When the world shut its doors, did you open a book?
Namo Namaha, book lovers! 🙏
For many, the early days of the pandemic were marked by uncertainty, isolation, and a search for comfort. In those moments, books became more than just stories—they became lifelines. They offered escapes from four walls, guided us through chaos, and connected us when we felt most alone.
It’s hard to believe five years have passed since December 2019, the month that marked the start of a world irrevocably changed. While much has been said about the hardships of that time, there’s another side to the story—one of resilience, creativity, and transformation.
Books didn’t just help us cope; they reshaped how we connect, create, and grow. Social media sparked new ways to share our love for stories, and the rise of audiobook and eBook apps made reading more accessible than ever. Personally, the pandemic was a time of immense reflection and change for me. Like many others, I turned to books for solace and even started a BookTube channel and blog. Though family obligations meant I had to pause those ventures, that experiment gave me the confidence to return to my love for storytelling later.
In this post, we’ll explore how reading evolved over the last five years, from the rise of Bookstagram trends to the audiobook revolution—and how you can still be part of this ongoing movement. Stick around for a curated list of the top books from this era that helped us not just survive, but thrive.
How the Pandemic Revolutionized Reading?
Books Became Lifelines
When the world paused, books offered an escape. Reading time soared, with average weekly hours doubling from 9 to 16, according to Nielsen data. Audiobooks became immensely popular, with platforms like Audible and Storytel reporting surges in subscriptions. In India, online book sales grew by 30% during the lockdowns.
For readers, stories weren’t just entertainment—they became companions, mentors, and sources of hope. Genres like fantasy, thrillers, and self-help thrived as people sought worlds to escape to, answers to navigate chaos, and stories that reflected resilience.
Social Media Turned Reading into a Shared Adventure
Before the pandemic, reading was largely a solitary pursuit. But during lockdowns, it transformed into something far more dynamic, thanks to social media.
- Silent Reviews and ASMR Magic: Creators on platforms like TikTok introduced trends like silent reviews and ASMR book recommendations, using facial expressions and soothing sounds to share their love for books. These videos brought joy and humor, turning reviews into art forms.
- Book Aesthetics and Shelfies: Instagram became a haven for curated book displays and discussions. Readers used #Shelfie to showcase their bookshelves, sparking conversations about favorite reads.
- Bookish Challenges: Trends like “guess the book from the emoji” and rapid-fire reviews encouraged playful interaction, making books feel fresh and exciting.
ℹ️ For Indian readers, the TikTok ban in June 2020 disrupted participation in BookTok trends. However, creators adapted by migrating to platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, ensuring the spirit of bookish creativity thrived.
The Rise of Reading and Audiobook Apps
The pandemic also marked a boom in digital reading platforms. Apps like Audible, Storytel, and Kindle became lifelines for readers, offering access to vast libraries at a tap. For social readers, platforms like Fable encouraged group discussions, while Blinkist and Shortform provided quick insights for those craving non-fiction nuggets.
ℹ️ While apps like Libby and OverDrive (linked to libraries) were unavailable in India, alternatives like Storytel catered to audiobook lovers, ensuring stories remained accessible despite physical restrictions.
Creativity Flourished
For some, reading wasn’t just a way to escape—it became a way to create.
Self-Publishing Boomed: Authors like Kylie Scott and J.D. Barker used platforms like Kindle Direct Publishing to connect directly with readers. As Scott shared, “The response was overwhelming, with sales skyrocketing as readers sought comfort in love stories.”
From Hobby to Career: Bookstagrammers and BookTubers turned their passion into professions, while BookTok creators built thriving communities through viral trends.
Reflecting the Times: Books like 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard captured the lockdown experience, while The Midnight Library by Matt Haig explored themes of regret and resilience that resonated deeply.
What This Means for You?
Five years later, the lessons of the pandemic reading revolution are clear: books have the power to heal, connect, and inspire. Here’s how you can embrace this transformation (yes, I’m fully aware I sound like I’m pitching books as the next great panacea—but honestly, they might be!).
Find Joy in Books
- Explore audiobook apps like Audible or Storytel (perfect for squeezing in “reading” during your commute, workout, or even while doing the dishes—you’re welcome! 😊).
- Dive into Bookstagram challenges on Instagram or Reels. Trends like “Rapid Reviews” and “Silent Recommendations” are as fun to make as they are to watch, and a great way to connect with fellow book lovers.
Build Your Community
If the idea of books changing your life feels overhyped, let me assure you—it’s not! Whether you’re swapping Shelfies on Instagram, joining a reading sprint on Discord, or building a tiny book club with friends, there’s a whole world of connection waiting for you. And if you manage to convert others into lifelong readers along the way? Well, let’s just say the world could always use more book lovers.
Share Your Voice
- Write your own story! Platforms like Wattpad and KDP make self-publishing accessible to anyone with a story to tell.
- Create Instagram Shelfies or participate in creative trends like “Bookish Memes” to share your favorite reads with a touch of humor.
Top 5 Books of the Pandemic Era (2019–2024)
Fantasy
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
- Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
- A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
- Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Thriller
- The Guest List by Lucy Foley
- Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano
- 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
- The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward
- Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane
Non-Fiction
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- Invisible Empire by Pranay Lal
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Looking Ahead: Joy, Healing, and Thriving
Books helped us survive the darkest days of the pandemic. They gave us worlds to escape to, lessons to learn, and communities to belong to. But they also taught us something deeper: the power of finding joy in little things, of healing slowly, of helping one another, and of thriving against all odds.
As we move forward, the question isn’t whether these changes will last—it’s how we’ll use them to build richer, more connected lives.
What’s your next chapter? Whether it’s diving into a new genre, joining a book club, or finally writing that story, it’s time to turn the page. Share your journey in the comments below—and let’s keep building this thriving bookish community together.
Stay blessed and happy reading! Om Shanti 🕉️
