Bookstores are dying.
Towards the end of 2022, there was news of Barnes and Noble’s ambitious plan to open 30 new stores in 2023. However, shortly thereafter, reports emerged of some Barnes and Noble locations closing down. These developments come in the wake of the 2020 pandemic and the growing popularity of Amazon’s e-books, which have cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of traditional bookstores.
This trend is not limited to the United States; bookstores in Indonesia are also struggling. Prominent book retailers such as QB World Books, Aksara, and even the largest Japanese bookstore in Jakarta, Kinokuniya Plaza Senayan, have ceased their operations for good. Apart from the dwindling interest in reading, the relatively high prices of imported books are discouraging people from buying physical copies.
Booksellers have transitioned from traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores to online selling, a strategic move that allows them to sustain their businesses without the financial burden of renting physical spaces with high operational costs. However, there remains an indelible charm that bookstores provide:
The Smell
Bookstores house a diverse array of books, each crafted from various materials. These materials have evolved over time, with paper being a prominent medium. Paper can be crafted from a multitude of natural fibers containing cellulose, ranging from the cotton rags that served as the earliest form of paper to hemp, often used for Bible paper. Other sources include bamboo, coconut fibers, papyrus, and even straw. In the modern publishing industry, wood fibers are predominantly used for paper production.
Beyond the physicality of books, there exists an intangible connection between the reader and the written word. The earthy, tactile nature of paper can trigger chemical responses in our brains. This is why reading and inhaling the scent of books can evoke feelings of happiness and nostalgia.
The Glimpse of Beautiful Covers
Don’t judge a book by its cover…Or should we?
Book cover design holds a significance equal to that of the book’s content. It should not merely encapsulate the essence of what lies within but also grace our shelves with beauty. A well-crafted book cover design enhances the aesthetics of our home library, doubling as an exquisite piece of home décor. Let’s be honest…will you buy book with Final Fantasy character edited into thug with hell background printed in the poorest resolution? (Trust me, this book cover design exists in real life)
The Nook
One of the bookstore’s gems that I cherish the most is the enchanting reading nook, often thoughtfully designed with children in mind. These reading nooks come in various forms – perhaps resembling a cave, castle, farm, or sometimes as simple as a sofa adorned with plush cushions, strategically positioned for ultimate comfort. These cozy corners aren’t just about inspiring young readers; they provide children with an experience that matches the excitement and comfort of a playground. Above all, they become the perfect setting for precious bonding moments with your children.
Here are some beautiful reading nooks I visited, can you guess where these enchanting reading nooks are located?
Definitely, the BOOK!
As the saying goes, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’ll get.” But for me, life is akin to a bookstore, where surprises abound. At times, you stumble upon books that your local bookstore may never carry, or even books whose existence you were blissfully unaware of.
In this digital age, where virtually everything is at our fingertips through the internet, you can indeed discover a plethora of books online. Yet, the unique joy that comes from physically encountering a book, leafing through its pages, and holding it in your hands remains irreplaceable.
One of the most delightful discoveries for me at the bookstore was stumbling upon this remarkable Hokusai pop-up book in Roppongi.
Bookstores may not have become extinct entirely, as there are still numerous book enthusiasts worldwide who share the same passion. Unfortunately, in my country, the love for reading books is not as widespread. I hope that my post here can reach those individuals and inspire them to read, potentially rekindling the book culture and supporting the revival of more bookstores in Indonesia.
A Cup of Think 