That’s a great point about pressure. Reading has never been so publicized. Which isn’t the worst thing. I’m happy to see people reading more and more! It’s just when people make the image of reading more important than actually reading. That’s when it’s easy to get lost.
@@Thomas.R.Howell exactly! Unfortunately a lot of narcissism and competition is involved. I had a huge TBR list 📚 eventually I deleted it. I read the silmarillion, the hobbit and the lord of the rings once a year for genuine love and fun for the fantasy world. Next stop is a song of ice and fire and maybe Harry Potter. I’m happy with just that right now and who knows what the future holds. Be content with what you have as you said in your video. And not what looks good or unachievable TBR lists that only stress you out!
It’s actually such a huge privilege to be able to walk into a bookshop or library, and then just look at books for unlimited time, choose what is best for you. Be drawn to what you need in that moment. Have the chance to come back anytime. I live far away from my country, and I enjoy reading only in my native language. I visit home once a year and try to build and purchase my “tbr” at once, which is exhausting. Yes, I wanted to read those at that moment, but that emotional state of mine doesn’t even stay the same even for a week. We change, we have different necessities in every new moment. I usually end up purchasing a lot of classics that are kind of hard reads for me, and I basicly burn out at some point. This year I started finding the books online that I feel like reading in that period of my life, and my reading experience possitively developed so much. Right now, usually after finishing a harder read for me, I go up online and start some little, cute, silly, easy to read fiction books, and I have been enjoying this system so much. Bu also, this is sad because first of all I can’t support the authors this way, and also I’m not a fan of reading from a screen. But at the end of the day, this is the best I can have in this moment. So anyways, go to those bookshops that I’m dying to go people:)!
I love this. Thank you for sharing your story and perspective. I too don't like reading from a screen. The kindle just isn't the same as a physical book. Taking that book wherever you go. Turning actual pages. Plus I feel conversation can be had at a coffee shop when someone see's me with a physical book or I see someone with an actual book in hand!
@@folksurvival I mean yeah, there are opening/closing hours and stuff but at the end of the day you can always visit those places anyday you want, without a deadline to it…at least this is how I see it and meant by that:)
In the contemporary fast paced world-where everything is flashy; videos with excess edits with unnecessary music. I love the way you spoke in this video. Just a natural video without any flashy edits or bgm. This is what a good, productive video should be like. Thanx brother. ❤
@@Thomas.R.Howell I’m currently reading The Safe Keep, Yael Van Der Wouden (Shortlisted for the Booker prize). I have many favourites, but off the top of my head I’d have to say The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon or a more current read - North Woods (Daniel Mason). Thanks again for your insights!
My TBR is definitely a Want to Read list. Every time I look at my tbr shelf it motivates me to read what I'm already reading more, because I'm so excited to read everything on that shelf. It's important to be excited about what you read or else you won't read it.
I recently got into reading and was savouring the books i read and slowly reading them and was feeling little insecure about slow reading and not finishing but was coping with it just fine and this video of yours puts my mind to rest a little,thank you
I’m really happy I can help. We live in such a fast world it’s easy to get left behind. This past few months I’ve shifted my perspective toward books and video games. Just to slow down and enjoy it. Not compare myself to others and what pace they are at. Reading should never be a contest. I hope you enjoy and cherish the slow restful moments of reading! By the way what book are you currently reading?
I’m intentionally slowing down my reading because I feel like you don’t enjoy the books as much if you’re rushing through it. I used to have a new book every week in high school but now I’m spreading 200 page books to a span of 2 weeks or more
Loved this video, especially the part where you mention ignoring social media. I totally agree, I’ve seen booktok influencers complain that paragraphs are too long or certain books have too many words (?) or say they only read dialogue. I prefer enjoying books slowly, no rushing.
Thank you! What!? People complain about that stuff?? Then why read a book if you don't like words?? SO wild. I too love taking my sweet time. been reading a book for a little over two months. I am enjoying every second! What are you currently reading?
I personally like having reading be a numbers game for me. But since I see life as a sort of game anyway from a really young age, its fun for me that way. Being able to think of the „levels“ ive achieved with my reading is much more fun for me and thats something that I had to realise for myself. I still have fun with the books i read, i write my reviews of them on a piece of paper and its for me and my eyes only. Reading is such a beautiful thing in life, and as many other beautiful things in life, there is no way to do it right. You just have to see what works for you and what makes you happy.
Thank you I need this so much. I almost cried at your “You can only read a book for the first time once, so don’t rush it, savor it” I don’t know why.😭
SAME! I get emotional when it comes to books especially books that are near and dear to me. You can only read it for the first time once. It's a good attitude to have approaching things in life. Why rush! Let's enjoy it!
The overconsumption part is so crazy to me. I try so hard to convince friends of mine to just get a library card and rent books (even digitally) instead of continuing to buy every single book. But they all say they don’t want to wait if there’s a hold, they want the instant gratification of getting the book right away. Which maybe I get for one special book but all of them??? It truly blows my mind. I literally think I’m the only person I know who has a library card currently
It's wild out there. I have friends who buy books almost every time they are out. When are they going to read any of those let alone enjoy them with intentionality? Been reading the same book for over 2 months. I am in NO rush.
This video changed my view of point on reading. I've been reading since i leart what it is, but since covid i can see on myself, that it is not what it used to be. I started to get overhelmed, nervous about my TBR... This video helped me think it over and fall in love with reading once again. Thank you.
One of the best videos i've come across to get started with reading. Couldn't agree more with the "TBR" point! Incredibly insightful and really felt you spoke my mind. Great video and subscribed :)
such a well-constructed video, I don't know why it isn't viewed more. It felt like I needed to hear EVERY. SINGLE. WORD you said. Subscribed right after.
Great video. It's all about the reading itself, and not the "stuff" surrounding it (book hauls, which eReader is best, etc). It's a coincidence that a few weeks ago I made a list of six books I've owned for a while and...want to read! Already started one and am enjoying it 😊
@@Thomas.R.Howell It's a bunch of stuff that I've had for a while and never got around to reading, or things I started, then got sidetracked, and never came back to it. So I said for 2025 I'm going to polish some of these off. Of particular note on the list are Shock Value by John Waters, The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling, Reamde by Neal Stephenson, Please Kill Me: The Uncensored History of Punk, War of the Rats by David L. Robbins (a friend of mine bought this for me over 20 years ago and says it reads like a first person shooter game) and one of John Irving's first three books (he's one of my favorite authors; I've read the dozen others of his, but never got around to the earliest ones)
"you'll never be able to read all the books in the world" some people, like myself 20 years ago, really need to internalize this. i used to want to scream when i walked into a large library. i used to have this strange despair at knowing i would never be able to read nearly as much of what was there than i wished i could. it impacted my sense of self. somewhere along the way i changed to valuing what i've read and more importantly what i do with what i've read. whether that is reflecting on it, relating it to other things i've consumed or experienced, thoughts i've extracted, or actions that have been inspired by what i've read. i have no idea how that change happened, but i am grateful that it did.
One habit i learnt recently was for me i much prefer paperbooks, so for that im not tempted by kindle and the overconsumption. I will treat myself to a book or 2 a month.
Your videos are really well edited, better than more of the most popular booktubers! I really like listening to you, just stick to it eventually you’ll get a big following eventually
Of course! I just find the way you speak to be so calming and your personality (at least your online persona as we know you) seems so stoic and thoughtful its really refreshing seeing your videos after all the overly saturated other videos where they buy 300 books for some challenge or other. I also really respect your taste in books, even if it might be slightly different (I really liked mistborn, please try the stormlight archive, I think it might be more up your alley) the way you speak about books feels so genuine and interested, that I can’t help myself to click on new videos when they come out. Im sure there’s many others that also will think the same as myself, the TH-cam algorithm just hasn’t guided them to you yet. I’m happy that I’m able to say that I found you before you became super popular :)
also! Sorry to bother you again but I’d be very interested in what you’re reading/have read in the past, I’ve seen you show a goodreads page a few times before idk if it’s yours, but if it is I’d find it interesting to see what other books you’ve read, so linking it in the description would be a cool option, of course if you don’t use the platform or it’s to personal for you to share online, I’d understand too :)
@@alisson_vcu No bother at all! I have no clue really how good reads works and I rarely hop on there lol. The crazy thing is I have barley read much in my 4 years as a reader! I'm quite a slow reader, although I am improving! I started with the Chronicles of Narnia. I read the Hobbit and loved it. The entire Harry Potter series! The first two short story books from the Witcher Series.I tried the first Mistborn book and did not like it. The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Misery by Stephen King. Jaws by Peter Benchley. And pretty much the last year and a half have been ALL Wheel of Time. I am 11 books in! Currently reading The Outsider by Stephen King. Now... I didn't mention it earlier but that's because I wanted to save it for last. Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It is my favorite book of all time. I recommend it to anyone! Fantasy reader or not you have to give it a try! I made a video on it too! Hope this helps!
@@alisson_vcu Wow. Thank you. I have no words! This makes me so happy. I am happy I am not alone in feeling this way toward the book community and the many unhealthy trends! I absolutely plan on Stormlight!!! Super excited but I must finish Wheel of Time first! Have you given that series a shot? Thank you for your encouragement. It means more than you know!
Agree with pretty much everything you’re saying. I’m guilty of hauls and TBRs and good reads challenges in the past. But I’m grateful that all of those are now in the past. Even the monthly wrap ups which was the one thing I actually enjoyed making, I’ve stopped. Because even that was beginning to make reading feel like an obligation, a race, etc. I read at my own pace now. And post videos when I feel like I have something to talk about. What I like about booktube is the sense of community, rather than the numbers. And most of all I love talking about books with people who love books and and reading great stories I’ll never forget! Loved this video! Will def watch more.
We are all guilty of hauls and TBRs. Those are not bad of course, it's more about the perspective and attitude approaching reading. Why do we do it? To buy more books? To check things off a list? Speed read so we can win that Goodreads challenge? Or to actually metabolize what we read and take our time. Read at our own pace. I used to worry about a lot of this. Even a year ago. I wanted to be up there with everyone else. 50+books a year etc. But no. I cannot possibly do that without ruining my experience reading books. I really loved that you shared your story and your reading journey. And I can totally relate to trying to post videos regularly. I would hate to rush through a book for the sake of getting a video out. Ruining my time with that book. Thank you so much for sharing your side on all this. Thankful for this community! What kind of books do you enjoy? What are some of your favorites?
@@Thomas.R.Howell what a lovely and thoughtful reply! ♥️ it’s taken me a long time to break out of booktube’s formula- I think honestly those hauls and TBRs will go out on their own soon enough because it just isn’t sustainable And they’re kind of repetitive. I always always HATED Goodreads goals. It’s appalling. I can’t understand why reading books is a competition haha. How can we have turned something as beautiful as consuming stories into a competition! Nuts! I still have a ‘goal’ I set on Goodreads but that’s just to easily track which books I read this year. I like doing wrap ups too that’s because I like watching them! In any case, gratefully overall, I’ve stopped myself from routine posting pressure. I love making content- whether it’s about books or art (I’m an artist). And if I have to continue to love making it I think I have to put up content at my own pace. A non manic, fun pace. Regarding what i read- I read across genres. A bit of everything. Sci fi, lit fic, fantasy seem to be my go to. I have recently developed a soft spot for essays and short stories too! I only just discovered your channel. Happy to part of the community. I’m excited to see the rest of your videos. I look forward to it :)
I am very pleased that I came across this video at a time when I have been trying to force myself to read a book for several days. I know I want to read it, I started reading it and I really find it interesting, but something is stopping me from continuing it. And these tips really helped me rethink why I read, why I want to read this book and take time to enjoy it. Thank you
@@Thomas.R.Howell Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. It's an interesting book if you read it in one sitting, but when I put it aside for a long time, the narrative gets lost.
so true. overconsumption in book community is actually crazy, and i say this while i myself is a book content creator too. but thankfully, these days i pretty much only buying books i need and i like. but sometimes, content creator got so many books from publishers as an arc or gift, and it's actually overwhelming sometimes cause personally i feel the need to finish them. this video is such an eye opening one for me
I just scrolled past a video about how to pick short books in order to reach your reading goals, and it was so disappointing to see. I love thrifting books and growing my collection, but living in a small studio means I have to only store books I really want to keep/read, which is probably the best way. I’m a mood reader, which helps to avoid being sucked into the (often false) hype of new releases.
bookhauls are sorta interesting to me. i've only ever bought a bunch of new books like that if i had a specific purpose, like studying a given topic or wanting to study and compare a bunch of new releases. the place where i tend to buy a lot of books is the discount bin/shelf at my local book sellers. $1-2 books are great. anything that looks interesting can just be grabbed. these are usually nonfiction books for me. i skim each book after i get them home and annotate what looks interesting. a few notes get added to my note system and the book goes on the shelf in case i need to revisit it later. i manage my TBRs by going to the library and grabbing a dozen or so books from the top of my TBR and quickly skimming them if they are nonfiction or reading each for five minutes or so and seeing if they catch for me. if i'm not invested by the five minute mark i usually drop it from my TBR. the ones that really grab me go home. i like to have a mix of junk food, nutritious meals and comfort food in my reading. junk food doesn't need much attention and can be read quickly and forgotten about as quickly. i tend to spend more time with my comfort foods as they tend to make me reflect on the stories themselves. nutritious meals are usually either nonfiction or literary fiction and pose a challenge. they are often not the most enjoyable to read in the moment, but are usually meaningful in a more long term way than the other categories. that's just how i think about these things.
love this. Love your process. What a wonderful approach. I too love local book stores. Holding a book that has clearly traveled the world through various lives. Read by many people. It's an honor to carry that torch.
thank u sm sir for this!! im a full time student doing a degree and a professional course togethr i read way too slow like during lunch breaks or early in the morning when i wake up i used to be upset and push myself to read more books bcz i thought omg look at her she completed 15 books this month and SHE IS A FULL TIME BOOKTOK INFLUENCER so i appreciate this brb gotta erase that 725 books in my tbr thank u have a lovely day :))
THIS! This is great advice over the overconsumption and weird cult that booktube/booktok/book community has become. Specifically the TBR list just became useless for me and I just realized this year, now understand a little bit better why. There are books that I wanted to read so long ago, that whenever I was on a bookstore and didn't find anything interesting, I checked that list and still not a single book on that list grabbed my attention either. As you say, it really feels like a mandatory reading, and I left the school years behind a loooong time ago to be feeling this pressure hahaha. The me who wanted to read certain books is not the same that is buying right now, that is what I think. I also might have been influenced to, so I can't even recall why I wanted to read them anyway, it was probably just hyped by someone else and honestly, influencers are just hyping every book they get paid for anyway so I can't trust them no more. So yeah, with this I am confirming is not useful anymore, and definitely won't keep doing more lists. Ironically I have been influenced to do so hahaha The best books are the ones we aren't looking for so I'll try to just get books in the moment and actually engage in the process of exploring in an actual bookstore, so also will try to stop buying online. Great video! Good luck on this journey!
Instead of book hauls creators should do something like "books i got at my library" or "reviewing library books" or something like that... would be a new spin on the topic and help with overconsumption for sure
@Thomas.R.Howell No game made me so immersed in the world and characters like this one . And the music, ugh it out of this world . Enjoy man it will be an all timer 🫂♥️.
@@EldenLord737 Yeah I have to make time for it in the midst of my reading because I NEVER want to rush through it. I want to give it my full attention. So so excited. There is only 2 games I genuinely want to play through before I pass...that is the Witcher 3 and Persona 5. Maybe Outerwilds.
regarding TBR, I used to do that in notenooks ever since I was in primary school. I read a lot back then. However looking back the authors and the books, although still many are on my TBR list today but I noticed that I no longer have no idea WHY I wanted to read them in the first place. Often it might be a particular writer, the theme or just that mindset during that set of time in space. So it might be that I no longer are interested in the books I wanted to read when I was 15. So now if I write down book lists to my commonplace book, I include the reson at the time why I would be interested in that book at the time. My writing themes dictate a lot so I might be interested in so the themes I am interested fluctuate a lot. And so, so many main stream books I have listened just to know what the hype was about, they were so, so boring to me. So quality over quantity is my current focus. Why is that I want to read this particular book.
Even though I read 100+ books a year, I take my time with them. If I speed read I'll miss the details. And I read for enjoyment to escape from the every day life. That's why I try to avoid books that is full of social commentary. Good video about social media that I agree with. Reading is not a competition.
This reminds me of the tik toks that I’ve been seeing lately where booktokers talk about skipping through all the paragraphs that are ‘too big’, and complaining about books that have too many words on one page..??
I was thinking about deleting my Goodreads for a while now, and this video just made me do it. It's not for me. I don't care to see my stats at the end of the year. I just want to be present with my books, and not base whether I'm interested in a new book based on a star rating system. I'm ready to make reading whatever I want it to be, to be present. Thank you :)
This makes me so happy. And even encourages me. I’ve never felt so free as a reader. Just reading what I want. When I want. And at the speed I’m comfortable with! What books are on your radar? What are you reading now?
@@Thomas.R.Howell That is something I struggled with too. No more though, because if I say it's right for me then it just is, and that is enough and should be enough for everyone feeling like that too. I'm currently waiting for a few books in the mail (from B&N not Amazon because trying to be more intentional with that too). "Sallys Lament: A Twisted Tale" It's a new release and a different telling of the popular movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, just a story if Sally had discovered Christmas Town Instead. Also want to read a series by Linsey Miller, where she tells the Stories of the Princes perspectives of older Disney classic Princesses. So far there are Erics, Philips, and August stories (which is Cinderellas prince and my personal favorite). I'm very excited to get into those but don't want to rush them. I love the Autumn time so much that I just naturally want to read spookier or autumnal themed books so the Princes will have to wait until the season is done. So, at the moment it's "Sallys Lament" and "The Pumpkin Spice Café".
@@lovelyxvenus I love that. Yes B&N is just so fun to shop at. I also love going to local small book shops or used bookstores. I don't care if a book is $50 I'll buy it there because at least I am supporting a small business. Autumn time is such a wonderful and cozy time to read! Especially spooky stories. I am done with my scary books. Now it is back to Wheel of Time. Which I think is perfect for any season.
@@Thomas.R.Howell I would do the same if I had any, it's super important to support businesses like that! :) I agree! I hope to finish mine before the end of the month, but we'll see. What is that series about?
@@lovelyxvenus explaining wheel of time is not a short answer lol .... let's say you are a farm boy in a medieval fantasy world. You are tapped on the shoulder and told you will be the chosen one to save the world but also destroy it.
Valid. On the other hand, book hauls and videos of the sort have shed new light on self-published authors and authors on the rise. I think this is valuable and those videos should not be shamed altogether. They have their place. If anything, they make me as a reader excited about new worlds to explore, etc.
I'm not shaming any of this and trying to look down on it. I'm just trying to provide a perspective that I think gets lost in society today with overconsumption. I know very little about the publishing industry and the ways of self publication. So thank you for this insight!
I don't think there is a wrong answer here. Or whether one is better than the other. They are just different. Reading without audio is an entirely different experience than following along with the audio book. For me, I prefer reading physical words rather than audio. What about you??
Man I really hope you enjoy Between Two Fires. That book gave me chills in the best possible way. So disturbing and disgusting but really great characters and story
@@Thomas.R.Howell Just curious. It's one of my favorite sayings, and I appreciate the reminder of it when reading. I sometime feel pressure and/or want to finish a book faster because I have so many I want to read.
Life before death Strength before weakness Journey before destination I know you didn't like Mistborn but maybe give The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive) a try. Your last principle mirrors an important aspect of the story. RAFO Also, great video. A breath of fresh air in the "Booktubers" community. You got my sub.
Damn, I really needed to hear all this, it made me really step back and slow down. Every reader/book lover should watch this video!! You made some incredible points, and i love the way you spoke about them
Just being fair here in this criticism, pointing out the issue of top 10 lists in a video labelled "5 habits...." is just hypocrisy. Whether or not you tell the audience to view is irrelevant, the clickbait has already drawn the people in. You've fallen into the self-help cliché part of youtube.
My point with the top 10 lists for books isn’t that they are bad. It’s about the perspective. When top 10 book lists are being posted weekly sometimes by the same channel, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Those lists focus on quantity not quality. More books more books. Etc. This whole video is encourage us as readers to step back and slow down. I don’t having a number in a title is considered cliche nor clickbait especially when I provide what is actually in the title. But that’s my opinion. Call me wrong if you want. I’m new to modern TH-cam and titles and thumbnails. Just trying to provide a slower paced perspective when it comes to reading books.
Can't express enough my dislike for influencers and people that frame reading as a competition, something quantitative rather than qualitive. So much pressure and its not only in reading, its all of society.
Very true what you’re saying. There is so much pressure that comes with these booktubers. Read for fun and personal and private reasons.
That’s a great point about pressure. Reading has never been so publicized. Which isn’t the worst thing. I’m happy to see people reading more and more! It’s just when people make the image of reading more important than actually reading. That’s when it’s easy to get lost.
@@Thomas.R.Howell exactly! Unfortunately a lot of narcissism and competition is involved.
I had a huge TBR list 📚 eventually I deleted it.
I read the silmarillion, the hobbit and the lord of the rings once a year for genuine love and fun for the fantasy world.
Next stop is a song of ice and fire and maybe Harry Potter. I’m happy with just that right now and who knows what the future holds. Be content with what you have as you said in your video. And not what looks good or unachievable TBR lists that only stress you out!
@@Thomas.R.Howell🎉🎉
I appreciate that there is no background music, no effects, no nothing that could have been distracting.
Thank you for this! I always try to have a genuine honest vibe for my videos. Nothing distracting!
It’s actually such a huge privilege to be able to walk into a bookshop or library, and then just look at books for unlimited time, choose what is best for you. Be drawn to what you need in that moment. Have the chance to come back anytime.
I live far away from my country, and I enjoy reading only in my native language. I visit home once a year and try to build and purchase my “tbr” at once, which is exhausting.
Yes, I wanted to read those at that moment, but that emotional state of mine doesn’t even stay the same even for a week. We change, we have different necessities in every new moment. I usually end up purchasing a lot of classics that are kind of hard reads for me, and I basicly burn out at some point. This year I started finding the books online that I feel like reading in that period of my life, and my reading experience possitively developed so much. Right now, usually after finishing a harder read for me, I go up online and start some little, cute, silly, easy to read fiction books, and I have been enjoying this system so much. Bu also, this is sad because first of all I can’t support the authors this way, and also I’m not a fan of reading from a screen. But at the end of the day, this is the best I can have in this moment. So anyways, go to those bookshops that I’m dying to go people:)!
I love this. Thank you for sharing your story and perspective. I too don't like reading from a screen. The kindle just isn't the same as a physical book. Taking that book wherever you go. Turning actual pages. Plus I feel conversation can be had at a coffee shop when someone see's me with a physical book or I see someone with an actual book in hand!
Unlimited time?
@@folksurvival I mean yeah, there are opening/closing hours and stuff but at the end of the day you can always visit those places anyday you want, without a deadline to it…at least this is how I see it and meant by that:)
In the contemporary fast paced world-where everything is flashy; videos with excess edits with unnecessary music. I love the way you spoke in this video. Just a natural video without any flashy edits or bgm.
This is what a good, productive video should be like.
Thanx brother. ❤
I have to say - this is the BEST video I have watched in a long time. It is timely, relevant, and pertinent to my book reading journey. Thank you.
I'm happy I could help you along your reading journey! What book are you currently reading? What is your FAVORITE book of all time?
@@Thomas.R.Howell I’m currently reading The Safe Keep, Yael Van Der Wouden (Shortlisted for the Booker prize). I have many favourites, but off the top of my head I’d have to say The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon or a more current read - North Woods (Daniel Mason). Thanks again for your insights!
My TBR is definitely a Want to Read list. Every time I look at my tbr shelf it motivates me to read what I'm already reading more, because I'm so excited to read everything on that shelf. It's important to be excited about what you read or else you won't read it.
Like they always say collecting books and reading books are two different hobbies
I recently got into reading and was savouring the books i read and slowly reading them and was feeling little insecure about slow reading and not finishing but was coping with it just fine and this video of yours puts my mind to rest a little,thank you
I’m really happy I can help. We live in such a fast world it’s easy to get left behind. This past few months I’ve shifted my perspective toward books and video games. Just to slow down and enjoy it. Not compare myself to others and what pace they are at. Reading should never be a contest. I hope you enjoy and cherish the slow restful moments of reading!
By the way what book are you currently reading?
I’m intentionally slowing down my reading because I feel like you don’t enjoy the books as much if you’re rushing through it. I used to have a new book every week in high school but now I’m spreading 200 page books to a span of 2 weeks or more
@@melissaabrego1884 I started a new book 2 weeks ago... I am only 160 pages in and I am totally fine with that!
This video feels like a one on one convo between two book lovers :) Amazing context!
Subscribed to your channel because you are so real, so unique and I love watching someone who is authentic especially in book community❤
Wow. Thank you!
Loved this video, especially the part where you mention ignoring social media. I totally agree, I’ve seen booktok influencers complain that paragraphs are too long or certain books have too many words (?) or say they only read dialogue. I prefer enjoying books slowly, no rushing.
Thank you!
What!? People complain about that stuff?? Then why read a book if you don't like words?? SO wild.
I too love taking my sweet time. been reading a book for a little over two months. I am enjoying every second! What are you currently reading?
@ I’m a psychology major so I’m currently reading a book about positive psychology
I personally like having reading be a numbers game for me. But since I see life as a sort of game anyway from a really young age, its fun for me that way. Being able to think of the „levels“ ive achieved with my reading is much more fun for me and thats something that I had to realise for myself. I still have fun with the books i read, i write my reviews of them on a piece of paper and its for me and my eyes only.
Reading is such a beautiful thing in life, and as many other beautiful things in life, there is no way to do it right. You just have to see what works for you and what makes you happy.
Cool profile pic😅
@@mathketeer606 hehehhe thank youuu
Thank you I need this so much. I almost cried at your “You can only read a book for the first time once, so don’t rush it, savor it” I don’t know why.😭
SAME! I get emotional when it comes to books especially books that are near and dear to me. You can only read it for the first time once. It's a good attitude to have approaching things in life. Why rush! Let's enjoy it!
Yes, overconsumption is indeed a big issue.
The overconsumption part is so crazy to me. I try so hard to convince friends of mine to just get a library card and rent books (even digitally) instead of continuing to buy every single book. But they all say they don’t want to wait if there’s a hold, they want the instant gratification of getting the book right away. Which maybe I get for one special book but all of them??? It truly blows my mind. I literally think I’m the only person I know who has a library card currently
It's wild out there. I have friends who buy books almost every time they are out. When are they going to read any of those let alone enjoy them with intentionality?
Been reading the same book for over 2 months. I am in NO rush.
This video changed my view of point on reading. I've been reading since i leart what it is, but since covid i can see on myself, that it is not what it used to be. I started to get overhelmed, nervous about my TBR...
This video helped me think it over and fall in love with reading once again. Thank you.
This makes me smile I'm so happy!
One of the best videos i've come across to get started with reading. Couldn't agree more with the "TBR" point! Incredibly insightful and really felt you spoke my mind. Great video and subscribed :)
I'm so glad! Wow thank you!
I have been loving your videos man. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!
such a well-constructed video, I don't know why it isn't viewed more. It felt like I needed to hear EVERY. SINGLE. WORD you said. Subscribed right after.
Oh my gosh thank you!
Love this. Everyone online makes it seem like you have to read a book a week and it just discourages me. Especially since I have a full time job
Great video. It's all about the reading itself, and not the "stuff" surrounding it (book hauls, which eReader is best, etc). It's a coincidence that a few weeks ago I made a list of six books I've owned for a while and...want to read! Already started one and am enjoying it 😊
Yes! Love this! What books are on your list??
@@Thomas.R.Howell It's a bunch of stuff that I've had for a while and never got around to reading, or things I started, then got sidetracked, and never came back to it. So I said for 2025 I'm going to polish some of these off. Of particular note on the list are Shock Value by John Waters, The Casual Vacancy by JK Rowling, Reamde by Neal Stephenson, Please Kill Me: The Uncensored History of Punk, War of the Rats by David L. Robbins (a friend of mine bought this for me over 20 years ago and says it reads like a first person shooter game) and one of John Irving's first three books (he's one of my favorite authors; I've read the dozen others of his, but never got around to the earliest ones)
"you'll never be able to read all the books in the world" some people, like myself 20 years ago, really need to internalize this. i used to want to scream when i walked into a large library. i used to have this strange despair at knowing i would never be able to read nearly as much of what was there than i wished i could. it impacted my sense of self. somewhere along the way i changed to valuing what i've read and more importantly what i do with what i've read. whether that is reflecting on it, relating it to other things i've consumed or experienced, thoughts i've extracted, or actions that have been inspired by what i've read. i have no idea how that change happened, but i am grateful that it did.
What an interesting first video to watch!, subbed!
Thank you!
4:33 I saw one TH-camr making a TBR jar and I’m going to do that as well to just randomize my next read
I've seen that! Seems like a new trend. Kinda fun!
Like if you are having trouble picking something out, just pull it from a jar!
@@Thomas.R.Howell exactly! And it’s so easy to make
this was comforting to watch. reality that bookworms needed to hear!
One habit i learnt recently was for me i much prefer paperbooks, so for that im not tempted by kindle and the overconsumption. I will treat myself to a book or 2 a month.
Your videos are really well edited, better than more of the most popular booktubers! I really like listening to you, just stick to it eventually you’ll get a big following eventually
Thank you so much for this encouragement! That means so so much. I'm happy you found my channel and are sticking around!
Of course! I just find the way you speak to be so calming and your personality (at least your online persona as we know you) seems so stoic and thoughtful its really refreshing seeing your videos after all the overly saturated other videos where they buy 300 books for some challenge or other. I also really respect your taste in books, even if it might be slightly different (I really liked mistborn, please try the stormlight archive, I think it might be more up your alley) the way you speak about books feels so genuine and interested, that I can’t help myself to click on new videos when they come out. Im sure there’s many others that also will think the same as myself, the TH-cam algorithm just hasn’t guided them to you yet. I’m happy that I’m able to say that I found you before you became super popular :)
also! Sorry to bother you again but I’d be very interested in what you’re reading/have read in the past, I’ve seen you show a goodreads page a few times before idk if it’s yours, but if it is I’d find it interesting to see what other books you’ve read, so linking it in the description would be a cool option, of course if you don’t use the platform or it’s to personal for you to share online, I’d understand too :)
@@alisson_vcu No bother at all! I have no clue really how good reads works and I rarely hop on there lol.
The crazy thing is I have barley read much in my 4 years as a reader! I'm quite a slow reader, although I am improving!
I started with the Chronicles of Narnia. I read the Hobbit and loved it. The entire Harry Potter series! The first two short story books from the Witcher Series.I tried the first Mistborn book and did not like it. The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Misery by Stephen King. Jaws by Peter Benchley.
And pretty much the last year and a half have been ALL Wheel of Time. I am 11 books in!
Currently reading The Outsider by Stephen King.
Now... I didn't mention it earlier but that's because I wanted to save it for last.
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It is my favorite book of all time. I recommend it to anyone! Fantasy reader or not you have to give it a try! I made a video on it too!
Hope this helps!
@@alisson_vcu Wow. Thank you. I have no words! This makes me so happy. I am happy I am not alone in feeling this way toward the book community and the many unhealthy trends!
I absolutely plan on Stormlight!!! Super excited but I must finish Wheel of Time first! Have you given that series a shot?
Thank you for your encouragement. It means more than you know!
Booktube needed this video ❤️
Best Video I have seen in a long time!! Thanks!!
Thank you!
Agree with pretty much everything you’re saying. I’m guilty of hauls and TBRs and good reads challenges in the past. But I’m grateful that all of those are now in the past. Even the monthly wrap ups which was the one thing I actually enjoyed making, I’ve stopped. Because even that was beginning to make reading feel like an obligation, a race, etc. I read at my own pace now. And post videos when I feel like I have something to talk about. What I like about booktube is the sense of community, rather than the numbers. And most of all I love talking about books with people who love books and and reading great stories I’ll never forget! Loved this video! Will def watch more.
We are all guilty of hauls and TBRs. Those are not bad of course, it's more about the perspective and attitude approaching reading. Why do we do it? To buy more books? To check things off a list? Speed read so we can win that Goodreads challenge? Or to actually metabolize what we read and take our time. Read at our own pace.
I used to worry about a lot of this. Even a year ago. I wanted to be up there with everyone else. 50+books a year etc. But no. I cannot possibly do that without ruining my experience reading books.
I really loved that you shared your story and your reading journey. And I can totally relate to trying to post videos regularly. I would hate to rush through a book for the sake of getting a video out. Ruining my time with that book.
Thank you so much for sharing your side on all this. Thankful for this community!
What kind of books do you enjoy? What are some of your favorites?
@@Thomas.R.Howell what a lovely and thoughtful reply! ♥️ it’s taken me a long time to break out of booktube’s formula- I think honestly those hauls and TBRs will go out on their own soon enough because it just isn’t sustainable And they’re kind of repetitive. I always always HATED Goodreads goals. It’s appalling. I can’t understand why reading books is a competition haha. How can we have turned something as beautiful as consuming stories into a competition! Nuts! I still have a ‘goal’ I set on Goodreads but that’s just to easily track which books I read this year. I like doing wrap ups too that’s because I like watching them!
In any case, gratefully overall, I’ve stopped myself from routine posting pressure. I love making content- whether it’s about books or art (I’m an artist). And if I have to continue to love making it I think I have to put up content at my own pace. A non manic, fun pace.
Regarding what i read- I read across genres. A bit of everything. Sci fi, lit fic, fantasy seem to be my go to. I have recently developed a soft spot for essays and short stories too!
I only just discovered your channel. Happy to part of the community. I’m excited to see the rest of your videos. I look forward to it :)
I am very pleased that I came across this video at a time when I have been trying to force myself to read a book for several days. I know I want to read it, I started reading it and I really find it interesting, but something is stopping me from continuing it. And these tips really helped me rethink why I read, why I want to read this book and take time to enjoy it. Thank you
So happy you found this! What book or books are on your radar to read?
@@Thomas.R.Howell Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. It's an interesting book if you read it in one sitting, but when I put it aside for a long time, the narrative gets lost.
so true. overconsumption in book community is actually crazy, and i say this while i myself is a book content creator too. but thankfully, these days i pretty much only buying books i need and i like. but sometimes, content creator got so many books from publishers as an arc or gift, and it's actually overwhelming sometimes cause personally i feel the need to finish them. this video is such an eye opening one for me
So happy this video helped! Happy reading!
I'm at peace with the fact that I'll own more books than I'll read and I'll read more books than I'll get any use out of
I just scrolled past a video about how to pick short books in order to reach your reading goals, and it was so disappointing to see. I love thrifting books and growing my collection, but living in a small studio means I have to only store books I really want to keep/read, which is probably the best way. I’m a mood reader, which helps to avoid being sucked into the (often false) hype of new releases.
bookhauls are sorta interesting to me. i've only ever bought a bunch of new books like that if i had a specific purpose, like studying a given topic or wanting to study and compare a bunch of new releases. the place where i tend to buy a lot of books is the discount bin/shelf at my local book sellers. $1-2 books are great. anything that looks interesting can just be grabbed. these are usually nonfiction books for me. i skim each book after i get them home and annotate what looks interesting. a few notes get added to my note system and the book goes on the shelf in case i need to revisit it later.
i manage my TBRs by going to the library and grabbing a dozen or so books from the top of my TBR and quickly skimming them if they are nonfiction or reading each for five minutes or so and seeing if they catch for me. if i'm not invested by the five minute mark i usually drop it from my TBR. the ones that really grab me go home. i like to have a mix of junk food, nutritious meals and comfort food in my reading. junk food doesn't need much attention and can be read quickly and forgotten about as quickly. i tend to spend more time with my comfort foods as they tend to make me reflect on the stories themselves. nutritious meals are usually either nonfiction or literary fiction and pose a challenge. they are often not the most enjoyable to read in the moment, but are usually meaningful in a more long term way than the other categories. that's just how i think about these things.
love this. Love your process. What a wonderful approach. I too love local book stores. Holding a book that has clearly traveled the world through various lives. Read by many people. It's an honor to carry that torch.
Outstanding video. Thank you.
“The Journey” segment definitely hit home..👍🏼
thank u sm sir for this!! im a full time student doing a degree and a professional course togethr i read way too slow like during lunch breaks or early in the morning when i wake up i used to be upset and push myself to read more books bcz i thought omg look at her she completed 15 books this month and SHE IS A FULL TIME BOOKTOK INFLUENCER so i appreciate this brb gotta erase that 725 books in my tbr thank u have a lovely day :))
So happy I can help!
Hey great video man and some great advice! . I’m currently reading cities of the plain by cormac McCarthy
So glad I can help!
I have only read one book of McCarthy, the Road. How is it?
@ pretty good so far.. I would say blood meridian and all the pretty horses are must reads so make sure to check them out !
Reading is my coping mechanism to stay away from a high screentime.
But i also love to learn new things.
I needed to hear this…thank you
so happy to bring some encouragement :)
I really adhere to the points you've talk in this video but there is one more thing i like to add that is reread the book that you like. Thank You 🙏
Love that point. What’s your favorite book? Something you’d love to reread?
@@Thomas.R.Howell The Alchemist
I am an unapologetic quitter! If I lose interest and it becomes a chore- I’m out. There are too many books out there to waste my time.
I love to hear that! If something doesn't click with me or excite me, then I will most likely move on.
I don’t have a TBR i have a RBYD, Read Before You Die, i add titles that i want to know more about.
Yes exactly! Puts things into perspective when approaching that reading list.
THIS! This is great advice over the overconsumption and weird cult that booktube/booktok/book community has become.
Specifically the TBR list just became useless for me and I just realized this year, now understand a little bit better why.
There are books that I wanted to read so long ago, that whenever I was on a bookstore and didn't find anything interesting, I checked that list and still not a single book on that list grabbed my attention either. As you say, it really feels like a mandatory reading, and I left the school years behind a loooong time ago to be feeling this pressure hahaha.
The me who wanted to read certain books is not the same that is buying right now, that is what I think. I also might have been influenced to, so I can't even recall why I wanted to read them anyway, it was probably just hyped by someone else and honestly, influencers are just hyping every book they get paid for anyway so I can't trust them no more. So yeah, with this I am confirming is not useful anymore, and definitely won't keep doing more lists. Ironically I have been influenced to do so hahaha
The best books are the ones we aren't looking for so I'll try to just get books in the moment and actually engage in the process of exploring in an actual bookstore, so also will try to stop buying online.
Great video! Good luck on this journey!
Love all of this! So so so true! Read what you want. When you want. and at the speed you want! If you read one book this whole year so WHAT!
Instead of book hauls creators should do something like "books i got at my library" or "reviewing library books" or something like that... would be a new spin on the topic and help with overconsumption for sure
love that idea!
I like this ❤. Well said
Thank you Elden Lord. I see you are Geralt. I too am playing the Witcher 3 for the first time. My goodness what a game. What an experience.
@Thomas.R.Howell No game made me so immersed in the world and characters like this one . And the music, ugh it out of this world . Enjoy man it will be an all timer 🫂♥️.
@@EldenLord737 Yeah I have to make time for it in the midst of my reading because I NEVER want to rush through it. I want to give it my full attention. So so excited. There is only 2 games I genuinely want to play through before I pass...that is the Witcher 3 and Persona 5. Maybe Outerwilds.
Great video!
I’ve been trying to deal with the obligation thing for a while now. Some books are best left unfinished
Good! I left a book unfinished last week. It's quite freeing.
regarding TBR, I used to do that in notenooks ever since I was in primary school. I read a lot back then. However looking back the authors and the books, although still many are on my TBR list today but I noticed that I no longer have no idea WHY I wanted to read them in the first place. Often it might be a particular writer, the theme or just that mindset during that set of time in space. So it might be that I no longer are interested in the books I wanted to read when I was 15. So now if I write down book lists to my commonplace book, I include the reson at the time why I would be interested in that book at the time. My writing themes dictate a lot so I might be interested in so the themes I am interested fluctuate a lot. And so, so many main stream books I have listened just to know what the hype was about, they were so, so boring to me. So quality over quantity is my current focus. Why is that I want to read this particular book.
good idea with writing reasons to book lists! i'll try doing it too from now on, thanks! :)
Thank you for these reasonable suggestions.
Even though I read 100+ books a year, I take my time with them. If I speed read I'll miss the details. And I read for enjoyment to escape from the every day life. That's why I try to avoid books that is full of social commentary. Good video about social media that I agree with. Reading is not a competition.
you've given me some great perspective, thank you.
This makes me happy. I'm honored to have helped even just a little.
Love these tips so much!
This reminds me of the tik toks that I’ve been seeing lately where booktokers talk about skipping through all the paragraphs that are ‘too big’, and complaining about books that have too many words on one page..??
You're kidding!? I don't have a TikTok and I avoid content like that. That is CRAZY! What in the world?
Thank you
Nice shirt buddy
Thank you!
I enjoy your videos
I was thinking about deleting my Goodreads for a while now, and this video just made me do it. It's not for me. I don't care to see my stats at the end of the year. I just want to be present with my books, and not base whether I'm interested in a new book based on a star rating system. I'm ready to make reading whatever I want it to be, to be present. Thank you :)
This makes me so happy. And even encourages me. I’ve never felt so free as a reader. Just reading what I want. When I want. And at the speed I’m comfortable with!
What books are on your radar? What are you reading now?
@@Thomas.R.Howell That is something I struggled with too. No more though, because if I say it's right for me then it just is, and that is enough and should be enough for everyone feeling like that too.
I'm currently waiting for a few books in the mail (from B&N not Amazon because trying to be more intentional with that too). "Sallys Lament: A Twisted Tale" It's a new release and a different telling of the popular movie The Nightmare Before Christmas, just a story if Sally had discovered Christmas Town Instead. Also want to read a series by Linsey Miller, where she tells the Stories of the Princes perspectives of older Disney classic Princesses. So far there are Erics, Philips, and August stories (which is Cinderellas prince and my personal favorite). I'm very excited to get into those but don't want to rush them. I love the Autumn time so much that I just naturally want to read spookier or autumnal themed books so the Princes will have to wait until the season is done. So, at the moment it's "Sallys Lament" and "The Pumpkin Spice Café".
@@lovelyxvenus I love that. Yes B&N is just so fun to shop at. I also love going to local small book shops or used bookstores. I don't care if a book is $50 I'll buy it there because at least I am supporting a small business.
Autumn time is such a wonderful and cozy time to read! Especially spooky stories. I am done with my scary books. Now it is back to Wheel of Time. Which I think is perfect for any season.
@@Thomas.R.Howell I would do the same if I had any, it's super important to support businesses like that! :)
I agree! I hope to finish mine before the end of the month, but we'll see. What is that series about?
@@lovelyxvenus explaining wheel of time is not a short answer lol .... let's say you are a farm boy in a medieval fantasy world. You are tapped on the shoulder and told you will be the chosen one to save the world but also destroy it.
true intentions and appreciation
❤
Valid. On the other hand, book hauls and videos of the sort have shed new light on self-published authors and authors on the rise. I think this is valuable and those videos should not be shamed altogether. They have their place. If anything, they make me as a reader excited about new worlds to explore, etc.
I'm not shaming any of this and trying to look down on it. I'm just trying to provide a perspective that I think gets lost in society today with overconsumption. I know very little about the publishing industry and the ways of self publication. So thank you for this insight!
Thank you so muchhhh!!!
🙏
Is it better to read with/without an audiobook and listen alongside your book? Why or why not
I don't think there is a wrong answer here. Or whether one is better than the other. They are just different. Reading without audio is an entirely different experience than following along with the audio book. For me, I prefer reading physical words rather than audio. What about you??
What about reading a book with a porpoise ?
Now that sounds like a fun video idea lol
By the way, I’m still on book 10 of WoT.
Kidding, I just finished book 11 the other day! Making a video on WoT soon!
@@Thomas.R.Howell We are all still reading book 10. There are no endings.
if i sit and analyse, is it good?
I believe the saying is: Let him cook!
Let him COOOOK! 🔥🔥🔥
you have such an author name
It would be fun to be an author some day lol Thank you!
Man I really hope you enjoy Between Two Fires. That book gave me chills in the best possible way. So disturbing and disgusting but really great characters and story
That's amazing! I picked it up because I was deep into Elden Ring and wanted to read something that had similar tone and style. Two Fires popped up.
@@Thomas.R.Howell It really does have a Dark Souls vibe to it sprinkled with some HP Lovecraftian stuff
@@Bigbluemeanie234 love that
soo true thnx
Great advice but I need my phone to look words I never heard of 😭 Especially stories taking place in a medieval setting.
Is your statement “it’s about the journey not the destination” from The Peaceful Warrior?
I don't think so. I thought I heard it somewhere as just a common cliche? Some have said it's a main theme of Way of Kings.
@@Thomas.R.Howell Just curious. It's one of my favorite sayings, and I appreciate the reminder of it when reading. I sometime feel pressure and/or want to finish a book faster because I have so many I want to read.
perfekt!
Life before death
Strength before weakness
Journey before destination
I know you didn't like Mistborn but maybe give The Way of Kings (Stormlight Archive) a try. Your last principle mirrors an important aspect of the story. RAFO
Also, great video. A breath of fresh air in the "Booktubers" community. You got my sub.
Book before BookTube ;)
Do you happen to have a goodreads account? would love to follow
I do but I don't think I even know how to log into it again lol.
What are you currently reading?
Damn, I really needed to hear all this, it made me really step back and slow down. Every reader/book lover should watch this video!! You made some incredible points, and i love the way you spoke about them
This warms my heart. I am so happy this could help you. Thank you for joining this journey!
factsss
He literally started this video by saying ignore this video. 😂
Oh my gosh I did hahaha
@@Thomas.R.Howell it was a great list though. Very helpful. Thanks for the content. I look forward to deleting my TBR and enjoying the moment.
Hello! I do not like book hauls at all. It makes me anxious. I would rather prefer to have videos about book discussions or opinion videos. Thanks.
Just being fair here in this criticism, pointing out the issue of top 10 lists in a video labelled "5 habits...." is just hypocrisy. Whether or not you tell the audience to view is irrelevant, the clickbait has already drawn the people in. You've fallen into the self-help cliché part of youtube.
My point with the top 10 lists for books isn’t that they are bad. It’s about the perspective. When top 10 book lists are being posted weekly sometimes by the same channel, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Those lists focus on quantity not quality. More books more books. Etc.
This whole video is encourage us as readers to step back and slow down.
I don’t having a number in a title is considered cliche nor clickbait especially when I provide what is actually in the title. But that’s my opinion. Call me wrong if you want. I’m new to modern TH-cam and titles and thumbnails.
Just trying to provide a slower paced perspective when it comes to reading books.
Can't express enough my dislike for influencers and people that frame reading as a competition, something quantitative rather than qualitive. So much pressure and its not only in reading, its all of society.
YES! In everything that surrounds us it always seems like a competition. It's exhausting.
and the sad thing is "influencers" have influence. Thus setting the example people will follow.