Rob’s Intro: Anyone who has a book blog or visits them regularly, will know Gautami. She is a real pillar of the online bookish community and is tireless in her quest to pass on her words of wisdom and offer warm words of support whenever she can. As she is in many places, Gautami is a regular commenter on RobAroundBooks, and it’s always an absolute delight to receive a message from her. Incredibly well educated and incredibly well read, it’s a real honour to put Gautami in this week’s Reader of the Week spotlight. I can think of no one whose tireless efforts to spread warmth and friendship is more deserving of recognition, so without further ado I’ll pass you over to Gautami:

I live in Delhi, India. I am a mathematics teacher. I teach under-privileged girls from grade 6 to 10. I have been in this field for 17 years. I have got two postgraduate degrees. One in chemistry, another in English. I hold a teaching degree too. Reading has always been one of my passions. I don’t remember when I started reading. I write poetry like crazy. That is what sustains me. I can give reading a break, but not writing poetry. I have a regular schedule for it. I have written a few short stories and a novella. I am also writing a novel. However, I have not given publishing any thought.

I also like to watch people.

1. Favourite Genre? There is no favourite genre as such. I read almost everything barring perhaps paranormal erotic fiction. That puts me off completely. However, I prefer books with strong historical facts. I like reading travelogues and memoirs too.

2. Favourite Book? Too many. If I must choose, I would say Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Considering the times and her circumstances, Jane was a very strong woman.

3. Why do you love reading so much (i.e. escapism, inspired by relative/teacher, seeking knowledge etc.)? All of the above. Great way of travelling the world sitting right in my chair!

4. Favourite reading place? Anywhere. I can read while travelling….by air or train. Not by road travel, though.

5. How BIG is your reading addiction? Too big. I’ve got 2500+ books. I downsized it from 4000+ books when I shifted house in April. No place to keep. Always scouring books stores and bargaining.

6. How do you normally add books to your collection? I get my books by visiting bookstores, second-hand stores, asking for ARCs, and as gifts.

7. How do you decide what to read? Nowadays from book bloggers. Those never go wrong. I read award winning books too but only if the review is up to my liking.

8. Ebooks - love or hate? I don’t like reading e-books. I need to hold a book, inhale it, savour it. eBooks don’t let me do that!

9. Has reading inspired you to do any serious writing yourself? Actually I have always been writing poetry (HERE is my poetry blog). In a way, writing has always been there within me. I have started a novel but don’t know if I will finish it ever.

10. What single piece of advice (or tip) would you give to fellow readers? Keep reading. Anything! Everything! Swap books! Mooch books! Beg, borrow or ‘steal’! Read by hook or crook!

Gautami - Thank you for taking the time to give us such a good interview. Good luck with writing that book. I hope to read it one day!

Gautami can always be found at her own book blog - Reading Room