The place to buy books doesn’t matter at all.this is very Mumbai specific list of the 5 best places to shop for books.I’m sure all my readers would vouch that they have a specific book shop that’s their favorite.
At the risk of treading over someone’s shoes, here goes my list of 5 best places where you get a ’’Steal’’ as far as the books go!
STRAND BOOK STALL is high on my list of best places.Don’t be fooled by the name or the non-descripit location of the shop. Situated on Sir.P.M.Road in fort, south Mumbai, this is a place where you can ask for the moon & may even get it!My earliest remembrances of Strand Book stall takes me to my school days when I would accompany my sister & we would devour the Tin Tin books!The Strand book stall of today still retains the erstwhile glory.the proprietor, Mr.Shanbagh, is an epitome of humility.The space at Strand is a little cramped with Books everywher you see.The staff here is attentive & go the extra mile to procure the book for you if its out of print.but the best part about this store is the fact that no matter what you buy, there is always a sizeable discount available.As a result there is more value for money & Strand sees to it that you set more than you expected!
CROSSWORD is another place where books are accorder the status that is deserving for them.The Bookstore, situated near Mahalaxmi on the Breach Candy road is again very unobtrusive to the suuroundings.As you go into the 1st floor of the Building, a certain sense of serenity emnates & is all pervasive.neatly stacked books according to sections & authors, the staff that’s ever attentive to your queries, these people are pioneers in giving us a really cool place for the books! seats at the end of every row allow you to pick a book & scroll thru without anyone even coming to disturb you!
LOTUS BOOK HOUSE at Bandra is one place where you find books that are off beat & hard to find.having said that, let me warn all the readers that it will take you a while to find the Bookstore!!! Another reason why this is low on my list is that the books are haphazardly arranged, though the managers there have you believe otherwise.Small, compact & quiet, this is the place where you could go if that is what you are looking for!
OXFORD BOOKSTORE, a stone’s throw from Churchgate, is one more place where Books have been accorded reverential status.The first thing that hits you as you walk into the store is the Vibrant Redness of the place! Innovatively, the cash counter is centrally located so that the same can be accessed from all corners of the Store.The staff, in their red uniforms are attentive & helpful.the books are arranged alphabetically and easy to find.The cafetreria’s a big let down though.Go, if you must, to the store for books & books only.
THE FOOTHPATH! Yes, you heard it right, The Foothpath vendors in Churchgate, Fort & VT.Absolutely Bargain driven, pirated copies of most of the bestsellers at 1/3rd the cost of the original!