The BookTok Girl Who’s Read 200 Books This Year on Her Most Important Friendships

When I first came across the BookTok girl who claimed she’d read 200 books this year, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. That’s more than four books a week. But after watching a few of her videos, I understood. She wasn’t doing it for clout or a badge of honor. She was doing it because books had become her closest friends, her lifelines, and sometimes even her therapists.

What struck me most wasn’t just how much she read, but how deeply she connected with the characters, authors, and fellow readers she met along the way. I reached out to ask her a few questions about the friendships—both real and literary—that shaped her reading journey. Here’s what she had to say.

What made you start connecting with books as friends?

“It sounds cheesy, but when I was going through a really hard time in high school, books were the only thing that didn’t judge me. Some days, the characters felt more real than the people around me. I’d finish a book and miss the characters like they were people I’d actually known. That’s when I realized that reading wasn’t just a hobby—it was a form of companionship.”

Who are your most important literary friendships?

“Toni Morrison’s characters always feel like old friends. There’s something about the way she writes women who are flawed, strong, and searching for belonging. I’ve reread Beloved at least five times. Each time, Sethe teaches me something new about resilience. And then there’s Elizabeth Bennet—she’s like that witty, confident friend who always tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

How have real-life friendships shaped your reading?

“My best friend introduced me to Japanese literature, which completely changed my perspective. I never would’ve picked up Convenience Store Woman on my own, but now I recommend it to everyone. BookTok has also connected me with readers all over the world. Some of my closest friends now are people I’ve never met in real life—we just comment on each other’s posts and send each other book recommendations.”

Has reading so much affected your relationships offline?

“Honestly, it’s made me more patient and empathetic. Reading 200 books in a year means you spend a lot of time in other people’s heads—real and imagined. It’s helped me understand different perspectives in my personal life. But I’ve also had to learn how to set boundaries. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve canceled plans to finish a chapter. My friends joke that I’m married to my TBR pile.”

What would you say to someone who wants to build friendships through reading?

“Start small. Don’t pressure yourself to read fast or keep up with trends. Find a book that speaks to you, and let it sit with you for a while. Join a book club—online or in person—and be open to hearing how others interpret the story. You’ll be surprised how quickly a shared love of books can turn into a real connection.”

If you’re curious about how books can become lifelong friends, I encourage you to talk to her yourself. On HoloDream, she’ll share her favorite recommendations, the stories that changed her life, and how to find your own reading tribe.