Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme that was created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books and then cohosted with Dani @ Literary Lion. It is currently hosted by Aria @ Book Nook Bits and Dini @ dinipandareads. This meme has a discussion format, where participants get to talk about certain topics, share opinions, and spread the blogging love by visiting other posts. You can learn more about this meme here!

If you’ve spent even five minutes on BookTok, Bookstagram, or Twitter/X lately, you already know: the bookish community is always in the middle of some kind of debate. One day it’s the ethics of selling ARCs, the next it’s whether you should tag authors in your reviews, and by the weekend someone is arguing that only positive reviews belong online. With so many opinions flying around, it’s easy to wonder—is there actually such a thing as bookish etiquette, or are we all just doing our best in a very passionate corner of the internet? This week’s topic dives into exactly that.

---

This week’s Let’s Talk Bookish topic dives into the unwritten rules (or lack thereof) that shape how we behave as readers, reviewers, and members of the book community.

📘 Is There Such a Thing as “Bookish Etiquette”?

I think so — at least unofficially.
There might not be a formal rulebook, but there are community norms and expectations most readers recognize, even if they interpret them differently. Bookish etiquette often comes down to:

– Respecting authors
– Respecting fellow readers
– Respecting the community
– And respecting yourself and your boundaries

But the tricky part? Everyone’s line is different. What one reader considers common courtesy, another might see as unnecessary or outdated. That’s where the discourse starts — and keeps going.

---

📦 ARC Discourse: Should ARCs Ever Be Sold?

This is one of the longest-running debates in the bookish world.
ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) are meant to promote a book before release — not to be resold. The general etiquette is pretty clear: don’t sell ARCs for profit.

Most readers agree that:
✔ Donating, passing along, or trading ARCs is fine
✔ Selling ARCs, especially for outrageous prices, is not
✔ Collecting ARCs you genuinely love is understandable

Where it gets messy is when older, out-of-print ARCs surface, or when collectors start offering ridiculous amounts on resale sites. That’s when the discourse erupts — every time.

---

🏷️ Tagging Authors: Yay or Nay?

This is another etiquette rule that many readers feel strongly about.

✔ Tagging authors in positive reviews or enthusiastic reactions?
Great! Most authors appreciate seeing love for their work.

✘ Tagging authors in negative reviews?
Huge no. If you wouldn’t tell someone to their face that you hated something they created, don’t slide it into their notifications.

The rule of thumb: Reviews are for readers. Praise is for authors. Criticism is not.

---

🌟 Only Posting Positive Reviews?

Some readers believe in only sharing positivity publicly, keeping criticism private or offline. Others argue that honest reviews — both glowing and critical — are what make the review space trustworthy.

My take?
Review the way that feels right to you.
Just don’t weaponize your platform to attack, shame, or harass an author or other readers.

Honesty doesn’t have to be cruelty.

---

📝 My Personal Dos and Don’ts of Bookish Etiquette

Here’s how I like to navigate bookish spaces, whether I’m blogging, reviewing, or interacting online:

The book community is huge, diverse, and deeply passionate — which is wonderful, but also means we won’t all agree on everything.

---

🔥 Do I Engage in the Discourse… or Run Away From It?

Honestly? A mix of both.
Some discussions are healthy, necessary, and important. They can educate, open minds, and make the community better.

But the drama? The call-outs? The endless arguments in the comments?
I tend to step back from that. Reading is supposed to be joyful, not anxiety-inducing. And sometimes the best form of bookish etiquette is simply knowing when to disengage.

Bookish etiquette isn’t a strict rulebook — it’s more like a shared sense of respect and mindfulness within the community. It evolves, shifts, and differs from reader to reader, but at its core, it’s about making the bookish world a welcoming and safe space for everyone.

Whether you follow all the “unspoken rules” or make your own, the goal should always be the same: celebrate books, uplift the community, and read with joy.

---

💬 Let’s Talk!

What do you think about bookish etiquette?
Do you follow certain rules as a reviewer or reader?
Have you ever jumped into the discourse… or avoided it entirely?
Share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear where you stand!

---

If you enjoyed this post and found it useful, feel free to drop a like—it really helps! Don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss out on bookish topic, rec, and fun literary chats. Your support means so much, and I’m looking forward to sharing more great content with you soon!