Government shut down their bookstore in China, but business booms in DC
JF Books in Dupont Circle became D C s first Chinese bookstore when it opened in the fall but the path to that point took thousands of miles and a lot of courage JF Books aims to share Asian books and lifestyle with readers of all backgrounds I want to welcome all the readers who are interested in China and Asian issues or who love to read selected books written by Asian authors owner Miao Yu noted Seven years ago he and his wife were living in Shanghai running a bookstore where people could gather and share ideas But as China cracked down on free speech the establishment kept harassing Yu to close the store he reported The Chinese agents they didn t like such a residents space to encourage readers and scholars to discuss social issues Yu noted He explained authorities leaders started showing up at his house daily to intimidate him They also turned off his store s electricity and pressured the landlord to end the lease I think it s good thing they shut us down Yu disclosed We don t want to make concession or compromise to change our bookstore as a space of propaganda Yu and his wife eventually moved to the U S and settled in D C And you attended grad school Now at JF Books business booms I look forward to getting more Asian-centered authors customer Kyla Bigby reported I have a couple at home but I want to dive more into that and kinda expand my genre We just love having local access to Chinese books and just like reconnecting to our cultures and what not customer Judy Wang noted Yu and his wife also host events just like the ones that got them shut down in China As they settle into their new home their favorite part is the people who come through the doors each day It s really amazing Yu announced You can have chance to talk with them to know their stories and their relationship with China Yu also has had quite a scant Chinese customers who used to visit his old shop His new shop is like a piece of home Get the D C area s top news and weather delivered to your inbox every morning Sign up for First The greater part our free newsletter
