Turning the Page: Celebrating 6 Years
Cheers to six years of bookish adventures and literary friendships.
Please enjoy this special content while I'm away from social media during the month of July; I'll be returning with more nonfiction lists in August.
On July 26, 2016, I created my first Instagram post with the handle “Adams Avenue Little Free Library.” Little did I know that this small act would lead to discovering a community of book lovers and lifelong friends.
Over the years, I changed direction a few times, but in 2020, I landed on “TheOCBookGirl” as my official online persona. Through this journey, I have had the privilege of connecting with fellow book enthusiasts and authors from around the world, sharing recommendations, and connecting IRL at book events and meetups. It's incredible how a simple Instagram post opened up a whole new world of connections and opportunities for me. I am so grateful for the friendships I have made and the conversations we have had about our shared love for books.
Here are a few of my favorite memories!
7/26/16: My first post, not even my own photo but a repost of a book quote that spoke to me. How far I've come since that day! That post was just the beginning.
3/5/17: Little Free Library Announcement: The main reason I started this account was to share my excitement about finding Little Free Libraries in my community and to share my own stewarding adventures. I never expected the overwhelming support and engagement from fellow stewards who are equally passionate about spreading the joy of reading.
4/1/2017: I attended my first author event, Literary Orange, a program of the OC Public Libraries, where I got to meet Steven Rowley and Taylor Jenkins Reid, among other people. It was an incredible experience to listen to these talented authors speak about their work and gain insights into their creative processes.
8/30/18: Marvin’s first appearance on my feed. His infectious enthusiasm for literature (and treats) and engaging personality have made "Book Mail with Marvin" a hit among my followers.
9/27/18: A fancy and intimate luncheon with Kevin Kwan put on by Warwick’s Books. Fun fact, that same day I drove to Pasadena to hear Sally Field speak at Vroman's Bookstore.
5/14/19: Lido Village Books hosted Steven Rowley, and I officially became an author fangirl after hearing him speak about his sophomore novel, The Editor. His insights into the writing process and his journey to publication were inspiring.
7/17/19: My first “Meet the Bookstagrammer” post (as OrangeCountyReads), where I introduced myself and shared my love for books and the bookstagram community. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers and discover new recommendations.
7/18/20: A group of us helped celebrate our friend’s LFL Grand Opening by bringing her books, and wearing masks in pictures became the norm. It was a heartwarming experience to support our friend's new venture and share our love for reading.
11/1/20: I hosted a monthlong “Nonfiction Book Party” to celebrate Nonfiction November. Since then, it’s become an annual event, and the hashtag has been used hundreds of times to share nonfiction book recommendations and engage in discussions about the genre.
4/24/21: Some of my favorite people live in San Diego, and they amaze me with their dedication to attending events several hours away! This event at Bel Canto Books in Long Beach was particularly memorable, as I got to meet some friends for the first time in person, and this impromptu photo shoot was so fun!
5/28/21: On the ‘gram it’s all about the aesthetic, and a rainbow shelfie and a cute mug are always crowd pleasers. I love seeing how people curate their bookshelves and add personal touches to showcase their personalities.
6/10/22: Thanks to the generosity of my publishing partners, I have been able to host almost weekly giveaways. These giveaways have also allowed me to connect with new readers and expand my online community. Nowhere Girl was one of my favorite books of 2022.
11/15/22: This was from the 3rd Annual Nonfiction Book Party. I created daily photo prompts as part of the month-long event, which gave readers the chance to express their creativity and share their unique perspectives, making the event a fun and interactive way to engage.
1/23/23: Everyone kept saying I should start a nonfiction book club, and I finally took their advice and launched it in January 2023. The book club has been a great way for me to discuss and explore nonfiction books with like-minded individuals, deepening my understanding of the genre. Each month, we read any nonfiction book that fits the monthly theme. This was a fascinating look at public healthcare, and it was my pick for January’s theme of Medicine and Wellness.
4/28/23: This year I was invited to be part of an influencer group that helped promote Indie Bookstore Day. This was an amazing opportunity to support independent bookstores near me and connect with fellow book lovers. It was inspiring to witness the impact of our collective efforts to support local small businesses.
These are just a few of the special memories that help reinforce the joy and fulfillment that come from being part of such a wonderful community. Book people ARE the best people.
Tell me about YOUR experience with the bookish community—are you a bookstagrammer or booktoker?
Let's Read Nonfiction is a weekly newsletter that showcases the newest nonfiction titles, with a new topic or theme each week. Some past topics have been:
I love this post! You’re one of the first bookstagram accounts I discovered a few years ago when I was new to the community. You’ve always been so kind, supportive, and welcoming and you always have the best tips! People like you are truly what make the bookstagram community the best. 💕