From Library Books to 1.1 Million Views: The Phantom Paragrapher’s Unbelievable Journey

On July 17th, 2010, I pressed publish on the very first post for The Phantom Paragrapher. At the time, it was simply a little corner of the internet where I could combine my love of reading and writing. I never imagined that fifteen years later, this book blog would not only still be alive and thriving, but that it would hit a milestone I never dreamed possible — over 1.1 million views in a single month. To say I’m amazed and humbled is an understatement.

When I started, the blog was a haven to share my reviews of the library books I was devouring, with no grand plan beyond wanting to talk about stories that moved me. Slowly, it became a doorway into a bigger world — a space where I connected with other readers, found lifelong friends, and discovered favorite authors who have shaped my shelves and my heart. 

Some of the most memorable moments have been watching writers like Abbi Glines, Molly Barlowe, and Colleen Hoover grow from new voices in the book world to international bestsellers. Back then, we were just a group of passionate readers in a little Facebook community called Bookaholics Anonymous, sharing our excitement over the latest books . To witness those same authors rise and flourish while I’ve been writing about their stories has been surreal.

I’ve also had the joy of watching entire genres take shape. I was there in the early days when “New Adult” wasn’t yet a label, but simply a wave of books that spoke to that stage between young adults and adults . I’ve seen the rise of self-publishing from uncertain beginnings to becoming one of the most powerful avenues for authors today. And I still remember the time when ebooks weren’t even an option — and now, they’re a huge part of how readers everywhere access stories.

Every step of this journey has been a ride filled with surprises, laughter, late nights writing posts, and moments of pure excitement when someone new discovered the blog. Hitting this 1.1 million views milestone reminds me that what began as a small passion project has grown into something far bigger than I ever envisioned.

To every reader, author, and fellow booklover who has joined me along the way — thank you. This milestone belongs to all of us. Here’s to the next chapter in The Phantom Paragrapher’s story.