What Happened to The Book Review (Concept)?

The book review, a cornerstone of literary culture, traces its origins back to ancient times, with early forms of critique attributed to figures like Socrates in the 5th century BCE and Photius in the 9th century CE. The formal practice of book reviewing in England began to emerge in periodicals as early as the 1660s, with publications like The Intelligencer offering notices of new books. The 18th century saw the rise of dedicated literary journals such as The Monthly Review (1749) and Critical Review (1756), which became influential in shaping public literary taste. The 19th century further solidified this with the advent of quarterly reviews like The Edinburgh Review and The Quarterly Review, which often featured extensive, intellectual essays.

The 20th century saw book reviews become a staple in major newspapers and specialized literary magazines, serving as a primary gatekeeper for literary quality and public awareness. However, the 21st century ushered in a period of significant disruption. The decline of print media, coupled with the rise of the internet, led to a diminishing audience for traditional newspaper book reviews. By 2025, the Associated Press announced it would cease producing book reviews, citing low audience engagement, a stark indicator of this shift.

The digital age revolutionized the book review landscape, democratizing critique and empowering a vast array of voices. Platforms like Goodreads and Amazon became central for reader-generated reviews, allowing for immediate and accessible feedback. This evolution was further amplified by social media. By the mid-2010s and into the 2020s, platforms like Instagram (#Bookstagram) and YouTube (#BookTube) fostered communities around books. However, it was TikTok's #BookTok that emerged as the most powerful force, fundamentally reshaping book discovery and sales.

As of 2026, #BookTok's influence is undeniable. The hashtag has surpassed 370 billion views, with millions of videos driving massive sales increases for both new releases and older backlist titles. In 2024 alone, BookTok content influenced 59 million print book sales in the US, generating over $760 million in revenue. In Europe, over 50 million BookTok-recommended books were sold in 2025, generating €800 million. Publishers, once skeptical, now actively court BookTok creators, sending advance reader copies and integrating influencer partnerships into their marketing strategies. This shift highlights a preference among readers for authentic, emotional, and relatable recommendations from peers and influencers over traditional, often more analytical, reviews.

Looking ahead to 2026, artificial intelligence is also making inroads into the book ecosystem. While AI tools are increasingly used by publishers and authors for tasks like manuscript outlining, beta reader feedback simulation, and editing, their direct role in generating trusted book reviews for readers is still nascent. Reader surveys in 2025-2026 indicate that while 60-70% of readers are open to AI-assisted books if the quality is good, less than 1% currently use AI tools for book discovery. The emphasis remains on human-driven recommendations, whether from friends, family, or social media influencers. The book review concept continues to evolve, balancing the enduring need for critical assessment with the dynamic, community-driven nature of modern literary engagement. The physical book itself is also seeing a resurgence, with readers willing to pay more for premium, aesthetically pleasing editions, transforming them into luxury goods.