In recent years, a burgeoning voice in the book community has captured the attention of over 2 million followers across various social media platforms. Hina, a content creator who uses they/them pronouns, is making significant waves in the literary world with their engaging insights and recommendations. Known for their “Read Like Ivy League” series, Hina is dedicated to promoting an inclusive approach to reading that encourages individuals to explore all literary genres without judgement.
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Hina’s philosophy centres around the idea that there should be no policing of reading habits. They firmly believe that every reader’s journey is unique, having experienced this themselves. Reflecting on their own formative years, Hina acknowledges that they were not initially drawn to classic literature, instead gravitating towards popular series like “Twilight” and “The Hunger Games.” For Hina, these stories served as a gateway to discovering the joy of reading.
At just 29 years old, Hina has noticed a trend among some readers within the intellectual community who dismiss works perceived as less serious. This is particularly evident with genres like science fiction and fantasy, which are often seen as lacking literary merit. In direct contrast, Hina argues for the importance of incorporating diverse genres into the broader literary discourse. “Who are we to police what is literature?” they challenge. Hina posits that identifying literature through a narrow lens does a disservice to the profound connections stories can create with readers.
Speaking from personal experience, Hina reflects on the impact of reading John Green’s “Looking for Alaska” at the age of 16, equating its influence to that of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” They recall the shock and inspiration that literary narratives can provide at a young age, highlighting how transformative reading can be. “That feeling is really the whole point,” Hina emphasises, reinforcing their belief that art should evoke emotion rather than be subjected to strict criteria for validity.
Ultimately, Hina expresses a sense of gratitude towards anyone who engages with literature, regardless of their preferences. They assert that reading should be a source of enjoyment and personal fulfilment rather than an academic obligation. Hina clarifies that the motivations behind choosing books vary significantly from person to person. “I read for a good time,” they share, drawing a parallel between reading and other leisure activities. This perspective underscores the relativity of enjoyment in all pursuits, whether it be literature, hiking, or gaming.
In discussing their recent reads, Hina mentions titles such as “The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton and “Trust” by Hernan Diaz, along with an enthusiasm for “Chain-Gang All-Stars” by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah—one of their all-time favourite books. Hina likens the excitement they felt reading this novel to that of their first experience with the “Hunger Games,” illustrating the youthful nostalgia that literature can evoke.
In a literary landscape filled with diverse offerings, Hina is a proponent of embracing the variety instead of adhering to stringent expectations regarding what should be read. It’s a simple yet profound notion: some books resonate with individuals while others do not, and that is perfectly acceptable. “It’s not deeper than that, really,” they conclude, encouraging readers to connect with the stories that speak to them personally.
As Hina continues to build their platform, their message remains clear: the world of literature should be a welcoming one, free from judgement and rich in diversity. Their commitment to fostering a love for reading, irrespective of genre, is inspiring a new generation of readers to explore the vast universe of books available to them.