I saw a post on Threads a couple of weeks ago from a user who couldn’t believe that bookstagram/creator accounts were posting wrap-ups and other bookish content, especially with everything going on in the world. Basically, they were accusing creators and authors of dismissing the constant tragedies that are occurring around us. But a bestselling author’s response inspired me to write this post:
“We just don’t know what to say.”
And honestly, that’s ok.
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
― Maya Angelou
Social media allows us to react in the moment. And with the tumultuous times we are living in, we’re expected to have our thoughts out in the open. But we sometimes forget that silence is not necessarily ignorance; it can be comprehension, understanding, or, in some cases, speechlessness. I am not naïve. There are other cases where most people’s silence is just plain ignorance or a refusal to acknowledge what is really happening. But I do sympathize and understand those who try to find healthy outlets for their pain and frustration. Another common phrase I see people using for 2026: “protect your peace.” And it perfectly applies here. But protecting your peace doesn’t mean ignorance.
As book bloggers, we create content because we are passionate about books and want to spread that joy to others. It also brings us joy when we create. And I know that creating lists or having discussions about books and reading helps me take a brief break from current events. Books are political, but they can give us the best of both worlds: they can educate and make us aware of the world we live in, and they can also bring us joy and peace as we nose deep in a book. When it looks like the world is crumbling, it’s hard to find happiness and joy in the things you enjoy. But if the past year has taught me anything, it’s that you hold onto those joys with your dear life. And I think that there are some book content creators who are trying to do now, trying to bring a small slice of joy and good news when it doesn’t feel like the world has any. We get so bogged down by the bad stuff that we sometimes forget that there is some good in the world. And the good can be found within the pages of a book.
So, that bookish content that you are seeing may be their response to the chaos and tragedy. And if they were able to give you a chance to “protect your peace”, then they did something right. In fact, they may have just given you the right ammunition to fight for a better future. We create, we tell stories, and we share stories…that is how we continue to strive and persevere.
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