Welcome back, my fellow book friends, to this week’s Bookstagrammer of the Week! Today, I want to introduce you to Mychal. The first thing one notices when arriving at Mychal’s Instagram page is the warm and welcoming vibes featured in each of his daily posts. While the number of likes and followers is not the only thing that matters, the genuine goal of sharing his passion for books and bookish culture is his main inspiration for being a bookstagrammer. With his inviting posts that contain book recommendations and helpful library information, he creates a warm community where everyone can feel accepted and welcomed. To explore more of Mychal’s charming aura, we offer our readers a perspective into his ideas and passions on books, community, and acceptance.
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | GOODREADS
Welcome, Mychal! Let’s start the interview!
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
It was quite accidental! I’ve always loved books, and I wanted to share more information about books I was reading, books recommended to me, and library information. Instagram is one of my favorite apps, so I started posting, not thinking much would come from it. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the friendships and connections I’ve formed via bookstagram. It’s such a fun community, and I’m always learning new things and finding new books. So glad I had that happy little bookstagram accident
Where are you from?
I’m from Northern California! Right between San Francisco and Sacramento. If you know where Vallejo is, I’m right next to there! A place called Fairfield, California, USA.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
What a question! I would hope that my Instagram reminds people that they belong in books, that there’s a book for everyone. I recognize that not every book is for every person, but I strongly believe every book is for someone. No matter where you’re at in life, there’s a book for you. That’s what I hope people remember. That they feel joy, that they feel seen, that they see others and value new experiences and connections. If anything, I hope my Instagram offers people one moment to remember that someone is happy they’re here even if that someone is “books.”
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
MeloReads is my absolute favorite in the world! I trust every recommendation she provides. She was a major inspiration for my book club with the wonder that is her own online book club. I’m also appreciative of thetututeacher, onedetailedteacher… so many people who work so hard to talk about books for all ages and all people. It feels like every day I search “bookstagram” I find a new person to appreciate!
Favorite Books and Authors:
So many! I was just talking about this with a friend. I adore Beverly Cleary, Louis Sachar and Christopher Paul Curtis most of all. But I also really appreciate all of Kelly Yang and Jason Reynolds’ work. I like C.J. Tudor and Lucy Foley. Toni Morrison and Octavia Butler will always be must reads. If you give me more time I can keep coming up with more books…Chronicle of Narnia…The Hobbit…Iron Widow…Matilda…
How often do you post?
I post almost every single day! At first, I felt like I had to but now not so much I just happen to have things to post every day. As much as my posts are often about books and/or libraries, they have also become something of a mental health aspect. I think with the things I’ve been through, I post every day for the me, who needs to hear certain things, and I post it in case someone else needs it for the day – even if it’s a book recommendation or a silly library story.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
It means a lot to me because of the messages I’ve received: The people who say they’ve started reading again, they got a library card, they stayed one more day. It means a lot to me because those messages, those little moments of kindness from strangers turned into friends keep me going. I’m not necessarily I wouldn’t be here without it, but it’s been a big asset to my life and joy. It means a lot to me to be able to share my bookish, nerdy self with people.
Favorite Bookstore:
I actually still like Barnes & Noble, I know, I know! 🤣 But they’re just so kind. Also, I love two bookstores – Alibi Bookshop in Vallejo; again, they’re just so kind. And also, Sleepy Cat Books in Berkeley because they have an actual sleepy cat in there; too cool!
Author to take a selfie with:
An author I would have loved to take a selfie with is Beverly Cleary! But I would probably lose my mind internally if I ever met Louis Sachar. I would go out of my way to ask him. I named one of my cats after his character from HOLES. 😹
Favorite book cover:
IRON WIDOW by Xiran Jay Zhao. Talk about fierce! But I also love Where the Wild Things Are. Talk about a wild rumpus!
Favorite fandoms:
Probably Star Wars and Studio Ghibli!
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Make it your own! Don’t worry about going viral, or followers or likes. I know that’s easy to say, and that’s not how anxiety rolls. But just talk about what you like, what you’re passionate about. People love and respect genuine, even if they try to say they don’t. Your bookstagram is yours, as much as others may take something good from it each day. Make sure you’re happy with it. No matter what, do you look forward to bookstagram, to posting? It shouldn’t be a chore, it should be fun. ✨
Hopefully learning more about Mychal has brightened your day. The bookish community is extremely lucky to have this beacon of positivity lighting up our screens and hearts. As Mychal reminds us, “Having fun isn’t hard, when you got a library card!”
To meet more of our favorite Bookstagrammers, click this link!
For our Bookstagrammer of the Week bookshelf on Bookshop.org, click here!
