Kemisha Anderson fosters reading culture with online bookstore

Growing up in rural Clarendon, Kemisha Anderson recalls getting lost between the pages, escaping into the wonderful words of adventure. With books becoming her greatest companion, it came as no surprise when she followed her lifelong dream of creating an online community dedicated to fostering a healthy reading culture.

“As an avid reader, my journey into owning an online bookstore was deeply personal. It wasn’t just about starting a business. It was about creating a sanctuary for bibliophiles like myself who still loved reading physical books and preserving the essence of storytelling and fostering a community bound by a shared love for books,” she told Living.

Starting The Bookshelf Jamaica a year ago has been one of her most rewarding experiences to date. “Having people reach out to share their thoughts on the books they are currently reading and what they are excited to read next has been so heartwarming,” she added.

Some of the exciting books on the reading list so far include personal development books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, What Happened to You by Oprah Winfrey, and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.

Other popular picks feature memoirs such as Spare by Prince Harry, Finding Me by Viola Davis, and How to Say Babylon by Jamaican Safiya Sinclair. And then there are those favourite fiction novels like Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, The After Series, The Twisted Series, and just about anything written by Colleen Hoover. She also invites readers to indulge in the collection of financial and business books.

As the world made its shift into the digital era, there was a decline in the practice of going hand to paper and physically reading a book from cover to cover. This didn’t sit well with the public-relations consultant.

“While digital books certainly offer convenience and portability, there’s an irreplaceable charm and sensory experience that comes with reading physical books. For me, the tangible sensation of holding a book, turning its pages, and even inhaling that distinctive ‘new book’ scent adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the reading process. I’ve found that there are still many people just like me in that regard. I also find that it is much easier to get distracted when reading e-books,” Anderson explained.

The aim going forward was to carve out a niche for those who were reading in her shoes. “I wanted to create a space for book lovers where they could still immerse themselves and get access to the physical books they desired regardless of where they are across the island or their busy schedules. An online bookstore seemed like the perfect solution; a platform where readers could explore a wide array of titles, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts from all walks of life,” she revealed.

As a seasoned collector, a bookshelf is a reader’s most prized possession. And this stood as the motivation for the company’s name. “It’s also an indication of the community that we are building; a shared experience where readers can come and choose their next reads just like they would do if they were in their homes,” she shared.

“What truly sets us apart from other online bookstores on the market is our unwavering dedication to fostering a love of reading and building a vibrant community of book enthusiasts. We are more than just a bookstore. We are a destination for literary discovery, connection, and inspiration.”

With book lovers already enjoying a wide array of genres available, her hope is to continue on that reading streak by adding more novels and genres as time goes on and based on what is requested.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com

Anderson’s top five favourite reads

How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

To Kill a MockingBird by Harper Lee

The Alchemist by Paulo Pablo

Atomic Habits by James Clear