Happy bookstagram day! Today’s feature is Kath/@kath_reads. She promotes Filipino authors and her other favorite titles with cozy vibes.
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Why did you start your Bookstagram:
I started my bookstagram back in 2014 when I noticed that most of my friends are getting fed up with me rambling about books on my personal Instagram account, lol. I wanted to meet booklovers all around the world and talk to them about books (and other things we love) everyday, if possible.
Where are you from:
I’m from the Philippines but I’m currently living in Germany.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I want to inspire people to pick up a book and start reading. I want them to realize that reading can be fun. I wasn’t a reader since birth so I want to remind them that it’s never too late to start and enjoy reading. I also want to help to promote books written by Filipino authors.
Fun Fact about you:
I have 12 piercings (including tongue and tragus) and 4 small tattoos.
image via @kath_reads
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I have a lot! @lookingforabura, @nerdytalksbookblog, @sumaiyya.books, @lottelikebooks, @theguywiththebook, thatbookishteacher_, @africaanah, @babblingbooks, @bunteschwarzweisswelt, @utopia.state.of.mind, and @bookishrose. I can go on with the list forever.
Favorite Books and Authors:
Some of my all-time favorite books are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Vicious by V.E. Schwab, and My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail Villanueva. Some of my favorites authors are V.E. Schwab, Haruki Murakami, Leigh Bardugo, John Green, Bob Ong (Filipino author), and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
image via @kath_reads
Fictional Crush:
Delilah “Lila” Bard (Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab).
TBR List:
How much time do you have? lol. Some books on my priority list are A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza, 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, and The Bone Witch trilogy by Rin Chupeco.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I’m not sure if I have one but I try to be as authentic as possible. I want my content to be relatable and simple. Captions are also challenging so I try to be more natural and affable at the same time when writing one.
image via @kath_reads
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I often change my aesthetic/theme but I make sure that my photos always give a cozy and relaxing vibes. I love my current theme so I think it will take a very long time for me to change it again.
How often do you post:
I used to post twice a day and follow a certain schedule I made but it became stressful and tiring. Now I try to post everyday or every other day.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It means so much to me. It’s a community that became so much important to me. It’s where I have met a lot of amazing and creative people who eventually became my friends. It’s also my creative space. It’s where I share my love for books and photography.
image via @kath_reads
Favorite Bookstore:
In the Philippines we have a bookstore called Booksale. They sell affordable pre-loved/second-hand and brand new books. Fully Booked (Philippines) is also one of my favorites. My favorite bookstore here in Germany is Saint George’s English Bookstore in Berlin.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
Penguin Random House, Titan Books, and Scribe.
Author to take a selfie with:
Definitely Victoria Schwab and Haruki Murakami.
Favorite book cover:
My top three are The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco, My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, and Seeds Planted in Concrete by Bianca Sparacino.
image via @kath_reads
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
The Harry Potter series? lol. I only read book 1 to 4 but for some reason people assumed that I read the whole series. I never claimed it though. And I’m really not sure if I still want to continue with the remaining books.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
When I received a message from one of the Community Team at Instagram (back in November 2015) telling me that they included me and my account on the Bookstagrammer’s List. I think that was also the time when the term “bookstagram/bookstagrammer” became official. Also, when I started getting messages from people telling me that they love my content, read a book because of me, and that I inspire them. These always make my day.
Favorite fandoms:
Game of Thrones, Studio Ghibli movies, and Shades of Magic.
image via @kath_reads
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Don’t stress about algorithm/numbers. I’ve been there and it’s not really helpful. Make sure you are having fun and staying true to yourself. Share your honest thoughts/book reviews. Engage with other accounts. Make friends. Don’t forget to credit the original creators if you use/repost their photos, videos, or book reviews on your account. Take a break when needed. Bookstagram is not only a place to discover new books/authors. It’s also a place to learn and understand more about other people’s culture. And lastly, be kind.
Additional bookishness:
Being a slow and a mood reader (like me) is not easy but don’t let it get in your way. Also, join a book club (virtual or in real life) or look for reading buddies. Happy Reading!