"This feels like a grab for more money."
YouTuber and comedian Lilly Singh took to Instagram on December 9, 2021, to reveal her latest project.
Lilly Singh announced the launch of her book club, called Lilly’s Library, to her 10.6 million Instagram followers.
The YouTuber took to her Instagram page and shared a photo in which she could be seen standing in front of a bookshelf whilst wearing a mustard-coloured lehenga.
She also posed with a book in her hand.
In the caption of her post, Lilly wrote: “Welcome to @lillyslibrary, a book club that celebrates South Asian stories.
“It is through stories that we understand ourselves and the world around us.
“And I know from experience that seeing yourself in a story can have such an incredible impact.
“It’s a beautiful and magical sensation to feel seen.
“One in four people on the planet are South Asian, yet our stories are seldom given a platform on a global level.
“This is my effort to change that and give more people that magical feeling. Readers and authors alike.”
Lilly added: “My goal is to select books that not only resonate with my Brown people but that everyone can enjoy.
“You will either see yourself in a story or read a perspective you’ve possibly never encountered. In my opinion, both are a win.”
Lilly Singh concluded her message and wrote:
“So let’s do it, team! Unlike during my teenage years, I’m no longer lying about going to the library.
“I am not meeting up with my secret boyfriend. I’m actually going to read books! And I hope you’ll take this journey with me.”
Priyanka Chopra was one of the first celebrities to react to Lilly’s Instagram post.
The actress, who is a close friend of the YouTuber, took to the comments section and wrote:
“Can’t wait to get my recommendations!!!”
Other celebrities and friends of Lilly Singh, including Never Have I Ever’s Richa Moorjani and Indian Matchmaking’s Aparna Shewakramani also praised the initiative.
Whilst many social media users shared Lilly’s excitement in regards to the book club, some questioned the YouTuber’s motives.
One social media user said: “This feels like a grab for more money.
“Reese Witherspoon’s book club creates buzz around books then turns those books into movies/tv-shows generating more money for a handful of people.
“My guess is Lilly is mimicking that for South Asian stories.”
Lilly Singh is the author of two books including How to Be a Bawse and Be a Triangle: How I Went from Being Lost to Getting My Life Into Shape.
The self-help book Be A Triangle is expected to release in April 2022.
Some netizens felt that Lilly’s Library is simply a way to market her upcoming book.
A user wrote: “She’s never mentioned books before or said she’s a fan of reading but now that her own book is out, she’s trying to portray herself as a bookworm.”
Another added: “Lilly’s aim with the help of her book club is to showcase books written by South Asian authors, but I highly doubt she will use this space to feature books that are not solely Indian and Hindu.”
Meanwhile, Lilly Singh announced the first book from Lilly’s Library, Tell Me How To Be by Neel Patel, on December 10, 2021.
Lilly shared the news to Instagram and said:
“This book is so good that I personally wrote a blurb for it. I cannot wait to dive in with y’all!”
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