USF College of Public Health graduate student Azanta Thakur describes herself as a lifelong reader, but growing up she said she didn't see herself reflected in the books she read.
“My parents migrated from Bangladesh in the '90s and I was born and raised in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., where I left for college,” she said.
Thakur earned undergraduate dual degrees in health science and environmental analysis and policy from Boston University in 2020.
Thakur, pictured left, interviewing Namina Forna, a national bestselling young adult literature (YA) author of The Gilded Ones trilogy at YALLWest 2024. (Photo courtesy of Thakur)
“When I graduated, that’s when I fell back in love with reading and joined the online book space to share what I’m reading and promote diverse titles.” Thakur said.
In March 2021, amidst the global pandemic, Thakur founded BookTalk, a nonprofit organization aimed at uplifting diverse voices in publishing through virtual events. Their mission is to combat the systemic issues in publishing, particularly the lack of representation for marginalized authors.
“The nonprofit was founded so readers and authors at home could connect with each other in ways that the publishing industry had not yet been able to achieve," Thakur said. “Our work focuses on connecting students and kids through social media and our virtual events to books they might not otherwise have access to.”
By facilitating these connections, Thakur said BookTalk ensures that diverse voices are heard and celebrated.
“Authors featured in our events are often those who lack the large marketing budgets of their white peers, giving them a platform to reach wider audiences,” she said.
Thakur said her work involves coordinating the events, emailing authors, establishing panels, moderating panels, handling fundraising and conversations with sponsors and raising thousands of dollars for the annual operating budget.
Thakur also co-runs the Barakah Book Club which is aimed at celebrating Muslim voices. The club hosts monthly read-alongs, virtual live talks with authors and promotes books written by Muslim authors.
Thakur, pictured left, with Hafsah Faizal, a #1 New York Times bestselling author of YA fantasy duology We Hunt the Flame and most recently, A Tempest of Tea. (Photo courtesy of Thakur)
Leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Thakur said she has been able to spread her message far and wide as it is free, accessible and fun. Through these platforms, she not only promotes diverse books, but also builds meaningful connections with authors and readers alike.
"If I had seen this type of representation as a child, I would have felt much more comfortable in my skin and in my hijab a long time ago," she said.
A MPH in social marketing student, Thakur plans to graduate in December 2024. She also works remotely as a project manager and administrative coordinator at a sustainability nonprofit based in Boston.
Looking forward, Thakur said she hopes to expand BookTalk's reach and impact.
"I hope to grow BookTalk into a nonprofit that can host physical events and allow readers and students from low-income schools to attend," she said.
Thakur, pictured on the right, at YALLWest 2024, a young adult book festival that takes place at Santa Monica High School, Calif. Thakur was asked to co-moderate a panel for the launch of Love, Underlined, a romance imprint of the YA publisher, Underlined, at Penguin Random House. (Photo courtesy of Thakur)
Reflecting on her own experiences with book bans during her school years, Thakur said she is determined to fight for the rights of young readers everywhere.
"The work that I do is for young Muslim girls across the West, the ones who are not yet comfortable in their skins and have felt alienated by their peers," she said. "I hope readers find belonging through our work and the books that we help to promote.”