Category: Must Love Books

#Bookstagrammer of the Week: @braveliteraryworld

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

This Week’s Featured creator: @braveliteraryworld

 

Each week Bookstr is going to be highlighting your favorite Bookstagrammers. A Bookstagrammer is someone who shares all of their literary interests, ranging from book reviews and aesthetically pleasing book pictures to outfit pictures featuring their current reads. Anything that evokes bibliophile feels is on their Instagram pages. Make sure to give these Bookstagrammers the love they deserve! This week we are getting to know a teacher who is a lover of classic lit and diversity: Esther, or as you would know her on Instagram, @braveliteraryworld.

Here is her story:

 

 

image via @braveliteraryworld

 

 

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Bookstagram Account

 

Esther saw the Bookstagram community as a way to showcase her passions for both books and photography.

I made my first post on May 23, 2016. I had seen a lot of Bookstagram photos on Tumblr. Before then, I had no idea Bookstagram was a thing. When I saw the photos, I was excited by how people have combined two of my interests– books and photography– to create such beautiful works. In the beginning, my photos were absolute garbage. But I kept at it, focusing on my love of classic literature, and I haven’t stopped since.

 

Since Esther’s favorite genre is classic literature, some of her favorite authors include Isabel Allende, Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, Ta-Nehisi Coates, and Jacquline Woodson. But what is her favorite book of all time?

My favorite book is Wide Sargasso Sea, and everyone who follows me has heard me talk about it.

 

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How’s the weather where you are? . Fall is settling down here, and its arrival always make me want to pick up stories set in English countrysides, with farmhouses in the horizon and an open sky above. On that note, here are my top favorite English pastoral novels. . • Tess of the D’Urbervilles – a young, naive woman sets out into the world to save her family from poverty, but those who promise hope only bring disaster and heartbreak. . • I Capture the Castle – told through the diary entries of Catherine Mortmain, a teenager ready to take on the world, and set in a crumbling castle in Suffolk. Hilarious and heartwarming. . • Sense and Sensibility – not my favorite Austen, but S&S deserves its place on here for the loving descriptions of trees, hills, skies, and fields. The Dashwood sisters may have fallen down in the world, but they have no shortage of suitors as the girls form and test their own perspectives on love. . • The Small House at Allington – Lily Dale is in love with Mr. Crosbie, whom she calls Apollo. However, while Crosbie is fond of her, he is unsure if he’ll be happy with a poor wife. The most pastoral novel on this list, get ready for flower metaphors, images of rivers and shepherds, and gorgeous descriptions of setting. . • The Fall of the House of Usher – didn’t think that gothic horrors can be pastoral reads too? The narrator shows up at his friend’s dilapidated home, and is informed that his host’s sister has just died. I won’t give away the rest, but this is my favorite Poe story. . . . #classicliterature #penguinclassics #fallreads #fallvibes #janeausten #edgarallanpoe #thomashardy #readmorebooks #readinggoals #october

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image via @braveliteraryworld

 

Esther’s fun fact is that she was born in Taiwan.

 

Chapter 2: To The Bookstagramming

Esther’s preference for classic literature leaves her shelves with a classically clean look that is perfect for Bookstagram. 

 

 

 

 

image via @braveliteraryworld

 

When it comes to her posting schedule, Esther notes that it’s important for her to post in a way that prioritizes her life.

I used to post around what Instagram has deemed my “optimal” times, but with the algorithm, who really knows? Now, I post when it’s convenient for me. I love Bookstagram, but in this matter, I am putting myself– and the students I teach– first. 

 

 

What are Esther’s favorite Bookstagram accounts, and what advice would she give to those Bookstagrammers who are just starting out?

I will never be able to name all the Bookstagrammers that I love. But I do want to mention that I really appreciate @bluestockingbookshelf and @ab_read‘s honest reviews, that I am always encouraged by @bookplaits, that I am inspired by @beingabookwyrm and @sachi_reads, and that I am happier because of @bookbookchick.

My advice is to do what it takes to make Bookstagram a fun place for you. If that means posting and engaging regularly, do it! If that means posting and engaging when you can, do that. Sometimes, Bookstagrammers— including me— feel guilty for not spending more time on here. But you have to do what works for you. 

 

 

If Esther got the opportunity to take a selfie with an author, there are some classic authors that she’d love to meet.

I once met Rushdie, and I was so excited I dropped my phone! I would like to meet Amy Tan, and I would’ve loved to meet Toni Morrison.

 

Chapter 3: TBR

Esther’s TBR list is full of reads by diverse authors, including:

 

Her publisher of choice to supply her with a lifetime of books is Penguin Random House.

I have been really lucky to work with Penguin Random House a few times in the past, and I would love to work with them again. I especially love how they have been celebrating authors of color in their classics line. 

 

 

 

image via @braveliteraryworld

 

 

Chapter 4: What does bookstagram mean to you?

Besides sharing her love of reading with the world, what are Esther’s personal hopes for her Bookstagram?

 

I love classic literature, and I love talking about them with other people. However, lately, I have also enjoyed using my account to showcase diverse voices, especially monumental works likeThe Woman Warrior orPalace of the Peacock that are less well-known. In addition, as of the past few months, my job as a 6th grade English teacher has led me to discover many amazing middle grade texts that I am excited to share with Bookstagram.

I tell my students to just read. Graphic novels, magazine articles, comic strips, audiobooks, whatever. Read, read, read. And don’t let anyone make you feel bad about what you like to read.

 

Well, what did you think about @braveliteraryworld? We love answering her book trivia highlight! Do you have a favorite Bookstagrammer in mind? Contact us through any of our social media platforms and maybe you will see them here next week! 

 

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

Featured image via @braveliteraryworld

 

 

Enter the World of Secret Libraries

Everyone knows about the libraries that burned, but what about the ones that were hidden? In desert caves and the basements of ancient cities, these libraries were sealed, sometimes for centuries, to protect books from censorship and cataclysm. But don’t worry, not all is lost – some secret libraries are uncovered, and some you can still visit, with the proper credentials

 

 

Dunhuang Cave Library

Mogao Grottoes

Image via Thought Co

In a series of sacred caves at the northern edge of the Gobi desert in western China, a hidden treasure trove of manuscripts from between the fourth and eleventh centuries. After being sealed for a thousand years, they were found. It took ten more years for what remained the tens of thousands of manuscripts to be collected by the Chinese government, according to the BBC. Though much was lost, the bright side is that you can view many of these documents from anywhere in the world, thanks to the efforts of The International Dunhuang Project. Happy reading!

 

Family History of the Silk Road

Image result for haaretz an afghan cave"
Image via Haaretz

 

An Afghan cave along the silk road held thousands of documents dating to the 11th century, written by a family who lived on the silk road. Written in many languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian, according to RT. They aren’t the first to be found – the Ben Daniel family, merchants from northern Afghanistan, left caches and records elsewhere on the silk road, as well – an earlier discovery was made in Egypt. The papers are expected to be sold to an appropriate institution, but nothing is confirmed.

 

Bodleian Library

Image result for travel with mei and kersten bodleian library"

Image via Travel with Mei and Kersten

 

Actually a series of thirteen libraries spread over Oxford, some more than 400 years old. These libraries are still very much active, but you’ll have to apply, as access is restricted to the most intensive research purposes, both private and institutional. Don’t be too heartbroken, though, if you’re on the wrong side of the pond – you can apply for digital access through their website if you need their collection. I’m going to have to start research on a relevant topic, just for access. And also fly across the world.

 

 

Featured image via Bodleian Libraries Blogs

4 Best Facts About Bram Stoker

In honor of Bram Stoker’s  birthday here are the four most interesting facts about him.

 

Image via Encyclopedia Britannica 

 

4. Romance Extrodinaire

Stoker is an horror icon but for those read his other works wouldn’t know that he was a major romantic. His romance novel’s include, The Shoulder Shasta, The Watter’s Mou and Miss Betty.

 

3. Index Card King

He’s most recent book, well  by today’s standards was completely written on index cards. The book Seven Golden Buttons was published in 2015.

 

 

 

2. Bram Stoker v. Oscar Wilde

These two juggernauts knew each other and went to the same college in Dublin, Ireland. Florence Balcome, Wilde’s friend/ childhood sweetheart married Stoker and subsequently Wilde left for England. That must have been major tea back in the day.

 

1. The Bodyguard’s Ashes

Stoker died in 1912 and was cremated. His ashes are in the Golders Green Crematorium were you can visit but you have to be escorted. Either they are super tight around security there or is there’s another mysterious reason why they don’t want you to go alone?

 

 

 

Featured image via Pinterest 

#Bookstagrammer of the Week: @booksturnyouon

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

This Week’s Featured creator: @booksturnyouon

 

Each week Bookstr is going to be highlighting your favorite Bookstagrammers. A Bookstagrammer is someone who shares all of their literary interests, ranging from book reviews and aesthetically pleasing book pictures to outfit pictures featuring their current reads. Anything that evokes bibliophile feels is on their Instagram pages. Make sure to give these Bookstagrammers the love they deserve! This week we are getting to know a Bookstagram account that is worldly and feminine positive: Cátia, or as you would know her on Instagram, @booksturnyouon.

Here is her story:

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Today a song I love and that I hadn’t heard in ages played on the radio and was enough to brighten up my day! ✨ The song is Find my Love by Fairground Attraction in case you’re wondering! 🎼 • So, although I don’t have plans to visit any bookshops today, my day just got better! • Do you give attention to little details as well? • #amolivros #bookslover #booksarelife #bookaholic #bookphoto #booksofinstagram #bibliophile #bookholic #bookgram #bookaddiction #bookaddicted #instareads #bookclub #bookblogger #livrosemaislivros #bookcover #beautifulbooks #booktag #bookobsessed #bookstagram #booklover #bookworm #readeveryday #readeverywhere #allthebooks #vscobooks #bookstores #bookshop #bookstore

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image via @booksturnyouon

 

 

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Bookstagram Account

 

When Cátia stumbled into the Bookstagram community, she decided she wanted to find a way to share her love of bookish culture with her country too.

At the time, I had been studying Portuguese Literature for at least seven years. However, and sadly, I didn’t encounter people who loved reading as often. I had this major passion but couldn’t really share it with anyone. I just wanted to discuss books with others. So, one night I was in bed and couldn’t sleep. I was checking my personal Instagram account and Penguin Random House stories came up. They had shared a post by @bookbaristas. That’s how I found the world of Bookstagram. I couldn’t find one similar account in Portugal, where I’m from. So that’s when I decided to become a Bookstagrammer!

 

Cátia is a fan of world lit, so her favorite books come from many different countries and genres, including:

 

image via @booksturnyouon

 

Cátia’s fun fact is that she reads in a very unique way.

When I connect to a character in a book, I like to say their lines out loud, like I am playing their role in a movie or something. I think that’s funny and I have no idea if other readers do the same. It’s just something I do because I feel very close to that character. My world completely fades away to be replaced by that life. But, when I notice that I am doing it, I laugh at myself.

 

 

Chapter 2: To The Bookstagramming

 

Bookstagrammers have a trained eye that finds the most photogenic book covers to post to their Bookstagram. Cátia has lots of favorites, but there’s one in particular that stood out to her.

Alfred A. Knopf shared the cover of Yaa Gyasi’s new novel that’s coming out on July 2020 and I must say that it’s terrific! I even shared it on my stories because I was amazed when I saw it.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VRH9Ug1kF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

image via @booksturnyouon

 

 

Cátia’s followers consider her personal Bookstagram aesthetic to be vintage.

My aesthetic reflects my own personal style and taste. I love to have a balance between reviews, bookshops, outfits and even lifestyle so I have that in mind when I am creating content.

 

 

What are Cátia’s favorite Bookstagram accounts, and what advice would she give to aspiring Bookstagrammers?

My favorite accounts are @magicpages, @bookmateriality, @brisoler, @umacertagabi, and @coffeeandbookss. I love their authenticity and deep and well-argued reviews. Moreover, all these Bookstagrammers have similar literary tastes to mine so I end up connecting more with their accounts.

If aspiring Bookstagrammers are looking for a curated feed, then I’d recommend to think carefully about the kind of aesthetic they would like to have. The Instagram handle is also important. And, I would suggest they take some photos before creating the account so they can share content consistently at the beginning!

 

 

Chapter 3: TBR

Cátia has over 200 books on her TBR list—that’s a lot of reads! Some of her top TBR books are:

 

Cátia’s publisher of choice to supply her with a lifetime of books would be Riverhead Books of Penguin Random House.

They publish great books and they have an amazing team!

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1lyP2vA-fv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

image via @booksturnyouon

 

 

Chapter 4: What does bookstagram mean to you?

 

It means a lot. It was life-changing for me. I’ve always thought I wasn’t particularly creative. That’s why I was researching literature instead of writing. For a person who has always loved all forms of art, that made me feel sad. Then, when I created my account two years ago, I had no pressure. I just wanted to have fun and create. So, that’s what happened. In such an innocent and unexpected way, I discovered I am very creative. Today, I work as a creative director and I write. As important as this, my account is a digital space where I can share my passions and ideas: books, bookshops, feminism, fashion. 

I want my account to inspire people to read more. I want to introduce my followers to books they haven’t heard about. I want my account to be a digital space where people can actually have meaningful discussions about books. And, I also discuss feminism on my account so I want to raise awareness. I want to spread the meaning of tolerance, respect and equality on Books Turn You On.

 

Well, what did you think of @booksturnyouon? Isn’t it amazing how passionate she is about spreading her love for books and creativity? Do you have a favorite Bookstagrammer in mind? Contact us through any of our social media platforms and maybe you will see them here next week! 

 

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

Featured image via @booksturnyouon

 

#Bookstagrammer of the Week: @the.cozy.bee

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

This Week’s Featured creator: @the.cozy.bee

 

Each week Bookstr is going to be highlighting your favorite Bookstagrammers. A Bookstagrammer is someone who shares all of their literary interests, ranging from book reviews and aesthetically pleasing book pictures to outfit pictures featuring their current reads. Anything that evokes bibliophile feels is on their Instagram pages. Make sure to give these Bookstagrammers the love they deserve! Each page has theme colors or an aesthetic, and this Bookstagrammer’s cozy autumnal theme is perfect for October. This week we are getting to know Brittany, or as you would know her on Instagram, @the.cozy.bee.

Here is her story:

 

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The Pumpkin King 🎃 (#cozyinoctober19 day 04 – books & pumpkins) ⁣- rep post* ⋆⁣⁣⁣ “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it” – Jack Skellington⁣ | candle is from @abookishflickering (rep code: Cozy10) 🍁 ⋆⁣ Today I did some reading and spent the day with Ceddie, we went to the grocers and they had carving pumpkins and loads of other Halloween bits and even Christmas stuff allready!! I got extremely excited and Ceddie followed me around with the trolley laughing at me as I threw a whole bunch of bits in (that was not on the shopping list) 😅 this weekend is a long weekend here, not sure what we will get up to but I’m planning on at least one cozy reading day ✨⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ QOTD// what’s your weekend plans? 🍂⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #books #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagramau #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity #bookblogger #beautyyouseek #ofcosymoments #capturequiet #thatsdarling #aestheticfeed #coziness #bibliophile #bookworm #reading #bookaesthetic #aesthetic #inspiration #flashesofdelight #thenightmarebeforechristmas #jackskellington #thisishalloween #halloween #fallvibes #fall #fallaesthetic #autumn #autumnaesthetic

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Chapter 1: The Birth of a Bookstagram Account

Brittany started Bookstagram with a cozy theme in mind and as a bookish way to express her creativity.

 

I originally began posting cozy photos of the books I was reading, a way to get creative and document my reads. I then discovered that there was a whole community of people that have dedicated their pages to all things bookish and so I joined the magical world of Bookstagram, found it unintentionally but it was meant to be. 

 

Brittany’s favorite authors and books span across a wide range of genres, including The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Leigh Bardugo, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, and Atticus Poetry.

 

I could just go on forever—every book speaks to me in some way and I treasure every read for different reasons.

 

The Cozy Bee is a member of the Harry Potter, Grishaverse, Narnia Nation, and the SPNFamily fandoms.

 

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#cozyinseptember19 day 17 – books and slippers 🍂⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ I’m officially back at uni this week and struggling to get back into routine but also very excited for what is yet to be learned ✨ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ QOTD// what do you study/do for work? ⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #cozy #cozybedroom #fall #fallvibes #autumn #autumnvibes #books #booklr #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagramau #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity #bookblogger #beautyyouseek #ofcosymoments #capturequiet #thatsdarling #aestheticfeed #coziness #bibliophile #bookworm #reading #bookaesthetic #aesthetic #inspiration #flashesofdelight #flatlays #flatlayoftheday⁣⁣⁣⁣

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A fun fact about @the.cozy.bee is that she’s ambidextrous, which is perfect for all of her reading and journaling.

 

I can use both my left and my right hands for just about everything.

 

Chapter 2: To The Bookstagramming

As a Bookstagrammer, it’s important to judge books by their covers so you can choose the best aesthetics for your photos. In the world of readers and introverts, more and more book covers are attempting to capture that cozy aesthetic. Brittany’s current favorite is the whimsical cover of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert.

 

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#cozyinseptember19 day 02 – september #tbr 📚 ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ this month I plan on reading.. ⁣ – the hazel wood by melissa albert ⁣ – coraline by neil gaiman ⁣ – you by coraline kepnes⁣ – harry potter and the philosophers stone by jk rowling ⁣ let’s see if I stick to it this month.. 😅📖⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ QOTD// what’s your september tbr? ✨⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⋆⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ #septembertbr #thehazelwood #spooktember #autumnaesthetic #fallvibes #books #booklr #bookish #bookstagram #bookstagramau #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity #bookblogger #beautyyouseek #ofcosymoments #capturequiet #thatsdarling #aestheticfeed #coziness #bibliophile #bookworm #reading #bookaesthetic #aesthetic #inspiration #flashesofdelight #flatlays #flatlayoftheday⁣⁣⁣⁣

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So when should you look out for Brittany’s newest photos if you’re in the mood to feel warm and cozy with a good book?

 

I post everyday, sometimes twice a day. I just enjoy taking pictures and sharing them with Bookstagram and for the timing of my posts… whatever my Instagram insights suggests is best.

 

But how did Brittany know that she’d made it as a Bookstagrammer? And what advice would she give to future Bookstagrammers?

 

When I made my first friend. Bookstagram is a community where we share our love of books. I ‘made it’ when I joined the community. 

The best advice I could give is to just start. A great way to begin is by participating in Bookstagram photo challenges and by engaging with other Bookstagrammers. The most important thing however is that you are having fun.

 

Chapter 3: TBR

Every avid reader has a To Be Read list that they add to in the hopes of acquiring more favorites, and Brittany’s TBR list for this month includes plenty of spooky books to fit her autumn aesthetic. They are:

 

 

 

 

We also asked Brittany if she could pick a publisher to supply her with a lifetime of books and she chose one with a magical theme.

 

Oh wow. I think Bloomsbury Publishing. I think all the magical books come from there. 

 

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reading is magic, you enter a different world, a different life and the book is what takes you there 📖✨⁣ ⋆⁣ I’ve been working on a different theme and I’m really happy with it so you’ll slowly see it start to come together soon 💖⁣ ⋆⁣ #qotd what’s your three favourite bookstagram props? 📚 ⁣ ⋆⁣ #aotd I love all the magical harry potter bits, cups of tea and a good glasses pic 👓 ⁣ ⋆⁣ ⋆⁣ ⋆⁣ ⋆⁣ ⋆⁣ #book #books #bookish #bookishlife #bookstagram #bookstagramau #bookstagrammer #bookcommunity #ofcosymoments #capturequiet #coziness #bibliophile #bookworm #reading #bookaesthetic #aesthetic #aesthetics #inspiration #flashesofdelight #flatlays #flatlayoftheday #harrypotter #harrypotterbooks #livemagically #magical

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Brittany has so many Bookstagrammers that she loves and connects with, and she has positive opinions to share about all of them.

 

  • @sheisconfetti: she has become one of my closest friends and I just love reading her diary entry styled posts each day
  • @geminorum: I have loved her darling account for as long as I’ve been on Bookstagram
  • @bookaline: another long time favourite
  • @mousethatreads: someone I’ve looked up to since starting Bookstagram
  • @gardenofgoldenleaves: another account I have forever adored
  • @wldflowerbooks: a more recent favourite who never fails to make me smile

 

This list could honestly just go on and on, I have met wonderful people on this platform and I am constantly discovering more and more like minded souls with beautiful accounts.

 

Well, what did you think of @the.cozy.bee? Do you have a favorite Bookstagrammer in mind? Contact us through any of our social media platforms and maybe you will see them on here next week! 

 

Want to see your favorite Bookstagrammer featured next? Message @bookstrofficial here.

 

Featured image via @the.cozy.bee