Going Forward

[@ingridfitz5677]

Who knew that people talking about books years ago would turn into this community that is helping each other through something like this? I’m so glad for you and this community, it really does help me cope and thank you as always for your thoughtful and insightful words. 🤗💕

[@HannahsBooks]

I just can't get over what a wonderful place I just stumbled into. Booktube has meant so much to me, in some hard times and in so many happy times.

[@hartereads]

Thank you so much, Hannah. It's comforting to see we are a community and we will stand together.

[@HannahsBooks]

@@hartereads Booktube is a very special place! ♥️

[@readandre-read]

Yes, Hannah. Let's all be together. It's our strongest tool and best comfort. I hope your eczema flare contimues to recede. Thank you for your words here, including your kind words about our lovely day in DC. Take care!

[@HannahsBooks]

The people connected to our part of booktube are phenomenal. I am still just amazed by it....

[@ChristopherEvenstar]

Thank you, Hannah. I got a little teary. Togetherness and kindness, indeed!

[@HannahsBooks]

So kind of you to tell me that, Christopher. I really thought starting with a long eczema conversation would keep newbies away. But how lovely to see all these kind comments here.

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

Extraordinarily powerful, Hannah. Thank you for this important video and for being here with all of us. I am so grateful for you.

[@HannahsBooks]

Oh, Pat. You are so generous and kind in your comments. I’m so glad you are in my circle of people I already know I’m going to meet in person at some point.

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

@@HannahsBooks We most definitely are going to meet in person. Thank you again for this really moving video.

[@heathereads]

Thank you for the video. I definitely want to stick closer to people everywhere who stand for sanity and kindness

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so glad to have you here as a viewer, as a booktuber, and as a friend. Thank you.

[@bethannebruninga-socolar]

Your presence never fails to be comforting and rational. Beautiful video.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Bethanne. It is lovely to see you here!

[@majelthesurreal5723]

This is my first visit to your channel. It is interesting to me that channels seem to pop into my feed or consciousness when I need to hear them. This is how this video feels to me. My anger and disappointment is fading but fear and anxiety have taken the lead.

[@HannahsBooks]

Anxiety and fear are high for so many of us right now! I am so glad you’re here. ♥️

[@LiterateTexan]

I love your videos so much! I'm sorry about the stress and the physical side effects. My daughters and I had similar plans for election night -- popcorn, candy bars, and soft drinks. The evening grew less festive as the returns continued to come in. I'm honored and grateful to be part of your community. ❤

[@derdarklock1658]

This election was stressful for everyone, I understand how you feel completely. I found this video by sheer coincidence in my recommendations, and I opened it to see how people reacted to the election.. and I am glad to see people instead of channeling their emotions in a destructive manner, choose to build upon it and try to unite people so we can have an easier time with this uncertain term. I wish you the best of luck with your next videos, and your health!

[@theaelizabet]

Thank you, Hannah. Today was my first foray into social media since the election. I’m so glad it was you.

[@HannahsBooks]

Such a lovely comment; thank you. I’m honored that you are here. I feel incredibly fragile still-and it seems like so many others do, too.

[@lindseyreads5450]

Thank you so much for the comforting message. ❤

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so glad you are here, Lindsey. I hope you are doing OK.

[@anotherbibliophilereads]

So glad to have you part of this community. May law and kindness get us through the coming days.

[@HannahsBooks]

Yes! Law and kindness.

[@myreadinglife8816]

I’m so sorry you had a physical response to the stress of the election. It’s the worst outcome for sure. ❤

[@karenpotter3015]

Thank you Hannah! Please let “kindness” flood our hearts and guide our actions…I cannot stop my tears but I so appreciate your and Steve’s videos today ♥️ BookTube is one place I feel safe and where I belong.

[@HannahsBooks]

I have moments of fear and moments of anger--but right now I am feeling grateful to have this community. Let's take care of each other enough that we'll all be strong enough to step up for whoever needs our assistance as this administration goes forward.

[@karenpotter3015]

Thanks Hannah! “All will be well” (Julian of Norwich) as we are here for each other and, as you say, for those we can help in any way to meet the future. I feel especially sensitive to our young people. My niece is 18, so this was her first opportunity to vote, and she was devastated!

[@HannahsBooks]

@ ♥️

[@bookofdust]

As children, Mr. Rogers taught us “To look for the helpers. You will always find people helping.” As adults, we must “look for the allies.” And I’m so happy for this Booktube community because it offers such a loving, rich, supportive community of allies. I’ve taken great solace in this amazing group of individuals and their warm messages of empathy, hope and perseverance as we find our way forward. It would truly be darker days ahead without you all. Thank you for this video and community you’ve helped build here and across the platform.

[@sm-k5513]

Dear Hannah, This was such an honest and brave sharing of your thoughts and feelings with all of us, your booktube community. I was so moved by it all and especially your call to Steve and his advice! I'm sending you the biggest virtual hug right across the Atlantic Ocean! Have a hidden weekend with 📚, a walk 🍁🍂 and perhaps some 🧶!

[@HannahsBooks]

Oh yes-I can’t wait to spend some time together reading and crafting together! 🤓

[@sm-k5513]

@HannahsBooks ♥️☕️

[@BethanyPickHer]

Thank you algorithm…just found you, as I look for a new group of safe, sane people to surround my family with.

[@HannahsBooks]

Welcome! I am so glad you are here! Are you a reader? Just a warning: most of my videos are chatting about books, not politics. Everyone is welcome always-but I don’t want to mislead folks!

[@lindysmagpiereads]

I’ve been feeling grief and despair over the US election results and fear similar political shifts underway in Canada. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. There is comfort in knowing that we go forward together. ❤️

[@HannahsBooks]

Yes! All together! It is so troubling to see what might be happening in Canada…

[@tam876]

Channeling energy into uniting with people of good will is worthy of my effort. 👍🏾

[@HannahsBooks]

I hope people of good will can step up and try to assist people who might be most harmed or endangered. Thank you so much for being here!

[@jodihowe7274]

Thank you! This is such a needed and comforting video. I am very grateful to be in your community Hannah.

[@HannahsBooks]

I am so glad you’re here!

[@awebofstories]

Thank you Hannah. These are confusing, confounding, enraging times and having a community is so important!

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so glad you are here. What a beautiful community we have here on booktube. ♥️

[@kathryngarcia8800]

Your voice and words were comforting to me. I've been sad and haven't had a lot of sense of community until your video. ❤

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Kathryn. It is wonderful to see you here.

[@peggyluwhoreads]

Hannah, I've always appreciated your perspectives and voice, as well as recommendations. I actually also have had a flare-up of my extreme eczema at almost the same time you describe. I never had extreme eczema until after Covid infection in 2021. I hope that you will continue to take exquisite care of yourself. I appreciate you and the community you've made with your channel.

[@HardcoverHearts]

Just beautiful, Hannah! Thank you for

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Sarah. How are things where you are?

[@bradykelso8682]

Here’s to kindness, fellow feeling, and helping others.

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@anenthusiasticreader]

Hannah, I love this video and appreciate you so much. Finding any kind of connection now is so important. Thanks.

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so glad to have you as a friend and fellow booktuber! ♥️

[@RoadReads]

I’m right there with you, Hannah. ❤️ Thank you for this video!

[@HannahsBooks]

How wonderful to have you here! ♥️

[@bradykelso8682]

Hannah! We are kindred spirits. While not suffering from eczema, my anxiety during this week from hell consumed me. We are all feeling dreadful. The only thing that got me through was focusing on the imagery and setting of Country of Pointed Firs-the novel you recommended to me a few weeks back. We must remember the power of literature. Off with the computer and on with the likes of Woolf, Jewett, and Eliot. Your words of book wisdom enlighten us all. Stand strong. We will endure as dedicated members of the book world created so beautifully by your endeavors. We will endure! ❤🎉😊🌹✌️💪

[@MemphisJones]

Your doctor is amazing for actually caring and keeping record of your flare-ups. I too have extreme stress right now. 😔

[@HannahsBooks]

I hope you are taking care of yourself-mostly so you feel strong enough to resist whatever we can going forward. These are definitely hard times…

[@MemphisJones]

@HannahsBooks doing my best, just rewatched my most recent video, I've got major sad eyes. Didn't even celebrate Veterans Day

[@WildHeartsandWildflowers]

First, thank you, Hannah, for sharing your experiences and thoughts surrounding the election with the BT community. It helps so much to know we're not alone in feeling the way we do. ❤ Second, I think this comment section is wonderful - so uplifting and encouraging. ❤ Finally, another resource I'm finding extremely valuable at this time are the daily writings of Rebecca Solnit. Her past essay collections and books are excellent, of course, and worth re-reading, but her thoughts right now are giving me realistic hope and renewed resolution as she discusses many different ways we can move forward together. ❤ ~ Kim

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you! I have loved Rebecca Solnit’s essays and books but only just started reading her current thoughts (thanks to your recommendation) and they are indeed deeply thoughtful. ♥️

[@WildHeartsandWildflowers]

@HannahsBooks 😊

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

Oh Hannah, even your body reacting to the awfulness of American politics. I have been feeling for my US friends these last few days and scared for the rest of the world. But your thoughts on togetherness are are valid and inspiring.

[@HannahsBooks]

The impact of this on the rest of the world could be devastating-especially perhaps for Ukrainian, Taiwanese, and Palestinian people-but also for economies around the globe.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

@HannahsBooks I fear so.

[@iamjane9628]

Thank you for this, Hannah. I have spent much of the last couple days online, looking for community and comfort. This video has brought me both.

[@HannahsBooks]

Your comment makes me so happy! Thank you!

[@iamjane9628]

@@HannahsBooks 💙

[@Literatiloves]

Thank you for this, Hannah. Your calm demeanor is appreciated. It’s rough having a chronic issue like that. I have fibromyalgia and it has definitely flared up because of stress. I live in a very red state and my entire extended family - aside from myself, my husband & our two adult children - are Trump supporters. It has definitely put a wedge between us and it’s very isolating. It’s nice to hear a calm voice of reason. We will absolutely have to lean on each other to get through this. I hope you’re getting some relief from your eczema. ♥️

[@seasheleyes]

I live in California, and have a nephew who was on Kamala’s campaign. I asked him if she was going to win…as many of us in my circle were full of anxiety concerning Trump being President again. He was so optimistic…and the actual results blindsided me. I’m 70 years old, and the last ten years have been more difficult because of right wing politics and the ramifications in family and friends. Now we are starting another cycle as I go into my seventies. Damn him. I am definitely circling the wagons with likeminded friends. Thank you for your words. We will soldier on together.

[@HannahsBooks]

Yes-Selzer’s late poll gave me some real hope, too-only to be so disappointed…

[@monicaacheson1118]

Sending ❤️ from the Uk stress reactions are real I suffered from really severe eczema throughout my teens. It is genetic but it was made a lot worse due to bullying it definitely lessened when I left that environment. It also comes back with a vengeance if I’m grieving

[@tealorturquoise]

Thank you for your words and your community. It is little embers of hope like this that I'm shoring up for whatever is to come in the next years.

[@HannahsBooks]

It is wonderful to have you here, Teal. What a really lovely comment. Thank you.

[@shesstillnachomama]

Thank you so much for your honesty and astute take on what is happening. Appreciate your authenticity and kindness.

[@HannahsBooks]

This is so very kind of you. Thank you-and welcome!

[@michaelk.vaughan8617]

This is wonderful. Thanks Hannah.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you very much, Michael. I was thinking that talking about eczema for five minutes would keep newbies away…but there are so many people here…

[@AnnClement-f6t]

Yes, Hannah. I too appreciate The Bulwark. As I am grateful for your insights. Let’s all be together, in kindness. love from Canada

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you, Ann. I know Canada is potentially facing a similar situation. I will be hoping for a better outcome there…

[@acruelreadersthesis5868]

Was so glad to see that you made a video about the election. I’m glad you’ve got your eczema treated. Your words reminded me of Vaclav Havel’s essay “The Power of the Powerless.”

[@HannahsBooks]

How wonderful to hear from you! And I am off to go read the essay right now...

[@audreyh7892]

I hope you are feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Booktube and especially your beautiful voice and demeanor brings me a bit of calm. My first very unhealthy responses are always anger and withdrawal so I am trying to mitigate those responses by watching good people talk about something I love.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Audrey! Yes-I think sadness and withdrawal and anger are natural responses at first. We need to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves enough that we can talk back and defend more vulnerable people as much as possible. Have you found anything helpful in keeping calm?

[@audreyh7892]

Reading about past progressive movements and resistance.

[@HannahsBooks]

What an excellent plan!

[@clarepotter7584]

I hope your medication is helping you. I don't normally get eczema but I was diagnosed with it after my brother was in intensive care (he recovered). I think stress has more of an impact on our health than we realise.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Clare. The meds are helping very much-thank goodness. I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the timing. And yes-our bodies certainly seem to respond to stress in ways we often don’t remember!

[@juliae.8237]

Thanks. It’s been rough. Glad Steve talked you out of doomscrolling. This election has been hard. Hopefully we can do better than just survive the next four years. Nice being here together- if nothing else.

[@HannahsBooks]

I too hope that the coming years will be better than I fear. The community here means so much! Thanks for being here.

[@Nina_DP]

Thank you, Hannah. 💙

[@HannahsBooks]

@@Nina_DP I am so glad to have you here! ♥️

[@areadersalmanacwithceleste1366]

Feeling gutted this week. Let's both practice self-care! 🤎

[@HannahsBooks]

Yes indeed! I kind of resisted that word “self-care” for a while-but if walks in nature, healthy and enjoyable meals, and some calming practices make it easier to go forward ourselves-and therefore be able to work for justice-they are definitely needed right now!

[@johnvuotto999]

Hi Hannah, I’m with you. The bulwark has been a great help to me, even when they have no good news to report.

[@HannahsBooks]

I have been so pleased to find a whole cadre of people with different basic politics from me who are so thoughtful about their ideas!

[@jorgem71962]

Hi Hannah, thank you for this video. I am so saddened. I was born and grew up under a fascist government, so I know what is at stake. I gave up listening, reading, or watching the news, even my beloved NPR and The Guardian. I am an optimist my nature and I am hopeful that we will overcome this.

[@HannahsBooks]

Oh, Jorge! It must be so hard for you to see this happening. I so hope your optimism will come to fruition!

[@RovingReader]

😮😮😮 Sending love 💗 I’m right there with you.

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@MimiSmith-y5r]

Wonderful message Hannah. Thank you.

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@Shellyish]

Thank you for this, Hannah. Yes, let’s be together during this weird and trying time.

[@HannahsBooks]

@@Shellyish ♥️ Thanks you so much. And I hope we can go book shopping together in person sometime in the fairly near future!

[@Shellyish]

@ I would very much enjoy shopping in person with you.

[@Dawnsbookreviews]

Thank you for this video!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you, Dawn. 💜

[@novasite7795]

I feel betrayed. That's the only feeling that keeps bubbling to the surface over and over again. I feel betrayed by the people who stand the most to lose from a trump presidency. I feel like they took the 30 silver coins and walked away from democracy.

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️ It is hard to see people voting against policies designed to protect them and their families-as well as all the vulnerable people in the country. Thank you for being here.

[@karenbird6727]

Thank you for your thoughts.

[@HannahsBooks]

So glad to see you here!

[@carolinefiller3745]

As a Canadian, a close neighbour I feel for you my American cousins . Stand fast, fight the good fight and yes, lets all be together. Bon courage, dear Hannah.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Caroline. Yes: let’s all be together!

[@BookishTexan]

Love you Cousin!

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@kelly_hunsaker_reads]

thank you for this balm to my soul

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so glad you are here!

[@DianeSLoftis]

❤🙏🏻 sending positive vibes

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️ Same to you, Diane.

[@stuartgriffin1001]

Nice video. Thanks for doing it.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much, Stuart 💜

[@stuartgriffin1001]

@HannahsBooks You're welcome

[@kandywestmoreland5164]

I’m very happy with the election.

[@HannahsBooks]

Clearly we have very different politics-but I hope that things will go as well as they can for all the people of this country. Thanks for being here.

[@Johanna_reads]

I love this, Hannah! Many of us need this right now. Thank you!

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@TheBookedEscapePlan]

Hang in there. I'm still coping with the results too.

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@TheBookedEscapePlan]

@@HannahsBooks Kate and Frederic Chopin are getting me through this. I'm coping with Copland. Building bridges with "Buddenbrooks" and Brock-Broido.

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so pleased to hear you’re reading Lucie! And coping with Copland. 🤓

[@TheBookedEscapePlan]

@@HannahsBooks I was reading Copland's little book on "How to Listen to Music" last month (it's just a sort of introductory thing, but I always find that stuff insightful, no matter how much you know; it's the way they talk about it, I think) and remembered, "I used to listen to him all the time!" and so I've been indulging. I love Brock-Broido. I discovered her years ago, before she passed. Like I said when we we watched Eleanor speak about her, I'm very jealous you had Brock-Broido as a mentor. And your anecdote is very charming.

[@HannahsBooks]

@ Copland is one of my very favorites. I have a biography of him on my shelf, unread. I must try to get to it soon!

[@polyglotreading]

Sending lots of ❤ & kindness from Germany. Even here we felt the stressfulness and tenseness of this election, - and a strange mixture of anger, concern, disbelief, disappointment and lack of comprehension about the outcome. Thanks for your very calm, personal and comforting message. What a privilege to be part of such an international community. Best, - David

[@HannahsBooks]

I’m so glad you’re here, David. I very much agree that this is an amazing and thoughtful international community!

[@ariannefowler455]

Thank you for this video. ❤

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️♥️♥️

[@The1christy]

I am hurt, and so very disappointed. But, coming to have a look at what’s new with Booktube always lifts me a little. Your comments have made me feel a little less alone, and more comfortable with how I’ve been feeling these couple of days. I came up to Canada to be away from most of the news…just peeking now and again to see if America is still breathing. I’ll be going home again on Sunday, but not with a heavy heart. I’ll be ready to get down to the business of fighting the good fight… thanks, Hannah. ❤

[@EveningReader]

Thank you so much, Hannah, for being here. It's so bewildering that we've ended up here again, even after seeing what happened the first time. Channels like yours are a salve.

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much. And how wonderful to see you here! (How long have you been out of the US?)

[@EveningReader]

@@HannahsBooks Since July 2018. But all my family and close friends are there in the US. Plus, it's all anyone can talk about here! And what they want to know is, WHY and HOW.

[@HannahsBooks]

Given what is happening, you left at a good time-although I’m sure many outcomes will be felt around the world.

[@tillysshelf]

The Romeo and Juliet staging sounds very clever and timely though perhaps a little on the nose? The results will have global consequences - trying not to think about that yet.

[@HannahsBooks]

Yes-almost too on the nose-especially for a DC staging. The Puerto Rico plot line predates the Madison Square Garden Trump stuff. I too worry about the impact on the rest of the globe. Love to you and yours!! You’ve been on my mind a lot!

[@tillysshelf]

@HannahsBooks Thank you Hannah - love to you too

[@bighardbooks770]

Yoow! Very interesting video, Hannah: never imagined you _ever_ being "depressed" (well? 🤔) or "mean to people," hardly _ever_ (I mean, that's _my M.O)!_ This election has been ... certainly _One for the history_ (and psychological!) _books!_ 😮😢🤪 Big *BIG* fan of _The Bulwark!_ Love Sarah Longwell, to boot 👢

[@HannahsBooks]

I hope I never meet you when I am exhausted, Allen. I can indeed be mean and snappy. And even when I think I am joyfully happy, sometimes people think I am depressed! (And there are definitely times when I am not joyfully happy...)

[@Maeve_Ever_Books]

💕

[@HannahsBooks]

@@Maeve_Ever_Books 💜

[@Bookishtravels1]

I think my daughter is suffering with this complaint on her legs and she has other chronic illnesses and gets stressed too. UK did a face palm on hearing the results 🤦‍♀️

[@HannahsBooks]

Oh no! Stress eczema is definitely really irritating. Having it on top of chronic illnesses is definitely not ideal…

[@Bookishtravels1]

@@HannahsBooks Thanks and yes it's certainly something we keep an eye on .

[@JamesRuchala]

Thanks for your thoughts Hannah. I've dealt with eczema myself and it is a drag. I am deeply disappointed by the election and share many of your fears. Thank you again for joining us and sharing your thoughts. Booktube was eerily quiet this week and I get it. But it feels good to hear from everyone again.

[@insearchofwonder]

I hope you recover quickly from your eczema flare and I'm so sorry you were stressed out. I agree that the best way forward is together! ❤

[@HannahsBooks]

Thank you so much for commenting! I’m hoping I can keep myself off the constant time suck (of twitter etc.)…

[@Cardenio2012]

Oh Hanna, I’m in pain. I’m extremely disappointed and angry at those who voted for Trump. Now he’s getting away with all his previous crimes, and the Supreme Court laid the red carpet for him to commit even more crimes but with no consequences. I’m not able to read books. I heard that Gilmore Girls is a comfort show for many and I will try it. I’ve never watched the show but heard good things about it. I got all 7 seasons on DVD from my local library. 💙

[@HannahsBooks]

@@Cardenio2012 I’m so sorry-and I feel very much the same way, so much of the time. And wildly-I have been thinking about starting Gilmore Girls, too-and have never seen it before either. I can’t start for a couple of weeks-and I would really love to hear what you think if you give the show a try before I can get to it.

[@Cardenio2012]

How cool is it that you were thinking of Gilmore Girls as well! I will let you know how I feel about it!

[@Lisa-vb3gn]

I watched Gilmore Girls endlessly while dealing with severe chronic back pain. That show got me through years of sleepless nights and depression. I basically have the entire series memorized. It’s not a perfect show, but the escapism is there.

[@HannahsBooks]

@ Excellent to hear your review (but not to hear about your back pain)! I got through the first Trump election with The West Wing-but I am ready for something new.

[@maryhaase1730]

@@Lisa-vb3gnGilmore Girls is part of my self care since my 38 year old daughter died in 2017. It’s not perfect but I think the flaws show the progress we have made since the early 2000s. I start it in September or October and it takes me through the dark months until I can get back in the garden.

[@annegibson6072]

Thank you

[@HannahsBooks]

♥️

[@TimeTravelReads]

Thank you Hannah. I grew up conservative, but grew more liberal as an adult, to the point that I was essentially kicked out of my family's church for thinking critically. Now an even more extreme denomination has taken over the highest office in the land and my aunt laughed when I told her we could become a theocracy. It's weird watching the results of the dreams of some of the adults I grew up with. I guess the younger me didn't really understand what they wanted. They told me the Constitution was important. I guess they lied to me. I stupidly tried to tell my dad how disappointed I was that he voted without regard for his daughter's safety and future. He acted like a patriarchal victim of my liberal extremism. I feel fried.

[@bouquinsbooks]

Who knew one could be allergic to presidential elections! I suspect there might be a few people in Ottawa who suffer from it… The results were very disappointing, but at least, we’ll always have Shakespeare.

[@HannahsBooks]

Ha! Yes, I do think it is a pretty common allergy! And here is a toast to the amazing relevance of Shakespeare!