Beyond the Aesthetic: Rethinking Performative Reading

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This episode unpacks the phenomenon of performative reading and the growing trend of “book girlies” highlighted in the YouTube video performative readers, ‘book girlies’ & the aesthetification of books. We explore how books are increasingly displayed as lifestyle accessories on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and what that means for authenticity in reading culture. While some see this as reducing literature to an aesthetic object, others argue it sparks interest in books and builds community. We examine the tension between performance and genuine engagement, and consider whether these shifts change how we value reading itself.

https://youtu.be/ynh3seeUbcE?si=9eRtU1YVfTuB6_Lr