Chasing the high was a great way to describe it. I'm a lot older than you (37) and I always thought I read a lot until I found bookstagram and booktube. Suddenly I didn't feel good enough and stopped reading longer/more difficult books in favour of novellas and books I knew I could finish quickly. It took me a while to realise what I was doing and that I wasn't getting as much enjoyment from what I was reading. I'm now back to reading slowly and have noticed I'm really loving what I'm reading, and I'm not feeling that sense of dread anymore that I've 'only' read 5 or 6 books in a month.
Only five or six a month? Im lucky to get one book with work and family life. I have a bookstagram and I too feel pressure to read a lot. I’m going to close it down and just do me again. Plus a lot of the book pushers push book reviews based off the premise and cover alone without actually reading the book. It’s just not fun anymore. But hopefully it will be again someday. Happy reading!
I am a woman "of a certain age" so booktubers are all much younger, but I had noticed about their reading practices that they seemed so calculated and rather furtive. Always like they were in a race. Listening to audio books on triple speed, complaining if a book was 500 pages, because it means they read less in number for that month, things like that that I just couldn't understand. I'm the kind of person who will re-read a passage twice just because I love the way it's worded. It's so refreshing to see someone your age group who has this take on what booktube has become. Happy reading!
Fr like i think all avid readers have a book or 3 we own but havent read yet but these people have literal shelves of TBR books and thats insane and so wasteful
As a non-content creator who loves to read, I found booktube because I was looking for recommendations. Then I started to realize how many books these people were reading in just one week and I instantly knew that was not realistic for me nor is the endless physical personal library. But I still enjoy the content. I personally just don’t let it bother me and continue to watch because it looks like fun and I like the recommendations. I can see how this could be frustrating from a content creators perspective though. Maybe try switching up your bookish content? Withcindy is a perfect example. Instead of making vids where she’s reading 4 books in one video she reads a book and then she reacts to just that one basically. She puts her own twist to it which makes it entertaining.
I agree. I'm a Booktube creator but I just can't read enough books quickly enough to make that much content. I'm trying not to put any pressure on myself. I'm truly just doing all of this for fun, and I'm trying to keep telling myself it's ok to not read when I don't feel like it. Honestly, even if I read just 1 or 2 books per month, that is wayyyy more than the average person.
"to be able to be happy despite the horrors of reality" ^^^^^^^^that's the best definition of being self-structured/emotionally autonomous i've ever heard!!! you make an interesting point that 'academic' accomplishment in many ways is the opposite of self-structure, in that predetermined goals like "finishing a book" is just something convenient for someone else to grade you on, where as doing something because "i want to" is all about an eagerness to engage with the particular themes/material. and it makes sense that healthy, fulfilling feelings of community and belonging wouldn't emerge if there were structures (arbitrary goals) distracting you from engaging with, and then bringing, your own desires/feelings to the space! also, i still think fondly of the little discussion we had about dracula, that's probably the best interaction i've had on booktube, and, sure enough, it came from you reading one book you were interested in and then us engaging with our own thoughts and feelings-what would there even have been interesting to say if the video was "i read 10 books this month!"? i love and appreciate your thoughts here, as always, and i can't wait to see where your reading brings you: non-fiction, literary fiction, children's books, instruction manuals, soy sauce packets, poetry, or otherwise! 🫶🏻✨ p.s. i think you literally had 4 subscribers when youtube recommended you to me and i didn't click on the video because you were impressive, i clicked on it because you seemed thoughtful, genuine, and nice (which is way better)-and i was right! :)
I did feel the pressure of the booktube community, I started reading alot and faster in a way I've never done before. It scared me and I've been working on taking my time and just do it on my own time. Also just realizing you don't need to feel fomo of all the books, because most of them you won't even love, I still like to go out of my comfort zone though. I also never did any reading goals, because I don't want it to feel like a chore. I'll read whenever I feel like however much I feel like, some weeks it's barely anything and then when I do feel like reading, it's super fun
I got really into booktube in 2018/2019 and followed all the big creators. And then I definitely got burned out and exhausted watching hours upon hours of hauls and tbrs and shelf rearranging. Now I only follow smaller creators who aren't reading the hype books and just read slowly whatever they want and do cozy atmospheric videos, like you!
There's a lot to be said of keeping your passions/hobbies separate from money/work. A lot of the time, as soon as you make your leisure and interests your work, it is no longer something you look forward to and then you're left with nothing.
The big thing, imo, with booktube and booktok is that it's like a clique 😂😢 they refuse to read books that aren't new or written by a well-known writer. A big "you can't sit with us" vibe. Also I've suggested to soooo many people to start a library trend because rn they are doing those huge book hauls and spending soooo much money on books and spending sooo much time on these books. I think it would be a great healthy trend if the large book tubers did videos of them checking a book from the library since its free, and if they dont like the book its okay since you just return it anyway. Its crazy how i haven't seen any videos like that. It kinda gives me the vibe its not about the books its about spending money and collecting.
good for you for reevaluating the way you read and turning it back into a hobby you enjoy. i havent completely written off booktube/tok, but i make a point to seek out people who make more niche, thoughtful recs and dont emphasize numerical reading goals.
When I was in college still, I had a similar experience with booktube as you. I was an engineering student and didn't have a ton of time to read, but I also felt like I had to read many books in one month and had to read trending books. No one ever watched those videos. I had like 5 viewers tops. Now I have returned to booktube a lot more confident in what I want to do and how I want to live my life. Now I do read random thrift store books and my views are better for me now than before (still not great LOL). I think you'll find the right balance in time with your reading and your life. I love to hear that you're finding happiness in working life 😊
I must say as someone who isn’t on booktube but has a reading of booktube amount of books I too find booktube “toxic” to put it bluntly. I read about 200-300 books a year , but I dabble in all genres including manga and children’s books ( which might not count as reading for some people). I will read anything as long as I’m interested in it including nonfiction and will dnf ruthlessly. I don’t reread just because I don’t like flashbacks from my previous reading hindering my enjoyment of reading, but that’s just me .I also have read a lot through audiobooks. Now personally I don’t care if I read 5 , 50 or 500 books a year. At one point I did want to reduce my reading but reading is my primary entertainment along with anime ( and manga too which is included in reading) so I do tend to read more in general. So I stopped trying to force myself to lower my rate of reading Imo , booktube at large is very performative and that’s what gets to me. “ oh, I HAVE to finish it because I’m doing a vlog / live show about it " " oh , manga .. you should not include them " " only track the pages you read " I track my books to remember the list of what I read , not because it’ll add some 100 pages to the goal . I could care less about that . The community as whole is very keen on “labelling” things and in turn it leads to them wanting to check another thing off their checklist "just because” and anything that doesn’t fit in their idea of “finished” or “reading” is automatically something that shouldn’t be included/tracked It’s a hobby , it ain’t that deep . Or it can be if you want it to be . Your choice .. it’s just the making up of this non-existent rules that gets me. And like you said, you can’t read some random book off somewhere and talk about it and expect some community conversations ( because well , if you want to be in the community you’d want to talk something, and that’s why I not on any book social media )
You experience a very different type of booktube than I experience. Not saying it is invalid, just showing what else is out there. I watch Mike's book review, Matt's fantasy books, Johanna, Jimmy Nutts, The library of Allenxandria, Merphy Napier and other big names. I think they are all extremely positive towards just reading what you want, including manga or DNF-ing if you feel like it. None of the say you need to read a lot and honestly some of them don't read a lot themselves. I'm sure Booktubers like you describe exist, but I'm not sure, this encompasses booktube.
@@Wouter_K well , I’m sure what you describe exists as well. In fact I do follow a couple of people who are like this. But I still stand on what I say that booktube at large has this issue, and the fact that I don’t know any of the people you mentioned makes me feel like they’re few and far in between compared to the sea of booktube content ( no offense to any creators you mentioned, I actually will check them out now , so thank you for that ) or atleast they’re not as marketable to algorithm like the ones I mentioned . Again I hope I’m not sounding off by saying this but you’re definitely not recommended content like that when compared to “ huge 30 book haul “ “I read 30 books this month” .. I was watching years of booktube before stumbling upon the people who I like.. that sound similar to who you have mentioned. And the thing is I’m not even against “ I read read 30 books this month” content because I do read that much. I enjoy people talking about anything they read It’s just being extremely selective and the performative aspect that gets me.
Thank you for this great analysis of the reality of the Booktube game. I put a link to your video in the description box of my next video that airs at midnight GMT. You say it better than I did, so I'm directing people this way. Subscribed - would definitely watch your channel no matter how often your posted, how much you read or what books you choose
I agree, though I don't think the issue is booktube. It's man's superficiality and competitive drive. We should be able to enjoy watching booktubers that read 10 books a month without thinking that is even remotely realistic in our own circumstances.
Great video. There is nothing wrong with a 9-5 job. I’m a very creative person and my day job is what brings balance to my life. There is a mindless consumerism aspect to all things people can come to enjoy doing: including reading. I personally think of my reading as a reading practice like one might think of yoga or some other pastime. To get the most out of a practice you must do it with intention and curiosity. You must be will into to learn and challenge yourself, and for me I can’t do that when I fly through books at break-neck speed. If I make a book tube video about what I read I want it to have value, to not waste the viewers time, to not waste my time. This brings intention to everything I put on this platform and values the act of reading, at least for myself. Good for you for stepping back and protecting your reading practice. I wish you luck. Happy reading.
I'm sorry you've head this experience and apparently many others who comment here. Great to hear you now read what you want and when you want. You experience a very different type of booktube than I experience. Not saying it is invalid, but I feel generally, that the booktubers that I follow are quite supportive of limited reading and choosing yourself over 'production'. I watch Mike's book review, Matt's fantasy books, Johanna, Jimmy Nutts, The library of Allenxandria, Merphy Napier and other big names. I think they are all extremely positive towards just reading what you want, including manga or DNF-ing if you feel like it. None of theM say you need to read a lot and honestly some of them don't read a lot themselves.
For me its just that its so braindead now. I love booktubers like readwithcindy who talk about their own opinions are make videos about books relating to a larger real life topic. But the majority of booktube is just awful. I like trash books too and idc what other people like. But im sick of getting recommended books by BTs and they label them as so well written and deeply evocative. Then i read it and its no better than wattpad level trash. I can go to wattpad for trash but now i cant even enjoy book reviews half the time bc there is 0 media literacy or taste. Like just label it what it is
I feel like there are two (could be more) types of readers. Each having their own pros and cons. The ones in it only for the entertainment (plot, romance, fast paced, etc) compared to the ones looking for meaning laced into the words (what can I learn if I too take a similar path in life or have already done so). Each "category" in turn creates different content. The entertainment content thrives off social media platforms, which makes sense as it's easy to consume (watch and then forget, because who really cares). The meaningful content is almost nonexistent... It's also a classic case of the times. How much can a reader let down their guard, open themselves up, and not be torn apart? Which is why the nonfiction readers don't register at all on social platforms, it's a hunt and little to show for. Books should challenge us, offer us something to learn from or discover, a good author should tell the truth, the common truths, and the hidden truths of society and humanity. The internet is a scary place to offer up an opinion! Especially if it isn't trendy... So the deeper sides of booktube are cut and willingly amputated by both the creator and consumer. Which leaves most people who are search of meaning absolutely frustrated. Not to say that I don't enjoy some of the entertainment (24 hour read-a-thons!)... even if I must constantly skip all the nonsense talking that adds nothing. If I can skip it, and not feel lost with the rest of the video, then it was waste my time and yours. Anyway, I get your frustration of big number performance... because it's not meaningful, which is the whole point of a good book.
It took me 3 years to finish a manuscript, another three months to polish it and make it ready for query and submissions. I feel a little light headed thinking about someone reading it in less than 3 days… The fastest I ever read a book was Still Life With Crows, and that took me two weeks! 😮 Better to enjoy the read, I think you’re on the right track now.
Chasing the high was a great way to describe it. I'm a lot older than you (37) and I always thought I read a lot until I found bookstagram and booktube. Suddenly I didn't feel good enough and stopped reading longer/more difficult books in favour of novellas and books I knew I could finish quickly. It took me a while to realise what I was doing and that I wasn't getting as much enjoyment from what I was reading. I'm now back to reading slowly and have noticed I'm really loving what I'm reading, and I'm not feeling that sense of dread anymore that I've 'only' read 5 or 6 books in a month.
Only five or six a month? Im lucky to get one book with work and family life. I have a bookstagram and I too feel pressure to read a lot. I’m going to close it down and just do me again. Plus a lot of the book pushers push book reviews based off the premise and cover alone without actually reading the book. It’s just not fun anymore. But hopefully it will be again someday. Happy reading!
I am a woman "of a certain age" so booktubers are all much younger, but I had noticed about their reading practices that they seemed so calculated and rather furtive. Always like they were in a race. Listening to audio books on triple speed, complaining if a book was 500 pages, because it means they read less in number for that month, things like that that I just couldn't understand. I'm the kind of person who will re-read a passage twice just because I love the way it's worded. It's so refreshing to see someone your age group who has this take on what booktube has become. Happy reading!
Don't forget the constant book haul videos. Buying is almost more popular than reading
Fr like i think all avid readers have a book or 3 we own but havent read yet but these people have literal shelves of TBR books and thats insane and so wasteful
As a non-content creator who loves to read, I found booktube because I was looking for recommendations. Then I started to realize how many books these people were reading in just one week and I instantly knew that was not realistic for me nor is the endless physical personal library. But I still enjoy the content. I personally just don’t let it bother me and continue to watch because it looks like fun and I like the recommendations. I can see how this could be frustrating from a content creators perspective though. Maybe try switching up your bookish content? Withcindy is a perfect example. Instead of making vids where she’s reading 4 books in one video she reads a book and then she reacts to just that one basically. She puts her own twist to it which makes it entertaining.
I agree. I'm a Booktube creator but I just can't read enough books quickly enough to make that much content. I'm trying not to put any pressure on myself. I'm truly just doing all of this for fun, and I'm trying to keep telling myself it's ok to not read when I don't feel like it. Honestly, even if I read just 1 or 2 books per month, that is wayyyy more than the average person.
"to be able to be happy despite the horrors of reality"
^^^^^^^^that's the best definition of being self-structured/emotionally autonomous i've ever heard!!!
you make an interesting point that 'academic' accomplishment in many ways is the opposite of self-structure, in that predetermined goals like "finishing a book" is just something convenient for someone else to grade you on, where as doing something because "i want to" is all about an eagerness to engage with the particular themes/material.
and it makes sense that healthy, fulfilling feelings of community and belonging wouldn't emerge if there were structures (arbitrary goals) distracting you from engaging with, and then bringing, your own desires/feelings to the space!
also, i still think fondly of the little discussion we had about dracula, that's probably the best interaction i've had on booktube, and, sure enough, it came from you reading one book you were interested in and then us engaging with our own thoughts and feelings-what would there even have been interesting to say if the video was "i read 10 books this month!"?
i love and appreciate your thoughts here, as always, and i can't wait to see where your reading brings you: non-fiction, literary fiction, children's books, instruction manuals, soy sauce packets, poetry, or otherwise! 🫶🏻✨
p.s. i think you literally had 4 subscribers when youtube recommended you to me and i didn't click on the video because you were impressive, i clicked on it because you seemed thoughtful, genuine, and nice (which is way better)-and i was right! :)
I did feel the pressure of the booktube community, I started reading alot and faster in a way I've never done before. It scared me and I've been working on taking my time and just do it on my own time. Also just realizing you don't need to feel fomo of all the books, because most of them you won't even love, I still like to go out of my comfort zone though. I also never did any reading goals, because I don't want it to feel like a chore. I'll read whenever I feel like however much I feel like, some weeks it's barely anything and then when I do feel like reading, it's super fun
I got really into booktube in 2018/2019 and followed all the big creators. And then I definitely got burned out and exhausted watching hours upon hours of hauls and tbrs and shelf rearranging. Now I only follow smaller creators who aren't reading the hype books and just read slowly whatever they want and do cozy atmospheric videos, like you!
There's a lot to be said of keeping your passions/hobbies separate from money/work. A lot of the time, as soon as you make your leisure and interests your work, it is no longer something you look forward to and then you're left with nothing.
You're just becoming mature and it's really happening to people, it's part of the growth, especially at your age.
This literally happened to me last year after i found booktube. You described that reading goal anxiety so well. Thanks for this
The big thing, imo, with booktube and booktok is that it's like a clique 😂😢 they refuse to read books that aren't new or written by a well-known writer. A big "you can't sit with us" vibe. Also I've suggested to soooo many people to start a library trend because rn they are doing those huge book hauls and spending soooo much money on books and spending sooo much time on these books. I think it would be a great healthy trend if the large book tubers did videos of them checking a book from the library since its free, and if they dont like the book its okay since you just return it anyway. Its crazy how i haven't seen any videos like that. It kinda gives me the vibe its not about the books its about spending money and collecting.
good for you for reevaluating the way you read and turning it back into a hobby you enjoy. i havent completely written off booktube/tok, but i make a point to seek out people who make more niche, thoughtful recs and dont emphasize numerical reading goals.
Just read when you read. It's not that serious.
When I was in college still, I had a similar experience with booktube as you. I was an engineering student and didn't have a ton of time to read, but I also felt like I had to read many books in one month and had to read trending books. No one ever watched those videos. I had like 5 viewers tops.
Now I have returned to booktube a lot more confident in what I want to do and how I want to live my life. Now I do read random thrift store books and my views are better for me now than before (still not great LOL).
I think you'll find the right balance in time with your reading and your life. I love to hear that you're finding happiness in working life 😊
I must say as someone who isn’t on booktube but has a reading of booktube amount of books I too find booktube “toxic” to put it bluntly.
I read about 200-300 books a year , but I dabble in all genres including manga and children’s books ( which might not count as reading for some people). I will read anything as long as I’m interested in it including nonfiction and will dnf ruthlessly. I don’t reread just because I don’t like flashbacks from my previous reading hindering my enjoyment of reading, but that’s just me .I also have read a lot through audiobooks.
Now personally I don’t care if I read 5 , 50 or 500 books a year. At one point I did want to reduce my reading but reading is my primary entertainment along with anime ( and manga too which is included in reading) so I do tend to read more in general.
So I stopped trying to force myself to lower my rate of reading
Imo , booktube at large is very performative and that’s what gets to me.
“ oh, I HAVE to finish it because I’m doing a vlog / live show about it "
" oh , manga .. you should not include them "
" only track the pages you read "
I track my books to remember the list of what I read , not because it’ll add some 100 pages to the goal . I could care less about that .
The community as whole is very keen on “labelling” things and in turn it leads to them wanting to check another thing off their checklist "just because” and anything that doesn’t fit in their idea of “finished” or “reading” is automatically something that shouldn’t be included/tracked
It’s a hobby , it ain’t that deep . Or it can be if you want it to be . Your choice .. it’s just the making up of this non-existent rules that gets me.
And like you said, you can’t read some random book off somewhere and talk about it and expect some community conversations ( because well , if you want to be in the community you’d want to talk something, and that’s why I not on any book social media )
You experience a very different type of booktube than I experience. Not saying it is invalid, just showing what else is out there.
I watch Mike's book review, Matt's fantasy books, Johanna, Jimmy Nutts, The library of Allenxandria, Merphy Napier and other big names. I think they are all extremely positive towards just reading what you want, including manga or DNF-ing if you feel like it. None of the say you need to read a lot and honestly some of them don't read a lot themselves.
I'm sure Booktubers like you describe exist, but I'm not sure, this encompasses booktube.
@@Wouter_K well , I’m sure what you describe exists as well. In fact I do follow a couple of people who are like this. But I still stand on what I say that booktube at large has this issue, and the fact that I don’t know any of the people you mentioned makes me feel like they’re few and far in between compared to the sea of booktube content ( no offense to any creators you mentioned, I actually will check them out now , so thank you for that ) or atleast they’re not as marketable to algorithm like the ones I mentioned . Again I hope I’m not sounding off by saying this but you’re definitely not recommended content like that when compared to “ huge 30 book haul “ “I read 30 books this month” .. I was watching years of booktube before stumbling upon the people who I like.. that sound similar to who you have mentioned.
And the thing is I’m not even against “ I read read 30 books this month” content because I do read that much. I enjoy people talking about anything they read
It’s just being extremely selective and the performative aspect that gets me.
@@sliceofmini so interesting. How weirdly divided these algorithms are. Thanks for your kind response!
Thank you for this great analysis of the reality of the Booktube game. I put a link to your video in the description box of my next video that airs at midnight GMT. You say it better than I did, so I'm directing people this way. Subscribed - would definitely watch your channel no matter how often your posted, how much you read or what books you choose
I agree, though I don't think the issue is booktube. It's man's superficiality and competitive drive. We should be able to enjoy watching booktubers that read 10 books a month without thinking that is even remotely realistic in our own circumstances.
Great video. There is nothing wrong with a 9-5 job. I’m a very creative person and my day job is what brings balance to my life. There is a mindless consumerism aspect to all things people can come to enjoy doing: including reading. I personally think of my reading as a reading practice like one might think of yoga or some other pastime. To get the most out of a practice you must do it with intention and curiosity. You must be will into to learn and challenge yourself, and for me I can’t do that when I fly through books at break-neck speed. If I make a book tube video about what I read I want it to have value, to not waste the viewers time, to not waste my time. This brings intention to everything I put on this platform and values the act of reading, at least for myself.
Good for you for stepping back and protecting your reading practice. I wish you luck. Happy reading.
Best wishes with what you choose to read. I hope you get some great stories. Happy reading.
I'm sorry you've head this experience and apparently many others who comment here. Great to hear you now read what you want and when you want. You experience a very different type of booktube than I experience. Not saying it is invalid, but I feel generally, that the booktubers that I follow are quite supportive of limited reading and choosing yourself over 'production'.
I watch Mike's book review, Matt's fantasy books, Johanna, Jimmy Nutts, The library of Allenxandria, Merphy Napier and other big names. I think they are all extremely positive towards just reading what you want, including manga or DNF-ing if you feel like it. None of theM say you need to read a lot and honestly some of them don't read a lot themselves.
Your video and the comment section really speak EVERYTHING I see and feel and think
lots of people read that many books per week. y'all just do it for the cred. difference.
For me its just that its so braindead now. I love booktubers like readwithcindy who talk about their own opinions are make videos about books relating to a larger real life topic. But the majority of booktube is just awful. I like trash books too and idc what other people like. But im sick of getting recommended books by BTs and they label them as so well written and deeply evocative. Then i read it and its no better than wattpad level trash. I can go to wattpad for trash but now i cant even enjoy book reviews half the time bc there is 0 media literacy or taste. Like just label it what it is
I love you, blondie
I feel like there are two (could be more) types of readers. Each having their own pros and cons. The ones in it only for the entertainment (plot, romance, fast paced, etc) compared to the ones looking for meaning laced into the words (what can I learn if I too take a similar path in life or have already done so). Each "category" in turn creates different content. The entertainment content thrives off social media platforms, which makes sense as it's easy to consume (watch and then forget, because who really cares). The meaningful content is almost nonexistent... It's also a classic case of the times. How much can a reader let down their guard, open themselves up, and not be torn apart? Which is why the nonfiction readers don't register at all on social platforms, it's a hunt and little to show for. Books should challenge us, offer us something to learn from or discover, a good author should tell the truth, the common truths, and the hidden truths of society and humanity. The internet is a scary place to offer up an opinion! Especially if it isn't trendy... So the deeper sides of booktube are cut and willingly amputated by both the creator and consumer. Which leaves most people who are search of meaning absolutely frustrated. Not to say that I don't enjoy some of the entertainment (24 hour read-a-thons!)... even if I must constantly skip all the nonsense talking that adds nothing. If I can skip it, and not feel lost with the rest of the video, then it was waste my time and yours. Anyway, I get your frustration of big number performance... because it's not meaningful, which is the whole point of a good book.
It took me 3 years to finish a manuscript, another three months to polish it and make it ready for query and submissions. I feel a little light headed thinking about someone reading it in less than 3 days… The fastest I ever read a book was Still Life With Crows, and that took me two weeks! 😮
Better to enjoy the read, I think you’re on the right track now.
you will shit your pants when you learn audiobooks exist and can be listened to while going on a walk or doing chores.