Review of “Book People” by Paige Nick

Some of you may recall that Paige Nick had a column in the Sunday Times about a decade ago. Aside from being a freelance advertising copywriter, she has also written several books, her latest being Book People. It is a witty take on book lovers and the minefield of social media.

In real life, Paige Nick established an online book club called the “Good Book Appreciation Society”, which encourages its members to share honest reviews and opinions about their reads. She has given it a fictional twist in her book, with the founder being Norma, a forty-something ex-South African living in London, who is at a career and relationship crossroads. Norma’s little Facebook sideline ticks over in a reasonably civil manner until Harry Shields, a self-promoting and not particularly talented author-member, takes offence at a harsh review of his second novel. Instead of letting it blow over, the blow to his ego sees him taking to his keyboard with a vengeance to tackle his detractor. It is not long before other members enter the fray, and opinions and emotions are flying like missiles. If you’re one of the “I’m here for the comments” people on social media, you will appreciate the online sparring.

In Harry’s life, his obsession with the bad review and tracking down the person behind it starts to unravel his marriage, friendships, and his physical and mental health. Through his largely self-inflicted experiences, Book People takes a satirical look at social media concepts like ‘going viral’ on TikTok (making a public spectacle of yourself in the same room as a teen armed with a smartphone is not recommended) and ‘cancel culture’. Even usually mild-mannered bookworms can turn on you!

Overall, it is a fun read on a topical subject. So, if you’ll excuse me now, I’m going to see what goes on in the Gen Z land of BookTok.

Book People is available for short-term loan from our Client Library.