Summary of "The Cult of BookTok" Episode of Sounds Like a Cult
Podcast Information:
- Title: Sounds Like A Cult
- Host/Author: Studio71
- Episode: The Cult of BookTok
- Release Date: March 4, 2025
Introduction: Defining BookTok as a Cult
In this episode, Amanda Montel and Reese Oliver delve into the phenomenon of BookTok, the TikTok community dedicated to discussing and promoting books. They explore whether BookTok exhibits cult-like characteristics and examine its influence on readers and the publishing industry.
Key Points:
- Cult-Like Behavior: The hosts question if BookTok functions similarly to a cult, characterized by passionate fandom, collective rituals, and stringent norms.
- Community Dynamics: BookTok is portrayed as a highly engaged community where books can quickly rise to popularity based on viral trends.
Notable Quote:
Morgan Book (00:12): "When you guys had referenced Booktok as a cult, I was like, not a cult. And then I was like, oh my God. This is why it's a cult, guys."
Understanding BookTok: Structure and Influence
Amanda and Reese break down the structure of BookTok, highlighting its grassroots nature and its role in revitalizing interest in various book genres. They discuss how BookTok transcends the TikTok platform, impacting offline book sales and author popularity.
Key Points:
- Grassroots Movement: BookTok operates beyond TikTok, influencing physical book sales and encouraging publishers to adapt.
- Genre Focus: The community predominantly revolves around genres like "romantasy" (romance + fantasy) and dark romance, fostering dedicated fan bases.
Notable Quote:
Reese Oliver (01:02): "The point of this podcast is to scrutinize and poke a wee bit of fun at how fanaticism and belonging show up in everyday life, even in unexpected places."
Guest Insights: Morgan Book on BookTok
Morgan Book, a prominent BookTok creator, shares her journey from cake decorating to becoming a full-time BookTok influencer. She provides an insider's perspective on how BookTok operates, the types of content popular within the community, and the pressures faced by creators.
Key Points:
- Content Evolution: Transition from diverse content to exclusively book-related material as BookTok gained momentum.
- Community Practices: Emphasis on specific rituals like reading vlogs and the unspoken rules against damaging books (e.g., dog-earing pages).
Notable Quote:
Morgan Book (09:15): "It's like an online community of readers. But like going beyond that. It's recommendations, it's reading vlogs, it's people sharing their love for books."
The Positive Impact of BookTok on the Publishing Industry
The hosts and Morgan discuss how BookTok has democratized book promotion, allowing lesser-known and self-published authors to gain visibility without traditional gatekeepers. They highlight success stories where books went viral on BookTok, boosting sales and author careers.
Key Points:
- Breaking Elitism: BookTok bypasses traditional publishing marketing, enabling organic growth for indie authors.
- Genre Popularity: Specific genres gain traction, influencing mainstream publishing trends and bookstore inventories.
Notable Quote:
Amanda Montel (13:20): "BookTok is first and foremost a community. It's not a book recommendation service. It's a book connection community."
Challenges and Negative Aspects: The Dark Side of BookTok
Eamon, another guest and BookTok enthusiast, discusses instances where BookTok's hype has led to problematic outcomes, such as promoting books beyond their intended scope or fostering toxic fan behavior. They debate whether the platform's rapid promotion cycles can sometimes overshadow critical engagement with literature.
Key Points:
- Overhype and Polarization: Rapid book promotions can lead to unequal attention, with some books being unfairly panned or elevated.
- Toxic Behavior: Instances of harassment towards authors and creators when opinions clash or when fan-casting crosses personal boundaries.
Notable Quote:
Eamon (42:23): "Sometimes people will say something and then get that backlash and be like, hey, you don't want to say that. It sounds like this."
Diversity and Representation within BookTok
Eamon emphasizes BookTok's role in promoting diverse voices and inclusive storytelling. They argue that BookTok has been instrumental in introducing readers to marginalized authors and stories, fostering a more inclusive literary landscape.
Key Points:
- Inclusive Reading: BookTok has expanded the visibility of books featuring diverse protagonists and culturally rich narratives.
- Representation Matters: Readers discover books that reflect their identities and experiences, which were previously underrepresented in mainstream publishing.
Notable Quote:
Eamon (43:24): "BookTok has transformed the publishing industry in the sense of making it more inclusive and diverse."
Navigating BookTok: Tips for Positive Engagement
The guests offer advice on how to engage with BookTok constructively. They recommend following a diverse range of creators, critically evaluating book recommendations, and balancing online interactions with personal reading experiences.
Key Points:
- Diversify Engagement: Actively seek out varied genres and creators to enrich one's reading and viewing habits.
- Critical Consumption: Approach BookTok recommendations with discernment to avoid falling into echo chambers or being swayed by trends without substance.
Notable Quote:
Eamon (56:42): "My number one advice is just to follow a diverse range of creators, engage with their content because your 'For You' page is curated to you."
Culty Verdict: Categorizing BookTok
After extensive discussion, the hosts categorize BookTok within their cult framework. They conclude that BookTok falls under the "Live Your Life" category, highlighting its positive aspects without significant coercive or harmful elements.
Key Points:
- Live Your Life Category: BookTok is seen as a community that enhances personal lives through shared interests without oppressive control.
- Grassroots Support: The absence of a central authoritarian figure and the supportive nature of the community reinforce its classification as "Live Your Life."
Notable Quote:
Amanda Montel (61:28): "One huge green flag for BookTok is that there's no truly evil charismatic leader presiding over the rights and liberties of everyone who engages with this."
Conclusion: The Dual Nature of BookTok
The episode wraps up by acknowledging both the benefits and challenges posed by BookTok. While it significantly boosts book visibility and fosters a sense of community, it also brings about issues related to overhype and fan behavior. The hosts encourage listeners to engage thoughtfully with BookTok, appreciating its strengths while being mindful of its pitfalls.
Final Thoughts:
- Empowerment Through Reading: BookTok empowers readers and authors alike, creating opportunities for discovery and discussion.
- Balanced Approach: Emphasizing the importance of enjoying BookTok without falling into uncritical fandom or toxic behaviors.
Notable Quote:
Amanda Montel (62:27): "Like, live your fucking life, man. Genuinely, like pop off your ACOTARs and DNF those NFTs or whatever the... I just won't be there."
Recommendations from Guests:
Morgan Book's Top BookTok Recommendations:
- "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas
- Any Emily Henry book (e.g., "Funny Story")
- "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo
- "The Chestnut Spring" series by Elsie Silver
- "Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller
Eamon's Recommendations for Various Cults:
- Astrology Lovers: "Zodiac Academy" Series
- Gilmore Girls Fans: Books by Tessa Bailey, such as "Pumpkin Spice Cafe"
- Catholic School Alumni: "Priest" by Sierra Simone
- K-Pop Stans: "XOX" by Axio
- Sephora Shoppers: "Twisted" Series by Anna Huang
Closing Remarks:
Amanda Montel and Reese Oliver encourage listeners to explore BookTok thoughtfully, embracing its community benefits while maintaining personal discernment. They emphasize that engaging with BookTok can enhance one's reading experience without succumbing to unhealthy cult-like behaviors.
Final Notable Quote:
Reese Oliver (63:32): "We should each leave them with a recommendation that's really constructive."
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the "The Cult of BookTok" episode of Sounds Like a Cult, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.