Camila's Blog

What is one particular element of this community that you find interesting? In this community I definitely find interesting that through the shared language, slang, and understanding of the books you can find a sense of belonging. A bond can be made through these shared understandings. Shared language plays a big role in building a community by creating a sense of belonging through words, phrases, and references that only certain individuals can understand, part of the group or not.

For example, fans of Harry Potter might talk about “getting sorted” into a house, things and language that instantly signals belonging to that fandom. Also, in online book spaces like “BookTok” (TikTok space where people will talk about books), readers often use slang like “TBR” (to be read), “DNF” (did not finish) a shared vocabulary that connects people across different backgrounds. Phrases like these can help readers be able to bond with other readers over common experiences, their emotions about the story, and help them be a part of reading culture. Overall, in book communities, shared language strengthens the sense of identity, belonging, and participation, which can turn individual reading into a social experience.

At the same time, this shared language can unintentionally exclude newcomers who aren’t familiar with the terms yet, highlighting how language can also separate. The use of inside jokes or different terminology can unintentionally create a sense of exclusivity. For example, longtime fans might discuss theories or make references that only makes sense if you’ve read the entire series or followed the community closely.

What cultures are represented in the book community? I don’t think there is a specific culture represented in this community. Now obviously if you read a book that is specific to a certain religion, language, etc. then maybe then it will be specific to a culture. Different cultures are represented in books through characters, settings, traditions, values, language, and everyday life experiences. So overall there is so much diversity in the book community. There could be books specific to a culture, a language whether it’s informational on these themes or just included in the plot line.

For example, going back to one of the books I’ve talked about which to this day is still my favorite book, “It Ends With Us,” represents modern American culture. The book reflects real issues in American society, and themes of which people are starting to talk more about things like domestic violence, mental health, and emotional healing. Also just the setting, the way the characters act based on their different ways of being raised give different cultural aspects to a diverse group of redears.

Authors can often draw from real cultural backgrounds to bring their stories to life, which allows readers to see how people from different parts of the world live, think, and interact. Small details like clothing, music, gestures, or ways of solving conflict can give insight into a culture’s values and traditions. Books are powerful tools for both preserving and sharing cultures, helping readers understand, inform, and appreciate ways of life that are different from their own.