Kuwait Times stepped into the world of literacy in its modern shape, discovering the level of digital integration, community engagement and reading culture in Kuwait. In an interview with an owner of a local bookstore and keen observer of literary trends, who preferred to remain anonymous, Kuwait Times gleaned a better understanding of this topic.

TikTok’s impact

The bookshop owner highlighted a crucial aspect, which is the role of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, in shaping readers’ choices and preferences. She pointed out how Netflix and TikTok have significantly influenced the reading habits of individuals in Kuwait. Moreover, the availability of counterfeit books from South Asia at competitive prices has also played a pivotal role in attracting readers to bookstores, underscoring the allure of affordable yet questionable quality reads.

Consumer demands

As the landscape of bookstores in Kuwait continues to evolve, she emphasized the adaptation of these establishments to cater to the changing interests of readers. In particular, there has been a noticeable shift towards stocking books trending on TikTok to align with the evolving tastes of the audience, reflecting a proactive approach to meet consumer-demand and preferences.

Book clubs and literary events

Furthermore, she shed light on the instrumental role played by book clubs and literary events in nurturing a vibrant reading culture in Kuwait. These platforms not only serve as forums for discussing and recommending books, but also impart valuable insights on the importance of acquiring original copies, thereby combating the proliferation of counterfeit publications and promoting ethics.

Bestselling genre in Kuwait

Regarding literary preferences, she identified romance and fantasy as the bestselling genres in Kuwait, reflecting the enduring appeal of love stories among readers. Additionally, notable Kuwaiti authors like Layla Al-Ammar, Nejoud Al-Yaqout, Chelsea Abdullah and Shahad Al-Shammary were highlighted during the discussion, symbolizing the local talent making significant strides in the literary domain.

In a nutshell

In the wake of the digital age, she discussed the impact of technological advancements on reading habits in Kuwait. While digital platforms like TikTok have propelled certain books to popularity and kindled interest in reading, concerns regarding the quality of content promoted online have also been raised. In response to these developments, bookstores in Kuwait are leveraging digital mediums to rejuvenate readers, enthusiasm and engagement to adapt to the changing literary landscape.