There is a quote from Donna Tartt’s The Secret History which says, “it is better to know one book intimately than a hundred superficially.” I feel it’s a beautiful sentiment and this video echo’s perfectly.
I rarely comment on TH-cam but I gotta say this; I’ve been looking for booktubers for months now that I can relate to and oh my god your videos, your points of view, your opinions I relate to them so much and also you open my eyes in ways that none of other booktubers have I hope your channel grows because we need more TH-camrs like u🫶
Oh my gosh, wow. Thank you! I'm honored. I'm happy you found your way here! So since you read I gotta ask, what is your favorite book? (Or what are some of your favorites?)
@Thomas.R.Howell Alloy of Law (4th Mistborn book), A Wizards Defensive Guide to Baking, and.. On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.... I realize how random that spread is haha.
As a person in their 20s getting into reading novels as a hobby, I've been really enjoying watching your videos. Your videos are always so relaxing and calming and I love it. I can't wait to see the continued growth of your channel!!
Thank you so much! Books are amazing. When I have kids I’ll never deny my child a book. The worlds and stories they can experience. The lessons they can learn. Books are the best!
I've just purchased my first bunch of books & was overwhelmed with everything and the choice. But hearing the take your time makes me realise i dont need to read everyday/finish a book a week Im 1/3 through the hobbit and im loving it so far
@@Thomas.R.Howell Its been a few weeks ive read some but also had the audiobook for some chapters and found that really helped me get more engrossed into the book. Just got to chapter 11
@@bighos98 Love it! With the hobbit, It was so cozy that I didn't care how slow I read. Plus I read the hardcover/illustrated edition. Very very nice edition.
I started reading this year and I'm currently reading The Dark Tower series (in the extended reading order) and I'm just loving it. But, I did make a challenge for me to read them all in a few months and I've been finding it really stressful. I'm on Wizard and Glass which is a pretty long book and I usually listen to an audiobook to help me get through books a little faster. I was going to do that with this one, but I decided to read it without an audiobook for once and just get my mind immersed with my own imagination. I started it 2-3 weeks ago and I'm on page 93 which isn't much for a 890 page book, but I'm enjoying it so much. I find it very rewarding to just fly through pages in a natural way and every time I pick up my book, I always find myself so immersed. So thank you for making this video which is only just going to encourage me more for reading at my own pace and I know it will make reading a more fun hobby for me. Also, I find that this topic goes well with all sorts of media. I find myself getting stressed out from all of these series I want to watch, read or play, but the whole point of consuming these series IS for enjoyment, not stress. I really do want to be taking that more into consideration when I dive into things and I really do feel like everyone should start going at their own pace naturally if they haven't already. Really good video!
Oh i have been struggling with this overwhelming feeling of having too many books ..thanks for the video,love ur channel..its refreshing to not see tbr videos or huge book haul videos for once❤
I'm setting my Goodreads reading challenge to 30 books for 2025 (I read 52 this year, and it was stressful as hell). I plan to read several long books and review my studies. Look forward to it.
I just subbed. Your videos are calm, quiet, cozy and informational. A style I enjoy. Not many TH-camrs like that. I'm currently reading "How Facism Works" by Jason Stanley. My next book is either Sophie's world or The ethics of ambiguity.
There´s something about your videos that made them feel so cozy and soft spoken that i really like! The fact we have so much pressure on our shoulder and a life that "needs" to be lived quickly... but to take time to really enjoy things ,that´s worth living. Currently reading "The trial" by Franz Kafka
Thank you 🙏 it’s crazy how society just wants to speed through everything. Never wanting to slow down and really soak it all in. It’s about quantity. Not quality. You aren’t going to remember the 150 books you read that one year. You’re going to remember the 5 books you’ve that have stuck with you throughout your life time.
I really like your channel and your message. I recently got back into reading after a long hiatus and it takes me a long time to finish a book. I was a little self-conscious of that(I don't even know why, the only person who knows I take a long time is me). I was watching videos on how to speed read and stuff like that, and realized I would rather digest what I am reading and not rush through it
Isn’t he soooo cute and handsome and sweet. Great smile. Even better hair! Pet Semetary is great! The Name of the Wind- also an INCREDIBLE BOOK!!! I LOVED IT sooooooo much! I will be watching more of your content here soon! I can listen to you talk all day! I’m so glad I found you! Another friend to talk to about Books! Most of the other people I follow on BookTube are all women! I get a guy! Finally! Yeah!
I’ve always been a slow reader. Last few years I’ve been working on teaching myself to become a fast reader. And it worked. I’ve been able to read perhaps four times faster than I could. I devoured books. I can now tell you that slow reading is better. I now purposefully read slower and enjoy my books a lot more. Journey over destination.
It's my first time watching your channel and kinda needed to hear the message of it. So, thank you and i also really liked your style of filming simple and laid-back. Its cool.
You are speaking my language! Like what you shared with your The Name of the Wind experience, taking time while reading invites space for reflection and wonder. Thank you for this reminder.
Totally agree! What a great perspective! Reflection and wonder. Many times when I read a book that resonates with me, I find myself sitting in awe and wonder with that book. With the writing and world. The characters and pacing. Thank you for hanging out!
@@Johanna_reads Love that! Yes I have read every single book of Rothfuss. And ya know what? I am totally fine with the trilogy remaining unfinished. I'd rather have questions than answers.
@@Thomas.R.Howell same! I wouldn’t mind a conclusion, but not having one hasn’t diminish the journey thus far. I feel the same way about A Song of Ice and Fire and Gentleman Bastards!
I just want to relax and talk books. None of that hyper energy and fast cutting and none stop talking. I like to have some pauses and dead air here and there lol. Thank you so much for hanging out!
Congrats on the growth of your channel. It will grow organically as you continue to post such great content. Book tube has become very samey samey so its nice to see channels like yours. Yes to everything you said in this video!!!!! Also , happy bday to the Mrs. 😁
I'm still lost for words. So happy to have found a place here on this massive platform. My wife was reading the comments last night and she was so happy to see a few happy birthdays! Thank you!
I definitely feel you there in what you said one of the book I read this year will live with me forever it was hard to read emotionally I had to read it in bit in peace because it was very sad
The beginning of the video where you asked “How ya doing?” made my day. And I have a lazy eye, so I read slow because of that. My eye causes me to occasionally read the same line multiple times.
I just ordered Lonesome Dove. I wanted my own copy because I dont want to check it out from the library and feel rushed. I haven't read a long book in quite a while. I was recently revisiting the works of an author I read religiously when I was a teen, and I was shocked to see the length of the books I would knock out on a regular basis (well, several a year at least). I kind of miss that.
It's crazy how the length of a book can influence how we approach it. The length of a series. I love long single books. Just a nice in depth self contained story. It's cozy. A series of books like 14 books in Wheel of Time, can very well be intimidating! And quite frightening. Although I think this series is the most cozy. Like your favorite warm blanket. That fights the cold away on a winter morning.
This means so much. Thank you for taking your time to hang out! I've got so many topics I want to talk about and all of it is to encourage a relaxed mental attitude toward reading.
Great input! This is a constant struggle for me, especially now with a newborn. I think, for me, a big help is to harshly filter for the books that will bring me the most value. Im actually starting to want to reread the ones that matter most to me and slow down on the grind of new books. I got into reading as an adult, and booktube has always made me feel Im not fast enough. Have always been a slow reader as well. From my own experience and your video, I feel it's much better to have a deep experience with a few books than a shallow experience with hundreds. Thank you for this video.
@Thomas.R.Howell Thank you! Its been busy but such a meaningful experience with my son. One book that I have been dying to reread is The Brothers Karamazov. It's my favorite of all time. I read it about 4 years ago. Don Quixote is also one that I'm reading again. I can't say re-reading because I didn't completely finish it the first time, but I still love it. And of course, Lord of the Rings I've noticed classics are what tend to stick with me more than genre fiction, although I read more genre fiction in general. What are some of yours?
I'm loving what you're doing, Thomas. Keep up the good work! I'll be posting a video response soon to your 10 books video. Also - can't wait to hear your commentary on The Way of Kings - the concept of "Journey Before Destination" is majorly incorporated into that book (& series). Also, I've been hearing about The Name of the Wind for years, but your remarks on the book have pushed it to the top of the (not TBR) list. Will be reading that one real soon!
I used to hate reading in school because I was terrible at it, as I've grown up and can read at my own pace and read what I want its brought a whole new perspective on reading to me. Currently reading The Martian by Andy Weir and I love that book so much I've been at it for around 3 weeks and I'm 150ish pages in and its great. I've just learned to accept being terrible at reading but I still enjoy it.
Love your video and channel. I am starting the same thing with all media. I have notice people try to rack up how many movies they watch and never stopping to enjoy the last one finished.
Thomas, I just recently found your channel and have been loving the slower format. Very refreshing to feel like my attention isn’t being abused for clicks and views. Really looking forward to your upcoming projects, especially the DnD video! Would also love to hear about your coffee setup if you ever felt like making a video about that.
We all do it. The more we read the more we will develop focus and process the information at a better rate. But regardless of all that, it's truly okay to read slow.
Couldn't agree more. BookTubers have turned reading into a competitive sport, and it's a shame. Choosing books by length, listening to audiobooks at 2x speed just to get through them. It's sad.
Now this is the kinda person I wanna have a coffee with, I’m a slow reader and some years I don’t even get through one. This year is an anomaly in that I’m on book #4 😳 I’m shocked at myself for getting that far lol
Let's get coffee! Next video I post, make sure to have a cup while you watch lol. I love that though. 4 books is amazing. Which book has been your favorite of the year?
Whoa my mind is blown! I love this so much. There is a different level of excitement I get when a book finds me. I ask myself: "Where have you been all my life?" It just connects with me on a deeper level.
@@Thomas.R.Howell It’s like what is said about meditation or martial arts: when you are ready the master appears. Love your channel, Thomas! What you said in a recent video as you reflected on what the “likes” and “views” mean to you is golden! I am so glad I came across your channel! I’m loving the journey!
I recently got into reading, I started with way of kings. I read the first two of the series then I got really into reading. I bought a lot of books and started feeling overwhelmed. Thanks for the vid I needed to hear this. Slow down and enjoy the journey. 😊
It’s so easy to get excited about buying books on sale. I’m totally guilty of this. Then we are left overwhelmed with piles of books. Glad I can help and bring some encouragement!
I just stumbled onto your channel. You've got great points here. I find that the books I spend a long time reading tend to be my favorites. A Song of Ice and Fire, Outlander series, long Stephen King etc... So many quick reads are forgettable.
I’ve always been a naturally faster reader but slow way down with some books. For example, every few years I reread LOTR, been doing this for 53 years and have read over 20 times. I start on Thanksgiving weekend and don’t finish until late Jan, reading another book at the same time but really savoring my favorite bits of LOTR, and after 53 years I still,find new things each time
I rarely comment on TH-cam because I’m not a native English speaker. I recently find your channel and really like it. You make other content than most of the booktubers and took a lot of pressure from my shoulders (if it’s right in English aswell). I am a slow reader and can’t compete with these 150 Books/year while work and university but somehow you made a change to me. Will go back to the second part of lord of the rings now. Sorry for any mistakes, I don’t want to open a translator for this 😄 Oh and - I think this counting makes a lot of people pick smaller books, which is sad. Read war and peace if you want instead of 5 books with the same amount of pages just to say you read 4 books more.
Lately I’ve been keeping just one book in sight. The book I’m reading. I don’t like to book hop but I also don’t want to get encouraged by another book off to the side lol. So I keep most of my library (which is quite small) out of site. In a closet.
Hey man really appreciate the video! I'm naturally a faster reader, typically I'll read fifty books in a year but this year I tried to read more and I read eighty books so far and it's been exhausting and I've enjoyed it a lot less than I usually do. I've been thinking about this a lot recently and I want to enjoy reading again. This is encouraging to slow down and to enjoy the books that I'm reading. For the rest of this year and next year I only want to read one or two books a month and take my time reading them and really enjoy them. If I read through them faster than that's great as well. Thanks for the video!
Dude this is awesome to hear! There is never anything wrong with being a fast reader. But it’s the perspective we tend to have when reading more and more and setting exhaustive goals that it takes away the joy and fun of reading. Love that you want to strip it back to a couple books a month! Outside of Wheel of time I’m at that pace naturally. A one to two books a month which I’ve found is perfect for me! Have you gotten any further in Wheel of Time?
@@Thomas.R.Howell Yeah reading two books a month sounds fun. I haven't read anymore wheel of time yet, I'm away from home right now but once I get back I'll probably pick the series back up. Right now I'm reading Red Rising and am having a blast with it.
Great video and the video quality is amazing! I need to read The Name of the Wind. I haven't read it, but have seen several people talk about it at this point. I'm working through 'Salem's Lot currently and really enjoying it.
First and foremost happy birthday to your wife. It's so refreshing listening to your video. Since the beginning of this year I haven't set reading goals anymore. Life and work is stressful as it is, I don't need to add another deadline. Looking forward to your thoughts on Pet semetery, I think that or the shining was my first Stephen King book. I am currently not reading anything, but I am thinking of reading the book you recommend in your video. The only fantasy book I have read is Lord of the Rings and I loved it.
Thank you! I love that perspective. “Deadlines”. That would just make reading a chore. The true joy of reading is reading of your own volition! That’s when the magic happens. Oh my Name of the Wind?? The ironic thing about that book is, it’s slow. In the best ways. You live in the shoes of the character. Exploring the world with him in the mode organic and candid ways. It’s honestly perfect for fall and winter. And it’s just cozy.
I enjoy more books when I read them slowly... since I have a work too I can only read during my spare time so one book only every two weeks for short books (Romantasy, Thriller) ... one month for long books (Science, Urban, Cyberpunk Fantasy)
I resonated with this, currently in college and going from reading a lot during the summer to struggling to find the time to finish the book I'm currently reading :\ but I do my best to find the time! reading slow sometimes feels like staying stagnant, but thinking about it more ... I now have more time to let the story sit and process! Currently reading "Age of War" by Micheal J. Sullivan P.S. still waiting on that Stardew Valley video :D and excited for the DnD one!
I have never been a slow reader and don’t see that changing. Instead…trying to stop having so many books going at once. Returning to my old faithful 1 audio and 1 non-audio at a time rule. Sometimes those end up being the same story if I am really into it and want to switch depending on what I’m doing. That’s my version of slowing down. 😅
I’ve been following for a bit, great content bro. As a fellow TH-camr who doesn’t ask for subscriptions or likes, it’s always encouraging when people drop a like or sub. Best of luck to you!
i love this perspective i think it’s so easy to fall into the consumer culture that surrounds books and reading side note - what camera do you use if you don’t mind me asking?
I do the same thing with video games its so so easy to get pressured from social media and all the trends and what's in and what's out! I use the SONY A7S Mark III. Hope this helps. (It's my work camera. So it's a bit pricy. I might try shooting with my smaller Sony and see how that goes. (Sony ZV-1) It's a lot more affordable and easier to travel with.
exactly! it can really apply to all forms of media so it’s always nice to remember to live life slowly. And thank you so much for letting me know the price points as well that’s really helpful!
Slowish reader here. I read about 10 books a year, but I tend to focus on classics and philosophy. Those books require so much attention that I don't really feel the need to read an 11th book. Unfourtanetly, I find many classic readers are more often taken over by reading challenges than genre readers. I am about two thirds of the way through Wuthering Heights right now, and loving it, but I think I would lose a lot if I read it in half the time
10 books a year is insanely good! Especially if you are reading dense and thought provoking books. Wheel of time isn’t philosophy but my goodness is it dense. Histories. Characters. Magic systems. It hasn’t been an easy read. But very rewarding!
I wonder if after reading Stormlight you'll change the saying to journey before destination lol. I sort of did, it almost feels more natural now. Personally I read really really slowly. But for the last few years I've been listening to audio books instead. I find the content pace of that just works better for me to enjoy the book. But when I listen to an audio book that's probably 90% of the content I'll be consuming for that time period (as in that week or month). It lets me focus in on it, be it listening in the car, on a walk or lying on the couch. One thing though is that I find I have little trouble deciding that this is a place I want to stop at and think about for a time. So I may put it down for a time before picking it up again. That said I do what to do more listen while simultaneously reading the book to slow it down and focus in on the book more. Not always, but with somethings. Like I plan on rereading Malazan at some point and that seems like the best way for me to do it. To be able to really pause go back and see all the fine details there are, now that I have full knowledge of the series
6:35 my problem is that i do this with many other things besides books even though i enjoy the joinery but i still want to finish them like videos games a movie etc idk why it makes me feel bad about myself that I don’t take my time
Exactly! My bad gaming habits are I jump from game to game and never finish them. I tend to go play the multiplayer games with my friends rather than play and finish my single player experiences. A few weeks ago I was thinking, wait why don’t I just apply the principles that I stand by when it comes to reading toward gaming? So I did that. I deleted my gaming library so now I will only have one game on my console at a time. My wife and I will be starting Alan wake 2!
Thank you! I can't wait to read IT. That'll be my next King book. Probably next summer or fall. We will see where I am at with my tastes and what I am feeling then.
Am a slow reader and Started reading IT yesterday.. you know Oct 1st, halloween and horror. At this rate, not sure when i’m going to finish it lol but i passed stanley uris’ demise sooo i guess it is at an acceptable rate😂
I love that. I plan on starting IT next Summer (August) so maybe I'll finish it around the end of September or beginning of October. Who knows though! Take your time! Never feel rushed!
I don’t know how to take that lol But you make a good point about autonomy. I feel we have so much pressure that forces us to go with the trends and the popular books on social media than choosing the books that are on our own radar. Books that we want to read. Books that excite us. And read these books at our own pace. Not feel forced to speed read and skip to the next thing.
Like for me I’m enjoying the journey I feel like the books I’ve read where either given to me, I found or looked up…from the heart is a lonely hunter being one of my first favorites to this month I’ve read japenese authors huaruki Murakami and Osamu dazai no longer human….for me I’ve found my methods ok but I want to be able to sometimes know what it is I like to read? If that makes since lol
It is weird, Am also a slow reader, but for some books I read very fast, like I read all the game of thrones books in like 3 months, where as dune took me six months.
All kinds! Sometimes I turn my brain off with call of duty and Fortnite. But only to play with friends. But mainly I enjoy deep single player experiences. Right now I am playing Alan Wake 2 with my wife. Then onto Witcher 3! wbu
@@Thomas.R.Howell I will give it a try. If it got you thinking about it after years, then I have to read it. It’s how I got into Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Still in my mind after so many years, and I have to watch them a couple times a year, my mind asks for it.
@@MrEscobar. What kind of books are you into? Name of the Wind isn't your typical fantasy book. It's slow. It's intimate. It's poetic. The most beautiful prose I've ever read. Dude I LOVE Starwars and Lord of the Rings. I too rewatch the films annually. You should check out my love letter to Star Wars video haha
@@Thomas.R.Howell Haha, no idea you had a love letter for Star Wars, But I'm not the typical Star Wars fan. Some of the shows of Disney but not all of them.. A bit nitpicky I don't love everything about Star Wars. I’m a Fan of the 3, 4, 5, 6, and some of the 7
With all the various discourse on what authors we should or shouldnt read, or what genres count or are to simple to be counted. Like romance and cozy mysteries get a lot of critics, and especially if authors keep their writing on the simpler side, and don't try to make it prose filled and poetic all the time. I see a lot of reference to "potato chip books" or books that are purely because we enjoy them, vs books that expand our minds
I think it’s not a bad thing to discern if a book is deep or simplistic in its prose and content. However I don’t think we should shun those books. If a specific genre is what someone loves and wants to continue to get lost in those works, then more power to them! I don’t think there is a right or wrong genre. I think what matters is our attitude toward them and toward books. Read what excites you. Read what you want. Not because of outside pressure. Then there is also the side of reading out of your comfort zone. I think that should be encouraged. To read books outside of your preferred genre. Because there are so many worlds. So many stories. So many lessons to experience outside of your favorite genre and I think we should take that leap at least once in our lives.
@@leximanthey5952 One more thing... my mom was a teacher. And growing up, she would NEVER deny me a book. It could be something as simple as a car picture book. She never forced reading on me but never saying no to a book was a way of encouraging me into the world of books. My point is, we as readers should never gatekeep. Or shun someone's choice of book. We all have our own tastes and likes and dislikes. We can all have a healthy discourse and discussion on books but we should never deny someone their taste in books. I think you might have just given me my next video idea lol
Your channel feels like having a cozy night with a friend.
No unnecessary cuts and zoom no sound effects just simple linear video its feels so good to watch and relax hope your channel grows well.
wow thank you!
There is a quote from Donna Tartt’s The Secret History which says, “it is better to know one book intimately than a hundred superficially.” I feel it’s a beautiful sentiment and this video echo’s perfectly.
That is awesome! Love that
"You can only read a book for the first time once. So why rush?"
Thank you. I needed this ✨️
Finally! Im not the only one that thinks that books are not Netflix series. You have to enjoy them and learn from them, and that takes time.
I rarely comment on TH-cam but I gotta say this; I’ve been looking for booktubers for months now that I can relate to and oh my god your videos, your points of view, your opinions I relate to them so much and also you open my eyes in ways that none of other booktubers have
I hope your channel grows because we need more TH-camrs like u🫶
Oh my gosh, wow. Thank you! I'm honored. I'm happy you found your way here!
So since you read I gotta ask, what is your favorite book? (Or what are some of your favorites?)
Your videos are like the equivalent of mediation, so calming, so deep and reflective. Love it, man
“I want to be honest and be myself” good for you man i hope you stay that way. Many people on social media these days are not
I dig your vibe & the coziness of your channel. Always down to hang out here watching you drink coffee and talk about books.
So happy for you to join in! Let’s hangout and talk books! What book are you reading now?
@Thomas.R.Howell Alloy of Law (4th Mistborn book), A Wizards Defensive Guide to Baking, and.. On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin.... I realize how random that spread is haha.
i just feel like....... cozy atmosphere, your thoughts are so relatable to me
This makes me happy! Thank you for hanging out
I love your vibe bro, new sub men keep it up👏🏼
Wow thank you!
As a person in their 20s getting into reading novels as a hobby, I've been really enjoying watching your videos.
Your videos are always so relaxing and calming and I love it.
I can't wait to see the continued growth of your channel!!
Thank you so much! Books are amazing. When I have kids I’ll never deny my child a book. The worlds and stories they can experience. The lessons they can learn. Books are the best!
I've just purchased my first bunch of books & was overwhelmed with everything and the choice. But hearing the take your time makes me realise i dont need to read everyday/finish a book a week
Im 1/3 through the hobbit and im loving it so far
Love this! The hobbit is amazing. Enjoy that journey and take your sweet sweet time!
@@Thomas.R.Howell Its been a few weeks ive read some but also had the audiobook for some chapters and found that really helped me get more engrossed into the book. Just got to chapter 11
@@bighos98 Love it! With the hobbit, It was so cozy that I didn't care how slow I read. Plus I read the hardcover/illustrated edition. Very very nice edition.
I started reading this year and I'm currently reading The Dark Tower series (in the extended reading order) and I'm just loving it. But, I did make a challenge for me to read them all in a few months and I've been finding it really stressful. I'm on Wizard and Glass which is a pretty long book and I usually listen to an audiobook to help me get through books a little faster. I was going to do that with this one, but I decided to read it without an audiobook for once and just get my mind immersed with my own imagination. I started it 2-3 weeks ago and I'm on page 93 which isn't much for a 890 page book, but I'm enjoying it so much. I find it very rewarding to just fly through pages in a natural way and every time I pick up my book, I always find myself so immersed. So thank you for making this video which is only just going to encourage me more for reading at my own pace and I know it will make reading a more fun hobby for me. Also, I find that this topic goes well with all sorts of media. I find myself getting stressed out from all of these series I want to watch, read or play, but the whole point of consuming these series IS for enjoyment, not stress. I really do want to be taking that more into consideration when I dive into things and I really do feel like everyone should start going at their own pace naturally if they haven't already.
Really good video!
This is a refreshing take. More people on here need this mentality
We all need to slow down. Not just with books but with life.
Oh i have been struggling with this overwhelming feeling of having too many books ..thanks for the video,love ur channel..its refreshing to not see tbr videos or huge book haul videos for once❤
It gets exhausting. Here we can just relax and hangout. Talk books! Thank you for hanging out!
I'm setting my Goodreads reading challenge to 30 books for 2025 (I read 52 this year, and it was stressful as hell). I plan to read several long books and review my studies. Look forward to it.
I just subbed. Your videos are calm, quiet, cozy and informational. A style I enjoy. Not many TH-camrs like that. I'm currently reading "How Facism Works" by Jason Stanley. My next book is either Sophie's world or The ethics of ambiguity.
Hi Thomas, I'm glad my comment stirred your brain a little, and I'm so excited to see your growing community and engagement,
cheers.
I'm so happy to talk books with you and so many others. I'm happy my thoughts resonate with so many out there.
There´s something about your videos that made them feel so cozy and soft spoken that i really like! The fact we have so much pressure on our shoulder and a life that "needs" to be lived quickly... but to take time to really enjoy things ,that´s worth living. Currently reading "The trial" by Franz Kafka
Thank you 🙏 it’s crazy how society just wants to speed through everything. Never wanting to slow down and really soak it all in.
It’s about quantity. Not quality. You aren’t going to remember the 150 books you read that one year. You’re going to remember the 5 books you’ve that have stuck with you throughout your life time.
I really like your channel and your message. I recently got back into reading after a long hiatus and it takes me a long time to finish a book. I was a little self-conscious of that(I don't even know why, the only person who knows I take a long time is me). I was watching videos on how to speed read and stuff like that, and realized I would rather digest what I am reading and not rush through it
Isn’t he soooo cute and handsome and sweet. Great smile. Even better hair! Pet Semetary is great! The Name of the Wind- also an INCREDIBLE BOOK!!! I LOVED IT sooooooo much! I will be watching more of your content here soon! I can listen to you talk all day! I’m so glad I found you! Another friend to talk to about
Books! Most of the other people I follow on BookTube are all women! I get a guy! Finally! Yeah!
Another Name of the Wind fan! Let's GOOO!
I just finished Pet Sematary. I will be posting my review soon!
I’ve always been a slow reader. Last few years I’ve been working on teaching myself to become a fast reader. And it worked. I’ve been able to read perhaps four times faster than I could. I devoured books. I can now tell you that slow reading is better. I now purposefully read slower and enjoy my books a lot more. Journey over destination.
#journeyoverdestination
It's my first time watching your channel and kinda needed to hear the message of it. So, thank you and i also really liked your style of filming simple and laid-back. Its cool.
Thank you for hanging out!
You are speaking my language! Like what you shared with your The Name of the Wind experience, taking time while reading invites space for reflection and wonder. Thank you for this reminder.
Totally agree! What a great perspective! Reflection and wonder.
Many times when I read a book that resonates with me, I find myself sitting in awe and wonder with that book. With the writing and world. The characters and pacing.
Thank you for hanging out!
Have you read Name of the Wind?
@@Thomas.R.Howell I have! It’s been 6 years now, but I loved it! My husband considers it his favorite fantasy book. Have you read The Wise Man’s Fear?
@@Johanna_reads Love that! Yes I have read every single book of Rothfuss. And ya know what? I am totally fine with the trilogy remaining unfinished. I'd rather have questions than answers.
@@Thomas.R.Howell same! I wouldn’t mind a conclusion, but not having one hasn’t diminish the journey thus far. I feel the same way about A Song of Ice and Fire and Gentleman Bastards!
Your video relieved the pressure from wanting to read as fast as possible. Thanks, man!
Awesome dude!
Your videos are great. The comfort atmosphere, topics... I love it.
Thank you!!!
I just want to relax and talk books. None of that hyper energy and fast cutting and none stop talking. I like to have some pauses and dead air here and there lol. Thank you so much for hanging out!
Just watched your 5 habits video and it changed the way I think of reading!! I love your channel! Thanks so much for your videos!!!!
Love it!
Congrats on the growth of your channel. It will grow organically as you continue to post such great content.
Book tube has become very samey samey so its nice to see channels like yours.
Yes to everything you said in this video!!!!!
Also , happy bday to the Mrs. 😁
I'm still lost for words. So happy to have found a place here on this massive platform.
My wife was reading the comments last night and she was so happy to see a few happy birthdays! Thank you!
I definitely feel you there in what you said one of the book I read this year will live with me forever it was hard to read emotionally I had to read it in bit in peace because it was very sad
The beginning of the video where you asked “How ya doing?” made my day.
And I have a lazy eye, so I read slow because of that. My eye causes me to occasionally read the same line multiple times.
I just ordered Lonesome Dove. I wanted my own copy because I dont want to check it out from the library and feel rushed. I haven't read a long book in quite a while. I was recently revisiting the works of an author I read religiously when I was a teen, and I was shocked to see the length of the books I would knock out on a regular basis (well, several a year at least). I kind of miss that.
It's crazy how the length of a book can influence how we approach it. The length of a series. I love long single books. Just a nice in depth self contained story. It's cozy.
A series of books like 14 books in Wheel of Time, can very well be intimidating! And quite frightening. Although I think this series is the most cozy. Like your favorite warm blanket. That fights the cold away on a winter morning.
i just observed this channel.Thank you for staying here in this cyber space of traffic jam and spreading thoughts of calm attitude towards reading,
This means so much. Thank you for taking your time to hang out! I've got so many topics I want to talk about and all of it is to encourage a relaxed mental attitude toward reading.
Not only did I listen to you about reading books and drinking coffee, I also subscribed!
Great input! This is a constant struggle for me, especially now with a newborn. I think, for me, a big help is to harshly filter for the books that will bring me the most value.
Im actually starting to want to reread the ones that matter most to me and slow down on the grind of new books. I got into reading as an adult, and booktube has always made me feel Im not fast enough. Have always been a slow reader as well. From my own experience and your video, I feel it's much better to have a deep experience with a few books than a shallow experience with hundreds. Thank you for this video.
I wholeheartedly agree and congratulations on the newborn! What books do you find yourself going back to for a reread??
@Thomas.R.Howell Thank you! Its been busy but such a meaningful experience with my son.
One book that I have been dying to reread is The Brothers Karamazov. It's my favorite of all time. I read it about 4 years ago.
Don Quixote is also one that I'm reading again. I can't say re-reading because I didn't completely finish it the first time, but I still love it. And of course, Lord of the Rings
I've noticed classics are what tend to stick with me more than genre fiction, although I read more genre fiction in general. What are some of yours?
I discovered your channel through this video. Happy Reading (at whatever speed you prefer.) 😎📚👍
Yes! You too! Thats the joy of reading! Read at your own pace. Love that
Great video, as usual! Really gives an intriguing reflection on how to approach reading itself.
Hi just discovered this channel. I love it❤
Thank you!
Another brilliant take on the age of consumerism.
I'm loving what you're doing, Thomas. Keep up the good work! I'll be posting a video response soon to your 10 books video. Also - can't wait to hear your commentary on The Way of Kings - the concept of "Journey Before Destination" is majorly incorporated into that book (& series).
Also, I've been hearing about The Name of the Wind for years, but your remarks on the book have pushed it to the top of the (not TBR) list. Will be reading that one real soon!
I used to hate reading in school because I was terrible at it, as I've grown up and can read at my own pace and read what I want its brought a whole new perspective on reading to me. Currently reading The Martian by Andy Weir and I love that book so much I've been at it for around 3 weeks and I'm 150ish pages in and its great. I've just learned to accept being terrible at reading but I still enjoy it.
Love your video and channel. I am starting the same thing with all media. I have notice people try to rack up how many movies they watch and never stopping to enjoy the last one finished.
Thomas, I just recently found your channel and have been loving the slower format. Very refreshing to feel like my attention isn’t being abused for clicks and views. Really looking forward to your upcoming projects, especially the DnD video! Would also love to hear about your coffee setup if you ever felt like making a video about that.
It’s an honor to have you follow along and join this journey! I’m so excited for the dnd video! And would love to talk coffee here and there!
This gives me so much joy and encouragement
Thank you
Thank you for saying this…I’m a slow reader also..sometimes I like to reread paragraphs or sentences.
We all do it. The more we read the more we will develop focus and process the information at a better rate. But regardless of all that, it's truly okay to read slow.
I'm only a few minutes into the video and by the way you carry yourself and talk I can already tell I'm gonna subscribe!
Thank you! 😭
Couldn't agree more. BookTubers have turned reading into a competitive sport, and it's a shame. Choosing books by length, listening to audiobooks at 2x speed just to get through them. It's sad.
It's wild!
Now this is the kinda person I wanna have a coffee with, I’m a slow reader and some years I don’t even get through one. This year is an anomaly in that I’m on book #4 😳 I’m shocked at myself for getting that far lol
Let's get coffee! Next video I post, make sure to have a cup while you watch lol.
I love that though. 4 books is amazing. Which book has been your favorite of the year?
@@Thomas.R.Howell
CS Lewis “Til We Have Faces”. Can’t wait to read it again, I NEED to read it again!
Thank you 🥰
You’re welcome 😊
This channel is growing like a weed and I absolutely love it. Congrats
I have no words! 😭 thank you!
I love the books that find me as opposed to the other way around!
Whoa my mind is blown! I love this so much. There is a different level of excitement I get when a book finds me. I ask myself: "Where have you been all my life?" It just connects with me on a deeper level.
@@Thomas.R.Howell It’s like what is said about meditation or martial arts: when you are ready the master appears.
Love your channel, Thomas! What you said in a recent video as you reflected on what the “likes” and “views” mean to you is golden! I am so glad I came across your channel! I’m loving the journey!
@@mipsungvuclam That means so much. I'm happy you are apart of this journey! Thank you
I recently got into reading, I started with way of kings. I read the first two of the series then I got really into reading. I bought a lot of books and started feeling overwhelmed. Thanks for the vid I needed to hear this. Slow down and enjoy the journey. 😊
It’s so easy to get excited about buying books on sale. I’m totally guilty of this. Then we are left overwhelmed with piles of books. Glad I can help and bring some encouragement!
thank you
I just stumbled onto your channel. You've got great points here. I find that the books I spend a long time reading tend to be my favorites. A Song of Ice and Fire, Outlander series, long Stephen King etc... So many quick reads are forgettable.
Yes! Especially if you approach a book with the goal to just speed through it!
I’ve always been a naturally faster reader but slow way down with some books. For example, every few years I reread LOTR, been doing this for 53 years and have read over 20 times. I start on Thanksgiving weekend and don’t finish until late Jan, reading another book at the same time but really savoring my favorite bits of LOTR, and after 53 years I still,find new things each time
I rarely comment on TH-cam because I’m not a native English speaker. I recently find your channel and really like it. You make other content than most of the booktubers and took a lot of pressure from my shoulders (if it’s right in English aswell). I am a slow reader and can’t compete with these 150 Books/year while work and university but somehow you made a change to me. Will go back to the second part of lord of the rings now. Sorry for any mistakes, I don’t want to open a translator for this 😄
Oh and - I think this counting makes a lot of people pick smaller books, which is sad. Read war and peace if you want instead of 5 books with the same amount of pages just to say you read 4 books more.
I really appreciate you raking the time to comment. I'm excited for you to give Lord of the Rings another shot!
It does get exhausting. All the tbr, book hauls. I love them but i feel overwhelmed sometimes by everything out there.
Lately I’ve been keeping just one book in sight. The book I’m reading. I don’t like to book hop but I also don’t want to get encouraged by another book off to the side lol. So I keep most of my library (which is quite small) out of site. In a closet.
Hey man really appreciate the video! I'm naturally a faster reader, typically I'll read fifty books in a year but this year I tried to read more and I read eighty books so far and it's been exhausting and I've enjoyed it a lot less than I usually do. I've been thinking about this a lot recently and I want to enjoy reading again. This is encouraging to slow down and to enjoy the books that I'm reading. For the rest of this year and next year I only want to read one or two books a month and take my time reading them and really enjoy them. If I read through them faster than that's great as well. Thanks for the video!
Dude this is awesome to hear! There is never anything wrong with being a fast reader. But it’s the perspective we tend to have when reading more and more and setting exhaustive goals that it takes away the joy and fun of reading. Love that you want to strip it back to a couple books a month!
Outside of Wheel of time I’m at that pace naturally. A one to two books a month which I’ve found is perfect for me!
Have you gotten any further in Wheel of Time?
@@Thomas.R.Howell Yeah reading two books a month sounds fun. I haven't read anymore wheel of time yet, I'm away from home right now but once I get back I'll probably pick the series back up. Right now I'm reading Red Rising and am having a blast with it.
@@mrwhale7351 I've heard great things about Red Rising! Excited for you to dive back into WoT.
Great video and the video quality is amazing! I need to read The Name of the Wind. I haven't read it, but have seen several people talk about it at this point. I'm working through 'Salem's Lot currently and really enjoying it.
Love it!! I’m starting Salem’s Lot next week!
First and foremost happy birthday to your wife.
It's so refreshing listening to your video. Since the beginning of this year I haven't set reading goals anymore. Life and work is stressful as it is, I don't need to add another deadline.
Looking forward to your thoughts on Pet semetery, I think that or the shining was my first Stephen King book.
I am currently not reading anything, but I am thinking of reading the book you recommend in your video. The only fantasy book I have read is Lord of the Rings and I loved it.
Thank you!
I love that perspective. “Deadlines”. That would just make reading a chore. The true joy of reading is reading of your own volition! That’s when the magic happens.
Oh my Name of the Wind?? The ironic thing about that book is, it’s slow. In the best ways. You live in the shoes of the character. Exploring the world with him in the mode organic and candid ways. It’s honestly perfect for fall and winter. And it’s just cozy.
Lord of the rings is definitely on my list! LOVE the extended versions of the films
Stay humble homie. Keep making great content and great conversation.
Absolutely.
Just finished Blood Meridian and wish I had taken more time with it. Going to try to do better with this next one. Great video
Journey before destination 😊
Always 😄
I enjoy more books when I read them slowly... since I have a work too I can only read during my spare time so one book only every two weeks for short books (Romantasy, Thriller) ... one month for long books (Science, Urban, Cyberpunk Fantasy)
I resonated with this, currently in college and going from reading a lot during the summer to struggling to find the time to finish the book I'm currently reading :\ but I do my best to find the time! reading slow sometimes feels like staying stagnant, but thinking about it more ... I now have more time to let the story sit and process! Currently reading "Age of War" by Micheal J. Sullivan
P.S. still waiting on that Stardew Valley video :D and excited for the DnD one!
I know! I plan on doing a book review next week then probably the dnd one!!
I have never been a slow reader and don’t see that changing. Instead…trying to stop having so many books going at once. Returning to my old faithful 1 audio and 1 non-audio at a time rule. Sometimes those end up being the same story if I am really into it and want to switch depending on what I’m doing. That’s my version of slowing down. 😅
That’s the way to do it! Book hopping will kill momentum and immersion within a story/world!
I love the intro song could you provide name and artist?
I believe it is: Turntable Tale by Dusty Decks.
Happy 31st to her!
I’ve been following for a bit, great content bro. As a fellow TH-camr who doesn’t ask for subscriptions or likes, it’s always encouraging when people drop a like or sub. Best of luck to you!
Journey Before Destination
Always
i love this perspective i think it’s so easy to fall into the consumer culture that surrounds books and reading
side note - what camera do you use if you don’t mind me asking?
I do the same thing with video games its so so easy to get pressured from social media and all the trends and what's in and what's out!
I use the SONY A7S Mark III. Hope this helps. (It's my work camera. So it's a bit pricy. I might try shooting with my smaller Sony and see how that goes. (Sony ZV-1) It's a lot more affordable and easier to travel with.
exactly! it can really apply to all forms of media so it’s always nice to remember to live life slowly.
And thank you so much for letting me know the price points as well that’s really helpful!
@@gretelsabina9047 Absolutely!
Slowish reader here. I read about 10 books a year, but I tend to focus on classics and philosophy. Those books require so much attention that I don't really feel the need to read an 11th book. Unfourtanetly, I find many classic readers are more often taken over by reading challenges than genre readers. I am about two thirds of the way through Wuthering Heights right now, and loving it, but I think I would lose a lot if I read it in half the time
10 books a year is insanely good! Especially if you are reading dense and thought provoking books.
Wheel of time isn’t philosophy but my goodness is it dense. Histories. Characters. Magic systems. It hasn’t been an easy read. But very rewarding!
@@Thomas.R.Howell Oh well thanks. From what I here, Wheel of Time is very dense in it's own right.
I wonder if after reading Stormlight you'll change the saying to journey before destination lol. I sort of did, it almost feels more natural now.
Personally I read really really slowly. But for the last few years I've been listening to audio books instead. I find the content pace of that just works better for me to enjoy the book. But when I listen to an audio book that's probably 90% of the content I'll be consuming for that time period (as in that week or month). It lets me focus in on it, be it listening in the car, on a walk or lying on the couch.
One thing though is that I find I have little trouble deciding that this is a place I want to stop at and think about for a time. So I may put it down for a time before picking it up again.
That said I do what to do more listen while simultaneously reading the book to slow it down and focus in on the book more. Not always, but with somethings. Like I plan on rereading Malazan at some point and that seems like the best way for me to do it. To be able to really pause go back and see all the fine details there are, now that I have full knowledge of the series
6:35 my problem is that i do this with many other things besides books even though i enjoy the joinery but i still want to finish them like videos games a movie etc idk why it makes me feel bad about myself that I don’t take my time
Exactly! My bad gaming habits are I jump from game to game and never finish them. I tend to go play the multiplayer games with my friends rather than play and finish my single player experiences.
A few weeks ago I was thinking, wait why don’t I just apply the principles that I stand by when it comes to reading toward gaming? So I did that. I deleted my gaming library so now I will only have one game on my console at a time.
My wife and I will be starting Alan wake 2!
@@Thomas.R.Howell that’s a good idea!
enjoy the game!
You really do need to read IT and dune.i enjoy your videos
Thank you! I can't wait to read IT. That'll be my next King book. Probably next summer or fall. We will see where I am at with my tastes and what I am feeling then.
Am a slow reader and Started reading IT yesterday.. you know Oct 1st, halloween and horror. At this rate, not sure when i’m going to finish it lol but i passed stanley uris’ demise sooo i guess it is at an acceptable rate😂
I love that. I plan on starting IT next Summer (August) so maybe I'll finish it around the end of September or beginning of October. Who knows though!
Take your time! Never feel rushed!
Yep have so many books to read on kindle. and im a slow reader.
What book are you reading now? Or what’s on your radar?
@@Thomas.R.Howell All the fiends of hell by adam nevill. great horror book.
your video gives the vibe of a thirteen year old discorvering autonomy
I don’t know how to take that lol
But you make a good point about autonomy. I feel we have so much pressure that forces us to go with the trends and the popular books on social media than choosing the books that are on our own radar. Books that we want to read. Books that excite us. And read these books at our own pace. Not feel forced to speed read and skip to the next thing.
Like for me I’m enjoying the journey I feel like the books I’ve read where either given to me, I found or looked up…from the heart is a lonely hunter being one of my first favorites to this month I’ve read japenese authors huaruki Murakami and Osamu dazai no longer human….for me I’ve found my methods ok but I want to be able to sometimes know what it is I like to read? If that makes since lol
It is weird, Am also a slow reader, but for some books I read very fast, like I read all the game of thrones books in like 3 months, where as dune took me six months.
So crazy how that happens. Wheel of time has been slow but a very enjoyable slow. But when I read self contained stories I rip through em!
What kind of video games do you play?
All kinds! Sometimes I turn my brain off with call of duty and Fortnite. But only to play with friends. But mainly I enjoy deep single player experiences. Right now I am playing Alan Wake 2 with my wife. Then onto Witcher 3! wbu
@@Thomas.R.Howell nice selection! I love the witcher 3. Right now I am playing Assassins Creed Mirage, so far so good
What is the name of the book you still thinking about??
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss :)
@@Thomas.R.Howell I will give it a try.
If it got you thinking about it after years, then I have to read it.
It’s how I got into Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.
Still in my mind after so many years, and I have to watch them a couple times a year, my mind asks for it.
@@MrEscobar. What kind of books are you into?
Name of the Wind isn't your typical fantasy book. It's slow. It's intimate. It's poetic. The most beautiful prose I've ever read.
Dude I LOVE Starwars and Lord of the Rings. I too rewatch the films annually. You should check out my love letter to Star Wars video haha
@@Thomas.R.Howell Haha, no idea you had a love letter for Star Wars,
But I'm not the typical Star Wars fan.
Some of the shows of Disney but not all of them..
A bit nitpicky
I don't love everything about Star Wars.
I’m a Fan of the 3, 4, 5, 6, and some of the 7
I wonder about your take on not reading the "right kind of book". Are there genres where you think its not the same to read those as other genres?
What do you mean? Can you expand on that?
With all the various discourse on what authors we should or shouldnt read, or what genres count or are to simple to be counted. Like romance and cozy mysteries get a lot of critics, and especially if authors keep their writing on the simpler side, and don't try to make it prose filled and poetic all the time. I see a lot of reference to "potato chip books" or books that are purely because we enjoy them, vs books that expand our minds
I think it’s not a bad thing to discern if a book is deep or simplistic in its prose and content. However I don’t think we should shun those books. If a specific genre is what someone loves and wants to continue to get lost in those works, then more power to them! I don’t think there is a right or wrong genre. I think what matters is our attitude toward them and toward books. Read what excites you. Read what you want. Not because of outside pressure.
Then there is also the side of reading out of your comfort zone. I think that should be encouraged. To read books outside of your preferred genre. Because there are so many worlds. So many stories. So many lessons to experience outside of your favorite genre and I think we should take that leap at least once in our lives.
@@leximanthey5952 One more thing... my mom was a teacher. And growing up, she would NEVER deny me a book. It could be something as simple as a car picture book. She never forced reading on me but never saying no to a book was a way of encouraging me into the world of books.
My point is, we as readers should never gatekeep. Or shun someone's choice of book. We all have our own tastes and likes and dislikes. We can all have a healthy discourse and discussion on books but we should never deny someone their taste in books.
I think you might have just given me my next video idea lol
You don't ask for likes and Subscriptions. And that's why you're getting them. :)
"journey before destination" are you sure you haven't been reading stormlight 😂?
Haha maybe…. 😅
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