Books beyond brands

My words are my shield and the mighty pen, my sword in life’s court

Khubi Ali

For every literature-loving, avid reader in South Mumbai, Crosswords, Oxford, Kitab Khana and Strand are the usual hangouts. And while there is no questioning the credibility of these stores, there are other lesser known book hubs in the vicinity that are just as well-equipped. So, dna decided to walk the streets of SoBo and dig out three bookstores that are worth a visit.

Bargain Book Hut

in Kala Ghoda

Based in the heart of Kala Ghoda, Bargain Book Hut is a reader’s paradise. As described by its owner Ajai Shah, the place is a small store with a large heart— giving away too many discounts. For the prices that the store has to offer are indeed insane. You can pick up a coffee table book on evolution of literature at Rs295 while it is originally priced at Rs595. The jaw dropping discounts range from anything between 40 to 90 per cent.

However, heavy discounts are not the only factor that makes Bargain Book Hut a worthy store. Apart from having formulated a business plan that makes books available at unbeatable prices, the store also offers a classic and niche collection of books on varied genres and subjects.

Located in the quite lanes of Kala Ghoda, this cozy little store has no extravagant direction signs or boards leading its way neither has it ever been elaborately advertised. The store manages to function on, word of mouth publicity about its niche collection and its unbeatable prices. A store like this is what we call a find!

Vora Book House

At the age of 25, Vora Book House is a store that stands for its quality collection of books on varied subjects. As a flagship company of the Vora Group of Companies and founded by Shri Vadilal Vora, the bookstore lives up to its name and maintains a wide range of genres.

From accountancy, cosmetics, housing society to textile, the store offers almost every book under the sun. The store may not stand as one of the Oxfords and Crosswords of the world, but it has certainly established its own place in the book market over the years.

Victoria Book Centre and DVD Library

Victoria Book Centre and DVD Library may seem like a plain old rental shop from the outside but don’t be fooled by its appearance. Step inside and be swamped by neatly stacked shelves of this well maintained bookstore.

The store offers a decent collection of fiction, bestsellers and classics. This is the store to come to, if you’re not particularly looking for latest releases but classic books on Indian art and culture. Easy to find at the store is literature on 19th century drama, press articles neatly filed since decades, and other fiction and nonfiction galore.

khubi.ali@dnaindia.net