Aug 07, 2006 12:51 PM
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(Updated Aug 07, 2006 12:54 PM)
In the year 2000 I came to stay in a building called Empress Court in Churchgate in Mumbai, and next to us was a building consisting of offices and banks. Then, one day, maybe in 2001 or 2002, some renovation work started on the ground floor, and soon to my delight opened the Oxford Bookstore with its cute little cha bar.
I am a book lover, and earlier I had to go all the way to Mahalaxmi to Crossword, where it was then located, for a peaceful browse. Now, I could do all my browsing next door at Oxford, rejuvenating myself with a cup of delicious tea, from time to time.
To reach Oxford Bookstore, go to Churchgate and ask for KC College and Oxford is next door; or if you are coming from Fort, just walk across the Oval opposite the Rajabai Clock -Tower, cross Maharshi Karve Road, walk on Dinsha Watcha road,and you will find Oxford to your left past Empress Court.
Enter the bookstore and turn right to find the travel books section, which is good place to begin. The collection is quite comprehensive, ranging from mapsand travel guides to excellent travelogues. Walk around the counter and explore Art and Coffee Table Books, Non-Fiction, Cookery, Reference and Self-Help Books and you will find yourself in the Cha Bar where you may stop for a cup of tea of your choice. I prefer Nilgiri tea whilst browsing.
Move on to the Spiritual section at the end and turn aroud through the children's and Management sections to the Fiction section, the largest and most well stocked section of the bookstore. They also stock music and video in the central lobby, in case you have a penchant for it.
By now I'm sure you have picked a few books for browsing, so head for one of those comfortable orange rocking chairs and immerse yourself into the book. The ambience makes the browsing so heavenly that you will lose all sense of time - but don't worry the bookstore remains open till 10 PM so you can browse till the cows come home. the staff is very cooperative and won't disturb you unless you want to know something and let ne tell you they are quite prompt and knowledgeable.
Oxford organises Book launches, readings and literary events quite frequently, often graced by literary figures, authors and celluloid celebrities which I enjoyed so much and will always remember with fond nostalgia. They have events for children too on Sunday afternoons.
Alas, I relocated to Pune in mid-2006, and one thing I miss most here is my favourite Oxford Bookstore where I spent some of the most intellectually enriching, pleasurable, tranquil and satisfying moments of my life.
If you are around Churchgate in Mumbai, do make it a point to visit Oxford Bookstore. Browse to your heart's content, select books of your choice , and don't forget to have a cup of tea in the Cha bar. And do let me know about it.
VIKRAM KARVE
vikramkarve@sify.com
