This week’s installment of Five Questions features Jamie Anderson, owner of Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books in Duck, NC. If you’ve never been, Duck is part of the Outer Banks—our favorite family vacation destination every summer. And Duck’s Cottage is now one of our go-to stops. It’s located in a building that’s more than one hundred years old, surrounded by lots of other great shops. Duck’s Cottage has a wonderful selection of books, a welcoming atmosphere, and delicious coffee.
And Jamie was such a pleasure to talk to. She was just on her way out of town, but she made time for this interview. Thank you, Jamie—I hope you had a wonderful trip!
In this week’s Five Questions, Jamie shares the stories that stay with her, her favorite rituals, and what she’s looking forward to.
Pour a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and enjoy!
1. What book has stayed with you the longest?
One of my favorite books I continue to recommend and give to people is Roland Merullo’s Breakfast With Buddha. I’m doing a summer of rereading—from childhood favorites to self-improvement books that made a lasting impact—and it was one of the first books I put on that pile.
2. What do you hope people discover when they visit Duck's Cottage?
I hope they discover a book they haven’t seen or heard about everywhere that just speaks to them; smiling faces who welcome them in; and Duck’s best coffee, served in a 105-year-old building.
"... I’m trying to pay attention to all the little moments that glimmer. And because of where we live, almost every ordinary moment is extraordinary."
3. What ordinary moment has inspired you lately?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. My two words for summer 2026 are tranquility and glimmer, so I’m trying to pay attention to all the little moments that glimmer. And because of where we live, almost every ordinary moment is extraordinary.
4. What is your favorite daily ritual?
Early morning coffee with my husband on our porch in Nags Head, listening to and watching the birds.
5. What are you looking forward to?
I met my best friend 29 years ago when we were both pregnant with two little girls born three weeks apart who became best friends. My daughter got married June 6 and this Saturday I am attending the other "little girls’" wedding in Colorado. Good stuff.
On Jamie's Nightstand
About Jamie
Jamie Anderson has been the bookstore manager for Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books since it opened in 2002. In 2023 she became the owner of this iconic coffeeshop/bookstore- and certified NC destination business- housed in a 105 year old building in the little Outer Banks resort town of Duck. Jamie moved to the Outer Banks a very long time ago just after graduating from college and is grateful to work in an industry that isn’t just her business but her passion. When she isn’t in Duck she can be found reading with her husband, the artist John Silver, on the porch of their home in Nags Head. Jamie has served on the board of SIBA and is the former owner of Downtown Books in Manteo, NC where she served on numerous boards and committees. Jamie’s company is called Glass Half Full LLC… because she truly believes the glass is always half full.
Read Along with Jamie
Curious about the books Jamie mentioned? We've gathered the books mentioned here in one convenient Bookshop.org list.
(Purchases made through Bookshop.org support independent bookstores, and Poplar & Prose may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
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Five Questions is a recurring interview series featuring readers, writers, artists, booksellers, entrepreneurs, and members of our little corner of the literary and local communities. Every conversation offers a glimpse into the guest's own reading life, experiences, and perspective.
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