AN exclusive book exhibition featuring books about Guyana and by Guyanese authors titled “Voices of Guyana,” took place on Sunday at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, where more than 100 books were on display and for sale.

The event was organised by General Manager of New Era Business Enterprise, Karen Bacchus-Hinds, who personally curated 100 books authored by Guyanese from abroad and sourced 20 locally, also written by Guyanese.

Bacchus-Hinds, who has been in the book business since 1996, told the Guyana Chronicle that she recently realised that we needed to read more books written by our local people and about Guyana.

She was eagerly motivated to create the collection over sometime prior to hosting the book exhibition on Sunday.

Bacchus-Hinds explained that she read “Reaching for the Stars” by Yesu Persaud, that book piqued her interest and she was even more willing to showcase our local writers and their books when she recently asked her morning walking partner, a young lady, who was Edgar Mittleholzer, and she did not know.

She thought that it was time to bring back our local books for our people to have the opportunity to read them to broaden their scope of our country and writers.

Bacchus-Hinds added that she made a commitment to herself to have the books available here in Guyana, at the bookstore located in the Courtyard Mall, Robb Street, and at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

The businesswoman pointed out that as an avid reader she likes to read books, all books, but to have all books about Guyana and by Guyanese authors is something she had to make happen, having read a few.

Bacchus-Hinds was especially pleased by the large turnout and by the time the event had concluded, there were hardly any books to pack away as most were sold.

Scores of people poured in to look at the books and to purchase their favourite.

Even visitors staying at the Four Points by Sheraton passed through and bought books. One of those persons was Kevin Petram, who was intrigued by the collection.

Another visitor, Michelle Singh, who bought 10 books told the Guyana Chronicle that as a person who is addicted to reading and books, she had to have some of it.

She showed up early and had her fill of books, some of which she had been wanting for a long time. To have them all in one place was exactly what she needed.

Singh disclosed that she developed a deep love for books and reading when she was in second form in high school. A teacher who loved books encouraged her to start reading and since then she has been hooked.

Poet Jamella Chesney, who had busied herself with looking at the books, picked up a few. She was interested in the poetry books on display.