This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
BY THE BOOK: The engineer who is passionate about stories ¶
Published on August 21, 2019
Eunniah Mbabazi is a telecom enthusiast and electronic engineer by day, but her true passion lies in writing and reading. She has a degree in electronic engineering, but her love for stories has led her to become a blogger and author.
She blogs at babaziafrica.com and rapando.co.ke, and has written an anthology of short stories called Breaking Down.
When asked about her reading habits, Mbabazi revealed that she reads around 40 books a year, with the highest number being 63 in the previous year. She enjoys reading in silence, whether it's in her office, at home, or even in a quiet matatu.
Some of her most memorable books include Questions for Ada by Ijeoma Umebinyuo, Hello Mother by Charles Chanchori, and Yesterday, I Cried by Iyanla Vanzant.
However, Mbabazi is not a fan of motivational books, finding them too formulaic. She prefers to read books that challenge her and make her think.
As for her favorite books, Mbabazi has two treasured ones: Zoo by Charles Chanchori and After the Storm by Brian Mbanacho.
When asked which character from a book she would like to be, Mbabazi chose Darling from We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo. She is drawn to the character's experiences of growing up in poverty and leaving her motherland for a new country.
As for meeting three authors, dead or alive, Mbabazi would choose Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Dan Brown, and Ayobami Adebayo.
One book that was out of her comfort zone was The Alchemist, which she struggled to finish. However, she has had positive feedback on her writing, with many readers appreciating her unique voice and perspective.
Despite the challenges, Mbabazi remains optimistic about society's reading culture, citing examples of people reading in matatus and social gatherings. She believes that reading is here to stay, and is heartened by the demand for her book.
