Long Island Book Talk | A Conversation with Tara

Tara can be found on Instagram @taras.littlelibrary.

Gina: Please tell me a little bit about yourself.

Tara: Hi, I’m Tara, a 22 year old, chronically ill cat mom and longtime book lover from Long Island! 

G: Why did you create your Bookstagram account? 

T: I decided to start this account because I was watching from the outside for so long. I loved watching book YouTube videos and getting recommendations through social media. I also love taking pictures, so Bookstagram felt like the perfect mix!

G: Did you start this as a hobby? Has it developed into a part time/ full time job? 

T: My Bookstagram definitely started as a hobby, and I would still consider it one. Though, I do think it’s a bit more of a commitment than when I initially started; I wouldn’t consider it a part-time job—though I definitely think it could become one! 

G: What are you currently reading? 

T: I’m currently reading an ARC (advanced readers copy) of Every Time You Sing That Song by Jenna Boris from Penguin Teen publishing company and Christmas by the Coast by Mandy Baggot, a read from the Disability December reading challenge I’m co-hosting! 

G: Do you find making content on Long Island easy or difficult? Why? 

T: I find it generally pretty easy to make content on Long Island! I think we have a lot of beautiful outdoor scenery, the beach being in walking distance and so much greenery in general, it gives a lot of options for different backdrops! It’s also really nice that we get a good amount of sunlight, especially in summer for natural lighting!

G: What is your favorite thing about Bookstagram? 

T: My favorite thing about Bookstagram is by far the community. I’ve been a part of a few different online communities and such, and I’ve truly never felt more love in one than I do in the book community. Everyone is so positive and uplifting, on top of gaining wonderful recommendations; I’ve also gained truly amazing friends! 

G: As you have gained more followers, how has your perspective changed regarding social media? 

T: I think my perspective doesn’t necessarily change, though I do feel as though I’m being more cautious about what I’m posting and the things I’m sharing. As I slowly start to gain a bigger platform, I would never want to spread or advocate something that could be harmful to somebody in any way, so I’ve definitely tried to research the books and authors that I recommend more since gaining some following. 

G: Do you consider a free book “payment” or do you prefer to receive something in exchange for a post? 

T: I’d definitely consider a free book payment of sorts! It’s costing something for either the author or publishing company to send it to me, and I’m honored that they even consider doing that. I’ve never received anything other than a free book/goodies for reviews, and I don’t know if I would feel comfortable, at least not until I had a bigger following. A free book is more than enough for a post/review in my opinion.

G: What is something that has surprised you since creating your account? 

T: After creating this account, I was definitely surprised with how many readers there were. That might sound silly because obviously I knew that people read, but I was never friends with any avid readers. Growing up, my family were readers, and I grew up one, but I didn’t really know anyone [else] in my personal life who was. It was so cool seeing how many people your age care so much about the things you care about. I’m honestly surprised with how many genuine connections I’ve made!

G: What do you hope people will get from your page? 

T: There are so many amazing Bookstagram pages and so many wonderful people to follow to get recommendations from. I truly hope when people find my page, they feel seen and they’re able to find some type of diverse and inclusive book recommendations. As someone that is chronically ill, I find it very important to advocate for disabilities, mental health, LGBTQIA+, etc. I strive to post content that will uplift people and make them feel seen, because the best feeling in the world is seeing your full self be represented within a character and everyone deserves that feeling!