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Honest Review: Amman International Book Fair 2023

Yesterday marked the final day of the Amman International Book Fair 2023. We at Read & Blog had the pleasure of attending the first and fourth days of the fair, and we’re excited to share our honest opinion with you.

This renowned event took place in the heart of Jordan and is any book lover’s paradise, but like any experience, it comes with its ups and downs.

In this article, we’ll delve into the good, the bad, and the overall experience of visiting the Amman International Book Fair.

The Positive Side of Amman International Book Fair 2023

A Diverse Selection of Books

A Book with a purple cover
One of the books we adored at the fair

In this fair, we were able to find books from classic novels to contemporary bestsellers, academic texts, cultural books, all the way to children’s literature, and early ages educational books. This diversity of offerings ensured that there was something for everyone, especially since this diversity included languages other than Arabic and English.

Spacious Venue

The fair was held in a spacious location, which was essential for accommodating the large number of visitors it attracted. With ample room to move around, we didn’t feel cramped while exploring the book stalls, which enabled us to explore the books freely.

Author-Reader Connection

At this fair, we were able to meet many authors such as Sara Badawieh the author of Jasmine Tea, Dalia, and Beige and Blue. We also saw other Jordanian authors as well as Iraqi authors. It’s one thing to admire an author’s work from afar, but meeting them in person, was a great opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite authors.

Cultural Exchange

Ministry of Culture in Qatar
The Ministry of Culture in Qatar

This fair featured some regional booths, including Palestine, Oman, and Qatar, among others, which allowed attendees to explore literature from different cultures. We were approached by the friendly hosts at these booths and we were able to ask them questions about their cultures, which enriched our understanding and appreciation of their diverse cultures. However, there was a lack of international booths which could’ve enhanced our cultural experience.

Friendly Hosts

The booth hosts and staff were very helpful and friendly. Whether we had a question about book recommendations, or directions within the fair, or simply wanted to engage in a pleasant conversation about literature, we found the booth hosts eager to assist, and their approachable demeanor enhanced our overall experience.

Relaxation Areas

Amidst the hustle and bustle of book shopping and attending events, the fair provided cafes and relaxation areas where visitors were able to take a break, enjoy a cup of coffee, smoke, and delve into their newly acquired books.

The Unfavorable Side of Amman International Book Fair 2023

Parking and Accessibility

While the venue itself was spacious, getting there was a bit of a challenge. Finding parking near the fairgrounds was a hassle, especially during the weekends. Additionally, public transportation options to the venue, not including taxi applications, were limited, which may have posed some difficulties for those relying on them.

Pricing

The Book Mindset
Mindset by Carol Dweck

While the fair offered a vast selection of books, some attendees have expressed concerns about pricing. Some books may be priced higher than what you’d find in regular bookstores. However, it’s worth noting that discounts and promotions were also available, so diligent shoppers were still able to find good deals.

Crowds and Queues

As with any popular event, the Amman International Book Fair got quite crowded sometimes, particularly on weekends, or when some famous authors were signing their books. This made the navigation through the masses time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming.

The Organization

Even though this year marks the 22nd year for this prestigious event, the organization of the events and activities remained the same as in previous years and maybe it got a bit boring, especially if we compare it to other international book fairs such as the one being held next in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Other aspects that needed improvement included the rugs used, which looked worn-out and even bumpy which made us stumble a few times, and the lack of AC which made the venue extremely hot even at night.   

Limited International Outreach

While the fair attracted a diverse local and regional audience, there was some potential for broader international outreach. Strengthening efforts to promote the fair on the global stage could’ve attracted more international publishers, authors, and visitors, enriching the fair’s cultural exchange and diversity.

To conclude, in comparison to other book fairs around the world, the Amman International Book Fair stood out for its focus on Arab literature and its commitment to promoting cultural exchange. While larger international fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair or the London Book Fair have a global reach, the Amman Fair emphasized regional literature which created a unique space for Arab authors and publishers to thrive.

Nonetheless, book fairs like the Amman International Book Fair are more than just commercial events; they are celebrations of literature, platforms for authors, and opportunities for readers to connect with the written word. So if you missed this year’s fair, don’t worry, this fair is held annually and you can always visit next year.

Continue checking Read & Blog for more articles, book reviews, book recommendations, quotes, and much more.

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