Monday evening was my second outing post surgery. The first was to the temple to offer prayer for thanksgiving.
We went to a nearby mall though I am not a mall person. I don’t have any overly interest in brands and window shopping. Of course the food courts are alluring but they are out of bounds now.
I had thought of gifting myself something. Anything. So I bought a nice co-ord set at Trendz which was within my price range. Sis bought something too. (That was totally unplanned. We just ambled in …kind of..)
However, Trendz was not our destination. We had gone in search of a Book Cafe which Google said was situated inside the mall. But it turned out to be merely a Book Store. As you know, there’s a difference between a Book Cafe and a Book Store.
Book Stores are where you go buy books. Book Cafes have a tranquil seating arrangement where you can read sipping coffee or snacking. I am told that Book Cafes are cropping up in the National Capital Region which also doubles as an interim workplace. A modern and updated version of the good old library. Now libraries are almost extinct. So are avid book readers.
I won’t say people don’t read but they read now on mobiles, laptops, ipads and tabs. Read on the go, they say. But holding a book in hand, inhaling the musty fragrance of its pages , drinking the words and getting lost in the pictures the story creates is a fascinating process which is sorely missed in online readings. Don’t you think so ? Though I understand online readings are cheaper. And that pops a very practical issue of cost effective reading.
As a child my afternoons and nights were devoted to books. Now we look for a space outside the home where we can do a lot of browsing of our own choice. My idea of an ideal book read space will be where minds meet. Where you can, not only read many books of different genres in peace, but also meet like-minded people, have cozy, healthy discussions, make friends, watch creative people work live, participate in workshops , lounge (read daydream), do research, work on your projects and be part of a community who you can consider your own. Time no bar. In short, making reading a learning space too.
Additionally, this comfy corner should be pet friendly and smell of fatigue freeing coffee and mouthwatering snacks. The cherry on top! The aroma of tea is also welcome.
Do you have such a space nearby? Let me know. Also, anything else you wish for in your go to Book Corner?
Unfortunately, most of the time I find Book Stores empty which brings me to the crucial question of sustainability. How does business survive in a lean period? Is there really any lean season for Book Stores? If yes, that’s a pity because I thought books were there at all times. People wanted to read irrespective of the seasons!! No?
The Book Store we visited had no customers which was disappointing. The ones who came did not find what they were looking for. Surprisingly, the store did not have some of the well known bestsellers. Popular novelists. Choice of books kept in a store is also an important factor in attracting the crowd. Don’t you think so?
Also it’s equally important to provide space to readers who are looking to read from their personal collection in a space outside the four walls of their homes. Do you know a place like that ?
What about soft music playing in the background? Will it hurt focus? How about a small plot of green – relaxing and smoothing? Read amidst Nature!! How about occasional book readings by authors ?
There are many writers, craftsmen, artisans, musicians who do not get appropriate exposure to showcase their penmanship/workmanship. If you owned a space of your own would you lend it to them as a platform? If we are talking of a business module it can be at a nominal cost. What say you ?
You know this avid book reader would appreciate this post. We have a few book stores (mostly charity shops) but no book cafés
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I am sure you will Derrick. If only we stayed in the same neighborhood we could have thought of a joint venture 😁 Right.
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I am delighted, Geeta, with every word you have written, as reading and books are my passion! As I studied literature at the university, I collected over 10.000 books for my home library. All are books of merit, no holiday romances, but great immortal writers, among them my beloved Tagore, the first Nobel Prize winner in India, and hardback editions of many writers who will be read forever. My collection will go to the university to benefit the students, as it contains biographies, art, history, and science.
Joanna x
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What a collection! So impressive! I am sure many will benefit by your veritable treasure trove.
I have not studied literature but I have an inclination towards books. My father had a good collection which he had to give away when we changed base. Those who do not value books cannot appreciate their true worth.
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Thank you, Geeta, for your wonderful reply!
Joanna
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Totally feel you, Gc. Book cafés and book stores are worlds apart. What you described is like a dream spot for minds to unwind. I’m a poor book reader sort myself, but even I’d show up for that cozy vibe. And yes—soft music, green corners, space for creators? 100% yes.
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Thanks a ton. Would look forward to your ‘chaotic’ presence. 😂😂😂
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Chaotic presence reporting for duty—with snacks, sarcasm, and semi-useful wisdom. See you soon! 🌀✨
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Hee Hee 😂😂😂😂. My first dose of ROFL
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Haha! Happy to deliver your first ROFL—refills available on demand! 😄📦😂
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Geeta Ji,🙏
Your account is not merely a description of a visit to the mall, but a deep reflection on the changing relationship between books and their readers.
From the small, personal purchase at Trendz to the unfulfilled search for a Book Café, your narrative highlights the void that has emerged in our urban lives when it comes to experiencing reading in its truest sense.
You have very precisely drawn the distinction between a Book Store and a Book Café one being a place for transactions, the other a centre for ideas, interactions, and creativity.
Your vision of an ‘ideal book corner’ is, in fact, a need of our times a space where readers can not only touch, smell, and truly feel the books, but also engage with like-minded people, generate new ideas, and provide artists with an opportunity to showcase their work.
This is not just for literature lovers; it is essential for the revival of intellectual life in society.
Your closing question “Have we forgotten to make time for books, or have books stopped looking for us?” is profoundly thought-provoking, pointing to a silent crisis in modern living.
-Vijay Srivastava
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A bridge is required to fill up this chasm. If only…
Thank you for your detailed and appreciative reply.
Will look forward to your thoughtful reflections
Namaste
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You are absolutely right the chasm between thought and reality can only be bridged when we together forge a bridge of empathy and dialogue.
This exchange of words is not merely a reply, but a path for hearts to reach one another.
I look forward to cherishing the inspiration that your perspective brings.
Namaste 🙏
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You have hot the nail on the head with so many topics darling. I would say I was a bit of a bookworm when I was younger and in my teens, every weekend would be spent at the library exploring new categories, anything from crime reading to African myths and legends . . . .I know, bit of a difference Ha Ha ! Reading a book you feel you are in it, part of it, side by side by a character in a book. I had hundreds of books when I was younger, my dad more than me . . .dad wrote poetry which was published in a book. Up till a few years ago I had nearly ten dictionaries, book sets from numerous topics, unfortunately had to part with them, broke my heart. Book cafes are so homely, the decor, comfy furniture, old fireplace, just like you were in another house, and yes, tea, coffee and cake just there.
I dont know if any kind of musical sound would suit a book cafe ? Even the relaxing sea and piano sounds you hear in a spa may disturb the mind and not let one get totally absorbed in an adventure. Most book cafes are quiet places where one can sit and read, and enjoy coffee n cake.
And yes, you are right, most reading nowadays is on mechanical devices cos its there, ready at hand. But avid book readers exist and may they continue to do so.
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You are right. Book Cafes are generally quiet zones. Coffee and cake seems to be a nice combo. Thanks for being on this post.
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Hi Geeta, I hope that you are feeling strong and well. It’s interesting that you see libraries fading away. In the US, most towns still have a library; however, they have become the book cafes you describe. They are gathering places where classes and presentations are offered, and include coffee shops along with the typical rows of books.
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I know US has many good libraries but here it’s taken over by Book Stores mostly.
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