Why Is Bootok Facing the Spotlight of Shame?

2020 was a year like no other — a time of fear, isolation, and uncertainty. Many hobbies faded into the background as the world retreated behind closed doors. But amidst the darkness, something remarkable happened. Literature, once neglected by many, experienced a resurgence. The reading culture began to flourish again, and I found myself lost in the treasure trove of my grandparents’ bookshelf.

2020 wasn’t just any year but the year of readers and writers. A new community emerged, known as ‘BookTok,’ where people became captivated by complex, morally grey characters. The literary world was thriving.

But not everything lasts for long. One day, an author was called out for her questionable act and many readers and non-readers started to boycott and cancel her.

As time moved, you and I realized how overhyped, often shallow content had dominated the scene. Most of the best-selling books revolved around smut with zero plot. So the audience started gravitating toward the classics and withdrawing from BookTok.

But this was only the beginning. Another force was rising, the “classic readers.” who turned to the timeless works of literature, seeking something more profound.

However, the unfortunate truth is that many readers are now narrowing their focus, fixating on the belief that classics are the supreme genre. As this notion spreads, new readers have begun to adopt the same mindset, leading to a troubling trend: “shaming BookTok,” even when it comes to well-written books. Ironically, many of the same people who once recommended Booktoks have now become the biggest critics. The hypocrisy is glaring.

Don’t get me wrong — I love classics. However, claiming that this genre is superior to all others is entirely misguided. We must remember that a book isn’t written to be a classic. The label is earned over time as the book endures through generations.

If you focus on one particular genre, that would limit exposure to other genres. Everyone has their tastes and preferences, and that’s perfectly fine. However, I believe it’s crucial to explore a wide range of genres and books. I truly wish influencers would shine a light on the incredible but often overlooked literature like Japanese, Persian, Urdu, and other Asian and African works.

The literary world is vast and varied, with countless stories waiting to be discovered. As readers, we should be open to suggestions and criticisms, constantly striving to broaden our understanding of what true literature encompasses. Let’s not confine ourselves to the same old recommendations, but instead, encourage diversity in our reading habits. Reading is a timeless pursuit that transcends trends and should be cherished as such.

In the end, the power of literature lies in its ability to transport us to different worlds, challenge our perspectives, and connect us to the human experience. I wish we celebrate the diversity and embrace all genres, all stories, and all voices. Only then can we truly appreciate the magic of reading.

There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well-written, or badly written. That is all.
— Oscar Wilde