Page99.in
Page99 is our web-based* initiative to save the dying breed of book lovers. Real, live, actual books. The ones we talk with, think with, sleep with.
History:
The idea of Page99 emerged from the brick-and-mortar store, The New Book Depot (1925-2011) which lived its glory days at 18, B Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi. When we knew its days were numbers, we struggled hard to think – how could we keep its spirit alive? What is it that the store did really? Did it just sell books? Surprisingly, the answer was not that obvious.
Sure, we sold books. But first we chose them, gathered them, displayed them appropriately for you in categories, and then sometimes helped you decide what to buy. Above all of that, we were there when you wanted to buy something, ask something, order something that others couldn’t find. Sometimes we were just there to have a conversation.
That’s exactly what Page99 is about to do.
So Then:
On November 1, 2011, we launched a blog – just to share our personal thoughts on books that we read. We shared our thoughts and feelings with you, and you graciously responded. We didn’t intend to sell anything through the blog, but we did. And that reminded us that e-books aren’t going to finish the world of bibliophiles. We developed a simple motto: we recommend, you buy, we deliver, you pay.
Now:
Now we spend our time finding you interesting books that you wouldn’t normally see on the front shelves of bookstores. You’ll notice soon that though we span every possible genre, we have a certain affinity for the less obviously popular titles, or cool editions of popular titles. Some of the books are classics, some are must haves, and some are just pretty. There are books for people who like to read, and there are books for people who are trying to like reading, and there are books for people who like having shelves worth showing-off. We try and find books for everyone. We recommend that there is no better gift than a book, especially if you’re gifting yourself.
If you love books, love reading, and don’t mind a helping hand in finding newer things to read, then this is the place for you. By the time you’re through shelving our recommendations, you’ll want to wake up just to look at your collection…
We believe that books are forever, no matter what the e-book market says!
*We are largely web based but have a small office in Shahpur Jat, New Delhi where we work. We have our books on display here. Though it’s not a ‘bookshop’, please feel free to come by and browse the books. Just check with us before you come so we can make sure that things are in order for you – the office can be quite a mess!
Must Mention: All creative decisions and every single artwork at Page99 (web and otherwise) is done by Dev Kabir Malik and his awesome team - Rashmi and Namrata. And we have help from Prakshi Sharma who helps us with photographing our books and making them look like something real rather than a poster off the internet!
