Sometimes there’s nothing like hanging out in your bestie’s bedroom for a nice chat about the books you’ve been reading. Our Up-and-Coming Bookstagrammer of the Week, Darmen, perfectly captures this cozy intimacy on her page, @darmensbookshelf. Whether she’s curling up with a book during finals week or heading to Barnes and Noble for a new haul, Darmen keeps her followers up to date on her everyday bookish life. Rarely without a Jellycat or a nice drink to accompany her, she shares her honest thoughts on romance reads, both ordinary and fantastical. She’s even opened an Etsy shop for cute bookmarks!
Read on to see why following Darmen is like catching up with an old friend — one who’s got all the scoop on the best new reads.
Darmen (@darmensbookshelf)
Instagram (main) | Instagram (shop) | Goodreads
Why did you start your Bookstagram? What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I started my Bookstagram because I felt like I had nobody to talk to about the books I was reading! I would always finish a book, stare at the wall, and talk about what I loved or hated about it — then realize I was literally talking to a wall, lol. So, I started my Bookstagram to build a community and make friends who also enjoy reading and other bookish things. I love meeting people who are just as obsessed with fictional characters as I am.
Where are you from?
Maryland. The state known for eating crabs all day, which is kinda true, lol.
Fun Fact about you:
I founded and am the president of the first book club at my university! It took a lot to get the club rolling since it’s way more paperwork then simply getting friends together, lol, but it’s worth it to see college students get together and talk about books!
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
- Readwith.rinn (has a refreshing feel and recommends books that aren’t well known!)
- Skyesreadingcorner (her photos are to die for! She is such a kind person and I love seeing her on my FYP)
- Ayanda.reads (I’m a little [bit] of a silent follower but her reviews are everything. She really makes you want to read the book solely based on her thoughts!)
Favorite Books and Authors:
Ana Huang is the Queen! Twisted Games, King of Wrath, and King of Sloth are my current favs of hers. The way she always has some scandal or mystery going on in the background of the romance will keep you on your toes.
Becka Mack. She has one series that is a sports romance, and it is the perfect interconnected standalone! Fall With Me is my favorite out of them all, and I still don’t know how any hockey romance can compete!
The Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy needs to be read by every romantasy lover! This is the perfect mix of the two genres and will have you emotionally attached to every character she writes.
Fictional Crush:
Will forever be Archer Hale. He is the perfect man from beginning to end!
5 Books on your TBR:
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- Caught Up by Navessa Allen
- Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab
- Rewind It Back by Liz Tomforde
- Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
What’s a book on your TBR you’ve been putting off reading, and why?
Binding 13. I have never seen someone come out of reading any book in that series without crying. I don’t know when I will ever be ready, lol.
Name a popular author/book/book series that you haven’t read yet but want to?
The Zodiac Academy series. The only reason I haven’t started is because I don’t know where to start, lol. I have heard a thousand different reading orders and am still trying to decide which one I’ll put my faith into!
Name a publisher/publishing company that never misses with their new releases?
Bloom Books! I can always depend on them to release a romance that will hit the spot.
What’s your special approach to content?
Have fun! Don’t get caught up in likes and followers, because your content will do the work for you. When you don’t stress or overthink a post, nine times out of ten, it becomes the most liked post you’ve ever had!
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Colorful.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
My Bookstagram is more than just a space to share what I’m reading; it’s a place where I’ve found connection and creativity. It started as a way to stop talking to the wall after finishing a book, and it’s turned into a space where I can dive into deep discussions and meet amazing people and even authors who just get it. It’s my little corner of the internet where reading isn’t a hobby — it’s a shared experience that helps people all over escape reality.
Favorite indie bookstore:
Greedy Reads! It’s a lovely bookstore that has the best events and encourages readers to read in different environments.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
Definitely Ana Huang! I love whatever she writes and might be a little bit of a crazy fan since I have all my books signed by her, lol.
Author you wish to take a selfie with:
Lauren Roberts! For how many times I have cried reading her books, I need a selfie.
Favorite book cover:
The Mead Mishaps Series covers are my favorite books to look at on my shelf!
What are your favorite creative avenues to explore when putting together a post for your page, and why?
I like to fill in the blanks as much as possible. Cover up some of the white with a plant, bookmarks, cup of coffee, or another book. It gives a more fun experience for you and the viewer!
What do you like most about Bookstagram?
The real connections! Compared to other social media platforms, Bookstagram is the perfect “pacing” and sense of community.
What’s a memorable or favorite interaction you’ve had with an author or follower?
I recently had the pleasure of attending a panel with Nikki Payne, B.K. Borison, and Simone Soltani. The panel was absolutely amazing, and I got to really understand why authors do what they do. They are just like us — searching for a way to escape reality. Give themselves the happy ending everyone has been looking for but can’t seem to find. It was inspiring and made me feel like I could do anything by the end of it.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Start posting! Don’t be afraid of what other people think, as long as you’re having fun, the right people will find your page!
Thanks to Darmen for speaking with us! Be sure to follow her on Instagram and her other socials — and don’t forget to stop by her Etsy!
Looking for more great bookish influencers to follow? Click here to check out our interview with eclectic reader Lorna.
Find your favorite Bookstagrammers’ top reads at our Bookshop.
