Let me tell you, I was not expecting to write about this today. I was scrolling on Instagram (I intially typed ‘article’ but that’s misleading) and stumbled on a post. This article discussed how Barnes & Noble, an American Bookstore was experiencing something of a resurgence. The massive book outlet is set to open dozens of more outlets. Evidently because the consumer is vying for physical books instead digital copies. Why? You might ask. I have one word for you: Booktok.
The sensationalism and popularity of TikTok book promoters and authors are incredibly strong. To the point that consumers have reverted to ink on paper. There’s an article that’s tagline is “How TikTok is reviving romance literature” (I would link it but it’s tad intense).
Reviving romance literature? The gag is that it’s true, but it should not be reviving anything for you if you follow Jesus.
You might wonder, why I care enough to write about this but I suspect that you already know. Many of those books are death and decay waiting to happen. They are being printed en mass and you my girl are the target audience. When I consider what the blurbs are, and what the covers look like. I get angry, and I pray that it’s righteous anger. Needless to say, Booktok is not your friend.
Keep Watch; Don’t Be Deceived
Anyone who knows me well knows that I love myself a good book. It’s because of my immersion into this little world that I know what I’m talking about. I’m going to preface this blog post by saying that I don’t think that every new book and popular book is suspect. In fact, you could read enough of the pure things and still find yourself sinning against God (topic for another day- I had to fast books). But I’m going to be frank with you and tell you that enough of them are shocking enough that you must have your guard up.
I feel an alarm blaring in my head because smutty books (I’m severely uncomfortable) are endemic and they are a societal ill. They are making women sick- and I don’t hear about it spoken about enough.
If you’ve seen any book advertising recently you’ll hear me out when I tell you that I don’t think it’s accidental. I genuinely think that there’s a sinister plot at play. In the 2010’s if you wanted to find a less than innocent book, you could tell by the cover because it looked suggestive. Now, literal cartoon characters in unassuming positions cover the most vile books and it’s devastating.
The blurbs are simple they give names, trope and rough storyline, (they’re sometimes even YA!?) be so very for real. They are unassuming until you open that book and lust is etched into it from start to finish. My upset isn’t neccesarily that these books exist- we’ll call that a by-product of living in this world for now. But rather, how it’s hidden. It’s almost as if the intention is to lure you in and grip you.
Here’s what I think is profoundly concerning; firstly that reading that kind of content cannot co-exist with godliness and purity. And if you’re flirting with it I want to tell you that it’s sinful and not worth it. No matter how good the story. Secondly that it masquerades as romance (a dangerous game) and thirdly that it is comfortably moving in the shadows. Say it with me “booktok is not your friend”
Flee, Don’t Resist, Flee.
Maybe reading is not your thing and you’re a little shocked by what I’m saying. Maybe you know exactly what I’m talking about. I firstly want to speak against condemnation and shame, Jesus’ work on the cross is finished. But what I do want to do warn you against the dangers you potentially don’t realise. And I want to encourage you into a greater measure of godliness and purity.
1 Corinthians 6:18 reads “Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body”. Notice the diction, I want to emphasise the word ‘flee’. Paul doesn’t tell you resist. He says to flee.
Men written by women? I don’t mean to demonise everything bookish here -but friends? Suspicious content aside- you’ve got to guard your heart against brokenness masquerading as romance. It is not good for you. You don’t want your husband to be 6’4, grumpy, rude and angry at the world. But you are entertaining, no romanticising the idea for hours at a time.
I’m reminded of Romans 12:9b that says “abhor what is evil, hold fast to what is good” Be wise with what you’re ingesting and what it sews in your heart. Partner with what is good, holy and pleasing unto God. Choose to be a friend of God in this are because booktok certainly isn’t.
