Childhood memories
Ankur Tewari, musician-composer
I must admit that I read less books than I should. My preferred genre is non-fiction; fiction makes my mind wander. One of my favourites is Just Kids by Patti Smith alongside Andre Agassi’s Open and Basharat Peer’s Curfewed Nights.
A panel from a Balbharati book with art made by Mario Miranda. Pic Courtesy/Mario Miranda Gallery
I personally love Bandra Buggers by Clement DeSylva — from and about the place I live in and love. But if I had to go back to read them again, I would choose my school textbooks — the Balbharatis and English Reviewers. You never really value them in school, but I think I would enjoy them now.
Reading through slump
Sahil Shah, stand-up comic
I read often, but like every reader, I get distracted by reels. I prefer fiction because I always want to escape reality. One of the earliest books that blew my mind was George Orwell’s 1984. Then, there is the book I credit everything for; Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy. I also love the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child.
Thrill of tiny tales
Sheena Khalid, theatre maker
I do lean towards reading fiction. I am currently reading Mumbai Murmurings by Ramu Ramanathan about the tales of Mumbai theatre. I enjoy his writing a lot, and love to find out these stories about the theatre world. Since I am writing myself, I keep returning to my little book of poems by Emily Dickinson.
Read green
Ami Shroff, mixologist
I read books around subjects of my interest. I am currently reading The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, a scientist and a revolutionary in many ways. He wrote this book on reducing interference farming. I am quite fascinated by permaculture, and this book has helped me understand better ways of farming.
Thinker’s choice
Makarand Deshpande, actor-theatre maker
While there is no one book in particular, I would set three works apart. Andrei Tarkovsky’s Sculpted in Time, his observations about art, literature, and cinema left a profound impact on me. The other work is Ashtavakra Gita, a classic text with its pointed emphasis on the now is quite relevant. I also like to go back to read Lao Tse’s Tao. It is a book that unifies the universal concepts into a singular experience.
Readers’ corner
>> Dreambaux Library
The nine-year-old library helps students and readers by providing a space where they can study. They also have an expansive book collection.
TIME 8 am to 10 pm (regular days, all week)
AT Malad East and West; Goregaon West; (Also at Kandivli; Borivli and Andheri)
LOG ON TO dreambauxlibrary.in
CALL 8369551312
FEE Rs 3,500 per month (studying); Rs 400 per month (reading)
>> Shemaroo Books Library
This children’s favourite stocks books for toddlers from the age of two.
TIME 10 am to 6 pm
AT 99C, Warden Road, Cumballa Hill.
>> Kahani Tree
The children’s book store is a quaint place for young readers. They have bilingual and regional language books.
TIME 10 am to 6 pm
AT Industry Manor, Second Floor, Prabhadevi.
CALL 224306780
LOG ON TO kahanitree.com
>> Kitab Khana
Kitab Khana has been a favourite among South Mumbai’s readers. Their active reading community hosts readings, walks and interactive sessions. Besides having a great collection, the store is also famous for its café.
TIME 10.30 am to 7.30 pm
AT Flora Fountain Somaiya Bhavan, Fort.
CALL 261702277
LOG ON TO kitabkhana.in
>> Trilogy Curated Bookshop and Library
This circulating library boasts of a vast collection, and is also open to those who’d like to borrow books against a membership fee.
TIME 11.30 am to 1.30 pm; 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm
AT Carter Road, Bandra West.
CALL 8080590590
LOG ON TO teltrilogy.com
FEE R500 onwards
>> Roxy Circulating Library
This library houses nearly 50,000 titles and is the perfect place for readers, young and old.
AT Shop no 21, Trivedi Tower, Mulund West.
CALL 9323953249
LOG ON TO roxylibrary.com
FEE Rs 500 onwards (per month)
Also check out
>> The White Crow Books & Coffee
AT Jio World Drive, BKC.
CALL 8369863437
>> Fictionary Books
AT Gharaonda, National College Lane, Bandra West.
LOG ON TO @fictionary-books
>> Title Waves
AT St Paul Media Complex, Road 24, Bandra West.
CALL 8657921003
>> MCubed Library
AT Princess Building, D’Monte Park, Bandra West.
CALL 8657455688
>> Parle Book Centre
AT D Joshi Marg, Vile Parle West.
CALL 26188389
>> Granth Book Store
AT HM House, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz West.
CALL 9372941412
>> Majestic Book Depot
AT Shivaji Mandir, opposite Plaza Cinema, Dadar West; also at Thane West.
CALL 9892220239.
>> Victoria Book Centre and Circulating Library
AT Shop no 110, JN Wadia Trust Building, LJ Road, Mahim West.
CALL 9820654480
>> Crossword
AT Mohammed Bhai Mansion, Kemps Corner.
CALL 8530206759
>> Ideal Book Company
AT Narayan Smruti, Chhabildas Road, Dadar West.
CALL 7208226020
>> Pai’s Friend’s Library
AT Pendse Nagar, Dombivli East.
CALL 9769846807
>> Juhu Reads
ON 5 pm to 7 pm (Saturday)
AT Kaifi Azmi Park Juhu.
>> Goregaon Reads
ON 5 pm to 7 pm (Saturday)
AT Raheja Garden, Goregaon.
>> Bandra Reads
ON 8 am to 10 pm (Sunday)
AT Jogger’s Park, Carter Road, Bandra West.
