You can’t navigate Pasifika bookstagram without coming across Mara’s profile. She has 2,681 followers and counting, all of whom are tuned in to her reviews, activism and artful graphics.
This week we learn more about Mara, the powerhouse behind the @thisislanderreads account.
Island(s) you're from? I am Yapese/ Fijian. My father's family is from Yap. His grandmother was from the island of Ulithi and she married his grandfather who was from the village of Gagil on the main island of Yap. Unfortunately, I have not yet been to Yap. I was born and raised in Fiji where my mother is from.
Name? Mara
Bookstagram handle: @thisislanderreadsWhy did you start an IG for your books or reading? Who or what inspired you?
As much as I love to read, I also love talking about the books I read. I figured that I would give my friends and family a break from listening to me and find a more receptive audience.In the beginning, my IG page wasn't so much Pacific-oriented. I just wanted to highlight and discover stories that disrupted convention, so, stories by people of color and queer authors. But I discovered that even within the BIPOC bookish community on Instagram, there was still a lack of representation of Pacific literature. In fact, even beyond Instagram, trying to find books by Indigenous Pacific authors is extremely difficult. And I was frustrated that most of the Pacific books recommended by popular book platforms and on Google search weren't by Pacific Islanders, and perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
Since I wasn't seeing the representation I was looking for I thought I would create a space where Pacific Islanders could feel seen. I also realized that I could use this platform to educate and inform people about Pacific issues.
What has it been like to join the Bookstagram community?
It has been amazing! From the moment I joined in January, everyone was so welcoming and supportive. And my favourite part has been connecting with some awesome Pacific Islander bookstagrammers.
Do you have a favorite Pacific Islander author?
There are so many incredible Pacific authors out there so it's hard for me to choose just one.
What's your favorite part about having an Instagram account just for your books/things you're reading?
My favourite part has been just being able to geek out about books with other people who love books.
How do you decide what books make it to your bookstagram account?
Currently, my goal is to highlight Pacific literature so any and all Pacific literature I come across is going on my page.
This is pretty specific lol but what other Micronesians/Pacific Islander bibliophile accounts or websites do you recommend that people should follow?
Yes! Shout out to these awesome people:
@telbong @shai.reads @corinarichards @taotaotaitai @novelisticnotions @haunani.plans @polynesianreader @bookandsunscreen
@ourlibros @readswithrosa @tihoireads @tales_with_thomas
@talking.story @mksreads @thefijianreader @aglassofread @book.kanaky
Thank you so much Mara! I am so grateful for your time and I admire all the work you’re doing for the community.
I’m sure you’re already following Mara, but if you aren’t yet, go ahead and follow her, she is @thisislanderreads on Instagram.
And now one link1
Right before COVID-19, Guam fought off a dengue outbreak. Dengue hadn’t been in the community for decades before the 2019 situation. Anyway, this isn’t happening in Guam or Micronesia, but in Florida they released these genetically modified mosquitoes that they hope will kill off the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti carry diseases like dengue and Zika.
From the article: The genetically engineered males carry a gene that passes to their offspring and kills female progeny in early larval stages. Male offspring won’t die but instead will become carriers of the gene and pass it to future generations. As more females die, the Aedes aegypti population should dwindle.
Wow.
Who even knew someone was working on that experiment?
Anyway, folks, have a fantastic weekend!
And thank you, again, Mara, for being so wonderful and answering my questions!
In case you missed it, this month on The Husk it’s all about authors and bookstagrammers and making a Little Free Library in line with May being Get Caught Reading Month. Let’s read and let’s especially read Pasifika authors. 2
If you want to read about a bookstagrammer from Guam, check out the Q&A with Gee, @talking.story, here.
Thank you for reading. Write to you again soon.
Cheers,
Jasmine
I wish I had more links but this week went by so quickly. All I’ve been consuming has been the Bloodbath podcast. Every day my crush on Khalyla Khun grows exponentially.
May I suggest, searching your socials for the #PasifikaReadathonChallenge for book recommendations. Oh and I just remembered! Meta Sarmiento a Filipino poet and rapper from Guam, wrote a poetry book, Tie Your Shoes Kid. I found it on Amazon.