What are you presently reading?

I am currently reading Dance of the Dragons (George R. R. Martin), the fifth book in A Song of Ice and Fire series.

How did you first come to love books?

It was my elder brother who introduced me to reading fiction. He is an avid reader. He used to bring books from the library and used to inspire me to read them. We both loved living within the realm of fantasy fiction when we were younger. Later on, we started burrowing books from the AWON library and used to race through pages and compete with each other in order to be the first one to disclose the mystery held by the stories.

Who are your favourite writers, and why?

JD Salinger, JRR Tolkien and Manjushree Thapa are writers I admire for their writings that have the capability to carry you to places that they write about. They manage to take your imagination to newer heights.

What is good writing for you? What would you say makes a good writer?

Good writing for me is something that give you a heightened spiritual experience. Something that stirs something inside of you and manages to leave its mark.

I believe that honesty in writing, is the best quality for writer to have. When a writer believes in what she/he is writing of, the idea comes across more effectively to the readers. It makes reading a transcendental process in a way.

How do you select books to read?

My friends refer to me as a ‘voracious’ reader. It’s just that I do not limit myself to reading certain genre only. I read whatever I can get my hands on. But whether I am able to finish reading the book that I start is a whole different story.

One book that inspired you a lot and why?

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings in an autobiography by Maya Angelou and has been a source of inspiration for me. It is poignant and is instilled with infinite hope and inner strength. It also shows how reading literature is a liberating experience.

Do you think electronic alternatives will ever replace books?

I have switched to reading through kindle. It is very handy and I can have hundreds of books at my reach at a time. However, what I miss in my Kindle is the smell of a new book and the texture of paper. I miss being cautious regarding the page edges being earmarked. So, I think that for book lovers, electronic devices can never replace a physical book.

Your advice for young readers?

The only thing that a book does is that it seriously damages your ignorance and becomes your best friend for life. Embrace it.