Welcome back to Books and the City! We’re changing things up with our first bonus mini episode, so pour yourself a glass of wine and pull up a comfy chair for this mini convo about all things Bookstagram. This lovely little corner of the internet is the reason we all met and became IRL friends, so we’re breaking it down. Find out how we all got started on Bookstagram, how we feel about the platform, the pressure to read it all, and Emily’s alternate handle (she made the right call with @thelazylibrary, trust us). Read on for all of our “Bookstagram Made Me Do It” picks, paired with the best NYC places to read them! ------------->
Bookstagram made Emily read Normal People by Sally Rooney
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/592625/normal-people-by-sally-rooney/
Head to the Upper West Side’s throwback bar, Dublin House, to enjoy this one. You’ll feel transported to Dublin, where the main characters in this novel reconnect and attend University together.
Bookstagram made Kayla pick up The Giver of Stars by JoJo Moyes
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/535031/the-giver-of-stars-by-jojo-moyes/
You’ll want to enjoy this novel about Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky at The Library Bar at The NoMad hotel, just south of Koreatown. Get cozy with a cocktail and enjoy surrounded by stunning, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Bookstagram made Becky read American Royals by Katharine McGee
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/598278/american-royals-by-katharine-mcgee/
Stop by the George Washington Bar in the Freehand Hotel to settle into a world where American Royals could exist. This upscale atmospheric refurbished library room in Kips Bay perfectly matches the lush political intrigue of the novel. Sip a cocktail and imagine that giant painting above the bar is of KING George Washington!
Bookstagram (and book club) made Libby pick up The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Unhoneymooners/Christina-Lauren/9781501128035
Read this one with a refreshing cocktail at The Happiest Hour in the West Village, where it feels like you’re partaking in a Hawaiian vacation all year round.
Music by EpidemicSound, logo art by @niczollos, all opinions our own.