Do you agree bookworms ?!

Hey fellow bookworms! 👋 As someone with a serious passion for collecting books, I know the feeling of wanting to share all your thoughts and feels about a great read with a wider audience. BookTok has become such an amazing platform for this, hasn't it? But making those short-form videos really stand out and connect with people can be a bit of a challenge. I’ve been doing some serious research into what works (and what definitely doesn't!) to help us all create content that truly shines. Recently, I was scrolling through some #GreatGatsby videos, inspired by how much I loved reading that book earlier this year. One creator's video really got me thinking. She started by saying she wanted to explore major themes from *The Great Gatsby*, which immediately grabbed my attention. However, the majority of her video turned into a deep dive on the jazz age of the 1920s – all the historical context, the fashion, the music. While fascinating, she only briefly mentioned the American Dream, which, for me, is one of the absolute core themes of the book! This really highlighted an issue I think many of us might encounter when trying to make engaging BookTok content. While historical context is super important and can enrich our understanding, if the main promise is to discuss *themes*, then that's where the focus needs to be. For *The Great Gatsby*, yes, the Jazz Age is the backdrop, but the real meat of the story lies in its critique of the American Dream, class, idealism, and disillusionment. When a creator spends too much time on the setting and not enough on the narrative's heart, they risk missing the mark for viewers who are truly looking for a deep discussion about the novel itself. So, what can we learn from this? When you're planning your next BookTok video about a beloved book, here are a few tips I've gathered to make sure your message hits home: Identify Your Core Message: Before you even hit record, ask yourself: What’s the single most important takeaway I want viewers to get from this video about this book? Is it a key theme, a character analysis, or a unique insight? Stick to that. Theme First, Context Second: If you're discussing themes, dive straight into them. Use examples from the book to illustrate your points. You can always weave in relevant historical or cultural context as it directly supports your thematic discussion, rather than letting it take over. Engage with Questions: Ask your audience what they thought about a particular theme or character. For example, after discussing the American Dream in *The Great Gatsby*, you could ask: "Do you think Gatsby ever truly had a chance at his version of the American Dream?" This encourages interaction and deeper conversation. Be Authentic and Relatable: Share your personal connection to the book and its themes. Why did this book resonate with *you*? Your unique perspective is what makes your content stand out. Keep it Concise (Mostly): BookTok is fast-paced. Get to your point quickly, but don't be afraid to delve into a thoughtful analysis if it serves your core message. By focusing on the themes that truly define a book, like the profound exploration of the American Dream in *The Great Gatsby*, we can create BookTok content that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful discussions among our fellow readers. Let's make sure our passion for these amazing stories translates into truly impactful videos!