In a survey that was conducted by Amazon India’s Annual Reading Trends Reports for 2017, Bengaluru has been placed first with Mumbai and Delhi at second and third position, respectively. With technology taking over every aspect of our lives, it’s still nice to know that the age-old habit of picking up a book and just reading still exists in a metropolitan like Bengaluru.
City-based physiotherapist S. Leena Priyadharshini says, “It is really an appreciable survey at this point of time when society thinks that most of the youth are more gadget-friendly than book friendly. The city has a great selection of book but what tops the list for me are myth-based stories conveying supreme powers in a contemporary manner. My person interest lies in fictitious stories and thrillers which hold the reader in suspense until the conclusion. Some of my favourite authors are Amish Tripathi, Robin Sharma, Jeffery Archer etc. There is still a section of the youth fascinated by literature and its forms.”
Ishita Bhattacharya, a senior analyst is not surprised that the city tops the list. “Coming from a city like Kolkata which is known as the hub for art and literature, Bengaluru overtaking it is great news, and it shows how the city has grown over the years. I personally love the collection of books Bengaluru offers. The city manages to hold a piece of history by recycling old books, and it is a delight to go through the section of used books with tiny notes made by a former users. I love reading fiction, thrillers and drama but recently autobiographies have hooked me. I enjoy reading Twinkle Khanna, Ruskin Bond, Anton Chekov and more.”
While the city has earned its place because of its resources, Deepti. K says, “There is a diversity in culture, people inquisitive about culture and backgrounds too. I have seen that people opt for online portals to buy books but this being said, the city has a reasonable collection of both Indian and international authors. I mostly end up reading fiction and science-related books. But autobiographies are what I end up reading mainly. Chitra Banerjee, Jack Canfield, John Grisham, etc are authors I love.”
Roshan D is excited about the survey and namma ooru’s top spot, “In an age where Internet has taken over every life, it’s nice to know that people still inculcate the reading habit. The best part of about the city is that when the books are not available, one does not have to go far to get them. They need to go online. As a child, I have always enjoyed reading fiction. There is something about it that keeps me hooked. Even in school, we had a ‘library period’ and I think the urge to read came from there. Wilbur Smith, Ken Follet, Mario Puzo are some of my all time favourites.”
