In Conversation with Zubair Bookshelf

Our founder, Nazreen talks to Mr Zubair, an esteemed book collector and the man behind Zubair Bookshelf.

 A writer suggested to me that the world is made up of a delicate balance between nonfiction and fiction. Which genre resonates with you best? Non-fiction or fiction?

Thank you for your questions! Non-fiction resonates with me the most, as it offers direct insights into the real world, its complexities, and the knowledge we can gain from it. Non-fiction helps me understand history, cultures, and philosophies in depth, which fuels my desire to keep learning. This, of course, does not mean fiction does not have value. It certainly does. If I ever write a book, it will probably be fiction because it is where I can really use my creativity and imagination!

What does collecting books mean to you?

Collecting books represents a journey of knowledge and discovery. It’s about building a personal library that reflects my intellectual curiosity and values, and it’s a way of preserving ideas and insights that I find impactful. It is a learning journey that never ends.

Most of your book collections are not the average kind of books one might find in major bookstores. Would you mind sharing how you manage to locate them?

I explore books sold by many academic publishers and receive recommendations from niche communities, including bibliophile contacts. I also stay updated with new publications and lesser-known works by reading articles, book reviews, scholarly networks, listening to podcasts, and immersing myself in the world of non-fiction any way I can. They are not the average kind of books because my taste is probably not average: My life experiences have shaped who I am and the books I like and post are reflections of my personal passions and interests.

I believe that you perceive curating books is as important as finding time to read the book(s) that you've bought. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Would you mind elaborating?

I fully agree! Curating books is as important as reading them. Thoughtful curation allows me to focus on quality over quantity, selecting works that are relevant and meaningful, even if I can’t read them all immediately. Curating books to me means providing insights, summaries, or reviews that help others understand the value of each book and how it fits within a broader narrative. It’s about creating a meaningful collection that tells a story, sparks curiosity, and invites deeper exploration.

Among the bibliophile community, your Facebook page where you occasionally share your personal book collections has been 'the talk of the town'. How would you illustrate or describe the way people respond to your collections? Have you received any form of constructive feedback from them? And to what extent do you take their feedback into consideration?

Happy to know! People respond to Zubair’s Bookshelf with genuine enthusiasm and curiosity, frequently asking for recommendations or sharing their insights. Constructive feedback is invaluable; it helps me select a diverse range of thought-provoking books that resonate with readers.

I occasionally release polls to learn from my friends’ and followers’ experiences, asking if they’ve purchased any recommended books or have ideas to enhance Zubair’s Bookshelf. Many people tell me the page has rekindled their love for reading, and some even say they now enjoy reading because they know which books are out there. I also receive many requests from authors to publish their books.

While most feedback is positive and helpful, there are occasional challenges, particularly from some Muslims who question posts on less familiar topics, like Judaism, Christianity, or scholarly works on Islamic history that address sensitive subjects they are surely not used to reading. Some also try to politicize the page, but I encourage everyone to focus on the intellectual value, aiming to create a space for collective learning and growth.

There has been a significant interest in collecting books which are related to Oriental, Middle East and Islamic Studies among book collectors globally.

I assume (based on what books you have uploaded on Facebook), you have the tendency to collect books that are related to a specific field especially on the above-mentioned genres. Do you think collecting a specialized genre is more satisfying? Or does this apply to most book collectors out there?

Absolutely! Focusing on fields like Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies allows me to deeply explore the nuanced heritage of Islam and its cultural overlaps with Christianity, Judaism, and other religions—connections often overlooked in biased narratives, though this is thankfully changing.

While my primary focus is on the Arab and Islamic world, I also love reading and recommending books on diverse social history topics that reflect a variety of religious and philosophical perspectives.

The books featured on Zubair’s Bookshelf cover all world regions, with a particular emphasis on the “East,” including the Middle East, East Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Subcontinent.

I curate a diverse and balanced selection to engage readers, offering summaries, book reviews, and vibrant discussions with followers and friends. Recently, I’ve expanded into podcasts and in-depth reviews to explore books and their authors more comprehensively, while also sharing updates on intriguing author presentations.

Specializing in this way creates a cohesive collection that reflects my personal passions and offers a meaningful platform for shared heritage and understanding in a highly politicized world.


What is your most precious collection to date? Do you mind sharing more about it?

The truth is, I do not have a single “most precious collection” because each book holds its own unique value, offering a distinct perspective or insight that enriches my understanding. In fact, the unread books are perhaps the most intriguing. They sit on my shelves like mysteries waiting to be unlocked, sparking a sense of anticipation every time I see them.

They serve as a constant reminder of the vast knowledge that lies ahead, fueling my curiosity and motivating me to keep learning. Each unread title represents a new journey, adding a layer of excitement to my collection and making it a source of inspiration as much as information.

Usually, there are two kinds of collectors. The first kind are collectors who only collect modern first editions. Second, those who crave 16th century incunabula and calfskin leather bound books in their collection. In which category do you see yourself as a book collector?


I gravitate towards modern books and recent scholarship, focusing on content that engages with current discourse and cutting-edge research. While I admire the allure of older, rare editions, my priority is to stay informed and connect with ideas that are shaping contemporary thought, including books on history.

Though I own and continue to acquire a substantial number of books, I see myself less as a book “collector” and more as a dedicated learner. For me, each book is not just a possession but a gateway to new perspectives and insights that expand my understanding of the world.

That said, the sheer volume of books I’ve gathered presents a constant challenge: to read and absorb all that they have to offer. It’s a humbling reminder of how vast human knowledge is and how much there is still to learn. This challenge, however, is part of what makes the journey so rewarding—each unread book is a promise of discovery, waiting for the right moment to be opened and explored.

Throughout your years of collecting books, were there any memorable or unforgettable events which had completely changed your views on life as a book collector?

Great question! I’ve had some truly memorable experiences along the way. Once, I met Ahmed Rashid, author of one of the definitive books on the Taliban, in Washington, DC.

Having read his book multiple times, it was thrilling to finally meet him in person. Another time in New York, I unexpectedly ran into Dore Gold, an Israeli diplomat and Middle East scholar, while we were both browsing the Middle East section of a bookstore.

We struck up a conversation that I’ll never forget. I also had the chance to challenge Adam Lankford after his talk on The Myth of Martyrdom: What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killers, which inspired me to publish a review critiquing his argument.

In one of my most exhilarating moments as a collector, I traveled from Rome to London just to get a new release by an Islamic scholar that refuted extremist interpretations of Islam—a journey I’ll always cherish. 

Just a few weeks ago, a friend and follower of my page gifted me books he felt I had to read, an incredibly generous and meaningful gesture and bonding between bibliophiles. I’ve also been lucky to meet amazing people through my collecting and sharing.

 If someone wanted to start building up their personal book collection, what would you suggest?

Starting a book collection is a rewarding journey, and a great first step is to identify a specific area of interest—whether it’s a historical period, cultural region, or field of study.

Prioritize quality over quantity, look for books that genuinely resonate with you and don’t shy away from exploring lesser-known titles, academic presses, or specialized bookstores.

Remember, a good collection isn’t just about amassing books but about building a thoughtful, curated library that challenges you and broadens your understanding.

Being open to diverse perspectives, even those that might be uncomfortable, is essential for deep learning. Each book will add nuance to your understanding, especially when you gather multiple viewpoints on the same topic. This approach helps create a well-rounded knowledge base and reveals the complexity of any subject.

Keep in mind that collecting books is a significant investment—not only financially but also in terms of space, time, and emotional engagement. Over time, your collection will impact your life in ways you might not anticipate, shaping your thoughts, sparking curiosity, and even influencing your daily routines. One must be prepared and plan early. Finally, enjoy the process, and let each book you add be a meaningful step in your ongoing journey of discovery.

Last but not least, the most important question...is your book collecting hobby expensive?

Yes, absolutely! I tend to prefer buying new books over used ones, which means I often spend more on building my collection. That said, there’s plenty of value in compromising when needed—purchasing used books and borrowing exciting books from libraries and friends can be excellent ways to save while still accessing great content.

While most, if not all, of the books in my collection may not hold significant financial value in the future, I view them as an investment in knowledge and intellectual growth. To me, this kind of investment is far more meaningful and enduring than anything else one could buy. It’s about prioritizing what truly enriches my life and understanding of the world.

Last, but not least, a big congratulations to you for leading Bukuku Press! Your bookstore has well curated, unique, and exciting books bibliophiles love. Keep up the great work and spread the knowledge! Wishing you all my best, great success, and fulfillment. And what is more fulfilling than learning and spreading knowledge for a better-informed world?

Thank you!