At the Lahore Literature Festival, rumours of a lack of appreciation for literature were greatly exaggerated: we saw people buying books by the armful.

Yes, talk of Pakistani politics and media dominated some sessions, but more than enough people bought books, talked books and read books to earn LLF a spot in our literary hearts. A mecca for bibliophiles, many attendees headed to the Liberty Books stall at LFF to get their hands on books from their wish lists.

Here, we show you what they're reading!

American playwright and feminist Eve Ensler was a popular choice:

And not just amongst the ladies:

Another favoured author was Maltese-American cartoonist and journalist, Joe Sacco.

Some were feeling the cricket fever.

People also picked up books by some of the more popular writers.

Perhaps some people took it to heart when F S Aijazuddin said “Anyone who doesn’t know Shobhaa De shouldn’t be sitting here”?

In the midst of all things literature and culture, there were a few sessions that explored themes of religion and politics. Following LLF, many spoke about how it was unnecessary to discuss such topics at what was mainly a literary gathering.

Photo books were also spotted:

Tapu Javeri presented Shobhaa De with a copy of his book, Tapulicious.

Mobeen Ansari was at LLF signing copies of Dharkan.

Like every other cultural shindig, LLF too came under the crossfire for becoming too politicized or elitist. In all of that, the true nature of the festival started to get hazy. At the end of the day, though, people left Alhamra Arts Council with books in their hands and smiles on their faces.

All photographs have been taken by Hira Nabi.