With a name like @theseasidebookclub, Clo’s Instagram seems tailor-made for a beach retreat. Evoking the waterfront charm of her coastal hometown, her feed showcases a variety of historical and literary fiction with the occasional touch of romance and fantasy. She’s got reads — and flatlays! — for every season, but with summer in full swing, what better time for a bookish getaway? Pour yourself a glass of your favorite punch and join us as we get to know Clo, this week’s featured Bookstagrammer.
Clo (@theseasidebookclub)
Instagram
Why did you start your Bookstagram?
I read a lot as a child. A specific memory was reading The Faraway Tree with my mum. I moved to America for three years, and I just stopped reading for pleasure, even after I returned to the UK. When lockdown hit in 2020, I needed a distraction from the craziness of what was happening out in the world. I decided to pick up a book, and my love for reading came back. I saw a few Bookstagram accounts and decided that I also wanted to share my reading journey and connect with like-minded people. It’s the best thing I ever did. I’ve made so many friends and been provided with so many opportunities since!
Where are you from?
I’m from Gosport on the south coast of England, but always say Portsmouth, as not many people seem to know where Gosport is.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world?
I love chatting to people from all over the world and discovering new books that I’d never think to pick up. I love sharing book recommendations of my own. I’d love to write my own book one day, so having my Bookstagram also gives me the confidence to discuss the writing side of things as well with authors!
Fun Fact about you:
I’ve visited quite a few countries, but Iceland has been my favourite by far. I went there on my honeymoon, and I’d love to return one day to explore the north!
Favorite Books and Authors:
Lots of historical fiction books, but here are a few of my highlights:
The Island by Victoria Hislop. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
TBR List:
I collect the Wordsworth Collector’s Edition, so I would love to focus on reading more classics. They’re just looking pretty on my shelf at the moment.
How often do you post?
I aim to post every day, but that isn’t always achievable. I take my photos in bulk on the weekend when I have a free hour, so I don’t have to think about my content during the week. However, life is busy sometimes, and it doesn’t always work out. I work full time and have had lots of plans recently, so I don’t like to put the pressure on myself. I don’t want to post for the sake of it.
Favorite Bookstore:
I love Foyles in London. There’s so much selection, and I could spend hours there. I recently went on holiday to Budapest and stumbled across a bookshop called Bestsellers, and they had an incredible selection of books in English. I’d highly recommend popping in if you’re ever in the city centre!
Author to take a selfie with:
It’s got to be Kristin Hannah. I absolutely adore her writing. The Great Alone, The Nightingale, and The Women are outstanding.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Be original in your content. I love to see people’s personalities shine through their accounts. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or worry about followers or engagement levels. It’s such a wonderful online book community, so just be yourself.
Thanks to Clo for speaking with us! Be sure to follow her Instagram @theseasidebookclub for excellent reading recs.
Want more bookish buddies? Click here to read our interview with Bookstagrammer Courtney.
Find all your Bookstagram faves’ reading recs at our Bookshop.
