In Conversation With... Nabila| Lover Of Thrillers.

In Conversation With …has been a long overdue project I have been wanting to start.. with an aim to reach out to the community and interact more while highlighting amazing people that I come across in this fandom journey.
Here’s to moving the spotlight to yet another book lover.

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Meet Nabila

Hi! My name is Nabila and I’m from Mumbai, India. I’m 23 years old (dang! Doesn’t feel like it). I’m a freelance writer and pursuing a post grad diploma in correspondence. I developed an interest in reading pretty early on. My dad used to bring Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Sherlock Holmes and Shakespeare books from the library for me and my siblings to read. My favorite genre has always been crime thrillers but since joining bookstagram, my interests have expanded into fantasy, historical fiction and contemporary as well.
I’m in Hufflepuff house (everyday I’m hufflin’). I’m a pretty big fan girl so I’m into pretty much all fandoms with only a few exceptions; off the top of my head, I can name MCU, Doctor Who, Sherlock Holmes and HP. I’m currently reading Suncatcher by Romesh Gunsekera. This year I’m planning to read more than I “Netflix”. It’s a big challenge for me, haha!

I think all readers deserve to see themselves represented in the books they
read which is very important when you’re growing up especially when you’re a POC.
-Nabila

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When and How did you get into reading for pleasure?

Pretty much almost all of my extended and immediate family members are into reading; not necessarily fiction but into that habit nonetheless. I used to read all my textbooks before school started when I was younger.
The first books I starkly remember reading are Hamlet by Shakespeare and an illustrated version of And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.

Do you have a reading ritual?

I don’t have a ritual per se but I usually read at night. And if I do have a snack whilst reading which I usually don’t, it’s popcorn.

What’s a trope you like to see in books?

I am actually pretty tired of the same old tropes. I’m fine with anything as long as it’s done well.

Your go to mantra for overcoming a reading slump?

I usually take a break from reading, it’s not conventional but it helps refresh your mind. I also sometimes read my favorite book or a short novella that I find
interesting.

What’s one unpopular bookish opinion you have?

I have lots of unpopular opinions viz. I think GoT is a poor man’s LoTR and Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur was incredibly overrated. Also, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins was very problematic but I know it’s generally well-loved by readers.

Your favorite bookish merchandise?

I have some bookish mugs that have been gifted to me and I love all of them. I also collect wearable merchandise like T-shirts, lockets, scarves and totes.

Top 3 Favorite Books?

This is a very tough call but I’m going to go with Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen because it’s such an amusing book and I have the biggest crush on Mr. Henry Tilney, Animal Farm by George Orwell because it is the best and A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness because I’ve never read a more magical, touching book that also made me bawl like a baby.

What are your bookish pet peeves?

I used to be pissed at dog earring but not anymore, in fact I’m thinking of taking up annotating myself. I still get very upset if someone creases the covers of my paperbacks.

Favorite Fictional Character?

I really cannot choose one so I’m going to say Sherlock Holmes (I love him) and Katniss Everdeen because I think she’s the most strong, fierce and human character I have come across.

Current favorite literary quote?

“Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May
And summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”

What are your thoughts on Diverse Reading?

I definitely do think reading diverse is important. I personally love it because it expands my knowledge base and I love learning about other cultures and traditions. Besides, I think all readers deserve to see themselves represented in the books they read which is very important when you’re growing up especially when you’re a POC.