Good books at throwaway prices big draw at the fair

Walk into the 22nd edition of the Delhi Book Fair underway here and small coloured placards offering ‘Three books for hundred’ and ‘One book for fifty’ make sure the visitor does not leave empty-handed.

The nine-day long fair, which kicked off with the theme of inculcating reading habits is selling books at throwaway prices making the right noise for all right reasons among youngsters.

“The mighty billboards of big publishing houses makes no sense to me. These Rs 100, Rs 50 lucrative offers make me happy,” says Shreya, a student. Stalls have been witnessing crowds of all age groups.

“I can’t switch my loyalty. Books at Daryaganj book market smell different. But a hard bound copy of ‘Escape from Red China’ in less than Rs 100. Now this is a steal,” says Seema, a regular visitor to the Delhi book fair.

Be it the ‘Master of Suspense’ Alfred Hitchcock thrillers or English novelist Jane Austen classics , everyone gets to take away something of their favourites without pinching their pockets.

“I got my favourite Jodi Picoult books. Please do not ask the price. I won’t reveal because that does not add to the immense respect I have for my favourite author,” a seemingly delighted Sonal Sharma said.

With many publishers and distributors selling books at cheaper prices under the banner of stock clearance, it seems like a win-win situation for both the seller and the customer.

“People nowadays want books at cheap rates. Even a reasonable price won’t do. We sell news books also. But it is the remaindered books which earn us ready money,” says R. K. Shankar from Sabharwal books.