Beyond Ebooks: The charm of bookstores endures

In the era of eBooks, the charm of browsing physical bookstores persists. Stepping into a bookstore immerses one in an ambiance of literary treasures. The scent of ink and paper, the sound of pages turning, and the sight of countless volumes create an irreplaceable sensory experience. In an age of digital isolation, bookstores offer a haven where ideas are shared, stories are exchanged, and a sense of camaraderie is nurtured. On National Reading Day, Hyderabadi book lovers talk about how a physical bookstore stands as a welcoming space that fosters connections with others who share a passion for the written word.

Nothing can beat the beauty of a bookstore
“I feel like a kid in a candy store whenever I visit a bookstore. I love finding post-it notes by the owners on shelves about the books they recommend. I love the smell of old books too; the texture of the paper is pure magic. My collections by RK Narayan, Ruskin Bond and Roald Dahl are my most treasured possessions, I love sharing them with my nieces. That’s an experience I can never have with eBooks.” – Nandini Reddy, director

“In today’s time when eBook readers take the limelight, I still believe in going to a bookstore, stroll through the aisles of different genres, pick out a book, judge it by its cover, put it back and take something that intrigues me. Nothing can beat the beauty of this, transcending to another world after is just the cherry on top.” – Hansa Pandey, student and theatre actor
Shopping at bookstores is a different experience

“People love walking into our bookstore and stumbling uponrare books in English, Urdu, Arabic and more. Some come in because they 've read about us in Claude Campbell's Glimpses of Nizam's Dominion, but others come in to find a book they can't find elsewhere, find like-minded individuals and exchange knowledge. " – Khaled Bin Mohammed Bafanna, owner of Haziq & Mohi Rare Books, Charminar

“Surprisingly, we have witnessed increase in footfalls post pandemic. Bookstores offer a shared space where both the young and old with a love for books come together to connect with fellow enthusiasts, exchange ideas, engage with their favourite authors, form new friendships and forge meaningful connections." — Lakshmi Myneni, owner of Akshara bookstore, Jubilee Hills

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