In the online cohort of “bookstagram” creators, tea is sipped while enemies become lovers and forbidden romance meets magical fantasy worlds.
A bookstagram account is an Instagram page for book reviews, discussions and recommendations. Creators post things like their favorite books and other aesthetic and inspirational content for their followers to enjoy. For avid readers, book enthusiasts and fantasy fan girls alike, these pages serve as spaces for community.
Zoey Mclean, 23, from Ontario, Canada, started her bookstagram in November to talk to others who were also interested in reading. Her account started shortly after a shoulder injury that left her with enough downtime to start avidly reading again, a hobby that she said she fell off of in high school.
“I was feeling really lonely with spending all my time at home by myself and I wanted an outlet where I could chat about books and make new friends who shared like-minded opinions,” Mclean said.
Bookstagram gave Mclean the opportunity to expand and grow as a reader. She said that she treats it like a nine-to-five job. When she started, Mclean said that she primarily read romance but has now expanded to genres like fantasy.
“I love reading and always have because it’s been an escape for me, from either my responsibilities or the world itself,” Mclean said.
Her passion started when she was 11 years old, hiding from family dinner up in her room reading her “Warrior Cats” books. In 2023, she was hiding up in her room reading her fairy romance books.
“Not much has changed,” she said.
Reading doesn’t start at the first page for Mclean, but at her IKEA bookcase that she said she has finally set up beautifully. Not only does she try to organize it by color, but also by author and series.
Mclean sets the tone for her reading time by lying on her couch and putting on a YouTube ambience video or instrumental music. She said she will add in a candle and some lighting while she reads to bring the cozy vibe over the top. Her big dream is to one day purchase a comfy reading chair.
“I’m hoping to keep finding new, independent and smaller authors that I can support through my page,” Mclean said. “The reason I feel so passionately about this space and creating book content on Instagram is a bit of my younger self who dreamed of being an influencer.”
Teagan Tensek, 22, from Sydney, Australia, is another bookstagram creator who is passionate about creating a space for people to talk about books. She started her account in October and has already brought in more than 7,000 followers. Even though she has gained a following, Tensek said that she didn’t start this page to become an influencer.
“I started because I love reading,” she said.
One problem many people face when it comes to reading is getting into a slump where they can’t find the right book, and they lose the motivation to read. Tensek said to try rereading one of your favorites or getting a thriller so you have a page-turner.
Like Tensek, Mclean said that thrillers are great for getting out of a reading slump. Also, if you’re looking for a book but don’t quite know what you’re looking for, Mclean said that the best way to start is looking through bookstagram accounts like her own. She said that there are tons of great recommendations out there and that you don’t have to go far to find a lovely, new book.
The creators of bookstagrams have become an important part of bringing reading back into people’s lives, and helping people who didn’t know where to begin reading. Mclean said that her account has allowed her to meet many smaller authors and promote their work on her platform.
“I would definitely encourage anyone who is passionate about reading or writing books to make that jump to start a bookstagram account because it’s made a massive positive impact in my life and I’m eternally grateful for this opportunity,” she said.
For more information and inspiration on the latest hit books, Tensek can be found @teags.reads and Mclean can be found @zozosbookshelf.
Highly Anticipated January–June 2024 Book Releases
Mclean said that her most anticipated books of 2024 are “Fangirl Down” by Tessa Bailey, set to release on Feb. 13 and “Not in Love” by Ali Hazelwood, set to release on June 11.
Tensek said that she is looking forward to Sarah J. Maas’ “House of Flame and Shadow” which is expected to be released on Jan. 30. “House of Flame and Shadow” will be the third book in Maas’ “Crescent City” series.
January
“The Getaway List” by Emma Lord (Romance): Jan. 23
“House of Flame and Shadow” by Sarah J. Maas (Fantasy): Jan. 30
“Come and Get It” by Kiley Reid (Fiction): Jan. 30
February
“Bride” by Ali Hazelwood (Paranormal Romance): Feb. 6
“Girl Abroad” by Elle Kennedy (Romance): Feb. 13
“A Fate Inked in Blood” by Danielle L. Jensen (Fantasy): Feb. 27
March
“Swift and Saddled” by Lyla Sage (Romance): March 5
“Women of Good Fortune” by Sophie Wan (Fiction): March 5
“The Prisoner’s Throne” by Holly Black (Fantasy): March 5
April
“The Rule Book” by Sarah Adams (Romance): April 2
“Funny Story” by Emily Henry (Romance): April 23
“King of Sloth” by Anna Huang (Romance): April 30
May
“This Summer Will Be Different” by Carley Fortune (Romance): May 7
“This Strange Eventful History” by Claire Messud (Historical Fiction): May 14
“Lies and Weddings” by Kevin Kwan (Fiction): May 21
June
“Daydream” by Hannah Grace (Romance): June 4
“1974: A Personal History” by Francine Prose (Memoir): June 4
“A Novel Love Story” by Ashely Posten (Romance): June 25
