Every reader’s dream is the same: a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf on all sides of a room, a hot cup of coffee in hand and unlimited time to read innumerable books. The closest you can come to a fulfilment of that dream is attending the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF). For Delhiites it’s a beloved tradition every winter. Long queues and longer wishlists, the book fair is filled with new releases, author sessions and pre-loved books all around.
Readers flock the book fair every year in search of the best literary finds
Exploring genresGen Z is not only reading more but expanding their horizons with varied genres and non-fiction too. “We always come with a list of the books we’re looking for, but we end up discovering so much more. I even stood here and read two chapters of one book — that’s how I knew I really wanted it. That’s how the book fair has always been for me. And I love being here with my friends,” says Siri, 21, a student of LSR while she searched for the best offers. Exploring new books while checking off the wishlist? Sign us up!Non-fiction, Indian authors popularSellers notice an uptick in demand through social media and celeb influence. “Last month, Hrithik Roshan posted about The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and it suddenly blew up. It’s such an old book, but we started seeing a huge spike in sales, so we had to reprint 25,000 copies. That’s the kind of influence social media has on the market,” shares Tina Baruah, head of production at a publishing house, who was recommending books to attendees based on their taste.
Book Fair is the best place to find pre-loved books at a bargain making both your wishlist and wallet happy
Radhika Raje, marketing manager at a publishing house said, “It’s more of a balance between fiction and non-fiction. The trends have definitely changed. Initially we had seen a lot of demand for Korean literature, but now there is interest in non-fiction on investing, tech, AI and contemporary Indian literature.”
Ricky Kej at the NDWBF
Three-time Grammy award-winning composer Ricky Kej joined the book fair for an insightful session on AI in music which opened the floor for discussion.
Buy it, read it, finish it
It’s too hard to wait till we get home to start reading and the floor is comfy enough!“Coming to the book fair has been an annual tradition for me since I was a kid. It’s more special now to buy books now that I’m earning. My husband doesn’t read that much but loves to accompany me and enjoys the atmosphere here,” shares Namishtha, 30, a Delhiite who works in sales.
French stall at the International pavilion
The French stall made of bamboo, at the International pavilion drew readers and non-readers alike. It also hosted countries like Spain, Qatar, Iran, UAE, Russia, Turkey
