With the Tik Tok ban, then it coming right back in less than 24 hours, I noticed that the algorithm changed. I love seeing book recs and book reviews on the socials, but one thing I don't like is when people bag on other readers for what they read. And for some reason the new algorithm feels I need to see readers bashing other readers for what they like.
I know that this blog is full of authors who write the spectrum from closed door to spicy, so I feel like we are all pretty respectful of each others' books and readers. Usually the people who mock readers aren't readers themselves. But every now and then, I see something online that disappoints me in the book community.
All the Fourth Wing, and ACOTAR hate is driving me bonkers. It wasn't my jam, but if someone is coming to reading through whatever trends on BookTok, that's a good thing. This is more than just someone saying they didn't like a book. It's very much, "Oh you only read smut, that's not a real book." Or "Fourth Wing isn't even smut, don't say you read smut when it's just Fourth Wing." See? There's no winning here.
Twilight.
It's easy to poke fun at, it's easy to bash. I am absolutely guilty of joking around with my daughter about Twilight. However. I feel like the difference is that I loved Twilight. Twilight is what got me back into reading, back in 2008. I had just had a baby and I hadn't read for pleasure in so long, that the hype got me. I tore through that series. Then I went to the library and found some Paranormal Romance that hooked me and the rest is history.
In my opinion, whatever gets people reading is a good thing. And I feel like we went through this with Fifty Shades of Grey back in the day. And I know we'll go through it again, but I would love to see readers supporting readers, rather than bashing them. And Romancelandia is usually really welcoming. I can't tell you how many times I've seen someone start something that's new to them, and suddenly everyone around is saying things like, "You are so lucky to read this for the first time!" Or "welcome, you're going to love it here." So you can see why I was so disappointed in what TikTok apparently feels I need to see; readers mocking what other readers love.
That's a no from me. So let's each rec our favorite series. Doesn't matter the genre. Share your favorite books with us! Mine would be the Ilona Andrews Hidden Legacy series. It's top tier and probably my most re-read. What's yours?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for commenting on Smart Girls Read Romance. We love readers and love their comments. We apologize that due to a few unethical spammers we've had to institute comment moderation. Please be patient with us... we DO want your genuine comments!