SKOOB Books, Kuala Lumpur

This little bookstore is a favorite among local literati and expatriates. Known for its collection of titles that are not available anywhere else in Malaysia, most books are imported directly from its London branch. Part-time assistants--mostly university students--mind the counters and direct you to wooden shelves reminiscent of old-time English libraries. Upstairs, patrons get to lounge on antique-like furniture and sample coffee and home-made cakes while browsing. Plays, exhibitions and poetry recitals are held on selected evenings.