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The Coffeehouse Resistance
Part coming-to-America story, part lyrical memoir, and yet another part activist’s call to action, The Coffeehouse Resistance: Brewing Hope in Desperate Times is timely, funny, and poignant. Writing as a mother, immigrant, new American, coffeehouse owner, and international nonprofit leader, Prabasi’s story weaves between Nepal, Ethiopia, and the United States. When Prabasi and her husband move from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to New York City with their young daughter in 2011, they start a thriving coffee business, grow their family, and are living their American Dream. After the 2016 election, they are suddenly unsure about their new home.
Reclaiming the tradition of coffee houses throughout history, their coffeehouses become a hub for local organizing and action. Moving from despair to hope, this story is ultimately about building community, claiming home, and fighting for our dreams.
Reclaiming the tradition of coffee houses throughout history, their coffeehouses become a hub for local organizing and action. Moving from despair to hope, this story is ultimately about building community, claiming home, and fighting for our dreams.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2019
2 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
Sarina Prabasi
1 book29 followersSarina Prabasi is Co-Founder of Buunni Coffee in New York City, author of The Coffeehouse Resistance: Brewing Hope in Desperate Times (Green Writers Press, April 2019) and CEO of WaterAid America. She was born in the Netherlands, raised in India, China and Nepal, and spent formative years in the United States and Ethiopia. Following a career leading initiatives in global health, education, water and sanitation, Sarina moved with her husband, Elias, from Addis Ababa to New York City, where they started Buunni Coffee together. Today, Buunni is a thriving business and a hub for community conversation and action.i
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 5, 2019
Imagine standing close to a large mosaic. You reach out and touch one small piece, marveling at its beauty. Then your eye is drawn to another exquisite tile: so delicately formed; such a rich color. Before long you are pondering another piece; it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. Only after delighting in each marvelous fragment do you step back to appreciate the whole picture.
That’s the experience of reading The Coffeehouse Resistance. Each memory Sarina Prabasi shares is a tiny wonder, drawing her readers into ordinary moments from her extraordinary life. Even if you’ve never chattered with family around a dining table in Kathmandu, studied while homesick at a funky café in Massachusetts, fallen in love over perfectly crafted cups of macchiato in Addis Ababa, or been stunned by the sweltering summer heat of a Manhattan studio apartment, Prabasi’s artful writing makes you feel like you were there.
You will root for Sarina as she and her husband open their first coffee shop, risking family peace and financial security grow a business in their adopted country. And you will agonize with her in the wake of the 2016 election, as Café Buunni becomes more than just a place for great coffee.
Only by the end of this compelling mosaic of memoir does the full picture emerge: Sarina Prabasi, a passionate wife, mother, neighbor, entrepreneur, activist, writer, and citizen—of the world, and of these United States.
That’s the experience of reading The Coffeehouse Resistance. Each memory Sarina Prabasi shares is a tiny wonder, drawing her readers into ordinary moments from her extraordinary life. Even if you’ve never chattered with family around a dining table in Kathmandu, studied while homesick at a funky café in Massachusetts, fallen in love over perfectly crafted cups of macchiato in Addis Ababa, or been stunned by the sweltering summer heat of a Manhattan studio apartment, Prabasi’s artful writing makes you feel like you were there.
You will root for Sarina as she and her husband open their first coffee shop, risking family peace and financial security grow a business in their adopted country. And you will agonize with her in the wake of the 2016 election, as Café Buunni becomes more than just a place for great coffee.
Only by the end of this compelling mosaic of memoir does the full picture emerge: Sarina Prabasi, a passionate wife, mother, neighbor, entrepreneur, activist, writer, and citizen—of the world, and of these United States.
April 1, 2019
‘What a difference we can make, understanding our neighborhoods as we do, and having a real relationship with people in our communities. What could we accomplish if we could make the coffeehouse politically relevant again? Not partisan, but politically engaged and active.’
-Sarina Prabasi, The Coffeehouse Resistance
No stranger to immigration, Sarina Prabasi was born in the Netherlands, raised in Nepal, and educated in Massachusetts before settling for years in Ethiopia, where she fell in love with the culture of coffee, the community surrounding it, and a man who would later become her husband and business partner. When political unrest brought her back to America with her husband and young daughter, the relief was short-lived. In the wake of the 2016 presidential elections, they and much of the nation were left shocked, bereft, and seemingly powerless in a situation that few had prepared to face. Suddenly, the future of the nation and of her family was undefined.
Through small acts, her mindset emerged from that post-electoral fog as that of an active citizen. She started using her voice, her vote, and even her dining room table, where she and her children wrote to their local representatives, to better embody her ideals. After getting her feet wet by phone banking for Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s campaign, she was struck by her ability to promote change both at the government level and right within her own community. It wasn’t long before this passion flowed over into Buunni, the coffeehouse founded by Prabasi and her husband, Elias. With the government officials, she wrote postcards, made phone calls, and attended rallies. With her customers, she shared a love of coffee, a safe space for their voices to be heard, and connections with friends and strangers alike. Eventually, she found a balance, dismantling the isolating issues she saw—racism, gun violence, and corporate greed—from both ends of the spectrum.
In an effort to bring the coffeehouse back to its original status of communal hub and a place of enlightenment, free thinking, and debate, Prabasi has written a book detailing her experiences as a New York immigrant-turned-U.S. citizen, a small business owner, a mother, and a political activist pining for representation in Trump’s America.
The Coffeehouse Resistance is a forward-thinking memoir, told in an empathetic voice, that shines light not only on the harsh realities of recent years but, more importantly, onto the bright future which is made possible when one acts in accordance with their ethics toward a true democracy. Despite such divisive times as these, the book’s power to resonate is palpable; its ability to motivate as strong as the morning’s first cup of coffee. This book is for everyone, but especially for those who have felt themselves unrepresented, unaccepted, or even unwelcome in the place that they themselves call home, this is a must read.
-Sarina Prabasi, The Coffeehouse Resistance
No stranger to immigration, Sarina Prabasi was born in the Netherlands, raised in Nepal, and educated in Massachusetts before settling for years in Ethiopia, where she fell in love with the culture of coffee, the community surrounding it, and a man who would later become her husband and business partner. When political unrest brought her back to America with her husband and young daughter, the relief was short-lived. In the wake of the 2016 presidential elections, they and much of the nation were left shocked, bereft, and seemingly powerless in a situation that few had prepared to face. Suddenly, the future of the nation and of her family was undefined.
Through small acts, her mindset emerged from that post-electoral fog as that of an active citizen. She started using her voice, her vote, and even her dining room table, where she and her children wrote to their local representatives, to better embody her ideals. After getting her feet wet by phone banking for Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s campaign, she was struck by her ability to promote change both at the government level and right within her own community. It wasn’t long before this passion flowed over into Buunni, the coffeehouse founded by Prabasi and her husband, Elias. With the government officials, she wrote postcards, made phone calls, and attended rallies. With her customers, she shared a love of coffee, a safe space for their voices to be heard, and connections with friends and strangers alike. Eventually, she found a balance, dismantling the isolating issues she saw—racism, gun violence, and corporate greed—from both ends of the spectrum.
In an effort to bring the coffeehouse back to its original status of communal hub and a place of enlightenment, free thinking, and debate, Prabasi has written a book detailing her experiences as a New York immigrant-turned-U.S. citizen, a small business owner, a mother, and a political activist pining for representation in Trump’s America.
The Coffeehouse Resistance is a forward-thinking memoir, told in an empathetic voice, that shines light not only on the harsh realities of recent years but, more importantly, onto the bright future which is made possible when one acts in accordance with their ethics toward a true democracy. Despite such divisive times as these, the book’s power to resonate is palpable; its ability to motivate as strong as the morning’s first cup of coffee. This book is for everyone, but especially for those who have felt themselves unrepresented, unaccepted, or even unwelcome in the place that they themselves call home, this is a must read.
April 9, 2019
This is a very readable story of vignettes, from childhood to now. The pacing is well-plotted and big themes, such as the decision to move to America, starting a busines, getting an education and meeting her now-husband are told over a series of memories, memories that really draw you in and make sense of far-flung places and cultures. It captures lots of moments in time and I read it in two sittings. Two!
March 5, 2019
This is a book we all need right now - a powerful memoir of a mother, business woman and activist who tells a coming of age story around the idea of coffeehouses as a nexus of family, community, and political action. I'm buying copies for friends and family.
April 3, 2019
Prabasi comes across as a trustworthy go-getter. Beyond her formidable accomplishments as an entrepreneur, humanitarian and parent, perhaps she commands even more respect with her warm, earnest voice and belief in virtue for its own sake. Her story gifts the reader with profound lessons and beautiful settings (so many gorgeous moments, as in the portrait of Ethiopia). When do-gooders like her are leading the resistance, we know it's time for change. High recommend.
April 9, 2019
I so enjoyed reading "The Coffeehouse Resistance" - a memoir by Sarina Prabasi. I read nearly the entire book in one sitting!
It is a beautiful story that crosses multiple cities and covers various significant times in the author's life. I very much enjoyed how coffee served as backdrop and connector weaving together various chapters of the story. I especially enjoyed learning about the culture of coffee in Ethiopia. The author's writing is lovely and painted such amazing images of the setting that I felt as if I was there!
Overall I found this book to be one that so many people will enjoy. The themes of home, love, connectedness, and optimism shine through. And, I think every reader will relate to these universal topics and feel inspired by the author's bravery and vulnerability in sharing her hopes and fears.
Definitely pick up this book you will enjoy it!
It is a beautiful story that crosses multiple cities and covers various significant times in the author's life. I very much enjoyed how coffee served as backdrop and connector weaving together various chapters of the story. I especially enjoyed learning about the culture of coffee in Ethiopia. The author's writing is lovely and painted such amazing images of the setting that I felt as if I was there!
Overall I found this book to be one that so many people will enjoy. The themes of home, love, connectedness, and optimism shine through. And, I think every reader will relate to these universal topics and feel inspired by the author's bravery and vulnerability in sharing her hopes and fears.
Definitely pick up this book you will enjoy it!
July 30, 2019
Saw the title and high reviews and thought it'd be a good read. I was interesting in reading on what the author (who I am not familiar with) was working in the "coffehouse resistance." Women have been leading much of activism and movements throughout history. What does coffeehouse activism look like today, in the United States post the 2016 election?
I don't really know. The book is really a memoir of the author growing up, moving around the world, etc. Her experiences in different cultures plus what it was like living in the US post Trump-election era, from the sadness that has come with it to the highs and the slowly and steady work that chips away at the hate and anger.
Honestly, I thought the writing was incredibly pedestrian. I am surprised at people who thought it was good or compelling. Watching someone take a seat from the same party (vs. flipping a seat from the other party) isn't exactly a huge win some people like to think it is, either, especially with low voter turnout.
It could be that I'm so used to reading a wide variety of experiences and other, on-the-ground histories of how seats were flipped, how legislation has passed, how activists and others got elected officials to back away from bad legislation or decisions, etc. It's great for getting involved and glad that people liked her story but I also cautious people to read more and understand there might be a lot the reader doesn't understand if they're new to any of this.
Borrowed from the library but it's skippable.
I don't really know. The book is really a memoir of the author growing up, moving around the world, etc. Her experiences in different cultures plus what it was like living in the US post Trump-election era, from the sadness that has come with it to the highs and the slowly and steady work that chips away at the hate and anger.
Honestly, I thought the writing was incredibly pedestrian. I am surprised at people who thought it was good or compelling. Watching someone take a seat from the same party (vs. flipping a seat from the other party) isn't exactly a huge win some people like to think it is, either, especially with low voter turnout.
It could be that I'm so used to reading a wide variety of experiences and other, on-the-ground histories of how seats were flipped, how legislation has passed, how activists and others got elected officials to back away from bad legislation or decisions, etc. It's great for getting involved and glad that people liked her story but I also cautious people to read more and understand there might be a lot the reader doesn't understand if they're new to any of this.
Borrowed from the library but it's skippable.
May 2, 2020
I enjoyed this memoir of an immigrant family starting a coffeeshop in NYC. I enjoyed reading about her time in Ethiopia, which gave me a different view of the country than I've had before. I also liked the way the family built community in their neighborhood and in their shop. I would have liked to hear more about her husband, Elias, who seems so very integral to the story, but who I didn't get to feel like I knew as well as I wanted to. While neither picking up and moving to another country nor starting my own business (especially around coffee, which I don't like) holds any appeal for me, reading about someone else doing it is fun.
March 28, 2020
I was lucky enough to meet Sarina before reading this book in a a different context. As I read it I could see her beautiful smile and hear her reading her memoir aloud to me. A delightful and inspriring book.
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July 27, 2020Promoted it, loved it and feel certain that you'll find it as timely and beautiful as I did and do.
February 14, 2021
During what has become a pandemic routine, walking miles of Manhattan with my husband, we discovered an independent coffeehouse way up near Fort Tyron Park and Inwood, Buunni Coffee. Although empty of its usual communal tables, the near-empty space featured this book, Coffeehouse Resistance. A quick perusal of some pages revealed its firsthand account of an immigrant arriving in the United States only a short time before the 2016 election. After coming home, researching Buuni and the book, I discovered the author, Sarina Prabasi, a Nepalese immigrant and her husband, Esias, an Ethiopian, founded the coffeehouse shortly after arriving to New York in 2011.
Sarina's account of her arrival in New York City, her perceptions about this country both pre- and post-arrival, as well as what seismic changes she felt in the aftermath of 2016 were gripping and humbling. Although I've lived in this city longer than her, she has done much more work in understanding and participating in local politics. She demonstrates, in this book, what local activism and involved community looks like. And it's beautiful—and also demanding.
Most of all, reading this book on the same day as the second impeachment verdict of Donald Trump—and the gutting display of Republican cowardice to issue an acquittal of our country's most treasonous presidential act—proved depressing and embarrassing. This country's story is the story of Sarina, Esias, and so many like them. America is an immigrant story. What kind of narrative are we left with after the Trump era, which didn't create the deep racist wounds but fully exposed and exploited them?
The challenge of the book is to engage in the hard work of repair, rather than give in to despair. It is to find strength to continue up "the hill we climb," as Amanda Gorman so eloquently articulated on January 20, 2021. "It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit, it’s the past we step into and how we repair it."
Sarina's account of her arrival in New York City, her perceptions about this country both pre- and post-arrival, as well as what seismic changes she felt in the aftermath of 2016 were gripping and humbling. Although I've lived in this city longer than her, she has done much more work in understanding and participating in local politics. She demonstrates, in this book, what local activism and involved community looks like. And it's beautiful—and also demanding.
Most of all, reading this book on the same day as the second impeachment verdict of Donald Trump—and the gutting display of Republican cowardice to issue an acquittal of our country's most treasonous presidential act—proved depressing and embarrassing. This country's story is the story of Sarina, Esias, and so many like them. America is an immigrant story. What kind of narrative are we left with after the Trump era, which didn't create the deep racist wounds but fully exposed and exploited them?
The challenge of the book is to engage in the hard work of repair, rather than give in to despair. It is to find strength to continue up "the hill we climb," as Amanda Gorman so eloquently articulated on January 20, 2021. "It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit, it’s the past we step into and how we repair it."
May 27, 2022
Pros:
- written in plain English, which makes the book accessible to neurodiverse people and non-native speakers.
- an inspiration book, and it could have been very strong if the author included more emotions and vivid images of the hardships they faced as a family. What did it feel like to know that you might fail with your second coffee shop? How did Ellias navigate through immigration hurdles?
- for immigrants, the success of Sarina and Ellias will give a glimpse of hope that the American Dream is still possible despite turbulent times in the US.
Cons:
- Sarina is a development professional coming from the Global South. So, naturally, I expected that in the book she'd describe how she pivoted in the world of NGOs and the UN, which are primarily dominated by white people, but that was not what the book is about. Maybe she'll write about this in the second book?
- written in plain English, which makes the book accessible to neurodiverse people and non-native speakers.
- an inspiration book, and it could have been very strong if the author included more emotions and vivid images of the hardships they faced as a family. What did it feel like to know that you might fail with your second coffee shop? How did Ellias navigate through immigration hurdles?
- for immigrants, the success of Sarina and Ellias will give a glimpse of hope that the American Dream is still possible despite turbulent times in the US.
Cons:
- Sarina is a development professional coming from the Global South. So, naturally, I expected that in the book she'd describe how she pivoted in the world of NGOs and the UN, which are primarily dominated by white people, but that was not what the book is about. Maybe she'll write about this in the second book?
May 10, 2019
The first section of the book is her memoir of growing up in various places around the world, which is interesting enough in itself. Some of it feels a bit disjointed and jumps around in time, makes some references to things like Ethiopian politics that aren't fully explained (but aren't essential to the memoir either). The third section of the book is where it really comes together. She and her husband are establishing and growing their business, at the same time Trump begins his presidency. Her perspective on American culture and politics at this time is enlightening to read, and confirms what I already knew.
May 10, 2019
This book was recommended to me by the author's friend and it caught me by surprise. It resonated with me in many ways - as a wife, as a business partner, as someone living in an unfamiliar culture, as a mother, etc. It is a quick read, broken into digestible chunks and peppered with lovely metaphor and social commentary. She speaks passionately on issues of modern day American society, notably around immigration, from both a political and personal angle. I was sorry that it ended - I wanted to read more about the adventures of Sarina and her family.
March 11, 2020
One of the most vivid memories I have of moving to another country is my Airbnb host handing me a copy of The Coffeehouse Resistance. Every bit of the story is heartening and inspiring. I absolutely loved reading about how Sarina and Elias met, that was absolutely adorable. The hardships and struggles the family faced to get where they are and to actually be able to see it right now is truly inspiring. Buying this for my mom and sending it back home. I know she will love this. Thank you for writing your story, Sarina. It gives all of us hope.
May 26, 2019
The American Dream is alive & well in Prabasi’s engaging memoir. She recounts her family’s immigrant experience with a heart and entrepreneurial spirit, making this book a quick, enjoyable read. Recommended for anyone who has wanted to live overseas, live in NYC, open a business, connect with their life partner, work in non-profit, be more politically active, or just enjoy a solid, well-crafted story over an equally well-crafted cup of coffee.
October 18, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir, particularly because I live just down the 9-story staircase from Buunni, the coffeehouse the author created. Her compelling journey, the details of her relationship with her parents, husband and children, and what her coffeehouse has become make for great reading. I was deeply inspired and even though I'm a decaf drinker at this point in my life, I want to know more about the community Sarina has created.
April 22, 2019
A cup of coffee with a friend you might not have known you had (to paraphrase another fan).
Extremely readable, extremely enjoyable - Coffeehouse Resistance makes me want to simultaneously phone my Senator, pick up a good novel, travel somewhere new, and reflect upon and take action on promises not yet delivered.
Extremely readable, extremely enjoyable - Coffeehouse Resistance makes me want to simultaneously phone my Senator, pick up a good novel, travel somewhere new, and reflect upon and take action on promises not yet delivered.
June 16, 2019
A beautiful and honest book with not a single wasted word. If part of your morning routine is a cup of coffee and if you believe our country and our world has embraced too much hate, read this book and share it with someone at the next table in your local coffee shop and start the much needed conversation we need to move our country and our society in the right direction.
July 30, 2019
A wonderful and inspiring little book. I went in thinking it was going to be more political and "activist" oriented - and while it is that, it was more straight-up memoir, than anything else, albeit interesting and entertaining throughout. This made me want to visit Ethiopia for the coffee alone, and makes me happy to know there are people like Prabasi doing good in the world.
April 6, 2020
Inspiring book on how to not sell out
I loved Sarina’s story about being a woman of color in the US with a family and starting a business during a truly discouraging time. I hope Buunni will survive C19 and help in elections in 2020.
I loved Sarina’s story about being a woman of color in the US with a family and starting a business during a truly discouraging time. I hope Buunni will survive C19 and help in elections in 2020.
July 7, 2020
This was a lovely memoir and very interesting story of immigration, entrepreneurship, and social issues.
I happen to be a fan of Ethiopian stories and especially Ethiopian coffee. I learned about the author’s coffee shop through the book. Buunni Coffee is now my favorite Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.
I happen to be a fan of Ethiopian stories and especially Ethiopian coffee. I learned about the author’s coffee shop through the book. Buunni Coffee is now my favorite Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.
June 17, 2019
Great memoir / first book from this author. Her thoughts and insights into our political system, were thought provoking to someone who has always been immersed in the system.
July 2, 2019
If anyone can get a coffeehouse based resistance movement it is this author. I admire her tenacity and embrace of politics in the post-Trump era and that she is a great role model for her daughters.
December 2, 2022
I loved the easy going yet engaging writing of yours. But I'd have loved if you have included the dates of political involvement in the book especially towards an end.
April 9, 2019
Wow! A fabulous book...incredibly readable. It feels like having a cup of coffee with a good friend. From growing up in Nepal to meeting her husband in Ethiopia and starting a coffee shop in Manhattan, Prabasi's story is inspiring and shows what's possible when you have a dream and you hold onto it bravely and resolutely. Her foray into local politics and community organizing is a natural extension of this immigrant story, which centers around deep connections with her neighbors and a growing sense of citizen activism. A deeply personal, honest and hopeful story about becoming an American in these uncertain times.
May 9, 2019
A moving and exquisitely written memoir about love, family, and community. Sharing rich, intimate memories of the places she has called home, Prabasi, a self-described “global nomad,” drew me into her journey from page one. This book is so many things, among them a beautiful story of romance and parenthood. As she weaves together the threads of a life lived with incredible heart and hope, Prabasi illustrates many moments, ranging from joyful to frightening, in which the political becomes personal. Her dedication to community, a spirit of courage, and her optimistic aspirations illuminate every page as she shares some private moments that brought me to tears, and others that made me laugh out loud. I couldn’t recommend this book more highly to anyone who loves great writing, compelling stories, and real-life inspiration. A book I will read again and again!
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April 10, 2019I didn't know what to expect from this book, but found myself drawn in from the very first pages. Sarina's voice is calm but you hear her underlying passion for justice and life seething underneath - and moving both the book and our hearts forward. A much needed book for our troubled times.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews