Street Peddler Transforms into Literary Aficionado and Bookstore Proprietor
In a twist of fate, Shadi Abu Nasser, a former high school student with a passion for books, found himself kicking off his career in the literary trade. Back in 2006, he had a small collection of books that he wanted to sell to help himself and his family. With his friend by his side, he set up shop at the gate of Yarmouk University. To his surprise, the turnout was incredible, marking the beginning of a successful bookstore career.
The first book he sold was for a measly $5. Initially, his family wasn't too keen on the idea, but necessity pushed them to support him when they saw its effectiveness. This encounter sparked a seed of curiosity in Shadi, as people started asking him about books and expressing a genuine interest in reading. Investing in books with a personal touch – reading them first before selling them – quickly became his favored approach.
Spreading wisdom, one book at a time
Fast forward to present day, Shadi's bookstore has flourished. Now featuring over 10,000 different titles, it offers books ranging from thought, philosophy, politics, psychology, literature, medical sciences, children's books, and books on human development. He even has the ability to source any book recommended by readers, regardless of the language or topic.
The store was established through immense effort and dedication. Initially, Shadi was selling books on the street, but a conflict arose with the municipality that forced him to remove his store from the sidewalk. However, the people’s love and support shone through during a viral #ReturnShadi'sStore campaign. The municipality eventually reconsidered and allowed the store to return legally after Shadi agreed to pay an annual license fee.
A mobile bookstore on a mission
Shadi's store didn't stop at one location; it extended its reach to other cities, states, and countries by activating online purchasing. Countries such as Palestine, Kuwait, America, Europe, Brazil, Germany, and Denmark became constant supporters. Delivering books to these countries was a priority, ensuring quick delivery at the lowest cost according to the readers' demand.
The store has garnered a loyal community following without whom Shadi admits he would not have succeeded or continued. When the store was temporarily removed, the #Shadi'sStore hashtag was trending on social media for three days. The news spread globally, and Shadi was contacted by international news agencies seeking answers.
Overcoming adversity
The most challenging moment for Shadi was when he was in another city purchasing books, and the municipality removed his store and threw the books away in a landfill. Known as the 'Book Whisperer', Shadi made it a point to travel to the landfill, retrieve his books, and continue his journey.
Laughing off a little mischief
One of the most humorous instances that occurred in the store involved a patron writing a thank-you note for the free access to books. The stranger admitted that they could have taken a book while passing by but chose instead to leave a message expressing gratitude for the shared knowledge. Shadi gladly embraced this honest act and even posted the note on his social media pages.
The Great Departure
Feeling frustrated and oppressed, Shadi decided to leave Jordan and embark on a journey to the United Arab Emirates. He took up a position as a cultural consultant but soon discovered that his place was not there. He yearned for simplicity and psychological comfort away from financial returns and luxury. Shadi eventually returned to Jordan, reopened his bookstore, and mended his relationship with the municipality.
The most sought-after books
The store's most popular books include novels by Ghassan Kanafani, books by Gibran Khalil Gibran, The Art of Indifference by Mark Manson, and Facilitated Encyclopedia of Islamic History by Ragheb Al-Sirjani. Banned books such as King Talal's diary, The Genius of Failure by Khaled Al-Hassan, and some novels by Ayman Al-Atoum are also available.
Embracing the future
Shadi aspires to own the largest bookstore in the Middle East, with plans to construct a publishing and translation house dedicated to spreading the Middle Eastern culture and literature to other languages. He aims to introduce African literature from countries like the Congo and Nigeria, as well as Portuguese literature and South Korean literature to fresh audiences. His store continues to serve as a cultural and intellectual landmark of the city, housing books on the Palestinian cause featuring some of its most powerful advocates.
- Shadi, with a passion for books, kickstarted his literary career in Lebanon, selling books at Yarmouk University's gate.
- His bookstore now houses over 10,000 titles, offering books on diverse topics such as philosophy, literature, psychology, and education and self-development.
- Despite initial struggles with the municipality, Shadi's store flourished due to the support of his community, as shown by the viral #ReturnShadi'sStore campaign.
- The store extends its reach online, serving customers globally, from Palestine to Denmark.
- The store's most sought-after books include works by Ghassan Kanafani, Gibran Khalil Gibran, and Mark Manson, as well as some banned books like King Talal's diary and Ayman Al-Atoum's novels.
- Shadi aspires to open the largest bookstore in the Middle East and build a publishing and translation house for Middle Eastern culture and literature.
- He plans to introduce African literature from countries like the Congo and Nigeria, as well as Portuguese literature and South Korean literature to new audiences.
- In the midst of adversity, Shadi, nicknamed the 'Book Whisperer,' even managed to retrieve his books from a landfill when they were discarded by the municipality.
- A humorous incident occurred when a patron left a thank-you note for free access to books, confessing they had the opportunity to take a book but chose not to.
- Shadi, who once felt frustrated and oppressed, returned to Jordan, reopened his bookstore, and mended his relationship with the municipality, embracing his home in the Middle East.
