The Christian Girl Diaries

Booktok is a thriving social media platform that shares a variety of book recommendations among the online community. While this sounds great and can be great, many recommendations are not designed for young women of God. I’m not saying that you must read only self-help books, but we should be aware of what we are consuming. Here are some reasons why this platform is harmful and some recommendations on alternatives.

1. Many of these books contain sinful topics that can heavily influence young women in their formative years.
   • Calling is “smut” or “spicy” does not make it cute or less inappropriate. Booktok has a direct correlation to an increase in pornography viewing.
   • By seeing characters participating in drugs or alcohol, this can influence young people to think that this is normal or accepted which is simply not true.
2. These books often have bright and colorful covers that attract a young audience.
   • Studies were conducted during the “Sephora kids” trend. It was shown that what attracted these young girls to expensive products was the fun and vibrant packaging. This also carries over to books. Studies have shown that about 80% of people are initially intrigued to a book based off of its front cover.
3. They are promoted by influential people we look up to.
   • By seeing the latest “it girl” reading a book, this can influence easily influence anyone to want to buy it also.
4. They normalize abuse.
   • Many of these books contain extreme abuse that is normalized or considered love. This is not love and this is not normal.

I want to be clear that I am not speaking for all books or content creators TikTok however, this seems to be the majority of the most popular ones. Here are some ideas on how to avoid books that may lead you to sin or hinder your relationship with God:

1. Research each book before you buy it
2. Find a few good Christian authors that you enjoy and have a variety of books (my personal favorite is Melanie Dickerson)
3. Ask yourself if you would let your grandma read this book
4. Go to a Christian bookstore if you have one
5. Find some Christian influencers that also enjoy reading
6. Ask your friends!