It seems almost impossible to scroll through TikTok without seeing some sort of recommendation for a series or individual book, whether you’re a big reader or not. Sure, the algorithm knows you and your interests, but it is becoming more common even among people who aren’t big book fans. Maybe there are other reasons for it, but it echoes the sudden influx of advertisements and pop-ups for stores like Shein.
It reminds me of fast fashion.
As a pretty avid reader, I’ve been through my fair share of good and bad books. Some have me reconsidering things, thinking in a new light, and searching for similar recommendations. Others make me wonder who edited and approved it for publication. Lately, it’s been more of the latter.Â
Every time I open a social media platform, it feels like I see a new recommendation or announcement for a book nobody asked for. Sometimes it’s the bad books that get people hooked on reading, pulling them in with a simple plot that’s been done a million times. But is it getting out of hand?
Publication companies are rapidly pushing out books. Many are seemingly unoriginal and even contain severe plot holes and grammatical errors. Authors are seeking recognition and money instead of creating art and true stories for people to get lost in.Â
A major example that any avid reader will recognize is Alex Aster’s Lightlark, a fantasy-romance novel involving quests, powers, and a multitude of trendy plotlines and tropes. However, many have noticed it’s essentially the same as an older, thoroughly loved series: Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen.Â
This again reminds me of the fast fashion cycle. A brand creates an original piece and gains popularity, only to be poorly duped by another label, all on top of being borderline copyrighted. Online shopping makes these duped, unoriginal copies easily accessible, just like online platforms are doing with books. Copies are purchased, mindlessly enjoyed, and then discarded, only for the cycle to continue with no end in sight. Money and accessibility are essentially destroying art and literacy with the creation of poorly written books.Â
Younger audiences are gaining access to such mockeries and developing a palette for them. The possibilities are alarming. Timeless stories by the likes of Charlotte BrontĂ«, William Shakespeare, and Jane Austen were held as the peak of literature, and series like The Hunger Games created pivotal lessons and literary foundations.Â
Instead, young people now continue to fall victim to literary fast fashion.
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