You’re not spending enough time on the internet if you haven’t heard of the term “Lit Girl Summer.” For the uninitiated, it is a play on the phrase “Hot Girl Summer.” While “Hot Girl Summer” celebrates confidence, fun, and living your best life, “Lit Girl Summer” shifts the focus toward intellectual and literary pursuits. It suggests a summer dedicated to reading, self-improvement, and enjoying the pleasures of books and learning because there’s nothing quite like devouring a good book and losing all sense of time.
In the hyper-connected and digitally-saturated world we live in, it is no surprise that people are turning to book reading to unwind and escape from the constant sensory overload of technology. Now that technology has finally taken over our lives, it’s only logical that we find a way to enjoy time away from the screens (unless, of course, it’s a Kindle).
Social Effect
Although the experience of reading a book is the exact opposite of what using the internet feels like, ironically, the internet or social media has played an instrumental role in the resurgence of reading. Online communities like BookTok, BookTube, and BookStagram have become influential platforms for promoting and reviewing books, encouraging many to pick up the reading habit. Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us is a perfect example of a book that skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its viral success on the internet.
Not only have these online book communities fuelled the rise of reading, but there’s also an aesthetic angle to it that people now aspire to. Whether it’s about posting an image on Instagram of your book next to your cup of coffee or being seen on your local commute holding a Kindle in your hand, there’s a glamour quotient that previously didn’t exist. There’s a subtle air of superiority attached to it, implying the underlying message: those who read are perhaps more intellectual and are choosing to spend their time in better ways than mindlessly scrolling on the internet (we don’t make the rules).
Kindle Revolution
Kindle has gradually achieved the status of a must-have accessory, without which the internet will deem you uncool. Some may even go as far as to say the Kindle is the new Stanley Cup. According to a WSJ report, Kindle sales have grown by double-digit percentages for the past two years and are on track to expand sales by double in 2024, says Kevin Keith, Vice President of Amazon Devices and Services. It is also worth noting that people under 45 are Kindle’s fastest-growing customer segment.
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One could argue that technology-led reading platforms like Kindle or Audible defeat the purpose of reading and take away from the traditional experience of immersing oneself in physical books. Still, it’s precisely these technologies that have contributed to the hype around reading by offering convenience and ease. The convenience and portability factor of the Kindle has contributed significantly to the device’s popularity, as has the sustainability aspect for environmentally-conscious readers.
Celebrity Endorsement
In 2019, Kendall Jenner was photographed on a yacht off the Côte d’Azur, engrossed in Tonight I’m Someone Else, a collection of essays by Chelsea Hodson, cementing her status as an unofficial ambassador of the “Lit Girls’ Club.” This image of a high-profile celebrity indulging in a reflective and intellectually stimulating read added a layer of sophistication to her public persona. Similarly, fashion designer Marc Jacobs has embraced the literary trend, sharing glimpses of his dedicated ‘reading hour’ on Instagram.
Following in the footsteps of literary icons like Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon, celebrities such as Kaia Gerber, Dakota Johnson, and Dua Lipa have launched their own book clubs. These initiatives, by shining a light on first-time authors, not only promote reading but also make it a central part of popular culture. Closer home, Twinkle Khanna and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja are known to be voracious readers and have spoken about the influence of literature on their lives and why it remains their favourite pastime to indulge in.
Whether it’s a response to digital fatigue, a desire for deeper engagement, or the influence of online communities, reading books has made a comeback. The act of reading books has become a symbol of mindful living, intellectual curiosity, and social connection. As society continues to evolve, it’s clear that the timeless appeal of a good book will always find its place, no matter how advanced our technology becomes.
