Brazil writes a love letter goodbye to books.

It’s always unfortunate how financial crises can stop someone from doing what they love. In the case of Brazil, book lovers are falling short of resources as the book trade sector is facing major decline in book sales because, well, people are getting poorer and poorer. The Guardian reported that the publishing sector of the country is experiencing critical changes as both bookstore chains Cultura and Saraiva are struggling to protect themselves from a highly possible bankruptcy.

Photo by Fernando Guerra 

This economic failure in the book market is not just damaging to readers and bookworms but it is also discouraging publishers and writers to share their work with the world due to a concrete fear of ‘flopping’. Ever since the climax of this crisis, 20 bookstores were announced to be closed. Only a book lover will understand what it feels like to roam around a bookstore laying their eyes on 10 exquisitely different titles at once hoping to find a gem. This feeling is never equivalent to online shopping, although the latter is far more convenient.

A nationally well-known Brazilian publisher, Luis Schwarcz, wrote a touching message about the matter titled ‘Cartos De Amor Aos Livros’ (translation: Love Letter to Books). In his open letter, Schwarcz marks that is it “dark days for book in Brazil”. He urges everyone touched, affected and interested in the matter to contribute and brainstorm solutions for the survival of this part of the cultural and artistic community.

“For those of you who, like me, nurture a love of books as your very reason for being, I ask you to spread this call, urge others to buy books this holiday season; books by your favorite authors, and by new authors you’ve been meaning to explore. Buy them at those bookstores that are heroically riding this crisis out, honoring their commitments, but also at those that have fallen on hard times, and who need our help to muddle through.”

Photo source

This turning point in the small book world of Brazil will greatly depend on those passionate enough to keep their bookshelves standing. More importantly, it will depend on the hope that perhaps one day money will no longer stand in the way of creativity and art.