If you’re looking for a cozy, welcoming corner of the internet to discover your next favorite book, then meet Mitra. As a passionate Bookstagrammer, Mitra has been sharing her love for stories since 2016, creating an inviting and aesthetic space for book lovers worldwide. With her warm, soft-toned posts, Mitra brings authenticity and joy to the Bookstagram community, introducing readers to hidden gems and diverse voices. Her content reflects her genuine love for books and her mission to foster a global community of like-minded readers. In this interview, Mitra shares her Bookstagram journey, favorite reads, and tips for aspiring book lovers.
Mitra of @myfictionalmusings
Instagram | Goodreads
Let’s get into it!
Why did you start your Bookstagram:
I started my Bookstagram because I loved the idea of creative and aesthetic book photos (when I started my Bookstagram in 2016, there were only photos on Instagram and no reels), and I wanted to share my favorite books with fellow readers.
Where are you from:
I’m from Karachi, Pakistan, and I’m proud to represent my country and region in the global bookish community.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I want my Instagram to be a cozy space where book lovers can discover new stories; I aim to inspire curiosity and excitement for books. Ultimately, I want my content to celebrate and spread the joy of reading and the impact a good story can have on our lives.
Fun Fact about you:
I tell my mom about every book I read. She’s a reader, too, and we love discussing books with each other, even though we both read completely different books.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I have so many favorites. Some of them are:
- Christy @thereaderbee
- Shelby @dealingwithbooks
- Fareya @booktimistic
- Lisa @littlemeadowreads
- Amelia @booksandtheblacktea
- Mel @melinterrupted
- Damla @damla.library
I love how each of them brings something unique to the community.
Favorite Books and Authors:
Books: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh, Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty, Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.
Authors: Sabaa Tahir, S.A. Chakraborty, Paulo Coelho, Elif Shafak, Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Mimi Matthews, RuNyx.
Fictional Crush:
Elias Veturius from the Ember in the Ashes series by Sabaa Tahir — he’s a perfect mix of bravery, loyalty, and complexity.
TBR List:
Books on my immediate TBR are:
- Graveyard Shift by M. L. Rio.
- Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden.
- The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco.
- As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh.
- To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I create genuine and authentic content that other readers can connect and resonate with. I take pride in uplifting the books and authors I’m passionate about, introducing diverse voices and hidden gems, and helping someone discover a new favorite book or author. Then I’m contributing to the community meaningfully and effectively. I aim to foster a community that’s just as obsessed with books as I am.
Aesthetic/Instagram page theme:
My theme is warm and cozy, with soft tones and inviting visuals that reflect the comfort I find in reading.
How often do you post:
I post daily, but I sometimes take breaks on weekends to recharge and avoid burnout.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It’s more than a hobby to me — it’s my passion. It’s my way to express creativity, share my love for reading, connect with other readers, and stay in the loop with everything happening in the bookish world. It’s also a place where I can discover individuals from various backgrounds and worldviews, broadening my own perspective and helping me learn new things. And finding new books to love, I’ve come across so many books that I might have missed if not for this wonderful community.
Favorite Bookstore:
I don’t have a favorite bookstore, but I’m always on the lookout for independent bookshops to support.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
If it’s a publisher, then definitely Penguin Random House. Otherwise, I’d choose myself so I can curate my collection based on my evolving preferences.
Author to take a selfie with:
Sabaa Tahir, without a doubt!
Favorite book cover:
Right now, I’m obsessed with the cover of Emily Varga’s debut, For She Is Wrath. It’s stunning and perfectly captures the mood of the book!
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
None! I’ve never made such a claim. If I haven’t read a book, I’m honest about it.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
I knew I had made it as a Bookstagrammer when other readers started asking me for book recommendations. That was my ultimate goal, after all — to help other readers find new books to love.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Be yourself; don’t compare yourself to others or get caught up in the numbers. We all grow at our own pace. You will achieve your goals if you set them with intention and put in effort, and along the way, you will meet incredible people who will make the journey worthwhile. Don’t jump on every hype train. Instead, bring your own unique voice and taste in books to the community. Focus on creating content that makes you happy and that can connect you with other like-minded readers. Make friends and let your passion for books guide you!
Mitra’s passion for books and community shines through every post she shares. Her journey inspires readers to embrace authenticity and joy. Follow her for cozy recommendations and a welcoming space to discover your next favorite read!
Curious about Sabaa Tahir’s newest book out this October? Check out this article.
Be sure to browse our Fantasy Lovers Paradise: Epics, Romances, and More! bookshelf on Bookshop.org for more fantasy book recommendations!
