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| Instagram@LexiGagan |
You've probably clicked on this because you're thinking 'What the hell is Bookstagram?!' Don't worry, you are not alone. When I try and describe it to my muggle friends, they also sport a bewildered look (and a little bit of disappointment flashes behind the eyes as well).
A Bookstagrammer is a person(s) who love books. Like, they love books hard. And not just the physical being of a book, bookstagrammers are also huge advocates of literature in general. Believe it or not, there is a lot of us and we share this passion mostly through posting pictures on Instagram. Hence the amalgamation of the words 'book' and 'Instragram' equating to what we like to call the community of Bookstagram (where Bookstagrammers live - no really, feels like we live there).
So why is this community so great? I'll tell you.
1) It's unique
Unlike any other lifestyle blogging, you are celebrated for being unique. If you can interpret a novel in a way that no-one else has captured before, then expect a flood of respect coming your way. It's not about what the big players are doing, and what their opinions are, you get to do YOU. And when a person decides to be themselves, they offer something that no-one else can be. Making each Bookstagram feed unique.
2) You build invaluable connections and friendships
If, like me, you are an aspiring author then what could be better than following the posts of people who have achieved that goal already? What better inspiration than getting a sneak peak behind your favourite authors writing process? Or seeing what kind of literature they admire themselves? When I started my Bookstagram in February, I never imagined I would make as many friends or connections as I have.
3) It's an incredibly supportive community
The internet is full of negative comments and negative people, and it's actually refreshing to be a part of a community that still believes if you have nothing nice to say, keep your mouth shut. No matter what is happening in your personal life - whether you are struggling with your driving test, revising for that big exam or experiencing family issues; I guarantee that the people of Bookstagram will bend over backwards to help and support you. No judgement.
4) It's not shallow
To add to the above point - you are not going to lose followers because you are a human being. Your lovely and supportive followers all understand that you have a life outside Bookstagram (it's cruel, but we all have to earn a living somewhere!). If you post something that isn't 'bookish' because maybe it's not appropriate or you haven't had time to get creative, you will not be judged for this. People like to get to know the person behind the account.
5) It's inspiring
This is the most important point of all. Bookstagram has been a huge turning point in my life, because it made me realise that I could start writing again. It also unleashed a passion I didn't realise I had for photography. It's a worldwide community full of inspiring and creative individuals who are so well-read they could put Rory Gilmore to shame. I will be forever grateful them all.
So if all this doesn't sound amazing enough, why don't you check it out for yourself, here.
If you are a Bookstagrammer yourself, please comment below what your favourite thing is about the Bookstagram community?
Wonderful post, Lexi! I think bookstagram is all about 'finding your tribe'. No matter if you are a reader or writer, or both, having other people who understand just how words make you feel is such a joy. It's also about community, a word often used but rarely truly understood. Words bring out the very best in people!
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I don't get when I see all these pages, is how the heck does everyone afford all the books? I mean, it's like a new book is posted every single day on some of these pages, and some days more than one book. And often times it's the books with the beautiful covers too!
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