中文 (台灣)
Every parent, no matter the era or country, always hopes their child will love words and books. That’s why moms and dads enjoy spending weekends in libraries and bookstores. There’s a common notion: the more time a child spends surrounded by books, the more they’ll love reading, and their studies will go smoothly.
Over time, society has cultivated countless book lovers—people who even find comfort in the vast sea of books. Some, when facing life’s hardships or setbacks, return to the happy “book haven” of childhood, circling back to its familiar embrace. This is why you’ll often find people with a passion for opening their own bookstore.
No matter how difficult the business may be, regardless of political climates that may limit certain sensitive books from shelves, you’ll still see bookstore owners pressing on with a fiery determination to create their dream bookstore.
Feng Ma has a special love for independent bookstores—unlike the impersonal, chain-style stores—because indie bookstores are a part of the neighborhood, familiar to every customer who walks in. Each visit brings a warm greeting: “Hello Susan, good morning! Up so early?” A friendly concern: “Hey, why so down today?” A thoughtful recommendation: “Your favorite baker just released a new book. Saved you a copy.” Or a neighborhood collaboration: “Old Mr. Wong passed recently. We’re raising a little something to help out his widow.”
Owners of independent bookstores know they’re not in it to get rich; many even put their life savings on the line. They do it because they’re driven by a deep sense of responsibility and mission. They believe there’s still a world worth supporting: writers with dreams, neighbors with heart, young people with ideals. A force that keeps the community strong and supportive.
Like in the UK, where many people make a point to avoid chain supermarkets and instead drive to a local farm for their meat, eggs, and vegetables, driven by the simple conviction that society can’t survive on a single choice.
In a play that most impacted Feng Ma, there’s a scene that shows why independent bookstores in Ukraine keep operating in the thick of war. What, after all, drives them to such resilience?
Feng Ma highly recommends this Hong Kong theater group in Taiwan: Isoleighbourland Theatre.
Turning the Page: A Documentary Theatre on Independent Bookstores
This Saturday and Sunday, November 16–17, 2024.
Venue: Native Theater of International Hall, Tainan Cultural Center
Taiwan friends who are interested can check the ticket hotline below.
👇👇
