Between cost and habit: The price of being a book worm

New Straits Times

a day ago

WHETHER the air-conditioning is set cold or warm, it makes no difference to the smell that these books emanate. For readers, the complex bibliosmia — with its sharp and earthy scent — is just as enjoyable as the story itself.
Just as a pall of dust settles on a book in one corner, a new shipment arrives with the promise of fresh titles — the latest bestsellers with their pretty, glossy covers.
Sometimes, just a glance at a glossy new cover is enough to make a reader weep.
Like stuffing threatening to burst at the seams, my ever-growing list of to-read books keeps expanding — and that's not necessarily a good thing, especially as books are becoming more and more expensive these days.
HIGH PRICE TO PAY
But why are books so expensive, you ask? Well, rising costs, rent, shipping, production and currency fluctuations all play a part in how much a book costs today.
According to a 2019 article by Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, an industry insider was quoted as saying that the city's high rents contribute significantly to book prices.
Is it the same for Malaysia? It wouldn't be a surprise.
Just do a quick search and you'll find that the same book — same edition, same cover — is often priced slightly higher in an independently run bookstore compared with a commercial one.
But if you are rajin enough to hunt for a bargain, you might find that very same book for a fraction of the price at a bookstore chain known for its wide, affordable selection.
I kid you not. I actually found a book of the same edition and title in that chain for under RM30, while it was going for three times more in an indie bookstore located somewhere in the city.
During a discussion with a good friend over books and coffee, we came to the conclusion that independent bookstore owners have the right to raise their prices.
After all, they have to cover the shop's operating costs, rent, as well as other expenses.
OASIS OF BOOKS
While seeking respite from the Penang heat, I found myself in the quiet enclave of an indie bookstore on Lebuh Aceh, just a stone's throw from the historical Acheen Street Mosque.
The scent of lemongrass lingered in the dim, air-conditioned store. The sole clerk was busy dusting and wiping the shelves.
Between arranging the books, I noticed how relaxed he seemed — almost as if the place was his home.
"I see you love stories from the colonial years," he said, glancing at the armload of books I had pulled from the shelves.
Feeling slightly embarrassed by my own gluttony, I smiled and gave him a nod.
Brushing off my embarrassment with a shake of his head, he proceeded to recommend some newly released titles he thought might interest me.
You see, while e-books are gaining traction — and some think it's stylish to be seen with one — I still much prefer physical books.
Call me a dinosaur, but I'm not giving up the rustle of pages and the scent of ink for a cold, glowing screen.
Yes, physical books do take up space. Oh, how my mother constantly nags me to stop bringing more home.
But no — you can't tell a foodie to stop exploring good food, can you?
So no, I don't mind the teetering stacks or the ever-shrinking shelf space.
Because in a world rushing to go digital, I will still be here — nose-deep in a book, chasing stories inked on paper, one comforting whiff at a time.
I don't regret being a book hoarder either. But please don't tell my dear mother. I think I have enough books (new, used, yellowed) to last me a lifetime.