I am an avid reader of books, fiction and non-fiction, and I find it hard to filter through the noise of new publications. Also I love great, thought-provoking and challenging discussions with other avid readers and people thinking for themselves. Both these things, books and conversations, drove me to launch INDIE BOOKS in the spring of 2023 to experiment with new formats in the book and publishing market.
What we do
We are building INDIE BOOKS as a home for curious minds that love great books and deep conversations. In an ever accelerating, more fragmented world driven by digital technologies, the book gives readers a bigger context, a deeper sense of what is going on, it slows you down to think, and it allows you to have wonderful conversations, etc. These are all basic human needs that we believe get lost in the digital current and noise.
Our mission is to help people gain a deeper understanding of the world and themselves through books and real-life experiences and conversations.
We started our journey in the spring of 2023 by creating an operating system for self-checkout bookstores that can be put into any social location such as a café. We set-up 5 locations in Zurich. At the end of 2023, we extended our footprint by launching this INDIE BOOKS E-zine. Through this online hub (more a magazine), we provide avid readers in Switzerland a primary resource to discover great books they wouldn’t otherwise find – neither in large chain bookstores and small independent stores – and to connect in real life through events (coming in 2025). Stay tuned for many exciting offers and services to come and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
Our values
Curiosity with respect: We value freedom of speech, but we regard mutual respect as equally important. We do not like the militant liberal stance that everything should be intellectually challenged and that whoever does not accept their intellectualistic approach can be harassed (e.g. religions). We don‘t think so. We invite all voices as long as they are respectful of other voices, especially those that do not agree.
Helping you expand your mind: In our digital age, you can get more book recommendations in a minute than you can read in your life. But to us it seems, that all algorithmic recommendations reinforce the bubble you are living in. This is known for social media, but we believe it is also true if you shop at Amazon. That’s why we put a lot of effort into discovering and recommending books that may precisely NOT show up on „who bought this also bought that“ lists. Our approach may sell less books and need more convincing to purchase a book, but we hope it enriches our readers‘ lives.
Helping independent book sellers, publishers and authors: We aim to provide a platform to the independent actors in the book industry.
We‘d like to hear your thoughts. Feel free to contact us at hello@indiebooks.net.
December 3, 2024
Daniel Broger
Founder