other,” Yu said.
The Year of the Horse, Yu explained, is about “really strong, running start beginnings.” This sentiment resonates deeply with her own experience, having overcome the challenges of the fire and rebuilt her business with the help of her community.
The reopening of Yu & Me Books was a significant moment for Chinatown, as highlighted in reporting by The New York Times and Google News. The bookstore serves as a cultural hub and a testament to the strength of the neighborhood.
Despite a harsh winter in New York, with weeks of below-freezing temperatures and recent thawing snow, the spirit of renewal and hope remains strong in Chinatown as residents prepare to welcome the Year of the Horse.
