Innovating Reading and Taste on the Go!: Vidhya Thakkar: Look for what interests you. Enjoy this space and express what you feel.

Today as we celebrate World Book and Copyright Day let us meet a lively, helpful and an extremely famous Bookstagrammer - Vidhya Thakkar who is more popular on Instagram as reader_viddh. Reader_viddh is one of the leading book blogs since 2017. She has worked with more than 700 Authors, Brands and India’s listed Publisher’s in regards with Marketing and Promotions.

She’s a Mumbaikar soul and an avid reader which made her Founder of MUMBAI BOOKSTAGRAM – A community of more than 80 Mumbai - based Book Bloggers. They meet every 3-4 months, attend events together, do blind book dates.

Vidhya is an ardent fan of Sudha Murty and rightly so she founded the SUDHA MURTY’s BOOK CLUB.

She has been featured in Mid Day, Social ketchup, Outlook India, Shillong Times, Elle India, Buzz Feed and many others.

Chinmayee Bhange interviews Ms. Vidhya Thakkar on the occasion of World Book and Copyright Day - 23rd April 2023.

Please tell us more about yourself

Vidhya Thakkar Is an avid reader and a Blogger. A social media strategist who works with author, publishers and influencers. Having work with more than 700 authors and almost all the publishers, this journey as a book blogger has been an interesting one. This May i will be celebrating the six years of reader_viddh.

How long have you been blogging? Tell us more about the idea behind book blogging.

I will soon be celebrating 6 years of reader_viddh. I have been a blogger since 2014 where I shared about personal experiences. Later, while travelling I came across a hashtag called Bookstagram, which made me curious. When I explored more I came to know more about book blogging and that's when the journey began and reader_viddh was born.

What genres of books do you generally follow and review?

Romance, mythology, thriller, self help.

According to you, what makes a good book? The plot or the author?

The plot always.

Vidhya was recently featured in the column - Shelf Life in Mid-Day.

Read the article - How readers become friends at this unconventional book club in Mumbai

How does a certain book achieve its "Best Seller" status? Also what are your tips to newbies in the Book Writing Platform?

Well, the bestseller status surely comes with apt visibility and sales. For newbies, I would suggest to have patience when it comes to writing, publishing and marketing as well. Choose the best and wait for the best rather than just choosing the first thing that comes for the sake of publishing.

What is it that Book Bloggers should look out for?

Look for what interests you. Enjoy this space and express what you feel.

How much time does it generally take from receiving a book to posting its review? What is the general flow that you follow?

Well it takes me good 25-30 days after I receive the book.

In this scenario of information overload and binge reading habits, your blogging and instagram posts have opened up a new avenue for book enthusiasts. What is your message for like minded people?

Have patience, and don't run after followers. Remember the reason you created the account.

What advice would you share for naive book bloggers?

Be honest with your work.

How many books do you read in a month? And how many are on your shelf right now as TBR?

I try to read 20-21 books in a month. TBR is never ending!

Any three books which are very close to your heart and why?

"Shakuni" because I love reading about Mahabharta. "Take a chance on me" by Sapna Bhog. A light romance read that I always reread when in slump and "1000+ little things". The book I go to every time I feel low.

Has it ever happened that you felt as if you were one of the characters in the book? Which was that book?

Yes it was "Take a chance on me" by Sapna Bhog.

Do your family / friends support you in this venture of book blogging?

Yes they do!

What tips would you share for getting more likes / followers on Instagram handles for book reviews?

Content and consistency are kings. The only way to get likes and followers

Social Media is ever evolving. How do you adapt yourself to this scenario?

Well I remind myself why I created this space. The reason I keep evolving. Also invest in website.

Do you think likes / reviews on Instagram handles has a deep impact on the psychology of the readers?

Yes they do have a deep impact.

What are your favourite Bookstagram accounts?

Creaty_rich, booxoul, bookish.fame, book_gobbler, just_another_aspirant