Booksmaxxing is the latest trend where reading is not only fashionable but also considered sexy. Tinder claims that mentions of books in dating bios have increased by 29% overall, and by 41% for women. The dating app's relationship expert told HuffPost that 'reading is clearly having a moment.'
The Appeal of Being Well-Read
According to research from book summary app Headway, 75% of people find partners who read or indicate they are well-read more attractive. This trend is further fueled by the growing BookTok community on TikTok, where users post reviews, discussions, and recommendations about their favorite books. Meanwhile, book club participation has been rising steadily in the UK, with listings on Eventbrite increasing by 41% between 2022 and 2023.
Celebrity Influence
Book clubs are no longer just for nerds. Dua Lipa runs a book club called Service 95, and her romance with Callum Turner was sparked when they discovered they were both reading the same book. Reading retreats, or 'bookcations,' are also gaining popularity, offering time and space to read and reflect. Skyscanner reports that 55% of travelers have booked or would consider booking a holiday inspired by a particular novel.
However, critics argue that this trend is performative, especially since the number of Americans reading for pleasure has dropped by 40% since 2003. Booksmaxxing may be a niche trend within a larger decline in reading, but proponents believe that if it gets people reading—even pretending to like reading—it can only be a good thing.
