Chapter 101, A Rare Bookstore, Will Feed Your Book-Hungry Souls

Walking into Chapter 101, a bookstore that is every collector’s dream, felt like we were falling in love all over again. In love with the distinct smell of ink on paper, the yellowing corners of our favourite books and the almost-forgotten art of reading.

Conceptualised by Raju Singh, Chapter 101 stocks 1,000 titles – rare discoveries, first-edition copies and all the classics. Every single book has been carefully curated, from all over the world, and assembled as part of this massive collection by Mr. Singh himself.

Choose from a wide range of genres – fiction, art, music, sport or biographies – this store has something for everyone.

Soft jazz music, a strict no-cellphone policy, bright lights, posters of Louis Armstrong and Bob Marley as well as a display of vintage décor and accessories, Chapter 101 is a recreation of every reader’s happy place. Take your time, peruse the book-lined shelves – there’s enough to keep you looking for a while.

We spotted beautiful copies of Hemingway’s masterpieces, Somerset Maugham’s wondrous creations and all 90 of PG Wodehouse’s books.

Then, buy yourself a book, any book, and start building your own collection. Let that rare collector’s item, that glorious hard-bound book be the beginning of a new chapter in your romance with reading. Prices start at INR 500 and can go up, up and up depending on the rarity of the book. Curl up on the store’s comfy leather chairs and turn to page one – it’s okay if you’ll be a while.

That you probably haven’t been to a bookstore like this, in Delhi or Gurgaon. Pour yourself some coffee and indulge your reading habit at Chapter 101.