Article contributed by Johanna H
You have probably heard, but micro-influencers are the new thing! With over 1200 followers, the 33-year-old Kelly at @Xoxokellynina takes you on a bookish journey through great book recommendations and lovely photos, and leaves you with a friendly and warm feeling. Although she lives in the US, she loves all thing British: books, slang, travel, everything except the food. She loves history and her favourite historical figure is Anne Boleyn. Her love for history began early; when she was a kid she was obsessed with the movie Anastasia and was convinces that she was the lost Grand Duchess.
Firstly, we know you really love the UK, but what about it do you like the most? And what city do you recommend visiting (when we are allowed to travel again)?
There’s just something about the UK that speaks to my soul. There’s a Welsh word, ‘hiraeth,’ that essentially means a longing or homesickness for a place you’ve never been and that’s how I felt about the UK prior to traveling and still feel it when I’m not there. I’m fascinated by the history. I love the energy of every city I’ve been to when traveling. I could wander the streets of London for hours and feel completely content. I’ve joked that I want to see every city, every small town, every village because everything about Britain fascinates and speaks to me. I wish I could pinpoint a better reason but it’s just a feeling of love I’ve always had!
Oxford would be my top pick to visit when we are allowed to travel again! Especially if you’re a literature lover, the history of seeing where Narnia, Middle Earth, and Wonderland began is something that can’t be missed. The beautiful and historic city will have you walking back in time even if you’re not a big book fan. If any book takes place in Oxford there is a 99% chance I will read it solely for that!
Why did you start your book Instagram?
I have had my Instagram for an embarrassingly long time and I actually scrolled back to look to see when my first post about a book was and it was July 11, 2012. Not even kidding. I’ve been pretty consistent since then posting about books and what I’m reading but I moved to almost solely Instagram for book reviews and posting about 2.5 years ago.
You seem to read quite a few different genres of books. Which genre would you say is your favourite?
Ah, that is such a hard question! I’m such a mood reader and love almost every genre for always having something I’m in the mood for and to switch things up. If I had to, HAD TO pick a genre I would say Adult Contemporary because I’m never not in the mood for this type of book. Historical fiction and fantasy I need to be more in the right mindset to start but I am always down and ready to read an Adult Contemporary…especially if there’s a romance involved.
When you aren’t reading, what do you spend your time with?
When I’m not reading I prefer to be traveling! When I’m not doing that, which is a lot as I’m not sponsored by a luggage brand…yet lol, I love to spend time with my family, get coffee with friends, work out or do yoga, play trivia. I also love to bake, I’m currently trying to get wicked good at different cupcake flavours and macarons but oatmeal peanut butter cookies are my current specialty.
Which three books do you think everyone should read?
This question really made me stop and think because what a thought-provoking question! I’m interpreting this as three books I want everyone to read and love as much as I do and I would choose Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta because it is one of few books I find almost perfect. A fantasy world with such an emotional journey among all the characters who you learn so much about they feel like family. The plot and writing is just heart-breakingly beautiful. My second pick would be Mariana by Susanna Kearsley because it is one of my favourite books in general but also feeds my British heart. It’s a dual timeline that has a little suspension of disbelief in the storyline with a beautiful and understated romance. I can see the crumbling house and village so perfectly in my mind’s eye I’m immediately transported there just thinking about it! My last pick is a bit rogue and new to me this year but it would be The Vanderbeekers of 141st St by Karina Yan Glaser. I read this series for the first time this year and it has stuck with me since first reading it. A Middle Grade book about a family living in Harlem that both kids and adults can appreciate and have the themes resonate with them. These books just warm my heart and I love being with this beautiful family, these books spark so much joy. Because I’m a cheater my runner-ups would be Beartown by Fredrik Backman and Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center.
And lastly, do you have any goals for your reading 2021?
I haven’t really thought about my reading goals for 2021 yet but I’m thinking I’ll add a few books by CS Lewis and/or Tolkien I haven’t read yet and challenge myself to read one non-fiction book a month. I did a personal Childhood Classics Book Challenge to read books like Heidi and Mary Poppins that I never read as a kid and I loved doing that so maybe I’ll do more of those. I also always love to re-read at least one book a month which I usually always surpass but it’s nice to have an easy goal to check off as motivation!
Make sure to follow @Xoxokellynina for great book recommendations and some British love!
