Shristi Shakya is a full-time electrical engineer and a part-time bookseller at Bookverse, but above all, she has been a reader since childhood. Reading was one habit she never outgrew. When library classes were boring for most of her classmates, they were the highlight of her school days. Those hours among shelves played a major role in nurturing her love for books.
Opening a bookstore had always lived in her heart. It was something she imagined doing after retirement. However, life had other plans. Being surrounded by a circle of voracious readers strengthened her connection to books and people alike. Reading became a bridge that connected her with many in her community, eventually shaping her journey to become a full-time electrical engineer and a part-time bookseller at Bookverse.
As a child, she mostly read the ‘Goosebumps’ series. Mystery and murder stories fascinated her, and detective fiction quickly became one of her favourite genres. These stories sharpened her curiosity and imagination.
She was always good at mathematics and comfortable with calculations. That strength naturally extended into her professional life and even into designing the space at Bookverse herself. She knew she carried a creative spark within her, but she also wanted a field that demanded logic and precision. Engineering offered her both.
She had always known she would pursue engineering. Her father inspired her to study electrical engineering, often telling her that there was a gap in the field and a shortage of electrical engineers. He believed that choosing this path would not only secure her future but also allow her to contribute meaningfully to society.
In this conversation with the Post’s Sanskriti Pokharel, Shakya discusses Bookverse, reading community, and juggling the roles of engineer and bookseller.
Many people see engineering and literature as opposites. Does your work as an engineer shape how you engage with books, as a reader and as a curator?
For me, engineering fuels my mind and books nourish my soul. Although they may seem contradictory, they complement each other in meaningful ways. My work as an engineer trains me to think logically, systematically, and with purpose, and that same approach influences how I engage with books and curate them. I am intentional about what I read and what I offer to others.
Through engineering, I help build reliable electrical infrastructure. Through books, I nurture thought, imagination, and emotional well-being within the community. Being a bookseller allows me to create a space where readers feel connected, curious, and inspired. In that sense, both roles fulfil my ambitions and give me the satisfaction of building not just systems and structures, but also a thoughtful and vibrant reading community.