Am I just hate reading books?

[@themagicalmooncow3879]

I typically don't watch the positive reviews, because either; a. It's a book I want to read and don't want it spoiled or b. I see your initial thoughts and stop watching because I now want to read it. I like watching the bad book reviews because I have absolutely no desire to read the books

[@ReadswithRachel]

This is such a valid reason to watch book rants. They’re entertaining! It’s just a fact! And we aren’t all gonna read all these books but we wanna know what’s inside! I’m never gonna read The Wild but I’m gonna eat up every rant review on it 🤣

[@gulcinkabay1887]

Exactly this

[@hexonyou]

I definitely relate to this. While I love watching Rachel's content regardless of good or bad review, I do really enjoy watching the bad reviews because that's my way to consume and learn more about media that I would never plan to read but don't want to dismiss outright. I like hearing the breakdowns and having someone else read the examples, and it also kind of feels like actively reading a shitty book with a friend I can laugh along with.

[@strawbee5]

this is exactly my reasoning!

[@MarcelleLeiturasPreguicosas]

same, but I always come back to watch the video after reading, like your blood, my bones, spin of fate, and many others

[@RabidSquirrelGaming]

My toxic trait is watching people tear apart books that look bad to me 😅 I get my popcorn and settle in, gasping at the audacity of some of these lines and situations 😆 it's like my own little soap opera! So yeah I'm one of those that drives views on the "negative" reviews, but I enjoy the heck out of them! I appreciate your sacrifice so I can watch someone suffer with books I'll never read 😆

[@readbycandle7489]

Same! I would never pick up any of these books but I will spend 2 hours loving the tea 😎

[@meiimacca4054]

SAME it validates me so strongly lol

[@RaineInChaos]

I actually love watching people tear apart books and media and other things that I truly love - *as long as they're actually making good points.* (Counterexample: I see people tearing apart KonMari all the time because they either haven't read her book or didn't comprehend her POV and those are annoying.) There's a YT creator @verilybitchie who does a lot of essays tearing apart shows and movies I actually loved. Sometimes I come away agreeing with her, sometimes I don't, but it always makes me think and evaluate things I liked in a new way

[@Tishisaurus]

I need the validation - After reading terrible books that came to me via gushing reviews and thinking "is the whole world f*cking mad, this was awful!", I need to feel like I am not alone in my critiques. I don't think I'm harsh on books, so I feel lonely when I can't complain about them!

[@alinastarkov9793]

Even if you were hate reading get your bag girl get something nice for you, the kids ,your husband and for your therapist❤ love from Spain.

[@izzygraff2026]

Yo I used to live in Spain! It was a while ago and I feel like all my memories of it sort of mashed together, but I remember it being AMAZING

[@alinastarkov9793]

@@izzygraff2026 glad you made good memories here😊

[@Tomorrow_lauren]

Proud member of the "I am (probably) never gonna read Fourth Wing but love the deep dive" club. I found you because I read the first ACOTAR book and felt SO lied to about it, so betrayed, that I was desperate for confirmation (it is part of my neurospice mix - I often need my opinion validated because I was always told I was wrong by other kids). I stay because your videos are informative, honest, and funny. I often do art or play a game while listening. Plus, I can leave long, often cathartic comments, and no one gets mad. 😂 this was very informative ❤ thank you for your honesty and enjoyable content ❤

[@KendallM0219]

@@KatJonesCrochetI like to read things that at times don’t have much depth and it’s just a ride on a not so bumpy roller coaster. I read fourth wing because my sisters friend was talking about how much she loved it. She was calling my sisters daughter “Violence” a nickname for the main character whose name is Violet. Then I became thoroughly appalled that her friend called my niece that!

[@KatJonesCrochet]

@@KendallM0219 oooooweee don't blame you there.

[@vildaterrior]

SAME! I felt so betrayed after reading the first acotar so I was legit like sad and mad at the people that tricked me 😅 I had a sneaking suspicion that it would happen again with Fourth wing so I checked in here and voilà, I didn't have to read it and get annoyed that I'm being cheated out of something good - bc Rachel covered it so extensively that it kinda nulled it out and it was even better than reading myself. Let's not forget that she had that hilarious video where she tried to explain it to Carlos - awesome! 😂

[@0okuzukirio0]

I'm so scared reading of ACOTAR, cause I dislike Fourth Wing so much and there are mixed opinion about which series are better, ACOTAR or Fourth Wing. But I know my FOMO ass can't keep my claws away from those books. I need to know LOL

[@Jaclynn9]

I found Fourth Wing fine but I hated Iron Flame. I'm planning to watch the hate videos for Onyx Storm because I'm invested enough in the series now to want to know the ending but I'm no longer invested enough to spend another minute reading this series.

[@syenite]

Re: "just doing it for the money" is only morally wrong if you already have billions of dollars and are trying to get that money through exploitation. The rest of us "just doing it for the money" is BASIC SURVIVAL in a capitalistic hellscape where our other options are pretty grim! Get those sponsors, get that ad revenue, feed your family!

[@jameer7565]

@@syenite Well there is a tipping point. I don't think everyone in the middle class absolutely needs more money to survive. More of for a better future. Survival is literally paycheck to paycheck you will go hungry and lose everything.

[@Mushroomelixir]

"Why do you hate everything you read??!!" because its fun JANET

[@ThomasCGK]

You're the first KZbinr I've seen that talks about the role of sponsors in content creation/planning. Thank you for your transparency.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m happy to!

[@sofiastj]

The part of how people on average watching 18 minutes of your videos started almost exactly 18 minutes into this video and i am loving that.

[@Alexandriakingoftrash]

Personally, I think you do a wonderful job explaining WHAT exactly it is you like/dislike in a book transparently. ("this doesnt work for me", ect) The fact that you often give examples from the text helps me even more. I've NEVER left a review of yours unsure of what I would think of a book if I read it, whether I agree with you or not.

[@Niratuer]

Let's be honest, I mostly watch negative reviews BC they're more entertaining than positive reviews bccc most people can't review positive reading experiences beyond "I liked it" negative reviews like yours have constructive criticism (and helps me in my own writing lol). But that's not to say I haven't been watching your positive reviews at all, you are one of the few who can properly elaborate on why you liked a book and what worked for you. I think people are starting to go boo on your negative reviews BC they either like the book themselves or BC apparently being a hater on the internet is bad now sksksksk

[@chellyfishing]

Absolutely hate this moral panic we’re going through about negative reviews. Also, people asking you if you hate everything are coming at you inherently in bad faith because they’re telling on themselves about whether or not they even actually watched your videos. And honestly? Uno reverso right back at them: why are they in your comments just to complain? Is it okay if they have negative things to say but not if you do?

[@infinitecurlie]

EXACTLY. I hate this let people enjoy things crowd. Like let people talk about things? And they're PURPOSEFULLY clicking on a video with a negative review of the book. Rachel and other Booktubers make it VERY obvious 😂. As you said, they tell on themselves. They just wanna be mad.

[@hollyro4665]

I don’t think moral panic has been used correctly here tbh. I think it has far more to do with the same trends as things like “recession pop” we tend to spend a lot of time thinking deeply and going into the bad stuff and eventually when things are bad we get tired of it so go to more fun lighthearted content. It’s not new. It’s not a moral panic. It’s just natural changes in audience taste from one thing to another and back again as we do everything else.

[@chellyfishing]

@@hollyro4665Sorry, I thought it was kind of obvious I was being flippant here. I don’t think people literally believe they’re combatting some great societal evil. Regardless of the reasons, and I don’t know if I agree it’s a reaction to our current hellscape rather than an overall part of broader trends to do with performative righteousness, moral values have been assigned to the number of little stars people give books, ie, you’re doing some level of harm if it’s fewer than four. That’s the problem, not whether or not people think they’re on some kind of holy crusade. There’s an importance being placed on the character of reviews that has nothing to do with what a review is actually meant for.

[@hollyro4665]

@@chellyfishing I mean that’s absolutely fair. You probably know more about this than I do as I don’t actually tend to be here for the reviews. And I am actually someone who avoids negative reviews but on the grounds I come to reviews for recommendations so it’s not deliberate it’s just a byproduct of finding the thing I’m looking for. I definitely think the performative righteousness plays a big part in it. Positivity without being informed for the sake of positivity is absolutely more damaging than genuine negativity. I also find that of the negative reviews I do watch that doesn’t mean they aren’t informative or fair. A lot of people in negative reviews start with what they liked about something and then talk about what they didn’t like. And there’s a lot of “well that just wasn’t for me but you might like that”. I think a lot of the issue comes from the fact there are plenty of channels on here that are deliberately negative and uninformative and the anger towards those, which is quite valid tbf, is being totally misdirected to people doing a genuine job as you said, out of performative righteousness

[@myra_dork]

Tbf I do hate read, like I have no idea why I'm like this, but I swear I do enjoy reading. Sometimes I give books 5 stars, but surely not everything can be a winner. Also, I tend to watch a lot of negative reviews to kind of reaffirm that the book in question is bad OR just to hear about how wild the book is. Again, this is my character flaw to bear. People act like negative reviews (be they movies, shows, or books) don't get a ton of views, and that's wild. We need to normalize being a hater 😂 But just normalize skipping reviewers you don't agree with. Anyways, your vids are a joy!

[@ReadswithRachel]

“Not everything can be a winner” this! I’m not gonna tell anyone else what to do but if I start rating things 5s one after the other I start being like… nah this is suspicious. I can’t just hand out 5s like Halloween candy!

[@himbosuplex]

I hate watch old movies and play shitty games a lot too, just out of morbid curiosity I think? It's hard to explain, but there's something fascinating about seeing how wrong things go and trying to figure out how they got there.

[@simplyreads]

Some of the best booktuber recommendations I've got have come from watching your videos. I start your positive reviews, get intrigued, stop the video, read the book, and then return to the video afterwards to hear your perspective. Have had great success so thank you!

[@belovedwinter]

I do the exact same thing!! I always feel bad because I know watch time is important, but I try to like/comment every time and always look forward to coming back after I've finished the book.

[@ReadswithRachel]

This makes me feel like I’m doing something right. I’m totally okay with missing out on watch time, I’m glad I’ve done my job and recommended you something you ended up enjoying. 🥹❤️

[@NightOwlReader2790]

I actually really trust your 4 to 5 star reviews because I know you’re unflinchingly honest about it. It doesn’t matter if the book is popular or not, you’ll give it a fair shake if you end up reading it. I also do watch a lot of your videos for entertainment when I’m working or designing something. “The artist that puts something on in the background”, yes absolutely! In fact, I’ll put more than one of your longer videos on because that means I can get a few hours of work done without coming back to search for more videos. Sometimes, I’m not even SUPER paying attention to the videos, but it’s just nice to have your cool, dry sarcastic friend in the background. I’m only calling you “friend” because you often respond with “Thank you, friend”, so I feel addressing you in kind is alright. I’m not claiming to have a friendship with you.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m glad to be people’s dry and sarcastic background friend I feel like I’ve been training my whole life for this 😂

[@SylviaaivlyS]

Stephen King: My brother, David, and I were both precocious readers, and our mother encouraged us greatly by forbidding us only a little. Quite often she would hand us a book one of us had requested, adding “That’s trash” in a tone which suggested she knew that the news wouldn’t stop us; might, on the contrary, actually encourage us. Besides, she knew that trash has its place.

[@scheherazade2291]

A novella I just read was “the dead cat tail assassins” and I highly recommend! Also, I’ve picked up “Spin of fate,” “counterpart,” “the wick wire watch,” and “an ember in the ashes” based off your positive reviews!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Omg I’m so happy to hear you tried these books 😭🥹 thank you for telling me!

[@Cakelynn6]

This was interesting to see what kind of metrics KZbin shows you to make decisions off of!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I'm so glad! I figured most people don't know that youtube does that

[@mushroomc0re]

I totally understand just wanting people to read. I bought my sister Ice Breaker (the bad one) for Christmas because hey she's an adult and at least she's reading at all

[@leahharlann]

I bought my little sister a Colleen Hoover book one year for the same reason! I only cringed a little bit while ordering it lol

[@lvr2d]

@@leahharlann oh. thats. thats different. that’s very different.

[@leahharlann]

@@lvr2d perhaps I should clarify that she was 24 at the time? An adult who very much wouldn't be negatively influenced by the book lol. She also got Evelyn Hugo that year, so she was reading what was "popular" and I was glad she asked for books at all!

[@lvr2d]

@@leahharlann yes, by little sister i automatically assumed impressionable minor, my bad.

[@Heart0fDorkness]

As a writer, I live for the rant reviews! You're always so thorough about not only explaining what doesn't work in a book, but WHY you think so. And even if you enjoyed a book, you're not afraid to give critique. Your blunt honesty is so refreshing. I work full-time at a non-writing job, so I don't have time to read every book that just blew up on tiktok. I treat your deep dive reviews basically like cliffsnotes (do those still exist, or am I showing my age here? lol). They help me get up-to-speed on what's popular while I'm multitasking, and they help me look at my own writing more critically. (Side note: I love fantasy and I love romance. But the majority of the fantasy romance books I have read so far--even the not-so-popular ones--have been a letdown. This niche has so much potential. I'm trying to write the kinds of stories I wish we had more of.)

[@miarowlinson6303]

Honestly, that 5 hour Fourth Wing rant is one of my fave videos on KZbin. Will I ever read Fourth Wing? No. Will I watch every video you make about the series? Yes.

[@briannaagnew-weber984]

Sometimes when I have migraines, I put on a playlist of your videos to listen to in the background on repeat. I’ve always wondered how rewatch videos over and over again affects your analytics.

[@Gendo.]

I have very different taste in books from what you normally review but that doesn't effect my viewership. Your just really good at talking about things your interested in! Your one of the most down to earth people on KZbin!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Wow, thank you so much! This is so kind!

[@AshChiCupcak]

I really dont see what would be the problem with mainly reading bad books, even if it was by choice. People watch bad movies or play bad video games specifically just to hate on them and no one bats an eye. But we cant do the same for books? Why do they care so much what other people read? Where do they even find the time cuz i seriously couldnt be bothered ro care what kind of media you consume.

[@ReadswithRachel]

This is my *exact” thought process. There’s entire channels to watching the cringiest movies or eating the spiciest or most bitter food that people are sitting there unable to actually eat. And good for them. Some people are gonna do the same with books.

[@imperfected6513]

I really like those "behind-the-scenes" videos. I feel like I always learn a lot.

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m so glad!

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

I like hearing your "recap"/review videos where you tell us the story like talking to a friend because Im curious to know what popular stories are about but I don't have the time or resources to read through all of it

[@RLDavisHays]

Your videos are informative and intelligent critiques. The good and bad is balanced, you give validation for why you chose the examples on each, and your level of snark is impeccable. I, as a writer and a reader, thoroughly enjoy your well-rounded reviews. 🖤💜🖤💜

[@ReadswithRachel]

Wow thank you! I appreciate that!

[@melaradark1319]

You do wonderful work!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Thank you so much Melara 😭🥹❤️

[@weirdobookclub]

My god’s not dead he’s surely alive

[@ReadswithRachel]

LIVING ON THE INSIDE ROARING LIKE A LION

[@iFlutterbye]

-screams- 🫣

[@tessapal]

My faith is dead, I need a resurrection somehow

[@LehuasLibraryy-iv3xy]

I like your videos because they are constructive and honest and I appreciate that 😊

[@ReadswithRachel]

I'm so glad!

[@Andree06]

I absolutely love your videos and i love seeing the analytics sides!!

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m so glad!

[@mothwingthemedicinecat]

I found your videos because one of them showed up on my page and I needed something to watch, I then started binge watching some videos, I will never read most of the books you talk about but I do love listening to people talk about books I won't read.

[@voicememosforthevoid]

i'm only like 5 minutes in but very excited to get some insight to your thought processes -- and how you navigate youtube's back end from a creator perspective!

[@blue-ew8mh]

yeah same

[@floofmccloud]

I am one of those people who just wants to know what’s in a book without reading it so thank you for summarizing things like Fourth Wing 😅 I don’t read a lot, I’m doing good to read 3-4 books a year. My goal this year is 6 and I’m not even sure I’m gonna make it (only finished 3 so far) 😅 so it makes more sense for me to listen to you review a popular book than for me to spend my limited reading time on it if I think it may be something I won’t care for. Also I want to say I picked up Piranesi this year on your recommendation and I loved it, so thank you for helping me find something I like ☺️ I’m only about halfway through the video but I had to pause to say all that lol

[@ReadswithRachel]

I AM SO HAPPY YOU READ PIRANESI AND LOVED IT AHHHH!

[@floofmccloud]

@@ReadswithRachel AW YAY I’M GLAD YOU’RE HAPPY

[@vulomkaaz]

The idea that all of your videos are negative is so odd to me especially because a big reason I watch your videos is because they aren't all negative.. I'm in the mood to watch a positive review more often than for a negative one, so I like your channel because it isn't all "booktok bad" and there are quite a few positive reviews

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m so glad to hear this!

[@hope2dust]

REEEEEEEEEEE!! Not me ordering dinner and getting comfy to watch my kween 🤣🤣 Edit: also, I'm one of the YT Premium gang. Good to know even if you get limited monetization, I'm still supporting you a little here and there.

[@ReadswithRachel]

Yes you are and a HUGE thank you for that ❤️❤️

[@xekstrinzerep9721]

you don’t pretend to love books for money and you don’t needlessly hate books for money. You always are fair and honest at least in my opinion. You’re just being you!

[@nyappynippon3411]

Idc what anyone says I LOVE your channel. And after your collaboration visit with your other creator friend I've loved her videos too. But you two are the only ones I watch, because....you're never wrong! Even if it was a fun easy read for me that maybe I enjoyed was it as skillfully done as it could've been? Probably not! And the ones you really praise I've also thought before even knowing your channel "man that was phenomenal". So, now your channel allows me to put words to those feelings I get from reading. And pure entertainment.

[@Senidhr]

I usually watch all your videos except those ones about books i plan to read and don't want spoilers (but i plan to watch those videos after reading). Even though there are books i put in my tbr after you talked about them (in your positive reviews). The rants are just intertaining. I usually doing some crochet while i watch those.

[@Eszoable]

Rachel you do you, I love your channel and your honest way of reviewing. I also like long format more so it's perfect. Together with being able to hear about the hundredth romantasy Fae book with shadow daddies and whatnot without me needing to lose time and braincells over it. Thank you for your service on reading those books haha. We need another book explaining with the husband though. You both are great together and you trying to explain all these weird romantasy concepts to Carlos and he looking at you as if he sees water burning is just glorious. I love his deadpan remarks knowing in the back of my mind Booktok went mental about these moments. I can't explain it, but your channel is a warm sunshine upon my YT homepage, keep on shining!

[@CrisM779]

At the end of the day, this is a job and you have to create something that people like/are looking for if you want to get anywhere with it. Your channel has a pretty good mix of good, bad and mid books and it never feels like you're ever hating for the sake of hating, which is why I watch you. Reviews are supposed to be informative, just like you said and yeah, there have been times when I've picked up a book that a reviewer didn't like because the description sounded perfect for me. Keep doing what you're doing cause it's great! (and you are funny btw... your rendition of "sexy lines in books" kills me every time)

[@encyclopediaofelizabeth]

People seem to be salty that you can actually articulate how bad the popular books are. I find your reviews helpful because you go into such detail. I wish people would get over the concept that negative reviews are somehow bad. Everyone has different tastes and negative reviews can help other people avoid reading it if it's not for them.

[@Cupidity007]

I really do appreciate your videos on books that I'm on the fence with. I've added and removed books from my Goodreads want to read list based on your revies. Also, I really appreciate your deep dives on books that I have no intention of reading myself. There are so many books to read and listening to your summary of the ones I'm only mildly curious about saves a lot of time. Thank you so much for doing what you do.

[@polikink12]

thank you for being so transparent :)

[@sarasgonzalezg]

This is very interesting. I work as an editor and graphic designer for a content creator so I understand how restrictive and specific content needs to be to perform well. The thumbnail thing is also whole thing on its own so I understand the struggle 😂... I love your content overall and I specially love your book rants and the ones featuring Carlos, you two make me laugh so much. However, I would love to get more book recommendations from you since I feel like our taste in books align.

[@cheyenneguest4495]

It's interesting to get a look at the work you do for the channel, especially with why you pick the books you do - mostly I knew bc of the algorithm, but it's nice to hear an explanation about how that's being done. Especially since most of the books that are picked for videos aren't books I would read either by reputation or bc of my taste in books is not the same as the popular stuff lol.

[@dzai4388]

I enjoy hate reviews A LOT because I'm also a writer but reading and writing are two different things, so I look for things to avoid in my own writing. I do like positive reviews as well, but what ends up happening is that I stop watching the video so I don't get any spoilers, or try not to watch or read them so that I don't end up subconsciously stealing other people's ideas.

[@kayisbored1030]

i absolutely love your channel and your commentary. even if you were intentionally reading books you hated just because it gets more views, i wouldnt be mad at you. those videos are hilarious and i love them

[@amotleyartwkatherine]

I definitely watch your videos on books I don't really want to read but want to know about what is in them. I agree your videos are similar to movie review videos. This was a very interesting video. I am eager to see your thoughts on hate reading.

[@missmishka8379]

I always find value in your videos, be it agreeing with your take, appreciating your words to guide me toward or away from a read of just plain enjoying you. I could never do what you do & wish I could support you more. One thing I want to say is that I have hate read books, but never gone in expecting to dislike it. My hate reads have all been stories I wanted to read & expected to like, but soon found myself Googling things & making all kinds of notes because the author is just making unforced errors or writing so badly. I will DNF if I'm not too far in, but sometimes it's that sunk cost fallacy & I am reading every single word until the end so that I can rip it to shreds. That, to me, is a true hate read. When you enter into a toxic relationship with a book & just can't quit it for reasons.

[@ledafrost]

As a writer, I always appreciate your insight and criticism. I cant read everything so I'm grateful you take on the work. I have premium so Im glad that supports you in some small way. I cant help with patreon so hopefully all the times Ive rewatched your videos helps. You keep me company during lunch and chores and winding down, so please know you are very appreciated!

[@202cardline]

My book club basically hate read our last 5 books - my library is happy for the business (I’m being serious, libraries want you to use them so they can secure funding) I also don’t mind if someone rants about a book I actually like, your videos are funny!

[@blaisehaddow1137]

Love this breakdown and excited for the discussion of hate reading morality!

[@anaiswinter9893]

You gave me good book recs and helped me avoid books that would have annoyed the crap out of me. I love Plot, Characters and worldbuilding. I read books on books about world building to avoid those mistakes and those HATE REVIEWS helped me with writing, to be honest.....as do some book reviews of works you liked. Every review helps for different people. For readers, either to avoid or read, if they know how aligned your preferences are and for writers, what to do and what not to do. You, wonderful woman, stay as awesome as you are. Btw. Just stop calling yourself stupid. You had a disadvantaged education and do so much to learn. That is a lot more than some so called intelligent university people do, who think just going to uni made them knowledgeable in everything. I was institutionalized first when I was sixteen and was in and out of clinics for years. I had to end my higher education in an official capacity but you know what I did in between and afterwards? I read every fictional and non fiction book that interested me and my overall knowledge is better than that of a few university studied people Ive met. You are an inspiration for younger people.....and I know, I talk shit about myself as well and maybe its just that. I love your humor and what you call yourself is technically none of my darn business but you deserve way more credit. And these idiots who dont understand why all reviews are valid and give info and help to diverse people who need them for different reasons can go suck eggs in hell. You have a fanbase who knows and loves you. You have lists with books you like and I got so many good reading experiences from tips you gave here. And you taught me to ask the right questions when building my world (which is for RPG and otherwise just for me).....so thanks. Btw. your collabs with Natalie are hilarious. I loved both of you before even knowing you knew each other. But it makes more sense now. And you can do great voices too., even if Nat is the queen there. Darn, I got too heated all ready. Not that you need it but my protective instinct kicks in fast. Stay awesome. Excuse the typos......my keyboard is cheap and some characters that I need for text are not where they should be and I never find them.

[@easilydistractedauthor]

I have a friend who constantly asks why I read books I know I'm going to hate, and, like... outside of some outliers, HOW would I possibly know that? I read a book in the first place because it sounds like it would be right up my alley, not because I want to scream in despair.

[@ReadswithRachel]

This. I think a lot of the accusations of hate reading are just assuming intent of others.

[@mjwu786]

"I am just happy that you have a favorite book at all" yes, this. This exactly.

[@robinpenn7167]

This is super enlightening! Thank you!

[@baka9466]

I miss authors behaving badly so much - it's what got me started on this channel. I want one for Mackenzi Lee - i adored The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, but then she had some sort of scandal and i dont know how to feel about it. I loved Gentleman's Guide, but the sequel just wasn't my jam so much and the third was ok, but by then there was scandal...

[@ReadswithRachel]

I’m thinking of doing another ABB soon but on Jeanine Cummins

[@BeauNDarrows]

I tend to watch while I'm working; I'm one of those people who like to have something on in the background that's not office chatter. So, listening to an hour+ of someone talk about a book I'm never going to read has become one of my favourite things about reading. I'm happy to know what happens in a book I've heard is bad, because now I don't have to subject myself to that and waste my own time 😂 Having said that, I do also love to hear when someone also enjoys the thing I enjoy. I think you strike a fairly good medium! You lean more towards the rant, simply because that's what feeds your family, and I respect and support that. You keep doing you ❤

[@AlteaRoseArt]

This was such a cool video to listen to! Thanks for teaching me about how KZbin works behind the scenes ♡

[@onceuponamelody]

I don't usually hate read (or in the case of my KZbin channel, hate watch K-pop lol) but sometimes it just happens. Like, I'll get 99% through a book, and then something happens in the last chapter that just ruins the rest of the book for me... Also, I think we all know how the internet works. Negativity gets more clicks and views than positivity, unfortunately.

[@ImaginaryAlchemist]

So I’m a bookseller, and I get curious about the books customers are buying. Romance is super popular in my store but I generally don’t enjoy that genre. I like watching/listening to reviews so I can satisfy my curiosity without having to read a book I know I probably won’t like. Also helps me if a customer asks about one of them, I’ll at least know what the contents are

[@4cprocess]

Honestly, I love your lower-star reviews (I'll call them that instead of "negative"). I've skipped a few of your videos that are higher-star reviews until I read them first haha. Then I come back and watch! I feel like we probably have similar taste. Currently reading Wildbound, the sequel to Forestborn (it's a duology), and it's so good! Highly recommend both of them. Thanks for your candor!

[@ReadswithRachel]

Adding forestborn to the tbr immediately

[@4cprocess]

@@ReadswithRachel I hope you like it! Prose and world building and characters are all great. Helos is my favorite :D

[@isabelaqueiroz4801]

Everytime I read a book that I dislike, i put the name of the book + Reads with Rachel on youtube, and it's always been a match 😂

[@margar3181]

I most appreciate you and your videos because I feel I can truly feel your sincerity and genuineness, which is really important to me when supporting creators.

[@gingerbreadandtea]

I have found quite a few books that I loved, but you found mid, through your channel. Because they were exactly what I love. And as you said, sometimes I am just so curious about a book, but it doesn`t sound exactly like what I would like. So listening to you talk about it helps we to know if I want to track this book down or not.

[@tallglassofmilk7809]

I love your videos! deep drive critiques can also be just as educational as they are entertaining I never think we should shy away from negative reviews

[@myocoree]

imagine my surprise when i’m watching this to eat my late night snack and i look up to see my own face in this video 😭

[@ReadswithRachel]

Omg hi!!!

[@kkrb1212]

Thanks for being transparent about some of this stuff. Even if I love the book I still enjoy watching rant reviews while I’m falling asleep. I also absolutely adore Cari when she does “Cari forgets the plot” and I love with characters on the wall and explaining acotar and CC but in a fun way. I will actively scour KZbin for rant reviews for books that I just finished for fun and also “desperate attempt to explain cyz book” and that’s how I found you. I’ve thought about trying my hand at KZbin rant reviews just because I love consuming them and wanted to add to it but I don’t know how to edit well enough and not enough people talk about how they get sponsorships and what’s a good deal vs not and I love people being transparent about it which is why I love you.

[@thatawkwardgirlpep7548]

This was such an informational video. I appreciate how much you have let me learn about the background aspects of KZbin and how much it effects your life. This video is a privilege to have, and a part of me feels aggravated that it had to be made. Some people aren't worthy of seeing how hard you work, and what this channel and those books mean to you. I for one love your negative reviews because your criticisms are clear, concise and help me not make those same mistakes in my writing. If I don't agree, if I enjoyed the book you reviewed where you hadn't, I still appreciate what you have to say and I know others do, too. Keep doing what you are, because whether it's a hate read or a like read; Your content creates a gathering where people who share those thoughts can express themselves. This is especially true in big communities where the books are so well-liked that saying something negative gets poor responses. On a totally random side note; I am pretty sure my husband has the same mic as you do, (the one in the side clips) and he can never get his settings to sound as clear as yours. You think you can drop your mic settings? Lmao If not, all good. Figured I ask lol

[@r.e.holding]

As a KZbin premium user, I'm honored to contribute a fraction of 28 bucks. 🙃

[@audiem.7353]

Those behind the scenes videos you make are super interesting! I like your reviews because they are super informative.

[@ka3lstrom]

I love this video! It's cool to see a little more behind the scenes. Personally, if I see a video from you, positive or negative or even stuff I'll never care to read, I'll click on it because I just vibe with your style and enjoy hearing your thoughts. 🥰

[@the_petty_crocker]

I don't even know how I first found your channel. I've never read a fantasy book, really have no desire to, and probably never will - but I've watched your entire catalogue and laughed my ass off because your sense of humor is so similar to mine. What I most enjoy about your videos is your honesty and that you understand good writing. You know what works and what doesn't, what needs to be improved and how to do it, and you DO offer positive comments about almost every book you review. Maybe if people watched more than 18 minutes they would know that and could stop asking you the same stupid questions. EDIT: I remember how I found you! I read "The Butcher and the Wren" and was looking for reviews that would justify my utter hatred for it. AND YOU GAVE THAT TO ME. Thank you, wind beneath my wings. Thank you.

[@tarenflores]

Why I like your bad reviews: 1) you’re a perceptive reader with ability to call out issues with plot and writing 2)Consuming good criticism of bad works helps us to sharpen our artistic perception and critical thinking skills. 3) You review some VERY popular books, works that I would never read and therefor wouldn’t know anything about if it wasn’t for your videos 4) your negative reviews are really funny.

[@banafanafofana6914]

Exactlyyy you put it into words thank you 😭

[@victoriavaldivia515]

Kinda wish people would put a dash between hate and reading, trying to read this title at first glance broke my brain a little.

[@coffee_cookies_books]

I would describe your reviews as constructive, but I always try to look at what you do as your perspective. I've bought several books because of your negative reviews simply because I thought I'd like the book. Because god forbid we all agree ;) LOL

[@krystinareads]

Both negative and positive reviews ARE neutral. ALL FEELINGS are neutral. People assign positive moral value to anything happy and negative moral value to anything sad or mad. When it all, truly, is neutral. You are allowed to feel however you want about a book and it doesn't make you morally good or bad. We cannot control how we feel, but we can control how we act, and simply sharing those opinions online does not make you morally bad. Thank you for coming to my ted talk.

[@Kam_i_]

I love listening to critical “hate” reviews when I’m too burned out to emotionally invest in another unedited 500+ page YA-adjacent romantasy ❤️ half of them sound like a rewrite of My Immortal and it’s hilarious to listen to you read the passages out loud

[@isaacnewton9021]

ikr? They're so freaking looong for how little they have to say and trying to get some hope that next time will be better is just... exhausting tbh. Also, god, Tara Gillesbie had a hundred times the wit and charm of most of these authors, so I almost feel like this is unfair to My Immortal if anything lol

[@21loverose]

Hello and thanks for sharing

[@aprilmacg169]

As a fan of watching other people hate read, doing some hare reading for fun, and ALSO positive reviews- I think a lot of people complaining about the negativity aren't watching the entire video, ive taken away so many recs from the books you kevin in those same videos!

[@phoenixashes0013]

You can do whatever you want. Sometimes I want someone who plays both sides advocate so I’ll watch them. But when I want some scathing reviews, I find you

[@ashtingreene8725]

I started reading Ember In the Ashes because of your praise and I haven't been disappointed. When you love something, I tend to pay attention. The rant reviews are funny and I tend to agree. That said, you hit the nail on the head about wanting to know what's in the popular books without reading them. Usually im sure i wont like them much and I don't have a ton of time to invest in something i know I'll more than likely DNF

[@AurYouReading]

Thank you so much for this video. It’s very interesting to see laid out your recent reviews and how many of them were actually positive. I really appreciate your takes and your work against book banning!

[@AMomWithRocksAndBooks]

What was fhe blurred thumbnail. Love that having YT premium is actually helpful to creators.

[@ritzee13]

Honesty even if you hate read most of your arguments make logical sense so I really don't mind. If you hate for the sake of hating it would be bad.

[@jkirkland3189]

I actually appreciate your videos because they bring to light very specific peeves that we as new writers need to hear every now and then to know that writing what we think or visualize is not writing. We must choose the words, plan our plots, write each word with care, our paragraphs with significant, entertaining and good structure. I know you must read or listen to good audiobooks or enjoy certain authors. If you made a video complimenting a book, I'd watch it too, but your content is already very good.

[@Clovermine]

I feel like Negative reviews have the same value as positive ones. I also think that neutral technical reviews and more emotionally backed reviews have the same value to me, as not only a consumer of books but media about books. I also have the self awareness to understand that if you or anyone else doesn't like a book I like that it's not a personal attack against me in the same way that if I didn't like a book doesn't mean I think less of the people who do (Even if the fandom is being weird, but that's a whole other thing). And because I feel this way I also don't feel the need to discredit the reviewer. I like ranting about books I didn't like and I love gushing about books I love and I don't think people would fault me for that, it's interesting to me how that changes when people start to monetize an opinion.

[@isaacnewton9021]

Commenting for the algorithm, but I also want to say that I trust your reviews far more when I know you're willing to review some things harshly, and that you show a decent range from great to average to awful. Frankly, if someone is gushing non-stop about every book they read, rating everything five stars, and doing so in a way where they avoid talking about the actual content of the book... it repulses me. It comes off as absolutely sycophantic, or at the very least like they have no personal metric for how good they think a book is. Considering most art we've ever made hews towards being average... yeah, I trust you way more when you say you like something, particularly since you tend to go over what/why just as thoroughly as when you're roasting crap like Lightlark. Like, I don't know if its just me, but it does feel as if there's a big pushback against critical appraisal of books now. Or if not big, then a loud one, so as not to rule out astroturfing? It's obnoxiously anti-intellectual, regardless, and makes it actively more difficult to find books I'd want to read.

[@Moonsoap33]

I picked up The London Highwaymen series because of your positive review of The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes. I wish I had read them sooner, they were so freaking good. The relationship dynamics, character development, discussions around trauma, and banter were very engaging and beautiful. On the other side of things, something in The Dare triggers my PTSD, which I wouldn't have known had I not watched your review. I still had a panic attack, but it probably would have been way worse had I encountered it in the book. I also probably would have tried to force myself to keep reading, so the review saved me a lit of grief

[@PulseOfTheMaggie]

I do love that you were compared to Rachel Oates around the 18:00 mark. the two ranty BookTube Rachels.

[@a.rude.person]

I love listening to all your reviews because a) we have similar opinions (though I did like Butcher and Blackbird, it was just fun in my opinion) b) you subject yourself to books I'm curious about but in the way one is curious about seeing a trainwreck or a wound of some sort. C) it makes cleaning the kitchen and doing physical therapy easier. Sidenote I've been enjoying Zoe Chant's Fire and Rescue shifters series I think you would dislike the fated mates almost insta love (though quite a few of them talk about just because we're mates doesn't mean we don't need to communicate or date which I like) also it has good world building in my mind especially for such short books. My biggest complaint is about having an American read books set in Britain.

[@dawnthegoblin]

I got here by accident, i will return on accident. I love coming here but its better when im surprised by what you're reading because I'm not going in with any expectations. KZbin seems to get that and keeps me reasonably on the channel

[@poprocks8316]

I have a problem with people who specifically brand themselves as hate reading "dark romance" as a genre when it's clearly a genre not meant for them or that they'll ever find enjoyable, however your hate isn't exclusive and all books are suseptible to your wrath and to that I say heck yeah, brother.

[@yoaf7026]

I just want to say I respect hate reading very much.

[@VeePunz]

I am honestly so so happy you read books and make deep dives on them, when you don't like them, because now I can get in on it without having to read it myself 🤣❤️ plus I also found some or my favourite books through some of your positive reviews. So I really don't know what problem some people have. For me you are an absolute life saver in finding books I like and providing entertainment with long rant reviews 🙌🏻

[@beethebooknerd]

I have more fun reading books and talking about books I dislike than I do talking about books I loved. But I also have a great time reading books I hate because I almost always get a good laugh out of those books. I also appreciate your insight into the full time content creator aspect of this video too. 😊

[@breenaj1095]

I like both negative and positive book reviews. It can help me decide to read a book, or if not, I can still be in the know about the book and understand current talk about it. That said, I agree that there isn't really neg/pos reviews in terms of morals. I think a lot of people think differently bc they put so much of their own self worth/identity into things they like, and assume disliking something is an attack on the creator and fans. Also, listened to the audio books for the 4 ember in the ashes series and had fun. Not ones i would reread, but i had a good time experiencing them. Recent read/listen: Good night stories for rebel girls by elena favilli and francesca cavallo - a quick read that lists 100 influential women of history, good for younger audiences too

[@theatomicannie]

17:39 oh wow - I didn‘t think to see my video on here 👀 what an honour! Love your videos!

[@dr_not_sam]

I love your content. Thanks for sharing all of this. I am in the camp of I want someone to read books I’ll hate and tell me about them so I can be in the know without having to waste my time 😂 this is why I’m a KZbin premium member and on your Patreon. Have some money. Do things I don’t wanna do 😂

[@MetastaticMaladies]

I think it’s kind of ridiculous for people to care either way, whether it’s just hate reading to make a video and get views or if it’s genuine interest. People get an entertaining video and the creator gets views and/or has the pleasure of finding and reading a book they enjoy to share with others.