"I’ve become aware that what we need to give readers are books of lasting values. Lot of books are read and thrown without any significance. This year we have set a hallmark where readers can pick up exclusive titles at low prices. The books are going so fast that readers need to purchase it in an instant,” says Vidya Virkar, managing partner of Strand Book Store, which is holding its much-anticipated annual book festival in the city.
That has perhaps worked its magic, which is why inquisitive readers are queuing up at the festival, scooping through the ocean of books on sale at Basava Bhavan. This fair has on offer various exclusive books by renowned authors in an array of genres. You’ll find books in almost every category: fiction, science, fitness, management, sports, graphic novels, fashion, children’s novel, spirituality and more. "The festival is aimed at not only adults but children as well,” says Virkar.
"I often visit book sales and exhibitions in Delhi, and I haven’t found a good place to buy books, until now. This one offers huge discount and I am collecting a lot of books for my collection,” says Anuradha Mukherji, a student from Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship. "And I intend to read them all, soon; may be not go to college till I finish,” she adds with a smirk.
Maria Sonali from Sophia High School was specifically looking at picking up some good fiction novels. "I’ve visited the festival the previous year, and I find this year’s exhibition has a lot more interesting books to offer,” she says as she flips through rows of books.
This year, one section of the books will be sold exclusively under special rates. "These books have been given special attention for its prominence and are even sold at a low price,” says Virkar, stressing that some of them are rare finds, that are hard to come by.