With love for the ultimate noteworthy classical literature, this week’s Bookstagrammer presents Swarna, also known as @iambibliomane on Instagram. With a gentle and elegant aesthetic, Swarna’s posts are delicately placed with pretty flowers and nicely lit candles. At the center of such wonderful displays is a book as an enticing recommendation for her followers and newcomers. With the help of her lovable pet dog Pablo, Swarna brings a slow welcoming guide into the world of books. From fantasy to classic literature and underrated gems, Swarna’s book picks dive right into the favorites any book lover should read once.
Swarna of @iambibliomane
Instagram | Goodreads
Let’s get into it!
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
The idea to start my Bookstagram popped into my mind during COVID. I was all alone in a hostel and books were my only companions during the lockdown. I was reading a lot but I had no one to share that experience with or tell someone how good a certain book was and why they should read it. That made me realize there are different IG pages for food reviews, movie reviews, memes, etc, but not books. Why couldn’t there be one for books so that I can review and recommend them for people to read? That’s how I started my Bookstagram account. I never knew it was such a huge space or that there was even a term for it, but I am glad I started it. It also helped me grow in reading and exploring different books and genres.
Where are you from?
I am from India and currently reside in Bangalore. I’m a native of Visakhapatnam.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
Through my Instagram, I want to embed the culture of reading into people who think reading is a waste of time. I know a lot of people who never read books but looked at my page and thought “Let’s try reading a small book,” and asked me for recommendations. That feeling is truly amazing when I know I am making a difference. I also want to make people understand that reading fiction books gives you as much knowledge or a deeper understanding of the world in story form. If my page can do this, then I will have achieved the purpose of starting this page.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m head of the book club for the organization I currently work for and was a Radio Jockey for a few months during my UG.
Who are your favorite Bookstagrammers?
I do have a lot of favorites, but one person with whom I enjoy buddy reading and share the same experience a lot is Andrea, i.e., @andyinbooks.
What are your favorite books and authors?
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
- The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Sebastian Henn
- The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
- Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon
- Kim Jiyoung, Born in 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
- Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
- Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury
- Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Do you have any fictional crushes?
None currently.
What’s on your TBR List?
I do have around 70-100 books in my TBR, but for this month I am trying to complete The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney, and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.
What’s your special approach to content?
I try to be relatable and read and post books that interest me rather than always follow popular books. I review every book I read, but if a book I love is underrated, I try to bring it up on my page frequently to get other people to read it.
What is your aesthetic / Instagram page theme?
My theme changes constantly. I mostly change it per season or sometimes add more colors. Right now it’s more floral with a black-and-white background.
How often do you post?
I post at least 3-4 times a week.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
It’s my safe haven and something that makes my soul happy.
What’s your favorite bookstore?
Pages Bookstore from my place in Visakhapatnam. I have loved it since my childhood, and I visit when I’m in my hometown.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
I only rely on myself and probably my Bookstagram friends whom I definitely know would supply me with books.
What author would you ask to take a selfie with?
Wow, so many of my favorites are dead. But if I have to say in today’s time, then it would be Chitra Divakaruni, Rachel Lynn Solomon, and Paulo Coelho.
Do you have a favorite book cover?
Recently, I’ve been loving the book cover of The Door-to-Door Bookstore.
Are there any books you’ve claimed to have read that you didn’t?
I have only claimed to have read books which I actually have, so nothing.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
When people whom I know have never read books sought book recommendations from me.
Do you have any advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers?
Be you, be authentic, and enjoy reading and posting about the books you love. Never feel embarrassed about what you read and post. Try to explore different genres and read out of your comfort zone sometimes. Never misuse the platform and bring toxicity or shame to other Bookstagrammers for their choice of reading.
Bookstr gives many appreciative thanks to Swarna for joining us on this week’s BOTW! Be sure to head on to her Bookstagram account for more book recs and to awe at the adorable face that belongs to Pablo! Her many book posts might give you an idea for your Christmas gift list and gift ideas for your bookish loved ones.
Check out the wonderfully pink bookish world of Bookstagrammer Lauren of @littlebookishfairy!
Look for more classic books at Keeping It…Classic… Recs That Is!
