Street-side bookseller ascends to aficionado of literature and proprietor of bookstore
Rewritten Article:
Meet Shadi Abu Nasser, a university grad in English literature who stumbled into the world of book trading back in 2007. Strapped for cash while preparing for high school in 2006, Shadi found himself selling books for a quick buck. To his surprise, the street-side book sale was a hit from day one, netting him his first sale for a measly $5. While his family initially objected, they soon came around when they saw the enterprise's promising start.
Intrigued by the demand for books, Shadi started investing in his stock, reading each book before selling it. He communicated with dealers and publishing houses, buying from them and selling. In no time, he was importing books from Beirut, Syria, and Egypt. Today, his modest shop boasts a staggering 10,000 different book titles, ranging from thought, philosophy, politics, psychology, literature, medical sciences, children's books, and human development.
Knowledge is the Cornerstone
Shadi's store isn't just about selling books; it's a beacon of culture and community development. He organizes exhibitions in remote villages and governorates, aiming to inspire children and young adults to read with the motto "Knowledge is Power."
Hashtags as a Battle Cry
When a spat with the city council forced him to relocate his store off the sidewalk in early 2016, Shadi's supporters rallied behind the #ReturnShadiStore hashtag. After agreeing to pay a $5,000 annual license fee, the store was reinstated, legally.
The Wrath of the Landfill
The low point for Shadi came when, while out of town buying books, the municipality raided his store and dumped his inventory in a landfill. Undeterred, Shadi salvaged his books, because they were his livelihood.
A Laugh in the Darkest Hour
Once, a thief was caught red-handed writing a thank-you note to Shadi for leaving books out unguarded. Shadi saw the funny side, forgiving the would-be burglar and letting him walk away with a book.
The Lure of the Emirates
Feeling oppressed, Shadi sought solace in the United Arab Emirates, working as a cultural consultant for a while. However, he soon realized his heart belonged to the simplicity of his bookstore, rather than the financial returns and luxury of the Emirates.
Upon returning to Jordan, Shadi faces ongoing challenges with the municipality, but the relationship has improved since resolving legal and financial issues.
Most Popular Reads
The novels of Ghassan Kanafani, books by Gibran Khalil Gibran, Mark Manson's "Art of Indifference," and Ragheb Al-Sirjani's "Facilitated Encyclopedia of Islamic History" sell like hotcakes. Shadi's store also stocks banned books, including Khaled Al-Hassan's "The Genius of Failure" and some works by Ayman Al-Atoum.
The Dream of a Booksphere Empire
Shadi aspires to one day own the largest bookstore in the Middle East. He envisions building a publishing and translation house to spread regional culture and literature globally. Shadi wants to introduce African literature from the Congo and Nigeria, Portuguese literature, and South Korean literature, which are largely unknown to his customers.
Books on the Palestinian Cause
A staunch advocate for the Palestinian cause, Shadi stocks books by fighters against normalization and the Zionist narrative, such as Nur Masalha, Naji Al-Ali, Ghassan Kanafani, Ibrahim Nasrallah, Ibrahim Khalaf, George Habash, Ahmed Al-Shugairi, and many others.
If you're curious about bookstores or cultural activities in Irbid, Jordan, know that this city hosts several universities and cultural institutions, contributing to its vibrant intellectual life. Bookstores play a vital role in promoting literacy and cultural events in cities like Irbid, often functioning as community hubs for literary discussions and educational activities.
However, cultural institutions in some regions might face challenges related to censorship or limitations on free speech, which can impact their operations and the types of materials they offer. Engaging the local community through workshops, book clubs, and other cultural activities can be a key strategy for future growth. Many bookstores consider integrating technology to stay relevant, offering online catalogs and digital events.
- Shadi Abu Nasser, a graduate in English literature, turned a high school necessity into a thriving business by selling books, starting in 2007.
- Despite initial objections from his family, the success of his street-side book sales prompted them to embrace his enterprise, which grew to boast over 10,000 book titles.
- Recognizing the social impact of his bookstore, Shadi organizes exhibitions in remote areas to encourage reading and inspire knowledge among children and young adults.
- Following a dispute with the city council, supporters of Shadi started the #ReturnShadiStore hashtag to advocate for his cause, leading to the legal reinstatement of his store.
- Despite experiencing setbacks like having his inventory dumped in a landfill, Shadi has persevered, valuing the importance of his books as his livelihood.
- In a moment of unexpected humor, a thief was caught writing a thank-you note to Shadi after stealing books, a gesture that Shadi found amusing and chose to forgive.
- Seeking an escape from feelings of oppression, Shadi briefly worked as a cultural consultant in the United Arab Emirates, but eventually realized his heart lay with his bookstore in Jordan.
- In addition to novels by authors like Ghassan Kanafani and Gibran Khalil Gibran, Shadi's store stocks banned books, such as those by Khaled Al-Hassan and Ayman Al-Atoum, reflecting his dedication to freedom of speech.
- Aiming to build a massive bookstore empire in the Middle East and spread regional culture globally, Shadi envisions a publishing and translation house that will introduce lesser-known literature from African, Portuguese, and South Korean authors to his customers.
