Hey, bookworms!

I just had to share my latest book purchase, and this one comes with a long backstory. Are you ready?

Unplanned Travel 

I’m in Pune, and this trip was not planned well in advance, as OCD people me always do. I was forced to travel to Pune this time. I packed in a hurry, amidst meetings and responding to a million queries by family members, paying heed to my parents advices to deal with the “situation” at hand.

Three mistakes of my life…

1. I didn’t pack any books except one Urdu magazine, forgot my selection on my work desk.
2. I didn’t pack an extra abaya.
3. I didn’t bring any utensils like my mother was suggesting.

But more on the “situation” later, because that’s a long story. The bottom line is:

I DIDN’T PACK ANY BOOK.

And I am supposed to be here for a while. 

I finished the Urdu magazine in the first three days, even though I was taking it slow. After that, I had nothing to read, which meant spending more time on phone. My screentime increased by 152%, and I still didn’t feel happy. I’ve around 300 books and nearly just as many magazines; I still didn’t have anything to read.

So, I needed to find a place where I could buy books.

Why Not a Mystery Box?

The reason is three-fold:

As much as I enjoyed the surprise factor of a mystery book box, it is inevitable that there will be some titles/books that you don’t like. I wanted to know what’s coming, I wanted to be in charge.

Secondly, Since the duration of my stay in Pune is uncertain, I couldn’t wait forever for the parcel to arrive. These mystery book orders take time , talking from experience.

Thirdly, and most importantly, I wanted to save on the “handling charges”. If I order online, the final bill included delivery charges. Call me cheap, but I wanted to save on that. I could buy another book in that money.

Pratik Bookstore

So, one evening, I was on Google Maps, as one usually is, looking for things-tea stall near me, a real estate agent near me… The new quirk started in Bangalore, the city I visited for the first time in April 2024,  and continues in Pune, the city which is my second home. One thing led to another, and I stumbled upon…drumroll please… Pratik 2nd Hand Novel Store.

I sent a message to owner who was out but promptly replied with a list of books. The inventory was impressive; the prices even more so. And, he had an offer of buying novel by kilo, Rs. 250 per kg if I bought 10 novels or more. That offer matched most of the other online stores that sell preloved books, so I was game.

For the first few hours, I perused through the list, getting myself acquainted with the author names and book titles. The next day, I compiled a list of books I would want. Work was crazy for that week, so I had to wait two agonizing days before I could visit the store. The owner is friendly and helping, and he offered me free bookmarks as well.

I’ve already read Lee Child’s Bad Luck and Trouble. You might like my review. Dan Brown’s nDeception Point is next.

Until next time, happy reading!