There are thousands and thousands of books in the world, so it’s not surprising if some books never make the rounds on BookTok or Bookstagram. However, I am actually surprised I don’t see certain books. Especially if they have movies coming out or are just perfect for the Booktok and Bookstagram audience. We see the same books over and over again on Booktok, so below are some of my favorites, plus books I just think should be more present online at the moment.
The Phoenix Bride
I read The Phoenix Bride a few years ago and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It was such a simple and yet complicated story. Plus, it was historical fiction that had nothing to do with a World War which is always a plus in my book (no pun intended). After navigating the devastating Plague, Cecelia and David face a world that’s hard to recognize after so much loss, but together they rise from the ashes and start anew.
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
The City of Brass
I am truly boggled by the absence of The City of Brass and the rest of this trilogy on BookTok and Bookstagram. It really has everything people seem to love: a massive fictional world based on a real culture, forbidden love, tragedy, myths and magic, and so much more! I cannot recommend this series enough.
If We Were Villains
Perhaps I missed the spotlight moment for If We Were Villains, but it is mysteriously absent from the bookish platforms. I feel like this book deserves all the same rave reviews and gushing as some of the other books I see floating around. Shakespeare, Dead Poets Society, and mystery all wrapped in one, I fell in love with this book and quickly recommended it to everyone I know.
Villette
It’s true, Wuthering Heights has dominated the classics corner of BookTok and Bookstagram lately, but we need to give certain books their due. And Villette, in my opinion, is a classic that flies way too far under the radar. This underrated novel from Charlotte Brontë lives in Jane Eyre’s shadow but has just as much intrigue, ghostly encounters, and heartbreaking longing and love.
PC: Elaine Atherholt austenetc.com
Hamnet
Despite its movie adaptation not only being out but winning awards, I have barely, if at all, seen Hamnet on BookTok and Bookstagram. Again, it might be a case of Wuthering Heights taking over, but I feel Hamnet deserves its day in the sun. It’s definitely on my list for this year.
What Books Should Be On Booktok and Bookstagram
Again, there are thousands of books out there, so it’s no wonder they don’t all grab the limited attention of the internet. However, we should do our best to promote the books we love and deserve a little spotlight. What should we see more of on Instagram and BookTok? Have suggestions? Let me know by tagging me, @austen.etc, on Instagram!
PC: Elaine Atherholt austenetc.com
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