In 1876, Rev. T. De Witt Talmage warned Americans that summer novels were “literary poison.” 150 years later, BookTok’s nearly 2 billion users have turned summer reading into a major cultural phenomenon

Summer reading traditions have roots stretching back over 150 years. Publishers then promoted light paperbacks for travel and leisure during summer months. This growing market also provided opportunities for emerging women writers. Today, online communities and social media platforms shape seasonal book recommendations.