English books at your bedside !
The beginning of this month was buzzing with events in Algeria. Right after November 1st a historic date that marks a turning point in the country’s independence story the International Book Fair shows up , one of the nation’s most highly coveted cultural gatherings that book lovers had been eagerly awaiting.
Compared to previous years, this edition made big hit . From day one, crowds flocked to the exposition halls, eager to grab long-awaited titles or explore the new literary gems of 2025. The fair was alive and thriving all week long, drawing visitors from across the country and creating a warm, diverse atmosphere where people gathered for one noble cause reading.
In a world where digital distractions often take the lead , reading is losing path , especially among the younger generation. Yet, this year’s expo told a different story one of revival and curiosity. Youth participation was remarkable. Teenagers and young adults filled the aisles, browsing books, discovering new authors, and embracing the fair’s multicultural vibe, as dozens of foreign publishers showcased their work.
Among the most crowded spots was one that instantly caught my eye a stand called “Dream Papers .” The queuing was long, the excitement contagious, and everyone seemed to be looking for something special: English books.
Just a few years ago, Algeria’s literary scene was dominated by Arabic and French titles. Today, a new reading culture is emerging one that reflects a generation opening its doors to the English-speaking world. According to Sofiane , the stand’s representative, “The number of visitors and buyers has tripled compared to 2023. We honestly weren’t expecting this kind of crowd our two bestsellers sold out on the very first day!”
When asked which topics Algerians are most drawn to, Sofiane didn’t hesitate:
“Romance and dark romance top the list , readers can’t seem to get enough. Then comes fantasy, and finally, self-development books, which are also gaining a lot of ground.”
How do they pick which titles to display at the fair?
“We usually follow global literary trends the books that are making buzz worldwide,”
The age range of visitors is equally impressive from teenagers as young as 14 to readers in their 50s all fond of stories.
So, what’s behind this growing interest in English?
Sofiane believes it’s part of a larger cultural shift: “Algerians have accepted the idea that English is a universal language . We’ve also seen fewer French stands and books than before. The new generation is definitely leaning more toward English it’s the future.”
The books were surprisingly affordable, ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 DZD, making it easier for readers to walk away with a little piece of English literature in hand.
At the stand, I met a young student browsing through the shelves. When I asked what brought her there, she smiled and said,
“I came to buy books, of course! I just got a love story book named “Maybe for You ” it comes right from movie scenery that I loved ! so I wanted to read the book too. I also came for Atomic Habits, but it’s sold out already!”What pitty !
When asked whether she thought English was spreading in Algeria, she replied without hesitation:
“Definitely! Compared to last year, English has grown so much. People used to be more comfortable with French, but now, we love learning English and buying English books used to be rare, but not anymore.” What so busy was it , this book show seems likely to overpass the previous books festival, by the end of this passionate moment with book lovers all way round, The curtain is by now underway to clolse down,
This year’s International Book Fair didn’t just celebrate reading it marked a cultural shift. The enthusiasm for English books reflects Algeria’s growing openness to global culture, and a new generation that’s curious, ambitious, and eager to connect beyond borders.
If this fair proved anything, it’s that reading isn’t dying it’s evolving. And in Algeria, the story is far from over. The country is simply turning the page to a brand-new chapter one written in English.
Rasha Sediri
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