Archana Thapa's 'Kathaputla' collection of stories is popular among readers. She is also the publisher of Akshar Creations and is also a citizen activist. Currently, she is busy preparing a new novel along with the large civil movement. Edited part of the conversation with Thapa for E-Kantipur's column 'Five Questions':

What book did you read last time?

I am reading two books together . One is 'Chalbato' by Ramesh Bhusal. Another is about trees, 'The Hidden Life of Trees'. The book gives a new perspective on tree planting. We limit the tree only as nature . But the arguments of author Peter Helwein are interesting . Tree roots talk to each other . A tree is a social species like a human living in a group. A tree also takes care of its children. If there is not enough food, they give their own food . They communicate. Trying to see trees from a human point of view was interesting. This is a different kind of writing to me .

Your favorite fiction?

When answering this question, a different fixation name comes up every time . Because the favorite fixation cannot be limited to one . Now the name of 'Madhavi' by Madanmani Dixit came to me . Some books are not enough to read once. It should be read frequently. Placed on your book rack . Another one I would like to say is 'Hans' by Sanjeev Upreti . It is not enough to read 'Hans' once. From time to time I am reading page by page . 

Your favorite nonfiction ? There are many

nonfiction. Also in English, also in Nepali . When I was doing my PhD on gender, I read gender-related nonfiction . Currently watching nonfiction for my novel . One is a book called 'An Edible History of Humanity'. Which tells about the history of food . We don't pay much attention to food. We think that we have eaten and reached. But how did that food originate? Over time, as we became modern, how did the type of food change, what is the politics of food, what kind of form does food take during war? How is it political? Now globalization has made fast food in the market and what are its effects on health ? How food is used in beneficial ways  And I'm reading a book on how to be manipulated . The author of which is Tom Sandys . I think it is worth reading for everyone.

Recently released, a book you haven't read?

I have 'Simsara' by Basant Basnet . I read 'Simsara' as soon as I finish 'Chalbato' . I have read 3 books by women authors in the past few days . Kumari Lama's 'Darju Salalap',  Dr. I also read 'Tuin Zindagi' by Renuka Solu and 'Sammohan' by Radhika Kalpit. Three of the books I read recently were also good. 

Book recommendation for the new generation ?

I think, using technology-laptop, reduce time on mobile and visit bookstores . Find books that interest you in reading. Somewhere on the rack you will find books that are not famous and not mentioned in the mainstream . Do you like reading history or novels? Or poetry ? There is such an immense world of books. It is not enough to name only one or two. If you search and read, you will find what interests you . Don't forget to pick out some women's creations when you're picking. Read and write .