Taylor Stanley, 14, is a self-proclaimed book addict.
She takes the solitary activity of reading to the next level. She reviews books on the YouTube network known as BookTube, where she goes by Taylicious Reads. She also speaks on panels and interviews authors.
Taylor, a high school freshman, lives in Snohomish with her parents, Roger and Alison, and her siblings, Jake and Hunter.
What is BookTube?
BookTube is this amazing community filled with book lovers on the YouTube platform. YouTube has always been a way for people to express themselves, or watch hilarious cat videos, and BookTube is a clique that dedicates their channels to providing a place for people to find out about the life of being a complete book addict.
BookTube is a tight knit, accepting community on the internet. Although people have their differences, for the most part, everyone is respectful. Being on BookTube feels like chatting with your best friends in the entire universe.
How did you get started?
I had a book hangover and coffee wasn’t curing it fast enough. I actually started out as an extremely dedicated viewer. I often found myself in “The Little Mermaid” mindset of “I want to be where the people are” and so after serious consideration, and many book purchases, I decided to start my channel. I had no clue what to name my channel at first, but after I had claimed “Fergalicious” as my theme song, it only seemed right for me to become Taylicious Reads.
How much practice does it take?
If I said none would you believe me? All you have to do to make a BookTube channel is be passionate about books and have a device that records video. Some of my first videos are very cringe-worthy, but over time you get better at talking to a camera.
Who is your favorite writer?
This is like asking a mother who her favorite child is. I don’t have one favorite author but I have to say that I love Darcy Woods, author of 2016 debut “Summer of Supernovas,” Jennifer Bardsley, author of 2016 debut “Genesis Girl,” Cassandra Clare, author of “Lady Midnight,” Morgan Matson, author of “The Unexpected Everything,” and so many more amazing authors that would take forever to list.
What is your funniest BookTube moment or encounter?
I recently met author Victoria Schwab, also known as V.E. Schwab, at a signing for her latest novel, “This Savage Song,” at The University Bookstore. When I went up to her at the signing table, I had my camera ready, and due to the fact that I had yet to read her books, I completely lost any and all questions I had running through my mind for her. I asked her if she would say “Subscribe to Taylicious Reads.” She did. I thought it was hilarious and lost it giggling. I never thought I’d have a giggly experience with a New York Times bestselling author but there I was.
Also when I met Pierce Brown at my first ever BookTube panel, held at Emerald City Comicon, I had never read his “Red Rising” trilogy. I was so nervous because I hadn’t ever met a popular Young Adult author in my life before and because he had been dubbed “The hottest YA author in the world” by Buzzfeed — which is very accurate. I’ve met him. I know.
So when it was finally my turn to meet him, I, obviously, being YouTube’s Book Guru, Taylicious Reads, asked him if he was OK with me filming our encounter.
He said “No.”
And I think I must have had a heart attack. I started fumbling my words and Pierce started laughing and told me he was totally kidding and that he didn’t mind at all. The best part was that the next day, at Emerald City Comicon, I met Pierce Brown again and he remembered me. The most attractive Young Adult author in the world remembered me.
If you could have a drink with anyone alive or in history, who would it be?
I’m underage so I’m assuming that I’d be drinking a Capri Sun whilst the person I have a drink with is actually drinking. I’d love to meet Lin-Manuel Miranda, the genius who wrote the musical “Hamilton.” I’d really love to talk to him face-to-face about “Hamilton” and how it sparked my interest in learning about history.
People are shocked to know …
I’m only 14 years old. It’s very empowering to be such a young person in such a large industry and to be able to take it by storm. I’ve worked so hard to get to the point that I’m at now and I hope that my channel is an inspiration to youth. Teenagers don’t have to wait until they are adults to do what they love.
What’s your most proud moment?
When I interviewed an author for the first time. At my age, being able to interview an author isn’t something all your friends do on weekends. I remember people thought I was kidding. As a 14 year old, it’s rare that anyone would take you seriously in such a massive industry and I have been. It was very humbling, and also extremely exciting.
What are you wearing?
Currently my OOTD (Outfit of the Day) is a pair of black leggings, a gray tee shirt that says “Angels have more followers” and a pink “Pink” sweatshirt that I’ve thrown over the top. I’m in the editing stage of my most recent video so I like to get as comfy as possible before I turn into an editing zombie.
What are three things in your fridge?
Iced coffee. Eggs. Bacon.
What is your pet peeve?
This one line in books: “I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.” It’s in every single book, even if it’s not phrased exactly like that and it drives me crazy. You can never escape it.
What is your guilty pleasure?
“Gossip Girl.” I don’t know why I love that show so much but it’s totally addicting. My favorite OTP (One True Pairing) is Blair and Chuck. I’m only on Season Two, so no spoilers … but if they don’t end up together forever in the final season I might cry.
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