Manisha Acharya is a well-known student politician representing ANNISU (Revolutionary). She has recently published her debut novel ‘Chhori’ (daughter). Ever since she read the bestselling novel, ‘Karnali Blues’ by Buddhisagar, Acharya had always wanted to write. Chhori is the result of a rigorous writing routine that lasted three months. Acharya laments that she didn’t ask for feedback once the book was complete. She hopes her readers can be her critics now that the book is out. Birat Anupam caught up with Acharya to talk to her about her reading habits. Do you remember when you started reading? I have been reading for as long as I can remember. I guess I first picked up a book when I was in school. But I read mostly books prescribed by my school or college curriculum. The first non-course material I read was ‘Damini Bhir’. I was doing my bachelor’s by then. I was also recommended some books by Mao, Lenin, and Stalin and I picked those up too.

How do you feel about digital books?

I prefer physical books to digital ones. I feel it allows my mind to conjure up images more easily. I have recently taken to audiobooks as well. I listened to ‘Cleopatra’. It was great fun. What’s the biggest benefit of being a reader? Reading, I believe, disciplines you. It allows you to have multiple experiences in a single life. You are able to think creatively and come to solutions and conclusions you would have otherwise not gotten to yourself. Which is that one book that has left a lasting impression on you? The best book I have ever read is definitely the Karnali Blues. It was the book that made me want to write. I love everything about it, from the story to the wonderfully fleshed-out characters. How do you choose your next read? I don’t think there are good or bad books. It depends on an individual’s reading preferences. I browse through bookstores when I have the time and pick up what catches my fancy. I don’t have a book-buying budget like many people I know. I just go with the flow. Can you imagine a world without books? This is a very tough question. Even in the stone ages, people inscribed on walls and bamboo. There has always been a need to pass on messages and stories and books are important for that. Books, I believe, are necessary tools to pass ideas down from one generation to the next.