MEET THE BOOKSTAGRAMMERS #1

Meet our bookstagrammer is a bi-weekly feature on the RH blog where we speak with booklovers and bookstagrammers and have them share insights on their reading culture to motivate and encourage booklovers all over the world. But not book lovers alone, this feature also encourages non-book lovers to develop a healthy reading culture.

For our first episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Mrs Blessing Okwuofu popularly known as @thereadingmom.ng on Instagram. She is a Christian Blogger, Wife, Mother to two beautiful girls, Voracious reader and that’s not all, she is also the principal at the Readingcafe.ng – An online bookclub. She has a mandate to promote a reading culture in adults and of course, Children.

Written by: Olawoyin Olubukola Tabitha

Please introduce yourself.

I am Blessing Okwuofo, a Christian, Head of Audit at an EP Company, Wife, and Mother of two (2) lovely girls who absolutely love to read.

How did you develop this whole reading habit?

I have always loved to read from as early as I can remember. One factor is that my parents are into academics and another factor is that in my childhood, we did not have TV, nor were we encouraged to play in the neighbourhood; hence, reading was the best entertainment.

Fascinating.  Did your parents support you in your reading interest?

Yes, of course, they did.

In what way?

I remember my mom sharing Bible stories in an interesting manner, and encouraging us to read the Bible and discuss the lessons learnt.

Did your reading habit affect your academic life in any way?

Yes, my constant reading of novels has helped me build the ability to read fast and understand faster which has been helpful for my academics.

On average, how many books do you read in a year?

I would say about 200 books.

Wow, that is a lot! So, how many books did you read in 2022 and what was your favourite read?

I read 271 books in 2022. It is difficult to pick one favourite read but I posted my 22 favorite books on my page in December.

Okay, what is your favourite book of all time and why?

For someone who has read so many books, I cannot pick a favorite book of all time, except from the Bible.

How many books have you read in 2023 and which is your favorite?

I have read 79 books so far. Again, it is always difficult to pick one favourite, but I recently posted a top 3 so far – Lessons from David by Andrew Wommack, Where the Children take us by Zain E Asher and The marriage class by Adesuwa O’man Nwokedi.

It’s just April and you’ve read 79? Wow.         

We learnt you are a mom to two adorable kids. How easy has it been imbibing the reading culture in them and what tips would you give parents who are trying to train readers?

I started reading to my girls when they were babies, I also have books around the house and have them read their Bible and another book (of their choice) every day before they are allowed to play. I also ask them to share the lessons from their Bible and the book they read.

That surely requires a lot of commitment.

What is your favourite quote from a book and what is the name of the book and author?

I will do a quote from a recent book, not necessarily my favourite of all time.

“To change your circumstances, first start thinking differently.”
From The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale.

How easy has it been combining your work life, marital life and a healthy reading habit?

At this point, the reading habit is fairly ingrained in me and I always love to read, so I always find time to read – typically early in the morning, at lunch and before sleeping.

What tips would you give people trying to build a healthy reading culture?

First, see reading as a beneficial and interesting hobby, get books around your areas of interest, and schedule reading into your daily routine.

Thank you so much for talking to us Mrs Blessing. It was really insightful.

Thank you too for having me!

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About the Writer: Olawoyin Olubukola (Content Writer and Editor) is a young female medical undergraduate at the university, a multi-faceted person passionate about books, writing and teaching. If she isn’t found reading or writing, she would most likely be found teaching or scrolling on Instagram.