I, for one, am a huge fan and supporter of celebrity inspired book clubs. When I’m struggling to find something to read, I’ll google “Reese Witherspoon + Book Club” and see her latest picks and suggestions. As the article Celebrity Book Clubs Create Virtual Reading Community by Angela Liao noted, she also has an Instagram page for her book club recommendations, which I happen to follow. Never for once second had I questioned her motive behind posting these books publicly. Reese Witherspoon is a producer, an actor, and an avid reader. She isn’t posting these books so that she “looks intelligent” to her followers — she IS intelligent. I’m also certain she is posting about books that she loved in order to see how many other people feel the same about a certain book. As a producer of films and television series, this is an intelligent move for her. Not only is she getting her fans to read more often, but she is also planning for future moves in her career.
Also, if celebrity book clubs are getting more people reading books... then I’m 100% for that.
I do like that some celebrities will choose more challenging books and people take them at their word and gamely go on ahead--when I worked at a bookstore I helped a woman find a stack of Faulkner books from Oprah's Book Club way back in the day. After she left I felt like I should have had a longer conversation about them; that's a lot of heartbreak and mental anguish for some light summer reading:)
ReplyDeleteRebecca,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you about celeb book clubs. Not only do they promote authors and titles, but they get people excited about reading. I am always looking for book recommendations, and have found so many titles on Emma Roberts' book club Bellatrist.
I'm happy to hear that Emma Roberts' book club has good recommendations. She would not be the first celebrity I would follow from that group, but now I'll have to check it out. Thanks.
DeleteWhenever Reese promotes a new book the holds skyrocket! I personally love Emma Watson's book club, hers has a very upfront agenda and they aren't afraid to get deep and controversial. Great job and full points!
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