I guess I’m going to doing one Top Ten Tuesday a month. The last one I did is from March. Oops! I used to do them more consistently because it’s a great way to get blogging topics, especially if you feel like you’re running out of steam. Like I am. But the end of the semester is in sight, and I’m going to work on brainstorming some topics for the coming month! Today, though, we’re going to focus on Bookstagram.
I’ve been a part of the Bookstagram community for probably 3 or 4 years now? Gaining a following has been a slow process, but I’ve met some cool people! And found some cool books. Yes, a lot of the same books are featured over and over, but it’s still awesome being able to talk about books with people online! Honestly, it’s the only reason I really go on social media.
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme that was created by The Broke and the Bookish and is currently run by The Artsy Reader Girl. If you haven’t checked out their posts yet, you definitely should! There are a lot of great topics there if you’re looking for something new to write about.
Books I Bought Because of Bookstagram
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
I saw this everywhere before I finally caved and bought it. It’s right up my alley, though! Dystopian literature, strong female characters, fighting against a corrupt power. What’s not to like? Locked away for most of her life because her touch kills, Juliette is given a choice for the first time in her life. Be a weapon or become a warrior.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
My first introduction to Sarah J. Maas! My goal is to eventually own the whole series, but right now, I just own the first book. Still one of my favorite SJ Maas series! Celaena is dragged out of the salt mines where she’s been imprisoned to join a competition run by the crown prince: to find his new royal assassin. When contestants start turning up dead, things start to get interesting.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Another SJ Maas book! I actually bought these because I ended up doing a readalong for them on Instagram. I found I didn’t like it as much as Throne of Glass, but I can definitely see why everyone else likes it! A skilled hunter, Feyre accidentally kills a Fae. In order to save her family, she becomes enslaved by Tamlin. While there, she finds out about a curse upon his house; one she must break if they have any hope of survival.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Barnes and Noble has started doing a huge blowout sale each year, and that’s when I got this book! I’m definitely noticing a fantasy theme here. That seems to be what’s popular on Bookstagram, I guess! Lazlo Strange, librarian, has always been fascinated by the lost city of Weep. When he gets the chance to go on an expedition, he jumps at the chance. Little did he know that it would change his life.
Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Okay, this one might have been slightly more because of Twitter, but I’m still including it here. I hadn’t heard of Bowman until I saw someone talk about this book online. Now, she’s one of my favorite authors. This book follows Rumi, who is trying to figure out how to get back to music after her sister dies in a car crash. Emotionally devastating, but absolutely beautiful.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I actually listened to this audiobook, but I also bought a physical copy! Which I want to read eventually because it has such an interesting format. I still only own the first book, but I hope to remedy that sometime in the future! Kady thought breaking up with her boyfriend was the worst thing that ever happened to her, until her planet was invaded. Now, she’s in a fight for her life, against a corrupt corporation.
Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
This book would not have been on my radar without Bookstagram. I don’t really pay that much attention to romance books, and that’s where this one is place at B&N. But now it’s one of my favorite books ever! It’s just such a hopeful book. Alex and Henry are mortal enemies. After a mishap at a royal wedding, they start to become friends. Until a kiss turns them into something more.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
I feel like I would have found out about this eventually, but Instagram just sped up the process. I listened to the audio for this one too, and it is just a hopeful book, too. After Ben comes out as nonbinary to their parents, they’re kicked out and forced to live with their estranged sister. Now, they have to figure out life in their new, open identity.
The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
This book wins pretty cover of the year award. It’s seriously gorgeous! Of course, I am a sucker for a good sunset. When Cal’s dad gets a spot on the latest space expedition, he’s forced to move to Texas. Which isn’t a part of his future plan. But neither was falling in love with Leon.
Sadie by Courtney Summers
It was actually thanks to Instagram that I was able to get a copy of this to review! Now, it’s one of my favorite true crime YA books. After Sadie’s sister disappears, she decides to go after her. That’s when West McCray picks up the story, giving weekly installments on his podcast.
What books have you bought because of online influence?