On World Book Day, a special message was received by Otherland, a niche bookstore in Berlin specializing in fantasy literature from all over the world. The message was from Liu Cixin, a well-known Chinese science fiction writer, known for his book The Three-Body Problem. Otherland is a shop that has gained international recognition for its diverse collection of books, particularly in the science fiction genre.
A Steadfast Beacon
Liu Cixin compared Otherland to a “steadfast beacon, guiding every soul who yearns to draw wisdom from the boundless sea of knowledge.” Simon Weinert, one of the three owners of Otherland, expressed his surprise and gratitude for the message. He noted that Liu had visited the shop seven years ago and had given a lecture to a packed audience. Weinert stated, “It’s really heartwarming because we met him seven years ago… and that he still remembers, that he knows Otherland still. That’s really great.”
A Tribute to Reading
Liu’s message also highlighted the significance of World Book Day as an occasion to “gather to embrace this grand rendezvous with books.” He noted that World Book Day pays tribute to the millennia-old tradition of human reading and offers a heartfelt salute to the legacy of knowledge passed from generation to generation.
Wolfgang Tress’s Perspective
Wolfgang Tress, co-owner of Otherland, views reading, particularly science fiction, as a way to expand the horizons of the mind. “Our brains are constantly dealing with the future, and books we read tell us that the future is not decided but consists of an immense space of possibilities with which we can interact and create a future we want to live in,” he said.
A Renewed Interest in Reading
Carsta, a regular customer of Otherland, noted a shift in reading habits. She described Otherland as her favorite bookstore and a source of inspiration because it offers a mix of old rarities and new releases. “A lot of people join silent reading and go to places like museum shops, where they can regain good focus,” she said.
A Return to the Classics
Carsta purchased a 1965 German edition of Dune, a world-famous science fiction book. She observed a renewed interest in reading, which she believes is a result of the growing awareness of the importance of books in our lives.
Thomas Spray’s Insights
Thomas Spray, an English lecturer, became involved with Otherland after writing book reviews for its newsletter. “I’ve noticed that while there was a time when reading dropped off, the idea of reading as a hobby is making a comeback. That’s great to see,” he said.
The German Book Industry
The German Publishers and Booksellers Association (BDB) released data showing that the number of bookstores in Germany increased from approximately 3,200 in 2015 to around 4,500 in 2025. In 2024, the German book industry reported a 0.8 percent increase in overall turnover compared to the previous year.
The BDB’s Perspective
The BDB described the sector as a “stable business in challenging economic times.” Its chairwoman, Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, said that knowledge and inspiring stories are “essential tools for understanding and coping with a complex and crisis-ridden reality.” She added that books are still a particularly popular medium among young people.
A Shift in Reading Habits
According to Spray, while English-language science fiction continues to dominate the market, readers are increasingly exploring alternatives from other regions, including China. “We’re really waiting for the German and English translation industries to catch up because the interest is definitely there — not just from typical sci-fi fans, but also from young people in general,” he said.
Otherland’s Inventory
Felix Meyer zu Venne, co-editor of Kapsel, a German-Chinese magazine focused on Chinese science fiction, described Otherland as the largest sci-fi bookstore in Berlin in terms of its inventory. “Overall, it holds a collection of about 11,500 titles, with over one-third dedicated to sci-fi in both English and German,” according to Tress.
A Community-Driven Approach
He noted that Otherland will not make the owners rich, but their shop is doing well. “I think it’s because of our specialization and a very strong community we have built throughout the years,” Tress said.
- Otherland is a niche bookstore in Berlin specializing in fantasy literature from all over the world.
- The shop has gained international recognition for its diverse collection of books, particularly in the science fiction genre.
- Simon Weinert and Wolfgang Tress, co-owners of Otherland, expressed their gratitude for Liu Cixin’s message on World Book Day.
- Otherland frequently hosts events for its community, including lectures and book launches.
- The shop welcomes writers like Chen Qiufan, Baoshu, and Regina Kanyu Wang.
- According to Tress, the inventory of Otherland holds a collection of about 11,500 titles, with over one-third dedicated to science fiction in both English and German.
| Otherland’s Inventory | 11,500 titles | Over one-third dedicated to sci-fi | English and German |
“We’re really waiting for the German and English translation industries to catch up because the interest is definitely there — not just from typical sci-fi fans, but also from young people in general.”
— Thomas Spray, English lecturer
A Lasting Legacy
The message from Liu Cixin has warmed the “bookshop-keeper-heart” of Wolfgang Tress. “I couldn’t agree more: books are able to change lives for everyone and all of us — understanding, creating and entertaining by engaging with our imagination,” he said.
A Return to Imagination
According to Wolfgang Tress, reading, particularly science fiction, has the power to expand our horizons and create a future we want to live in.
A Community-Driven Approach
Otherland’s approach to building a strong community has been successful in attracting customers and fostering a sense of belonging.
A Return to the Classics
Carsta’s purchase of a 1965 German edition of Dune demonstrates the renewed interest in reading and the appreciation for classic literature.
A Growing Interest in Diversity
The interest in diversity is reflected in the growing demand for books from other regions, including China. “What can we read next?” is a frequent question, according to Thomas Spray.
A Celebration of Diversity
Otherland’s commitment to diversity is reflected in its collection of books from around the world. “Felix Meyer zu Venne, co-editor of Kapsel, a German-Chinese magazine focused on Chinese science fiction, described Otherland as the largest sci-fi bookstore in Berlin in terms of its inventory,” according to Tress.
A Sense of Community
The sense of community at Otherland is palpable. “I couldn’t agree more: books are able to change lives for everyone and all of us — understanding, creating and entertaining by engaging with our imagination,” said Wolfgang Tress. “I think it’s because of our specialization and a very strong community we have built throughout the years,” he said.
A Lasting Legacy
The message from Liu Cixin has left a lasting impression on the owners of Otherland. “It’s really heartwarming because we met him seven years ago… That’s really great,” said Simon Weinert. “I think it’s beautiful,” he added. “That he still remembers Otherland and continues to support us in this way.”
A Celebration of Literature
Otherland’s commitment to celebrating literature is reflected in its commitment to hosting events for its community. “We’re really waiting for the German and English translation industries to catch up because the interest is definitely there — not just from typical sci-fi fans, but also from young people in general,” said Thomas Spray. “We see the same trend with African futurism and the current Korean sci-fi wave,” he added.
A Sense of Gratitude
The owners of Otherland expressed their gratitude for the message from Liu Cixin. “That he still remembers Otherland and continues to support us in this way.”
A Commitment to Knowledge
Otherland’s commitment to knowledge is reflected in its collection of books and its hosting of events for its community. “Books are still a particularly popular medium among young people,” said Karin Schmidt-Friderichs, chairwoman of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association. “Knowledge and inspiring stories are essential tools for understanding and coping with a complex and crisis-ridden reality.”
A Sense of Imagination
The sense of imagination at Otherland is palpable. “Our brains are constantly dealing with the future, and books we read tell us that the future is not decided but consists of an immense space of possibilities with which we can interact and create a future we want to live in,” said Wolfgang Tress.
