Delaney Smith, a 24-year-old content creator from just north of Seattle, has become a prominent figure in the BookTok community, the TikTok subculture dedicated to books. With a passionate following of over 350,000 users, Smith has transformed her lifelong love of reading into a vibrant online presence. She shares a variety of content—from book reviews to daily recommendations—through engaging videos, making literature accessible and enjoyable for viewers worldwide.
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Reflecting on her childhood, Smith recalls how integral books were to her upbringing. From a young age, she begged her mother to take her to the library, often immersing herself in stories like ‘Junie B. Jones’. She even crafted her own makeshift books during elementary school, often reflecting the simplicity of childhood creativity by stapling notebook pages together. “Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she said. The escapism found within the pages often made her feel more at home in her own room than as a punishment.
However, as she transitioned into high school and then college, Smith’s enthusiasm for reading diminished, at least temporarily. The mandatory literature studies reduced her enjoyment of books, turning a cherished pastime into an academic obligation. It wasn’t until 2022 that she rediscovered her love for literature. As she faced personal challenges, her TikTok algorithm introduced her to book content that resonated with her, rekindling her passion for reading. “I went to the library, picked up a stack of BookTok recommendations, and I haven’t stopped reading since,” she shared.
This resurgence in her reading habits propelled Smith to share her thoughts online. Initially, her foray into BookTok was faceless—she hesitated to show her personality due to concerns about online judgement. However, as she engaged more deeply with the community, she felt a shift towards confidence. “The more I engaged with the BookTok community, the safer I felt in the space,” Smith explained. By late 2023, her content transitioned to include her spirited personality and perspectives, leading to virality in early 2024 and a rapidly growing follower count.
Now, Smith’s TikTok account is rich with diverse content, including recommendations for “hidden gem” books, exhilarating romances, and perfect beach reads for the summer. She has been pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly supportive nature of the BookTok community. “It really is such a gift and definitely the most meaningful and fulfilling part of content creation,” she observed. Her interactions have extended beyond the screen, fostering genuine friendships that have led to meet-ups and virtual chats centred around their shared literary enthusiasm.
Despite the positive feedback she often receives, Smith is not shy about expressing her unconventional opinions on popular books. She believes that physically engaging with books—like cracking a spine—adds character and beauty to them. “It can be pretty satisfying, actually, and I think well-loved, visibly used books are really beautiful,” she stated, addressing a subject that often elicits mixed reactions from other readers.
Additionally, her taste is not universally shared when it comes to certain titles. While many readers cite Alice Feeney’s psychological thriller “Rock Paper Scissors” as predictable, Smith found the plot twist to be gripping. Conversely, she admitted that Sarah J. Maas’ famous series “A Court of Thorns and Roses” did not capture her interest, a bold assertion given its popularity.
Looking to the future, Smith aspires to expand her role from reader and reviewer to author. Writing a book has long been a dream of hers, and she has begun to outline concepts that excite her. “I just need to find the courage to start drafting,” she confided, revealing her aspiration to contribute to the very storytelling that has shaped her life thus far.
In a world where digital engagement often overshadows traditional reading habits, Delaney Smith stands out as an inspiring advocate for literature, using her platform to encourage others to rediscover the magic of books. With her creativity and growing influence, she hopes to leave a lasting impact on both her audience and the broader BookTok community. As she continues to navigate her journey, it is clear that her passion for reading will remain at the heart of all her creative endeavours.