Literary Works That Shaped My Journey.
The “Never Have I Ever” star opens up about "Attack on Titan," Hot Topic, lucky charms, ink, and more on Books That Changed My Life.
LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Maitreyi Ramakrishnan has one thing she wants to set straight. "Attack on Titan," Hajime Isayama's multi-year graphic novel series centered on a fortified city, massive man-eating creatures, and relentless patterns of cruelty, isn’t her top anime pick. It isn’t her top manga pick. It stands—ahead of every book, artwork, movie, or TV program—as her favorite piece of creativity. “This is the one,” she tells host Chris Collins during the newest installment of Books That Changed My Life. “If I could wipe my memory and erase every detail I know about this series just to experience it fresh again, this would be it.”
Ramakrishnan proudly displays her enthusiasm. She recalls her first-ever shopping purchase: an "Attack on Titan" hoodie from Hot Topic. She still uses it. It has turned into a lucky charm. She brings it to every casting call and carries it during trips, which likely means she was repping Isayama’s iconic work when she tried out for "Best of the Best." Clearly, the hoodie delivers: Ramakrishnan landed the main role in the upcoming Netflix dance production. The actress also has "Attack on Titan" ink; “It’s my favorite,” she states flatly.
As she’s grown into the hoodie, Isayama's narrative has evolved alongside her. Ramakrishnan discovered the series in middle school during its well-known anime hiatus, which means she naturally matured with it, keeping up with the characters in real time as they—and she—discovered that the world was far more complex than they’d realized. “At 13, I thought this series was about avenging what you’d lost,” she says. “Now, as a 24-year-old adult who’s seen it through to the end, I see it as understanding that there’s no simple hero or villain, no clear-cut answers. It’s far, far more intricate than that.” The daughter of Sri Lankan refugees who attended her first demonstration at age five, she’s fully aware that "Attack on Titan" deals with themes of systemic oppression and isn’t shy about pushing back on fans who’d rather ignore that. “Some might argue, ‘Oh, this is purely an action series, it’s not political, don’t inject politics into it,’” she says. “But that’s exactly what it’s about, 100%.”
The common thread—whether she’s discussing the manga’s political themes, its unexpected turns, or why she packs a middle-school hoodie in her audition kit—is her preference for storytelling: she loves being surprised. “I’m drawn to stories that make me feel clueless,” she says. “I’m not looking to feel clever. I don’t want to guess the ending. I want the rug yanked out from under me. I put my trust in it, and it flips everything.”
View the complete interview HERE.
DETAILS ON BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE:
“Books That Changed My Life,” hosted by top-selling author Chris Collins, is a YouTube series that examines how impactful books alter us in deep and surprising ways. Every episode features a notable guest discussing a book that influenced or motivated them, leading to meaningful discussions and revealing raw, personal moments.
Past visitors include comedian and actor Patton Oswalt, daytime TV icon Susan Lucci, ex-CIA officer Andrew Bustamante, actress and reality personality Lisa Rinna, Dancing With the Stars professional Jenna Johnson, Good Morning America legend Joan Lunden, and TV icon Kelsey Grammer.
Media Contact: Ryan Oshinsky
Syndicate X
+1 650-773-8983
email us here
Find us online:
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
TikTok
X
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan discusses "Attack on Titan":
