One reason I might buy a book I don't plan to read for a while is to support my independent bookstore. Of course I don't buy all my books there, but I do try to be mindful that I want those businesses to survive this disaster. Sometimes I'll buy the hardcover and then still borrow the ebook because I prefer to read that way with older eyes. So I'm spreading my book budget around, balancing my own needs with what I think might help out. In order to get new books years from now, we need to buy some books now (according to our ability and desire.) There's something meditative in watching a good book haul, too. :)
Book hauls are some of my favourites to watch as I love seeing all the different authors, genres etc. I find people’s bookshelves fascinating. Books to me are an investment. I definitely subscribe for your wit and charm 😁
You showed great restraint! I never buy a book without intending to read it. Of course, I don't read them all. I find new homes for the ones I realize I'll never get to. I gave away many books during lockdown to my friends who use the library exclusively. I too just love having them near. They bring me joy. As I age, instead of buying fewer books, I dnf sooner. 😁. BTW, you nailed all the reasons I subscribed sooner rather than later.
Judy Brown thanks Judy! 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve also given away so many books. I also DNF much sooner with no guilt. It gets books off of my shelf. And I’m becoming much more discriminating the older I get.
If you’ve seen my IG page, you’ll see that I’m a book/makeup/nailpolish addict and I had this discussion over and over with many subscribers. My family has food on the table, my bills are paid and everyone is happy. So... if I want to use my money to buy these things, it’s no one business. My friend travels to Florida 4 times a year, I don’t! My cousin likes to buy 700$ boots, I don’t! You do you and it’s ok! If buying more books makes you happy, good for you! We live in a strange world and we have to find happiness where ever we can. That’s my philosophy anyway. And I feel sorry for those who don’t read in this pandemic with no where to go... it must be so boring to watch TV all day! 🤣😂
JulieG_Quebec I say that all the time!!! I’m never bored because I always have something to read. I don’t know how non-readers survive. I’ve actually slowed down on book buying (you wouldn’t know it from this haul) and I’m getting much more discriminating.
K Becker's Books I hear you! I was a blogger for 12 years and I was receiving a lot of books. I bought them too so my pile to read is over 300... I have calmed down on buying and I go to the public library more often now and I bring my 10 years old son along... good habits have to be learn young! Haha 🙂
I understand finding happiness by any means but we have to understsnd that our happiness comes at someone’s expense. We live in a collective so we can’t simply pursue happiness for our individual sakes. Our supply chain has been disrupted by COVID so we have a shortage of lumber and paper products. Considering that along with other environmental concerns, I think we could all consider switching our book consumption to ereaders and only buying physical copies of books we must have. I understand this too is a privileged position as some people need the tactile sensation of a physical book. But it’s still something we should all consider especially in this new world we live in.
Aleatha Monae I totally agree and that’s why I also have an ereader! I borrow books, I eread, I buy books and I give them to others when I’m done. Trying to be the best person I can be. But one must not forget that if we don’t buy books in stores, someone is going to end up unemployed at the end...
I have an idea for people who complain about the consumerism of book haul videos: Don’t watch them. I rarely watch haul videos (they just aren’t for me) but I watched this one for your take on them. And, I enjoyed it.
Found your channel, not because of Doris, however I'm beside myself, you have me cracking up and learning new things all at once! ( Don't mind me just going backwards on your channel, watching all of your videos ) Definitely have some books to add to my own TBR
I don’t think it’s consumerist but I do think people read or buy books that they’re not actually interested in in order to “stay in the game.” It's not satisfying to read or listen or watch opinions from people about books that are not obviously in their wheelhouse so I wish Booktube showed more discretion or choosiness? I’m also not sure if that’s really from their own pockets though since a lot of Booktubers request books from publishing houses. That’s a nice treat but I still think it shouldn’t be just to hoard. The reason I even care about that is because I’m first and foremost a book lover and reader and I genuinely want to know what other readers think of a book I’m interested in or don’t know about. I'm personally not someone who enjoys professional/journalistic book reviewing (there are so many factors in that type of review) so I love to hear reporting from the ground, so to speak. So it’s frustrating when the creator doesn’t seem to know anything about the book at hand or why they even bought it, requested it, or frankly read it. Over the years, sadly, I’ve clocked so many “fake” reviews which is disappointing. At the same time, I do believe people should do whatever they want and book hauls aren’t killing anyone and it’s not a creators responsibility to ensure mindful spending habits. In terms of "fake book reviewing", I think it's the subscribers responsibility to unsubscribe and not perpetuate that kind of behavior regardless of how popular or how many subscribers or how big they are in the community since it's REALLY not helping anyone. I can't really afford to keep up at the speed I read so I am definitely grateful for my library.
Swordspeak good observations. I don’t have the exposure to receive free books but I wouldn’t enjoy reviewing books simply for the publishers benefit. It feels too much like an assignment. I think my attitude is that I’m so interested in so many things that I need to rein myself in from buying everything that piques my interest. I just can’t read that much or that fast. And I’m certainly due for a massive book unhaul. Some books I’ve owned for so long that I no longer have any interest. That’s a different problem. 😳
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH Getting rid of books is hard, it does not free up my mental space or spark any joy. Lol. I am not 100% sure I buy into these psychologies/philosophies about decluttering. Seems more like a fad. Or it just doesn't apply to my psychosis. Humans aren't wired to keep clean caves. They stuffed rocks and shit and animal bones and sticks in it. "Blank canvas." Yeah right. Even if I hated a book, if I bought it, I have a hard time just donating it or getting rid of it. Maybe it’s a mixture of sentiment and laziness. I recently moved and I took boxes and boxes of books I had zero interest in. I don’t know why, ignorance? Lol. I’m also sure you’ve recognized how EXPENSIVE new books are (especially my preferred reading format: the hardcover) so it’s pretty much an impossible habit for me to keep up, hence library! The library also helps me with my varied interests because if I don't like it, I can return it unread! A good rule of thumb to doing Booktube is to be able to check yourself when you're wrecking yourself online shopping cart: Am I buying this only to show on my channel or because I really do want it? It's something we all eventually encounter.
Swordspeak oh absolutely! I got to a point where I was buying books simply because I saw them on Booktube. Stupid! Once I made myself aware of it I got much more picky for what I purchase. I love getting rid of books. I like feeling more in control of my book inventory.
Swordspeak WALDENBOOKS!!! I worked there as a college sophomore! 🤣🤣🤣 The Joy in discarding books increases with age. Almost like not being able to suffer fools. 🤣🤣🤣
I love your channel! I am going through your videos and just want to let you know how you are putting words to my exact thoughts so perfectly (which i could never 😆🙈😖) i hope you don’t mind me liking and leaving comments on your old videos! 💛
After reading James's Portrait of a Lady over the summer, I was curious about the Banville "sequel," if you will, so I will be interested to hear how you like that one.
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH FYI, Portrait of a Lady is definitely kind of a slog at points, but when the characters are interacting with each other, it's so good that you can almost forgive the boring narrative parts...almost.
I love buying books. I think it depends what kind of book haul it is and why you are buying the books. I think the type of book hauls which are consumerist are ones where people just splurge on new releases just so they can keep up with current releases, rather than actually being interested in the books... and I think there are people who buy books just for specific editions....e.g. on insta there's always people posting about having the entire Penguin Deluxe Classics editions and I think that is a bit ridiculous because I know they must've spent at least £200 on about 10 books just because they want to show off that collection... judgemental of me, but until I joined Insta last March I had no idea so many people were obsessed with spending loads just on specific editions of books. If someone is an antiquarian, totally respect that. But some people just do it to show off... Love this discussion! I love books hauls generally lol. I buy some new releases, but mostly second hand books or ones I find in charity shops. Love the hunt for a decent book and an interesting edition! Congrats on getting some more subs. With the beautiful tone of your voice, I'm not surprised people want to listen to you
Gagging4Lit oh wow you just pumped up my ego!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I love books. I get so many at charity shops too. I love getting used books and also am able to buy tons of books at library sales. Unfortunately COVID has cancelled them for the foreseeable future. 😢 I’m much more a fan of backlist titles and have avoided special editions because I know I’m not interested in keeping them pristine. Books are meant to be read not worshipped. 🤣🤣🤣
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH couldn't agree more. I do like some beautiful editions - but an edition is only beautiful in terms of how it relates to the text as well, for me xoxo
Fantastic haul. I agree with the idea that it is up to the person to decide if they are being consumerist, and to hell with all those judgemental farts' opinions. And to be completely honest, I can't really see the problem of it being consumerist. Buying books is keeping the industry we love open. One need only look at the effects of 2020 to see what a lack of consumerism does to the world's economy. And while it is all noble for people to point out that some folks can't afford books (or other luxury items) - and I do feel for them, buying books helps create some jobs. Granted, the fat cats benefit more - as always - but this is helping to spread the wealth in a small area.
Voyage of the Sable Venus was quite good! I read it a few years ago on recommendation of my former graduate adviser (who is a poetry expert, so she should know 😇).
It’s the wit, definitely the wit! 😁
No need for justification, what an amazing bargain! I probably would have left with double the amount of books.
My Reading Life 🤣🤣🤣
One reason I might buy a book I don't plan to read for a while is to support my independent bookstore. Of course I don't buy all my books there, but I do try to be mindful that I want those businesses to survive this disaster. Sometimes I'll buy the hardcover and then still borrow the ebook because I prefer to read that way with older eyes. So I'm spreading my book budget around, balancing my own needs with what I think might help out. In order to get new books years from now, we need to buy some books now (according to our ability and desire.) There's something meditative in watching a good book haul, too. :)
I have waaay too many books. But they bring me joy and solace during these dark times.
Sherri Harte me too! 🤓💕
Book hauls are some of my favourites to watch as I love seeing all the different authors, genres etc. I find people’s bookshelves fascinating. Books to me are an investment. I definitely subscribe for your wit and charm 😁
Ange with an E I knew it!!! 🤣🤣🤣💕💕💕
You showed great restraint! I never buy a book without intending to read it. Of course, I don't read them all. I find new homes for the ones I realize I'll never get to. I gave away many books during lockdown to my friends who use the library exclusively. I too just love having them near. They bring me joy. As I age, instead of buying fewer books, I dnf sooner. 😁. BTW, you nailed all the reasons I subscribed sooner rather than later.
Judy Brown thanks Judy! 🤣🤣🤣 I’ve also given away so many books. I also DNF much sooner with no guilt. It gets books off of my shelf. And I’m becoming much more discriminating the older I get.
If you’ve seen my IG page, you’ll see that I’m a book/makeup/nailpolish addict and I had this discussion over and over with many subscribers. My family has food on the table, my bills are paid and everyone is happy. So... if I want to use my money to buy these things, it’s no one business. My friend travels to Florida 4 times a year, I don’t! My cousin likes to buy 700$ boots, I don’t! You do you and it’s ok! If buying more books makes you happy, good for you! We live in a strange world and we have to find happiness where ever we can. That’s my philosophy anyway. And I feel sorry for those who don’t read in this pandemic with no where to go... it must be so boring to watch TV all day! 🤣😂
JulieG_Quebec I say that all the time!!! I’m never bored because I always have something to read. I don’t know how non-readers survive. I’ve actually slowed down on book buying (you wouldn’t know it from this haul) and I’m getting much more discriminating.
K Becker's Books I hear you! I was a blogger for 12 years and I was receiving a lot of books. I bought them too so my pile to read is over 300... I have calmed down on buying and I go to the public library more often now and I bring my 10 years old son along... good habits have to be learn young! Haha 🙂
I understand finding happiness by any means but we have to understsnd that our happiness comes at someone’s expense. We live in a collective so we can’t simply pursue happiness for our individual sakes. Our supply chain has been disrupted by COVID so we have a shortage of lumber and paper products. Considering that along with other environmental concerns, I think we could all consider switching our book consumption to ereaders and only buying physical copies of books we must have. I understand this too is a privileged position as some people need the tactile sensation of a physical book. But it’s still something we should all consider especially in this new world we live in.
Aleatha Monae I totally agree and that’s why I also have an ereader! I borrow books, I eread, I buy books and I give them to others when I’m done. Trying to be the best person I can be. But one must not forget that if we don’t buy books in stores, someone is going to end up unemployed at the end...
Aleatha Monae one of the many reasons I love buying used books. 🤓
Suggested revision to the title: “My Book Haul, in Which I Tried to Be Less Consumerist, but was...FOILED again”! Nyuk nyuk. Get it? FOILED? 😎😎🤣🤣
Shawn The Book Maniac THAT’S one of the many reasons I love you!!! 🤣🤣🤣💕💕💕
I have an idea for people who complain about the consumerism of book haul videos: Don’t watch them.
I rarely watch haul videos (they just aren’t for me) but I watched this one for your take on them. And, I enjoyed it.
Bookish thanks. 🤓
Found your channel, not because of Doris, however I'm beside myself, you have me cracking up and learning new things all at once! ( Don't mind me just going backwards on your channel, watching all of your videos ) Definitely have some books to add to my own TBR
Thanks so much and welcome! You can binge all you want. I’m never going to stop you! 🤣🤣🤣
Exactly right! That’s why I subscribe.
I don’t think it’s consumerist but I do think people read or buy books that they’re not actually interested in in order to “stay in the game.” It's not satisfying to read or listen or watch opinions from people about books that are not obviously in their wheelhouse so I wish Booktube showed more discretion or choosiness? I’m also not sure if that’s really from their own pockets though since a lot of Booktubers request books from publishing houses. That’s a nice treat but I still think it shouldn’t be just to hoard. The reason I even care about that is because I’m first and foremost a book lover and reader and I genuinely want to know what other readers think of a book I’m interested in or don’t know about. I'm personally not someone who enjoys professional/journalistic book reviewing (there are so many factors in that type of review) so I love to hear reporting from the ground, so to speak. So it’s frustrating when the creator doesn’t seem to know anything about the book at hand or why they even bought it, requested it, or frankly read it. Over the years, sadly, I’ve clocked so many “fake” reviews which is disappointing. At the same time, I do believe people should do whatever they want and book hauls aren’t killing anyone and it’s not a creators responsibility to ensure mindful spending habits. In terms of "fake book reviewing", I think it's the subscribers responsibility to unsubscribe and not perpetuate that kind of behavior regardless of how popular or how many subscribers or how big they are in the community since it's REALLY not helping anyone. I can't really afford to keep up at the speed I read so I am definitely grateful for my library.
Swordspeak good observations. I don’t have the exposure to receive free books but I wouldn’t enjoy reviewing books simply for the publishers benefit. It feels too much like an assignment. I think my attitude is that I’m so interested in so many things that I need to rein myself in from buying everything that piques my interest. I just can’t read that much or that fast. And I’m certainly due for a massive book unhaul. Some books I’ve owned for so long that I no longer have any interest. That’s a different problem. 😳
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH
Getting rid of books is hard, it does not free up my mental space or spark any joy. Lol. I am not 100% sure I buy into these psychologies/philosophies about decluttering. Seems more like a fad.
Or it just doesn't apply to my psychosis. Humans aren't wired to keep clean caves. They stuffed rocks and shit and animal bones and sticks in it. "Blank canvas." Yeah right.
Even if I hated a book, if I bought it, I have a hard time just donating it or getting rid of it. Maybe it’s a mixture of sentiment and laziness. I recently moved and I took boxes and boxes of books I had zero interest in. I don’t know why, ignorance? Lol.
I’m also sure you’ve recognized how EXPENSIVE new books are (especially my preferred reading format: the hardcover) so it’s pretty much an impossible habit for me to keep up, hence library!
The library also helps me with my varied interests because if I don't like it, I can return it unread! A good rule of thumb to doing Booktube is to be able to check yourself when you're wrecking yourself online shopping cart: Am I buying this only to show on my channel or because I really do want it? It's something we all eventually encounter.
Swordspeak oh absolutely! I got to a point where I was buying books simply because I saw them on Booktube. Stupid! Once I made myself aware of it I got much more picky for what I purchase. I love getting rid of books. I like feeling more in control of my book inventory.
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH TEACH ME. I still have books I bought with my allowances from Walden Books circa 1991.
Swordspeak WALDENBOOKS!!! I worked there as a college sophomore! 🤣🤣🤣 The Joy in discarding books increases with age. Almost like not being able to suffer fools. 🤣🤣🤣
I love your channel! I am going through your videos and just want to let you know how you are putting words to my exact thoughts so perfectly (which i could never 😆🙈😖) i hope you don’t mind me liking and leaving comments on your old videos! 💛
Thanks so much! Comment as much as you want. I’m really glad you’re enjoying them. 💕💕💕
You better believe that's why I'm subscribed.🤗
seriela 🤣🤣🤣 You’re the best! Thanks for humoring me!🤣🤣🤣💕💕💕
You can speak for me here. 😁❤️
LOL!!!
After reading James's Portrait of a Lady over the summer, I was curious about the Banville "sequel," if you will, so I will be interested to hear how you like that one.
Courtney Ferriter I don’t know when I’ll get to that one. I want to read Lady first. 🤓
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH FYI, Portrait of a Lady is definitely kind of a slog at points, but when the characters are interacting with each other, it's so good that you can almost forgive the boring narrative parts...almost.
I love buying books. I think it depends what kind of book haul it is and why you are buying the books. I think the type of book hauls which are consumerist are ones where people just splurge on new releases just so they can keep up with current releases, rather than actually being interested in the books... and I think there are people who buy books just for specific editions....e.g. on insta there's always people posting about having the entire Penguin Deluxe Classics editions and I think that is a bit ridiculous because I know they must've spent at least £200 on about 10 books just because they want to show off that collection... judgemental of me, but until I joined Insta last March I had no idea so many people were obsessed with spending loads just on specific editions of books. If someone is an antiquarian, totally respect that. But some people just do it to show off...
Love this discussion! I love books hauls generally lol. I buy some new releases, but mostly second hand books or ones I find in charity shops. Love the hunt for a decent book and an interesting edition! Congrats on getting some more subs. With the beautiful tone of your voice, I'm not surprised people want to listen to you
Gagging4Lit oh wow you just pumped up my ego!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I love books. I get so many at charity shops too. I love getting used books and also am able to buy tons of books at library sales. Unfortunately COVID has cancelled them for the foreseeable future. 😢 I’m much more a fan of backlist titles and have avoided special editions because
I know I’m not interested in keeping them pristine. Books are meant to be read not worshipped. 🤣🤣🤣
@@MIDDLEoftheBookMARCH couldn't agree more. I do like some beautiful editions - but an edition is only beautiful in terms of how it relates to the text as well, for me xoxo
Fantastic haul.
I agree with the idea that it is up to the person to decide if they are being consumerist, and to hell with all those judgemental farts' opinions. And to be completely honest, I can't really see the problem of it being consumerist. Buying books is keeping the industry we love open. One need only look at the effects of 2020 to see what a lack of consumerism does to the world's economy. And while it is all noble for people to point out that some folks can't afford books (or other luxury items) - and I do feel for them, buying books helps create some jobs. Granted, the fat cats benefit more - as always - but this is helping to spread the wealth in a small area.
BRAVO!!! Love this comment and agree 100%! :)
Voyage of the Sable Venus was quite good! I read it a few years ago on recommendation of my former graduate adviser (who is a poetry expert, so she should know 😇).
I think there's far more worse consumerism around that buying books.
Wait? This is a BookTube channel? I thought it was Comedy Central.. I've been hoodwinked! 🧐😤
Foxed Folios 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣