Crossword: A Literary Retreat | Bookstore by Siyona, 13, Gurgaon
Siyona Bakshi, a 13-year-old from Gurgaon, passionately shares her bookstore experience at Crossword.
Crossword: A Literary Retreat
On a Wednesday afternoon during a science substitution, my classmates engaged in a conversation about their favorite stores for a weekend break. Some of my fashion-admirer friends mentioned Zara or Aldo, while others discussed delectable eateries. When it was my turn, I stood up and shared that my preferred place to hang around was Crossword. Crossword—a bookstore? Who would choose a bookstore when there’s the opportunity to shop, have fun in game zones, buy the clothes you’ve always wished for, or indulge in the food you’ve been craving all week? Well, believe it or not, it’s true.
Someone has rightly said that books take you places you have never been before, and this quote resonates with me to this day. In my opinion, books transport us to a new world, transcending the boundaries of our current situation. In this era of booming technology, people have the convenience to scroll and read on various devices. However, I believe the feel and smell of printed pages, whether old or new, are beyond words. Finding your corner, your preferred pieces, and a convivial ambiance is all you need to call it a fruitful day, and Crossword provides such an environment.
I was 10 years old when I visited Crossword for the first time. As an ardent reader who has explored numerous bookstores, this one stood out as a special place—a place where I could spend my entire evening. Walking through the aisles of books, trying to find one I liked, I fell in love with the ambiance of the store. The wall colors accentuated the overall environment, bringing out the hue of the books. The aroma of the room made me not want
to leave anytime soon. As I walked through my favorite genre and picked up a book with a fascinating cover, the strategically placed lights highlighted the colors of the books, making everything legible. I found a corner, began scrolling through the pages of the book, and wished to continue reading there instead of leaving the store. Since then, I have been a regular at Crossword, picking up a book and rushing to the comfiest sofa to get engrossed in my dreamy experience.
One thing I admire about the store is the diversity of genres. From autobiographies of Barack Obama to the tales of Percy Jackson, Crossword has it all. Not only famous books but also upcoming authors find their space in the store. Another aspect I appreciate is how the segregation of books is customized for the selected audience. The children’s section is bright and colorful, attracting kids easily, while the adult section showcases eye-catching book titles at the top. Even if I was there to look for a fictional piece, the representation of autobiographies still attracted me. The soothing silence of the store adds to its tranquil beauty.
And what a collection of accessories! Crossword offers a variety of movies, music, toys, stationery, magazines, and DVDs. Fun keychains, beautiful bookmarks, and bright highlighters catch the eye. My first choice for accessories is the bookmarks, each symbolizing a different story or book. From designer paper masterpieces to metal delights, you will find a variety of bookmarks for yourself or for gifting. In fact, when I published my first book, I shopped for these beautiful bookmarks from Crossword to gift to my family and friends along with the book.
The recommendation section in the store is a delight, making customers aware of genres new to them and encouraging them to try something out of the box. Crossword offers Gift Vouchers, a convenient ‘Return, Exchange & Refunds’ policy, ambient cafes within the stores that enhance my reading experience, and make it enjoyable. Additionally, the Crossword Book Rewards Program, exclusive discounts, and offers add icing to the cake. Crossword also publishes a monthly newsletter called ‘EWORDS’ for its members, featuring reviews of new books, authors, exciting news about bestseller lists, and in-store events.
What more could a book lover ask for? Crossword is a place of cultural learning and social interaction.It is where readers seek information, feel enlightened and entertained, authors share their masterpieces, and children delight in the joy of exploration through reading.
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