If there’s one Bookstagrammer whose page screams #squadgoals, it’s Natalie, aka @booksonpromenade. Sprinkled between vibrant romance recs are posts from Galentine’s Day brunches, beach read meetups, and virtual book club meetings. When she’s not spending time with her friends — real or fictional — she’s writing songs inspired by books she loves. She’s got everything you could want in a book bestie, and she’s always down for a buddy read! If you’re looking for a welcoming bookish community, then Natalie might just be your new favorite bookish influencer.
Natalie of @booksonpromenade
Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
I enjoyed reading as a kid, but I slowly drifted away from it in high school as I focused on performing and preparing to pursue a degree in music. I didn’t read much in college either. When COVID hit, I picked up The Selection series for fun, and I absolutely devoured it. That’s when I rediscovered my love for reading. I kept coming across book reviews and bookish content on my Instagram explore page and I felt inspired to document my own reading journey and connect with fellow readers. But it was my college roommate who really encouraged me to start my Bookstagram. She sent me my very first book mail, The Summer I Turned Pretty series by Jenny Han.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Hong Kong and I moved to the U.S. for college when I was 18. I currently live in Southern California with my husband, Jared, and our sweet golden retriever, Aspen.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I want my Instagram to bring joy, community, and inclusion. I love engaging with other Bookstagrammers, making group chats, and sending book mail to both friends and strangers. For me, the best part of Bookstagram is connecting with people from all over the world, in different stages of life, who share a love for reading. Talking about books is super fun, but it’s the authentic relationships you build, where you feel safe confiding in one another about anything and everything, that are truly rewarding. I hope my page can be that safe place for others.
What is a fun fact about you?
I married my husband THREE times. Two weeks after we got engaged, we legally married at the courthouse on January 1, 2020, so we could start my green card process. We planned our dream wedding for August of that year, but thanks to COVID, we had to postpone and find a new venue. As a result, we had a small, intimate wedding with just our closest friends in March 2021, which we now count as our official wedding date. Unfortunately, neither of our families could be there due to COVID restrictions. To celebrate our first anniversary, we got married again in March 2022, this time surrounded by all our loved ones and plenty of dancing. Anyway, you’re all invited to our fourth wedding!
Who are your favorite Bookstagrammers?
I wish I could list everyone, but here are a few Bookstagrammers that I’m a huge fan of: @abostonbookworm, @sunshinereadswithlil, @two.bookish.pups, @the.classicalbookworm, @anniesbookcollection, @borrowersbookclub, @brillsbooks, @books_emmallion, @hannreadswhat, @brooksreadsbooks_, @audrielles_library_, @thejoyfulreads, @no.time.to_read, @peachstatepages, and @kayimreading.
What are your favorite books and authors?
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez, A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas, The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli, Heartless by Elsie Silver, People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak, and It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.
Who are your fictional crushes?
Rhysand from ACOTAR, Xaden Riorson from Fourth Wing, Roman Kitt from Divine Rivals, and Justin Dahl from Just for the Summer.
What is on your TBR list?
Onyx Storm is at the top of the list, followed by the Throne of Glass tandem read. I’d love to dive into The Favorites, The Ex Vows, and Out on a Limb soon. I’m also going to Italy this May, so I’m hoping to read One Italian Summer or Love & Gelato by then.
What’s your special approach to content?
I usually have a list of ideas ready to go and then batch my content over the weekend. I aim to post between 7:30 am and 9:00 am PST on weekdays since that is usually when I get the best engagement. I’ve also found that my followers love when my dog and husband make an appearance on my page, so I tend to bribe them.
What is your aesthetic or Instagram page theme?
My friend @thefayechapters, who you should definitely check out, once described my page as “The Cozy Minimalist” — book-centric, but personal; light and relaxed. I don’t really follow a strict theme though. I just post whatever makes me happy!
How often do you post?
I try to post 3-4 times a week, but I’m learning not to put so much pressure on myself. Creating content for Bookstagram can feel like a chore sometimes and I need to remind myself that it’s supposed to be fun! I don’t want to burn out doing something I love.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you?
My Bookstagram is my safe space and creative outlet. It holds so many wonderful memories — the bookstores I’ve visited, the books that changed my life, reading retreats, my book club, friends who were once strangers on the internet, and even sharing my original song for the movie It Ends With Us. This community means everything to me. I met some of my best friends through Bookstagram, which is why I’ll never regret making an account.
What is your favorite bookstore?
Lost Books in Montrose, CA! It’s decorated with beautiful plants, and offers new and used books! It’s peaceful, intimate, and dreamy.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books?
My husband! He already supports my bookish goals and dreams, and I know I can always count on him to contribute to my never-ending TBR.
Which authors would you take a selfie with?
I’ve met Rebecca Yarros and Hannah Bird before, and I can confirm they’re both so sweet and down to earth. I would LOVE to meet Abby Jimenez and Rebecca Ross.
What are your favorite book covers?
My husband surprised me with the Throne of Glass special edition box set from Acrypilics, and I am obsessed with how beautiful they are. I don’t even want to touch them because I’m afraid I’ll get them dirty!
What are books that you claimed to have read that you didn’t?
Probably Pride and Prejudice or The Hunger Games. I loved the movies, but for some reason, I just couldn’t finish the books. Maybe one day I’ll get to them!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer?
I felt like a Bookstagrammer from day one because when I posted my first photo, everyone was so kind and welcomed me into the community right away. I never felt like I had to try too hard to fit in. One surreal experience, though, was when Booksparks invited me to the Netflix premiere of Ripley. My husband and I walked the red carpet for the first time and it was definitely a humbling moment when I heard the paparazzi ask, “Who is she?” as they took my photo, haha. I did meet a few fellow Bookstagrammers at the premiere, so that was really cool!
What advice do you have for aspiring Bookstagrammers?
You don’t need to read a certain number of books, post every day, or have a specific number of followers to be a “Bookstagrammer.” You are welcome here just as you are! Don’t be afraid to engage with the community. Your people will find you. Also, buddy reads are a fantastic way to get to know others!
Thanks to Natalie for chatting with us! Connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, and Goodreads — and give her music a listen on YouTube! (You can also follow her dog, Aspen, here.)
Need more Bookstagrammers in your feed? Check out our interview with mystery lover Hannah.
Want to know what your Bookstagram faves are reading? Find their recs at our Bookshop.
