Located at the intersection of Le Quang Dinh and Tran Van Ky streets in Binh Thanh District, this 25-square-meter shop houses over 1,000 titles collected from various sources.

The shop offers a diverse range of genres, including magazines, literature, language books, and comic books. Prices vary based on quality and rarity, ranging from VND 10,000 to 200,000.

Before opening his shop, Mr. Sang used to peddle books around District 1. "I have loved books and newspapers since I was a child. For me, reading books is enough because knowledge is crucial. It makes people more aware, correct, and open-minded in life," he shared.

In his free time, Mr. Sang browses online groups dedicated to selling old books to find and purchase new additions. "You can find any book online, just post what you're looking for, and people will respond immediately," he said.

The shop, filled with the nostalgia of bygone days, is always neatly organized. Many of the books have been in print for decades but are still in good condition.

Ms. Phan Hoang Nguyen from District 11 often visits the shop, saying, "My home is 12 kilometers away, but I come here on weekends when I have free time. It feels like getting a ticket back to my childhood."

Comics are among the best-selling items. "This shop has been around for almost 50 years, so many generations have visited. Some people read my books when they were in elementary school, and now they bring their children to pick out books," Mr. Sang said with a smile.

"I arrange and clean the books every day to preserve them for the long term. You must learn to appreciate books to truly read them," he explained.

Apart from selling books, Mr. Sang enjoys collecting rare books. Although many people offer high prices for them, he insists on not selling. Occasionally, he gives them away to those he holds dear.

Reflecting on the early days of his bookshop, Mr. Sang feels nostalgic. Now, his children are over 40 years old, successful, and have stable jobs, but he still enjoys running the shop. Partly to remain independent and partly to maintain his joy in his twilight years.

Most of Mr. Sang's customers visit on weekends, primarily regulars. "About ten years ago, the shop was bustling during the summer. This summer, it's much quieter, probably because the younger generation reads online," he mused.

For Mr. Sang, everyone has their way of accessing knowledge. The important thing is the lessons learned and how they are applied. His bookshop remains a peaceful haven for those who love printed books.

Ngoc Diem