If you’re anything like me, your life feels a little incomplete when you’re “between books.” While there is no shortage of books out there, both new and old, I often find myself in a reading rut—starting a book and then realizing that it’s not for me or simply failing to land on my next good read—such purgatory! This can easily happen when I rely solely on having a magic book-finding moment at the bookstore—sometimes the magic doesn’t happen, and I’m lost in a sea of un-compelling best sellers, *sigh*
This had been my hit-or-miss book-finding MO until a coworker told me about Belletrist, an online book club co-founded by actress Emma Roberts (American Horror Story, Scream Queens) and writer and producer Karah Preiss (In a Relationship, Pillowcase).
Belletrist lives on Instagram and online (and they also have a Tumblr, OMG). Preiss and Roberts update the Instagram account regularly, sharing a mix of gorgeous vintage photos, photos of book art and #shelfies, funny book memes, giveaway announcements, writing contest announcements, and, of course, pics of the current Belletrist reading choice of the month under which readers can discuss their experiences with the book.
“We said we want to do what Kylie Jenner has done for lip kits…with books.”— Roberts and Preiss
Occasionally, Belletrist will share a live video of a chat with one of the authors, and on the Belletrist website, you can read exclusive interviews with Ariel Levy and Joan Didion—and probably more to come soon! Here, you can also sign up for the Belletrist newsletter for additional updates.
Books of the month have included South and West by Joan Didion, The Rules Do Not Apply by Ariel Levy, Marlena, by Julie Buntin, Touch by Courtney Maum, and most recently, Sex & Rage by Eve Babitz. Belletrist focuses on books that are hot-off-the press (or recently reissued, as in the case of Sex & Rage), so following along is a great way to stay on top of the latest It books and discover new or lesser-known authors.
“It’s a home for us to share some of the books we’re most excited about and a place for you to share your experience with each book through a connected community of readers…From photo and video sharing to live discussions, Belletrist will grow as our community’s needs and dreams evolve. We invite you to read with us, to share what moves you, and, of course, to pass along what you’ve been reading too! This is our way of connecting around the books we love, a way to make sure that books have a life after they are read; that their ‘shelf life’ lasts far beyond the first read.”—The Belletrist Mission
If you’re interested hearing more women’s voices on contemporary issues–and even if you just adore literary fiction and non-fiction, be sure to see what Belletrist is reading! I happened to be in the middle of Ariel Levy’s The Rules Do Not Apply when I first came across Belletrist and I love Joan Didion’s essays, so I knew I’d found my people!
Have you checked out Belletrist? What’s on your summer reading list?
More book inspiration: Ready To Turn Your Life Around? Let These 5 Mindfulness Books Be Your Guide
Best Books of 2016 That Got PD Writers Through the Year
13 Books to Read When You Need a Female Hero
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