My RI Life: Meet Jennifer Massotti of Barrington Books Retold

With the Read By Patty J X Barrington Books Book Club* in its 4th month, we decided to go back into the archives and share this spotlight of BB’s own General Manager, Jennifer Massotti. Find out her local faves, including what she likes to do in her time away from work (besides reading, of course) and some of her go-to restaurants around Rhode Island.

*Speaking of which, June 2019’s selection is Queen Bee by Dorothea Benton Frank. Get 20% off your copy this month at both locations (Barrington and Garden City in Cranston) when you mention “Read By Patty J” at checkout.

As my Instagram bio says, I’m an aspiring wonder-mom, lover of art, books, travel and all things high design. Writing my own story one adventure at a time. While I definitely have a thirst for adventures great and far, I treat every day as an opportunity to discover, explore and indulge. When I’m not being a chauffeur from horse barn to golf course for my kids, you won’t find me squandering away a moment when I could be sneaking in a yoga class at Laughing Elephant or on my board paddling down the channel in Wickford Harbor with my friends at the Kayak Centre. One of my life-long passions is reading, and a book (or two!) can be found on my person, or in my car, at all times.

I’ve been practicing the fine art of shopping local long before it was a global movement and in vogue to do so. My personal style is pretty distinctive because I don’t have one…I’m a true believer in “It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.” I prefer to shop in boutiques and frequently pop in to some of my local faves just to say hi (and more often than not, leave with a new piece for my wardrobe that I just had to have). Shopping this way gives you the chance to build relationships, to define your own personal style through authentic and unique shopping experiences. The art is in the discovery. Without giving too many of my secrets away, a couple of my local faves can be found on Main Street in EG, in Downcity Providence, at Garden City Center (of course), and I do enjoy a fruitful trip to a designer consignment boutique now and again (Shh, don’t tell anyone.).

Despite my hectic daily schedule, I love to cook. But when I do take a break from the kitchen, I enjoy the creative local fare at The Shanty, their Beet Me Up Bully (libation) is so good, and the Summer Statler Chicken gets me every time. (Did I mention the Yam Fries? Omg!)  And I have to say, having Avvio Ristorante nearby in Garden City has been a godsend, I’ve had the shrimp risotto dish each and every time.

It’s no wonder that many years and creative detours later, my career path has lead me to a place that allows me to apply my marketing background, passion for the retail experience and a love of books (In true RI style, check out my license plate.)….I practice what I preach in my role as General Manager of Barrington Books in both Barrington and Cranston. Just like at the Barrington store, Barrington Books Retold in Garden City Center is a shopping experience unique to our area. Where else but a true local with an abundance of indie flair can you find a legit vintage car as the greeter upon entering? Or a life-sized tree built for the sole purpose of providing a fantastical area for kiddos to read and discover? I’ve had the distinct pleasure of being involved in the thoughtful design and planning of this beautiful new store, and traveling around the country sourcing unique book, toy and gift selections. We pride ourselves on the fact that there is something for everyone to discover. We strive for that relationship-building experience, that unexpected touch. We hope all this fun and passion translates to the customer experience, and based upon the response we’ve had thus far, we’re pretty proud of what we’ve created. 

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 Photo Credits: All photos courtesy of Jennifer Massotti

*This post was originally published in July of 2016 as part of a series of sponsored content spotlighting Jennifer and Barrington Books Retold.