Professor Virginia Hooker is widely known for her works on Islam in Southeast Asia, literature and social change in Malaysia and Indonesia, and Indonesian political culture. In this joyful conversation, she shared her recollection about living as a daughter of a Navy father, about her PhD on Riau-Lingga islands—including a fascinating story about Raja Ali Haji, and many more. We also sneaked into seven of her many books that define her career, including one recent illustrated book for children about Southeast Asia. At the end of the conversation, Mbak Nia talked about her appreciation of Islamic calligraphy.