reading the lowest rated books on my TBR

[@Sarasstorytime22]

I find it very interesting that you have better luck with the lowest rated books than you do with your potential 5 star reads.

[@talathagreen4571]

It probably has a lot to do with expectations. Let’s say for instance you read a book that you know nothing about and rate it a three. If you had anticipated to hate it you might’ve rated it a 4 instead. If you had expected it to be in your top books of the year you might have given it a 2

[@zachzackzak]

@@talathagreen4571 she's made it very clear that her expectations don't affect her ratings

[@BooksandLala]

@@talathagreen4571 I just don't understand this logic cause then wouldn't every book in this video be 5 stars 🤷‍♀️ haha

[@the_bob_147]

@@talathagreen4571 I think it's more about the books themselves. When you think about it all the oh-so-favourite books are 5* because they contain tropes that are favourite because they are fun and exciting to read and all so a lot of authors like to use it since a lot of people like to read it. I'm not saying Kayla doesn't I'm just saying that once you've read like 200 times the same exact thing just put to you in 200 different voices it becomes so repetitive and stupidly obvious that you don't enjoy it as much as you used to or other readers that maybe haven't consumed as many books yet do. These lowest rated books are very different and unusual they go against what the most favourite books tend to do so Kayla gets surprised and amused by what they have not because she expected less but because they actually contain something different.

[@Sarasstorytime22]

@@BooksandLala I just found it interesting. No theory behind why. Lol. I always look forward to seeing which books are going to be loved or disliked from you because for the life of me, I can never guess. 😄 And thats what makes it fun!

[@tiffani_reads]

I started listening to audiobooks at the grocery store during the beginning of the panini and now I cannot go without one. It just makes it so much more enjoyable.

[@ComeUndun.]

THE PANINI 🤣 I needed that today. Thank you.

[@albarodriguezcollantes5615]

@@ComeUndun. I am calling it that from now on! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@_echointhevoid_]

i think the reason kayla rates a lot of low rated books high is not bc the low expectations but bc she likes really weird things in books (at least when those weird things are executed well) and the general population does not like weird books even when they're well executed

[@mrlately]

"Leave the world behind" is such a great title and the cover is gorgeous

[@marymcdonald7810]

But the book is awful

[@Christine-jg2ch]

@@marymcdonald7810 I loved it!

[@mrlately]

@@marymcdonald7810 yeah thats why i never read it. such a shame, the concept sounds great but from what she said the actual book sounds terrible

[@kenziecheyenne97]

Your content is so soothing to me. It feels like hanging out with a friend. Which is a compliment! Our reading tastes are basically opposite, but I love listening to you talk about books. Anyways, love you as a friend, Kayla! ❤️

[@lanej.6458]

Absolutely there with you, we very rarely read the same things but I’ll never stop watching Kayla’s videos!

[@Madeline_Reed]

Perfect timing! Ready to watch this as my end of the day self-care before bed. Best way to end the day 💕

[@BooksandLala]

🤗🤗🤗

[@ElizabethNicoleSchwartz]

That's what I just did too 💜

[@paigesmith6718]

How do her hour long videos only feel like 20 min, love her content❤

[@gabbyreads]

Omg yes!!! I never go grocery shopping without listening to an audiobook, it’s the best! 🙌

[@persnicketti]

I would love to tune out while I’m out and about, but I need to be aware of my surroundings. I don’t want to be distracted and lose reaction time if something terrible goes down, like a shooting.

[@thebookgeek87]

@@persnicketti same. Exactly what I was thinking & it's a shame that this is the kind of world we live in, where we have to be on alert all the time

[@kendalgjavenisjohnson8670]

I was at Lush last week and excitedly grabbed the eggplant bomb to show a friend and knocked two off the display. Ended up w/ 2 shattered eggplants that day LOL

[@BooksandLala]

Noooooooooo 💀

[@jenvcampbell]

I'm so glad you also loved Leave the World Behind. I felt like certain parts were overwritten to reflect the family's sense of self-importance. It's how Amanda and Clay would like to be written about - with flare and drama. I thought that was a really smart (and also brave!) choice. xx

[@anged1731]

Yesss it drives me crazy when books/tv shows etc reference Gilmore Girls when it's clear the writers have never watched it!!! They did this on the Mindy Project too so annoying haha.

[@divedeep118]

I wasn't expecting a Gilmore Girls rant in this video but now I want to rewatch it again 🙈

[@heiditheowl2277]

I am SO vindicated by your love for Leave The World Behind! I read it and immediately knew it was a book you'd love!!! I also gave it 5 stars and it made it to my top books of 2021.

[@Pajali]

“Leave the World Behind” is one of those “no plot, only vibes” books for me. There’s what, two plot points? And the rest is the characters stream of consciousness ramblings about what they’re doing. There were a dozen really interesting directions the story could have gone, and then the author just said, “No,” and ended the book. 😂 That said, I think I gave it a 4.25/5 because it captures the unsettling, restless feeling it’s going for immaculately. I was absolutely invested the whole time.

[@biancareads]

I always listen to audiobooks while I shop unless I'm with someone else! Headphones in for the drive, the whole shop, self-check out, drive home! Such good audiobook time!

[@moonbook12]

For me is more at my walk

[@Hillary429]

Loved the Gilmore Girls moment, whenever a super weird coincidence like that pops up I always feel like I’m in touch with the universe (and you definitely are!) ✨🪐😉🚀✨

[@_sofie]

I always wear my headphones when grocery shopping and I love it. There's a lot of impressions - lights, people, descisions - that stresses me out and I enjoy it much more and take my time and is much less likely to impulse buy when I wear my headphones. It has been a life changer for me.

[@chatnoir2266]

The amount of excitement I get when I see a new upload from you 💙 ty so much for the amazing content

[@BooksandLala]

Thanks so much my friend!! 🤗

[@vanessahauser1903]

I love that you do the wrap up at the end! I watched the whole video, but I still like having that "closure" at the end to sum everything up! ❤ Thank you!

[@justinkhchen]

I am a big fan of Leave the world behind (I def have an interpretation about its ending) - I hope the film adaptation is going well at Netflix (Mahershala Ali and Julia Roberts!) The Last Final Girl is already on my TBR, gonna bump it up my queue now knowing its obnoxious style (which I love! ha!)

[@itowilltube]

Do you know when it's coming this book is irritating me bc I can't let go of how creepy and funny it is

[@reneeelich4893]

I love your Gilmore Girl fact check. That Netflix box was lux!

[@EmmieK]

I always listen to something while I'm running errands. I find it makes the whole experience much more relaxing and entertaining. Sometimes music, but mostly podcasts. Great video as always!

[@bookswithlexie]

I feel like I'm always listening to an audiobook at this point - grocery shopping, other shopping, cooking, showering, etc 😂 I love these 'reading the lowest rated' videos from you!

[@colleennewey]

I feel like you need to read “Good Neighbors”. It is really low rated on goodreads but it was one of my favorites from last year! It doesn’t really fit into a genre, it is a mix of thriller, horror, and domestic fiction.

[@jenniferlewin3673]

I really enjoyed Good Neighbors too! Surprising its not rated higher.

[@colleennewey]

I think maybe because it is genre-less?! Im shocked but it also makes sense. I personally loved the character studies. And it gave me the feelings that I want traditional thrillers to give me - truly on the edge of my seat! And it is just seeping with this pervasive horror that just envelops you.

[@jenniwhatsbookin]

I listen to music/audiobooks at the grocery store! Audiobooks are hard sometimes because I’m also focused on buying stuff but music is a must

[@pillowheaven975]

honestly the best valentine’s day gift! can’t wait to watch 😊

[@NaomiElizabeth96]

You saying you’ve never listened to music or anything while shopping is weird to me cos if I’m shopping alone or doing anything really I have earphones in listening to music , podcast or audiobook. I just adore your reading vlogs 😍

[@WishAtElevenEleven]

I’m glad you loved Leave the World Behind. I read it because of another book tuber recommendation (emmie), and really enjoyed it. I’m usually not willing to read anything with lower than a 3.6/3.7 on goodreads but in this case, I’m glad I did. 🖤

[@Biobotica]

Ooh I am SO glad you loved Leave the World Behind! I just adored it. The way Rumaan Alam forced you to feel the same sense of wanting to know what's going on and not being able to, was total genius. You could feel it in your body while reading. I understand why some people didn't like it, but I loved it.

[@booksandlifewithlaura2143]

I don't usually laugh out loud while watching your videos but you reaction to eggplant bath bomb and your deadpan explanation why you are sinking while reviewing the book were hilarious 😂 By the way, I always listen audiobooks when I do my grocery shopping 🎧

[@Jazzyjay111]

I love listening to my audiobooks while I shop.. grocery shopping, clothes shopping, furniture shopping, book shopping..lol!! I love it, it helps me get through my TBR so much faster and it's super relaxing like walking through life in your own world. I usually have to cut it off in the bookstore b/c I can't listen and figure out which books to buy.

[@KatieColson]

I wear giant headphones while I grocery shop so no one will talk to me, ha

[@KatieColson]

Obsessed with this hairstyle during the outro/review

[@hyewoniz]

I'm very happy that you felt the same way about the gay representation in mercury boys !! as a recently turned 20 year old queer woman, that part really annoyed me, especially cause it's just obvious that it's written by a person who didn't come out during high school; it's so normal to actually make being lgbt your entire personality as a young gay teenager, the repression of our identity as well as the hormones just results in that. it's very frustrating when "good representation" in straight media does the "oh I'm gay but it's not my entire personality" it feels very inaccurate and lowkey backhanded... sorry for the rant, i just haven't seen many reviews mentioning it and I'm happy you did!

[@BooksandLala]

I hear people talk all the time about books this idea that "this identity was just added for diversity" and I usually disagree because I think casual representation *is* a good thing to see. But this is one of the first times I have felt this way myself.. because it was so intentional. Like the author basically spelled it out that she didn't *want* this character's identity to be important to her or the book. Like just leave it out then. 🙄 There's a chance that in edits, that character's journey just had to get cut & I'm totally off base, but it was so disappointing to see. I'm glad I'm not alone in that perspective my friend, I'm sorry you had to read it and feel that way.

[@ayajade6683]

As I queer woman who came out in highschool I found it to be an author failing to write a gay character and decided to make them one dimensional by not giving them hobbies, personal interests, or any passions outside their sexuality. To me it's unrealistic as even in high school queer people are going to have something outside their sexuality that is part of their personality even if it's something like they like spaghetti westerns and volunteering at the animal shelter.

[@candyhyojung1860]

omg hi sofie ,, did not expect to see one of my favourite collectors in my favourite booktuber's comments 😭

[@hyewoniz]

@@candyhyojung1860 omg hi 😭😭 didn't see this until now, but thank you hshsjs, you have a good taste in youtubers :D

[@jodieneary9960]

I really didn’t get on with Leave the World Behind but knew you’d end up loving it. 😂

[@TheSunriseInside]

‘What should be wild’ really got away with taking the exact concept of pushing daisies, huh

[@avsambart]

As someone who lives alone and very introverted. I go everywhere with headphones in. Music and podcasts always on the go when I'm shopping or on the train or anytime I'm on a break at work etc. If I see someone shopping alone and they don't have headphones in, it's weird to me 🤣

[@gabrielle_schmidt]

I always have my headphones in at any store, I feel way more comfortable!

[@juliadupont7252]

I sometimes put my earphones in when I run errands but not the majority of the time, because I feel it can be rude to the workers that greet you when you enter a shop. I mostly wear them when I’m in a mall, in a supermarket or when the noise and the people overwhelm me

[@robert3482]

I would also say A Children's Bible is a good comp book for Leave the World Behind. I loved them both so much!

[@kara5108]

I would put Severance in this category too.

[@nessalossehelim5026]

Your description of Leave the World Behind reminds me so much of the book I'm currently reading; Reasons She Goes to the Woods. It's very uncomfortable at times (most of the time for me), yet when you start expecting an uncomfortable moment it suddenly turns sweet or beautiful. All the language is gorgeous, yet you wonder "why am I reading about this"? It tells the story of a disturbed girl called Pearl from a very young age to young adulthood, told through flashes of one-page chapters.

[@BooksandLala]

This one is on my TBR!! I didn't actually know the plot so now I'm intrigued 👀 thank you!!

[@calamitywindpetal]

if I'm grocery shopping alone, I always listen to something. Until I check out, I ALWAYS take off my headphones so I can hear the cashier, when I used to work retail and people would keep their headphones in and not be able to hear me it was so frustrating!

[@jmaddren]

When you were talking about When I Am Through With You, it reminded me of a book called The Mountain Story, which imo is a 5* read. You should check it out, it sounds like it would be right up your alley!

[@dectren]

25:55 omg guys new booksandlala lore just dropped

[@Angela41541]

your review is giving me hope for black chalk. ever since I've discovered it I've been seeing exclusively negative reviews but I still didn't want to take it off my tbr until you've read it and it seems I was right in waiting. yay. i have a renewed excitement in reading it now

[@hannahmarie08]

I usually listen to something when I shop and its because of that habit that I realized I left my phone in the store once when my AirPods cut out in the parking lot LOL😅

[@redistrying]

Anytime I'm going into a store by myself for longer than a quick pickup I'm always listening to my music/book because it makes my anxiety more manageable and I can focus better on what I"m looking for in the store. I don't tend to read a lot of what you do, but I love how you describe books and why you like/dislike them this is fascinating.

[@scarletta3366]

Omg I have to have one headphone in my ear while shopping! Audiobooks/ podcasts! Recently I smiled and laughed at a really funny part and got all kinds of crazy looks! I’m tempted to go back wired headphones to avoid those looks from people who can’t see the headphone hidden behind my hair!

[@lanej.6458]

Omg so excited. Not the best day but this is a great way to end it 🙃 Also just wanted to throw this out there, I know you and Liam read Nevermoor together (and maybe subsequent books I’m not sure) and if the mood ever calls for it, you guys should totally give the audiobooks a try! Gemma Whelan’s many voices are unparalleled for me as far as range goes and the overall narration is so good as well. Though I do not recommend it at your like, super speed lmao 😂 No judgment we’re all different but I find the narration doesn’t translate as well too quickly (for me anyway)

[@alyssa.h]

yes!! I love the audiobooks so much, some of my favorites probably. all her voices are just 👩🏼‍🍳💋

[@missburn]

I love the audiobooks so much that I bought them all on CD 😂

[@lanej.6458]

@@alyssa.h honestly!! In the best way possible she’s basically ruined all other narrators for me lol. I can’t understand how she has so many different accents and voices in her. Maybe because she’s an actress??

[@lanej.6458]

@@missburn haha I absolutely understand that!! I have them all via audible but I would most definitely purchase the CDs as well, they really are so so good! She brings the series to an entirely new level

[@missburn]

@@lanej.6458 I agree with you 100%. Can't wait for the next in the series 😄

[@starr1suicide]

I listen to audiobook basically from the time i wake up to the time i go to bed. I work while listening to one. Go grocery shopping or regular shopping. Driving. Etc. I can't go a day without one unless my ears need a break. But i have realized it makes reading easier on myself while i follow along. I work 60 hours a week so its helped me fall in love with reading. And i found out i love when i listen to horror or thrillers

[@morganoverby533]

11 seconds in and I just have to say that lip color is definitely your perfect shade! It looks so good on you! 💕

[@tailoredreading6660]

I literally listen to my audiobook everywhere in the car, any store I go into- were talking grocery store, a target run, the pet store while I’m getting my nails done, waiting for my car to be done at the dealership-everywhere that’s not basically work I am listening to my audiobooks. It’s a great way to get reading in during busy life. Highly recommend

[@lauralikesbooks]

Love this!!! I also listen to headphones in the grocery store. I learned a few years ago that stores will play slow music to try to get you to walk around more slowly (which will entice you to buy more stuff) and I’m not falling for that lol they also put colorful packages at eye level for kids, knowing they’ll ask their parents to buy it! Weird facts, but I think it’s really interesting!

[@BrunetteBibliophile]

I don’t do it often, but when I did big grocery shopping the other day I did put headphones in to listen to my book!

[@taylorgayhart9497]

I have to listen to something while shopping, it helps my anxiety with being in crowds! Lol

[@Warda-H]

I’m so happy you loved Leave the World Behind. It was obscure in the best way.

[@jmaddren]

I’m so glad you loved Leave the World Behind! It’s incredibly underrated and the prose is just so lovely and effortless. The building of dread is what really pulled me in. Not knowing what is happening and being isolated from the world is a terrifying concept which I loooved. I need to read more books like this lol.

[@biancareads]

I'm so happy you finally got a winning or winning-ish video!! I love hearing you even describe books you didn't end up liking but I'm happy for yoU!!

[@jilltatro9324]

I’m constantly listening to something, a book or a podcast, while grocery shopping or wandering around target! Love it!!!

[@candyhyojung1860]

i never go anywhere without headphones :')) I am constantly listening to music or something,, especially in a public place like I can't stand like the silence haha

[@biancadolcee5521]

thanks for blessing us queen, this is no joke, my fav type of videos from you!

[@mcjordie]

I'm always excited when you upload hour long videos. I can't explain it but I feel so cozy spending that much time with you talking about your reads 💜

[@mcjordie]

The reaction to the eggplant bath bomb 😆

[@tinadoesntreadthatmuch]

I loved the all knowing narrator in leave the world behind, probably one of my fav scenes in the book! They were so mind bending haha

[@amandaconaway9675]

I ALWAYS have headphones in while I'm out shopping! Some audiobooks are harder to comprehend while you are shopping but a lot of books have worked for me.

[@astarreads4214]

Yes!!! The Dinner! Such a great book! Well…now I’m interested in Leave the World Behind.

[@loverofpages]

I have been WAITING to hear your thoughts on leave the world behind and I’m SOO happy you loved it!!!

[@mikayla5949]

I DNFd Leave the World Behind because I couldn’t stand the writing style 🤷🏼‍♀️ but I’m glad you loved it!

[@leaisstillhere]

I adore watching all of your videos. We have completely different tastes in books but I just love people talking about books and your challenges are so fun!

[@ashtonnoble8921]

Oh I absolutely listen to music or audiobooks or something when I am shopping. It is so nice especially when people are trying to like sell you a new electric company or something and you can just kinda walk by. It’s not nice but sometimes I do not have time. Ahha

[@TheReadingandWritingLife]

I don’t shop for groceries anymore because my 15 yr old loves is, but I used to listen to audiobooks while I shopped and he listens to music while he shops

[@ReadingAce]

I would never pick up any of these books and yet it was super fun and interesting to see you go through all of them! Your videos are always like this but I rarely comment and today I feel like I need to 💜 Yes! I always listen to music or an audiobook while grocery shopping! Sometimes it can take so long and it gets really boring, particularly just waiting in line, so this gives me something else to focus on and keeps me entertained (plus people are less likely to talk to you which is always a plus lol).

[@clarecarter9172]

Darn it I was super excited for Mercury Boys….no longer 😂😂

[@debbiecane5660]

I’m glad you loved Leave the World Behind. I thought it was so good!

[@frnkomars]

The way you described the writing in The Last Final Girl reminds me of the writing style in Rules for Werewolves where it was just all dialogue the entire time, which just fit that story and the plot so perfectly

[@SingASongOfHope53]

Leave the World Behind was one of my top books of 2021! I do not understand the low low rating, thought I've had conversations with some of my friends who read it and had a totally different experience and we chaulked it up to how you went into the book, which genre you were expecting. My friends who didn't like it thought they were going into a thriller while I had read an article that had called it "eco-fiction" with a dystopian lean and reading it from that lens made me absolutely love it. So to your point about vague genres turning folks off, I think you're so right.

[@apinupaweek]

Definitely have been listening to audio books while grocery shopping for years and it’s great! It makes it so much better!

[@robynghafoor4965]

This is the third Netflix Book Club pick. Trying to get through this month's which isn't really my thing but I've heard the series is quite good.

[@muttmania]

I almost always have my headphones in when I'm shopping, usually playing music or a podcast. Helps me out for when there are a ton of loud people around and I get overwhelmed and wanna hide. I do sometimes play audiobooks, but I find that I accidentally zone out every now and then and have to backtrack.

[@taylor-vk4ni]

I am now so much more intrigued by When I’m Through With You. I found it at the dollar tree a few months ago and bought it because the cover looked cool but I haven’t heard anything about. Now I want to read it right now lol

[@kelmoldenhauer]

“That’s a sentence I never thought I’d say.” 😂😂

[@mango3269]

None of these books were on my radar, but I’m now eagerly awaiting my library holds for Leave The World Behind and Black Chalk 🤓

[@whimmyblue5734]

I have a lot of sensory issues, and listening to music or an audiobook while grocery shopping has been a life saver! It helps me control auditory input. I will never shop without headphones again.

[@QueenBethJoy]

The "what should be wild" synopsis sounds like a TV show called "Pushing Daisies" that was on when I was a teen

[@loandbehold7348]

I'm feeling so nostalgic as I discovered this channel through the last video covering this topic. Love this concept, wonderful video as always

[@brittneyholley3]

I took part in the book club last month and it was so fun to have the series for it come out after 🤗 since my spouse doesn’t read, he got to kind of experience the book with me … it was fun !

[@holabooks]

I recently started listening to audiobooks while shopping and it’s been life changing!

[@capernex]

I always listen to music/a podcast/an audiobook while shopping! it makes me hate it less lol and also a good time to get a lot of listening in.

[@tinadoesntreadthatmuch]

I haven’t read any of these but now I am so intrigued by Black chalk! The secret history and the goldfinch are my absolute favourite books of all time! I’m seriously obsessed with Donna Tartt. And I’ve heard about black chalk before so that’s also a good sign. I definitely need to read it!

[@mariac__as]

It's so satisfying that most of these books were already on your physical tbr

[@anka8754]

I constantly shop whilst listening to music (unless I’m too anxious, then music becomes distracting) It helps drown out the external noises and better concentrate and even relax on what I’m doing.

[@nijinoshita3301]

best way to go grocery shopping is for sure with other people, but after that with an audiobook all the way! I am always listening to audiobooks when I am out and about by myself

[@vikkig230]

I almost always listen to an audiobook or music when grocery shopping/running errands! I like being lost in my little own world.

[@clarehartjes6250]

This is one of my favorite vlogs you’ve ever done ❤️❤️ and you read a bunch of books I’ve been interested in but haven’t tried because of their low ratings!

[@BrebearMckae]

I love that you call it a video sandwich. 🤣 I will now always be looking out for them to drop a sandwich 🥪 emoji 🤣

[@KaitlynMayReads]

So excited you uploaded! I want to read Leave the World Behind so badly so I might need to pick it up next.

I'm so glad that you enjoyed Leave the World Behind. It was one of my favourite reads last year! 😊

[@thecraftybear]

I don't go very many places without an audiobook, whether walking or driving, cleaning or knitting :)

[@MyraGG1]

I am always listening to audiobooks in grocery stores, in book stores, in any store. Pretty much if I’m doing something there is an audiobook going. I just turn it off when I get to the registers or when I end up having to talk to someone.

[@ErinRuthK]

I can't grocery shop without a podcast or audiobook! Makes it go so quick in a good way

[@samantharose1001]

hehe I appreciate the personas: Kayla the vlogger & Lala the editor ✨

[@rociocartes]

Yes, I always have my earphones in when I’m out shopping haha

[@BRhymesss]

Hahaha I just got home from the grocery store and I was listening to an audiobook. I hate when I forget my headphones SO MUCH because I always like to have something playing