We continue to live in a world where digital technologies are prevalent, but in our time, people are increasingly drawn to the real thing. Although electronic libraries are popular, reading books has not lost its relevance or even acquired a new image. Online and downloadable books of various genres are available at Z-library, one of the largest online libraries in the world.
Book bloggers have been instrumental in popularizing reading, from sharing impressions on social networks to spotlighting every detail of a book ,even the back cover of a book. Readers use social networks to share impressions of books they have read, discuss literary scandals, and find new books to read.
Book content on social networks
It has become more common for book content to go beyond classic reviews in the last few years. The internet today is flooded with interactive videos, reading challenges, unboxing, memes, podcasts, and even ASMR-style videos.
The emergence of TikTok has played a key role in the popularization of reading. There are millions of active participants in #BookTok, which has evolved from a simple hashtag into a full-fledged subculture. The reality has shown that 15-second videos can be a useful tool for discussing literature, despite initial skepticism. Due to a video produced by a schoolgirl, Madeline Miller’s book The Song of Achilles achieved a second wave of popularity. In one year, the book became a New York Times bestseller thanks to her emotional response.
It is also observed on Instagram that the effect is similar. A book blogger writes not just reviews but also organizes reading marathons, engages subscribers with stories, and creates aesthetic content.
As our daily lives become increasingly digitalized, books are among the best leisure activities that provide a break from constant scrolling.
Reading communities: from book clubs to literary meetings
There have always been reading communities, but they are undergoing a fundamental change today. As opposed to the intimate meetings held in libraries earlier, now they are often a platform for combining online and offline formats.
The US book club run by Oprah Winfrey, which has existed since 1996, has had a significant impact on book sales. Her recommendations almost always become bestsellers. There is also Reese’s Book Club, founded by actress Reese Witherspoon. The popularity of the publications is significantly influenced by her selection of one book every month that focuses on women’s stories.
After quarantines and social isolation as a result of the pandemic, people yearned for live meetings and communication. There is a “side effect” of this desire, namely the revival of book clubs. There are so many benefits to attending book clubs today, beyond just discussing books. They provide a powerful tool for socializing and gaining new knowledge.
It’s important to note that not every book becomes a hit because it’s mentioned on social networks. However, book bloggers play a major role in the modern book world, and it is evident that this world is changing.
