Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Young.
Hi Kristen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Kris Young also known as Kris Book Reads, and I’ve been an avid reader since elementary school. Reading has always been something I naturally gravitated toward; I loved getting lost in different worlds, connecting with characters, and really analyzing their stories. It was always more than just a hobby for me; it was something that truly brought me joy.
When I got to college, I fell out of love with reading. It started to feel more like a requirement than an escape, and over time, I lost touch with it completely. Then in 2024, I hit a point where I felt overwhelmed with life and I realized I was pouring so much into everyone else that I wasn’t doing anything for myself anymore. So I took a step back and asked myself a simple question: What brings me joy? And the answer was reading.
As I got back into reading, I also realized I wanted community. I didn’t just want to read books, I wanted to talk about them, share perspectives, and connect with people who loved stories the way I did. So I started my book page (@krisbookreads) on social media as a way to “find my people” who wanted to read, and discuss stories they were reading.
From there, things grew organically. I was simply showing up, being passionate, and sharing what I loved and that resonated with my audience. Today, I’ve built a community of over 20,000 readers, and I genuinely consider them my book friends. It’s a space where I feel comfortable, supported, and inspired every day.
That journey led me to my newest venture starting my own book club in January 2026. We now have over 200 members, and it’s been one of my biggest accomplishments. Creating a safe, welcoming space where readers can come together, have real conversations, and reconnect with themselves through books means everything to me.
What started as me being a burnt out working mom has turned into something so much bigger. It’s become a purpose. I truly feel like I’m here to inspire others through stories and to create spaces where people can rediscover joy, step outside of their routines, and do something for themselves again.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think anytime you’re pursuing your purpose or something you’re truly passionate about, challenges are part of the journey. What really matters is how you respond to those challenges that’s what determines how quickly you move through them.
My struggles aren’t necessarily unique. Like many people, I deal with feeling overwhelmed at times and wishing there were more hours in the day to get everything done. Balancing work, motherhood, and building something meaningful can be a lot.
But for me, it comes down to consistency and mindset. As long as I keep showing up and refuse to give up, I know I’ll get through those tough moments. I genuinely love what I’m building and the community I’ve created, so that passion keeps me grounded and motivated.
There will always be obstacles, but I’m committed to finding a way through them because I know this is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a book content creator, and I use my platform to help readers discover their next great read through honest reviews, thoughtful commentary, and recommendations based on what I’m reading throughout the year. I also collaborate with authors and publishers to spotlight new and upcoming releases that I believe my audience will genuinely enjoy.
Beyond content creation, I’m the founder of The Social Reading Club, a community where readers come together each month to read, discuss, and connect through stories. Creating that space has been one of my proudest accomplishments, it’s more than just a book club, it’s a safe and engaging community for people to share perspectives and build connections through reading.
What sets me apart is the intentionality behind everything I do. I’m not just recommending books, I’m creating experiences, conversations, and a sense of belonging for readers, especially those looking for community and balance in their everyday lives.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
When it comes to content creation, there’s definitely an element of unpredictability. You don’t always know if your content will reach the right audience or grow in the way you envision. There’s a bit of uncertainty in what makes someone pause, connect, and decide they want to follow your journey.
I do believe strategy plays a role, but even with the right approach, there’s no guaranteed formula that works for everyone. That’s where a bit of luck comes in, being in the right place, at the right time, with the right piece of content.
That said, I feel fortunate to have built a community that I genuinely love and enjoy engaging with. We’re still growing and still early in this journey, but I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made so far.
Pricing:
- $5 membership fee to join The Social Reading Club
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisbookreads?igsh=MWg0cDN2c280MDk4YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Am8rmR2a3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@krisbookreads?si=IPSjpjEExe1L51Vt
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/TheSocialReadingClub?utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator
