The Bookstagram Community!

I've only recently discovered the bookstagram community over the past year or so. Instagram is probably one of my favourite social networking sites for many reasons. I'm a self-confessed photography nerd, and when I first saw the book aesthetic pictures littering my feed, I fell in love with them. Anyone who knows me well will know that I have an unnatural obsession with stationary and bookish accessories, so being able to see all of these laid out in front of me is like putting candy in front of a baby. I want everything.

Besides the temptation of buying tons of bookmarks, tote bags, cushions and notebooks that encompass all things book nerd, I've discovered so many interesting and intriguing books on all the feeds that I follow. My usual technique for book buying is to quite literally judge a book by its cover. If I see something that grabs my attention, cover-wise or title-wise, nine times out of ten I'll buy it. I love raiding charity shops for second hand books as well as book shops and supermarkets. 

But instagram has provided me with a brand new place to look for book inspiration. My likes are chock full of books that have caught my attention, and titles that I've added to my neverending 'to read' list that I wouldn't necessarily see when I'm looking for new things to read. It's definitely broadened my scope of genres, authors and series', and I feel so inspired when I see what other people are reading and enjoying. I find one of the best way to discover new books is through recommendation. 

I'm slowly trying to become more involved in this little community. It strikes me as such a positive and friendly place to share common interests, and I'm following more and more instagrams like this everyday. As photography is one of my main hobbies besides reading and writing, it ties in so perfectly, and provides me with a place to share my own images. There's nothing better than sharing the books that I'm reading and enjoying with the people who follow me, because if it encourages at least one person to pick it up then I'm happy with that.

On my little journey into the bookstagram community, I've also found that it brings you closer to the authors of the books. Alexandra Potter, author of Love From Paris, shares images that readers have posted of her novels and has commented on one of my own #amreading posts. I was delighted to receive a comment from her and loved to see that she, and many other authors, really get involved with the people reading their work. Allie Esiri was another writer who liked and commented on one of my images with her book A Poem For Every Night of the Year in it.

As an aspiring writer, poet and photographer myself, I always find it so very inspiring and encouraging to be able to share my interests with others who enjoy what I enjoy. It drives my passion even more, and that can only be a good thing :)

Feel free to give my instagram a cheeky follow. I'm at iyaadimps.

~ C xxx