#reader musings

Share Dishonest Reviews If I didn’t like a book, you probably won’t hear about it from me at all. If I LOVED it, get ready for a 12 page carousal raving all about it.

Gatekeep Bookstagram Tips Like They’re Trade Secrets If there’s something you need help with, DM me. Ask questions. That’s how I learned, + I’m more than happy to pay that knowledge forward.

Follow Bookstagram Accounts That Don’t Share My Reading Tastes I’m not interested in this f4f culture. If I follow you, it’s because I’m interested, entertained, engaged, or most likely, consider you a friend. Friends > Followers.

Post About the Same, Over-Hyped Book 110 Times (Especially Ones by Problematic Authors) Some accounts only highlight “popular,” over-hyped books to gain followers. If those are the books you love + want to talk about, great! But I’m here to amplify marginalized voices; BIPOC + SWANA authors, queer stories, diverse reads that don’t get the attention they deserve.

Shrink Myself to Suit an Algorithm I’m queer, Muslim, Palestinian, + a woman. The odds are not in my favor. But I’m not hiding who I am to become an influencer. If any of those bother you, I’m here for Friends > Followers.

Post Aesthetic or “Whimsical” Pics Someone called my account "whimsical" a few months ago and I was honestly insulted. If that’s your vibe, or what you want to see on your feed, AWESOME! Curate your Bookstagram experience to YOUR preferences. I prefer posting helpful content, book reviews, guides. I scroll past aesthetic pics without a second glance--you won’t find those here.

Lovebomb Your Posts to Try + Get Your Attention Another weird Bookstagram cultural habit I’m entirely uninterested in. I’ll COMMENT on the posts that spark my interests--I’ll start genuine, meaningful conversations to try + get to know you. I won’t notice if you like my last 100 posts.

Create Useless, Click-Baity Bookstagram Guides Fun fact: I don’t monetize this account. I’m not going to trick you into clicking or sharing or saving posts. My Bookstagram guides are meant to help fellow Bookstagrammers who are struggling on this app. I create guides so you have fast, easy access to information.

Use or Recommend You Use AI for ANY Purpose AI is the reason I’m currently unemployed. It’s the reason so many publishing companies are experiencing layoffs. And it’s the reason bad books are hitting the shelves (books with STOLEN content). I can show you how to create Bookstagram content WITHOUT lazy, mindless AI tools.

I Don't Share Star Ratings My rankings + standards are based on 30+ years of reading. I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading a book when they see a 3-star rating (which I consider positive).

I Read Diversely (Sexualities, Cultures, Disabilities, Neurodivergence, Ethnicities Included) If you have a problem with that, honestly, it means you have a problem with me (a queer, Muslim, Palestinian woman who doesn’t put up with bullying or bigotry, on or offline).

I'm Not Whimsical or Cute or Sweet (My friends disagree with the last one, I'll let you decide) I’m currently in my unapologetic era (after years of apologizing for simply existing). This year, I’m focused on being + portraying MY authentic self. I’m tired of trending posts that are cute for the sake of being cute. If you want helpful content, early ARC reviews, or book guides, I’m your lady. Whimsy + aesthetic pics? Not here.

Speaking of Being Unapologetic: Free Palestine. Woman’s Rights Are Human Rights. Black Lives Matter. ALL Lives Matter. Fck AI. Fck Colonizing + Oppression. I don’t have the choice of avoiding politics when my very existence is considered a “political problem.” So guess what books I post about?

I Won’t Post About SJM, JKR, or Any Other Problematic Authors I’m here to amplify marginalized voices; BIPOC + SWANA authors, queer stories, diverse reads that don’t get the attention they deserve.

I Believe in Progress > Perfection I’m messy, chaotic, + most of all, tired (I have a chronic, incurable condition that makes my life miserable by causing fatigue, depression, + anxiety). My posts won’t be perfect because I’M not perfect. (That being said, I take ownership when I make mistakes. Point them out to me when you see them! I won’t be mad; I’ll be grateful!)

I Believe in DNF-ing. Often. That book you gave five-stars might not work for me. My last five-star read might bore you to tears. I won’t judge. That’s the beauty of Bookstagram; loving + sharing the books we love, having differing opinions, learning from different perspectives. Try it!

I Don’t Care How Pretty Your Book Reviews Are I’ll still read them, which is contradictory to how people treat MY book reviews. I believe reviews are foundational to Bookstagram, not just for readers, but for authors. As someone who has tried to get her book published for years, who has helped other authors, I know how important early reviews really are.

I Don't Want Followers… I want friends. Real friends who tell me what they’re reading, who DM me the moment they finish a book they think I’ll love, who read my captions instead of saying, “I love it!” when a post has to do about pain or struggles (thanks so much for that). Bookish friends who are passionate about reading, not hitting a follower count. Who know my name instead of calling me Batty or Jaz (never call me Jaz). If that’s you (and if you’ve read this far), welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

Good morning, book lovers and bookish bats. If you skipped your Sunday Reset, consider this a chance to set your week up for success. Here are a few little Bookstagram reminders, Bookstagram mistakes and misconceptions I've experienced, and Bookstagram lessons I've learned to help you start the week off right.

my book photos aren’t aesthetic enough: wrong find a style that suits you + no one else. don’t do it for the algorithm, or even your audience. it’s your account. make sure it represents YOU.

every book I read needs a review: false for some of us book lovers, writing constant reviews can get exhausting, even take the joy out of reading. share what you want, when you want, which brings me to my next mistake…

I have to be constantly on Bookstagram to succeed: incorrect “consistency” doesn’t mean constantly. post on a schedule that works for you, whether that’s once a day or once a week

my metrics = my worth on Bookstagram: false thinking I’d rather hear from the same three Bookstagrammers every day than reach a follower count of 20k people I never hear from. Friends > Followers.

I have to read hyped books ASAP to stay relevant: nope I’m sure those books are great…for the right reader. What makes my account special is that it’s MINE. I get to read & boost the books I love--& that love is always genuine.