Time for another bookstagram of the week! This week, cozy up with @always_and_forever_lyndsay and her bright, autumn vibes.
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#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @hayleysolano
Welcome! Today’s bookstagram feature is Hayley/@hayleysolano. She’s got a bright and beautiful aesthetic that will bring some romance into your life.
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Why did you start your Bookstagram:
This is such an interesting question because I never intended on creating a Bookstagram account! My Instagram page is an extension of my blog, An Enchanted Life, which celebrates all things whimsical and romantic with an emphasis on storytelling. As I began sharing content centered around storytelling, particularly beloved classic tales, visitors naturally began classifying my page as a Bookstagram account. It has been so wonderful to be welcomed into such an inspiring community!
Where are you from:
I’m from Orange County, California.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I hope that when people come upon my Instagram page, they feel enchanted and inspired. The underlying sentiment amongst my content is that you don’t need to live in a castle or wear tulle dresses everyday (although that would be lovely!) to live an authentically enchanted life – the kind of life our favorite literary heroes and celebrated authors inspire us to live.
Fun Fact about you:
Because I was a teenager in the early 2000s, I thoroughly enjoy early 2000s pop culture – it makes me nostalgic!
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I adore @storybookstyle, @forget_me_not_originals, and @galletas.libros
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite Books and Authors:
There are countless beautiful lessons to be learned from children’s literature. The Secret Garden and Heidi are two of my favorite books. Not only are they magical stories, but I find it powerful that the inspiration within their pages is cultivated by children. I read Heidi for the first time as an adult earlier this year and was taken by how admirable Heidi is at only five years old.
I love authors not only for their stories, but the intent behind them as well. Frances Hodgson Burnett sent an inspiring message about Magic and how to create it. L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as a “modernized fairy tale in which the wonderment and joy are retained and the heartaches and nightmares are left out.” They are two of my favorites!
Fictional Crush:
My fictional crush actually isn’t a character in a book, but he is an avid reader – Jess from Gilmore Girls!
image via @hayleysolano
TBR List:
As most storybook lovers would say, there are SO many books I can’t wait to dive into. It has been several years since I’ve read A Little Princess so I am planning to read that one soon. With autumn just around the corner, I’m finally going to read Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman. I look forward to watching the movie every fall!
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
When creating content, I always consider how I hope someone feels when they see my posts. Building content around an emotion you hope to evoke provides a solid foundation for achieving cohesiveness – not just visually but in terms of your underlying message as well.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
Cheerful, whimsical, and romantic!
How often do you post:
It depends on the week and time of year. If there is special news to share (e.g. a new film adaptation of The Secret Garden was recently released), I post a little more frequently. It’s usually around 3-4 times a week.
image via @hayleysolano
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It’s really special because it is a means to connect with kindred spirits all around the world. We have such fun celebrating our favorite stories together.
Favorite Bookstore:
Growing up, I’d visit a local independent bookstore called A Whale of a Tale – it was a delightful children’s bookshoppe. If fictional bookstores count, I would love to spend an afternoon at The Shop Around the Corner from ‘You’ve Got Mail.’
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast!’
Author to take a selfie with:
Marjorie Hart! She wrote Summer at Tiffany, a first account of her experience as one of the first women to ever work the floor at Tiffany & Co the summer of 1945.
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite book cover:
Such a difficult question! Discovering beautiful editions is one of my favorite joys – it’s like a treasure hunt. I’m going to have to go with the Pride & Prejudice cookbook. It includes teatime recipes inspired by the story plus the full text.
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
The bookstagram community and my blog readers are like friends to me – I’m always honest with them ❤️That being said, some may assume that I’ve read every single book on my shelves which I haven’t yet. I like to reserve a portion for future reads!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
I feel as though this community found me rather than me finding it. I don’t think there’s been (or may ever be) a moment that signifies “making it.” Just having the opportunity to exchange inspiration with a community of friends is such a gift!
image via @hayleysolano
Favorite fandoms:
The kindred community of Anne of Green Gables fans is always lovely.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Share stories that have touched your heart and given you inspiring worlds to get lost in. Be thoughtful, authentic, and have fun!
Additional bookishness:
For more bookish fun, I’d love to welcome book lovers to join The Enchanted Book Club, a celebration of storytelling, inspiring authors, and cherished literature! Each month we read a different book and discuss the magic within its pages. There’s currently about 2000 members – we’d love to have more friends join us! Click here to join.
Feature image via @hayleysolano
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @kath_reads
Happy bookstagram day! Today’s feature is Kath/@kath_reads. She promotes Filipino authors and her other favorite titles with cozy vibes.
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Why did you start your Bookstagram:
I started my bookstagram back in 2014 when I noticed that most of my friends are getting fed up with me rambling about books on my personal Instagram account, lol. I wanted to meet booklovers all around the world and talk to them about books (and other things we love) everyday, if possible.
Where are you from:
I’m from the Philippines but I’m currently living in Germany.
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
I want to inspire people to pick up a book and start reading. I want them to realize that reading can be fun. I wasn’t a reader since birth so I want to remind them that it’s never too late to start and enjoy reading. I also want to help to promote books written by Filipino authors.
Fun Fact about you:
I have 12 piercings (including tongue and tragus) and 4 small tattoos.
image via @kath_reads
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
I have a lot! @lookingforabura, @nerdytalksbookblog, @sumaiyya.books, @lottelikebooks, @theguywiththebook, thatbookishteacher_, @africaanah, @babblingbooks, @bunteschwarzweisswelt, @utopia.state.of.mind, and @bookishrose. I can go on with the list forever.
Favorite Books and Authors:
Some of my all-time favorite books are The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Vicious by V.E. Schwab, and My Fate According to the Butterfly by Gail Villanueva. Some of my favorites authors are V.E. Schwab, Haruki Murakami, Leigh Bardugo, John Green, Bob Ong (Filipino author), and Taylor Jenkins Reid.
image via @kath_reads
Fictional Crush:
Delilah “Lila” Bard (Shades of Magic by V.E. Schwab).
TBR List:
How much time do you have? lol. Some books on my priority list are A Place For Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza, 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, and The Bone Witch trilogy by Rin Chupeco.
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I’m not sure if I have one but I try to be as authentic as possible. I want my content to be relatable and simple. Captions are also challenging so I try to be more natural and affable at the same time when writing one.
image via @kath_reads
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I often change my aesthetic/theme but I make sure that my photos always give a cozy and relaxing vibes. I love my current theme so I think it will take a very long time for me to change it again.
How often do you post:
I used to post twice a day and follow a certain schedule I made but it became stressful and tiring. Now I try to post everyday or every other day.
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
It means so much to me. It’s a community that became so much important to me. It’s where I have met a lot of amazing and creative people who eventually became my friends. It’s also my creative space. It’s where I share my love for books and photography.
image via @kath_reads
Favorite Bookstore:
In the Philippines we have a bookstore called Booksale. They sell affordable pre-loved/second-hand and brand new books. Fully Booked (Philippines) is also one of my favorites. My favorite bookstore here in Germany is Saint George’s English Bookstore in Berlin.
Who would you have supply you with a lifetime of books:
Penguin Random House, Titan Books, and Scribe.
Author to take a selfie with:
Definitely Victoria Schwab and Haruki Murakami.
Favorite book cover:
My top three are The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco, My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, and Seeds Planted in Concrete by Bianca Sparacino.
image via @kath_reads
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
The Harry Potter series? lol. I only read book 1 to 4 but for some reason people assumed that I read the whole series. I never claimed it though. And I’m really not sure if I still want to continue with the remaining books.
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
When I received a message from one of the Community Team at Instagram (back in November 2015) telling me that they included me and my account on the Bookstagrammer’s List. I think that was also the time when the term “bookstagram/bookstagrammer” became official. Also, when I started getting messages from people telling me that they love my content, read a book because of me, and that I inspire them. These always make my day.
Favorite fandoms:
Game of Thrones, Studio Ghibli movies, and Shades of Magic.
image via @kath_reads
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
Don’t stress about algorithm/numbers. I’ve been there and it’s not really helpful. Make sure you are having fun and staying true to yourself. Share your honest thoughts/book reviews. Engage with other accounts. Make friends. Don’t forget to credit the original creators if you use/repost their photos, videos, or book reviews on your account. Take a break when needed. Bookstagram is not only a place to discover new books/authors. It’s also a place to learn and understand more about other people’s culture. And lastly, be kind.
Additional bookishness:
Being a slow and a mood reader (like me) is not easy but don’t let it get in your way. Also, join a book club (virtual or in real life) or look for reading buddies. Happy Reading!
feature image via @kath_reads
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @alllora
WIth the world in a mess of uncertainty, here's one thing that stays consistent: bookstagram! Today's feature is Tascha/@alllora. Her posts will make you feel like autumn never ends!
#Bookstagrammer Of The Week: @thebookorder
New day, new bookstagram, new me. Today’s feature is Danny/@thebookorder all the way from Canada with a rainbow of books that will brighten any stormy day.
Why did you start your Bookstagram:
My Bookstagram started back in 2014. I started off by just sharing what I was reading, and eventually stumbled upon a community of people, also sharing their love of books. After that, I changed my username to better reflect my content, and I’ve been posting ever since!
Where are you from:
I live in Canada!
What do you want your Instagram to bring to the world:
Awareness of books, especially with a focus on LGBTQ+ books!
Fun Fact about you:
Not sure why this specific question is always so hard to answer! I’d say a fun fact is the lovely Twilight series reignited my love for reading, and I’ve been reading books ever since. Although I feel like that was the case for a lot of people.
Favorite Bookstagrammers:
There are so many incredible Bookstagrammer, but these are definitely some of my favorites:
[email protected]_library
Favorite Books and Authors:
It’s always hard to pick favorites. I’d say one of my favorites is Samantha Shannon. The Bone Season series is one of my favorite ongoing series at the moment. My username is actually inspired by the sequels title The Mime Order. Her latest book Priory of the Orange Tree was one of the best high fantasy books I’ve ever read. I also loved Uprooted, and Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, Black Flamingo by Dean Atta, and the Strange The Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor.
image via @thebookorder
Fictional Crush:
My all-time fictional crush, which will most likely never change is the OG Will Herondale!
TBR List:
My TBR list is never-ending, and if I’m being honest I doubt I’ll ever read all the books I currently own in this lifetime. I’m also quite the mood reader, so my TBR changes a lot!
What’s Your Special Approach to Content:
I’m not sure if I have a special approach. I do whatever comes to mind when it comes to my content. I find I lean towards a more minimal photo style compared to some.
Aesthetic / Instagram page theme:
I try and switch up my theme/aesthetic to avoid my Instagram getting stale. For a while it was more of a cool, blue theme. Lately it’s been more of a warmer tone, with a focus on oranges.
How often do you post: I try and post daily if I can! I find there are times where I burn out and not post for a while. At the same time it’s best to not force yourself to post if you don’t feel like it. I learned that lesson a long time ago.
image via @thebookorder
What does your Bookstagram mean to you:
Bookstagram for me, started out as an outlet to channel my creativity that I was lacking in my life. It’s also been a great escape for me to share my love of books, and get to connect with other book lovers! That has definitely been the best part. My favorite thing is when someone tells me they picked up a book because of my recommendation.
Favorite Bookstore:
My favorite bookstore would have to be Indigo here in Canada. I also really enjoy BMV books which is a second-hand bookstore located in Toronto.
Author to take a selfie with:
I have been pretty fortunate enough to get to take some selfies with a lot of my favorites over the years by attending book signings. If I had to pick one it would probably be Naomi Novik!
Favorite book cover:
This one changes very often! I’d say one of my all time favorites is the UK edition of Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor! But one my newest faves is The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis.
image via @thebookorder
Book you have claimed to have read that you didn’t:
Definitely never claimed to read anything I hadn’t actually read! Do people really do that?!
When did you know you had made it as a Bookstagrammer:
For me, it was the first time I had a publisher reach out to send me ARCS.
Advice for aspiring Bookstagrammers:
The best advice I can give is be consistent with your content, find what works for you, and interact with the community!
