5 Bookstagram Accounts Every Literature Lover Should Be Following
Photo by Anastasia Belousova
Jane Austen cheekily wrote, “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.”
I won’t presume to make such an audacious and sweeping conclusion. However, with a wink to Miss Austen, I declare: it is a truth universally acknowledged that an avid bookworm will be in search of an equally avid bookworm with whom to discuss effusively their shared love of books.
Friends, family, and book clubs often are the answers to this inveterate search, but nowadays, social media (for better or for worse) also has its place in the world of bibliophiles. Enter what is known as Bookstagram, a section of Instagram that is filled with enthusiastic story-lovers and book nerds of all varieties.
Whatever your opinion about social media (what do you think Jane’s assessment would be?), Bookstagram can be a positive resource for book recommendations, reviews, literary quotes and fun bookish-themed activities. You’ll likely find that you soon will have your go-to, favorite accounts that you most trust and enjoy when it comes to all things bookish.
In case you need an introduction or a prologue, so to speak, below are five of my favorite Bookstagrammers whom I unhesitatingly recommend for you to follow.
01 | @paper.hearts.library
Ann creates such a classy, feminine, and appealing look and tone for her page. She writes in her bio that she’s a proponent of “heartfelt story vibes and romanticizing life.” Her book recommendations, which range from classics to fantasy to rom-coms to non-fiction, demonstrate those vibes. Her reviews are always thoughtful and honest.
She also shares fun suggestions for how to “live” like a favorite character, such as “How to Have a Gilmore Girls Autumn” or “How to Be Like the March Sisters.” One thing is certain: whenever I see that new content has been shared by @paper.hearts.library, I’m eager to check it out.
02 | @kindredspiritbooks
This is the Instagram account of Rachel Dodge, author of multiple Christian devotionals based on classic books, such as Anne of Green Gables and The Secret Garden. Her content is always uplifting and encouraging, whether it be about her own work, a quote from a favorite book, or a bit of Scripture. Visit her page if you find yourself in need of mental or spiritual refreshment.
03 | @classiclitnetwork
Run by Sarah Beth Howard, this page’s content is intelligent and bold. She doesn’t shy away from eloquently sharing her thoughts and book recommendations on hot-button political and social issues. But this is not the main focus of her account.
She is fun-loving, too, offering suggestions for a variety of books, posting literary “This or That” templates, and proposing quote themes for her followers to share. The most recent theme is #TheLiteraryCoffeeShop, highlighting quotes from books and authors about the delights of coffee. Sarah Beth’s voice is worth a listen and her page is definitely worth a follow.
04 | @avonlea_booknerd
If you are an Anne of Green Gables fan or a Disney devotee, this is the page for you. Melanie notes these fandoms in her bio, but she offers recommendations for multiple genres, from romance to classics to fantasy to children’s to historical fiction.
Melanie also shares a bit of her personal life, such as her battles with multiple chronic diseases. She often proffers words of hope and encouragement for those enduring similar health struggles. Her perky dog Daisy makes many cameos in her posts, and you may find yourself envious of Melanie’s spacious, well-organized bookshelves. Whatever she shares, it’s always wholesome, sincere, and fun.
05 | @literaryfellowship
Katie’s visually pleasing page is filled with colorful, vibrant posts highlighting book quotes or offering book recommendations. She even has this wonderful Elizabeth Barrett Browning quotation in her bio: “No man can be called friendless who has God and the companionship of good books.”
Though you won’t see Katie herself, you can spy her charming cats posing as furry models in some of her photos. Her content as well as that of others that she puts in her Instagram stories are unfailingly lovely. Stop by her page for a taste of elegance.
In short…
I began with a nod to Jane Austen and I’ll conclude with a bow to C.S. Lewis. One of his popular quotes goes, “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’”
You may just find yourself exclaiming these very words as you encounter new book friends (of the human and the paper-and-ink variety) through these five Bookstagram accounts. Undoubtedly, you will discover others who are on the (pun intended) same page as you!
Happy reading!
