For the better part of a decade, Uli Beutter Cohen rode the subway through New York City's underground to observe society through the lens of our most creative thinkers: the readers of books. In over 170 interviews with fellow commuters, Cohen shares nuanced insights into our collective psyche, discussing books and life with photographer Jamel Shabazz, filmmaker Katja Blichfeld, painter Devon Rodriguez, comedian Aparna Nancherla, playwright Jeremy O. Harris, TV personality Leah McSweeney, and novelist Roxane Gay, plus many other fascinating New Yorkers.