I would never have gotten this far in life without books, and I’m so glad that stalwarts like Kinokuniya continue to exist here, and that many indie bookstores have popped up. Here’s to my favourites:
What can I write or say about BooksActually that hasn’t been said by bloggers a million times over? It’s a great bookstore with Kenny and Reneé at the helm. It’s got loads of literary fiction, and they publish and sell lots of local writers. It’s a safe haven, a place to pet cats (just not Cake) and chill with a cup of joe. I have created a lot of good memories here, talking to the booksellers and laughing with my friends at this shop. Now, BooksActually wants to have a permanent home, so it’s a really good time to buy a book and help them in any way you can.
9 Yong Siak Street
2. Booktique
Wannabe writers can find a treasure trove of books curated by Anthony Koh Waugh at this bookstore, and the bookseller himself curates and sources for the books in this eclectic collection. There are always new books and there is even a small section that shows books written by local authors. If you get to know Anthony, he’s very obliging and willing to bring in books for you. Sadly, the store needs a lot more business to continue making the rent, so please buy a book or 10 to help them out.
CityLink Mall, #B1-17A
If I lived in the Tanjong Pagar or Duxton area, I would be browsing these shelves almost every day I get off work. Sadly, I don’t. The two-storey (yes, there is more than one level) is usually manned by Poly kids doing retail (it seems that way to me), and while the selection has dwindled since it has opened, it’s still worth a visit. Try and spot the books with gorgeous covers that they post on Tumblr.
20 Duxton Road
4. Kinokuniya
Apart from a few indie comic book store, Kino is where I go to pick up comics. The new store is a veritable labyrinth anda fary cry from the old one, and feels a lot more cramped than its previous location. Sadly, the staff didn’t have much say in the move because the landlord wanted to make room for more retails space, but the store is always stocked with my favourite fantasy, science fiction, and Chinese history books. Also, the staff are incredibly efficient and very nice.
391 Orchard Road #04-20/20B/20C/20E
5. Woods in the Books
If you refuse to check out this store because you think it’s somehow filled with kids’ books, think again. There are so many beautifully illustrated books for the young and young at heart, and some of the graphics are beautifully rendered. I remember leafing through an incredibly colourful book about pirates, but sadly, it was gone the next time I visited. The store is next to BooksActually, so you can visit the both of them at one go.
3 Yong Siak Street