As the sixth day of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2016 came to an end, science fiction books topped the list of the books most sought-after by readers, according to publishers and stall attendants.
The two days of Children’s Hour and the general interest of readers – mostly schoolgoers – in science fictions put the genre at the top of the bestsellers’ list, they said.
Two science fictions by veteran sci-fi writer Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, titled “Cranial,” published by Tamralipi, and “Titumi Ebong Titumi,” published Kakoli Prakashani, have been two of the most on-demand books at the fair so far, said the publishers.
Omar Hasan, an attendant at the Tamralipi, had a difficult time talking to this correspondent as he was attending to visitors, said Cranial is the most sought out book in their stall this year.
“The first edition is already sold out; we are currently selling the second edition,” he told the Dhaka Tribune.
It was the same at Kakoli Prakashani’s stall as well. Attendant Zahid Hasan said “Titumi Ebong Titumi” was their top bestseller.
Another science-fiction titled “Milir Bhalobasa,” written by Mostaque Ahmed and published by Anya Prakash, have gained much popularity among the readers, said the pavilion attendant Nuruddin.
The sale of reprints of Humayun Ahmed’s books was good as well.
“Chhoto Sobuj Manush” by Imdadul Haq Milon, a science fiction published by Ananya Prakashani, was also a popular choice.
Books of other genres made their way into the on-demand list, too.
The biography of national cricket team captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, written by Debbrata Mukherjee and published by Oitijjo Prakashani, is one of the top bestsellers so far, said publishers.
Sumonto Aslam’s “Pa Kata Pappu” and Ahsan Habib’s “Political Jokes,” both published by Annesha Prakashan, were high on demand by readers, said Annesha attendant Zahid Hasan.
Other bestselling titles include Somoy Prakashani’s “Liftey Atkey Pora Jubok-Jubotira by Anisul Hoque and “Nijer Songey Eka” by Masud Ahmad, Agamee Prakashani’s “Suchita” by Hasnat Abdul Hye, Prothoma Prakashan’s “Amar Samorik Jibon” by Maj Gen (retd) Amin Ahmed Chowdhury and “University of Dhaka: Making Unmaking Remaking,” edited by Imtiaz Ahmed and Iftekhar Iqbal, and Oitijjo Prakashani’s “Private Life of Yahia Khan,” translated by Rafiq Hariri, were among the most popular choices.
Yesterday, 155 new books were published at the book fair, putting the total number of new arrivals at 574.
