Street Vendor Transitions from Peddling Textbooks on a Sidewalk to Operating a Bookstore as an Appreciator of Literature
Rewritten Article:
Meet Shadi Abu Nasser: The Unsung Hero of Literature in Irbid, Jordan
In the heart of Irbid, Jordan, stands a beacon of knowledge — a humble bookstore run by Shadi Abu Nasser, a man passionately devoted to the written word. With a career spanning over a decade, this English literature graduate has turned a chance encounter into a thriving business, all in the name of knowledge.
Shadi's journey into the book trade was serendipitous, born out of necessity. Back in 2006, while preparing for high school, financial struggles led him to sell his own collection of books to help make ends meet. Little did he know, this fortuitous decision would mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
"On the very first day, the turnout was astounding," Shadi recalls. "I sold my first book for just $5, and it was a pivotal moment that set me on this path." The idea may have been unacceptable to his family initially, but the success that followed soon won them over.
Inspired by the growing interest in books, Shadi began investing in literature. He purchased books, read them first, and then offered them for sale, creating a small yet vibrant collection.
Knowledge: A Powerful Arsenal
Fast forward to today, and Shadi's bookstore boasts an impressive inventory of over 10,000 titles, encompassing genres ranging from philosophy and politics to children's books and human development. "Our store is a testament to the power of knowledge," Shadi explains, "we can bring any book recommended by readers, in any language, with any title or topic."
Establishing the store wasn't easy. A spat with the local municipality forced Shadi to relocate his store from the sidewalk, but the support of the community pushed back. The hashtag "#Return Shadi's store" became a rallying cry on social media, ultimately persuading the municipality to reconsider its decision.
Shadi's bookstore isn't confined to Irbid; it extends its reach across various governorates, cities, and countries through online purchasing. Consistent supporters from Palestine, Kuwait, America, Europe, Brazil, Germany, and Denmark have helped him deliver books speedily and at lowest cost, ensuring they cater to readers' needs and demands.
Cultivating a Reading Culture
Shadi's bookstore serves as a cultural and intellectual cornerstone in the city. Organizing exhibitions in remote villages and governorates, particularly in schools, helps support and motivate children and young adults to read under the slogan "Knowledge is Power."
For Shadi, the power of books transcends the realm of the physical. He dreams of establishing a publishing and translation house to spread Jordanian literature across the globe, introducing literature from Africa, Portugal, and South Korea to unlock untold stories and perspectives.
Spreading the Word, Literally
Shadi's bookstore runs without guards or a camera system, relying on the communal spirit of the community to return borrowed books. An incident where a kind stranger thanked Shadi for leaving books out for passersby gave him immense satisfaction, emphasizing the power of trust and community in cultivating a reading culture.
Despite facing adversity, Shadi has kept his spirit undeterred. Although he briefly considered emigrating due to local injustices, he ultimately found solace in his bookstore, describing it as the place that offers him the simplest joys far from financial returns and luxury.
Banned Books and Political Titles
Shadi's bookstore is known for carrying titles that challenge the status quo, including works that have been banned in certain territories — such as "King Talal's Diary", "The Genius of Failure", and novels by Ayman Al-Atoum. Shadi takes great pride in stocking books that delve into the Palestinian cause, with influential voices like Nur Masalha, Ibrahim Khalaf, and George Habash gracing the shelves.
Shadi's ambition burns bright — he aspires to own the largest bookstore in the Middle East, and he tirelessly works towards making this dream a reality. In the meantime, he will continue to serve as an instrument of change, using the power of knowledge to bring people together and build a more literate, globally connected world.
- Global News: The latest story highlights Shadi Abu Nasser, the unsung hero of literature in Lebanon, converting a chance encounter into an NGO dedicated to providing books in Middle Eastern countries like Egypt and beyond.
- The Power of Literature: Shadi's bookstore in Irbid, Jordan offers over 10,000 titles, from banned books to human development books, demonstrating the profound influence of literature in reshaping lifestyles and fostering intellectual growth.
- Reaching across Borders: Apart from the physical store, Shadi's bookstore caters to readers globally, shipping books to locations ranging from Palestine to Denmark, promoting a shared passion for literature that transcends geographical barriers.
- Books for a Cause: In addition to promoting reading culture among children and young adults, Shadi's bookstore carries books discussing the Palestinian cause, with works from authors like Nur Masalha, Ibrahim Khalaf, and George Habash.
- A Home-and-Garden Edition: Alongside its vast collection of knowledge-based literature, Shadi's bookstore caters to readers' interests in lifestyle and home-and-garden books, offering a diverse range so everybody can find something to enjoy.
- Entertainment and Entertainment: Not just about intellectual stimulation, Shadi's bookstore also stocks entertainment books covering a wide range of topics, from fiction to comedy, catering to readers who seek lighthearted reading.
- Honoring Differences: Shadi takes pride in offering a platform for unique perspectives, such as literature from Africa, Portugal, and South Korea, helping to bring diverse stories to a global audience.
- Community Trust: In an exceptional act of community spirit, Shadi's bookstore operates without guards or cameras, relying on community members' honesty to return borrowed books, reinforcing the idea that trust and communal cooperation can pave the way for a thriving reading culture.
