An Entrance ticket
As BookTok becomes more and more popular, more people want to join in. Before, a community sharing their passion as they open the door to a magical world, has been transformed due to the online craze to a material object many want to own. Like a Stanley Cup or a Lululemon bag, these books are now one of the many possessions that add up to be the so-called “it girl.” They symbolize status and belonging, an entrance ticket to the world of BookTok. As teens and adults showcase their newest BookTok buy, not only highlighting their literary tastes, but more, their inclusion in a larger cultural phenomenon of being a part of that community. In this way, the popularity of BookTok books reflects a broader societal desire for connection and validation within online communities.