It's almost painful how much I identify with this video, I feel like my head is going to fall off if I nod any more. I don't know if this is true for you, but when it comes to my recent discussion videos I appreciate the advice I get, but the most helpful thing is having made the video. Like, going through the process of expressing things that have been brewing in my head for a while, but that I haven't actually put into words. And then I find when I put things into words it's SO obvious what's a legitimate worry and what's super dumb. I have the same problem where I don't like carrying books over to the next month, but as soon as I say that out loud to myself it's like, why? There's no fucking reason! Just put it in next month's wrap up! So basically you should feel good about all the video therapy and soul searching you've inspired, cause when neurotic thoughts meet the cold light of reality they sometimes shrivel and die, and good riddance xx
You expressed the issue very well in this video. I have been an active viewer in the booktube community for about a year now and want to start my own channel next year. On average I read about 25-30 books per year, in a good year. I know that sounds pathetic compared to most booktubers. But reading is something I love. I do it to escape and be enveloped in the story. I like to savor one book at a time before moving onto the next. If I were to start my channel and immediately begin telling myself I have to read X number of books per month, do all the read-a-thons, buddy reads and post it on every social media outlet known to man, I would quickly fall out of love with reading. It would take something I love and turn it into work, stressful work. Don't worry about the viewers. We'll still be here whenever you feel like posting. Read what you want, when you want, as much as you want. I would rather hear you do a wrap-up or review on a few books that you were really absorbed in, than 10 books you rushed through to meet the arbitrary deadline of the end of the month. Go take some time and remember what you first loved about reading! Wishing you the best this holiday season.
I had a period of about 8 years where I really fell out of love with reading and what it took for me was a beautiful snowy day sitting by the fire re reading day of the triffids and since I would say I have been hooked again :) I have just ordered the handmaid's tale, the cutting room, invisible man and the bell jar and I'm looking forward to all of them!!
Thanks for both videos. Let me just say, wait until you get to your 50s. You'll really not give a hoot about a lot of this stuff LOLOL. My fave motto is that I'm all out of f***ks to give. Looking forward to your 2018 videos. (I don't care about star rating. I'm more interested in your thoughts. TBR's are okay, whenever you can. But I would rather a variety of books (classics, "old" releases, some new stuff, etc).
Hi Mercedes!!! :) I just want to say as a viewer of your channel since your very first video I feel the only thing viewers expect is that you enjoy making your videos, I love just seeing how excited about books you get, weather that be books you have just brought, books you have read or want to read. I don't think tbr videos are necessary really, and you don't need to review every book in a wrap up if you don't want to talk about that particular book. Just mention and talk about whatever your interested and excited about. Your personality and reading tastes is why I watch your videos so take away all the structures and rules your giving yourself as your viewers will enjoy your videos either way. Reading should be enjoyable as it's a escape from stressful and busy lives so go at your own pace xxx
I have suffered long term depression for many, many years but have improved in recent years. It still flairs up from time to time and can darken my mood quite significantly for a few days. I do find it very hard to read at these times, or even when there's a little anxiety floating around inside me about something. I went through a very hard few days earlier this year but tried to fight against it by picking up a book. My sister-in-law was visiting and loaned me Jane Eyre which I had asked her about. I started reading it and it brought me slowly out the the darkness, as the book took me away into another world and was the best therapy for me. There are times, though when I choose to take a break from reading as I could be doing a good book a disservice by reading during a stressful time, or a low mood time. I usually know after just reading a few pages, so I just put the book mark back where it was and leave it until a later time. I recently went through a slump for almost 5-6 weeks and lost all interest in books. One day I knew I had to re-ignite that flame so I looked around at my books, wondering which one could provide the match, and I grabbed The Trouble With Goats and Sheep. I quickly fell in love with the world it created in my mind, and made me once again realise the magic of books. I'm a very picky buyer of books. I have never bought a book based on the cover, or the synopsis, or due to one person's review. I read many reviews at different online sites, including ones on here, before I will ever go ahead and buy a book. This gives me the best chance that good reads are sitting on my shelves, and I know from the experience with Jane Eyre, and The Trouble With Goats and Sheep, that books can the best help you can get. I agree with the personal nature of star ratings. I sometimes will read a review by someone and by what they say, you'd expect at least 4 stars, if not 5, by what they say. But then you see that they gave it 3 stars. The review is more important than the stars. You only have to be on goodreads a short while to realise that. Edit: I prefer monthly wrap-ups. I think it's because I like hearing about a good many books with short reviews at the one time, rather than a few books with long reviews.
I really like wrap-ups but I also really don't care about if the booktuber has a "system" to when they do them. I just want to feel like the person is excited to make the video. Some booktubers do "recent reads", which is like wrap-ups but whenever they feel like it. Maybe that would suit you?
I only recently found the BookTube community and it surprised me to see how everyone follows the same structured rules. I also noticed that I've started my own TBRs in my head and try to keep to a schedule, which is useful until it creates more anxiety than enjoyment when reading. I've always read a lot but never tried to systemize it before, and I found myself resenting the books I'd been waiting to read. As a viewer, I think the star rating is useful only when you do a quick wrap-up or general comparison of lots of books, rather than in-depth reviews. I follow you because we have similar reading tastes and you give really great and varied recommendations, and that won't change if you decide to move away from the traditional structure of BookTube. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us & I hope you find some space to recoup from this tough year!
I’ve just watched both of your videos and I wanted to let you know how much I’ve appreciated them. I could absolutely relate to you, since this has been one of the worst reading years I’ve had and was questioning everything about it. But I also then realised that this year hasn’t been the greatest for me in my personal life. I hope your reading has improved and that you’re excited about it all again. Thank you for your honesty. 💛
Again, these videos have come at such a perfect time! Honesty on this topic is rare and (as the response has proven) so comforting. I have had lots of the same thoughts over the past 3-4 months as I started to go through a reading lull, and even though I've managed to meet my 2017 goal I still feel as though I forced my way through some of the books I read, and actually couldn't wait for them to be over. It's almost as though I felt I'd be a failure if I couldn't get through a book I'd started, even though I wasn't enjoying it. A lot of the time I do read based on what's coming out at the time and by seeing the ratings of Goodreads/Book Club friends, which may be why I put the pressure on myself to enjoy things as much as others have. You've really shed some light on topics that I had been pondering for a while and it's a relief to hear it from someone who seems to have their 'reading life' in order (ha). I look forward to more videos, whatever you decide to talk about :)
Hello! I just wanted to say that I love watching your videos and I really don't mind whether they are wrap ups, TBRs, chatty videos etc etc..... I just love books and I don't really know many people in the ' real world' who love reading as much as I do so its just great to watch booktubers talking passionately (or dispassionately) about books. And personally I love your reading taste and the way you talk about books so.....I think you are great. Having said that I would never have expectations about what you have/ haven't read,so please don't ever worry about that! Best wishes !!!
It's been so interesting to hear your updated thoughts on this. For me, when it comes to Goodreads rating system, I tend to start things on Goodreads but never mention my star ratings on my channel, unless I feel it's relevant - for example, if I have a lot of critical things to say about a book but actually quite enjoyed it, I might say I gave it three stars to be clearer. Part of the reason for this is that I know my ratings are a lot more generous than how other people rate. I get a similar stress with TBR piles - I rarely make TBR videos, but I make TBR piles by my bed and then get stressed when I'm not getting through it fast enough.
I like doing wrap ups at the end of the month, mostly so I don't forget, and I don't feel like I read "enough" to do them every couple of weeks. I think it's up to how the reader wants to do it. I'm with you, there are things that I'm very critical about on my own channel that I don't notice on others. For instance, I don't really notice if someone doesn't upload on a schedule, or like you mentioned, if they don't read a book they listed on a TBR. I've gone through periods of putting a lot of stress on myself for the sake of my channel, but this past year I've been a lot more relaxed about it. It still is hard when I don't feel like I meet my own personal expectations, but I try to keep the perspective that other people probably don't notice. I'm glad the video making has been helpful in sorting out your thoughts. I was worried that you were going to leave us! I hope you find a good balance with your reading and are able to find that mojo again :) We just like hearing your opinions, no matter the topic.
Great discussion video! I'm really enjoying the conversations we've been having down in the comments sections of these videos. I personally decided to do a massive thinning of my TBR to get ready for the new year--that way, I only have to chose from among books I'm genuinely excited to read instead of feeling guilty for not reading things I *should* be. Also, I hope that your year gets better :) it's definitely tough to deal with an "off" year, especially when it impacts your enjoyment of the things you usually like. Hang in there
You are such a classy lady and have handled all this beautifully! Wow, I am honored that you watched and linked my video😻. I always end my comments with “WISHING YOU HAPPY READING”, and you of all people deserve some in the future 📚📚📚
I have really appreciated your honesty in your last two videos, Mercedes, and can identify with you so much. For me, what I think has contributed to my reading kamikaze nose-dive is a rigid structure of 'this is what I have to read next' (I'm studying towards a PhD in English Lit and so I have particular texts I *have* to read for my thesis). Sometimes the required reading is very drudgy, and because I'm expending a lot of concentration on it, reading becomes a chore. This is very unusual for me, as I absolutely love books and reading, but I was ending up watching more Booktube videos on books than I was actually reading for pleasure. Since I have identified this problem, I've thrown the structured list aside (not totally, but it has a lower priority) and am picking up books depending on my mood at the time - something that cannot be previously ascertained. This has helped enormously, and now I'm back to loving reading again. I notice you say that you'll be trying a similar approach; I hope it works as well for you as it did for me. As for star ratings - great on Goodreads for quick self-reference, as you say, but unnecessary on videos, as they are so subjective. Also, I have rarely bought a book from a TBR video - wrap ups/recommendations are more effective as far as I am concerned. Keep up the good work, and I hope 2018 is a better year for you in all aspects.
I absolutely know where you are coming from in terms of having a meh year, and not being into reading. I went through that a few years ago and just wallowed in tv without reading much. I think everyone gave you excellent suggestions and giving yourself a break is my advice too. I have never been a TBR reader and now that I am on booktube I feel the pressure to always be working from a specific TBR. I will try not to fall into that trap as I can see myself putting pressure on myself as you have been doing. All that being said, I absolutely love your channel, you were one of the folks that inspired me to start my own. I hope you can cut yourself a break, and do whatever feels right in terms of your reading life. Thanks for making such great content and sharing it with us on booktube!
I totally agree that reading mostly new releases could also be a contributing factor. I have been thinking about this myself too recently. There are so many amazing books out there that have stood the test of time that I have never read and really would like to. Since I started watching Book Tube, I have increasingly been buying and reading new releases too and getting caught up with the excitement of new books especially as I’ve started following book prizes as well. I decided to remedy this by joining in with Victober this year and I’m so glad I did as I’ve rediscovered my love of classics and how, Victorian novels in particular can be cosy, atmospheric reads with just the right combination of beautiful, lyrical writing with immersive plot and character development. This has just confirmed my initial thought that reading only new releases can sometimes be damaging to a reader. I hope things get better for you soon. I also understand (only too well) how feeling low can affect reading or anything else you enjoy doing but I’m sure things will pick up. Loving books as much as you clearly do doesn’t just go away overnight :-)
When you were describing the "rules and regulations" you put on yourself to finishing things at certain time reminded me of reading assignments for homework!
I have been following your channel for a long time now and love watching your videos. I love how much of you comes out, your thoughts, your honesty, its refreshing, I look forward to your videos. I like the star ratings you give as I respect your opinion and it points me in the direction of books to read as well as the choices I make myself. The main thing I want to stress that is important to me is that you dont put any stress on yourself, I will watch ANY video's you choose to do. It really doesn't matter if you dont do TBR's, just do whatever feels right for you, when you want to do them. I am a list maker too, I have a lovely bullet journal with lists in that I forget about once I've had the fun of putting my lists in. Thats ok, its my journal and Ive had some fun times writing my lists. take care of you first, any videos you do will be welcome, whatever topic, whenever they arrive, I'll be happy with.Im thankful for what you do.
I don't find star-ratings in reviews particularly interesting (although I have to admit, I sometimes do them myself in my own video's...). I never do 'public tbr's' for exactly the reasons you mentioned, i.e. I would feel obliged to read a book even if I changed my mind since doing the tbr (which is silly, as you said, because nobody remembers the tbr). And re wrap-ups: I just love video's in which people talk about the books they read/are reading, whether its a weekly wrap-up or a mixture of reviews and 'currently reading' or whatever other format people come up with. And I certainly don't expect a booktuber to stick with the 'typical' booktube formats, i.e. monthly haul, then tbr, then wrap-up. The channels I watch the most, have almost all found their own, personal way of doing it, and I think thats great. x
I appreciated your candor about your mood and how you have been feeling this year. That can definitely affect your reading life and sap the joy out of the things you love. Sending you all the best wishes to get in a better head space for 2018. Fantastic discussion video! I understand where you are coming from in regards to the stresses you put on yourself about reading. Especially when booktube is so focused on breaking things into monthly or weekly reading it can be so easy to think “ Oh I have to get this read before the end of the month.” I think you are right to try to reject that thinking and I hope it helps make your reading more enjoyable :) In regards to the star ratings, as a viewer I actually appreciate hearing star ratings. Even if they are some times redundant, it helps me to quickly and easily reference how they feel about a particular book. I have heard some sentiments lately that goodreads ratings are cheap or ineffective at communicating your thoughts about a book. I guess perhaps if the star rating is the only thing you say about a book, then that is cheap. But legitimately nobody on booktube does that. Star ratings give me a piece of helpful information. And if you truly don’t think they help, does hearing someone say their star rating truly lessen the quality of their review? I don’t think so. Plus when you think about it, almost all high profile reviewers of anything use star ratings to communicate their reviews (movies, albums, plays etc). So yeah. I am a firm defender of the star rating. It’s not the end all be all by any means and I don’t think we should freak out about trying to differentiate between a 3 and 4 Star read or anything like that. But it is is a piece of information that helps me. I am appreciating all the discussions your video has prompted and hope that as we approach the new year you rekindle your love of reading. Best wishes :)
I love that you made this update. I’ve been having growing pains with reconciling my true reading self with my booktube reading self and I identify with a lot of what you say here. Here’s to putting less pressure on ourselves in 2018 and reconnecting with our true reading selves!
I would love to see whatever videos you feel like making about whichever books you feel like reading. Don’t do anything you don’t feel like doing! I just enjoy all your content and have discovered SO many new authors from your channel - you have great taste in books and express yourself so articulately. I hope you’re able to let go of some of the pressure you put on yourself so you can find more enjoyment in reading again xxx Wish you peace and love
I agree so much with what you shared. When I am going through a rough patch at work, or my relationships, I find it difficult to read with any great focus, so then reading is kind of blah, if I am able to read at all. Thank you for the video.
Thank you so much for this video. Actually I have read only 18 books this year and almost the whole year was one big reading slump for me and I keep feeling totally burnt out about reading. Even though I am just a watcher of videos and not creator. And because I have OCD it just blow up in my mind more and more. But now I feel like you have managed to pinpoint exactly what it was. The overwhelming feeling that I have to finish the book before the end of the month, that I need to finish book and immediately start another and even need to think about all the other fantastic book while I am reading something else. I think I am just done with reading for this year and I will start again next year with hopefully clearer mind and more energy and love for reading again. So thank you a lot for helping me to better process this thing. And greeting from Czech Republic, take care. :)
I should start by saying thank you for all your videos and especially for these two. You are not alone (clearly.) Reader fatigue is affecting so many of us for the reasons you named and more (news and social media and other things we consume surely contribute to the sense of being overwhelmed by duties and passions alike.) To answer your question(s), I LOVE YOUR STAR RATINGS. I've come to trust your reviews and that's a compliment to your eloquence, tastes, and thoroughness (you accomplish so much, give so much detail of what informed your rating that we know how to understand X star rating in most, if not all, cases). AS FOR WRAP UPS, MEH. Monthly ones are great but I wouldn't be bothered if they came infrequently, or not on a schedule at all. We've come to love your chatty, unstructured videos. We appreciate you so you should know we are along for the ride, not the rules. I also wonder if you shouldn't TAKE A BREAK? Even one month?... some time away from booktube to hit refresh. We'd miss you but your happiness (and enjoyment of life and books and everything in between) is more important. LAST THING... I'm an emerging writer, and even I have noticed how little I enjoy reading these days. There is a pressure to read for quantity not qualitative intake. And the contemporary stuff is unpredictable. Sometimes it's super well marketed (so may disappoint) or the reader hype is intense (so the solitary reading experience does not match the rumour mill.) And most of the time I can think of s classic that did 'it' better. It makes me sad as a writer to know we are not living up to general expectations BUT your honest reviews and critical reading are among the reasons writers like me work hard at story construction and characterization and lyrical prose et al.-- to wow readers like you. So again, thank you
Sorry to hear you've had a slumpy year, I've had a few months like that and it certainly effects everything. In terms of wrap ups I enjoy watching them whether they are monthly or weekly but also like book reviews which I feel I see a lot less of now on book tube than I did a year or so ago.
Thoughtful and practical response to the first vid - I really enjoyed watching this. I'm glad you haven't swept your feelings under the carpet and are keeping us abreast of developments! Any pressures I put on myself seem to go against me (especially when trying to lose weight but that's a completely different tangent we won't go off on), the point being I react badly to feeling 'made' to do something in a certain time limit. It's guaranteed to kill any pleasure! I hope your new plan works for you. Ref star ratings - I do find them useful as a guide BUT I do like to read/watch reviews to go with it. It's not always easy to rate books this way but It's better than nothing. I have always enjoyed your videos whatever they are so I don't think a few less books on the list is going to make a difference! You have a natural warmth, intelligence and humour that shows through all your discussions. So thank you and keep up the good work :)
Thank you so much for sharing and your honesty. I’m going through the same thing. I thought I was just picking up bad books or that my expectations were too high, but really it’s because I’m also feeling down and not in the mood to do the things that bring me joy like reading. I recently relistened to the HP series and that helped a little bit. It allowed me to do other things that I felt like doing at the moment, and that helped with my anxiety, like coloring, doing a puzzle, or playing a game. I didn’t feel guilty for not reading. Hope things get better for you.
You are me of last year in many, many ways. It's really nice to hear you chat openly about this because it's exactly where I got to the with, "This is all just silly." Example: I just pulled 20 books off my shelves to toss because I am like ehn about then. Three of them are new releases. One I promised myself I'd read by the end of the month. I NO LONGER CARE. I'm not in the mood anymore so whatever. Last year this would have literally made me cry. I like star ratings from other people but I also love to listen to (especially your) longform reviews so I'm not fussy (and I suspect lots of people will agree with me). I stopped using them on my channel and no one noticed. I think wrap-ups are fun if it's 5 recent books per wrap-up or monthly but I get a bit stressed when people number them (like books 21 - 27 and I'm like FUUUUCK, did I watch 17 - 21 I don't remember agggghhhhh). TD;DR version of this comment? Loves ya no matter what you do and I will be cheering for you over here in the No Rules camp with cookies and streamers whenever you're ready. Xxx
When I was thinking about my reading goals for this year and looking forward to the next, one of the things I realized is that I have a tendency to want to do everything in a very orderly fashion, and I think that is sort of linked with tbrs, the planning books beforehand, the list making, etc. - that takes the spontaneity out of reading. It's a nice idea as a concept to do things in an organized manner, but it's not necessarily helpful in promoting excitement and wonder in a thing like reading, in my opinion. Loved to hear your thoughts!
I related to this video SO SO much. Thank you always for being so honest and forthright with us, it's refreshing and really allows me as a reader to connect with you and what you're saying. With regards to how people discuss the books they have recently read, I don't really care if the person has a system or not, I am just curious to see what they read and what opinions they have. It could be one at a time or once every 6 months and I will still watch and be interested as long as I feel the person is being genuine. Much luck, can't wait until whenever you are able to and/or want to upload! :)
Thank you so much for being honest about how your general mood or how your mental health can affect your reading experience. Recently I’ve been busy and tired and feeling rather meh and it’s made my TBR Reading so painful and un enjoyable this month. I am hoping next month I can feel better and my reading improve too. I wish you all the best over the next few months and the upcoming new year and I hope you get your reading mojo back and feel better. I love your videos and I just want you to know your video last week wasn’t overly negative it was refreshingly honest. So thank you for a fantastic and relatable video 👍🏼😊
Thank you for sharing this videos; I connected with these on a scary level. I've had a rough 2017 too and recently found my reading was either (a) awful or (b) non -existent. What helped me the most was taking a nice long break and then just waiting until I found the perfect book. From following BookTube, I noticed I put some pressure on myself to read more and read differently, even though I don't have a channel. Sometimes this pressure is healthy - RinceyReads and Frenchidee have inspired me to read more diversely, for example - but sometimes I feel like the pressure might be too much. I know it's going to sound trite, but I mean it honestly: the most important thing is to take care of yourself and give yourself time to do what you like however you want to. And it sounds like you're doing that, which is wonderful!
Another fantastic video! On your questions at the end, I (like you) like star ratings on goodreads but I don't get a lot out of them on booktube, particularly for middle of the road (3 stars) books. I think I would find it more useful to hear what kind of person the reader thinks would enjoy it (e.g. read this if you want a bit of light fun/an adventure/etc) or summarise feelings about the book using key words. We are generally speaking on booktube, so we don't have to rely on numbers - use words!
My solution to my last reading slump turned out to be surprisingly simple. Re-reading my all time favourites! Slump gone - ready for anything after that.
What i really love is all the discussions your video has prompted, would love to see this more! Just watching booktube has changed how I read massively so I can only imagine what making videos too must do! I personally love wrap ups, and use star ratings with caution -more interested in whether people felt strongly for or against the book to be honest. xx
Thanks for this lovely chatty video which got me through the ironing. ;) I agree with you on the star ratings. They’re a useful shorthand in goodreads but not necessary on videos. Also, viewers understand that a star rating is limited and doesn’t convey the nuances of your reaction to the book. Overall though we so appreciate an honest video about anything book-related, and the confidence to say you’ve not read something you had been planning to read, touches a chord with all of us. I’ve got one book left on my ‘TBR bingo’ card and it’s Master & Margarita. But I’m just not feeling Russian and picked up His Bloody Project which I’m really enjoying. Be ruthless (Shawn’s bailing video is good on this) and keep a beautiful stack of books of all types that you want to read so there’s one to match your mood on any given day. And yes starting a new book at bedtime is fraught!
I’m not even a booktuber and I feel the pressure of finishing a book so much that I doubt my overall enjoyment as I read. It’s because there’s SO many amazing books I want to read and (it feels like) so little time to get through them so I can’t imagine how you feel! I love that you’re reflective and evaluative of books and yourself. I really enjoy goodreads ratings, purely because it gives me an overall idea, eg I saw that you’d rated A Tale for the time being as 5 star and I’m half way through and think it’s going to be a favourite of all time. I also love that you’re about my age and have similar thoughts and values to me. Anyway, my point is that I think you’re amazing and I hope people’s advice helps you and that 2018 is a great year for you.
I feel exactly the same! Especially when it comes to setting myself stress inducing goals which there is no need for in the first place. I think for me it started in University when I was studying literature. I was reading in a time bracket every week and I had all the books I had to read already set out for me. I suppose I've stuck with that mentality even after I finished uni. I've made something I used to love in to a chore instead of an enjoyment. I'm slowly learning to enjoy reading again and to not put unnecessary pressure on myself. I think reading an old favourite in such a good idea too! I recently started listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks and it's really helped me to find an enjoyment in reading again (:
i think it's so interesting to think about the stress we put on ourselves with structures that we ourselves decide. i've read the least i have ever this year since i started keeping track of what i read and i've just let the pressure of it go. sometimes i think 'oh, i should read more' but then i would watch netflix etc and now this past week i got all this energy to read and have been reading a book in a night or two nights. it's just been interesting to watch the development of my reading and helps to know that i'm not alone when i watch your videos & Alina's on reading fatigue.
I fully understand where you're coming from, I had to deal with the exact same thing last year. It ended up being, just like with what it sounds like you're doing, a stepping back. I was also really hung up on my own arbitrary rules, and it really helped me to shake them off. I also started throwing caution to the wind with what I was reading, I have hit some real bad ones, but it makes it so much more fun to pick up the next read if it's something completely different than the last. I do not remember TBRs, just like you said. I'm also terrible at them which is why I typically don't make them. I do enjoy wrap-ups, I make those weekly but my favorite syle is what Helene at Helene Jeppesen does with the monthly vlogs. Those of course aren't for everyone though. But I watch nearly any wrap up that crosses my feed. I also agree with you on star ratings in videos. I don't put much stock in them, I like to give arbitrary numbers on Goodreads, but my views evolve so much I tend to not bother with them outside of that platform. So if you were to stop telling star ratings I would probably not even notice, you'd be on track for me. Great video as always, and I think you got this. I look forward to your next one!
I think your thoughts represent the feelings of so many booktube content makers and viewers so thanks for voicing your thoughts! I hope things start to get a bit better for you reading and otherwise! My two cents- I personally find that I get overwhelmed at the end of the month with the massive influx of wrap ups in my feed to watch all at once- then for the rest of the month I’m struggling to find things to watch- so if a booktuber makes a wrap up (or similar) at a different time of the month- I’m more excited to watch it and more likely to watch it. But having said- Wrap ups, recent reads, collection of mini reviews- whatever you want to call them or whatever format or however often- just hearing people’s opinions on books they have read are my favourite type of videos (as opposed to tbr’s or hauls). I really don’t mind how you choose to do them! Who my favourite booktubers are is based on book tastes and how they talk about the books they read- not about the format of their wrap up, how often or how many books they read. Some of my favourite booktubers read 20 books a year and don’t do monthly wrap up’s at all- and that is completely fine! A random other piece of non asked for advice would be- When you’re doing a wrap up- don’t say at the beginning I read x amount of books this month (and analysis on that how good/bad that is). Why do we need to know the number?- it's just creating unnecessary pressure & dissatisfaction. If viewers want to they can count the number of books - but I’m interested in which books you read and what you thought of them- not if it was 2, 5, 8 or 10 books read that month.
This was such an interesting video! I agree on your points about the goodreads rating. I like it as a broad overview but hearing more in depth thoughts in reviews is a good way to tell us your rating (though I don't mind hearing the rating at all). I think I like monthly wrap ups the most. I don't have a booktube channel but when you talked about the feelings about choosing the next book to read I was like "Oh my god that's so me!" My whole life I've identified as a reader and I've reached the point where it makes me kind of anxious when I don't knowing what to read next especially when I've finished a book. I don't feel like myself when I don't know what I will read next or when I'm not reading which is ridiculous and stressing me out too.
I enjoyed your previous video but I loved this one. You put into words so many things I do as well as a reader, from feeling guilty about not picking the books on my TBR to mentally think about how much I should read to finish a book before the end of the month. And I’m also trying to stop doing that. If it takes weeks to finish one book so be it. One of the things I realised was that I was letting negative feeling into my reading and I just can’t allow it anymore. I also think booktube, blogging and bookstagramming put a lot of pressure on people’s reading, as if you need to put content out there all the time. Regarding wrap-ups, do them as you feel most comfortable. Don’t follow a rule. I used to do them but now I settled for a reading diary. Everytime I finish a book, I write it down alongside my feelings. Like a reading vlog. And I don’t use ratings. As you said, it means different things for different people and I prefer to know people’s feelings regarding a book and explaining why they liked it or not rather than have a number. It’s okay if you put the rating after the explanation though, because it makes the viewer familiar with the meaning behind the number.
Appreciate your honesty so much, Mercedes! Honestly, it sounds like you need to be kinder to yourself and remember that reading is your passion and a hobby! I think I speak for all of us here when I say we couldn't care less if your wrap-ups don't align with your TBRs! We're all human and I'd hate to think you were constrained in your reading just because of some unnecessarily rigid system. I'm just always interested to hear your thoughts on books (regardless of star ratings) and I'll continue to watch your channel regardless of what you read! Really hope things improve for your reading life in the new year!
Thank you for this really honest video. This definitely reminds me of myself a couple of years ago where I just fell out of love with reading but in the past few months I have started to get back into it again, just by rereading some favourites and not feeling pressured to read if I don’t feel like it. I am not bothered about the star ratings for the books, I just love to get your opinions on the books you read. This is far more interesting to me x
First off, I'm so impressed with how well you've dissected you're reading lifestyle and have begun to put things into proper perspective, as it pertains to your perception of what reading should mean to you. I think sometimes, the balance between critical observation and reading for the sake of pure enjoyment become skewed, especially when there are the added factors of Booktube and Good Reads (both of which I love). I understand completely what you are feeling, having felt very similarly not that many years ago. After some soul searching, I decided that it was more important to allow myself to enjoy a book, even if it meant letting go of some of my critical hang ups. I then decided to no longer rate books by stars. Instead, I rate them by hearts, signifying my level of enjoyment. As a critical reader, I came to associate the star rating with my critical analysis of a book, rather than my enjoyment of it...silly I know, but it made a big difference for me. I think the instinct to be critical is present in all readers to some degree. The cultivation of that ability is important certainly. I just think that getting caught up in it can overshadow the reason we read to begin with. Sorry for the ramble. Great couple of videos! Sending you loads of good reading vibes! 😊💙📚💙📚💙📚💙
Mmm, I had the feeling from your last video that there was stuff going on with you personally--it's the same with me this year, so I totally get it. During times like this, I think it's important to remember to be kind to yourself, especially since you are aware of the fact that mood issues are negatively influencing when, how, and and how often you read. It's okay if you're not reading as much in the moment; in times like that, I think it's better to be selfish, and focus on yourself. Once you start feeling better, the things you used to love will start drawing you in again. Alternatively, read things you feel would help you through the feeling. For me, reading acclaimed self-help books and books about my mental health demographic helped, since they were able to help me determine how best to work my way back to my usual self and how to handle the stress of hobbies. When it came to my hobbies, I had to let go of the idea that quantity determined my worth and ability as a reader, and doer of other hobbies more generally. By letting myself take a breather from the number of books I read, the genres I tend to read, the time periods I tend to read from or about, &c., I was able to 1) be less of a book snob (just to clarify, i'm not implying you are one by any means lol xD;; ), and 2) rediscover what I like and dislike, which got me excited again to read certain books. I'm still nowhere near the type of reader I used to be, and although that makes me feel bad sometimes, it's not a bad _thing._ It just means my taste, my responsibilities, and how I take in information is changing, and that's perfectly okay :)
TBRs are so strange. I completely agree with you on what you said about them! I put so much stress on myself about needing to read those books first, while I don't care at all if someone else keeps to their own TBRs or not. I don't know why it works like that. It does definitely make me realise I should make them only if I really want to and mostly not promise anything about finishing certain books to anyone, not even myself. And YES, it is very silly, but I think it's hard to not do these things. List making is part of my excitement for the books I'll get to read in the future, but in result also stresses me out! Weird, we booktubers.
Star rating in videos is something I only find useful in the sense that I have heard you speak about so many books and therefore now trust your opinion in such a way that I sort of know how to interpret a star rating (does that make any sense? :P) and can use it in deciding whether or not to pick up a certain book, BUT I always always put more value on arguments and explanations as to why something is good or bad, because that gives me more to think about and makes it easier to decide whether a book is for me or not. That's also why I really enjoy reading wrap ups, because I might not click on a review video of a book I've never hear about, while a wrap up will inevitably also introduce me to books I don't know.
This was great we all do that even if it's not books, so glad you shared yourself , loved to get to know you more and I enjoy you so very much and your reviews
This video really made me think about something my brother said the other day -- I recommended a new book to him and he replied that he only reads books that are 5+ years old because then they've had to stand the test of time (unless they're in a series he's reading). It really made me think about how I'm always trying to pick up new releases. and wanting to be up to date on the book discussions, and even though I don't make my own videos, it is nice to feel like part of the conversation in a broader sense. Anyways I've been having my own internal dialogue/ reflections about this over the last few weeks too because I'm sure there are so many books released say 4-6 years ago that I missed in the moment, but its like I'm barreling forward so fast that I don't take the time to seek out those books I could have missed from like 2005 or a random year like that. and I'm reading these books in the moment that are 3star reads that I had so much hype for b/c I had just read all the publicity... but if I spent more time on those books that "lasted" from 6 years ago maybe I'd have less 3star reads. Anyways I loved the video and always love your content! :)
I feel the same way as you do when it comes to star ratings - if I know that person it can be useful but generally for me when reviewing I tend to just leave the star rating out if I feel I’ve sad enough. I also do wrap ups ever 5 books which I love! It’s definitely taken the pressure off reading at the end of the month and then I don’t feel so guilty if I don’t read so many books per month either. Both of these videos were so interesting to watch and definitely made me reflect on my own reading/booktube. I hope you find what works for you soon!
When you talked about stressing yourself out about finishing your TBR books it really got to me. I've been doing that lately and I think it's affecting my reading. I think I'm going to skip doing TBRs for a while. I have one set up for December and I think i'm excited about this one. What I find that's hard is I get books from the library and I feel the pressure to read them quickly even though I end up reading them way before they're due. Also, it's not like they're not going to be in the library anymore if I don't get to them this time, so why am I stressing about finishing them all in time. I also started reading more than one book at a time this year, and I'm not sure if it's affected my reading or not. I feel like it's making me enjoy this less. Another great thought provoking video Mercedes. You've left me with some things to think about.
'Structure' is such a double-edged sword. Booktube staples (TBRs, wrap-ups, hauls, etc) are incredibly helpful to me (as a booktube viewer) to sound out a person's reading preferences. Their likes, their dislikes, their fave genres, eras, etc. It also helps highlight their passions and in turn sheds light on their personality. It's also wonderfully helpful in finding like-minded readers, whose opinions over time I can come to trust and use to guide some of my own reading choices. However, sticking to these videos, especially for folks like yourself, who have done them over and over for years, I imagine could become predictable, tedious, run-of-the-mill and very samey to film. I've also seen booktubers get themselves so worked up about following-up on their TBRs, tags, etc, that their anxieties and frustrations surrounding filming, totally eclipses the joy and excitement they once had for gushing about books. Just my 2 cents, but my favourite videos of yours have always been ones just like this. Just a chat :) No real structure (points, thoughts you wish to cover, naturally) but very open, lovely ramblings. When you're you, sat in front of a camera and you're excited and busting a gut to tell people about a great read or a bloody awful one, I say hit that little red button and give a big fat bird to the pressures, anxieties and doubts that start entering your mind. When it's all said and done, there really is no pressure, no timelines, no rules. There are shelves upon shelves of lovely books and it is always a joy to watch your eyes light up and hear the passion and enthusiasm in your voice when you've discovered a gem ;) (Truth be known, it is equally as entertaining when you've read a complete load of rubbish too.) x
I agree with what you said about TBR videos. I feel like they are essentially the same as show and tells of books that may feature in that month/season's wrap up. I've been watching booktube for over 5 years and I've never remembered what books people say they wanna read in a month, unless they themselves bring it up that they didn't get around to it. I still like watching TBR's because I like seeing what people are interested in reading. I know this is more advice but its a strategy I use to choose my next book to read if the pressure feels too much and to keep it fresh. I have a numbered list of owned unread books and then use a random number generator for it to pick me a book. Either trust the first number or repeat until a title excites you. Don't know if that would help but it is a little fun and has helped me when I've found myself stuck. I hope you manage to lessen some of this anxiety about reading so you can enjoy it like you would like. Love your channel by the way. Been watching for years.
Another fab video. I know the feeling of creating arbitary rules, and i feel like booktube and my channel has influenced my own silly rules. It seems hard to kind of "get over" these rules, but i think it's worth it for reading enjoyment. I've been there with the "but i have to finish this book before the end of the month" thing, and honestly it's so silly when you think about it! I think that that was a large reason i stopped with monthly wrap-ups. And my thoughts on the star-rating system are basically the same as yours. They're useful for a generic overview and getting an idea of what people think of a book, but if i read or watch a proper review, i don't really care what star-rating is given. I hope that your mood improves soon and that things in life start looking more positive for you ♥
Mercedes, it's important to remember that we as viewers don't care so much about what your posting. we like watching your videos because of you. so just do you. also I like star ratings especially on days when I'm tired and just watching a wrap up. I may not be as engaged as I should be and hearing that star rating spikes my interest a bit. also wrap ups are my favorite. and your weekend reading vlogs you did before. or cozy reading night vlogs. I know those would probably be stressful for you now but maybe in the future. also just know I love your channel and I know a lot of people who love it as well. I look forward to your videos. I check once a day just to see if you've uploaded. your good at this. just make sure to take care of you. I only read three books last month which was less than all year and I feel much happier. so do whatever makes you happy. sorry for rambling. its 11:16pm in the US and past my bedtime. happy reading and I look forward to your next video.
I relate so much to this video and the last one as well. It's the end of the year... I've read 78 books so far. My first year on booktube I read 180! I thought since I read so many the first year I had to "beat" that goal and if I didn't I was a failure. Year after year since then it has dwindled from 180 to 135, to 146, to 78! I haven't been doing anything major like t.v. watching or anything else distracting, I just didn't feel like reading. Which snowballed into me thinking my viewers would think I wasn't putting in the effort. Like you said though, NO ONE CARES! I make myself feel bad when it doesn't matter. That goes with TBR's, participating in readathons and just the expectation of me doing the monthly wrap ups. Yes, I'm sure my fellow viewers are happy to see a video, but I don't think they care so much as to what my reasons or excuses are for not doing what I said I was going to do. People get busy, bored, and just tired and lazy. That should be fine. I think all of Booktube in 2018 should be more relaxed and chill. We should do what we love and why we started our channels in the first place. To talk about books. There shouldn't be pressure. I tend to forget my channel and reading for that matter, is a hobby NOT a job. I don't HAVE to do anything ;) Good luck with the rest of the year. And good luck with 2018. I know I'm going to do away with my "cement" TBR's and read what I feel like. I haven't really done that since I started my channel.
I don't often watch wrapups these days. I used to enjoy them, but I grew a bit tired of them, especially when they all come out at roughly the same time... I prefer recommendations videos. Maybe this is just temporary though. I'm very changeable as a viewer (AND as a Booktuber!). Nothing is ever set in stone for me. I do find star ratings useful though, and I hate it when people can't make up their mind and say things like 2.75 stars. Urgh. 😇 Great video! Don't stress about your channel, it's not worth it. I also stress about mine from time to time, so I guess it's natural, but it's definitely not healthy. Besides, like you said, most viewers don't care about any of this :)
I just recently gave myself permission to read children's books. There are several that look interesting, often have great art, and can just be fun. Reading should be about personal enjoyment and if you're not, figure out why. Jen Campbell has some great silent picture book recommendations that might be a helpful palette cleanser if you need it. I think a year end wrap up would be nice because obviously you have an audience for your reading habits but also to check in on how you're doing with this. Maybe something about plans for next year. You said you want to get away from reading a lot of new releases but there are bound to be some you're still interested in. Keep us posted and stay excellent.
I agree with this video so much! I think at a time we always feel certain pressure when we are part of a hobby community (in this case, reading, but it has happened to me in other contexts as well), and then we all have that moment of thinking "but why am I making this so hard for myself when literally nobody is forcing me to do it like that". I do TBRs, challenges, checklists but then constantly read things that aren't there and have learnt not to feel guilty about it. I admit I struggle with reading large books and not feeling guilty about not not finishing them right away, but I understand it's something I need to get past. Regarding the GR system, I like it but I don't consider it "systematic" at all. I never care about average ratings, I only notice them with reviewers I follow so I know what the rating really means. If not, I just read reviews at random. Regarding wrap ups, I like them in any format the Booktuber likes. I usually stay for the books and the person. In some cases, we don't even read the same books but I'll follow them just because I think they are fun and offer variety. So you do you! I think the issue is we sometimes try to be overly systematic when things needn't be, and that puts so much pressure on us. Coming from someone who loves making lists and schedules, I think it is important to enjoy the making them as an experience and then follow them to the extent to which we feel comfortable and not be afraid or feel guilty if we want to change! Anyways, sorry for the long comment, but I'm glad to hear you're doing better! I'll look forward to your next videos!
I think for wrap ups I probably prefer slightly smaller, more in-depth wrap ups. I've really enjoyed the videos where you cover three similar books, and I particularly like "recent reads"-style videos, where people just talk about books they've recently read and their thoughts on them, quite soon after reading them. I don't really like monthly wraps ups as I find they tend to just be a bit of a long list and not really that interesting to watch. I'd also just like to make the comment that I think Booktubers worry too much about their video schedules, and as you said, no one really cares. I honestly don't give a shit about people's schedules; I watch every single video of yours and have no idea what your video schedule is or how often you do monthly wrap ups or whatever. What I do remember is what you thought about a book and books I'd like to read based on your experience of them, because that is why I watch your channel. I actually find the scheduling thing quite annoying because it means at the beginning of the month I have a lot of TBRs in my subscription box, at the end of the month I have a lot of wrap ups, and in the middle everything goes a bit quiet. I would much rather people just did whatever felt natural to them! I love your honesty as always, thanks for such great discussion videos.
I plan a monthly TBR, but the only ones I 'have' to read from it are the ones with a deadline (say for bookclub). I plan my reading sometimes because I am planning a theme - for example, over Christmas I really want to rewatch Wuthering Heights and To Walk Invisible, but I want to accompany it with reading some books by and about the Brontes - but I don't feel guilty about the 'choice' books, and I don't force myself to read that theme if I've changed my mind. Maybe give yourself that bit more flexibility. Only plan if you have a book you HAVE to read, and the rest, just go and pick up whatever you feel.
Personally, I really like these types of videos because this for me was super relatable and real and it helps with my own approach to reading. I too have become quite obsessive with my reading and it can wear you down, so that's why videos like yours help when booktubers are honest about their reading and read for themselves, not just for others. I can imagine it's quite easy as a booktuber to end up reading for your viewers but personally I think wrap ups and recommendations etc are so much better when the reader's heart is in it. So yeah, I think you're doing great and I hope reading becomes fun for you again 😊 x
I enjoy the weekly wrap ups that many people have been filming. I can take or leave the star ratings. I'm not a fan of book hauls--I want to hear about books you've actually read and whether you enjoyed them or not. I've been watching a few 'Book Hauls Revisited' on other channels and it completely reinforces the fact that we buy way more books than we actually read (and that's okay! but please tell me about what you've actually read). I usually skip the videos on the short-lists for prizes because I see and hear the same thing over and over. I enjoy seasonal TBRs more than monthly. I like to hear about buddy reads (coordinated discussions would be great!). Best wishes on getting your reading mojo back!
Oh my word. Guilt over having chosen a book or books to read and then feeling that beastly guilt over setting books tbr and then changing my mind. Nothing to do with Book Tube, more to do with Library Thing and a group I’ve belonged to there. I’m backing out of that group, almost hiding my reading. I love making lists too, but don’t want to follow them! I’m going to try to just free read...and I hope that will take the pressure off. I like wrap-ups but the frequency isn’t important. It’s how the reader feels. Ratings I can take or leave. I’d much rather hear a few minutes about what was right and wrong with the book, and the reader’s reaction to it. I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time right now, and hope that things will get sorted soon. Love to you.
I am the same with the piles of books. I never show that part of my shelf it’s a mess. I completely understand your bullying yourself into reading books you’re not as crazy to read anymore. This video feels very much like something I feel quite often. Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re amazing! Btw I do not care about star ratings and I’m not sure how to do or how many wrapups to do on my channel so you’re not alone
When you are a Serious Reader, books and reading feel like a part of your identity and when mental health or a tough year affects that, it is incredibly disorienting. Most of my year has been the same. I've only really got back into reading in October (your readathon really helped with that, so thank you!). My advice is don't be too hard on yourself, try not to think too much about what to read next, and just go with your mood! Star ratings aren't super useful and wrapups don't have to be on a strict schedule. The book that made me fall back in live with reading again is As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann. I don't hear anyone talk about it, but it's a beautifully written (if macabre) story with a complex narrator. It's one of those slow-moving books bursting with details. It helped me, so maybe it will help you. I hope your year gets a little better soon. ❤
As you said, star ratings are very personal to every reader so I always find it a little more helpful if people say if they would recommend it or not because that tells me that they really liked it. And referring to the list making but not wanting to cross something off, I can relate to that so much. I've made two lists in the last month of books that I want to read before the end of 2017 and I kind of lose interest in them after a while? I still want to read them but seeing these piles makes me feel guilty for not reading them and then I don't want to read them at all? Not sure I'm making sense here ^^ but as a viewer, I really enjoy wrap-ups and individual reviews. I find them very helpful and interesting and they are honestly my favourite videos to watch. (And I also really enjoy rant reviews like you did with A Little Life. I know that's a bit of a controversial opinion but when someone really disliked a book I want to know why.) x
for your question about wrap ups -- my favorite ones tend to be shorter weekly or biweekly wrap ups with fewer books because sometimes at the end of the month there are so many books that I just kind of lose track of them all/ forget some by the end of the video.. and so many people are posting monthly wrap ups that all the books I'm seeing get just kind of lost within the massive numbers of it all. I do enjoy hearing people's star ratings because most booktubers I follow I have come to know the way they personally rate books so to me it is really useful to see that reference for how I could potentially enjoy it myself.
I totally understand how your personal life and struggles can spill into the amount you read and how much you enjoy what you read. About 6 weeks ago my significant other was held at gunpoint at work. While my life was never in danger, the second hand trauma really affected me. For the first 3 weeks I wasn't able to concentrate enough to read, much less enjoy it as I always have. Even now that I'm back to reading I'm reading around 50 pages a week (I was reading around 300 pages a week before this event).
Thank your for sharing this! I find this topic to be extremely important just so we can be more empathetic towards ourselves and don't go crazy over our own goals and expectations. As a viewer, I do appreciate the star rating system as a broader way to think about books - exactly like you said in the video. I won't need the star rating if you talk about the book for 4 minutes, but if you don't feel like talking it up (or down), then the stars are pretty useful. About the wrap-ups, I don't really care about the format. Wrap-ups and reviews are my favourite videos because I get to know more deeply about some books in particular and they just make more sense to me, but I don't mind if we get a video per book, a video per week or a video per month. I'm fine with whatever works the best for the reviewer, really. :)
I stopped giving star ratings to books last year as I found they didn't really work for me. I can find faults in books I really enjoy and I can find good points in books I dislike and I couldn't figure out how to apply this to ratings. I know myself that when I'm suffering for any sort of stress that my own reading takes a backseat and that's when I become increasingly possessive of the What's on TV guide's Sudoku. Personally, I'm rather fond of wrap-ups for my own channel and they can work for me because sometimes they're the only videos I can make during the month. However, I'm a big proponent of folk doing right by themselves and whatever you think is best for you at this time is what you've got to do. I am rather fond of your videos and look forward to whatever is next.
I fell in love with a few book tube channels a couple of years ago (including yours) and recently I've found I'm watching less and less of the content. Even though I adore you all and love books I found that I wasn't reading as much as I wanted to as I was watching too much. For what it's worth, I think quite a few of you place so many conditions on reading that it's not really a sustainable way to be so I'm not surprised there's a bit of a burn-out factor. My thoughts on star ratings - not my cup of tea, although in saying that, if I'm interested in a book but not sure I want to read it I will seek out the lower star ratings on goodreads to see why people didn't like it. What I really miss most of all is just browsing through my local bookshop, finding books that I FEEL like reading rather than what's been recommended. Sometimes serendipity is the best way to live.
i think you've got some great insights into yourself and that you're casting off an old skin that's grown to small and slipping on a new and roomier one!!
I could really relate to the part about despite not uploading TBR videos, we still make these sort of mental lists (or even physical ones) which then cause stress or guilt. And I also do the thing of parceling out a book so I can have it finished by a certain date. I often give myself a deadline, even though I don't need to. It's funny, it's like booktube really structured our reading lives, and now we find those structures we have grown used to thinking in to be anxiety-inducing and we have to unstructure our reading lives again. Also thank you so much for the kind words about my videos!
I don´t have a channel but I still put a lot of pressure on myself on reading a lot both in therms of number of books and pages so even though I don´t have a channel I have still managed to make my reading stressful, simply because there are so many great books and so little time. So thank you so much for these to videos they really made me think more about enjoining the books I actually do read and not needing constantly to surpass my goodreads challenge by significant amount. So thanks I needed these videos just to take some of the pressure off. In terms of goodreads stars I don´t think they say a lot about new books but the average rating on a classic can tell you a lot. In terms of rating them my self I often change my mind when some time has passed scene I read a book and knock of a star if the book hasn´t had as much impact on me as I thought they would. The star ratings may not be accurate but I find them guiding, for example I never pick up a book that has less then 3 stars. So I like the star system.
I don't know if this might help, but I share similar thoughts with how to sort of compartmentalize experiences in ways I intend to with reading versus how I end up executing them (star rating, doing videos, etc) and for me I found that after I finish a book, I try writing my thoughts down for myself in a journal quite extensively and stream of conscious-y, then I think about how the book could affect others other than how I might accidentally confuse that how I think a book would become insightful to me means that's how it could become insightful to someone else (or in this case maybe, with viewers). For me it was a matter of distinguishing that how I verbalize my ideas isn't really how I'd end up writing it out to articulate my thoughts better. Either way, I'm so happy this video exists along with your last one!
I agree about the new releases. I’ve stopped jumping to buy all the new books I think it sucks some of the joy and makes you feel obligated to finish all the books. Just enjoy yourself and forget your rules x
Great discussion video ! I like star ratings especially on Goodreads because I can see quickly if people liked the book I'm interrested into. In a youtube video I don't care as much.. Like you said if the person spoke badly about a book during 5 minutes.. I don't need a star rating. I like all types of wrap-ups video.. It's really a mather of when you can do them.. Do what you want and what suits you ! :)
I was agreeing so much with this in so many ways. I’ve been talking about public reading with lovely Russell lately as I’ve realised the interest in what I am reading, which is lovely, can put me under pressure if I don’t love it from the off. I’ve not being doing my channel for as long as you but do think booktube makes you over think you’re reading. I’ve noticed I’m trying to read all the Prize shortlists... why? Why not just read the ones I want to read. Same with feeling like I have to do a haul by the end of the month just because I feel like I shouldn’t put last months haul in the next months. Isn’t it weird. So next year I am just going to read by whim and if I fancy a prize shortlisted book (though maybe not with baileys as I’ve read the long lists for years) I’ll read that not the whole shortlist. I’m also going to have an epic cull.
Classics reviews are one of my favorite videos!! And something that I completely agree (because has happened to me) is that reading too much new releases is exhausting. At least for me because the problem is that I find them boring!! Not all of them of course but most of them... And classics become a wide comfort zone where I can come back and find something really good and interesting practically always. So, if you are in the mood for sharing some videos of classic literature I would love watching those so much!
I've been in a huge reading funk these past few months. I came close to reaching my reading goals, but have been so busy with my newly opened brewery. Life balance is hard! While I may not make my goal, I've read some great books this year, and have read more in the past two years than I have in the last ten years combined. Booktube reignited my love of reading, and I'm trying not to get caught up in the numbers of it all.
Hello Mercedes! I loved this follow up, completely empathise and have this as a response: I agree with the fact that Booktube should not be stressful and reading is not something that should be overthought or a chore. Have you seen the channel Am I Write? She is a fantastic Booktuber who really does not allow for her reading to stress her out and lets reading adjust to her own life rather than the other way round. Let reading be a happy thing for you and not a "job", as such. If that means you don't read loads some days and other days you do, that is fine! You can read according to how you feel like reading at the moment rather than feeling like you "owe" a massive amount of books read to the Internet (not the case, as I am sure you know). With as many people who love your channel as there are, a more relaxed approach will be no worry. (Annie, from Am I Write, did a video talking about why she doesn't use Goodreads and she talks about reading anxiety a lot there; whilst Goodreads may not be your main worry, it could still be interesting/helpful for you!) Don't worry, you will smash through this period of time brilliantly 🤗👍👍
I’d love to see you do currently reading videos, favorites videos, and wrap-ups. I’ve never stuck to a TBR in my life and I always feel guilty as well. I find star ratings helpful only if I fully understand what they mean to you. A 3 Star read for me was tolerable, and only barely enjoyable, but for you it’s a book that’s good with flaws. So I like your idea of having star ratings for books you don’t want to talk about at great length. On critical reading: I don’t feel it’s a bad thing to read critically, but I do also think that it’s important to know if the critical (or editorial) side of your brain is preventing you from enjoying what may be a perfectly good book once you see past the things you perceive as flaws. I never like to judge an author too harshly, simply because I may be from a different place or different point in time, and I don’t like to view another person’s work through my own (also flawed and imperfect) glasses. My views may not take into consideration the author’s location, culture, background, and time period, and it’s not fair to judge them based on those things. Sentence structure or character development, yes, but anything past story structure, or actual writing I think can get to be a little unfair at times. (This is, of course, just my personal opinion, which can be taken with all the grains of salt. Lol)I’m glad you’ve decided to just kind of go as your mood takes you. I’m really working on that myself, because I’ve started to let everything become a source of stress and anxiety to me. I look forward to hearing about whatever you decide to read, whenever you decide to read it. 🤗🤗🤗
Before graduate school I read LOTS! 50+ books per year regularly. But then school and the massive amount of reading and writing I was required to do made me not want to read for fun. I read maybe 5 books per year when I was in school. Now I’m out but it’s hard to get back into reading like I was before and it makes me feel bad. But I don’t want to force myself to read too much. I just read as I feel. Sometimes I spend a lot of time with reading and sometimes I go weeks without reading anything. Just find a balance that makes you comfortable and don’t force it bc that will make you feel worse really.
I don't mind star-ratings at the end of videos. I found with myself (I only have a blog about books) I sometimes tend to be really negative about a book because I have a lot of negative points to say but the book wasn't bad or anything. It just comes across a bit negative. So using ratings helps me to put it into perspective. Like: I have a lot to complain about but the book was still good fun. But that's just how I feel about it.
I do find star ratings helpful, in the general sense. It helps me divide books into “have to buy” and “can wait get it at the library” categories. I find monthly wrap ups way too restricting. Life happens, and it doesn’t always follow the turn of the calendar. Review once you have something to say. I may read 5 books before I find one that I’d want to talk to other people about. And that’s ok, imo. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the others or regret the time spent. In short, read what you want, when you want. We like you Mercedes, and when you have something to say about a book we’ll listen. Take care of yourself Xx.
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It's almost painful how much I identify with this video, I feel like my head is going to fall off if I nod any more. I don't know if this is true for you, but when it comes to my recent discussion videos I appreciate the advice I get, but the most helpful thing is having made the video. Like, going through the process of expressing things that have been brewing in my head for a while, but that I haven't actually put into words. And then I find when I put things into words it's SO obvious what's a legitimate worry and what's super dumb. I have the same problem where I don't like carrying books over to the next month, but as soon as I say that out loud to myself it's like, why? There's no fucking reason! Just put it in next month's wrap up! So basically you should feel good about all the video therapy and soul searching you've inspired, cause when neurotic thoughts meet the cold light of reality they sometimes shrivel and die, and good riddance xx
You expressed the issue very well in this video. I have been an active viewer in the booktube community for about a year now and want to start my own channel next year. On average I read about 25-30 books per year, in a good year. I know that sounds pathetic compared to most booktubers. But reading is something I love. I do it to escape and be enveloped in the story. I like to savor one book at a time before moving onto the next. If I were to start my channel and immediately begin telling myself I have to read X number of books per month, do all the read-a-thons, buddy reads and post it on every social media outlet known to man, I would quickly fall out of love with reading. It would take something I love and turn it into work, stressful work.
Don't worry about the viewers. We'll still be here whenever you feel like posting. Read what you want, when you want, as much as you want. I would rather hear you do a wrap-up or review on a few books that you were really absorbed in, than 10 books you rushed through to meet the arbitrary deadline of the end of the month. Go take some time and remember what you first loved about reading! Wishing you the best this holiday season.
I had a period of about 8 years where I really fell out of love with reading and what it took for me was a beautiful snowy day sitting by the fire re reading day of the triffids and since I would say I have been hooked again :) I have just ordered the handmaid's tale, the cutting room, invisible man and the bell jar and I'm looking forward to all of them!!
Thanks for both videos. Let me just say, wait until you get to your 50s. You'll really not give a hoot about a lot of this stuff LOLOL. My fave motto is that I'm all out of f***ks to give. Looking forward to your 2018 videos. (I don't care about star rating. I'm more interested in your thoughts. TBR's are okay, whenever you can. But I would rather a variety of books (classics, "old" releases, some new stuff, etc).
Hi Mercedes!!! :) I just want to say as a viewer of your channel since your very first video I feel the only thing viewers expect is that you enjoy making your videos, I love just seeing how excited about books you get, weather that be books you have just brought, books you have read or want to read. I don't think tbr videos are necessary really, and you don't need to review every book in a wrap up if you don't want to talk about that particular book. Just mention and talk about whatever your interested and excited about. Your personality and reading tastes is why I watch your videos so take away all the structures and rules your giving yourself as your viewers will enjoy your videos either way. Reading should be enjoyable as it's a escape from stressful and busy lives so go at your own pace xxx
I have suffered long term depression for many, many years but have improved in recent years. It still flairs up from time to time and can darken my mood quite significantly for a few days. I do find it very hard to read at these times, or even when there's a little anxiety floating around inside me about something. I went through a very hard few days earlier this year but tried to fight against it by picking up a book. My sister-in-law was visiting and loaned me Jane Eyre which I had asked her about. I started reading it and it brought me slowly out the the darkness, as the book took me away into another world and was the best therapy for me. There are times, though when I choose to take a break from reading as I could be doing a good book a disservice by reading during a stressful time, or a low mood time. I usually know after just reading a few pages, so I just put the book mark back where it was and leave it until a later time.
I recently went through a slump for almost 5-6 weeks and lost all interest in books. One day I knew I had to re-ignite that flame so I looked around at my books, wondering which one could provide the match, and I grabbed The Trouble With Goats and Sheep. I quickly fell in love with the world it created in my mind, and made me once again realise the magic of books. I'm a very picky buyer of books. I have never bought a book based on the cover, or the synopsis, or due to one person's review. I read many reviews at different online sites, including ones on here, before I will ever go ahead and buy a book. This gives me the best chance that good reads are sitting on my shelves, and I know from the experience with Jane Eyre, and The Trouble With Goats and Sheep, that books can the best help you can get.
I agree with the personal nature of star ratings. I sometimes will read a review by someone and by what they say, you'd expect at least 4 stars, if not 5, by what they say. But then you see that they gave it 3 stars. The review is more important than the stars. You only have to be on goodreads a short while to realise that.
Edit: I prefer monthly wrap-ups. I think it's because I like hearing about a good many books with short reviews at the one time, rather than a few books with long reviews.
I really like wrap-ups but I also really don't care about if the booktuber has a "system" to when they do them. I just want to feel like the person is excited to make the video. Some booktubers do "recent reads", which is like wrap-ups but whenever they feel like it. Maybe that would suit you?
I only recently found the BookTube community and it surprised me to see how everyone follows the same structured rules. I also noticed that I've started my own TBRs in my head and try to keep to a schedule, which is useful until it creates more anxiety than enjoyment when reading. I've always read a lot but never tried to systemize it before, and I found myself resenting the books I'd been waiting to read. As a viewer, I think the star rating is useful only when you do a quick wrap-up or general comparison of lots of books, rather than in-depth reviews. I follow you because we have similar reading tastes and you give really great and varied recommendations, and that won't change if you decide to move away from the traditional structure of BookTube. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us & I hope you find some space to recoup from this tough year!
This is making me have a breakthrough in my reading.
I’ve just watched both of your videos and I wanted to let you know how much I’ve appreciated them. I could absolutely relate to you, since this has been one of the worst reading years I’ve had and was questioning everything about it. But I also then realised that this year hasn’t been the greatest for me in my personal life.
I hope your reading has improved and that you’re excited about it all again. Thank you for your honesty. 💛
Again, these videos have come at such a perfect time! Honesty on this topic is rare and (as the response has proven) so comforting. I have had lots of the same thoughts over the past 3-4 months as I started to go through a reading lull, and even though I've managed to meet my 2017 goal I still feel as though I forced my way through some of the books I read, and actually couldn't wait for them to be over. It's almost as though I felt I'd be a failure if I couldn't get through a book I'd started, even though I wasn't enjoying it. A lot of the time I do read based on what's coming out at the time and by seeing the ratings of Goodreads/Book Club friends, which may be why I put the pressure on myself to enjoy things as much as others have. You've really shed some light on topics that I had been pondering for a while and it's a relief to hear it from someone who seems to have their 'reading life' in order (ha). I look forward to more videos, whatever you decide to talk about :)
Hello! I just wanted to say that I love watching your videos and I really don't mind whether they are wrap ups, TBRs, chatty videos etc etc..... I just love books and I don't really know many people in the ' real world' who love reading as much as I do so its just great to watch booktubers talking passionately (or dispassionately) about books. And personally I love your reading taste and the way you talk about books so.....I think you are great. Having said that I would never have expectations about what you have/ haven't read,so please don't ever worry about that! Best wishes !!!
This all sounds very good. I don't care what kind of videos you do, I want to watch videos that you want to make! xx
It's been so interesting to hear your updated thoughts on this. For me, when it comes to Goodreads rating system, I tend to start things on Goodreads but never mention my star ratings on my channel, unless I feel it's relevant - for example, if I have a lot of critical things to say about a book but actually quite enjoyed it, I might say I gave it three stars to be clearer. Part of the reason for this is that I know my ratings are a lot more generous than how other people rate. I get a similar stress with TBR piles - I rarely make TBR videos, but I make TBR piles by my bed and then get stressed when I'm not getting through it fast enough.
Bless you and your chatty video, cause I've got laundry that needs folding and this is just the sort of thing I was hoping to listen to!
I like doing wrap ups at the end of the month, mostly so I don't forget, and I don't feel like I read "enough" to do them every couple of weeks. I think it's up to how the reader wants to do it.
I'm with you, there are things that I'm very critical about on my own channel that I don't notice on others. For instance, I don't really notice if someone doesn't upload on a schedule, or like you mentioned, if they don't read a book they listed on a TBR. I've gone through periods of putting a lot of stress on myself for the sake of my channel, but this past year I've been a lot more relaxed about it. It still is hard when I don't feel like I meet my own personal expectations, but I try to keep the perspective that other people probably don't notice.
I'm glad the video making has been helpful in sorting out your thoughts. I was worried that you were going to leave us! I hope you find a good balance with your reading and are able to find that mojo again :) We just like hearing your opinions, no matter the topic.
Great discussion video! I'm really enjoying the conversations we've been having down in the comments sections of these videos. I personally decided to do a massive thinning of my TBR to get ready for the new year--that way, I only have to chose from among books I'm genuinely excited to read instead of feeling guilty for not reading things I *should* be. Also, I hope that your year gets better :) it's definitely tough to deal with an "off" year, especially when it impacts your enjoyment of the things you usually like. Hang in there
You are such a classy lady and have handled all this beautifully! Wow, I am honored that you watched and linked my video😻. I always end my comments with “WISHING YOU HAPPY READING”, and you of all people deserve some in the future 📚📚📚
I have really appreciated your honesty in your last two videos, Mercedes, and can identify with you so much. For me, what I think has contributed to my reading kamikaze nose-dive is a rigid structure of 'this is what I have to read next' (I'm studying towards a PhD in English Lit and so I have particular texts I *have* to read for my thesis). Sometimes the required reading is very drudgy, and because I'm expending a lot of concentration on it, reading becomes a chore. This is very unusual for me, as I absolutely love books and reading, but I was ending up watching more Booktube videos on books than I was actually reading for pleasure. Since I have identified this problem, I've thrown the structured list aside (not totally, but it has a lower priority) and am picking up books depending on my mood at the time - something that cannot be previously ascertained. This has helped enormously, and now I'm back to loving reading again. I notice you say that you'll be trying a similar approach; I hope it works as well for you as it did for me.
As for star ratings - great on Goodreads for quick self-reference, as you say, but unnecessary on videos, as they are so subjective. Also, I have rarely bought a book from a TBR video - wrap ups/recommendations are more effective as far as I am concerned.
Keep up the good work, and I hope 2018 is a better year for you in all aspects.
2017 is a bad year for everyone in the United States... so, we're with you!
I absolutely know where you are coming from in terms of having a meh year, and not being into reading. I went through that a few years ago and just wallowed in tv without reading much. I think everyone gave you excellent suggestions and giving yourself a break is my advice too. I have never been a TBR reader and now that I am on booktube I feel the pressure to always be working from a specific TBR. I will try not to fall into that trap as I can see myself putting pressure on myself as you have been doing. All that being said, I absolutely love your channel, you were one of the folks that inspired me to start my own. I hope you can cut yourself a break, and do whatever feels right in terms of your reading life. Thanks for making such great content and sharing it with us on booktube!
I totally agree that reading mostly new releases could also be a contributing factor. I have been thinking about this myself too recently. There are so many amazing books out there that have stood the test of time that I have never read and really would like to. Since I started watching Book Tube, I have increasingly been buying and reading new releases too and getting caught up with the excitement of new books especially as I’ve started following book prizes as well. I decided to remedy this by joining in with Victober this year and I’m so glad I did as I’ve rediscovered my love of classics and how, Victorian novels in particular can be cosy, atmospheric reads with just the right combination of beautiful, lyrical writing with immersive plot and character development. This has just confirmed my initial thought that reading only new releases can sometimes be damaging to a reader. I hope things get better for you soon. I also understand (only too well) how feeling low can affect reading or anything else you enjoy doing but I’m sure things will pick up. Loving books as much as you clearly do doesn’t just go away overnight :-)
When you were describing the "rules and regulations" you put on yourself to finishing things at certain time reminded me of reading assignments for homework!
I have been following your channel for a long time now and love watching your videos. I love how much of you comes out, your thoughts, your honesty, its refreshing, I look forward to your videos. I like the star ratings you give as I respect your opinion and it points me in the direction of books to read as well as the choices I make myself. The main thing I want to stress that is important to me is that you dont put any stress on yourself, I will watch ANY video's you choose to do. It really doesn't matter if you dont do TBR's, just do whatever feels right for you, when you want to do them. I am a list maker too, I have a lovely bullet journal with lists in that I forget about once I've had the fun of putting my lists in. Thats ok, its my journal and Ive had some fun times writing my lists. take care of you first, any videos you do will be welcome, whatever topic, whenever they arrive, I'll be happy with.Im thankful for what you do.
Dorothy McDowell Thank you so so much for so a lovely comment! I really appreciate your kind words and support ❤️
I don't find star-ratings in reviews particularly interesting (although I have to admit, I sometimes do them myself in my own video's...). I never do 'public tbr's' for exactly the reasons you mentioned, i.e. I would feel obliged to read a book even if I changed my mind since doing the tbr (which is silly, as you said, because nobody remembers the tbr). And re wrap-ups: I just love video's in which people talk about the books they read/are reading, whether its a weekly wrap-up or a mixture of reviews and 'currently reading' or whatever other format people come up with. And I certainly don't expect a booktuber to stick with the 'typical' booktube formats, i.e. monthly haul, then tbr, then wrap-up. The channels I watch the most, have almost all found their own, personal way of doing it, and I think thats great. x
I appreciated your candor about your mood and how you have been feeling this year. That can definitely affect your reading life and sap the joy out of the things you love. Sending you all the best wishes to get in a better head space for 2018.
Fantastic discussion video! I understand where you are coming from in regards to the stresses you put on yourself about reading. Especially when booktube is so focused on breaking things into monthly or weekly reading it can be so easy to think “ Oh I have to get this read before the end of the month.” I think you are right to try to reject that thinking and I hope it helps make your reading more enjoyable :)
In regards to the star ratings, as a viewer I actually appreciate hearing star ratings. Even if they are some times redundant, it helps me to quickly and easily reference how they feel about a particular book. I have heard some sentiments lately that goodreads ratings are cheap or ineffective at communicating your thoughts about a book. I guess perhaps if the star rating is the only thing you say about a book, then that is cheap. But legitimately nobody on booktube does that. Star ratings give me a piece of helpful information. And if you truly don’t think they help, does hearing someone say their star rating truly lessen the quality of their review? I don’t think so. Plus when you think about it, almost all high profile reviewers of anything use star ratings to communicate their reviews (movies, albums, plays etc). So yeah. I am a firm defender of the star rating. It’s not the end all be all by any means and I don’t think we should freak out about trying to differentiate between a 3 and 4 Star read or anything like that. But it is is a piece of information that helps me.
I am appreciating all the discussions your video has prompted and hope that as we approach the new year you rekindle your love of reading. Best wishes :)
I love that you made this update. I’ve been having growing pains with reconciling my true reading self with my booktube reading self and I identify with a lot of what you say here. Here’s to putting less pressure on ourselves in 2018 and reconnecting with our true reading selves!
I would love to see whatever videos you feel like making about whichever books you feel like reading. Don’t do anything you don’t feel like doing! I just enjoy all your content and have discovered SO many new authors from your channel - you have great taste in books and express yourself so articulately. I hope you’re able to let go of some of the pressure you put on yourself so you can find more enjoyment in reading again xxx
Wish you peace and love
I agree so much with what you shared. When I am going through a rough patch at work, or my relationships, I find it difficult to read with any great focus, so then reading is kind of blah, if I am able to read at all. Thank you for the video.
Thank you so much for this video. Actually I have read only 18 books this year and almost the whole year was one big reading slump for me and I keep feeling totally burnt out about reading. Even though I am just a watcher of videos and not creator. And because I have OCD it just blow up in my mind more and more. But now I feel like you have managed to pinpoint exactly what it was. The overwhelming feeling that I have to finish the book before the end of the month, that I need to finish book and immediately start another and even need to think about all the other fantastic book while I am reading something else. I think I am just done with reading for this year and I will start again next year with hopefully clearer mind and more energy and love for reading again. So thank you a lot for helping me to better process this thing. And greeting from Czech Republic, take care. :)
I️ don’t get much out of TBR or monthly haul videos. I️ do love a wrap up video
I should start by saying thank you for all your videos and especially for these two. You are not alone (clearly.) Reader fatigue is affecting so many of us for the reasons you named and more (news and social media and other things we consume surely contribute to the sense of being overwhelmed by duties and passions alike.) To answer your question(s), I LOVE YOUR STAR RATINGS. I've come to trust your reviews and that's a compliment to your eloquence, tastes, and thoroughness (you accomplish so much, give so much detail of what informed your rating that we know how to understand X star rating in most, if not all, cases). AS FOR WRAP UPS, MEH. Monthly ones are great but I wouldn't be bothered if they came infrequently, or not on a schedule at all. We've come to love your chatty, unstructured videos. We appreciate you so you should know we are along for the ride, not the rules. I also wonder if you shouldn't TAKE A BREAK? Even one month?... some time away from booktube to hit refresh. We'd miss you but your happiness (and enjoyment of life and books and everything in between) is more important. LAST THING... I'm an emerging writer, and even I have noticed how little I enjoy reading these days. There is a pressure to read for quantity not qualitative intake. And the contemporary stuff is unpredictable. Sometimes it's super well marketed (so may disappoint) or the reader hype is intense (so the solitary reading experience does not match the rumour mill.) And most of the time I can think of s classic that did 'it' better. It makes me sad as a writer to know we are not living up to general expectations BUT your honest reviews and critical reading are among the reasons writers like me work hard at story construction and characterization and lyrical prose et al.-- to wow readers like you. So again, thank you
Sorry to hear you've had a slumpy year, I've had a few months like that and it certainly effects everything. In terms of wrap ups I enjoy watching them whether they are monthly or weekly but also like book reviews which I feel I see a lot less of now on book tube than I did a year or so ago.
Thoughtful and practical response to the first vid - I really enjoyed watching this. I'm glad you haven't swept your feelings under the carpet and are keeping us abreast of developments! Any pressures I put on myself seem to go against me (especially when trying to lose weight but that's a completely different tangent we won't go off on), the point being I react badly to feeling 'made' to do something in a certain time limit. It's guaranteed to kill any pleasure! I hope your new plan works for you.
Ref star ratings - I do find them useful as a guide BUT I do like to read/watch reviews to go with it. It's not always easy to rate books this way but It's better than nothing.
I have always enjoyed your videos whatever they are so I don't think a few less books on the list is going to make a difference! You have a natural warmth, intelligence and humour that shows through all your discussions. So thank you and keep up the good work :)
Thank you so much for sharing and your honesty. I’m going through the same thing. I thought I was just picking up bad books or that my expectations were too high, but really it’s because I’m also feeling down and not in the mood to do the things that bring me joy like reading. I recently relistened to the HP series and that helped a little bit. It allowed me to do other things that I felt like doing at the moment, and that helped with my anxiety, like coloring, doing a puzzle, or playing a game. I didn’t feel guilty for not reading. Hope things get better for you.
You are me of last year in many, many ways. It's really nice to hear you chat openly about this because it's exactly where I got to the with, "This is all just silly." Example: I just pulled 20 books off my shelves to toss because I am like ehn about then. Three of them are new releases. One I promised myself I'd read by the end of the month. I NO LONGER CARE. I'm not in the mood anymore so whatever. Last year this would have literally made me cry.
I like star ratings from other people but I also love to listen to (especially your) longform reviews so I'm not fussy (and I suspect lots of people will agree with me). I stopped using them on my channel and no one noticed. I think wrap-ups are fun if it's 5 recent books per wrap-up or monthly but I get a bit stressed when people number them (like books 21 - 27 and I'm like FUUUUCK, did I watch 17 - 21 I don't remember agggghhhhh).
TD;DR version of this comment? Loves ya no matter what you do and I will be cheering for you over here in the No Rules camp with cookies and streamers whenever you're ready. Xxx
When I was thinking about my reading goals for this year and looking forward to the next, one of the things I realized is that I have a tendency to want to do everything in a very orderly fashion, and I think that is sort of linked with tbrs, the planning books beforehand, the list making, etc. - that takes the spontaneity out of reading. It's a nice idea as a concept to do things in an organized manner, but it's not necessarily helpful in promoting excitement and wonder in a thing like reading, in my opinion. Loved to hear your thoughts!
I related to this video SO SO much. Thank you always for being so honest and forthright with us, it's refreshing and really allows me as a reader to connect with you and what you're saying. With regards to how people discuss the books they have recently read, I don't really care if the person has a system or not, I am just curious to see what they read and what opinions they have. It could be one at a time or once every 6 months and I will still watch and be interested as long as I feel the person is being genuine. Much luck, can't wait until whenever you are able to and/or want to upload! :)
Thank you so much for being honest about how your general mood or how your mental health can affect your reading experience. Recently I’ve been busy and tired and feeling rather meh and it’s made my TBR Reading so painful and un enjoyable this month. I am hoping next month I can feel better and my reading improve too. I wish you all the best over the next few months and the upcoming new year and I hope you get your reading mojo back and feel better. I love your videos and I just want you to know your video last week wasn’t overly negative it was refreshingly honest. So thank you for a fantastic and relatable video 👍🏼😊
Thank you for sharing this videos; I connected with these on a scary level. I've had a rough 2017 too and recently found my reading was either (a) awful or (b) non -existent. What helped me the most was taking a nice long break and then just waiting until I found the perfect book.
From following BookTube, I noticed I put some pressure on myself to read more and read differently, even though I don't have a channel. Sometimes this pressure is healthy - RinceyReads and Frenchidee have inspired me to read more diversely, for example - but sometimes I feel like the pressure might be too much.
I know it's going to sound trite, but I mean it honestly: the most important thing is to take care of yourself and give yourself time to do what you like however you want to. And it sounds like you're doing that, which is wonderful!
Another fantastic video! On your questions at the end, I (like you) like star ratings on goodreads but I don't get a lot out of them on booktube, particularly for middle of the road (3 stars) books. I think I would find it more useful to hear what kind of person the reader thinks would enjoy it (e.g. read this if you want a bit of light fun/an adventure/etc) or summarise feelings about the book using key words. We are generally speaking on booktube, so we don't have to rely on numbers - use words!
My solution to my last reading slump turned out to be surprisingly simple. Re-reading my all time favourites! Slump gone - ready for anything after that.
What i really love is all the discussions your video has prompted, would love to see this more! Just watching booktube has changed how I read massively so I can only imagine what making videos too must do!
I personally love wrap ups, and use star ratings with caution -more interested in whether people felt strongly for or against the book to be honest. xx
Thanks for this lovely chatty video which got me through the ironing. ;) I agree with you on the star ratings. They’re a useful shorthand in goodreads but not necessary on videos. Also, viewers understand that a star rating is limited and doesn’t convey the nuances of your reaction to the book. Overall though we so appreciate an honest video about anything book-related, and the confidence to say you’ve not read something you had been planning to read, touches a chord with all of us. I’ve got one book left on my ‘TBR bingo’ card and it’s Master & Margarita. But I’m just not feeling Russian and picked up His Bloody Project which I’m really enjoying. Be ruthless (Shawn’s bailing video is good on this) and keep a beautiful stack of books of all types that you want to read so there’s one to match your mood on any given day. And yes starting a new book at bedtime is fraught!
I’m not even a booktuber and I feel the pressure of finishing a book so much that I doubt my overall enjoyment as I read. It’s because there’s SO many amazing books I want to read and (it feels like) so little time to get through them so I can’t imagine how you feel! I love that you’re reflective and evaluative of books and yourself. I really enjoy goodreads ratings, purely because it gives me an overall idea, eg I saw that you’d rated A Tale for the time being as 5 star and I’m half way through and think it’s going to be a favourite of all time. I also love that you’re about my age and have similar thoughts and values to me. Anyway, my point is that I think you’re amazing and I hope people’s advice helps you and that 2018 is a great year for you.
I feel exactly the same! Especially when it comes to setting myself stress inducing goals which there is no need for in the first place. I think for me it started in University when I was studying literature. I was reading in a time bracket every week and I had all the books I had to read already set out for me. I suppose I've stuck with that mentality even after I finished uni. I've made something I used to love in to a chore instead of an enjoyment. I'm slowly learning to enjoy reading again and to not put unnecessary pressure on myself. I think reading an old favourite in such a good idea too! I recently started listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks and it's really helped me to find an enjoyment in reading again (:
i think it's so interesting to think about the stress we put on ourselves with structures that we ourselves decide. i've read the least i have ever this year since i started keeping track of what i read and i've just let the pressure of it go. sometimes i think 'oh, i should read more' but then i would watch netflix etc and now this past week i got all this energy to read and have been reading a book in a night or two nights. it's just been interesting to watch the development of my reading and helps to know that i'm not alone when i watch your videos & Alina's on reading fatigue.
I fully understand where you're coming from, I had to deal with the exact same thing last year. It ended up being, just like with what it sounds like you're doing, a stepping back. I was also really hung up on my own arbitrary rules, and it really helped me to shake them off. I also started throwing caution to the wind with what I was reading, I have hit some real bad ones, but it makes it so much more fun to pick up the next read if it's something completely different than the last.
I do not remember TBRs, just like you said. I'm also terrible at them which is why I typically don't make them. I do enjoy wrap-ups, I make those weekly but my favorite syle is what Helene at Helene Jeppesen does with the monthly vlogs. Those of course aren't for everyone though. But I watch nearly any wrap up that crosses my feed. I also agree with you on star ratings in videos. I don't put much stock in them, I like to give arbitrary numbers on Goodreads, but my views evolve so much I tend to not bother with them outside of that platform. So if you were to stop telling star ratings I would probably not even notice, you'd be on track for me.
Great video as always, and I think you got this. I look forward to your next one!
I think your thoughts represent the feelings of so many booktube content makers and viewers so thanks for voicing your thoughts! I hope things start to get a bit better for you reading and otherwise!
My two cents-
I personally find that I get overwhelmed at the end of the month with the massive influx of wrap ups in my feed to watch all at once- then for the rest of the month I’m struggling to find things to watch- so if a booktuber makes a wrap up (or similar) at a different time of the month- I’m more excited to watch it and more likely to watch it.
But having said- Wrap ups, recent reads, collection of mini reviews- whatever you want to call them or whatever format or however often- just hearing people’s opinions on books they have read are my favourite type of videos (as opposed to tbr’s or hauls). I really don’t mind how you choose to do them! Who my favourite booktubers are is based on book tastes and how they talk about the books they read- not about the format of their wrap up, how often or how many books they read. Some of my favourite booktubers read 20 books a year and don’t do monthly wrap up’s at all- and that is completely fine!
A random other piece of non asked for advice would be- When you’re doing a wrap up- don’t say at the beginning I read x amount of books this month (and analysis on that how good/bad that is). Why do we need to know the number?- it's just creating unnecessary pressure & dissatisfaction. If viewers want to they can count the number of books - but I’m interested in which books you read and what you thought of them- not if it was 2, 5, 8 or 10 books read that month.
This was such an interesting video! I agree on your points about the goodreads rating. I like it as a broad overview but hearing more in depth thoughts in reviews is a good way to tell us your rating (though I don't mind hearing the rating at all). I think I like monthly wrap ups the most.
I don't have a booktube channel but when you talked about the feelings about choosing the next book to read I was like "Oh my god that's so me!" My whole life I've identified as a reader and I've reached the point where it makes me kind of anxious when I don't knowing what to read next especially when I've finished a book. I don't feel like myself when I don't know what I will read next or when I'm not reading which is ridiculous and stressing me out too.
I enjoyed your previous video but I loved this one. You put into words so many things I do as well as a reader, from feeling guilty about not picking the books on my TBR to mentally think about how much I should read to finish a book before the end of the month. And I’m also trying to stop doing that. If it takes weeks to finish one book so be it. One of the things I realised was that I was letting negative feeling into my reading and I just can’t allow it anymore. I also think booktube, blogging and bookstagramming put a lot of pressure on people’s reading, as if you need to put content out there all the time.
Regarding wrap-ups, do them as you feel most comfortable. Don’t follow a rule. I used to do them but now I settled for a reading diary. Everytime I finish a book, I write it down alongside my feelings. Like a reading vlog. And I don’t use ratings. As you said, it means different things for different people and I prefer to know people’s feelings regarding a book and explaining why they liked it or not rather than have a number. It’s okay if you put the rating after the explanation though, because it makes the viewer familiar with the meaning behind the number.
Appreciate your honesty so much, Mercedes! Honestly, it sounds like you need to be kinder to yourself and remember that reading is your passion and a hobby! I think I speak for all of us here when I say we couldn't care less if your wrap-ups don't align with your TBRs! We're all human and I'd hate to think you were constrained in your reading just because of some unnecessarily rigid system. I'm just always interested to hear your thoughts on books (regardless of star ratings) and I'll continue to watch your channel regardless of what you read! Really hope things improve for your reading life in the new year!
Thank you for this really honest video. This definitely reminds me of myself a couple of years ago where I just fell out of love with reading but in the past few months I have started to get back into it again, just by rereading some favourites and not feeling pressured to read if I don’t feel like it. I am not bothered about the star ratings for the books, I just love to get your opinions on the books you read. This is far more interesting to me x
First off, I'm so impressed with how well you've dissected you're reading lifestyle and have begun to put things into proper perspective, as it pertains to your perception of what reading should mean to you. I think sometimes, the balance between critical observation and reading for the sake of pure enjoyment become skewed, especially when there are the added factors of Booktube and Good Reads (both of which I love). I understand completely what you are feeling, having felt very similarly not that many years ago. After some soul searching, I decided that it was more important to allow myself to enjoy a book, even if it meant letting go of some of my critical hang ups. I then decided to no longer rate books by stars. Instead, I rate them by hearts, signifying my level of enjoyment. As a critical reader, I came to associate the star rating with my critical analysis of a book, rather than my enjoyment of it...silly I know, but it made a big difference for me. I think the instinct to be critical is present in all readers to some degree. The cultivation of that ability is important certainly. I just think that getting caught up in it can overshadow the reason we read to begin with. Sorry for the ramble. Great couple of videos! Sending you loads of good reading vibes! 😊💙📚💙📚💙📚💙
Mmm, I had the feeling from your last video that there was stuff going on with you personally--it's the same with me this year, so I totally get it. During times like this, I think it's important to remember to be kind to yourself, especially since you are aware of the fact that mood issues are negatively influencing when, how, and and how often you read. It's okay if you're not reading as much in the moment; in times like that, I think it's better to be selfish, and focus on yourself. Once you start feeling better, the things you used to love will start drawing you in again. Alternatively, read things you feel would help you through the feeling. For me, reading acclaimed self-help books and books about my mental health demographic helped, since they were able to help me determine how best to work my way back to my usual self and how to handle the stress of hobbies. When it came to my hobbies, I had to let go of the idea that quantity determined my worth and ability as a reader, and doer of other hobbies more generally. By letting myself take a breather from the number of books I read, the genres I tend to read, the time periods I tend to read from or about, &c., I was able to 1) be less of a book snob (just to clarify, i'm not implying you are one by any means lol xD;; ), and 2) rediscover what I like and dislike, which got me excited again to read certain books. I'm still nowhere near the type of reader I used to be, and although that makes me feel bad sometimes, it's not a bad _thing._ It just means my taste, my responsibilities, and how I take in information is changing, and that's perfectly okay :)
TBRs are so strange. I completely agree with you on what you said about them! I put so much stress on myself about needing to read those books first, while I don't care at all if someone else keeps to their own TBRs or not. I don't know why it works like that. It does definitely make me realise I should make them only if I really want to and mostly not promise anything about finishing certain books to anyone, not even myself. And YES, it is very silly, but I think it's hard to not do these things. List making is part of my excitement for the books I'll get to read in the future, but in result also stresses me out! Weird, we booktubers.
Star rating in videos is something I only find useful in the sense that I have heard you speak about so many books and therefore now trust your opinion in such a way that I sort of know how to interpret a star rating (does that make any sense? :P) and can use it in deciding whether or not to pick up a certain book, BUT I always always put more value on arguments and explanations as to why something is good or bad, because that gives me more to think about and makes it easier to decide whether a book is for me or not.
That's also why I really enjoy reading wrap ups, because I might not click on a review video of a book I've never hear about, while a wrap up will inevitably also introduce me to books I don't know.
This was great we all do that even if it's not books, so glad you shared yourself , loved to get to know you more and I enjoy you so very much and your reviews
This video really made me think about something my brother said the other day -- I recommended a new book to him and he replied that he only reads books that are 5+ years old because then they've had to stand the test of time (unless they're in a series he's reading). It really made me think about how I'm always trying to pick up new releases. and wanting to be up to date on the book discussions, and even though I don't make my own videos, it is nice to feel like part of the conversation in a broader sense. Anyways I've been having my own internal dialogue/ reflections about this over the last few weeks too because I'm sure there are so many books released say 4-6 years ago that I missed in the moment, but its like I'm barreling forward so fast that I don't take the time to seek out those books I could have missed from like 2005 or a random year like that. and I'm reading these books in the moment that are 3star reads that I had so much hype for b/c I had just read all the publicity... but if I spent more time on those books that "lasted" from 6 years ago maybe I'd have less 3star reads. Anyways I loved the video and always love your content! :)
I feel the same way as you do when it comes to star ratings - if I know that person it can be useful but generally for me when reviewing I tend to just leave the star rating out if I feel I’ve sad enough. I also do wrap ups ever 5 books which I love! It’s definitely taken the pressure off reading at the end of the month and then I don’t feel so guilty if I don’t read so many books per month either. Both of these videos were so interesting to watch and definitely made me reflect on my own reading/booktube. I hope you find what works for you soon!
When you talked about stressing yourself out about finishing your TBR books it really got to me. I've been doing that lately and I think it's affecting my reading. I think I'm going to skip doing TBRs for a while. I have one set up for December and I think i'm excited about this one. What I find that's hard is I get books from the library and I feel the pressure to read them quickly even though I end up reading them way before they're due. Also, it's not like they're not going to be in the library anymore if I don't get to them this time, so why am I stressing about finishing them all in time. I also started reading more than one book at a time this year, and I'm not sure if it's affected my reading or not. I feel like it's making me enjoy this less.
Another great thought provoking video Mercedes. You've left me with some things to think about.
'Structure' is such a double-edged sword. Booktube staples (TBRs, wrap-ups, hauls, etc) are incredibly helpful to me (as a booktube viewer) to sound out a person's reading preferences. Their likes, their dislikes, their fave genres, eras, etc. It also helps highlight their passions and in turn sheds light on their personality. It's also wonderfully helpful in finding like-minded readers, whose opinions over time I can come to trust and use to guide some of my own reading choices. However, sticking to these videos, especially for folks like yourself, who have done them over and over for years, I imagine could become predictable, tedious, run-of-the-mill and very samey to film. I've also seen booktubers get themselves so worked up about following-up on their TBRs, tags, etc, that their anxieties and frustrations surrounding filming, totally eclipses the joy and excitement they once had for gushing about books. Just my 2 cents, but my favourite videos of yours have always been ones just like this. Just a chat :) No real structure (points, thoughts you wish to cover, naturally) but very open, lovely ramblings. When you're you, sat in front of a camera and you're excited and busting a gut to tell people about a great read or a bloody awful one, I say hit that little red button and give a big fat bird to the pressures, anxieties and doubts that start entering your mind. When it's all said and done, there really is no pressure, no timelines, no rules. There are shelves upon shelves of lovely books and it is always a joy to watch your eyes light up and hear the passion and enthusiasm in your voice when you've discovered a gem ;) (Truth be known, it is equally as entertaining when you've read a complete load of rubbish too.) x
I agree with what you said about TBR videos. I feel like they are essentially the same as show and tells of books that may feature in that month/season's wrap up. I've been watching booktube for over 5 years and I've never remembered what books people say they wanna read in a month, unless they themselves bring it up that they didn't get around to it. I still like watching TBR's because I like seeing what people are interested in reading.
I know this is more advice but its a strategy I use to choose my next book to read if the pressure feels too much and to keep it fresh. I have a numbered list of owned unread books and then use a random number generator for it to pick me a book. Either trust the first number or repeat until a title excites you. Don't know if that would help but it is a little fun and has helped me when I've found myself stuck.
I hope you manage to lessen some of this anxiety about reading so you can enjoy it like you would like. Love your channel by the way. Been watching for years.
Another fab video. I know the feeling of creating arbitary rules, and i feel like booktube and my channel has influenced my own silly rules. It seems hard to kind of "get over" these rules, but i think it's worth it for reading enjoyment. I've been there with the "but i have to finish this book before the end of the month" thing, and honestly it's so silly when you think about it! I think that that was a large reason i stopped with monthly wrap-ups.
And my thoughts on the star-rating system are basically the same as yours. They're useful for a generic overview and getting an idea of what people think of a book, but if i read or watch a proper review, i don't really care what star-rating is given. I hope that your mood improves soon and that things in life start looking more positive for you ♥
Mercedes, it's important to remember that we as viewers don't care so much about what your posting. we like watching your videos because of you. so just do you.
also I like star ratings especially on days when I'm tired and just watching a wrap up. I may not be as engaged as I should be and hearing that star rating spikes my interest a bit.
also wrap ups are my favorite. and your weekend reading vlogs you did before. or cozy reading night vlogs. I know those would probably be stressful for you now but maybe in the future.
also just know I love your channel and I know a lot of people who love it as well. I look forward to your videos. I check once a day just to see if you've uploaded. your good at this.
just make sure to take care of you. I only read three books last month which was less than all year and I feel much happier. so do whatever makes you happy.
sorry for rambling. its 11:16pm in the US and past my bedtime. happy reading and I look forward to your next video.
I relate so much to this video and the last one as well. It's the end of the year... I've read 78 books so far. My first year on booktube I read 180! I thought since I read so many the first year I had to "beat" that goal and if I didn't I was a failure. Year after year since then it has dwindled from 180 to 135, to 146, to 78! I haven't been doing anything major like t.v. watching or anything else distracting, I just didn't feel like reading. Which snowballed into me thinking my viewers would think I wasn't putting in the effort. Like you said though, NO ONE CARES! I make myself feel bad when it doesn't matter. That goes with TBR's, participating in readathons and just the expectation of me doing the monthly wrap ups. Yes, I'm sure my fellow viewers are happy to see a video, but I don't think they care so much as to what my reasons or excuses are for not doing what I said I was going to do. People get busy, bored, and just tired and lazy. That should be fine. I think all of Booktube in 2018 should be more relaxed and chill. We should do what we love and why we started our channels in the first place. To talk about books. There shouldn't be pressure. I tend to forget my channel and reading for that matter, is a hobby NOT a job. I don't HAVE to do anything ;) Good luck with the rest of the year. And good luck with 2018. I know I'm going to do away with my "cement" TBR's and read what I feel like. I haven't really done that since I started my channel.
I don't often watch wrapups these days. I used to enjoy them, but I grew a bit tired of them, especially when they all come out at roughly the same time... I prefer recommendations videos. Maybe this is just temporary though. I'm very changeable as a viewer (AND as a Booktuber!). Nothing is ever set in stone for me.
I do find star ratings useful though, and I hate it when people can't make up their mind and say things like 2.75 stars. Urgh. 😇
Great video! Don't stress about your channel, it's not worth it. I also stress about mine from time to time, so I guess it's natural, but it's definitely not healthy. Besides, like you said, most viewers don't care about any of this :)
I just recently gave myself permission to read children's books. There are several that look interesting, often have great art, and can just be fun. Reading should be about personal enjoyment and if you're not, figure out why. Jen Campbell has some great silent picture book recommendations that might be a helpful palette cleanser if you need it.
I think a year end wrap up would be nice because obviously you have an audience for your reading habits but also to check in on how you're doing with this. Maybe something about plans for next year. You said you want to get away from reading a lot of new releases but there are bound to be some you're still interested in. Keep us posted and stay excellent.
I agree with this video so much! I think at a time we always feel certain pressure when we are part of a hobby community (in this case, reading, but it has happened to me in other contexts as well), and then we all have that moment of thinking "but why am I making this so hard for myself when literally nobody is forcing me to do it like that". I do TBRs, challenges, checklists but then constantly read things that aren't there and have learnt not to feel guilty about it. I admit I struggle with reading large books and not feeling guilty about not not finishing them right away, but I understand it's something I need to get past.
Regarding the GR system, I like it but I don't consider it "systematic" at all. I never care about average ratings, I only notice them with reviewers I follow so I know what the rating really means. If not, I just read reviews at random.
Regarding wrap ups, I like them in any format the Booktuber likes. I usually stay for the books and the person. In some cases, we don't even read the same books but I'll follow them just because I think they are fun and offer variety. So you do you!
I think the issue is we sometimes try to be overly systematic when things needn't be, and that puts so much pressure on us. Coming from someone who loves making lists and schedules, I think it is important to enjoy the making them as an experience and then follow them to the extent to which we feel comfortable and not be afraid or feel guilty if we want to change! Anyways, sorry for the long comment, but I'm glad to hear you're doing better! I'll look forward to your next videos!
I think for wrap ups I probably prefer slightly smaller, more in-depth wrap ups. I've really enjoyed the videos where you cover three similar books, and I particularly like "recent reads"-style videos, where people just talk about books they've recently read and their thoughts on them, quite soon after reading them. I don't really like monthly wraps ups as I find they tend to just be a bit of a long list and not really that interesting to watch.
I'd also just like to make the comment that I think Booktubers worry too much about their video schedules, and as you said, no one really cares. I honestly don't give a shit about people's schedules; I watch every single video of yours and have no idea what your video schedule is or how often you do monthly wrap ups or whatever. What I do remember is what you thought about a book and books I'd like to read based on your experience of them, because that is why I watch your channel. I actually find the scheduling thing quite annoying because it means at the beginning of the month I have a lot of TBRs in my subscription box, at the end of the month I have a lot of wrap ups, and in the middle everything goes a bit quiet. I would much rather people just did whatever felt natural to them!
I love your honesty as always, thanks for such great discussion videos.
I plan a monthly TBR, but the only ones I 'have' to read from it are the ones with a deadline (say for bookclub). I plan my reading sometimes because I am planning a theme - for example, over Christmas I really want to rewatch Wuthering Heights and To Walk Invisible, but I want to accompany it with reading some books by and about the Brontes - but I don't feel guilty about the 'choice' books, and I don't force myself to read that theme if I've changed my mind. Maybe give yourself that bit more flexibility. Only plan if you have a book you HAVE to read, and the rest, just go and pick up whatever you feel.
Personally, I really like these types of videos because this for me was super relatable and real and it helps with my own approach to reading.
I too have become quite obsessive with my reading and it can wear you down, so that's why videos like yours help when booktubers are honest about their reading and read for themselves, not just for others.
I can imagine it's quite easy as a booktuber to end up reading for your viewers but personally I think wrap ups and recommendations etc are so much better when the reader's heart is in it.
So yeah, I think you're doing great and I hope reading becomes fun for you again 😊 x
I enjoy the weekly wrap ups that many people have been filming. I can take or leave the star ratings. I'm not a fan of book hauls--I want to hear about books you've actually read and whether you enjoyed them or not. I've been watching a few 'Book Hauls Revisited' on other channels and it completely reinforces the fact that we buy way more books than we actually read (and that's okay! but please tell me about what you've actually read). I usually skip the videos on the short-lists for prizes because I see and hear the same thing over and over. I enjoy seasonal TBRs more than monthly. I like to hear about buddy reads (coordinated discussions would be great!). Best wishes on getting your reading mojo back!
Oh my word. Guilt over having chosen a book or books to read and then feeling that beastly guilt over setting books tbr and then changing my mind. Nothing to do with Book Tube, more to do with Library Thing and a group I’ve belonged to there. I’m backing out of that group, almost hiding my reading. I love making lists too, but don’t want to follow them! I’m going to try to just free read...and I hope that will take the pressure off.
I like wrap-ups but the frequency isn’t important. It’s how the reader feels. Ratings I can take or leave. I’d much rather hear a few minutes about what was right and wrong with the book, and the reader’s reaction to it.
I’m sorry you’re having a difficult time right now, and hope that things will get sorted soon. Love to you.
I am the same with the piles of books. I never show that part of my shelf it’s a mess. I completely understand your bullying yourself into reading books you’re not as crazy to read anymore. This video feels very much like something I feel quite often. Keep doing what you’re doing! You’re amazing!
Btw I do not care about star ratings and I’m not sure how to do or how many wrapups to do on my channel so you’re not alone
When you are a Serious Reader, books and reading feel like a part of your identity and when mental health or a tough year affects that, it is incredibly disorienting. Most of my year has been the same. I've only really got back into reading in October (your readathon really helped with that, so thank you!). My advice is don't be too hard on yourself, try not to think too much about what to read next, and just go with your mood! Star ratings aren't super useful and wrapups don't have to be on a strict schedule.
The book that made me fall back in live with reading again is As Meat Loves Salt by Maria McCann. I don't hear anyone talk about it, but it's a beautifully written (if macabre) story with a complex narrator. It's one of those slow-moving books bursting with details. It helped me, so maybe it will help you. I hope your year gets a little better soon. ❤
As you said, star ratings are very personal to every reader so I always find it a little more helpful if people say if they would recommend it or not because that tells me that they really liked it. And referring to the list making but not wanting to cross something off, I can relate to that so much. I've made two lists in the last month of books that I want to read before the end of 2017 and I kind of lose interest in them after a while? I still want to read them but seeing these piles makes me feel guilty for not reading them and then I don't want to read them at all? Not sure I'm making sense here ^^ but as a viewer, I really enjoy wrap-ups and individual reviews. I find them very helpful and interesting and they are honestly my favourite videos to watch. (And I also really enjoy rant reviews like you did with A Little Life. I know that's a bit of a controversial opinion but when someone really disliked a book I want to know why.) x
for your question about wrap ups -- my favorite ones tend to be shorter weekly or biweekly wrap ups with fewer books because sometimes at the end of the month there are so many books that I just kind of lose track of them all/ forget some by the end of the video.. and so many people are posting monthly wrap ups that all the books I'm seeing get just kind of lost within the massive numbers of it all. I do enjoy hearing people's star ratings because most booktubers I follow I have come to know the way they personally rate books so to me it is really useful to see that reference for how I could potentially enjoy it myself.
Your chatty videos are my favorite. It’s so interesting how booktube has changed your reading life
I totally understand how your personal life and struggles can spill into the amount you read and how much you enjoy what you read. About 6 weeks ago my significant other was held at gunpoint at work. While my life was never in danger, the second hand trauma really affected me. For the first 3 weeks I wasn't able to concentrate enough to read, much less enjoy it as I always have. Even now that I'm back to reading I'm reading around 50 pages a week (I was reading around 300 pages a week before this event).
Thank your for sharing this! I find this topic to be extremely important just so we can be more empathetic towards ourselves and don't go crazy over our own goals and expectations.
As a viewer, I do appreciate the star rating system as a broader way to think about books - exactly like you said in the video. I won't need the star rating if you talk about the book for 4 minutes, but if you don't feel like talking it up (or down), then the stars are pretty useful.
About the wrap-ups, I don't really care about the format. Wrap-ups and reviews are my favourite videos because I get to know more deeply about some books in particular and they just make more sense to me, but I don't mind if we get a video per book, a video per week or a video per month. I'm fine with whatever works the best for the reviewer, really. :)
I stopped giving star ratings to books last year as I found they didn't really work for me. I can find faults in books I really enjoy and I can find good points in books I dislike and I couldn't figure out how to apply this to ratings. I know myself that when I'm suffering for any sort of stress that my own reading takes a backseat and that's when I become increasingly possessive of the What's on TV guide's Sudoku. Personally, I'm rather fond of wrap-ups for my own channel and they can work for me because sometimes they're the only videos I can make during the month. However, I'm a big proponent of folk doing right by themselves and whatever you think is best for you at this time is what you've got to do. I am rather fond of your videos and look forward to whatever is next.
I fell in love with a few book tube channels a couple of years ago (including yours) and recently I've found I'm watching less and less of the content. Even though I adore you all and love books I found that I wasn't reading as much as I wanted to as I was watching too much. For what it's worth, I think quite a few of you place so many conditions on reading that it's not really a sustainable way to be so I'm not surprised there's a bit of a burn-out factor. My thoughts on star ratings - not my cup of tea, although in saying that, if I'm interested in a book but not sure I want to read it I will seek out the lower star ratings on goodreads to see why people didn't like it. What I really miss most of all is just browsing through my local bookshop, finding books that I FEEL like reading rather than what's been recommended. Sometimes serendipity is the best way to live.
i think you've got some great insights into yourself and that you're casting off an old skin that's grown to small and slipping on a new and roomier one!!
I could really relate to the part about despite not uploading TBR videos, we still make these sort of mental lists (or even physical ones) which then cause stress or guilt. And I also do the thing of parceling out a book so I can have it finished by a certain date. I often give myself a deadline, even though I don't need to. It's funny, it's like booktube really structured our reading lives, and now we find those structures we have grown used to thinking in to be anxiety-inducing and we have to unstructure our reading lives again.
Also thank you so much for the kind words about my videos!
I don´t have a channel but I still put a lot of pressure on myself on reading a lot both in therms of number of books and pages so even though I don´t have a channel I have still managed to make my reading stressful, simply because there are so many great books and so little time. So thank you so much for these to videos they really made me think more about enjoining the books I actually do read and not needing constantly to surpass my goodreads challenge by significant amount. So thanks I needed these videos just to take some of the pressure off. In terms of goodreads stars I don´t think they say a lot about new books but the average rating on a classic can tell you a lot. In terms of rating them my self I often change my mind when some time has passed scene I read a book and knock of a star if the book hasn´t had as much impact on me as I thought they would. The star ratings may not be accurate but I find them guiding, for example I never pick up a book that has less then 3 stars. So I like the star system.
I don't know if this might help, but I share similar thoughts with how to sort of compartmentalize experiences in ways I intend to with reading versus how I end up executing them (star rating, doing videos, etc) and for me I found that after I finish a book, I try writing my thoughts down for myself in a journal quite extensively and stream of conscious-y, then I think about how the book could affect others other than how I might accidentally confuse that how I think a book would become insightful to me means that's how it could become insightful to someone else (or in this case maybe, with viewers). For me it was a matter of distinguishing that how I verbalize my ideas isn't really how I'd end up writing it out to articulate my thoughts better. Either way, I'm so happy this video exists along with your last one!
I agree about the new releases. I’ve stopped jumping to buy all the new books I think it sucks some of the joy and makes you feel obligated to finish all the books. Just enjoy yourself and forget your rules x
Great discussion video !
I like star ratings especially on Goodreads because I can see quickly if people liked the book I'm interrested into.
In a youtube video I don't care as much.. Like you said if the person spoke badly about a book during 5 minutes.. I don't need a star rating.
I like all types of wrap-ups video.. It's really a mather of when you can do them.. Do what you want and what suits you ! :)
I was agreeing so much with this in so many ways. I’ve been talking about public reading with lovely Russell lately as I’ve realised the interest in what I am reading, which is lovely, can put me under pressure if I don’t love it from the off. I’ve not being doing my channel for as long as you but do think booktube makes you over think you’re reading. I’ve noticed I’m trying to read all the Prize shortlists... why? Why not just read the ones I want to read. Same with feeling like I have to do a haul by the end of the month just because I feel like I shouldn’t put last months haul in the next months. Isn’t it weird. So next year I am just going to read by whim and if I fancy a prize shortlisted book (though maybe not with baileys as I’ve read the long lists for years) I’ll read that not the whole shortlist. I’m also going to have an epic cull.
Classics reviews are one of my favorite videos!! And something that I completely agree (because has happened to me) is that reading too much new releases is exhausting. At least for me because the problem is that I find them boring!! Not all of them of course but most of them... And classics become a wide comfort zone where I can come back and find something really good and interesting practically always. So, if you are in the mood for sharing some videos of classic literature I would love watching those so much!
I've been in a huge reading funk these past few months. I came close to reaching my reading goals, but have been so busy with my newly opened brewery. Life balance is hard! While I may not make my goal, I've read some great books this year, and have read more in the past two years than I have in the last ten years combined. Booktube reignited my love of reading, and I'm trying not to get caught up in the numbers of it all.
Hello Mercedes! I loved this follow up, completely empathise and have this as a response:
I agree with the fact that Booktube should not be stressful and reading is not something that should be overthought or a chore. Have you seen the channel Am I Write? She is a fantastic Booktuber who really does not allow for her reading to stress her out and lets reading adjust to her own life rather than the other way round. Let reading be a happy thing for you and not a "job", as such. If that means you don't read loads some days and other days you do, that is fine! You can read according to how you feel like reading at the moment rather than feeling like you "owe" a massive amount of books read to the Internet (not the case, as I am sure you know). With as many people who love your channel as there are, a more relaxed approach will be no worry.
(Annie, from Am I Write, did a video talking about why she doesn't use Goodreads and she talks about reading anxiety a lot there; whilst Goodreads may not be your main worry, it could still be interesting/helpful for you!)
Don't worry, you will smash through this period of time brilliantly 🤗👍👍
For some reason I feel the exact same way you feel, only I don't have a youtube channel nor do I use goodread all that much...
I’d love to see you do currently reading videos, favorites videos, and wrap-ups. I’ve never stuck to a TBR in my life and I always feel guilty as well. I find star ratings helpful only if I fully understand what they mean to you. A 3 Star read for me was tolerable, and only barely enjoyable, but for you it’s a book that’s good with flaws. So I like your idea of having star ratings for books you don’t want to talk about at great length. On critical reading: I don’t feel it’s a bad thing to read critically, but I do also think that it’s important to know if the critical (or editorial) side of your brain is preventing you from enjoying what may be a perfectly good book once you see past the things you perceive as flaws. I never like to judge an author too harshly, simply because I may be from a different place or different point in time, and I don’t like to view another person’s work through my own (also flawed and imperfect) glasses. My views may not take into consideration the author’s location, culture, background, and time period, and it’s not fair to judge them based on those things. Sentence structure or character development, yes, but anything past story structure, or actual writing I think can get to be a little unfair at times. (This is, of course, just my personal opinion, which can be taken with all the grains of salt. Lol)I’m glad you’ve decided to just kind of go as your mood takes you. I’m really working on that myself, because I’ve started to let everything become a source of stress and anxiety to me. I look forward to hearing about whatever you decide to read, whenever you decide to read it. 🤗🤗🤗
Before graduate school I read LOTS! 50+ books per year regularly. But then school and the massive amount of reading and writing I was required to do made me not want to read for fun. I read maybe 5 books per year when I was in school. Now I’m out but it’s hard to get back into reading like I was before and it makes me feel bad. But I don’t want to force myself to read too much. I just read as I feel. Sometimes I spend a lot of time with reading and sometimes I go weeks without reading anything. Just find a balance that makes you comfortable and don’t force it bc that will make you feel worse really.
Hugs and love
I don't mind star-ratings at the end of videos. I found with myself (I only have a blog about books) I sometimes tend to be really negative about a book because I have a lot of negative points to say but the book wasn't bad or anything. It just comes across a bit negative. So using ratings helps me to put it into perspective. Like: I have a lot to complain about but the book was still good fun. But that's just how I feel about it.
Read at your own pace. Don't stress so much about it and your love of reading will come back.
I do find star ratings helpful, in the general sense. It helps me divide books into “have to buy” and “can wait get it at the library” categories. I find monthly wrap ups way too restricting. Life happens, and it doesn’t always follow the turn of the calendar. Review once you have something to say. I may read 5 books before I find one that I’d want to talk to other people about. And that’s ok, imo. Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy the others or regret the time spent. In short, read what you want, when you want. We like you Mercedes, and when you have something to say about a book we’ll listen. Take care of yourself Xx.
Your SO PRETTY!