How book events are powering a new chapter for Malaysian indie bookshops

Lit Books co-founder Fong (left) and Malaysian author Tash Aw, based in Paris, at a book event for his new novel 'The South' in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, last month. Apart from its Petaling Jaya main store, Lit Books also has an outpost at CzipLee in Bangsar. Photo: The Star/Raja Faisal Hishan

In a world of shrinking third spaces, bookstores – especially the smaller, independent ones – remain important places where people gather over a shared love of books and reading.

Coinciding with World Book Day 2025 on April 23, these independent bookstores – where culture, conversation, and community come together meaningfully – deserve a moment in the spotlight.