This week’s phenomenal Bookstagrammer is Shelby, @bookroulette_! Through her Bookstagram page, what started as a way for Shelby to conquer her towering TBR has now transformed into a means of connection with book lovers across the globe. Her feed is full of artistic images of the latest romance and thriller reads, along with candid reviews and interactive questions of the day. In this interview, Shelby shares what’s on her TBR list, some unique fun facts, and what she hopes to accomplish through her Bookstagram!
Shelby of @bookroulette_
Thank you for joining us! Let’s start the interview!
Where are you from?
I am from Northern Virginia, born and raised!
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
I was starting to get back into reading and I was getting a lot of books from library book sales! I wanted to read all of them but didn’t know where to start. I created a roulette where I was using a random number picker to choose the book I would read, and I thought it would be cool to document my roulettes on Instagram. The rest is history!
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
The most important thing to me is connection and awareness. I love connecting with other Bookstagrammers and book lovers all across the world to discuss our opinions and share our favorite stories. I also love being able to uplift authors and their work and to share a new perspective on a book that may fit a different audience from me.
What’s a fun fact about you?
Okay, I have two! One, I was recruited to be on the reality dating show Married At First Sight a few years ago! I ended up declining though. Two, I am a trained dancer and was even a backup dancer for a local artist! I started in hip hop, but my passion is for Gyal Dancehall and Latin Fusion.
Who are your favorite Bookstagrammers?
I have so many! How do I even pick? I met my Booksta bestie, Hannah (@whatcha_reading_darling), when I started my account and got one of my real-life besties Jenny (@jennyfioreads) to join Booksta as well! I also am a community admin for a group called LAS with @rowe.reads and @alwaysreadingwithaurora. They’re fantastic friends! I have so many more amazing accounts I would shout out, but I can’t yap on forever, LOL!
What are your favorite books, and who are your favorite authors?
My favorite book of all time is The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I’ve never been so wrecked by a book before! I also love The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith and The Star and The Strange Moon by Constance Sayers. In general, I love Jeneva Rose, Riley Sager, Melissa Wiesner, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Christina Lauren, and Abby Jimenez, and I look forward to adding more to my list!
What’s on your TBR list?
It’s ENDLESS! I have over 100 books in my room and no shelf space left! At the top of my list is Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. My goal is to read it this summer. Stay tuned!
How often do you post?
I try to post at least two to three times a week, but I also don’t want to put pressure on myself to be pushing out content constantly. The whole point of Bookstagram is to have fun and connect! I have to remind myself all the time that it’s not a job and it’s okay if I need to take a break.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
I have had a few different moments when I felt this way and they weren’t even necessarily by hitting milestones. After my first roulette Reel, someone commented giving me props for the idea and followed me right after. I felt like it solidified everything for me in that moment, letting me know that doing this was a great idea even though starting something new can feel overwhelming. Other times have been starting my LAS community and hearing great feedback about us or that someone referred them — knowing that people appreciated the additional work we put into building community. And of course, hitting 10K followers! The Bookstagram community is SO supportive; it’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced!
Do you have any advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers?
Have fun and ask questions! Like me, I’m sure there are many others who are happy to talk you through the ropes of Booksta. Don’t feel pressured to compare yourself to others either. Your page is unique to you, and we all grow accounts on different timelines. You will reach your goals if you have any set, and you will meet amazing people!
Do you have any additional bookishness you want to share?
I am currently the Influencer Relations Manager for @hambright_pr! It’s been a fun experience connecting with more Bookstagrammers and offering amazing ARC opportunities.
Thanks to Shelby for telling us all about her stunning Bookstagram. Be sure to follow her on Instagram for some swoon-worthy romance and spine-tingling thriller recs!
Check out another amazing Bookstagrammer here!
To browse Shelby’s recommendations and more on Bookshop, click here!
