The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Recently launched onto the Egyptian market, Shorouk Bookstore has more
than eight branches throughout Cairo.
If you’re familiar with the name, it’s because Shorouk Bookstore is part of the
Shorouk Group, which also includes Dar El Shorouk, arguably the most powerful Arabic
publishing house in Egypt
with over 4000 published titles to date. First established in 1968 by Mohamed
El Moallem, Dar El Shorouk quickly became the leading independent modern
publishing house in Egypt
and the Arab World.

Its association with Dar El Shorouk means that Shorouk Bookstore not
only carries the printing house’s titles; but it has also gained a reputation
as a well-stocked chain, hosting regular book reading and book signing events
by Dar El Shorouk’s authors. Following the same formula as Diwan, El
Shorouk carries both local and international titles, as well as a magazine and
notebook shelf. The Zamalek branch also offers a coffee corner catered by
Cilantro in case browsing through books leaves you parched.

Located on the corner of the historical Talaat Square, El Shorouk
Bookstore’s Downtown branch provides a great refuge when you need to escape from
the crowded streets.

Once you step through the arched entrance in its yellow granite stone,
you’ll find the space is divided into two levels, and each level separated into
sections for Arabic and English titles. Mahogany-hued shelves are crammed from
top to bottom with books, so browsing might take a while. However, the sections
are marked according to subject and the sales attendants are always nearby, so
any inquiries should be answered rather efficiently.

The two-level space is a homey juncture of modern and classic tales,
including a little of everything in between. Popular literature is in abundance
including bestsellers such as Danielle Steel and Stephen King. The sensation
of Paulo Coelho has made it to this
bookstore as well; a box set of twelve of his titles costs 500LE. While they
might not have a heavy focus on cult classics, the bookstore has an impressive
selection of titles by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jane Austen starting at 50LE.
A copy of Marquez’s The Story of a
Shipwrecked Sailor costs 80LE.

Upstairs, children’s books and games can be found in abundance with
titles as cheap as 8LE. In comparison to other bookstores around, Shorouk’s
collection of stationary and journals is small, though; you can pick up an Alice in Wonderland 2011 calendar
for 55LE.

At the time of this reviewer’s visit, the shop had a sale of 15% to 50%;
so make sure to check it out and see what deals you can find. Whether you’re
looking for a quick read on current economics or a historical tale of a
religious battle, chances are that El Shorouk won’t let you down.