This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s fall editorial intern Celeste MacMurray. Find her on Instagram at @clsmsanchezx. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you frequent book reading spaces on the Internet, then you’re no stranger to book reviews. Much like any other medium, reviews are a guarantee when it comes to the arts as it’s one of the main ways people learn about new movies, books or music. It’s also one of the most sure fire ways to get intel on a book, see what its reception is like and to decide for yourself whether or not you want to read it.
Book communities are bustling online even if you think people may not read anymore, but I assure you they do. In the age of technology, books and publishing news have a way of reaching audiences faster than ever. Authors and publishing agencies all use social media to their advantage to advertise their books, much like the creators on these sites whose posts focus on new book releases and provide recommendations. These online communities are alive and flourishing and, just like any other, they also create their own memes trends.
Book reviews are my go-to when I’m researching to see if a book is worth the read when I’m in search of something new. I especially love when book reviews get incredibly niche as well because you never know what you might discover. I have mostly seen the trend circulating on TikTok, but I have also seen it make its way to communities on Instagram as well. This newest trend was a pleasant surprise as it offered a new way to give book reviews that was fun and innovative.
The silent book review. The title may sound conflicting, almost like an oxymoron, but I assure you it’s a thing. You might be wondering how you can do a book review silently without words, but through experimentation it works. Silent book reviews are just that. Silent. The silent book review trend relies solely on facial expressions, hand gestures, body language and no words. Some reviewers utilize sounds such as sighing and even laughing, but beyond that not a word is spoken. It’s a game of perception that requires its creators to be just as crafty as their viewers.
Creators will typically disclaim at the beginning of their video with a caption that what you’re about to see is a silent book review. From start to finish these videos are filled with silence, but luckily they are not awkward at all. There’s no talking, just the sounds of shuffling books and the turning of pages. You could even argue that the trend doubles as an opportunity for ASMR, which you’d be right. The sound of moving books and flipping pages is satisfying to hear, and it makes up for the silence that could make these videos hard to bear.
A silent book review is a test of discernment. You have to discern the creator’s feelings based on the faces they make and the way they flip through their books. While flipping through the pages, creators will often make different faces at multiple sections of the book to express their feelings at different points throughout their reading experience. Some will even add challenges to their video, such as guessing which book they hated or loved the most based on their reactions.
Some reactions are easier to read and more straightforward than others, but part of the fun of these reviews is trying to interpret them. This trend is all in good fun, and the purpose is to get creative and recommend new books to viewers.
Are you a fan of the silent book review trend? Have you discovered any new books through them? If so, send us your recommendations as well!
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