Are Bookstores Endangered Species?

The nation-wide clampdown declared that only essentials can remain open and if only essentials can remain open, the rest are automatically deemed an extravagance.

In our previous normal, the definition of luxuries and essentials were very different, little did we know that in a short span of time all norms would be redefined. And, although norms are slowly being restored in several parts of the country and the world; what with the re-opening of football leagues, of restaurants and several other luxuries that we simply cannot live without, yet somewhere the beginning of this pandemic has signaled the end of many indigenous crafts and shops.

It would not be fair to blame it all on Covid-19, which is but the last linchpin that fell hard on the already crumbling foundations of many endangered businesses. Businesses, that were already threatened by the explosion of social media in the last 5 years. Social media is the like the new Mafia on the block, drilling down on physical presence, chomping up wood and stone and spewing gigabytes and data-bytes.

My particular concern, which is slowly bubbling up into a panic, is what about books? What about bookstores, libraries, street book hawkers? What about the gazillion book shops in the world that I haven't even visited? Will I ever be able to make it? Or will they all do a 'Strand' and shut shop? 'Strand' the iconic book shop in Mumbai, frequented by Prime Ministers, celebrities and Scientists, which weathered everything since 1948, only to shut in 2018. It's death was a brutal blow dealt by the internet.

Recent events compelled to make shake off my book complacency. Until Covid struck, I had never ordered a book online or read any E-Book for that matter. For me, the library, book stores, local hawkers and on last resort the Crossword, sufficed. Now, as I live in Mumbai and the restrictions are sky high, I had no choice but to turn to Amazon. I felt like a cheat. And when delirium almost got to me, I thought, I really need to marshal my energy and make sure that the fate of Strand is not inflicted on any other store.

Beginning with Bombay, here are 10 finds that book lovers must, must, must frequent!

1. Kitab Khana, Kala Ghoda

Look at that entrance! It gives the feels of the Hogwarts library. Epic in size, staggering with the shelves of books - latest and rarest. You can easily get lost in the rows and alleys of this book city.

2. Bargain Book Hut, Kala Ghoda

You'll get books at prices slashed half over here! If you are a bargain shopper with a love for deep discounts head over to the Bargain Book Hut.

3. Sterling Book House, Fort

All your digests, entrance exam books, competitive guides, magazines. Every educational book fix will be solved here!

4. Wayword & Wise, Fort

I was taken in by the name itself. What a clever alliteration, so memorable. Why couldn't I come up with something half that witty for my blog name? Just kidding, but seriously, the collection here is so unique, you will be hard pressed to stop yourself buying almost every other book you lay your eyes on.

5. Title Waves, Bandra

A book store + a cafe + a merchandise store. You can browse, shop, eat and spoil yourself silly!

6. Trilogy, Bandra

A book store cum library. You will be engrossed in their special collections all day, not to mention the eye-candy chic interiors.

7. Ensign Book Stores, Khar

Once again! What a name! A no frills stall, that wouldn't normally catch your eye, but once it does you'll be riveted. They have a knack for stocking up on quality books by solid authors, which more than makes up for the lack of an aesthetic storefront.

8. City Book Centre, Andheri

Oh prices! Low Prices! You'll have a whale of a day shopping here. Imagine good books + great prices! A dream come true for all shoppers. Also, for all my Western line friends, Andheri is the ideal location travel wise too.

9. Book Lovers, Andheri

A shop that is serious about books and only books. You'll find that no thought has been given to having artsy walls or a plush decor, but all might is lent to stacking the most diverse books. Also regional and Indian literature lovers will be very happy here!

10. Granth Book Store, Juhu

Location - check, Storefront - check, Decor - check, Jazz music - check, Coffee - check. Wait, what about the Books? Check! Check! Check! Pick out a cool book while being serenaded to soft music, sip coffee and amble along enjoying the Juhu Tara road view, you could later stroll on to the beach too...

Hang in there you all! And get visiting as as soon as we are unchained, who knows we might even bump into each other at Kitab Khana (by the way, my favorite).

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Happy Reading!