Breaking My Silence on Bookish Discourse

This was easily my sassiest video yet! Haha. Let me know what you thought of this one! Have you experienced these cyclical discussions? And is there anything I missed that we should talk about next time??
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[@krzysamm7095]

What cracks me up about the audio book issue is we all started out listening to oral stories. None of us came out of the womb reading. Our cultures come from an auditory history before the average person was allowed, or taught to read. There is something special when you sit and listen to a true story teller, its something that I wish I could go back and listen to the bedtime stories my parents and grandparents told me.

[@Sanzetta]

Exactly!! In School, for years, teachers always told us:" If you listen you' ll learn easily and quickly"... so now listen is wrong??

[@InvadrFae]

My sister did actually tell me that audiobooks didn't count as reading, and it hurt my feelings lol. I drive for work, so I literally cannot read with my eyes. Audiobooks are the greatest thing ever.

[@Ezeekat]

Respectfully, your sister is wrong! Haha

[@ropegirlz]

They actually did a whole research into this, with tests n all. Looking into if listening and reading a story do the same to your brain. And long n behold, IT DOES! The brains "listening to story" parts light up in the same way as when we read a book. As it gets stored in the same place. Resulting in the same results, no matter hearing or reading the content. So, your sister is farther from the truth than ever before, as we even have proof

[@smeeker59]

I am always impressed with, sometimes in awe of, people who enjoy books on audio because my mind wanders the second the talking starts and I am lost in thought immediately. I would LOVE to be able to because I’d enjoy it and get so much done if I could listen and drive or do chores. I’m thinking of going on a car trip and will try again if I do, but YAY to anyone who can enjoy audio books!!! Keep up the good work! (I might try listening while I read to see if that’s a good transition)

[@gamewrit0058]

Your method is valid! Audiobooks make books more accessible for lots of people, including blind and vision-impaired folks, dyslexic readers, and readers who prefer listening to using their eyes. Enjoy your commute book time. 🔊📚❤️🌈

[@hplovinmama631]

Don't worry, it counts! If you think about it, they constantly encourage parents to read to kids. Why? That's technically audio books, right? Because there are SO many amazing benefits! You consume books. That's all that matters!

[@lesacotto5188]

I was a middle grade and high school English teacher who required silent reading. I allowed audio books, graphic novels, and Manga. I taught novels with physical and audio books. And a bunch of disenfranchised students learned to love reading because I refused to read books about white boys and their dogs. I had a huge classroom library full of books people want to ban now. I love your channel because you support reading!

[@Ezeekat]

You were the best kind of teacher!!

[@susan3037]

This is a great example of a teacher who understands what the purpose of reading is! I applaud you!

[@Bear_the_shepherd]

i love books about "white" boys and their dogs. animal companions is a favourite trope of mine :)

[@sarahjackson4808]

I own a used bookstore and I have regular customers who come by every month and get 20 to 30 books a month. They can read a book a day! I've never once thought they were lying about reading that much. Sometimes I'm a bit jealous that they have that much time to read...I'm in a bookstore 24/7 and don't have that much time 😆And yes, I am here 24/7...I live in the building with my store, so I really do live in a bookstore😍

[@sarahjackson4808]

BTW...My store is a Comics, Collectibles and Used Book Store...so here's my 2 cents...audio books are reading, comics are reading, graphic novels are reading, manga is reading...THE END! 😍

[@just-a-crayon4]

I always wanted to live above a bookstore! ❤️

[@Reapunzil]

You are living in your own novel 😊 amazing

[@carriemercer3224]

About DNF-valid and really useful comparison to not finishing a meal you don’t like!! If you’ve eaten enough to identify specific things (ingredients, texture, taste?) that are making you not want to eat any more, Nobody says, hey you didn’t eat all of it, don’t even talk to me about it, you have no right to dislike it! The reality of literary awards is that judges don’t have time to read every single page of every book, and they don’t need to. They can tell within 50 or 100 pages whether it’s going to be good enough to keep eating, as it were. So there!!

[@vixwootten]

I got yelled at in a FB group recently for reading on my kindle because apparently "if everyone read on a kindle, book publishers would cease to exist" 🙄

[@banettenighmare8645]

If I didn’t have a kindle I wouldn’t be able to read nearly as much 😭😭

[@amandad8784]

They don’t think books on kindle have to be published?

[@lisajennifer8817]

I noticed that I read faster on a Kindle rather than a physical book. But it's books just as much as it is on physical ones. It's just the same thing.

[@tracigrant5130]

I fell into a place during life where i couldn't read. Yes, couldn't. There was this mental block caused by my circumstances that made me feel awful anytime I read a book because there was something better I should have been doing. I think I read 5 books in 2 years. But then my circumstances changed, my mental health changed. I picked up a book I remember liking in high school and I've read over 200 books the last 2 years. I guess my point is to be patient with yourself. Sometimes life is hard. Just keep truckin'. I used to be one of those "audiobooks aren't reading" people. Booktok actually helped me realize how wrong i was.

[@alieneleni]

i’m feeling that right now as a recent college grad. i spent the last 5 years being told what to read and now that i have the freedom to pick i’m struggling ahah. but i’m keepin on truckin

[@heatherhendren8759]

Thank you, thank you! Thank you for being so positive and addressing all of the negative drama! I'm 54 and love my manga, graphic novels, and YA collections!

[@HappyLittleYarn]

Yaaasssss! “There are jerks in every corner of the internet!” Truth! I have a crafting related channel on KZbin and there are jerks in my corner of the internet too!

[@Ezeekat]

OMG I experienced crafting jerks for the first time this year and it was WILD!

[@whateveryousay907]

i’m dyslexic and that’s why I love reading. I remember when I couldn’t read and I know how hard I worked to be able to read, read fluently, read at a normal pace and RETAIN the information. I have 2 kids that are struggling readers and audiobooks wit tandem book reading are our go to so having put in the work for myself and my kids audiobooks 100% count.

[@Ezeekat]

Love love love this! Audiobooks are so incredible for creating new pathways to books especially for those of us with learning disabilities!

[@theshylockholmes]

Yes! Im dyslexic and I listen to audiobooks alongside reading in order to be able to actually process what Im reading!

[@krispaton8670]

I have dyslexic kids and audiobooks along with the physical book is how they learnt to read. Audiobooks continue to be their favourite way to read and provide access to reading that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

[@MikkiandtheMouse]

On the "Booktok is ruining literature" topic, I also think it should not be discounted that often media wants to belittle and degrade things that are being enjoyed by women, particularly younger women. We've seen this a lot where if women/young women enjoy a type of media, whether that's Backstreet Boys and Taylor Swift, or romcoms, soap operas or harlequin novels that those are always deemed "lesser". There are more sophisticated and grander media than the media enjoyed by young girls, those silly girls only liking things about silly things. BookTok and reading in general is predominantly a female space and thus, gets turned down.

[@GlitterEnby]

Good point!

[@QuirkyWolfSwiftie15]

Yea it's like whenever certain people like things, they're just not cool anymore. Like a few years ago liking taylor swift meant you were better than everyone else but now they're like "oh you're a swiftie? Ofc bc you're a girl" or like "oh no you're one of those swifties who attacks everyone who says anything bad about taylor". First off I'm not a girl. Secondly that is a very small minority that attacks people and the fan group is not defined by what the majority does. Being a fan of something just means liking it and wanting to share that passion with others. And now fanbases make up so many stupid rules like the audio book one or that you're not a real fan if you don't like something in the same exact way as everyone else. It's stupid because we all just want to enjoy what we enjoy and the constant negativity and drama ruins that a bit

[@thefriesofLockeLamora]

This has also been discussed ad nauseum. And it's gone so far around that it's gotten to a point where people are now acting like booktok is beyond reproach because girls.

[@Sammy-fmhky]

This argument that anything women like is beyond reproach because "people hate anything women like" is so tired. It's just a way to deflect any criticism and stop deeper conversation. You just don't want to reflect on how you contribute to patriarchy, racism and misogyny. Why do you hate women? We need to ask why the only women centered and catered media are often so harmful, reductive and misogynist. The women making this type of media and the women consuming it are braimwashed by the patriarchy. And when other women criticize it, we're accused of misogyny. Do you see how ridiculous you are?

[@Sanzetta]

You are so right!! I'm a 41 italian woman and when I tell mans, who don' t know me well, that i enjoyed Leigh Bardugo' s books they all made the same face and comment: " Leigh Bardugo... yeah, i see, of course you lile it, you are a woman ! But, you know, there are more interesting books..." My answer is: "Like what? great classics? Pick one and let' s talk about it, i read almost all of them, several times. Have you ever read Ovidio in Latin? It' s amazing! Or maybe you prefer History? Which subject? World Wars? French revolution? History of USA? In which language do you want to talk? Italuan? English French? Spanish? My dear friend yes i' a woman, and yes i love Leigh Bardugo and Cassandra Clate... but guess what? I have a brain, just like you".

[@charitylemons2293]

I was watching a booktuber a few years ago and she said, saying audiobooks isn’t reading is like saying a blind person has never read a book(not an exact quote). And that was my aha moment of realizing how snobbish I was being in discounting them. I was also a snob about ebooks, like I would never read an ebook, that’s not a real book. Now I don’t leave the house without my e-reader. I think a lot of issues come from people not willing to look at things from someone else’s perspective, and being unwilling to change their opinion. I’ve learned in the past few years there are way fewer hills I’m willing to die on, and as long as someone isn’t hurting me or anyone else, why should I care what they’re doing?

[@AnnaMarieHamiltonWriter]

Come to think of it, audio books are probably a revelation for the Blind/vision impaired community! There is Braille, of course, but Audio books are a lot easier now that we have the technology. Fun fact, Brian Jacques originally wrote the Redwall series as a read-aloud for a school for blind children where he used to deliver milk. That's why he includes so many mouth-watering descriptions of food -- so the scene would come to life in the kids' imaginations without the sense of sight :)

[@LiteraryStoner]

I have aphantasia. While I love reading in all formats and all kinds of books, manga and comics have PICTURES that I can NOT see in my head!! I freaking love them and you have to READ the PICTURES to. I have heard so many people confused over mangas and comics and they describe why and i'm like "you... didn't even read the pictures... did you? They are a part of the story to you know." Love this video and agree with everything you said

[@nataliatheweirdo]

this is why i love graphic novels! Theres not much text for my dyslexic brain and THERES PICTURES!! i can actually see what a stories like lol

[@InvadrFae]

No idea what is happening, I'm just happy to be here ❤

[@Ezeekat]

Same here! Haha

[@InvadrFae]

❤

[@introvertedreader4432]

YES I did an entire video about THIS VERY THING like it doesn’t matter how you read, point is reading is reading period. I feel like to say that audiobooks are not “real reading” is really ableist tbh cos so many rely on them to get books and have access to them.

[@Ezeekat]

Absolutely!

[@CakedCrusader9]

I’m a library worker and I can’t tell you the amount of times I found myself literally applauding your takes. I agree with SO much of what you said, actually probably everything. Audiobooks ARE reading, reading books for a younger demographic is great, and reading should be accessible for everyone!! I also appreciated that you mentioned that even libraries aren’t always accessible, my small town Canadian library still has to charge for library cards (very manageable cost for most people and there is community support for those who can’t but it’s not perfect) and it hurts my heart. My director is working on getting rid of that cost but it’s all based on what the government is doing and Alberta’s government is in a massive mess right now. Thankfully we no longer charge overdue fines so we at least have that lol, but hopefully my library will be even more accessible to our community soon.

[@yep582]

i agree with you totally on those points, the only thing that gets me about the peeople who read loads of books a month is it makes me feel like crap sometimes -like im not getting enough done, im not a good reader etc. then i take 2 seconds and remember thats a me problem a.k.a. not actually an issue.

[@Ezeekat]

It's a valid feeling! But know that you are not less than and you are reading exactly as much as you are able. Everyone has different time and ability and it doesn't invalidate the time and ability of others.

[@rubi_plt]

If it makes you feel better, I’m someone who reads a lot of books a month and it’s only possible because of audiobooks. And I’m a stay at home parent so I have the time to listen while I do chores and chase after my little one all day. And when I finally get some me-time to relax I crack open my physical book 😊

[@pixiewinchester]

You are the happiest angry person, and this video has been absolutely delightful to listen to before work.

[@lauraelaineallen21]

Yes on libraries. I LOVE libraries. They are great. They are not the solution to everything for everyone. There's a library down the street from me, but I work nights and am rarely awake and available to go during operating hours. And whenever I bring that up, people are like "Libby! or get ebooks from your library." But I can't focus on ebooks. I really REALLY struggle to focus on anything except print books, and I know I cannot be the only one. Not everything works for everyone. Sometimes, if I want a book the only option for me is to buy it on amazon.

[@AsuraSantosha]

As an autistic person, I cringe a little if I say the words, "I read this audio book this weekend." I absolutely listen to audio books. I count them toward the non-competitive reading goals I set for myself. I never once have thought that they "didn't count" or in any way thought it was "less valid" than using your eyes to read a physical book. But I wanted to answer why anyone would care about the semantics. Specificity of words is often really important to people with autism. I absolutely don't mind if someone else says to me that the "read" an audiobook and I would NOT try to correct their language. I would overlook it and probably ask what they thought of it or what it was about. But it would take a tiny bit of energy away from me too because I'm still making the (language-preference based) correction in my own head.

[@wrong_level]

YES, thank you for saying that!! I care a lot about the semantics too and I have always found it draining for people to say they read the audiobook, because it’s the wrong verb!! My thoughts were never about discrediting it, never even thought about it that that could be the reason for some people. To me it’s literally just about the verb not fitting. If someone says they read the book, I assume they know and followed the story, but if the word „audiobook“ is used in combination with reading, it kinda disrupts the flow and yanks me out of the immersion of the conversation. Absolutely nothing to do with saying „listening to an audiobook doesn’t count“ or anything stupid like that… Additionally, my brain categorises information a certain way and is interested in retaining the correct piece of information with as much details as possible and that plays a part in that. Yes, we’re arguing about semantics and for some people, semantics matter a lot and provide a needed stability

[@amybabcock3952]

I agree on all counts. I’m a long time reader, literature major, and High School English teacher. Having these discussions are important and whatever shares a love of books should be just that-full of love❤

[@shannonphoenix2375]

Reading, books, stories in general are meant to bring us together as a species. It's so odd how some people try to divide. You are so right when you say, "Who cares?! Get off your high horse and go read your books." I love hearing your thoughts on such matters. Thank you so much for your content and company. ❤

[@jesskorleski4779]

Loved this discussion! All I could think in my head when you were talking about authors not liking the negative reviews that they are getting about their book is "You can't handle the truth". But I loved all of the points you made about everything!

[@r4ch4elreads]

Wonderfully thoughtful video Jaysen. I agree entirely on all of these points. I simply cannot understand WHY anybody feels the need to critise how someone else engages with their own hobbies. It truly baffles me why they care. There's no wrong way to do a hobby that's purely for you, and it's nobody else's place to comment on that. I read novels, manga, audiobooks, middle grade books, graphic novels.... and they all count. Also, thank you for sharing some alternative points for people engaging in the "review" and "age-range" debates.

[@bitterrootsimmer]

I have adhd and audiobooks gives me the “white noise” needed to do certain tasks. I’m both reading a book as well as completing a task. It also allows me to when needed read faster which gives me the stimulation I need. I also read physical books amd love them but my disability sometimes requires me to read them in audio form. ALSO audio books are a great way to get back into reading. That what helped to me.

[@Ezeekat]

Omg I have adhd as well. I didn’t even think to talk about audiobooks from that direction!

[@jessi93422]

I also have adhd and use audiobooks in the same way. I also use the audiobook to bribe myself into getting boring but necessary tasks (dishes, laundry,etc) done.

[@sunglory4488]

10:06 Elizabeth Withley answered that one in her short pretty well. She said, " Stories have been in history way before there was any way to publish books in written form, before that stories was told and listened to." Also people who can listen to audio books can multitask, as someone who cannot do that, I find that a super power!!

[@MissJuly005]

I think the fast fashion thing also comes from the huge amount of book hauls and haul video we are seeing these days...

[@iheartwalle]

Also pro-tip: Dont go into an indie bookstore and tell an employee you're going to buy on Amazon. It's rude and makes us feel crappy.

[@sandragon72]

Thank you for sharing your hot takes. I agree with them all! I just had the argument about audiobooks with my brother-in-law. He asserted they're 'technically' not reading. This in light of the fact that our mother-in-law went blind and could only read via audiobooks. Your comment about how using a hearing aid is 'technically' not hearing will come in handy the next time he disses audiobooks. My son used to read a lot of physical books when he was younger, but has some ADHD which causes more struggles with reading as an adult. He devours audiobooks now and I'm so thankful for them.

[@carpe_demon]

In 2022 I read around 200 books. In a casual discussion in an online book group, where everyone was sharing their numbers, a grown woman freaked out on me and told me it must be nice to not have a job or kids so i could read all day. I was working 10 hour shifts as a surgical vet tech, volunteering with rescue on the weekends, ans raising my young child; I had a lot of reading time while my husband had his chemo and radiation and my son was repeatedly hospitalized for a rare medical condition. But go off, I guess...

[@Ezeekat]

People really take their insecurities and unleash them on total strangers online and it is WILD!! But also, that sounds like an INTENSE year. I'm glad you had some books to help you through it!

[@fiig5196]

My local independently owned bookstore is called Bookish so I saw the title and thought “Wait there’s drama at my bookstore??? Whattt” 😂

[@lowsee]

I like your take on being kind. I personally don't like the Twilight series, but I am VERY careful not to shame people who do enjoy it. A good friend of mine is dyslexic but loves Twilight. I'm just happy she found books that she can get through, and she loves!

[@PaperFable]

I am a librarian and a retired teacher friend is in my mystery book club. By the time our meeting comes around she has not only read the book she has devoured the entire series! I am so impressed by her. Looking forward to retirement, just 30 years to go.😅

[@fionahogben8110]

I completely agree with everything you have said here. Another issue that I though of when you were discussing authors complaining about reviewers, is authors complaining about other authors. I feel like I’m seeing a lot of this on social media at the moment where an author won’t actually name the other author, but they make it very clear who they’re referring to when criticising some aspect of a book and then saying they wouldn’t do that in their book. I just refuse to read authors who try to make themselves look good by bringing down an author that they see as competition and I think they do more damage to their own reputation by behaving that way.

[@abbysmith4373]

If I could like this post more than once I would just for the dyslexia comments at the front. I am also dyslexic and read everyday because it is 100% muscle memory. I also write in purple or green when taking notes because my brain retains it better. Thanks mom for always making me read even though I cried almost every time.

[@Ezeekat]

Oh totally agree on the color coded notes. Green is a good color for me too! I USUALLY can run on muscle memory, but when it's late at night and I want to read, my brain sometimes goes, nope, not today, which is where audiobooks are so helpful.

[@carriemercer3224]

You really nailed it with book reviews. I’ve written many a book review and always felt my goal was to give the reader enough information to decide whether or not they wanted to read it, and my secondary goal was to make my review entertaining in itself, whether or not the person decided to read the book. I wish more people understood this about reviewing in general. It’s a tool. No, i did not just call you a tool. 😊❤😂

[@carriemercer3224]

I really enjoyed learning how you do “buddy reading” to make your experience of reading easier and more fun because you deal with dyslexia. I love your joy about reading, it’s what brings me back again and again!! Love your channel!!❤❤❤

[@annebarbaralee543]

Jaysen! YESSSSS! Okay, so on the whole: audiobooks don't count as reading thing. I'm a student taking her masters' in Applied Behavior Analysis. Let me just say this is the difference between the topography (shape and form) and the function (common effect on the environment) when you're making an operational definition for behavior. Here's the thing, though: the whole POINT of an operational definition is that it needs to actually capture the relevant instances of behavior. So on that front, YES, audiobooks definitely count as reading because it literally has the same function (for example, whether audio or written text, they both evoke an attending and listening response).

[@Ezeekat]

Ohhh, this is very interesting!

[@annebarbaralee543]

@@Ezeekat Hihi thanks, this is LITERALLY my subject at the moment (verbal behavior). It gets a bit technical (won't bore you with the details) but suffice it to say: on the verbal behavior front, the mode (visual, auditory) will never be what determines whether it's verbal behavior.

[@deannapro]

I really appreciated this video. I was mainly following your content on Instagram (also great), but this provided more depth. I'm not surprised by your opinions and wholly agree. Especially with the "why do you care?" tag line. I have found book social media is generally a positive space b/c readers tend to live and let live. Most of us are just happy to find other passionate readers. If you don't like something, scroll on by. Otherwise, there are some great recommendations out there. You DO have to train the algorithm. Search for the content you need and ❤ it, you'll get more! Thanks for your content! 📚

[@syndprod]

Wonderful video! I've had a lot of the topics rattling around my brain as well. The Internet has made it far too easy to comment on someone's reading choices, reading speed, etc, like a hit and run. My feeling on books becoming fast fashion is that it is the publishers that are creating this, not the readers. And yes, when publishers rush, errors are made. Thanks so much for making this video!

[@denisha8596]

Sigh... I'm fairly certain humans have had functional ears and story-telling long before we had the written word. I usually just laugh at anyone discrediting audiobooks.

[@Ezeekat]

You are absolutely correct!!

[@ashleymarie5093]

Lol that's a really good point, I'm going to use that next time someone gives me shit

[@belami23]

Loved this video and i agree with all your takes on this matters. Some people are just so annoying. Imagine finding out that because you are legally blind and reading on paper for too long gives you horrible headaches so you use audiobooks that makes you actually not be a reader. Damn, my life was a lie according to some people.

[@athenacomeau4866]

I agree to everything you said! Also, thank you for your thoughts on book reviews. I'm a reviewer and do ARCs, but all of the drama that comes up around reviews makes me question what I do. Hearing your thoughts on it all was very reaffirming. Thank you 😊

[@Zozipants]

I loved hearing all of this. It was like balm on my wounded reader soul. I love your content for being such a safe place for fun and engaging ideas/thoughts for books/reading/games. Keep being awesome!! We need more people like you! ❤️

[@lmbf77]

Thank you for this. While most book communities have been really supportive and I’ve made good friends, there are many I’ve had to leave because people shame you for how you read, how much you read, what you read, etc. It’s awesome when we can all just get together and talk about our love for books. Any books.

[@msphillipps4166]

Reading with an audio book is a great way to increase ALL reading skills. Seriously all of them speed, comprehension, retention.

[@AwesomelyTsundere]

I love all your points! One thing I would have liked to see discussed though it might not be a bookish discourse, but is an issue I see with the books I read often is how the issue of publishers labeling books as YA that do not belong in YA and this is often due to the authors being women or the books having YA pacing. It would be interesting to see your opinion on this if this is something you’ve come across or maybe it’s not as much of an issue with indie books (I admit I am still working on branching out into more indie spaces myself so I am not very familiar with it yet).

[@Ezeekat]

Oh publishers putting weird stipulations on what qualifies a book for various categories is a huge issue. I may need to do some more research though to understand the whole issue a little better.

[@WhatMaartjeRead]

I just found your video on my for me page, and I agree with every single thing you said, so I’d say the that at least the KZbin algorithm is well trained!

[@TheBeardedBookBeast]

Probably the first time I ever enjoyed someone being angry😂. You are awesome, fantastic video and discussion! I agree with all of your points. People should just live their life and love what they love and let others do the same. Thanks for a such an enjoyable video!

[@danielledauria7510]

I’m a dog walker and audio books have been amazing for me! I get to listen to books I wouldn’t have time for otherwise.

[@Georgesmomsu]

Same! I always have an audiobook going while I walk and drive

[@orlandoreads]

This video was everything! Agree on all points 💯.

[@Ezeekat]

Thank You!!

[@orlandoreads]

@@Ezeekat also I could hear you rant regularly 😂😂😂

[@gamewrit0058]

9:30 exactly. Yes, audiobooks count as "reading," even though you're using your ears, just like using your fingers on brail is reading. Another example of how we shouldn't be too literal in our assumptions: Many wheelchair users say, "I'm going for a walk," not, "I'm going to roll down the sidewalk in my chair." The shared reading and outdoor experiences are what we have in common, not the various accessibility tools we use. 💚🌈📚

[@spn666forever]

Thanks for the discussion! I appreciate your acknowledgement and explanation of nuance. I fall im several of these cracks - my closest independent bookstores are 45+ minutes away and while I haven't had rude reactions generally they don't carry the (diverse) books I am interested in and don't do special orders. I have a BAM close to my house and a Barnes and Noble near my work so I will support them when I can over Amazon but sometimes the only place to get a book for whatever reason is Amazon. I love audiobooks although I read quickly enough that sometimes I struggle. Also worth discussing are the full cast audiobooks and the jobs that audiobooks create or when an author reads the audiobook and gets an additional payment for it. Thanks again for your openness and your frustration! I thoroughly enjoyed the video.

[@annalisitsyna7741]

Interesting takes! I completely agree about judging others and that how and what they read shouldn't affect you. 100%. However, reading extremely quickly or many hundreds of pages a day can lead to a lower rate of retention (in speed-reading courses, for example, it's often mentioned and tested). Plus some booktubers do say "oh, I read so much that I don't remember anything about those books I read month or a couple months ago", which makes me curious as to the reason they do that. Plus these numbers do put some pressure on the viewers and (in a similar way to fashion magazines and body image) create a feeling of inadequacy. While the feelings are your own and no-one is actually saying "you are not a real reader if you don't read as many books as me", the community in itself sometimes can sometimes create this feeling. It is similar with normalising consumerism - shifting the blame to Booktube/Booktok is ridiculous, but they certainly do facilitate it and contribute to it (as you mentioned with your own changed habits). Basically, agree about leaving individual people alone to do whatever they want as long as it doesn't affect you, the the discussion about the overall community seems relevant. Thank you very much for articulating your opinions eloquently :)

[@sharonlovesbooks]

This is my first time here and I would like to say (well write ;) ) that I loved this video. We live in a society now where people are too judgmental. I am not a content creator, I watch and follow people. This year I had a very unpleasant experience on KZbin. I joined a reading sprint livestream, I mentioned what I was reading and one of the people hosting the livestream visibly rolled their eyes when they read my comment when it popped up on the screen and then proceeded to say "I would not be caught dead reading that series". I was not only surprised but very taken aback that someone supposedly supporting the activity of reading would say something like that. I promptly left the livestream and stopped engaging with the content of this person. Reading is subjective, it always has been and it always will be, if I don't like what anyone else reads I am not going to hang crap on them for their choice of book.

[@cate5029]

I listen to audio books while I am driving so that I can enjoy my drive (and deal with the traffic). I love that more books are coming out - I agree, it's like a Renaissance! Let people read what they want to read 📚 !

[@kotatsubooks]

KZbin suggested me this video and I'm so glad it did. I never thought to follow along with audiobooks with the written book; what a great idea! Yes, I agree that the literal definition of reading wouldn't include audiobooks but people really need to understand that the colloquial meaning for reading is consuming the story which would count audiobooks. But as you say, in the end who cares?

[@jkpiowa]

Yes: Why does my indie bookstore have such terrible customer service?!

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

I am really enjoying all of the discussion here. So very therapeutic on all levels! 💜📚

[@0150177]

Cannot believe I watched a 1hr KZbin video 😂. I really enjoyed the views on reading and discovering some new places to engage

[@Ezeekat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@teentitansrock88]

Libraries can be really difficult to obtain books you'd like added to the collection as well. Bookstores are usually willing to order books for you, but my library rejected my request to add a book about the bubonic plague to the collection. When I inquired why, they said it wasn't available through the 'government approved venders.' When asked if I could donate a copy when I've finished reading it, because I think it's an incredibly important book to add to the collection, they told me it would likely be tossed into the "donation" bin in the front, or it would be "sold off in the library book store." In my entire library system, of about 7-20 libraries, they had ONE book about diseases that had a CHAPTER on the plague. The Plague is literally still found in the state we're in. We just dealt with a pandemic ourselves. Middle schoolers ALWAYS have a project on "the black death." And the library refused to add this book, "Daily Life During the Black Death" to the collection. While reading this book, I've tabbed every quote spoken by someone from 1340-1666 that sounds like I could have been a tweet from 2020. It is so....odd being able to empathize with these people so much. And it makes me so sad that more people won't be able to access it. It's a 100$ book, your majority middle schooler isnt going to be able to access it. Libraries should be focused on saving and sharing information and literature, and branching into media like CDs and records. But it's understandable that they're under so many restrictions because of who they're depending on for funding.

[@lisajennifer8817]

J, I felt like you spoke directly about everything that has been going on in the book world. You touched on everything, and all books are taken different ways by different people. Thank you! I am very grateful that I follow you! Keep up the great work!

[@sarahmellinger2907]

I loved this! I’d love to hear you rant/ramble more often.

[@lixee3581]

I just love how you are so respectful while ranting! I‘m really glad I found you on Instagram and can now be part of this amazing community❤

[@Ezeekat]

Thank you so much!!

[@pithygrapefruit]

The winner of the akutagawa prize this year used Ai to write a part of her work.

[@liligirl96]

I’ve never seen your channel before but after this video, I’m subscribing. Thank 👏 you👏

[@GlitterEnby]

I appreciate your intelligent and nuanced takes on these issues!

[@carriemercer3224]

Yes!! I did enjoy this video very much! Yes, It is different than what u usually make, but I appreciated you getting into a little more depth on these ongoing issues in Booktok or the Bookternet. Thank you for sharing, I really value your opinions! ❤

[@jessicapiccolo3184]

This tea is perfect with a cocktail! Also, I love your nuanced take on things. It's so refreshing! ❤

[@Ezeekat]

Yay, thank you!

[@kelsimhsband2006]

I'm a new follower and I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed this so much! I related with soo much of what you said. You have such great content and I look forward to watching more.

[@Ezeekat]

Thank you so much!!!

[@beatrizarias5169]

With the audiobook thing, a few years ago I listened to the entire Don Quixote audiobook because it was just impossible for me to focus on the book, and the one that recommended me to do that was my Spanish Literature professor. It helped me a lot to understand it and actually enjoyed it

[@lucky_squirtle]

I loved this video! I always love hearing other opinions on different aspect of the book communities. I feel like I learn a lot from these discussions. I’ve definitely been seeing a lot about the AI debate on Instagram lately. I’ve recently gotten into fanart and I’ve started following some fanart accounts. I definitely don’t want AI to be used to make art because it would awful to see artists’ hard work being exploited like that.

[@celdriana]

Love this! I actually really appreciated the conversation on reviewing DNF books. I usually don’t, but when I do I feel a little guilty. I try to make it clear in those reviews WHY I DNFed it and that I did. Maybe I won’t be so shy about it in the future!

[@Ezeekat]

I think that’s great! Transparency is so important in reviews. And the reason you DNF’d could really help other readers make an educated decision

[@JRBee]

I sometimes use subtitles to help me hear better, so I don't see any difference in using audio to help you read better. Loved your nuanced takes also, and your hair looks great!

[@amandaryan1980]

Love this! I read all kinds of different books, by different mediums. I love middle grade, ya, na, and adult, including dark and smutty, but nothing makes me angrier than someone reading a middle grade or ya book and then complaining there is no spice. No Karen, pay attention to what age range you are reading. It’s like people don’t even look to see what genre and age level book they are purchasing.

[@nknutson780]

I loved this video!, I never thought of leaving a review for a book I DNF’ed, the way you explained that was great. I get 90% of my books from Libby, I am thankful I have a great library. 📚 ❤

[@Ezeekat]

Yeah, I have used Libby more this year than ever before and I am loving it!

[@lauraelaineallen21]

Also, my booktok is the same five books, because I've never wanted to put in the effort to find the people talking about OTHER books. It takes time. It takes effort. And I have no interest in training an algorithm on a platform I already don't really like. KZbin shorts is SLOWLY learning I'm interested in books (which is interesting considering how many long form videos I watch about books), and I'm having the same problem here. I see the Cruel Prince, Shatter Me, Sarah J Maas, Etc. over and over again. I am trying to train it to show me OTHER books, but it can be a lot of work and it feels like a barrier that I have to push through to get to anything that interests me at all. It's a Problem, but not with tiktok or even booktok. It's a problem with the way algorithms work.

[@xxLeMoNiCeExx17]

I completely agree with you about everything you said but especially your thoughts on book reviews. Authors couldn’t put work out if they can’t take criticism. That’s just a part of making art. It’s subjective and not everyone is going to like it. What a great reminder

[@hplovinmama631]

It's funny because when an adult reads to a child, it's considered reading. There are SO many benefits to it. That's the same dang thing as an audio book! Someone is reading to you!

[@Ezeekat]

Ex-act-ly!!

[@demaramorrow1661]

So many if these things drive me crazy lol. My youngest has Autism and the only way to engage him in any sort of "reading" is audio. And if we travel, it's a really wonderful way for us to connect over a story he loves because we'll listen to it together in the car and he can really get excited about sharing this story with me. I love it. ❤️

[@thecheapbeautytips]

I just found your channel and love it. Just subscribed. 🥰 The point you touched on with retention really got to me (not your commentary, the topic itself). I have ADHD and my working memory isn’t great. I read pretty fast and even if I loved the book, if you ask me anything about it once I’m done with it, I probably won’t be able to answer. 😅

[@bellehorror7690]

I absolutely loved this video. Thank you so much for making it. I couldn't agree with you more. I can't tell you how many times I've had this conversation with people in real life. I usually get the audiobooks aren't real reading from people who don't read at all! Lol I appreciate you talking about the boktok algorithm and that if youre tired of the same five books search for others. Its an important reminder. I also appreciate you bringing up the amazon vs indie bookstore discussion. I literally was ranting to my husband about this. I said I deal with amazon and KU because there are tons of indie authors on there and I love finding new authors. I read them on KU and if I love the book I go find it on either the authors website or an online indie bookstores website to purchase a physical copy for my at home library. Im someone who tries my best to only buy books I love or from authors who I love. Again thank you for the video!!! ❤

[@carlomontoya]

Way back in college, I used to read 4 books a day during weekends. I wake up at 6 am and sleep at 12 midnight. Now, I'm middle aged and I can't finish a book in a day due to eye strain :D

[@Ezeekat]

OMG the eye strain is real. I already feel that! I have to take screen and book breaks a lot lol

[@just-a-crayon4]

I love reading. If I’m having fun and loving a new book I will drag it out and reread sections just to stay in that world for a while longer. I also will drop a book at any point if I realize it’s just not for me. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Reading is personal and suppose to be fun. Except text books. Reading to learn is a whole other category!

[@Tessie22]

You getting all worked up is soo funny😂 hands flying everywhere😂😂 And you’re right- it doesn’t matter how we consume stories. Just enjoy it

[@meow4452]

I think on the reading “too quickly” I’m more in awe of those people. my little pea brain couldn’t possibly intake information that quickly 😅 although I am having my best reading year (on track to 30) so I totally agree that reading is like skill to train.

[@Ezeekat]

OMG Congrats on an amazing reading year so far!!

[@meow4452]

Thanks so much! I also agree on the mid grade books. People seem to forget that just like in adults books you can have a 5 course meal of a read but you can also have a rock candy read that’s just meant to be fun and light. I love middle grade, the nevermore series is probably my favourite.

[@AsuraSantosha]

30 is awesome! I set a goal of a book a week this year. That's a lot of books. You are around that pace, even slightly higher! Worthy of celebration, imo! 🎉👏🍾

[@meow4452]

@@AsuraSantosha thank you ☺️ I wish you 5 stars and cosy day to help you with your reading goal 😁 I just bought a few manga and a graphic novel, my weekend is booked 😆

[@jelina5892]

I honestly wasn’t a big fan of audiobooks till this year. Then my friend helped me set up a Libby account, turns out my problem was the audio quality/app interface. Side note another advantage of Libby is the 21 day loan period forces me not to procrastinate. I’ve never this many books since I was kid 🥰

[@katherinep1010]

I sometimes feel bad when I see how much other people are reading and that I'm not reading as much as I used to. Then I take a step back and remind myself that reading is not my primary hobby right now, learning Spanish is. And it's ok.

[@chelsispooner654]

I homeschool my daughter and read tons of middle grade books to her and was told that doesn't count as reading. 😂 And yes! It's important to support authors and indie bookstores, but it's also really important to support local libraries.

[@giddingsa75]

I don't think I laughed so hard watching a booktube video EVER! I just stumbled across your channel, and I'm so glad i did. 😂

[@Ezeekat]

Yay! Welcome to the chaos!

[@DaughterOfDreams-m.m09]

When I was little, I couldn't really enjoy reading because I always wanted to do something, like playing or painting, that's why I always listened to many audiobooks. I was therefore always bad at spelling, but I had a larger vocabulary than others my age🤓. Now, I’m a really big bookworm, I just needed the right book to get started (Percy Jackson😉)

[@CanadianChipmunk]

I want to live in a world where A.I. does my dishes and laundry so that I can have the time to make art. I don't want A.I. to do my art so I have more time to do stupid chores

[@Ezeekat]

YES! Where is my AI dishes doer!?

[@CanadianChipmunk]

@@Ezeekat we need house robots like out of iRobot but without the murderous tendencies

[@SI-FI_creations]

Finally got to watch this video, and I so agree on every point.

[@elaineirving77]

People just need to calm down. The universe doesn’t revolve around them and as you said, none of it affects them. Chill and read a book!

[@maire4715]

Well actually...... 😂 I love this video, really appreciate the energy you bring to your reviews and thoughts, just subscribed! Oh also I just ordered an ember in the ashes🥰

[@Ezeekat]

OMG I hope you LOVE Ember!!!

[@lizaclay1]

I consider myself to be a painfully slow reader, but that does not diminish my love of reading. I have friends who read incredibly fast and I love them for it. In a world of books, they make it possible to narrow down my TBR list to hundreds instead of thousands based on their recommendations. Being a slow or fast reader does not affect the ability you have to converse about books you have read or to share your love of books.

[@dormouseintea]

omg, jayden, CANCELLED!!!! out here telling me how other people read doesn’t affect me when you KNOW that every time someone on tiktok reads differently than us, our bookgnome jailor pops out of hiding and beats us with sticks!!!! i did like this video a lot

[@Snugglecher]

I am one of those really slow readers that gets jealous of how many books other people read. It's not in a "I don't believe you." or "I hate you because you read fast." or "You HAVE to be lying." I'm just envious of the amount of books they get to consume because they can read them fast. I did find out that once I started reading, I got faster, but if I took breaks between, my reading time was super slow. As for audiobooks, I myself feel like I'm cheating. The sad part is I know it's not cheating, it doesn't mean I didn't consume the book or anything, but I feel like I'm cheating because I didn't turn those pages. That might be an OCD thing 😂. I think if I took the time to leave a review, there's a good reason for that. I try not to be super mean, but if your story has a huge plot hole or there's something seriously wrong with your story, I'm going to call it out. If you're an author, you should be willing to take criticism. It's part of the job. Just think about it as a supervisor reviewing your work for a promotion. Same thing. I basically think if a person wants to read, it will always be a good thing, unless they're reading a cookbook 😉 (you know the one I'm talking about). And the way in which they take in the story shouldn't matter at all. Would we tell people that are blind, that listen to audiobooks, that they're not reading? That really makes you sound like an ass.

[@ljones2510]

I love your videos and really enjoy all your recommendations! I don’t have tik tok or regularly use Instagram. Do you have any other creators on KZbin that you recommend?

[@kbskibum]

i love using audio-books when i read. (when i was in school, that is how i took English test. they would have a recording of the test that i would listen to as i took it. it helped so much with reading comprehension.) i think the work you were looking for was "reading-immersion"?

[@Ezeekat]

OMG that would have helped me so much in school!

[@kbskibum]

@@Ezeekat i had to do about 10 years of testing for me to get this "help" in high school. ( but I'm up in Canada so it could be different up here.) also it was very embarrassing having to leave the class in elementary for the testing. And High school final exams were also awkward for the first few time, but my friends were very supportive and also jealous because i had a very quite place to take any test i needed to.