A Bibliotherapist, a Gender Expert and a Book That Hit Like a Gut Punch | James by Percival Everett

What do a children’s book author and a gender justice leader have in common? Turns out—plenty, especially when the book in question hits like a gut punch.

In this episode, I sat down with Bhakti Mathur and Nisha Dhawan to unpack James by Percival Everett. Bhakti’s journey from banker to bibliotherapist adds a whole new layer to how stories can heal, while Nisha brings her fierce, frontline experience working with girls across 15 countries. We talk language, resistance, trauma, and what it means to write yourself into being.

This one’s part book club, part therapy, and full of wisdom!

IN THIS EPISODE

(00:00) Coming up

(04:30) What happens when the side characters steal your heart

(07:30) Coping with oppression: Two men, two impossible choices.

(10:15) A book so intense, you’ll need to take breaks.

(13:00) The one thing slavery truly stole—and why it still matters.

(16:00) Faking ignorance just to survive—sound familiar?

(18:15) “With this pencil, I write myself into being.”

(21:30) Can you challenge the system without burning it down?

(24:00) How books can heal—and what bibliotherapy really means.

(28:15) What if reading wasn’t just freeing, but forbidden?

(31:15) Why we need more retellings—and who should write them.

Nisha Dhawan

Nisha Dhawan is the Vice President of Impact and Influence at EMpower, where she works to center the voices and wisdom of girls in philanthropy and programming across 15 countries. She has a background in gender, development, and sociology—and she brings a fierce love for feminist literature, big ideas, and conversations that push us to think differently about the world.

Bhakti Mathur

Bhakti Mathur is a Hong Kong–based author, executive coach, and bibliotherapist who transitioned from a 20-year career in private banking to storytelling and personal development. She is best known for her children's book series, Amma Tell Me and Amma Take Me, which introduce Indian mythology and history to young readers. Beyond writing, Bhakti offers bibliotherapy sessions, curating reading lists to support clients through life's challenges. She also contributes feature articles to the South China Morning Post, focusing on culture, health, and fitness.

Gunjali

I’ve spent over a decade working in the development sector, and a lifetime finding both escape and meaning in good books. Book clubs have been my anchor and helped keep me grounded through many seasons of change.

This podcast brings together two things I care deeply about: powerful stories, and the passionate people working to drive real change in the world. I hope it leaves you with fresh ideas, renewed hope—and a good book recommendation to dive into.

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About The Changemakers Book Club

The Changemakers Book Club is where powerful books meet powerful voices. In each episode, host Gunjali sits down with inspiring changemakers to explore stories that spark reflection—and action. It’s part book chat, part deep dive into the world we live in. Come for the books, stay for the bold conversations.

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