Book Lovers Unite: Meet Sam Soar, the Micro-Influencer Spreading Joy and Passion for Reading
In a world where social media often dominates our lives, it’s refreshing to find someone who uses their platform to spread joy and passion for reading. Meet Sam Soar, a 51,300-follower-strong micro-influencer on TikTok, who has found a sweet spot in the world of influencing. With her warm, giddy, and thoughtful vibe, Soar has built a community of fellow book lovers who share her enthusiasm for stories.
Growing up in Thailand, Soar’s imagination was fueled by comics, particularly one series that showcased a family’s extreme frugality. Inspired by their creative ways to save money, Soar found her own inventive ways to earn and save, such as growing vegetables and cycling around town to sell them. This entrepreneurial spirit has stayed with her, and she now uses her platform to promote local businesses and small bookstores.
Soar’s journey as a book blogger began at just 11 years old, when she launched her own blog, Sam Falling Books. Her passion for reading led her to spend hours borrowing books from the library, but she soon discovered the wait can be long. Instead, she took matters into her own hands and started emailing publishers directly, asking for review copies. Her persistence paid off, and she received many free books, which she reviews on her page.
When Soar went off to university, her book blog fell by the wayside, but she recently rediscovered her love for book blogging through BookTok. She’s thrilled to see people sharing their love for books without the pressure of algorithms or content-driven culture. Her account has allowed her to read more and connect with fellow bookworms, sharing reviews, videos of her emotional reactions, and favorite quotes.
However, Soar is also aware of the growing trend of overconsumption in the literary world. She notes that people often show off their massive book hauls, which can be misleading and create unrealistic expectations. Soar is cautious about this trend, as she understands the importance of reading for pleasure, not just for social media validation.
Despite her reservations, Soar remains driven by her genuine love for stories. She uses her platform to engage with important causes, such as promoting Palestinian voices and supporting small businesses. She’s part of a group chat called "BookTok Union," where creators support each other and share insights on sponsored posts.
For Soar, BookTok is just a fun way to connect with fellow book lovers and share her passion for reading. She’s still learning to balance collecting and consuming, but her love for stories remains the driving force behind her online presence.
As we navigate the world of social media, it’s heartwarming to find someone like Sam Soar, who uses her platform to spread joy, passion, and a love for reading.
