Nostalgia for old books

Perhaps, for anyone from the 80s and 90s generations, the image of books, comics, and rental kiosks is an unforgettable part of their memories. With the development of society, that image is gradually being replaced by smartphones, iPads, and ebooks... One might think that convenience and modernity would erase the pages of old comics. But no, contrary to the trend, many people choose to preserve these time-worn books as close friends and confidants.

Located on a central street in Vinh City, the humble bookstore and comic book rental shop of Mr. and Mrs. Tran Nguyen Tich is completely out of place amidst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area. Many people have offered to rent the first floor of their shop at a high price, but Mr. Tich has refused each time, choosing to live peacefully and pursue his passion.

In 1994, driven by his love for books, he quit his job as a military teacher and returned to Vinh to open this bookstore. Recalling those years, Mr. Tich reminisced: "Back then, books were scarce and expensive, and I couldn't afford them, so I often befriended booksellers to borrow them. Once I started this business, I no longer needed to borrow books; every day I get to live surrounded by books, and I'm incredibly happy!"

The years 1995-2005 were the "golden age" in Uncle Tich's book-making career. It was a time when children skipped breakfast to rent comics, every desk drawer had a few comic books, students lost their bicycles to reading, and young people passed around novels and classic series until their spines were worn... At that time, there were easily 200 book and comic rental shops in Vinh City, but Uncle Tich's shop was always packed with tiny stools. There wasn't enough room inside, so many people had to sit on their bikes or on the porch to read.

Now, the spacious bench in my uncle's shop is rarely occupied. After many years in the business, my uncle and aunt have attended countless weddings of their clients and now sell books and stories to their children.Reading cultureThings are different now than they used to be. The shop has very few customers now, mostly repeat customers, but I'm still determined to keep it open because of my passion. I've always dreamed of working with schools to build libraries for students. I can get the books at the lowest possible price, putting in all the effort and transportation without thinking about profit. Spreading my love of books to young people, at my age, is the most meaningful thing," Uncle Tich shared.

Established around the same time as Uncle Tich's shop, Aunt Hoang Thi Dong's comic book rental shop was extremely familiar to comic book enthusiasts in the Truong Thi and Ben Thuy areas. There was a time when her shop was completely full, packed with students reading and escaping the heat every summer afternoon. Now, fewer customers rent comics, so Aunt Dong only stocks the latest volumes of "Conan - The Famous Detective" and sells ice cream and coffee to supplement her income. Occasionally, a few old, regular customers still come to her shop to rent comics, getting a book for just 2-3 thousand dong to relive their childhood.

On the bookshelves that cover the walls, Aunt Dong still keeps many books that are half a century old. Many people have come to ask to buy them, but she doesn't want to sell them. For her, these books are not only a passion but also hold countless memories.

Although not involved in the book business, many people still collect and preserve old comic books as an unshakeable passion. Hoang Chinh (Ben Thuy Ward, Vinh City) is one such person.

Born in 1993, Chinh's childhood was filled with comic books like Doraemon, Dragon Ball, Teppi the Super Mischievous, and The Road to the Goal... As an adult, able to earn his own living in the IT field, Chinh returned to his childhood passion. Beside his towering stacks of comics, Chinh proudly says: “I started collecting comic books in sets about four years ago, from bookstores and online book exchange forums. It's a hobby that isn't too expensive, but it takes a lot of time to find them. These comics are not only childhood memories but also help me relax after stressful work hours.”

As an active member of nationwide forums for exchanging and buying/selling used books, Mr. Nguyen Doan Nghia (Doi Cung Ward, Vinh City) has connected with many people who share the same passion. He shared: “Most people who enjoy collecting old books and comics belong to the 80s and 90s generations. Some seek out old comic books as a way to preserve memories, while others want to buy them as gifts for their children. They are willing to spend many times the cover price to own early editions of these books. In large cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, this exchange and trading activity is very vibrant.”

Simple and unpretentious, these worn-out old books and faded comic pages not only recount the youthful memories of a generation but also preserve the beauty of reading culture from a bygone era...