BookTok Drama Is Taking Over and It's CHAOS!

[@SamuelMcAuliff]

When I was a grad student in the English department some of my classmates and I had a discussion one day about whether or not we should encourage people to read books that we felt had more merit instead of books that were popular but poorly written. Most of us came down on the side of let people read what they want, as long as they find enjoyment in it. In grad school, as in the online book community, there is an elitism around books, and academics and "serious" readers need to just get over themselves. If someone enjoys reading it doesn't matter what they read or how they enjoy it, just let them have nice things. That's the kind of thing that intimidates people away from reading anything because they fear being judged. And yes, if you do find yourself with a negative opinion about someone or what they're doing that is different than you, just keep it to yourself. Like you, I thought we all learned that as children.

[@StephTucker-hc8px]

I genuinely don't understand this. I personally love big books and stuff. I do think that the "reader aesthetic" does seem to be a thing but, I don't understand why the way someone else consumes books is anyone else's business? There's SUCH a snobbery around being a reader/booktuber/booktoker, etc. and it's disgusting. Reading is a hobby, not a competition.

[@SuboJvR]

100%! It makes me sad when people say things about how they can "only read x books per y time period" as though theyr'e somehow less than. We all have different circumstances, and it doesn't matter a hoot how much we can read. All that matters is that we enjoy what we do

[@littlechicks3520]

You are so right. The fact that so many people are finding joy in books now can only be a good thing. ACOTAR is not my thing so i would never read it but it wouldnt cross my mind to criticize someone who does rather than a genre that i prefer (thrillers). We dont need to dim someones light to make our own shine brighter, there is room for us all in this bookish world and reading should be encouraged whatever form it takes.

[@BookishDadReads]

@@littlechicks3520 I absolutely agree and love all of this ❤️

[@kirstycooper6131]

Wow. What a video. I am so glad you did this, it was something that 100% needed to be said. Personally, I would love to create a channel and share my love for books but I know deep down that all it would take is a few horrible comments and it would send my Mental health into a bad spiral. I love your channel. Even though you have struggles of your own you are a massive support to others with what you are doing. Thank you xxx

[@jeffburridge4241]

Reading is Personal. Absolutely agree with you there. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@paperpagespossibilities]

This is a wonderfully honest and kind video. I agree with many of your points, particularly that the anonymity of the internet seems to make some people think it is acceptable to be rude. One of the reasons I found the motivation to start my own channel was the thought that there are so many millions of people out there that surely I could create a community of like minded people to share and converse with, it's just a matter of being persistent enough that those like minded people can find me. I have definitely found many positive people on Booktube and feel like this community does a lot to build each other up.

[@annebracher1843]

Well said. I mean, where's the need - if they don't like it, don't watch them. Good on you for defending them.

[@the_emerald_sea]

When the space between lines is too small and the type is tiny (i.e. too many words have been squished onto the page) it is annoying and more difficult to read. Sounds like a perfectly reasonable complaint to me! I love what you have said in this video, a very classy assessment of it all.

[@Claudia000]

So true! The 1st time I saw the video of the girl saying the book had too many words, it was clear to me that she meant the margins of the book were absurdly tiny on all sides. She showed the book pages, it was bad design and actually looked unpleasant! Everyone kept pilling on her because it gave them an ego boost when her concern was legitimate.

[@BookishDadReads]

@@Claudia000 yeah I just don't get why people are so quick to attack. One of the reasons I keep putting off reading the words of radiance by Brandon Sanderson is due to the sheer size of the book. I have to be in the right mood to pick up a chunky book like that

[@annabekind247]

Well said! I find it so strange that how others choose to read is any one else’s business. As for book length, I love a really long read or a short one, something well written or just fun or both, it all depends on what mood I’m in so I’m glad there is such a vast choice available to me 🙂

[@lesleyrussell825]

Me too! Mood often dictates what I read.

[@mm-fn2co]

Encourage to read and if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. And you’re absolutely right, when someone is in a bad place it doesn’t take much to push someone over the edge. This is such an important topic. Thank you for posting this video

[@MelHeath1991]

Social media is good for connection... but some people have got far too comfortable with being absolutely awful with no consequences to their actions

[@BookishDadReads]

@@MelHeath1991 I absolutely agree ❤️

[@MelHeath1991]

@BookishDadReads there's been a thing going off on "theatretok" too, someone decided to air their report that the cast were awful, and was going to say they couldn't sing either but her boyfriend stopped her... she was laughing about it. She got backlash from the cast who saw it and they were rightly hurt by it. She since removed the video and "apologised" for her words...

[@akuchling]

It often makes sense to complain about a book's length. Sometimes I'll read a book and think "that was good, but 100 pages too long, and the plot spent those 100 pages just spinning its wheels". Sure, maybe those pages of nothing much happening are for character development or exploring the setting, and maybe it's enjoyable to just hang out with the characters, but they can also make a book feel padded.

[@SuboJvR]

Tyrone, you are so kind hearted. Thank you for addressing this. I also never considered social media as an outlet to deal with mental health in the way you have, before you spoke about it in the manner you have. Thankyou for opening my & others eyes to this, I hope the world can start to be a little kinder to everyone. You're right though - social media bullying is a serious serious issue (with even laws catching up to that fact) and especially women may be more vulnerable to cyber bullying due to the way and frequency we interact. Sometimes I want to just come off social media entirely, but other times, like when I see your content, I remember why I love it, and why it can bring me joy. Booktube is my happy place and I'm so sad if it's becoming a hurtful place for people.

[@karenmiller1105]

The sad reality is ….the internet offers the opportunity for some people to spread negativity and give a voice to their hate. Reading is a good thing and the fact that people can create drama over it is sad.

[@coleenmorgan431]

Tyrone you are so kind and I agree with what you're saying. I've never understood the need to troll people online. I think the anonymity of online makes people bolder. Great video as usual.

[@juliacharles4790]

Once again Tyrone, this video is awesome!! Read what you want to read, at your own pace & read what you enjoy. My nan always used to say “If you can’t say anything nice then keep your mouth shut!” I get so fed up of people who can’t just let people like what they like. I hate social media

[@the_emerald_sea]

Agreed 👍

[@kayerosil]

You nailed this. Reading is so personal, and is such a source of joy and emotions. Let’s leave everyone alone to enjoy their own little piece of this world. Don’t hate. Encourage!

[@maryhigginson9710]

Totally agree - well said. Thank you.

[@jessbaldwin]

You’re one of my new favourite booktubers. You seem so extremely genuine. I love that. xx

[@BookishDadReads]

@@jessbaldwin awww Jess, thankyou so much ❤️❤️

[@jaimieharris5275]

You’re a good person. Thank you for your positivity.

[@maggyfrog]

i appreciate this sentiment. personally, i don't follow a lot of booktok recommendations and just read my own preferences. the other annoying booktok drama is about somebody complaining about the rise of romantasy targeted towards female readers and how that person wishes there were more "manly" fantasy, as though they have never known most of the popular fantasy titles that already exist. it's so strange seeing this behavior from other fellow readers. people have forgotten the basic art of moving on if something isn't their cup of tea.

[@BookishDadReads]

@@maggyfrog i absolutely agree. There are so many books out there that everyone will be able to find a book they love. I don't care if romantasy books are all over my phone because I have enough self awareness to read a blurb and decide if I may or may not like it.

[@bibliomania158]

And this is why I love your channel. Complete honesty and sincere❤️👏 I hope you have a great day my friend 🤝

[@BookishDadReads]

@@bibliomania158 thankyou so much. There will never be judgement over here. I'm doing so good at the minute, thankyou. Sending you so much positivity x

[@bibliomania158]

@ thank you sir! I appreciate you 👊 Now, I’m off to work 😁😎, have a good one 🎉

[@articia337]

Absolutely spot on as usual. I read for me and I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks. Absolutely love your channel xx

[@BookishDadReads]

@@articia337 thankyou so much ❤️

[@thebookish.artist]

I’ve been putting off making a booktok for so so long for reasons like this, past trauma from bullying etc but I took the plunge last week and slowly posting. Probably won’t do talking videos for a while 😅 but hoping it will help with my confidence eventually!

[@jenniferfair280]

Everyone's got their own preference for reading. My fave author is Stephen King but my fave books are more a novella style! Doesn't make me a poser or fraud its just means if I'm in the mood for it I'll read a 600 page beast or a 200 page little gem. You're absolutely right the internet can be a toxic place.

[@scarlettmanfredi]

Amen!! Reading in whatever form, whatever way, is no ones business other than your own❤

[@Jessica-rr2eh]

I recently commented on something saying I know ACOTAR isn't a literary masterpiece but I gave it 5* for the pure joy it brought me in a tough time. A perfectly reasonable comment I thought but someone respond saying that if I know the quality of prose isn't the absolute best my review was deceitful. About 5 people read my Goodreads reviews, so who am I deceiving? And are there rules that reviews must not be based on enjoyment but on whether my old English teacher would be impressed by the style of writing? 😂

[@BookishDadReads]

@@Jessica-rr2eh that's crazy. I rate books on how they make me feel. That's like rating a book that's written fantastically well but the plots dull which I find a lot of well written books can be a bit slow for my taste

[@sandraraedeer4849]

I've not seen any negatively but I don't do booktok as I've heard bad stuff. Great video.

[@book-ramble]

Trolls are a subset of people who hate people being curious, positive and creative - which is epistemic virtue; they'd rather be toxic. It's easy to demolish but hard to build up.

[@LeonC0704]

I think Two things can be true at the same time: 1) People need to stop trashing others for what they like. Unfortunately, the internet gave a voice to the cowards, and people say things they would NEVER say in person. You can disagree with other people’s ideas but do so respectfully. 2) I think that if you are someone sensitive that is easily affected by strangers’ comments. Why on earth would you put yourself out there on the internet? We also must have some self awareness. We know the internet’s comment section can be a nasty place. It’s not about whether it should be or not. It is what it is. So, consider your mental health, before deciding to become a public figure

[@luceekelss]

Completely agree ❤

[@autumnrose_noseinabook]

Hey I didn’t know you were on booktube! Subscribed ❤

[@BookishDadReads]

@@autumnrose_noseinabook heyyyy. I only started a few weeks ago but I'm loving it so far ❤️

[@paulthompson5401]

Hi Tyrone Great video and well on point I have absolutely no interest in how other people read all I want to is what you thought of the book it's a shame that the old saying Rising tides raise all ships is forgotten about in these let's have a pop videos it's instantly make me switch off video and never go back Anyhow keep up the good positive vibes it's well needed

[@BrandysBooks61316]

Sadly it boils down to mean girl energy 🤷‍♀️ I didn’t really pay attention to who did/said what but it was gross and not something I’m interested in participating in. They should have just exited the video and watched something else but controversy leads to views.

[@BookishDadReads]

@@BrandysBooks61316 I absolutely agree. It's all for views with the hope of going viral. I just wish they could try going viral by building each other up.

[@paulmagrs-g8n]

Well said!

[@BookishDadReads]

@@paulmagrs-g8n thanks Paul

[@Lu.G.]

💯

[@Nicole-cz3cg]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@EmilyJohnston-e2r]

Auppp tyroneee 😊 Oi mate never heard so much truth spoken! You hit nail rate on head!👌 I wanna start making vids but i just ant got the balls for all critism and abuse!😰 P.s been having a rate shit couple o days and watching you just meks me smile! 🫶 if youve read til this point i love ya the most. Sinnaaabiiittt dog shitttt 😬

[@angelaluz405]

Well said!