Wambui Kithinji (@readingbumblebee)

I asked Wambui three questions to help me learn more about her love for books and this is what she had to say: 

The quality of the photos you post on your account is top tier! Is this something important to you? How long does it take you to prepare your photos?

First of all, thank you. Yes. I actually put a lot of thought into my photos. However, sometimes I just wing it and go with the flow. I had a few months where I had a huge bout of imposter syndrome and even left bookstagram for a while. I’m a perfectionist and maybe that explains a bit of how ‘perfect’ I want things lol. Lately though I’ve just been having a good time and not really going for perfection but babbling about books and what I enjoy. 

I wouldn’t say it takes long to prepare. I’ll get an idea and snap a photo. I always have a book with me so for example, I might go for dinner somewhere or for a trip and take a photo of the book with something pretty or scenic. I rarely stage my photos with props and all or plan a ‘shoot’ in advance. I have done that for a few photos (which are still in my gallery and not even posted yet) but for most, I’ll pick something around me and snap away.  Maybe you should ask how many photos I take before getting the perfect photo lol. I’ll take a minimum of 20 photos getting the light right and angles, etc. As I mentioned earlier I can be quite the perfectionist and sometimes the 50th photo is the perfect one lol. I however enjoy the process although I’m always surprised each and every time at how many photos I’ve taken.

You are one of the few Kenyan bookstagrammers who enjoys audiobooks. How did you get into audiobooks and what tips would you give someone who’d like to venture into them? 

I actually started listening to audiobooks ‘by mistake’. I picked an audiobook thinking it was a podcast. My first ever audiobook was The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory. I thought I was listening to a review but it was in fact the book. After that I’ve enjoyed enjoyed audiobooks. I think things like accents and conversations as intended by the author are clearer on audiobooks as opposed to the written word. However, paperbacks let the reader form their own world in their mind. 

Another reason I love audiobooks and completely went into them is that I don’t have to be actually seating reading. I can walk, jav and drive, clean, all while listening to a book.

I’d tell them to probably go to audible to get the first free books and sample them. I don’t think audiobooks are for everyone although I think they should be. For example, my husband and brother absolutely hate audiobooks hehe…and I’ve had them listen to The Lord of the Rings which is soooo good as an audiobook. So I’d encourage them to either go to Audible or Scribd and try out the free Audiobook samples after that, they’ll know whether they love it or might want to give it another chance.

The bookstagram community in Kenya is steadily growing. What would make you happy to see in its future? 

I’d love to see more partnerships among bookstagrammers. Maybe a hang out or get-the-know session like I’ve seen you, Lexa and Faith have been doing. I’ve been trying to be anonymous on here and have my books tell my story but I don’t think I’d be averse to knowing people. Booksta can be more than a social platform and we could foster more meaningful relationships. Also, I would like to see more Kenyan bookies getting ARCs. Books are bloody expensive in Kenya and getting a free/advance once in a while would be great. The thing I’d love most though? Have this community completely grow and influence even more and more people to read or pick up reading.