For nearly 30 years, Quang has sold old books on the sidewalks of Lam Van Ben Street in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City. Once a man with a happy family in Dong Nai province, a series of misfortunes left him homeless and penniless, relying on selling books to survive.

With no shop or signboard, Quang's makeshift bookstall is set up on the pavement. The old pushcart, placed against a school fence, is what he affectionately calls his "bookstore." This cart holds his entire collection of precious books.

Quang carefully arranges his books into neat stacks on the sidewalk. "Come pick a book!" he calls out as he removes the tarp covering his cart when customers arrive. Despite the cart’s worn appearance, it offers a diverse range of books, including foreign literature, science, fairy tales, novels, textbooks, and magazines.

All the books in Quang's collection are gifts from the people of Saigon. He expresses his gratitude: "I used to buy old books from junk sellers. Now, due to my declining health, I can't go looking for them anymore. Instead, people bring old books and magazines to me."

Quang sells books from 6am to 11am daily, then seeks shade in nearby parks to rest at noon. After each selling session, he carefully packs the books into the cart, covers it with a tarp, and locks it to protect them from the elements. To him, books are not just inanimate objects but hold immense value, nourishing the mind and encouraging readers to reflect on life’s philosophies.

Since 2005, Quang has been dedicated to selling old books. Over nearly two decades, he has witnessed changes in reading habits and customer preferences. "In the early days, before technology became widespread, many people came to my bookstall. However, there was a period when the number of customers significantly dropped as most turned to online reading platforms," Quang recalls.

Quang shares, "Whenever young people come to buy books, I feel very excited. It shows that there are still many who appreciate the value of old books." When customers browse his collection, he enthusiastically introduces the books and allows them to swap one book for another at a low price, sometimes even giving additional books to those who buy many.

“My eyesight is poor, and I can't read the covers or price them correctly, but customers never cheat an old man; they pay what they see fit,” he candidly admits.

During the rainy season, fewer customers visit, and Quang sometimes makes only 20,000 to 50,000 VND a day, often having to pack up without any sales. At night, the sidewalks around his area become his shelter. He parks his book cart by the roadside, only covered with a tarp, but it has never been stolen.

Recently, Quang's story has spread on social media, drawing community attention. As a result, he feels happier as the number of customers has significantly increased, sometimes reaching a dozen a day. Many people also bring him drinks, snacks, and even more old books.

At 90 years old, Quang’s most valuable possession is his old book cart. His only wish is that when he passes away, he will have a resting place and someone to take care of his funeral. He also hopes someone will continue his legacy by donating his entire collection of old books to libraries in underprivileged schools, giving young readers access to valuable knowledge.

Despite his old age, Quang considers himself fortunate to be healthy and mentally sharp enough to sell books and support himself. "Even though life is tough, at least I am embraced by the love of the people in Saigon," he says.

Quang's story exemplifies the warmth and compassion in the heart of a modern city. No matter how challenging life gets, there are always kind-hearted individuals ready to provide support. In a small corner of the city, an old man tirelessly maintains his book-selling business, preserving the culture of reading in the digital age.

Currently, old book sellers like Quang are becoming scarce. Some have given up the trade due to the struggle for daily survival, while others hold onto it at all costs, viewing old books as their life's treasure.