Reading the perfect book requires finding the perfect setting. Luckily, when you live in the sprawling Canadian landscape, perfect locations are easy to come by. Meet this week’s Bookstagrammers, Nicole and Allyson, who love nature just as much as they love books! Read on to hear all about their favorite authors and the creative escapism their Bookstagram provides.
Nicole & Allyson of @the.moon.also.reads
INSTAGRAM | FABLE
Why did you start your Bookstagram:
We started this Instagram page during the pandemic to give ourselves something to do during a time of stress and chaos. We both have always loved to read, and Nicole has always been into photography, so we thought it would be a great way to get creative, stay productive, and just have fun.
Where are you from:
We both grew up in a small town just outside of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Nicole still resides there, while Allyson now calls Calgary home.
Fun Fact about you:
Nicole and I are twin sisters who, while we are very much the same, love different things.
Nicole: I have two cats, and their names are Blu and Willow. They are basically my children; sometimes, I like to grace our feed with their presence. I hate bugs, but I love to photograph them. I collect vintage mass-market Star Wars paperbacks, and I love to stand in the middle of a field when a storm is rolling in.
Allyson: I’m in my third year of university, and I’m getting my bachelor’s degree in environmental science. When I’m not studying my little heart away, during the summer, I love being outside, and I spend the majority of my time sitting down by the river or on a patio somewhere, reading. I also love to spend time in the mountains, hiking and camping.
Favorite Books and Authors:
Our favorite authors are Emily Henry, V.E. Schwab, J.R.R. Tolkien, Elsie Silver, Sarah A. Parker, Rachel Gillig, Allison Saft, Rebecca Ross, R.F. Kuang, and Sarah J. Maas.
TBR List:
Allyson: Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
Nicole: Butter by Asako Yuzuki, Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig, Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Our aesthetic is deeply inspired by nature, embracing organic beauty, earthy tones, and a sense of tranquility. From the books we read to the spaces we curate, we find inspiration in the simplicity and authenticity of the natural world, valuing sustainability, slow living, and a deep connection to the environment.
Favorite Bookstore:
Our favorite bookstore, Pages, is a charming, locally owned shop in Calgary. We’ve always preferred to buy our books from independent bookstores rather than corporate chains, as supporting local businesses is something we deeply value.
Favorite book cover:
Allyson: A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft, When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, and Winter in Sokcho by Elisa Shua Dusapin
Nicole: Water Moon by Samantha Sotta Yambao, The Making of Middle Earth by Christopher Snyder, and A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Just have fun with it, and don’t take it too seriously.
Thank you to Nicole and Allyson for taking the time to let us into their bookish world! Their breathtaking photos have us ready to book a trip to Calgary and read among the trees. Be sure to follow them on Instagram to never miss their beautifully earthy posts.
Looking for another Bookstagram with a warm and cozy aesthetic? Click here.
Find the books mentioned in his article and more on our Bookstagrammer Picks bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
