One thing I love about your channel and content is how passionate you are about books and reading. That hasn’t changed for the last 9 years of me following you. You have this contagious energy of “oh my gosh, reading is pure joy” that helps me get out of my reading slumps as well as the “comparison bouts” I get where I’m feeling like less of a reader because I read less books or less “cool” books. I am so thankful for your channel, Jesse! More power to you, my friend!
has anyone else noticed that youtube niches stopped feeling like a community around the same time that collabs (true collabs where everyones in the same room) vanished
I'm one of the people that has a very different reading taste to yours, but I stick around because you are just an adorable human, you make me laugh, and I love how authentic you are. I appreciate you and everything you do here. ❤
I’ve been watching you since I was 9 and I’m 18 and in uni now :) I remember I started watching you after my mom died and I started making lil book videos back then. It really helped me to have somebody to talk about books with, because it was a me and my mom thing
I discovered your videos during lockdown... when i was craving bookshops and seeing people talk about books. I've kept watching - and you've (along with a couple of others) inspired me to start creating my own bookish channel. It's still new and daunting, but i love doing it. Thank you, Jesse!
For what it's worth, I am a long-time subscriber and I genuinely think your videos are much more sincere and "real" nowadays, thus I prefer them to the older stuff!
I like listening to people be excited about things they love, even if those things aren't for me. And sometimes that leads me to discover things I wouldn't have otherwise heard of.
You got so deep and vulnerable in this video! I loved hearing your thoughts and reflection on your own journey and the overall journey of Booktube as a platform. I’ve been watching on and off since 2014 and I’m very glad you’re still finding joy and passion through Booktube! ☺️
I watched your videos occasionally years ago but to be honest I didn't really vibe with the chaotic loud persona so I didn't watch very often. I picked up watching again late last year once you had started toning it down a little and being a bit more genuine with the portrayal of your personality and I have to say I enjoy these videos so much more now. I get so much enjoyment out of your new videos because you've struck the perfect balance between being chatty and upbeat and a little silly sometimes without being obnoxious or when I have headphones in. I also wanted to say that I appreciate your openness and honesty about anxiety. I struggled with the anxiety at my first year of college so bad that I'd literally chose an online degree because of it and now I'm at a place where I am emotionally capable of taking control of my anxiety and it just makes me feel so good to have somebody who understands that and also struggles with it be so open about it.
Your channel was one of the fist of the usa booktube I discover and keep consuming, I am mexican and I was triying to improve my english and to be honestly I was scared I would never undestand anything, so thanks for the great book re comendations, the laughts and for the help in my english. I love that you keep making videos and being so pasisonate about books, I really miss 2014 booktube, we were so united and happy
I don't always agree with your book taste but I like your channel because I feel you keep it as real as can be. You stay true to yourself and I like the real talk. And whether your super excited or just calm I like it. Keep it up for sure :)
I discovered booktube while working abroad. I found your videos to be wholesome and fun. Cozy is definitely a word I would think of when describing this channel and it was especially helpful during the pandemic when visiting home wasn't an option. I am very excited to hear about manga content incoming!
I am one of the people who may have different reading tastes (at least from what you usually post), but I love the passion you have for books and reading. Keeping it up Jesse!
Congratulations on 12 years of Booktube! 🎉 You are the one and only Booktuber that I follow. I discovered you through your discussions on The Sun is Also a Star and Frankly in Love (my favorite contemporary books). I found your content so positive which was very helpful for me during the peak of COVID. I then fell into a book hiatus until last year and now I'm happily catching up with your content!
Jesse: "I know my videos are too bright." Camera: Goes into night mode That timing 😂 Congratulations on 12 years!!! Your channel is definitely a comfort place for me, so thank you for creating such a welcoming and warm space on the internet. You've put so much work into your channel over the years and it is so appreciated! Happy to be a part of the community
The throwback was crazy bc i was a huge booktube fan when i was in my early teens and i remember i subscribed to you, but your video persona eventually clashed with me. This year i got into books again and i was looking for you but i was doubting myself HARD on if you were actually the same guy, you're so chill now😭 I'm glad because I love your commentary and vibe now I'm glad i was like "what happened to that one guy I used to follow? I should give him another chance"
Jesse, I've been subscribed to you for a decade this year. I discovered booktube in early 2014 and I'm pretty sure your channel was recommended to me within that first year. It's crazy how much time has passed- especially comparing booktube then to now and thinking about the journey and evolution of the sphere overall, your reading and videos, and my own reading and videos. Besides overall complimenting you, I guess I just wanted to say I think you will always have a solid viewership and community (even if numbers fluctuate) because you have a way of zooming out and talking about reading and books as a whole a lot of the times. idk how else to describe it, but I'm constantly saying you're so relatable and I think that's partly because of the way you talk about reading and being a reader in general, regardless of specific book interests overlap/commonalities. Also, in 2018 I went to a Booksplosion event at my local B&N and met you, Christine, and Kat. It was really nice and I'm glad I went even though I was alone. I still have the photos of the four of us and I'll never get rid of them :)
I just want to say that I love your channel so much. Our reading preferences couldn't be further apart. I'm a hardcore horror fan, but you are just a gem and watching your videos makes me feel so positive. Thank you for sticking around for so long. Also, you should totally bring back challenges and tags. I miss them so much!
I LOVE all of the openness, honesty, and authenticity in this video and all your others! I've been watching you since 2013, and I've loved seeing all of your video eras
As a new viewer, just wanted to show you some love and tell you I’m enjoying your content so much, and your focus on community. It feels like a positive, wholesome space to share our love of reading. Love you and your channel!
woah! I can't believe it's been 12 years!! I've been watching you since late 2013 and have enjoyed your evolution !! You definitely seem to be happy and *yourself* these days!! Thanks for all the book recs over the years and the countless laughs!!
Somehow I've gotten to be this old and never heard the expression 'comparison is the thief of joy' before, and I just wanted to say thanks because I needed to hear that today.
Not me tearing up 🥺 Come here Jesse, I'm gonna hug you 😭💜 I started following you last year and I'm so glad I stayed. I love your content! I'm excited about what's coming soon 🥰💜
jesse your channel has always been such a comfort for me and it always feels like i'm hanging out with a friend, ive been watching you since 2016 when i was 14 years old and now i'm an adult and youve always been somebody i knew i could go to to put a smile on my face, keep on being you and thanks ❤
I can't believe I've been watching your channel for over 10 years. How time flies. I will always stick around, I think you seem like the most genuine and down-to-earth person and your videos always make me so happy ❤
Jesse, you have made such an impact on my life. I found you when you first started and I was still in grade school (for reference, I'm in college). At the time, I was getting heavily bullied for my love of books and reading and just being a nerd in general. Your channel showed me that it is okay to be this. It is okay to love reading if it truly brings you joy. People like me do exist out there. I've loved watching you grow from the boy that loved blue and made funny skits to who you are today. I'm so impressed and proud of how far you've come. Every time I get a notification I immediately smile, looking forward to seeing your content and connecting about books, even if you have no idea who I am haha. All that to say. Thank you, Jesse. Truly. You're my favorite creator and probably always will be.
Happy 12 years Jesse!!! I actually started watching your videos around your 2022 era and I’ve really enjoyed watching this transition period. I really related to you figuring out who your most authentic self is, and I hope you continue to find joy making videos!
Love that shirt! Its so colorful. Aw Jesse, I will be your friend. I feel what you mean so much about putting on a sort of persona of yourself for the sake of entertainment. But you seem like such a genuine person and that is very admirable. My lighting drives me crazy. I'm pasty so it always blasts out my face and I spend a lot of time being frustrated at my camera LOL. This is the "kind to myself era". That is an era I will work on being in too!
It’s just nice to see people genuinely happy about reading and books. I get so happy and want to talk about books I love. I feel that others just don’t get it. I could gush about a character or story and I get the “it’s just a book” look and it makes me upset. Coming to booktube and this channel make me realize it’s ok to be excited about books. So thank you for that safe space.
This video was so fun 🥹 I think I started watching you in 2014, and you’ve been my favorite book channel ever since! Your videos have always been so comforting and cozy and fun for me. I also I love that you read from a lot of genres because it helps me find new things I didn’t even know I’d be interested in!
You and the booksplosion crew were definitely some of the creators that inspired me to make my channel back in 2020. So so much love for you and your creativity - this video was so nice to sit and hear your perspective. You’re so genuine and I adore it And for the record, I’d love to be your bud🫶🏼
Hello from the Philippines! Congrats for 12 years on Booktube! You’re one of the First booktubers I have subscribed since I discovered booktube in 2018. Your reading tastes are different from mine but still I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for making bookish content for us all through the years. I hope you’d still post videos in this channel and more vlogs please! Stay true to yourself and you always encourage us to keep reading where your heart desires. We love you! ❤
Happy belated channelversary! It's truly been such a wonderful experience watching you grow over the many years of content I've gotten to enjoy. I think the most special thing for me is that I started watching you in high school and your channel has been a constant from my teen years into adulthood. I cannot wait to see what the next 12 years have in store for you, no matter if you're still on BookTube or moving on to other life adventures, I'm excited to be here for the journey!
Congrats 🎊🎉 Jesse!!! You deserve to celebrate! One of the best UA-cam channels 🎉!!! Whenever you are asking yourself why you don’t have as many views for a specific video is more cuz of the algorithm… it’s been a while since UA-cam recommended me your videos or notify me about your videos and it might be because of the huge amount of channels I’m following or themes currently watching but for whatever the reason It’s doing that don’t give up. You are a ray of sunshine on UA-cam just being yourself… characterization is fun but feel free to be you! Also if you are out of ideas at any point ask and I’m sure we all can help you 🎉🙌🏼
I really like this video, Jesse! I found your channel through your skits back in 2014, (I go back to them now and again when I'm feeling low), but I appreciate that you're more authentic now ❤ Thank you for sharing and continuing to make content.
When you realize you've been watching Jesse's channel for over 5 years - over half A DECADE?? - and panic because you feel like it's only been a year..😳
I only discovered your channel last year and I really enjoy the current videos you're putting out! They're very vibey, warm and friendly. Looking forward to everything that is to come 😊
What an open, honest video. I like the vulnerability that you show by giving the reasons and thoughts behind your answers. I'm a rather new subscriber and I am looking forward to seeing your new direction. *came for the books, stayed for the person*
Honestly, I have been very inactive on UA-cam these past few years though I’ve been subscribed to you since around 2016 (even if it was from another account). Now I’ve been getting back to UA-cam and it just seems suitable that you are the one bringing me back to it. Congratulations to the 12 years!!
I enjoy watching your videos and your excitement when talking about books. You inspired me to read Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children and it's now one of my favorite series though I've been holding off on reading #6 because I'm not ready for the series to end! I love that you read a variety of genres and that your content is not one specific theme. I also have anxiety and struggle with trying to balance the amount of people pleasing I do.
So much relatability in all of your vulnerability. You're definitely not alone in some of the struggles you have named like people pleasing and being kind to yourself. I appreciate that you have felt comfortable to share these things with us so authentically. I know that the shift in your "UA-cam personality" was hard for some of your subscribers but I have really enjoyed getting to know the version of you that you are now. I have really enjoyed how much vulnerability and authenticity you have continued to share and I am glad to be on this journey with you :)
Been watching you for years now and this video felt so personal and wholesome as well. I hope everything that you are planning to try with this journey works out best for youu ❤❤
Congratulations on 12 years of booktube! 🎉 I started watching in 2016 when I dropped out of college because of my poor mental health (I eventually went back, got my Master's Degree and am currently working in my field 😁) and your videos helped me fall back in love with reading 🥰 it's been highs and lows and I'm currently on a really bad mental health month but one thing's consistent: Watching your videos always makes me happy and I love your recommendations 😁 keep going Jesse 💕
Honestly Jesse, you’ve been my favorite book tuber since 2015 and I could definitely tell from the start how passionate you were for reading and it was awesome because that passion you had, it helped refueled my love for reading and help me discover so many new books . Some of them I may love and some I didn’t love regardless I’m proud to discover them and appreciate my growth ❤ for me it was awesome seeing you grow into the person you are today and it was nice seeing your book reviews on books that you loved ❤ I could feel passion, and love for reading 📖 which I relate to.
I’ve been here since the beginning and you- along with some other og booktubers- helped me in picking up great books over the years and just enjoy reading. So, I want to thank you for putting all that effort in your videos and sharing some great content with us. It has always been fun sharing your enthusiasm and I’m glad you’ll be continuing to share more with us. I appreciate you Jesse, thank you for being who you are ❤ lots of love from Turkiye
Don't usually comment but never has anything been more true than "Comparison is the thief of joy" 24:48 I have not ever scrambled so quickly for my commonplace book!
I appreciate this so much, Jesse, thank you! I have considered joining booktube for a very long time and anytime I try to do it I get so perfectionistic about the tech and background stuff that it blows the wind out of my sails. Great reminder that we don’t have to have it all together. 💛
Fun to see my question make it in!! Been with you since 2014 or 2015 I think, off and on. When I get into a reading slump I always turn to your channel, something about hearing your passion for reading and books always gives me passion! I haven't been as plugged into booktube as much but I guess looking back I've noticed a lack of objectiveness like the olden days. Would be fun to see that happen again, more read-a-thons which were always my favorite watch from different channels. Much love from Sweden!!
I just have to say I love that you match perfectly with your books here 👌🏾 I like watching your videos when getting ready for work or when I need a pick me up. You're doing great!
Congrats on 12 years!! Since you were honest, I will be honest, I love your content now. I stopped watching during the years that you were not genuine to yourself. It was obvious to me that you were playing a role. I love watching the person you are now. As soon as I see you have a new video, I watch it. So keep going and don’t throw in the towel even though you are not getting the views you used to. I personally enjoy your content!!!❤
Jesse you are making such great content and your booktube channel is a joy to watch. Even if my tastes don't always match yours, I love seeing your passion and energy! Will forever be a channel fan 💗
Congrats on such a milestone! I think I've started watching your videos 10 years ago (with a break in between when reading wasn't a priority to me), but the fact that you don't make videos in a specific niche is just so refreshing to me! I want all the recommendations all across different genres, so just want to let you know I appreciate that❤ Can't wait to see what the upcoming years will bring you
I really enjoy the variety of books/genres you read. several of my other favorite booktubers are really into genres that I'm not, so it's always nice seeing the wide range of stuff you're reading!
This video showed up in my feed this morning. It’s the first one I’ve seen of yours and I enjoyed your answers so much that I’m subscribing for more. And will be slowly working through your back catalogue 😁
The fact that getting to meet all of us down here in the comments is ypur favorite experience is one of the reasons I'm still here. I'll never forget the fact that you recognized me from my little bitty profile picutre and seemed genuinely happy to say hello at BookCon (RIP). That's not something many people would do, it really shows that you care. Happy BookTube-ivesary!
This was great, I loved seeing your journey through the years and how your channel has changed as you have changed, it has even given me some ideas for my own channel.
Im truly so proud of you for being so consistent all these years. You’re truly so iconic and I just think it’s neat! It’s comforting to know you’re always gonna have a new video when I feel like seeing you. Congrats on the ten years! Excited to see what you continue to get up to in the future💛✌️
9:59 i am here for all of this! I'm only new to posting on booktube but that crisis of “am I interesting enough as myself, or do I need to heighten my energy to be entertaining” is reallll. I've decided to just go with myself and hope my videos reach the right people
You are definitely not the only one who went through a creative burnout during the pandemic. I went through the same thing with my writing, and I know a lot of other creators (from a variety of artistic & creative pockets) went through it too. I appreciate you sharing your experience as a long time creator and how the "character" of yourself had a hard time growing because of that. It's something that I should think about as a newer creator and your expertise will likely help me stay mindful of that as I grow into my own channel, so thank you for such a deep dive into your journey! Gavin honestly came through with that question haha. Absolutely love you both as Booktube creators!
I've been watching you since late 2015. Your videos have helped me through some dark times. I have enjoyed to watch your channel grow and seen the changes. Can't wait to see where you go with your content.
Congratulations on completing 12 years here, Jesse!! 🎉❤ You were one of the first few youtubers I subscribed to (Yes, I took a long time before I began actually subscribing to channels, but still).
I loved this video! I think I've been watching your videos since 2014 and you're the only one who I still watch from back then, so I feel like in a way that I know you. It was so fun to go back and hear more about your experiences and what you love about the journey you've had! You've always kept things about your personal life private, which isn't a bad thing at all, and it doesn't make you weak for being that way by the way, I think you are very brave and dedicated and should be proud of all you have done! But lately I have seen that you are more open and genuine and I feel like I see more of who you are, so I'm happy that you found that spark again and feel comfortable as yourself. It's been fun getting to know you more. I hope you know you are an amazing, kind and thoughtful person Jesse!
tbh major respect for what you said about the being famous stuff! personally i have gotten to a point where i genuinely prefer watching other smaller booktubers because i just can't relate to the insane wealth that so many newer booktube/lifestyle people show off in their videos. and the attitude some influencers, including book influencers, have can be so cold and grasping, it's creepy.
I have been watching your content for almost ten years now and I have never loved a creator more. You were a huge part of a confidence booster for myself and being comfortable with expressing myself more. Your energy has always been something I look forward to, even if I get a little behind on your video releases
Happy BookTube Anniversary! 🎉🥳 I’m one of your viewers who has a very different reading taste, and your content continues to bring me joy! Loved the retrospective of your channel. Cheers!
So fun to get a throwback to your videos of the last few years haha I specifically remember your intro video from 2019, it was dramatic but I loved it :D And congratulations 🎉 To more years of great and fun content 🥂
aww you are my fav book tuber and definitely have such unique and creative videos! my favourite video was the ‘Reading books with strange formats’ and I’ve found so many books I’ve loved from there (I remember when I was little one of my favourite reading experiences was reading Mr. Bean’s Diary, it’s his day planner but filled with little jokes). Congrats and lots of love! Xox🎉
Congratulations on 12 years! I love and am so thankful for all the friends I have made on bookstagram, but I definitely feel the acquaintance thing. The magical readathon is one of my favorite readathons now for connecting with others in the community but I really miss the reading rush too
Also I really enjoy watching other who don't have the same tastes as me. For me it's about the creativity and type of content rather than the books themselves (because let's be honest, I see so many books around these days I don't need as many specific recs anymore)
OMG! I love Dreamlight Valley! 😂 Gonna go watch those videos right away! But what I wanted to say: I usually don’t comment a lot, but I wanted to do so to this video. I’ve been following you foooor maaaybeee (math hurts…) 6 years(?) and it was fun to see you talk about the journey through the years. Some of the videos you highlighted are also my favorites. I am one of the persons who are not always interested in the books you read. But I always enjoy your videos. Because of you. You are a wonderful person. Thank you for all your videos so far and I can’t wait to see what you will bring us in the future. And yes please, to bringing back tags and challenges! 😄
8:13 "We made it through. We survived. We're still standing."
I'm very very proud of you Jesse. You got this 💪🏻
One thing I love about your channel and content is how passionate you are about books and reading. That hasn’t changed for the last 9 years of me following you. You have this contagious energy of “oh my gosh, reading is pure joy” that helps me get out of my reading slumps as well as the “comparison bouts” I get where I’m feeling like less of a reader because I read less books or less “cool” books. I am so thankful for your channel, Jesse! More power to you, my friend!
YES!💖
Am 5year down the line😅😅😅😅
has anyone else noticed that youtube niches stopped feeling like a community around the same time that collabs (true collabs where everyones in the same room) vanished
I'm one of the people that has a very different reading taste to yours, but I stick around because you are just an adorable human, you make me laugh, and I love how authentic you are. I appreciate you and everything you do here. ❤
Don’t overthink it… You being you is the key to your success and why we subscribe!!! 🤩
I’ve been watching you since I was 9 and I’m 18 and in uni now :) I remember I started watching you after my mom died and I started making lil book videos back then. It really helped me to have somebody to talk about books with, because it was a me and my mom thing
I discovered your videos during lockdown... when i was craving bookshops and seeing people talk about books. I've kept watching - and you've (along with a couple of others) inspired me to start creating my own bookish channel. It's still new and daunting, but i love doing it. Thank you, Jesse!
For what it's worth, I am a long-time subscriber and I genuinely think your videos are much more sincere and "real" nowadays, thus I prefer them to the older stuff!
I like listening to people be excited about things they love, even if those things aren't for me.
And sometimes that leads me to discover things I wouldn't have otherwise heard of.
After 10 years you’re still my fav booktuber. Keep on keepin on. Here for it all
You got so deep and vulnerable in this video! I loved hearing your thoughts and reflection on your own journey and the overall journey of Booktube as a platform. I’ve been watching on and off since 2014 and I’m very glad you’re still finding joy and passion through Booktube! ☺️
I watched your videos occasionally years ago but to be honest I didn't really vibe with the chaotic loud persona so I didn't watch very often. I picked up watching again late last year once you had started toning it down a little and being a bit more genuine with the portrayal of your personality and I have to say I enjoy these videos so much more now.
I get so much enjoyment out of your new videos because you've struck the perfect balance between being chatty and upbeat and a little silly sometimes without being obnoxious or when I have headphones in.
I also wanted to say that I appreciate your openness and honesty about anxiety. I struggled with the anxiety at my first year of college so bad that I'd literally chose an online degree because of it and now I'm at a place where I am emotionally capable of taking control of my anxiety and it just makes me feel so good to have somebody who understands that and also struggles with it be so open about it.
Your channel was one of the fist of the usa booktube I discover and keep consuming, I am mexican and I was triying to improve my english and to be honestly I was scared I would never undestand anything, so thanks for the great book re comendations, the laughts and for the help in my english. I love that you keep making videos and being so pasisonate about books, I really miss 2014 booktube, we were so united and happy
I don't always agree with your book taste but I like your channel because I feel you keep it as real as can be. You stay true to yourself and I like the real talk. And whether your super excited or just calm I like it. Keep it up for sure :)
I discovered booktube while working abroad. I found your videos to be wholesome and fun. Cozy is definitely a word I would think of when describing this channel and it was especially helpful during the pandemic when visiting home wasn't an option. I am very excited to hear about manga content incoming!
I am one of the people who may have different reading tastes (at least from what you usually post), but I love the passion you have for books and reading. Keeping it up Jesse!
Congratulations on 12 years of Booktube! 🎉 You are the one and only Booktuber that I follow. I discovered you through your discussions on The Sun is Also a Star and Frankly in Love (my favorite contemporary books). I found your content so positive which was very helpful for me during the peak of COVID. I then fell into a book hiatus until last year and now I'm happily catching up with your content!
Jesse: "I know my videos are too bright."
Camera: Goes into night mode
That timing 😂
Congratulations on 12 years!!! Your channel is definitely a comfort place for me, so thank you for creating such a welcoming and warm space on the internet. You've put so much work into your channel over the years and it is so appreciated!
Happy to be a part of the community
The throwback was crazy bc i was a huge booktube fan when i was in my early teens and i remember i subscribed to you, but your video persona eventually clashed with me. This year i got into books again and i was looking for you but i was doubting myself HARD on if you were actually the same guy, you're so chill now😭 I'm glad because I love your commentary and vibe now I'm glad i was like "what happened to that one guy I used to follow? I should give him another chance"
Jesse, I've been subscribed to you for a decade this year. I discovered booktube in early 2014 and I'm pretty sure your channel was recommended to me within that first year. It's crazy how much time has passed- especially comparing booktube then to now and thinking about the journey and evolution of the sphere overall, your reading and videos, and my own reading and videos. Besides overall complimenting you, I guess I just wanted to say I think you will always have a solid viewership and community (even if numbers fluctuate) because you have a way of zooming out and talking about reading and books as a whole a lot of the times. idk how else to describe it, but I'm constantly saying you're so relatable and I think that's partly because of the way you talk about reading and being a reader in general, regardless of specific book interests overlap/commonalities.
Also, in 2018 I went to a Booksplosion event at my local B&N and met you, Christine, and Kat. It was really nice and I'm glad I went even though I was alone. I still have the photos of the four of us and I'll never get rid of them :)
I just want to say that I love your channel so much. Our reading preferences couldn't be further apart. I'm a hardcore horror fan, but you are just a gem and watching your videos makes me feel so positive. Thank you for sticking around for so long. Also, you should totally bring back challenges and tags. I miss them so much!
I LOVE all of the openness, honesty, and authenticity in this video and all your others! I've been watching you since 2013, and I've loved seeing all of your video eras
As a new viewer, just wanted to show you some love and tell you I’m enjoying your content so much, and your focus on community. It feels like a positive, wholesome space to share our love of reading. Love you and your channel!
woah! I can't believe it's been 12 years!! I've been watching you since late 2013 and have enjoyed your evolution !! You definitely seem to be happy and *yourself* these days!! Thanks for all the book recs over the years and the countless laughs!!
Somehow I've gotten to be this old and never heard the expression 'comparison is the thief of joy' before, and I just wanted to say thanks because I needed to hear that today.
Not me tearing up 🥺 Come here Jesse, I'm gonna hug you 😭💜 I started following you last year and I'm so glad I stayed. I love your content! I'm excited about what's coming soon 🥰💜
jesse your channel has always been such a comfort for me and it always feels like i'm hanging out with a friend, ive been watching you since 2016 when i was 14 years old and now i'm an adult and youve always been somebody i knew i could go to to put a smile on my face, keep on being you and thanks ❤
I can't believe I've been watching your channel for over 10 years. How time flies.
I will always stick around, I think you seem like the most genuine and down-to-earth person and your videos always make me so happy ❤
Jesse, you have made such an impact on my life. I found you when you first started and I was still in grade school (for reference, I'm in college). At the time, I was getting heavily bullied for my love of books and reading and just being a nerd in general. Your channel showed me that it is okay to be this. It is okay to love reading if it truly brings you joy. People like me do exist out there. I've loved watching you grow from the boy that loved blue and made funny skits to who you are today. I'm so impressed and proud of how far you've come. Every time I get a notification I immediately smile, looking forward to seeing your content and connecting about books, even if you have no idea who I am haha. All that to say. Thank you, Jesse. Truly. You're my favorite creator and probably always will be.
I've been watching you for years and when I think of the OGs I'm so happy you're still around! Keep being you and being awesome 🖤
Happy 12 years Jesse!!! I actually started watching your videos around your 2022 era and I’ve really enjoyed watching this transition period. I really related to you figuring out who your most authentic self is, and I hope you continue to find joy making videos!
I definitely remember watching your Draw My Life video. I can't believe it has been that long!
Love that shirt! Its so colorful. Aw Jesse, I will be your friend. I feel what you mean so much about putting on a sort of persona of yourself for the sake of entertainment. But you seem like such a genuine person and that is very admirable. My lighting drives me crazy. I'm pasty so it always blasts out my face and I spend a lot of time being frustrated at my camera LOL. This is the "kind to myself era". That is an era I will work on being in too!
It’s just nice to see people genuinely happy about reading and books. I get so happy and want to talk about books I love. I feel that others just don’t get it. I could gush about a character or story and I get the “it’s just a book” look and it makes me upset. Coming to booktube and this channel make me realize it’s ok to be excited about books. So thank you for that safe space.
This video was so fun 🥹 I think I started watching you in 2014, and you’ve been my favorite book channel ever since! Your videos have always been so comforting and cozy and fun for me. I also I love that you read from a lot of genres because it helps me find new things I didn’t even know I’d be interested in!
You and the booksplosion crew were definitely some of the creators that inspired me to make my channel back in 2020. So so much love for you and your creativity - this video was so nice to sit and hear your perspective. You’re so genuine and I adore it
And for the record, I’d love to be your bud🫶🏼
Jesse I can't thank you enough because you literally got me into reading. You were the first booktuber I followed 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹♥️
Hello from the Philippines! Congrats for 12 years on Booktube! You’re one of the First booktubers I have subscribed since I discovered booktube in 2018. Your reading tastes are different from mine but still I enjoy watching your videos. Thank you for making bookish content for us all through the years. I hope you’d still post videos in this channel and more vlogs please! Stay true to yourself and you always encourage us to keep reading where your heart desires. We love you! ❤
OMG CONGRATULATIONS 🥳 YOU’RE MY MOST FAVOURITE BOOKTUBER OF ALL TIME!
Happy belated channelversary! It's truly been such a wonderful experience watching you grow over the many years of content I've gotten to enjoy. I think the most special thing for me is that I started watching you in high school and your channel has been a constant from my teen years into adulthood.
I cannot wait to see what the next 12 years have in store for you, no matter if you're still on BookTube or moving on to other life adventures, I'm excited to be here for the journey!
Congrats 🎊🎉 Jesse!!! You deserve to celebrate! One of the best UA-cam channels 🎉!!!
Whenever you are asking yourself why you don’t have as many views for a specific video is more cuz of the algorithm… it’s been a while since UA-cam recommended me your videos or notify me about your videos and it might be because of the huge amount of channels I’m following or themes currently watching but for whatever the reason It’s doing that don’t give up.
You are a ray of sunshine on UA-cam just being yourself… characterization is fun but feel free to be you! Also if you are out of ideas at any point ask and I’m sure we all can help you 🎉🙌🏼
I really like this video, Jesse! I found your channel through your skits back in 2014, (I go back to them now and again when I'm feeling low), but I appreciate that you're more authentic now ❤ Thank you for sharing and continuing to make content.
Wow congrats on 12 years!!! That’s such an amazing accomplishment 👏👏👏
I’m new to booktube and really enjoyed this chatty little video. Felt like an orientation from an OG. Thanks 🙏🏾
When you realize you've been watching Jesse's channel for over 5 years - over half A DECADE?? - and panic because you feel like it's only been a year..😳
yes as a lurker for years, that hit me lol 🤣🤭🥲
I only discovered your channel last year and I really enjoy the current videos you're putting out! They're very vibey, warm and friendly. Looking forward to everything that is to come 😊
What an open, honest video. I like the vulnerability that you show by giving the reasons and thoughts behind your answers. I'm a rather new subscriber and I am looking forward to seeing your new direction. *came for the books, stayed for the person*
Yess!!! Booktags and books challenges need a comeback. I used to have a reading blog and I miss those!
The fact that I've been following you since your second year on booktube is wild to me! :o
Honestly, I have been very inactive on UA-cam these past few years though I’ve been subscribed to you since around 2016 (even if it was from another account). Now I’ve been getting back to UA-cam and it just seems suitable that you are the one bringing me back to it.
Congratulations to the 12 years!!
I’ve been with you for the last 10 years and this is my favorite video of yours! Love you to pieces! Please don’t stop being a book tuber!
Jesse, I really, really appreciate how you share your mental health struggles🙏. It can feel like a lonely path, but you are not alone ♥
I just want you to know that being a part of your bookish space has brought me so much joy and sense of community.
I enjoy watching your videos and your excitement when talking about books. You inspired me to read Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children and it's now one of my favorite series though I've been holding off on reading #6 because I'm not ready for the series to end! I love that you read a variety of genres and that your content is not one specific theme. I also have anxiety and struggle with trying to balance the amount of people pleasing I do.
So much relatability in all of your vulnerability. You're definitely not alone in some of the struggles you have named like people pleasing and being kind to yourself. I appreciate that you have felt comfortable to share these things with us so authentically. I know that the shift in your "UA-cam personality" was hard for some of your subscribers but I have really enjoyed getting to know the version of you that you are now. I have really enjoyed how much vulnerability and authenticity you have continued to share and I am glad to be on this journey with you :)
Been here since 2013ish 2014 and I love your videos. They will never get old for me.
Been watching you for years now and this video felt so personal and wholesome as well. I hope everything that you are planning to try with this journey works out best for youu ❤❤
Congratulations on 12 years of booktube! 🎉 I started watching in 2016 when I dropped out of college because of my poor mental health (I eventually went back, got my Master's Degree and am currently working in my field 😁) and your videos helped me fall back in love with reading 🥰 it's been highs and lows and I'm currently on a really bad mental health month but one thing's consistent: Watching your videos always makes me happy and I love your recommendations 😁 keep going Jesse 💕
Honestly Jesse, you’ve been my favorite book tuber since 2015 and I could definitely tell from the start how passionate you were for reading and it was awesome because that passion you had, it helped refueled my love for reading and help me discover so many new books . Some of them I may love and some I didn’t love regardless I’m proud to discover them and appreciate my growth ❤ for me it was awesome seeing you grow into the person you are today and it was nice seeing your book reviews on books that you loved ❤ I could feel passion, and love for reading 📖 which I relate to.
I’ve been here since the beginning and you- along with some other og booktubers- helped me in picking up great books over the years and just enjoy reading. So, I want to thank you for putting all that effort in your videos and sharing some great content with us. It has always been fun sharing your enthusiasm and I’m glad you’ll be continuing to share more with us. I appreciate you Jesse, thank you for being who you are ❤ lots of love from Turkiye
Don't usually comment but never has anything been more true than "Comparison is the thief of joy" 24:48 I have not ever scrambled so quickly for my commonplace book!
I found your channel back in 2017 when I started uni. Your videos started my reader girlie era 😆✨ And I absolutely love your chatty videos!
Glad you decided to stick to it after 2021/2022, your videos are some of my favourite to watch!
I appreciate this so much, Jesse, thank you! I have considered joining booktube for a very long time and anytime I try to do it I get so perfectionistic about the tech and background stuff that it blows the wind out of my sails. Great reminder that we don’t have to have it all together. 💛
I always enjoy your content and your kind energy. Thanks for sharing with us!
Fun to see my question make it in!!
Been with you since 2014 or 2015 I think, off and on. When I get into a reading slump I always turn to your channel, something about hearing your passion for reading and books always gives me passion! I haven't been as plugged into booktube as much but I guess looking back I've noticed a lack of objectiveness like the olden days. Would be fun to see that happen again, more read-a-thons which were always my favorite watch from different channels.
Much love from Sweden!!
I just have to say I love that you match perfectly with your books here 👌🏾 I like watching your videos when getting ready for work or when I need a pick me up. You're doing great!
I've been following you for years now, and I'm so proud of you Jesse!
Congrats on 12 years!! Since you were honest, I will be honest, I love your content now. I stopped watching during the years that you were not genuine to yourself. It was obvious to me that you were playing a role. I love watching the person you are now. As soon as I see you have a new video, I watch it. So keep going and don’t throw in the towel even though you are not getting the views you used to. I personally enjoy your content!!!❤
Jesse you are making such great content and your booktube channel is a joy to watch. Even if my tastes don't always match yours, I love seeing your passion and energy! Will forever be a channel fan 💗
Congrats on such a milestone! I think I've started watching your videos 10 years ago (with a break in between when reading wasn't a priority to me), but the fact that you don't make videos in a specific niche is just so refreshing to me! I want all the recommendations all across different genres, so just want to let you know I appreciate that❤ Can't wait to see what the upcoming years will bring you
I really enjoy the variety of books/genres you read. several of my other favorite booktubers are really into genres that I'm not, so it's always nice seeing the wide range of stuff you're reading!
I have loved watching your UA-cam journey. Congrats on 12 years....that's a really big deal! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us.
Yaaasss, get that exploring making whatever content makes YOU happy energy ! 😊💖
I appreciate that you constantly make content
This video showed up in my feed this morning. It’s the first one I’ve seen of yours and I enjoyed your answers so much that I’m subscribing for more. And will be slowly working through your back catalogue 😁
So proud of you jesse just keep on being you! 🎉 ❤
The fact that getting to meet all of us down here in the comments is ypur favorite experience is one of the reasons I'm still here. I'll never forget the fact that you recognized me from my little bitty profile picutre and seemed genuinely happy to say hello at BookCon (RIP). That's not something many people would do, it really shows that you care. Happy BookTube-ivesary!
This was great, I loved seeing your journey through the years and how your channel has changed as you have changed, it has even given me some ideas for my own channel.
🎉 Grats on 12 years!! 🥳 Thanks for the fun Q&A!
Im truly so proud of you for being so consistent all these years. You’re truly so iconic and I just think it’s neat! It’s comforting to know you’re always gonna have a new video when I feel like seeing you. Congrats on the ten years! Excited to see what you continue to get up to in the future💛✌️
9:59 i am here for all of this! I'm only new to posting on booktube but that crisis of “am I interesting enough as myself, or do I need to heighten my energy to be entertaining” is reallll. I've decided to just go with myself and hope my videos reach the right people
You are definitely not the only one who went through a creative burnout during the pandemic. I went through the same thing with my writing, and I know a lot of other creators (from a variety of artistic & creative pockets) went through it too.
I appreciate you sharing your experience as a long time creator and how the "character" of yourself had a hard time growing because of that. It's something that I should think about as a newer creator and your expertise will likely help me stay mindful of that as I grow into my own channel, so thank you for such a deep dive into your journey! Gavin honestly came through with that question haha. Absolutely love you both as Booktube creators!
Congratulations on 12 years!! 🎉 I believe I discovered booktube around 2018 and you’re one of the first booktubers I’ve been watching since.
I've been watching you since late 2015. Your videos have helped me through some dark times. I have enjoyed to watch your channel grow and seen the changes. Can't wait to see where you go with your content.
Congratulations on completing 12 years here, Jesse!! 🎉❤ You were one of the first few youtubers I subscribed to (Yes, I took a long time before I began actually subscribing to channels, but still).
I loved this video! I think I've been watching your videos since 2014 and you're the only one who I still watch from back then, so I feel like in a way that I know you. It was so fun to go back and hear more about your experiences and what you love about the journey you've had! You've always kept things about your personal life private, which isn't a bad thing at all, and it doesn't make you weak for being that way by the way, I think you are very brave and dedicated and should be proud of all you have done! But lately I have seen that you are more open and genuine and I feel like I see more of who you are, so I'm happy that you found that spark again and feel comfortable as yourself. It's been fun getting to know you more. I hope you know you are an amazing, kind and thoughtful person Jesse!
tbh major respect for what you said about the being famous stuff! personally i have gotten to a point where i genuinely prefer watching other smaller booktubers because i just can't relate to the insane wealth that so many newer booktube/lifestyle people show off in their videos. and the attitude some influencers, including book influencers, have can be so cold and grasping, it's creepy.
I have been watching your content for almost ten years now and I have never loved a creator more. You were a huge part of a confidence booster for myself and being comfortable with expressing myself more. Your energy has always been something I look forward to, even if I get a little behind on your video releases
I'm not sure you and I have ever had one single book in common but I still love watching your videos 😀
Happy BookTube Anniversary! 🎉🥳 I’m one of your viewers who has a very different reading taste, and your content continues to bring me joy! Loved the retrospective of your channel. Cheers!
Ahw this was really candid and informative. Thank you for being so open as well as setting boundaries ❤ appreciate ya
Love your videos! I have watched you for 6 years, i currently got back into reading. I look forward to your videos!!!
So fun to get a throwback to your videos of the last few years haha
I specifically remember your intro video from 2019, it was dramatic but I loved it :D
And congratulations 🎉 To more years of great and fun content 🥂
aww you are my fav book tuber and definitely have such unique and creative videos!
my favourite video was the ‘Reading books with strange formats’ and I’ve found so many books I’ve loved from there (I remember when I was little one of my favourite reading experiences was reading Mr. Bean’s Diary, it’s his day planner but filled with little jokes).
Congrats and lots of love! Xox🎉
Thank you for this video. I’ve just discovered BookTube, and the waters look inviting. I’m interested to find out what you will post next.
Congratulations on 12 years! I love and am so thankful for all the friends I have made on bookstagram, but I definitely feel the acquaintance thing. The magical readathon is one of my favorite readathons now for connecting with others in the community but I really miss the reading rush too
Also I really enjoy watching other who don't have the same tastes as me. For me it's about the creativity and type of content rather than the books themselves (because let's be honest, I see so many books around these days I don't need as many specific recs anymore)
OMG! I love Dreamlight Valley! 😂 Gonna go watch those videos right away! But what I wanted to say: I usually don’t comment a lot, but I wanted to do so to this video. I’ve been following you foooor maaaybeee (math hurts…) 6 years(?) and it was fun to see you talk about the journey through the years. Some of the videos you highlighted are also my favorites. I am one of the persons who are not always interested in the books you read. But I always enjoy your videos. Because of you. You are a wonderful person. Thank you for all your videos so far and I can’t wait to see what you will bring us in the future. And yes please, to bringing back tags and challenges! 😄
You were the first booktuber I ever discovered and will always hold a special place in my book-loving heart ❤
Thank you for the walk down memory lane, gotta admit I teared up a little 💙