Can you read too much? Pondering the negative effects of online reading communities
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- Can you read too much? If so, what are the effects and what part are online communities like booktube playing? Thinking about my own reading, the possible negative effects of being on booktube and my reading reset! A further stage in my reading evolution - see my first evolution of a reader original tag video below!
MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
@BookwormAdventureGirl
@lindysmagpiereads
My original tag video: • The Evolution of a Rea...
My first review of Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman: • Reading Ramble: Misery...
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I'm in the minority I believe, but I actually deleted my BookTube channel because no matter what I said, I couldn't get out of the loop of "How many books did I read?/ Pages?/ Readathons?" that I found myself. I scrubbed all 67 videos from my channel. I deleted my entire 11 year history on Goodreads and started over. I am now re-reading more than I ever have (and I always sort of did), and just lingering over paragraphs and pages. I toy with the idea of returning, but it will not be in the same manner. I've also stopped watching book hauls, unhauls (never liked those), etc. As a result, my reading life feels comforting. The way it did before I began to view and contribute to this corner of the internet. These are great questions for reflection. Best of luck on your reading journey to find peace ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am pleased to hear that you’ve got back your reading being a comfort! I was posting book hauls and wrap ups but if I’m honest it was just easy and lazy because they didn’t require much thought. I am consciously aiming not to do those things any more and I already feel better for that!
@@spreadbookjoy 😂 Good for you! You're doing great ❤
I did something similar and my channel that i am on now is a remake of the original Hungry Bookworm
@@RovingRedhead Awesome!
I think people should read as much or as little as they want and not let toxic social media influence them
Most definitely, though I think there are plenty of positives to online book communities. I’ve read outside my usual taste and met lots of great people. Less the toxic influence that has made me read too much than just wanting to join in on everything!
100% resonates with me. I’ve made a conscious effort to commit to less books each month and have found it has made reading more enjoyable. I’m not necessarily reading less, but I’m feeling less pressure to finish things.
Yes! I think it’s that pressure to finish books that has made focus less on the experience as it’s happening than getting to the finish line so I can pick up the next book and that has definitely sucked the joy out of it.
Oh, my god! So true! I've read The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe (for like the-who-knows-how-many-times[!]) super slow and loved it. I've also read some articles in The Federalist Papers tons of times at the beach ... super slow and enjoying every word.
Books became something to finish, not something to savor. This hit home for me. I can relate to much of what you're saying. I've made it a point to take my time with my reads and not have more than two going at a time. It became too much for me and left me with no time for my other hobbies. Now that I'm doing podcasts instead of video RUclips I find myself enjoying my reading time much more.
Hey Steve! I think it’s great that you have changed formats for the way that you talk about books online to ensure that it works for you! I think it’s really vital that we keep reviewing how we create content and that this doesn’t cause us to become overwhelmed!
I definitely know what you are talking about! One of my goals for this year is to read less and participate in less because I hate the feeling of “oh I need to finish this book quickly”. It takes away the joy of reading! I want to enjoy and remember what I am reading. I love playing Nintendo Switch with (and without) my kids too! 😂
I’m glad it’s not just me! Reading should totally be a pleasure!
Yes! I got overwhelmed with work, so I decided to read more- but I am getting overwhelmed with fomo hearing about what other people are reading. I am trying to be more gentle with myself
It’s so easy to let the FOMO get you! Hope everything settles down for you!
Last year I decided to do a reading challenge for the first time and in the second half of the year I found myself picking up shorter books just to hit my target rather than books from my actual TBR. I didn't particularly enjoy any of those and it felt like a waste of time in the end. Reading was feeling like a chore! So this year I'm not setting myself any reading goals other than to read books that I am actually excited about. So I can definitely see how it could easily become all about the numbers if you have a reading channel on RUclips.
That sounds very familiar! And as someone who loved big books, I found myself doing the same a few times - gravitating towards shorter books because of time and numbers and other rubbish. Glad to hear you have made the decision to ignore it all - I feel better just having recognised it!
This is so interesting! I'm at a weird stage...my only hobby is reading. And I'm thrilled about it. I've spent many years looking at and trying different things and have had many other hobbies. But they didn't stick because I didn't feel any joy or contentment from them. But I always have from reading. That said, I've committed to less bookish obligations this year and picking books that I'm excited to read. And I've also stopped buying anything and everything and started buying very intentionally. AND I've started unhauling so many books that I just don't need. Removing book "clutter" is liberating.
Yes! I am planning a good de-clutter of books that will be potentially average - I want less average books in my life! Funnily enough Kim, Katja mentioned in the comments that she wishes she was only focused or interested in one hobby as she suspected she’d be happier and you are the proof!
LOL! Life is so much calmer. 😆@@spreadbookjoy
I started watching booktube 1 1/2 years ago. It made me want to read all the books as fast as I could to keep up. No more. I, also, don’t like watching certain channels anymore when it feels like they are just trying to put content out there. I want to watch people who seem to be truly doing the videos they want without the pressure of getting content out there. I want to read at my own leisure, but I do like recommendations I find through booktube.
That is the downside of booktube - book overload! I’m glad you’ve managed to find a good balance!
Hey Janice 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
I have come to the same realisation. I do not have a booktube channel (but daydream all the time about starting one) but i fell into booktube 3/4 years ago. My reading has increased at lot, I went from 30 books a year to over 60 but that was at the sacrifice to my other hobbies and most of my free time.
My physical TBR has increased a lot and that put presure on me : I have to read these books to decrease it. So I spend most of my time calculating how much books I need to read in a month, how many pages per day....
I am trying to get away from this self imposed pressure and going back to just enjoying the experience of reading.
It’s such a fun community to be part of that we can get carried away - I certainly did. I hope you find a good balance!
This was so interesting! I'm kind of in the opposite situation - I used to read so much more than I currently am. In particular, I used to read four or five books at the same time, which I somehow can't do anymore. I think for me it comes down to a genuine deterioration of my ability to focus - it was so much easier to get completely absorbed in a book pre social media, whereas these days I listen to audiobooks while I do housework, and read my paper books in ten minute increments with my lunches and cups of tea.
I hope you manage to allocate your free time in a way that makes you happier! All of the things you mentioned - playing games, spoiling your cat, crocheting - sound fun and valuable and I expect spending more time on those will make your reading time more fulfilling as well.
Thanks, Claudia! Interestingly, I came across quite a lot of stuff on focus and reading both in that book Four Thousand Weeks and online when I was looking at information overload, so thought I might do a follow-up video on this. My attention span has definitely deteriorated with the advent of social media. I read multiple books still, because I like to have a book on the go in every format so I can switch things up. My lack of focus is causing me to start more book than I can finish, which is precisely the opposite of your problem! 😂
I can't help but envy those who have fewer interests and can dedicate more time to reading. If reading was my only hobby, life would indeed be simpler! 😄 But as you say, it's about finding that sweet spot where reading enriches our lives without overshadowing other pursuits and where we actually remember what we read.
Your video feels like a timely reminder for me to savour my time with a good book. It resonates for me. However, it's tricky since when I am in balance I have enough time to feel like I should be doing ALL the readalongs and ALL the readathons and should actually start doing TAGS again (that's less reading and more a community engagement tangent 😅)
Isn’t it funny how we try and find space and then we once again fill up that space once we have it? I also sometimes wish I had fewer interests so that I could really pursue one thing deeply!
Yes, what you are saying absolutely resonates with me. I am relatively new to BookTube, and while I am enjoying much of what is happening here, I also realize that I need to get a grip on what I can realistically read and participate in. This is a terrific video. Thank you for posting on this topic. I'm with you in terms of feeling overwhelmed.
Thanks for your kind words! Yes, we need to be realistic about what we want to read and take part in - booktube is such a fun community but we can’t possibly do everything!
I do know what you’re talking about! I feel like I’ve cut back on group reads for this very reason, but what’s making me less happy at the moment is putting pressure on myself to read enough to outweigh what I’ve bought! I.E. self induced giant TBR pressure. I need to remember it’s not actually important in the scheme of things because it’s making me feel slumpy and then I enjoy reading less.
I haven’t crocheted or played video games or written anything in ages!
I do feel like I’m actually spending too much time on my phone and that makes me read less. Ironically. 💛
The TBR guilt is something I was feeling for a while and I’ve decided to stop it -easier said than done but I’m going to try! Phone distraction is another thing that adds up to less time for other hobbies - I completely get that!
I definitely feel like constantly trying to finish books and quickly get onto the next is part of our “Information Age” /social media age. Which is crazy when you think about it, because reading is supposed to be an experience, and a way to relax, and, really, a luxury. In a way, sitting with a story is a way to reclaim that. I’ve also became someone who felt like I needed to read MORE but there is so much to be said for being able to absorb a book properly. (And if you naturally read books quickly, of course that’s okay!)
Really enjoyed this video! It was a breath of fresh air for sure.❤
Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, it’s definitely a modern phenomenon- I often miss the days when all I had access to were physical books and regular tv. Information and choice overload combined with the bombarding from social media have definitely affected me! Although they’ve also given me a lot so I need to just be more intentional with what I focus on!
Your thoughts are very relatable to me. Both the pressure to read for quantity, and the pressure to read those titles which somehow qualify one to be part of the cognoscenti have put my love for reading in a coma for long periods of time. I fall prey to the latter more often, and I'm nearing the place where I've finally learned my lesson. The list of books one supposedly "must" read to be well-read, both on RUclips, and coming from friends, coerces me into reading books that I find absolutely dismal. I buckle down and read one of these "must-reads" and end up feeling so awful that, despite my intentions to get back into the saddle with another book, I don't actually pick up another book for weeks, and sometimes I'll go a few months. I've got 50 in my rear-view window a few years back, and like you I am looking at mortality. I really need to insist on books that I find personally pleasurable, and bin even the classics which are just ponderous and joy-sapping. If that means my tastes are too unrefined, so be it. It's better than regretting all the time I spend away from reading because I'm reading things from which I gather no pleasure.
Reading should definitely be all about the pleasure! I won’t hesitate now to DNF a book if it is boring me even if it is “well regarded” and who decides these things anyway? I’ve discovered that either I’m not clever enough for James Joyce or James Joyce’s writing is just not for me and I am totally okay with both of those things! I tried reading his shorter book ‘a portrait of the artist as a young man’ and that just made me so miserable. Read what makes you happy!
@@spreadbookjoy Hear hear!
I went back to school as an adult and got a degree in English literature. I've been rereading those books because we read them so quickly, there was no time to enjoy them. I think about books I've read while at work, even though I graduated in 2017. Yes, we can fill our day with too much stuff and end up not enjoying any of it.
When my kids were little, they begged me to read to them. Most nights I refused because I needed to do the dishes, or a load of laundry, or even knit. Then one day I realized they weren't going to want me to read to them forever. So I started reading to them for 10 minutes every night. Ten became 20 and 20 became an hour. We were reading chapter books and discussed what happened in the last chapter we read and what we thought would happen next. It was so much fun. I don't know how much of that time they remember, but they all read as adults. Both to their children and as individuals.
What a wonderful story - thank you so much for sharing with me! I hope you have been able to savour some of those books on your rereads!
I have always been a reader. During 2020 I accidentally found book tube and began to read even more. It rapidly became an addiction(both reading and book tube viewing) and stopped me from other habits (like walking in our parks) and hobbies (cross stitching and sewing). Finding balance is difficult. I never DNFed books (like clean up your plate) but now I do, and I only buy books I can’t get my eyes on otherwise. I love great reviews of books and not the hauls or unhauls people do. Treasuring books for the entertainment, education and just plain JOY of reading is still high on my list of things to do but slowing down to just read is just delightful. 2024 is a year of balance for me.
Fantastic! A year of balance sounds exactly what I have in mind. I’ve also been trying to avoid buying books unnecessarily because I currently have far more unread books and I’ve ever had in my life and that just makes me sad because I bought them to read them! I’m not a completionist in terms of my TBR but if I keep buying books faster than I read them, I will never get to some of those books and that just adds to the reading pressure!
This is awesome and exactly what I've been saying on my channel. I did a video on getting the most out of life, and it was prompted by a few booktubers saying that there was a simple cure to people saying they wanted to read more, and that was to stop doing anything else. I think that's crazy and better to find other ways to approach it. I did stop doing some things so that I could read more, but I always maintain a balance of doing many different things, all of the time. It keeps me feeling young, most of the time haha - great video!
Thanks, Gareth! And this is a case in point with how much reading takes up so much of my time - I don’t get to watch as much booktube as I would like and I want to take part in these discussions and watch videos like your one, but clearly I missed it! I’ve watched a bit more book she recently since I made this decision to read less and I feel so much more relaxed about everything. Going to head over and watch your video.
I don't have a Book Tube channel, but I am very active on bookstagram and I think there is definitely a pressure to read, read, read. I fell into it for a few years, but have read far less recently. I don't want to consume books just for the sake of it, and there is also a lot of crap published! There can be a big push about certain books which makes you feel like you're missing out too...which again I fell for for a little while!
So, I'm just maybe more selective about what I read and am taking longer to read as well. I'm also using my library way more, which stops some of that guilt of having lots of unread books on my shelf.
Oh my gosh, yes! There are so many crappy books out there, and I don’t want them taking up time in my life! That is a great point. I was part of Bookstagram for my first two years and realised that that was probably my biggest time suck so I stopped posting. I always intended to go back but I just haven’t and I’ve been thinking about putting a video out about that as well!
I’ve never watched you before but this video popped up for me. This is an excellent video. You completely understand the problem that you are having and you also completely understand how to fix it. Problem solved. Read what you want, when you want and at the speed YOU want. Post videos when YOU want to or when you feel like it. They will wait. If it hurts you’re doing it wrong. You have a lovely presentation and I’ll be subscribing and checking out some of your other videos. Cheers and happy reading!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and it’s been wonderful to hear it resonated with you and so many others. Welcome and thanks for sticking around!
Watching this video has really put everything into perspective for me. Reading just to be ready for a book club discussion, or getting a book that you borrowed from the library ‘out of the way’ because you waited too long to start it and now it’s due (with a long list of people waiting for it), have somewhat diminished my love for reading and savoring each book. The fact, in the back of our minds, that time is ticking for all of us to read the books we hope to in our lifetimes certainly doesn’t help, either. For me, for a long time, now, I have spent a lot of time reading about books, watching You Tube videos about books, and following Instagram posts recommending books, so, of course, that takes away valuable time for reading books. I really enjoy discovering new books and authors, and hope to get to these works in due time, but I wonder if this is also a distraction for anyone else? All in all, what a great, eye-opening video!
I always had that existential bookish sadness contemplating all the books I won’t get to in my lifetime - I feel it less now and I think I’ve just come to accept that I need to read what I can and accept it won’t be everything. Easier said than done! Booktube and all of the online communities can be a huge distraction from reading - hopefully we’ll both find a balance!
I spent a lot of last year quietly feeling a bit down simply because I wasn't (according to some BookTube channels) reading enough. As a consequence I started many books and failed to finish them. Not because I didn't enjoy them, but because I felt I was reading too slowly and needed to get onto the next one. This year I have calmed down. So far I have read...wait for it...2. And I enjoyed both. Well, 2.5 (I re-read Titus Groan over Christmas and it went into January).
That’s wonderful! It’s a journey not a race, so taking time with a book is something I want to do more of and get back to reading for me. It’s great to hear how much more pleasurable you’ve found your reading this year!
It was re-reading Titus Groan that did it. A book that makes you slow down and read every beautiful word is something deeply special.@@spreadbookjoy
@@keithhealing1115 I’ve had the Gormenghast trilogy on my bookish bucket list for some time - that sounds like a perfect slow read!
Ballsy video 😁Stopped using GReads last yr, stopped watching videos on 'stats n goals' stopped anything that was unconsciously turning my reading into a race, sprint, challenge.. not interested in a single (pun intended) numerical quantification re books & treasure every channel (far n few between) that seems to celebrate slowing down & being present. The *quality* of the time spent reading.. it's the only thing that matters. A month off bt & a mighty slump really brought me up sharp 😄Well done for making this 💗😚.
Thanks, Melissa. I was thinking about adding something to this video around the effect of constantly hearing people’s stats but I’ve got so many good friends on here that do that and it’s a key part of their channels, so I decided I wouldn’t go down that road on this video as I wouldn’t want them to feel I was coming at them. But it is something I’m very conscious of and I’ve deliberately stopped doing on my channel for some time now. I’ll just enjoy my reading and talk about books if they seem worth talking about and not talk about numbers any more. I’m much happier for it!
@@spreadbookjoy .."it is something I’m very conscious of ".. i noticed 💝 There are booktubers i absolutely love who've made an amazing impact on my reading, i just skip the stats / round up vids 🤷♀ just dont enjoy it.👍🙂
I feel you on this topic.
I love my bookclub communicating via Discord but it can get overwhelming.
I love readalongs but sometimes I take part because of FOMO or putting peer pressure on myself.
Also having too many books sitting on my TBR can make me nervous and almost feeling guilty for the books sitting there for two ore more years.
Starting a diary helped me massively with being more self aware and detecting harmful patterns of media consumption/reading way earlier.
Journalling is so useful for spotting these things isn’t it? Journalling is also another thing that I want to do as well as read, and I’ve let reading get in the way of that as well. Discord is so overwhelming for me. I have given up on trying to keep up with anything on there!
This was a very thought-provoking video! It's a relief to see other booktubers committing to recording in one single take rather than chopping everything up and editing out their personality. I have a few responses and comments of my own which I might make into a video at some point next week!
Thank you! I’ll keep an eye out for that!
Yes, I reached your position.
- I basically read and studied upto the age of 35.
- I had read non-stop from the day I learned to read.
- 10 years of my life in jail (7 years before the age of 22). Read non-stop in jail.
- Masters in Electrical Engineering, Control Theory.
After the age of 35 ... I realized that I wanted to live my own life instead of studying others life works and other peoples' ideas.
- I also have been writing stories for a long time.
"I decided to live an adventure before life dissapears ... instead of reading adventures."
- Although I've switched from reading and studying to absorbing media ... so I'm still stuck reading news and absorbing news and science videos.
- If you stop reading you may discover that your hungry brain may still want to find a new data feed.
- Your brain may not be addicted to reading but merely taking in data.
- If you're being loyal to the exercise of reading ... you may feel left behind by new methods of absorbing stories. (Different media.) (Maybe more effective in many ways, as well.)
I'm 45 years old now. I now read only super sumptous stuff ... like a book a year.
I think I’m definitely one of those people who seeks out knowledge and stories constantly, so I get what you’re saying about being addicted to taking in data! I’m glad this resonated with you - thank you for watching and sharing your experience!
I think finding balance and intention with hobbies is such a tough skill to get especially when we live in a society that pressures us to commodify our interests. Nice points!!
Thank you! Something I definitely need to work on!
Strange that in a world of constant change we often don’t allow ourselves to change in our daily lives again and again and again. We don’t have to be a ‘constant’ anything!! So totally are with you to live as the day suggests. As you say the ‘joy’ of the written word is paramount but the part it plays in our Ives will differ from time to time. So best of luck to us all to just adapt to the various changes that occur in our own lives. Relax and go with it! Great Video!! All the best 👍
Thank you so much! Taking time to reflect on what we are doing and whether we still enjoy it is so paramount and you are right that we don't often take the time to think about change in ourselves. Trying to remedy that! Happy reading!
Hey Pamela 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
At some point I started thinking along the lines "oh, I could do a review of every book I read!" Luckily, I thought a bit about what that would entail before committing to it. When I realized I would need to keep notes on everything I read, I gave up on the idea. Not only are some books simply not noteworthy, but I also really enjoy listening to audiobooks while doing my chores or going on walks, and I ain't pulling out a notebook in the middle of toilet cleaning to write a thought down.
And so my BookTube channel stays on pause until I figure out what to do with it that's not book reviews.
Hey Claire 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
This is something I relate to HARD! I also had this problem tied into all of the reading pressure and I did a video on this about a month ago as well. I figured out that I need to stop sharing everything in my reading life on here because that adds to the pressure and not everything is worth talking about! Sometimes I just want to read or listen to something light and easy without thinking about how I’ll talk about it or what I’ll say about it. So I’ve stopped doing wrap ups, book hauls and anything that adds to the reading pressure and I’m soooo much happier for it! I hope you manage to figure out a way to make your channel work for you!
So far this year I've read No Longer Human, Crime and Punishment, The Stranger, Existentialism is a Humanism, Nausea, and Flowers for Algernon. and The Idiot. I'm pretty emotionally exhausted lol I needed this video, Thank you
You are welcome! ☺️ My, that does sound like a heavy start to the year!
I actually have the opposite problem. I spend too much time doing other things like watching RUclips videos and listening to podcasts, including those about books and reading, instead of actually reading - lol! While setting goals is helpful in getting things done, I’ve found it also helps to mix things up a bit and spend some time doing things not according to a schedule, but maybe according to how you feel. I think at the end of the day, it’s all about balance. When something becomes a “job,” then you run the risk of losing all joy when doing it. Spending time on other interests also refreshes you so that when you go back to reading, there is a sense of renewed joy.😊
A sense of renewed joy - that perfectly captures why I like to try and do a variety of things. I’m definitely someone who finds quite a lot of things interesting and fun, so while reading will always be my first love, I also want time for things other than reading! When I first discovered booktube, I watched tons of it, and then when I started my own booktube channel, I thought I had to keep up with everybody else’s channels but it started to become too much. So now, I will always prioritise reading over watching or listening to content about books but part of the reason I want to give myself breathing space from reading is to be able to watch and enjoy booktube as well! I know I can never keep up with everything that is produced, but I do want to have time to watch a video or two each day because I genuinely get a lot out of watching booktube! Hope you find some balance! Happy reading!
@@spreadbookjoy yes, I can attest to watching a YT video or two a day bringing one enjoyment😊
I’ve found that moving from monthly to yearly goals and also doing less buddy reads has helped me manage things. I read a lot, but I don’t feel a pressure to do so when I don’t feel committed to things, if that makes sense. Sometimes I do stop and worry that my only hobby is books and related things, but then again, I do love books best 😅
Books are the best! Yearly goals are a much more sensible way to give you space to achieve them. I gave up on goal setting as a time-bound thing a while ago and just have ongoing ‘projects’ with no fixed end in sight, so just dip in and out of them as I feel in the mood to. Though all the group and buddy reads have been in the way and I’ve not got far with any of them. I’m determined to resist joining in so much going forward!
Totally agree. Don't make reading a chore.
I myself have a few books I need to get through and understand ,for different reasons to yourself, and it has turned the great books and the joy of reading into a chore.
It takes time to get through these books, and I have a life to get on with.
It would be much better to read and savour.
I need to absorb these current books, and it has brought anxiety into my reading, on a par with studying for exams. Not only that, but i am also finding that the anxiety is causing me to lose concentration whilst reading.
I am clearly a bit confused about how to handle the matter, but it is refreshing to also find someone else with the same anxiety and confusion.
I hear you! It is so easy to get overwhelmed with reading commitments and I still struggle with it to an extent on occasion but learning to say no, even just to myself, has been a game changer. Case in point was feeling ill a couple of weeks ago so have also taken a RUclips break and it has done me the world of good. I hope you can get back to the joy of reading just for you!
It's YOUR channel, do what you want ;) I don't do the whole book haul thing, for instance. Heck, for my first two years I just did author interviews. If every booktuber was doing the same thing, why would we ever need to watch more than one booktuber? ;) I just started doing book reviews and a monthly wrap up. Weekly wrap ups is just too much for me :D But I get the pressure aspect. When I haven't finished a book in a few days (ergo, no book reviews) I usually try to upload a short from an interview, but it's all up to you (unless you're doing this as a job, in which case views matter, get back to reading ;) ). Never feel pressured (easier said than done) to put up content if you're not enjoying it. If, like me, this is just a hobby, then it's your hobby - do what you enjoy :)
Very true! This is just a hobby for me too and I am enjoying it much more since I stopped trying to make content for content's sake. Thank you!
Just come across your channel. I think being a big reader, I know exactly what you are saying. I'm a carer for two people. In my spare time I read. But, my tbr pile is big. I tend to rush through a book to get to another. I also like my nintendo switch. I sometimes write. I'm on goodreads, they do that challenge. I set a sensible goal, if I don't get to it by the end of the year, I don't sweat it now. I've subscribed. Great video.
Thank you for subscribing! It sounds like you also have a lot to balance. I hope all of your activities bring you joy because, ultimately, that is why we should do these things. Happy reading!
Hey Melissa 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
I'm really glad you posted this... I've been thinking about this too. Then i listened to a booktuber talk about reading really long books... his thoughts were similar to yours in sitting with a book and ignoring the "voices" of the other books whispering to you. I find i actually remember more of what i read when i finish when i finish vs pushing to read it faster... no matter if the next month is approaching or not.
I've also re-embraced my mood reader-ness. I make a tentative tbr list but I'm fine moving those down the list of my mood strikes for something i didn't even have on my list.
Sounds like a perfect approach to reading to me as I’m also a fellow mood reader. Probably why I’ve found myself overwhelmed by being far too structured! I enjoy participating in events and buddy reads but I also need time savour books or to follow my nose and flit between books!
Before I started watching booktube six odd years ago I was a reader but it wasn’t as big a part of my life now. About a year ago I did think about the reading too much to the point where I wasn’t exercising, socializing etc but realized that the thing that reading really replaced was watching tv which can’t be bad 😉 Having said that I was aware that I’d put off doing certain things because I wanted to read as much as possible, for love not for numbers, I deeply dislike the focus on numbers on social media. I realized that reading is something I can do when I’m older when I’m not so physically capable so I need to move my body and make the most of it while I’m still relatively young as well as spend time with friends and family who aren’t always going to be there. I’m a super slow reader anyway so tend to wallow in everything I read, for example A Suitable Boy took me about three months and I loved every minute of it! Great discussion Jack!
Thank you so much! I think it’s losing some people recently that has made me contemplate this. I’ve decided that this year people have to come first over books because as you say they won’t be around forever.
So much yes to all of this! Purposefully slowing down this year has been so great and I’ve spent that time doing other things that I enjoy.
Wonderful! Glad to hear that’s working out for you!
ABSOLUTELY! I don't have a channel, I don't do buddy reads and I'm not a member of a book club, and yet I still feel overwhelmed. I hate that reading sometimes feels like a chore. I try not to buy books when I've got a hefty TBR pile, but I still have 40 books on my Kindle and more on my shelf waiting to be read. I dread getting a Libby notification that one of my holds is ready which will add to it. I too have cats and crochet that need attention. I also have increasingly high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and sitting on the sofa with a book isn't helping. Like you, I'm aware these are "me" problems, and I think it's my brain filling the gap where my constant work stress used to be since retiring. I need to learn that if I've decided to do something I've got the right to change my mind and not do it. So what if I don't read every book on the Booker longlist. I'll get there eventually, and I hope you do too.
It sounds like you’ve been doing the same as me and wanting to read all the things! I also get a slight feeling of dread when my Libby app pings, which is terrible because I do actually want to read those books. We’ll get there!
Oh yes. For whatever reason I am a very slow reader. So it was mistake in 2016 when I decided to join a 75 books in one year challenge. I don't remember any of those books! I basically didn't read them. I decided never to do that again. I am someone with a few different hobbies, and I could do none of them because all I did was read. I like to write! I like to make art! I like to make zines! I like going on long walks! I like photography! I just adore literature, but there are other things I love to do with my time besides read. If reading is someone's only hobby, that's wonderful. But I have many, and I don't want to deprive myself.
I’m so glad that you are able to enjoy such a wide variety of things! I completely get what you’re saying regarding not remembering reading such a large amount of books - I’d rather read few things and get swept up in them and stop and think about them, then read more and them not have any impact on me.
Very enlightening video, thank you Jacqueline. Luckily, I don't feel I've overwhelmed myself with reading (granted I read only 25-30 books/year), but I can see how Booktube culture can make people feel pressured into reading and keeping up (even though that pressure is ultimately their choice).
Thank you so much! It is definitely really easy to get sucked into this reading frenzy! I’m hopefully going to be much more mindful of it from here on in!
Excellent video. A lot to contemplate. I relate to so much here. There is some anxiety associated with BookTube which has been surprising to me (I’m new-ish to BookTube. I started my channel only 4 weeks ago! )
Welcome to the community - it is so much fun here but try not to get bogged down in trying to do all of the things. The problem is there is so much fun stuff, but we only have so much time, so spend it wisely!
@@spreadbookjoy Thank you so very much!
Yes, I've only had a BookTube channel since last year but i can see already how it can put the pressure on to make reading a chore. On the other hand, it's pushed me into reading things i always wanted to read but hadn't, so there's good and bad. Learning to balance it all is a part of life i guess.
There have been so many positives to starting booktube for me and I’ve also pushed my reading boundaries. I just need to stop wanting to read everything! 😂
@@spreadbookjoy I hear that!
Yes to all of this! Joining Booktube has absolutely commandeered my life. I still love it at the moment, but I can imagine needing to step back a bit at some point.
I think as long as you take time to reflect on whether it’s still working for you, you’ll be fine. I’ve made constant tweaks and adjustments to my habits and channel over the years, but this is the first time I’ve stopped to question the amount I’m reading. I’m glad I did because it has made me happier to just admit I can’t read everything! 😅
You are so beautifully eloquent with your explanations. I do not experience the getting through as many books as possible. And that is because I have more hobbies outside reading. Like you I love gaming! So some days I don't read, some days I want to get a book finished. I think the best thing to do is be more selective about the books that you read.
Couldn’t agree more - I don’t want to read any more average books for a start! Sounds like you have a nice balance!
I understand what you are saying,when i deleted my original Hungry Bookworm i was done with the pressure to read this that and the other and this is why my instagram went too.
I am back and really do not put any of the pressure to put out videos, pressure to read certain books or to force myself to interact with tags and readathons if i don’t want to.
This is why my channel will probably not grow as much because i upload when i want, what i went and how i want.
Buddy reading is fun if you find the right partner, sadly the ones i have done the other people were very regimented and that is not my jam.
I think because of your work, you have always been driven and that washes over into your personal reading life.
You live in a lovely part of the world, go out and enjoy it!
I’m so glad that you found a really good place with your current channel and reading Julie! I think I definitely can be a bit obsessive about projects and this has spilled over into my reading somewhat. I am definitely one of those people who cannot stand regimented buddy reads! I need a loose and flexible plan!
@@spreadbookjoy Thanks Jack!
Never been here before. I did not hesitate to subscribe. And, I love your rambling! 😊
Welcome! Thanks for your kind words and for sticking around!
I love this video, Jack. Reading too much is something I need to guard against - when I start dreaming of being trapped in a well made of books, that’s a message to myself!
It’s good to hear that our Suitable Boy read along is something you are savouring. I’m really enjoying it too.
It can be so easy to keep starting new books - I find booktube is the equivalent of drinking from a fire hose! So many things that I want to try and keep heading to my wish lists and reserving at the library!
@@spreadbookjoy I do that too. And I give myself permission to NOT read those books when I bring home from the library if they don’t spark delight when I give them a try. Life is too short to read out of a sense of obligation or duty.
Great video, Jack. Heidigger suggested we spend time in graveyards to become aware of our own mortality. Life is about balance, if you are doing too much of anything you should cut back. You don't have to read x amount of books in a year. I read 100 books last year for the first time, this year I have dialled back to a target of 72 books, which is more comfortable for me, I want to still love reading (FOMO choices have been great!). Some books aren't meant to be rushed. I took two months to read Actress by Anne Enright, because I wanted to savour the atmosphere. Reading is not a competitive sport. Comparison is the theft of joy, you do you and don't worry about what others are doing.
Thanks, Jim. Yes, reading is not a competitive sport - well said! Slow reading A Suitable Boy has just reminded me of the joy that sitting with a book for a while can bring. Definitely going to be much more mindful of this from now on. Glad you are enjoying the FOMO picks!
LOVE this conversation!!! Great video! ❤👏
Thank you! 😁
I dont make videos but i do love to read. I never worry about how many books i have read in a month, but i can see why content creators would feel pressure in that area. However, i am in a book club and do find that i sometimes push myself too much to keep up with the group, and in doing so don't have time for my other interests.
It’s an easy trap to fall into! I hope you are enjoying whatever you are reading at the moment! ☺️
Another wonderful video, Jack! I think you have encapsulated exactly how I have been feeling since the 2nd half of last year. I had to step back from my reading a bit because of unforeseen circumstances that rocked my personal life in 2023. It’s picked back up in January/February, but my goals for 2024 include more than just reading.
I want to get back to scrapbooking, writing, and working on myself. I started my channel with the intention of talking about all my adventures, not just books, but books and reading have consumed my life and content. There are times I dread having to film a video. Reading is my absolute favorite activity; however, I too crave the time to do other activities. I’m a multipotentialite, so only focusing on one activity all the time stresses me out. I want the freedom to explore all my interests.
I will be time tracking in March to see where my time is going. We have 168 hours per week, and at 55, I need to make my time count. I learned about time tracking from Laura Vanderkam’s book 168 hours.
I love the booktube community. And, I love that you put this out here and shared because it validates how I’ve been feeling. Thank you, Jack! 🥰
I’m so glad this resonated with a lot of people! It’s been something I’ve been chewing over once I admitted to myself that I just wasn’t happy. Timetracking sounds like a sensible thing to do and I’m going to look into that! I hope you can get back that balance Kat! It’s so important to feel that we are using the finite time we have in ways that matter to us! Happy reading!
I came to this conclusion in Dec. Just this past Dec. I decided and have stuck to reading for MY pleasure, when I want. I'm NOT keeping count of how many books I read in a month. I am enjoying my reading life SO MUCH MORE! 😁 I got into all that through book tubes. I still watch my faves, write down books that sound good to me, still buy books,still keep my Reading Journal. I have been an avid reader since being a child. I will stay this way. I feel "liberated" and as I said, enjoy my reading soooo much more. Still have too many books 😂😆😄!
Liberated is how I feel - great way of putting it! Good to hear you are enjoying reading for you and still enjoying booktube!
I can relate to what you are saying, Jack and have had to take breaks and do what needs to be done and not beat myself up over it. I am so glad that A Suitable Boy has been something for you to savour. I need to catch up with part three before I check in. I hope you are able to find a good balance of enjoying your reading and doing other things you want to do. 😊💙
The pace of your readalong of A Suitable Boy has really brought home that I’ve been missing the pleasure of just sitting with a book for a while - thank you!
I enjoyed this discussion video, Jack. When I did booktube I fully felt the pressure to read as much as possible and join in with everything because of content and community and I think it did take the joy out of reading a bit. There was too much pressure. Now I read a lot less cause I’m a busy working single parent but when I get to read I thoroughly enjoy it cause it’s just something for me.
I’m glad that reading has become more of a pleasure for you again Kit! Booktube is kind of like drinking from a fire hose- you just want to do it all and that’s impossible!
Thank you for this! I’ve been thinking about this lately too! I’ve been spending most of my free time reading, which is kind of natural because it’s winter, but it’s started to feel like too much, to the point it’s even ruining the reading itself because I try to cram so many books into my time. You really captured it for me, when you pointed out it becomes about finishing books instead of savouring them. I'm always trying to calculate how I can finish a book in time to read another, and reading more doesn't make me any happier or help anyone else. I loved two books that I read recently, and felt meh about a ton of others. I still would have loved those two books if I hadn't crammed in all the rest that I really didn't need to read but just felt like I should.
Precisely! I love to read, and I want to find books that excite me and bring me joy. I also want to do other things so I don’t want to read average books instead of spending time with my loved ones or pursuing other hobbies. It’s been a fantastic realisation. I hope you find good balance!
Hi Jack, i’ve changed my style of book tubing in the four years I’ve been here. And it’s for the exact reason you mention. I was 70 when I started, and had more energy than I do now. I used to put out three videos a week and now I’m down to one and maybe one short a week. It’s still hard for me. Having said that I would love to read a book with you sometime this year when you have time. Aloha, dear friend.
Hey Marilyn! Yes, it’s great to reflect and evolve to suit changes in us and our lives. I’m definitely up for reading with you - I’ll message you next week as I’m away this weekend! Xxx
This resonates a lot. I have read far more books in the last two years than I'm comfortable with. I felt like all I did in my spare time was read, and I also want to do other things and savor the books I do read more. I commented about this in one of my Goodreads groups in December and several other people felt the same. I told myself I would do things differently this year. I am reading less but more than I planned, so it is a work in progress.
My best reading experience this year so far is a slow read of the Wolf Hall trilogy I am doing that with a large group. We read about 30-40 pages each week so I read 6 or 7 pages per day until I get to the end point for that week. I am loving the slow read and completely savoring my reread of Wolf Hall. Each book will be read over 4 months so I get to enjoy each one just like this. I thought it might irritate me, but I simply love the experience of not rushing and thinking about what is going on.
Isn’t it wonderful when we slow down with a book? It sounds like you’re having the same experience as I am reading A Suitable Boy! Each day, I look forward to spending time with the characters and in that setting. Best of luck with finding that balance!
Hey Laurie 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
I just like documenting my thoughts on what I've recently read on my channel while keeping my editing skills sharp.
I've always read a lot even when I was younger. However,what remains is that I read for the enjoyment of reading and I am happy with that. 🙂❤📚
Perfect - I hear that! I love booktube as a way to document my reading journey and thoughts. I've found that it really has helped to enrich my reading and help me to remember more of what I read. I also just enjoy the process of making videos. I just want to remember to enjoy it all more - the reading and the videos - rather than putting this weird self-imposed pressure on myself!
I just started my book tube channel and I hear what you are saying. While it has been great motivation for me to step outside of what I usually read just to try new genres, I did catch myself thinking I should be reading this or I should be making a video about this or I should have some fun kind of game to keep people coming back. I realize that I just want to be authentic on my channel and share what I’m reading when I want to do it and not because I need to upload X number videos a week or read what’s trending right now
I completely get that! Being authentic is the best way to do book tube! I think people can tell when you are passionate about something and when you put out videos because you think that’s what people want to see rather than what you want to make, it’s a surefire way to be miserable! I actually put a video out last month on exactly this topic. That was another switch in my mindset which has made me so much happier.
I can fully relate to this! Booktube has been a blessing and a curse for me 😂 I love that I get to discover new authors and books to read that I might not otherwise have come across, but it means that I’m constantly thinking about the next book I need to read rather than savouring the one I’m currently reading. I decided this year that I no longer want to have reading goals (as in X amount of books to read in a year) and I think that has helped take the pressure off. Additionally, I’m now only reading books I own (because I was also buying ‘the next book’ I need to read before I had finished the one I was on). I do find that I’m enjoying reading more again and I also have time for my other hobby, which was getting neglected. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
That’s so good to hear! I also stopped numerical goals a while back and feel better for it. Happy reading!
Hey, I just discovered your channel and I love the points you’re making. I had the same realisation a couple of years ago. I think because I was in two different book clubs and it was the entire craze with booktok: hauls, unhauls, how MANY XYZ, never the quality. So like you said, I started having the feeling of: ok I need to finish this book and I need to get this book off my plate. My TBR also exploded due to book tube and until I matured enough as a reader to say: okay, I want this book, I don’t want this book. I’ll give this a shot on audio or something. So I have a lot of books that maybe I’m not even vibing with anymore. Since a couple of months ago, also due to burn out, I actually started reading just for pleasure, like sitting with a book, finishing the book, but I’m not reading so chaotically anymore. in the meantime, I also picked up pottery again and walks and I just sport and I love my my Xbox and not just read read read read read because I also don’t even have a RUclips channel like: where am I putting all this output to. I deleted my Instagram account while ago, and I just post in my Bookclub and that’s that so it’s a much more peaceful and conscientious life for me now.
Reading chaotically - yes! That’s exactly what it felt like for me. I’m so glad to hear that you have managed to find a balance between reading and other activities. Being intentional or conscientious about our time is so crucial to our well-being! Happy reading!
I just discovered Booktube a few months ago and have become way too addicted to watching, which has taken time away from me actually reading and doing my other hobbies. I don't have a RUclips channel and can't see myself doing something like that. I think I'm going to challenge myself to unsubscribe and take a break from RUclips in general. ❤
Whatever you need to do to ensure you aren’t overwhelmed! Booktube can be a little like trying to drinking from a fire hose for Book lovers!
Really enjoyed this video Jack, thank you! I often feel overwhelmed by the amount of books I’d like to read but not because I commit to anything in particular, I want to get involved with readalongs but then often end up not keeping up or finishing ‘in time’ because I’m reading so many books at once. That’s because I’m a mood reader though so I have plenty of half do finished books all over the place as I do tend to prioritise the ones I enjoy the most!
Oh this definitely resonates with me! I hope you manage to find some balance!
This is the first time seeing your channel and hit me right in the thinks. I do not have a yt channel but also feel like i spend far too much time reading to where i wonder if it is a way to dissociate or cope. It isnt so much a productivity thing but an escapism thing. Good thoughts and totally subscribed!
Thank you so much and welcome! I hope you manage to find some balance in your reading!
Interesting. I have the opposite issues. My family, chores and other activities demand my attention a lot so I often feel like I don’t have time for myself to read. It’s really interesting to see other peoples perspectives on this as well and how they go along with this, I can see that this will make a person fall out of love of reading too.
I hope you manage to carve out some reading time! Yes, I’m shocked at how I’ve allowed my favourite hobby to permeate everything to the point it becomes a chore but will be far more intentional in future.
Loved the video and the thoughts. I’m curious if you could share what videogames are you enjoying? I’m trying to find some to play when I’m too tired to read mindfully. ☺️
I watched a few BookTube videos recently and listed great new books. Now ordered from the library. So I have a pile sitting….in addition to my own piles of books that have been patiently waiting for me to get them for ….years 🤦🏻♀️ I think what you are talking about is consumerism which actually does none of us, apart maybe book publishers, any good. Like you, I have been trying to read everything and I don’t have a book channel. Just a small house overflowing with books which are now clutter and doing my head in! Like you, all my own fault for being greedy for more and more books but I am unable to read them all if I keep acquiring more. Like you, it all becomes about finishing them and not savouring them. I do, however, have no compunction these days about DNFing. I simply don’t have time to read them all. So I am trying to take a time out and read and dispose of what I already have. There is a fear of missing out on the latest hot book but what is the point if you can’t simply enjoy what you have?
I have always been puzzled at how BookTubers get through so many and still manage to say something coherent about them!
Pressure takes away enjoyment.
So I am accepting I can’t read them all and nor do I have the time.
Take the pressure off yourself !
Thank you so much! What you say definitely chimes with my experience. I read far less than most booktubers, so I often wonder how they read those amounts as well! You make a great point about DNFing - I’m with you on that. Life is too short to carry on with a book you aren’t enjoying!
I feel exactly like this. Hitting pause on new book purchases until I read what I've already spent money on. Socials def gives FOMO and makes you feel like you're falling behind but unless you have an account dedicated to books and you want it to be your job it's just unnecessary stress we are giving ourselves and literally nobody else cares if we are staying on top of the latest book releases (something I need to repeat to myself!).
Exellent video! I’m new here. In same boat, but opposite boat. I think you actually have to get to a certain age. I’m also that age. (38 now, began in earnest last year) where I’m starting to feel like my time management really matters. I also love video games and my other hobby is jigsaw puzzles. But I have shifted the numbers I guess you could say. I spend far longer on reading now because I have a lot I really want to learn and read while I’m here. Very interesting to hear someone else talk about realisation/shift in mentality because it caught me by surprise last year.
It has definitely been something that crept up on me! Life is full of so many fascinating things to do and learn - I hope you manage to find a good balance for all of your interests! Thank you for your kind comments!
Hey Disa🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
So much to think about here. I absolutely feel it!
Thank you! Glad I’m not alone! 😂
When I was much younger I read a regrettably large amount of time better spent doing other things, now I read too little and am trying to combat that. Best wishes with your time management for the future!
Thank you! I hope you find a good balance - happy reading!
Okay then. I guess I’ll be reading Four Thousand Weeks. Holy crap, everything about this video resonated with me. Well, everything except the ‘staring at the wall’ part.
It’s a great book. Staring at the wall was a random one! Clearly my subconscious longing for it! 😂
I can completely relate to this. I want to be mindful in my choices whether it be reading or something else. It’s so easy like you said to be swept away by what we think we should be doing. Yes for saying no and doing less I completely agree ❤This is such an important discussion esp in our bookish community so thank you Jack 😊
Thank you, Charlie! It is so hard to resist the FOMO and I feel like the community aspect of reading is both a blessing and a curse. Amazing reading experiences but can be a little like drinking water from a fire hose because of the amount of events and recommendations! 😂
This is great Jack! 👏🏻👏🏻 I find my reading to be pretty balanced but I am definitely making the decision to not overbook myself with events and commitments. Yep, that “time” thing you spoke about hit me when I turned 50. 🤷🏻♀️
Thanks, MJ! Yes, the existential realisation is hitting me as I see 50 around the corner! Good to hear your balance of reading is good. I often marvel how you manage to do so much on booktube so I hope you manage to get the balance there right too! Happy reading!
Thanks for being a breath of fresh air, I've just subscribed. Love your accent to by the way!
Thank you so much for subscribing and your kind words! ☺️
This may be part of why I do not have a channel. I can enjoy participation in discussions if I have read the book, and I can dip out and read the Murderbot Series instead of Ulysses if it pleases me. I dropped my yearly reading goal to 52 books from 100 so that I can enjoy camping this summer.
I commit only to BookTube Prize judging once I sign up for a 6 book round - and everything else is optional.
Big thanks to all you content creators for taking on the responsibility 😊
I think there are creators out there who manage a good balance and I’m hoping to be one of them! I am always in awe of anyone signing up for the booktube prize - I couldn’t manage it and salute those who do!
I have the opposite, in the sense that reading is all I feel like doing. Sadly though, I haven't found a way to make a living from reading.
I have also had that feeling and know it well. Never thought I would feel like I am reading too much, but it did get overwhelming for a while there. I am getting back to savouring books slowly again, rather than taking on too much, which is wonderful. It would be amazing to make a living from reading! I hope you manage to find some reading time soon!
Hi I subscribed. I liked the topic and I do read a lot; I do crochet a lot. I find that I have a list of things I want to do in a day, meditation, read, crochet, create (writing, drawing, etc.) Yes, I work full time, and busy at work. The difference is I do not feel pressured to do any of those things. I did read 4,000 weeks and I realized that I control it all. I belong to the Hardcore Literature Book Club and read some masterpieces. Yes, there was a schedule, but it was spread out - like War and Peace over 8 weeks, etc. I felt a sense of accomplishment, but I did not feel that I had to do it, I wanted to do it. You have to make up your mind that this is your life, you schedule the things you want to do (I love to play with the cat and video games). No pressure, just do what you feel you want to do. So very nice to see someone discussing the pressures of the joys of reading and thinking what else they want to do. All the best.
Thank so much for sharing your experience. it’s great to hear that you’ve found so much pleasure in being more intentional and how you spend your time. Reading should be a joy and I want to have that at the forefront of my mind this year.
Very thought provoking and aligns with my current thinking about my own reading ..
Thanks, Sally! We are both trying to find that balance - am sure we will! 🤍
Both trying to find that balance - I’m sure we will! Thank you, Sally! 🤍🤍🤍
I definitely read too much but this year I’m trying to read less and live more. I do structure my reading to a certain extent but definitely plan on saying no more and putting less pressure on myself 💜💜😊
Yes! Reading should be a pleasure not a pressure. Glad you’ll be taking more time for yourself this year!
I need a little structure \ plan for my reading but loads of this resonates, especially reading being about finishing books not savouring them. I haven’t found the sweet spot between planning and reading by whim yet. Lots to think on.
I also want to find time to mood, read and follow my interests alongside all the planned reading. Before booktube, I was purely a mood reader however I now really enjoy planning some of my reading and I don’t think that’s going to change but more time to mood read would be wonderful!
🤪 this emoji expresses my thoughts on what I’ve started to think of as “forced reading.” Sometimes I’m a butterfly reader, flitting from book to completely unrelated book as the whim takes me; sometimes I’m a miner, digging deeply and widely into subjects that interest me.
But pressuring myself to keep up with/participate in various challenges or group reads really interferes with my reading pleasure.
That is exactly how I used to read and I want to reclaim that time to ‘follow my nose’ and go down reading rabbit holes. But I do enjoy the participation aspects of the community, so I’ll be just trying to be more intentional with my time from now on!
Yes! Yes! and Yes!!💯
🙌🤍
Great video , I have very much the same feelings sometimes and have to calm down on information overload
Thank you! Yes, we are just bombarded with information these days - it is a constant battle not to have our attention hijacked.
Hi, just came over from @another bibliophile. Looking forward to catching up on your content. Congrats on year 4, I am coming up to year 2 in a few months. As a creator, I definitely understand what you are talking about. Sometimes want to start one book, but have to finish another for a video - so not reading for the enjoyment of the book but because I have to, makes the read different. Good for you for setting priorities and taking care of you. I read a bit every day, usually curled up with one of my cats, so a buddy read of sorts. I also spend time outdoors and doing other things. I think people need to find the balance of what works best for them, it is only too much if it interferes with other things you want to do.
Curled up with a cat is my favourite way to read! ☺️ Hopefully I can get these boundaries in place firmly this year, as I tried to be more intentional year and just got sucked back into everything again. Congratulations on coming up to 2 years!
@@spreadbookjoy thank you has been an interesting journey with many learning curves. Wishing you all the best with keeping boundaries in place. So many interesting and fun things, so little time to do everything.
And we might as well review just who else benefits from our buying more print and e-books?
Definitely something to consider!
People fall in the trap of doing things not out of enjoyment but to compete with everyone else.
They don't get the point.
You do things to be better than the day before. I read because I want to improve myself by aqwuire new knowledge, to reflect, to ponder, to know new stories.
Most definitely! Comparison is the thief of joy!
I think its so smart to be intentional with your time. I was single into my late 30s and learned in therapy what you are pulling from that book. I now make 'dates' for myself to do things I love because nonsense will steal all my time.
I'm not reading too much but Ive just started reading prize listed books and I am reading more books that I dont enjoy. I am enjoying being a bit of a hater - hahah! That will likely get old though.
Ha! That’s why I don’t read prize books unless they appeal to me! Dates with yourself sound perfect! One thing I read in that book is something that came originally from financial advice but works well for managing our time - pay yourself first. Before you do anything else, carve out time just for something you want to do. Great advice!
I set a 7,000 page goal for January... and that was too much! A normal month is 3,500-4,500, and in Jan I hit 7,075 (for a readathon that my team lost (badly) lol)
I do put a lot on my plate and am very strict with keeping myself accountable, and am frequently aware of when it's harmful in advance but do it anyway.
It’s so easy to get carried away! I hope you strike a good balance with it all!
Good discussion
Thank you!☺️
Hey Tangible 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
This is exactly the reason I stopped participating in booktube events. I just read what appeals to me at the moment. Otherwise, reading becomes like another job or a school assignment and that is not really the point is it. I still watch booktube obviously but I no longer feel the pressure (self-imposed admittedly) to join in.
Yes, every year I participate in less things or just participate in my own way. I was never a fan of assigned reading and I’ve kind of let it become that way!
Hi, I started to get back into fiction reading last fall, and have been collecting books for my “retirement library”. I’ve also been thinking about starting a book tube channel, but I’d be afraid of exactly what you expressed here. I don’t want to turn something I love into something I “have to do”. I also have so many books that I already know I want to read, that I wouldn’t want to do all these booktube fads.
My plan is to read and do videos about the books for quite a while without posting anything. Then, if and when I start a channel, I’ll have some built in slack for when I want to read War and Peace! It would be nice to be able to discuss books with people who like to read the same kind of things, but, like you, I have many interests and don’t want to get pigeonholed. From what I’ve seen, even within the booktube space, you may have to specialize on genre, limiting the books you can read because of what your audience expects. For instance, if you mostly read science fiction, but want to try a Jane Austen novel, you may lose subscribers (I’m guessing).
Anyway, thanks for the video. It definitely makes me think twice about this endeavor.
Thanks for sharing! I started off as a niche channel because I wanted to recommend children’s books but after about four or five months I also wanted to talk about my own reading, which is very eclectic. I think that has probably meant I’ve grown rather slowly compared to some but I wouldn’t change that. I think it’s possible to strike a good balance here so that you can run a channel without being overwhelmed and I’m working towards that. If you feel like taking the plunge and starting a channel, just take it slowly! It is so much fun and you meet wonderful people!
Great topic for a video.
Started a channel at the beginning of the year and quickly realized.... I cant do these challenges. Feels like homework!
Instead I have a few reading projects I'm working on and pepper in loosely related books as I go.
That sounds perfect! it’s kind of what I tried to do at the start of last year, and then I got sucked back into everything but making a conscious effort for that not to happen again! I also love the term reading project - I’ve been using that instead of reading goals for a couple of years now. I have no fixed end in mind for these projects, and that means I can dip in and out of them as my mood suits me. Happy reading!
@@spreadbookjoy I bet I stole that phrase from you then! It's a much healthier way to view things. ( I already feel challenged enough lol)
My reading ebbs and flows. Nothing is ever set in stone for me when it comes to pursuits. I feel a bit like a bumble bee. I have a purpose, but will happily go about like gathering pollen, nurturing my hive, and smelling the flowers along the way. 😂
Am I utilizing the moments I have in the best ways possible? Probably not. Am I okay with that? I am. 😊For Now.
If you are ok with it, then you are definitely utilising moments in the best possible way! I used to be solely a mood reader and I want to get back to that as my main form of reading. I love how you put it as ‘smelling the flowers’ - I often think of it as following my nose, so that metaphor is apt!
This is a wonderful video - I SO much want to make a response!
Thank you! It’s obviously a subjective issue and this is just my experience but I think my biggest problem has been recognising that I’ve had this attitude towards reading since being on booktube, as if books are something to finish or get through rather than slowly savour and enjoy. Definitely something I’ve imposed on myself. Trying to get back to the joy in it!
You gotta do what is best for you. There are books that are candy reads for me ie golden age science fiction, picture books, manga that I read purely for the enjoyment of them and then books I want to slow down and read to absorb the atmosphere so to speak like Middlemarch, The Count of Monte Christo and The Bible. I also like to watch old
Movies with me Mum and catching up with old friends. Life is an adventure to be lived and filled and enjoyed with others. Follow your passions and see where it leads my friend. Happy Hunting.
Thanks, Suz! I am definitely enjoying slow reading - it’s brought back the joy of reading for me.
I do not structure my reading. Setting goals for my hobby would mean it is not a hobby but duty. I read for my pleasure, I read to learn something, to be somewhere else, away from reality. I follow some booktube channels, and am very disappointed often when there is just a presentation of book shopping but no thoughts behind it, no value. I think all BookTubers should watch your video. Maybe it would help to create more quality than quantity.
Thank you so much for your comment. I think that is the issue for me - I have overstructured my reading where I used to be a mood reader, and only ever followed my mood. I enjoy the social aspect that booktube has brought to my reading, but I have disliked ‘assigned’ reading my whole reading life, so the structure of organised events and joining in too much have combined to leave me no time for following my mood. My inner mood reader is rebelling!
Hey Silvia 🌹🌹
How are you doing..??
I am a mood reader and I read whatever I want. If it sounds boring I will not read it. I will not even get it from the library. I have seen a decline in my reading (from a couple thousand books a year to just about 700). But I still read whatever and whoever catches my interest. Having said that, I do not count pages. I do not count statistics for my books except to write down what I have read and to be frank this is only the third year that I have done so. Honestly, it is the third year in my entire life (I am over 30). I can see where something like Booktube and social media pushes people but I prefer to fly by the seat of my pants, or slacks as the case may be. There os no harm in taking a break, even a long one. I once took a several year break from reading, as my grandma died and she was the person who got me into reading. So just do what you can and take breaks when you need them. Go play some games, I just bought the Arkham Trilogy for my switch and it is really fun.
Thank you for this! For most of my reading life I was a mood reader and your mood reading sounds perfect to me! I’m looking forward to playing more games - I’ve missed them!
Hello Jack, I’ve been thinking about this video for awhile and thinking that maybe I’ll do a response video at sometime if it’s OK with you. Aloha friend.❤
Of course! X