How Jack Edwards Became the King of BookTube |

Check out Jack's work on KZbin → @jack_edwards
On Instagram → / jackbenedwards
On TikTok → www.tiktok.com/search?lang=en...
My guest today is Jack Edwards, one of the biggest names in the world of "BookTube."
Booktube and Booktok and the nicknames given to the community that has developed on KZbin and Tiktok around books, book reviews and culture connecting to and stemming from them.
We discussed his rise on KZbin, the value of Shorts, Twitter and online discourse and how to deconstruct art (among other things).
I hope you enjoy.
My newsletter🍦→ www.nathanieldrew.com/newsletter
Instagram → / nathanieldrew_
Listen to the audio version of the podcast → anchor.fm/nobackupplan
My online courses → www.nathanieldrew.com/onlinec...
Patreon → / nathanieldrew
My gear 📷 → www.nathanieldrew.com/my-gear

[@mannatlongwani03]

I'm so here for this 'men written by women' energy from both of them

[@GalletaGirl]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees, I love it.

[@mystical_cupcake]

Perfect description for these two lovely dudes!

[@Stopviewing]

whatt 😂these descriptions are getting wild

[@mannatlongwani03]

@The Stammering Dunce well it's this trend in the books-multiverse according to a site,male characters written by female writers are more caring, sensitive, considerate, feminists and far from the toxic idea of masculinity that boys in our society are raised with.

[@cathy4697]

Colleen hoover???

[@lafemmegvantsa8154]

His dry humor and charisma is what brings so many viewers to his channel. You get tasteful book recommendations and laugh as well

[@localabsurdist6661]

Im sorry but let’s not forget that he’s a handsome man and a lot of teens found him. There’s a lot of funny and charismatic people doing booktube and some read even more than him and they don’t even have half the subs he has….

[@lilarose3285]

@@localabsurdist6661 ooo like who? I'd love to subscribe to more booktubers (just no fantasy, YA, and romance forward ones please!)

[@franckfranciszek]

​@@localabsurdist6661yes who?

[@hellenhayes8293]

@@localabsurdist6661 please give some names, I’d love to check them out!

[@invidusspectator3920]

I thought the same thing till his Dune review 😂

[@mariem.9349]

I just love watching him talk for hours! He's so polite and respectful and educated

[@lisaa6099]

I would have subscribed to your channel but your videos are far too long. Just some feedback. You are great !

[@izzydavie5505]

it’s really nice hearing Jack speak, he’s so articulate and also because he’s more private about his personal life it mystifies him - like who actually is this man whose lifestyle I look up to??? it’s so curious

[@jl5749]

if you look at his earlier vlogs you get to learn a lot about him (or at least who he was a few years ago). I watched them as they came out but I assume they're still up

[@taylorpirrong3974]

what makes booktok so cozy and addicting is that people (jack) speak so passionately about books, because of their love for them, and therefore makes it that much more enticing for the viewers

[@whitneykibble7979]

One of the reasons I think this world is full of unhappy and tired people, is that most people don’t share their true experiences and feelings. Never loose that Nathaniel. Your willingness to share the good and the bad is helping people more than you know.

[@akankshyamahapatra6352]

The Cross-over I am HERE for! My two favourite youtubers in one conversation ❤️

[@user-iw5ou5yo6u]

I actually loved watching Jack go through interviews and get rejections because I too was struggling with the job search at the time. And I’ve never seen anyone share the before and after of a job interview, people usually don’t show this part in case they don’t get the gig so it was unusual🤷🏻‍♀️

[@miajulio1702]

As a German I see a huge difference between using the phrase I love you- ich liebe dich, and I have Love for you- ich hab dich lieb. The latter one is much more casual and used for friends and family, while saying that you love someone is reserved for your partner/spouse.

[@laurentvere7142]

In Spanish we have something similar "Te quiero" and "Te amo" The first one is not that *powerful (to put it in some way) like the other one. You take a lot of time to say "Te amo", is very special.

[@fridaschulte4051]

As another german I personally do think you can say "Ich liebe dich" to friends or family but it would be very intentional phrasing that expresses a very deep Connection.

[@VeraCasaca]

​@@laurentvere7142 the same in Portuguese. "Amo te" is very deep and only used for partner/children. "Adoro te" is lighter and casual.

[@scarba]

The translation would be to be fond of someone in English but it’s not really used very often when speaking directly to someone. I think love starts to lose meaning when it’s used in so many ways. Machs gut 😊.

[@zknight4481]

When I took German in high school, this is how we were taught the difference, too! One is more “formal” and intimate, one is more “informal” and casual.

[@ashleymaldonado9133]

jack has absolutely reignited my love for reading and i will forever be in debt to him for that

[@wonderwoman5528]

Aw the world needs more jack’s; he’s passionate, kind, talented and encourages me to work harder and read more. The entire interview was so pleasant to listen to. You can tell Jack reads a lot with his great wisdom and thoughts. So many interviewers could learn by Nathaniel, such a soothing ambience you managed to create between the two of you. You were respectful, engaged, and asked some great questions

[@colleensnyder8943]

2 healthy perspectives + 2 grounded communicators = my favorite KZbin content. Thank you!

[@c.han.b_]

I have never liked reading, especcially as a kid I always hated it because I was forced to practise because I was not good at it. At the age of 9 I got tested for Dyslexia, which turned out to be the case. Now I'm 21 and because of Jack and two classmates who are into reading and the joy I see when they are talking about books, I decided to find my genre to give reading a second chance. Now I don't hate it anymore, I don't love it yet, but at leased it has been better than it was, so I am thankfull for that🙏🏻❤ Love, NL🇳🇱

[@m87020]

I'm at that stage of my life too were I'm out of university but I still have no job and have no idea when I'm going to figure my shit out. It's horrible to notice myself not wanting to go to family gatherings or meet with friends that already have jobs because I just feel so dumb and inadequate, I don't know when that's going to get better but it's so amazing to hear that people I admire have those same experiences, so thanks for sharing, Jack.

[@yashi_reads]

You're not inadequate, mate! And I'm sure the universe has so much great things in store for you and they'll all come around sooner than later just like it did for Jack.

[@abbylebaddie]

I'm much older than you and currently temping. I hated meeting new people because the question of what I did for work always came up in conversation and it sucks to have to say I'm unemployed or job hunting. I wish there wasn't such a stigma about unemployment.

[@StephMorgan_]

This is one of the most engaging and charming conversations I've heard in so long

[@jl5749]

I go to jack's university, and his videos honestly helped me through the application and move in processes so much. He was one of the reasons I started considering Durham in the first place and now I love it here so much. It makes me so happy to know that his initial intentions for the channel had a life changing impact on me

[@BeAllLabel]

The crossover I wasn't expecting, but WOW - this was so lovely!

[@jacobcolman5423]

Feel like a friendship group of dudes like this would be immaculate vibes

[@CyBlue23]

Ok I'm falling in love with a) this format of videos and conversations b) Him c) You guys did make me want to read more and then the whole "Maybe we don't need to get into the trauma of being alive every single time" got me XD

[@heyaitskiar]

Istg he could be a hèll of a college literature professor if he wanted. Every time he talks I automatically imagine him teaching a class at Cambridge university. The vibes are strong.

[@dianaandthebookhunt]

How I wish I had you two as friends in my mid 20s. I feel like not many people in their mid 20s delve deeply into such interesting topics & I love that you two do. I'm happy you're able to share your insights with so many other people to provoke thoughts on so many interesting topics & self reflection too. Jack is so eloquent and manages to put his thoughts into words in such a relatable way. I loved this chat. Thank you, gents! 🙏🏼❤️

[@lolaftzgrld]

Been a subscriber of Jack since the Study-Tube days. So pleased to see his success, such a genuine and refreshing guy!!

[@cessyS93]

Native German speaker here: it‘s kinda true what you said about Liebe. you don‘t say „Ich liebe dich“ to just anyone. If you do, it‘s a big deal. But, if you like something a lot, younger people also say „Ich lieb‘s“, which is an abbreviated version of „I love it“. So in a romantic sense, Liebe is kind of a big word, but in terms of liking something it does get used more and more often, typically by younger people.

[@lineah4508]

This is the collab we never asked for but are so glad to have ✨ thank u 💖

[@hilbillythegoat]

sooo essentially, this was the most calm and collected for vs against tik tok🤣 argument! Absolutely thrilled with the collab of my dreams🥰

[@lauraberarducci7563]

I didn't know I needed a conversation of this duo. Thanks for this!

[@claragb8690]

I'm so happy for this interview, thanks to both of you for this delightful moment!

[@brianylopez7955]

Omg I love Jack! Watched his dark academia video and stayed for the book recommendations haha

[@Ankesadventures]

I loved this conversation and Jack‘s thoughtfulness!

[@olgaw.5968]

I was seldome so excited to watch a video. Seeing the two of you togerther is great because Ia follow both of you for a very long time now. Experiencing you both interact I got a much better understanding of the two of you seperatly and I have to admit, Jack feld much more reserved than I have imagined. At the same time listening to your questions told me so many great things about you. Thank you for sharing!

[@valentino1646]

I love you two so muchhh you have no idea!!!!!!!! I never expected this collab and I'm so happyyyyyyyyyy😁❤

[@amahsenile]

No way! Been watching you both separately for such a long time- such a treat to have this podcast :)

[@tasodrums]

Just gotta say, this podcast is such a breeze of fresh air. Awesome quests and interesting topics, most of what I've never thought so deeply about. Thanks Nathaniel!

[@esh3x575]

Ahh this just helped my anxious study breakdown massively. Such pure energy from them both 💛

[@sophief.7475]

Jack! Abut the education system sucking joy out of something you once loved: we're currently watching your yt videos in ENGLISH CLASS I couldn't believe it at first cuz I've been watching you since years but yeah. The assignement is to write down how you review books and then make a "Booktube" recommendation yourself. I'M PRAYING that this doesn't ruin it for me. I really do.

[@user-iw5ou5yo6u]

What an awesome conversation, great questions and great answers! It’s so interesting how Jack was able to find the right way to pivot his content in order to grow. I see multiple study youtubers who now struggle with losing views even though a few years ago their channels were bigger than Jack’s. It’s like they’re stuck.

[@avni8277]

Times like these i remember watching jack showing his a level notes and i almost shed a tear❤

[@xh9010]

I loved this podcast episode so much the conversation around content and creation is perfection I want to see Jack in more podcasts.

[@Freakgirl1985]

I can't even put into words how much I enjoyed listening to both of you. I've been a subscriber of Jack's pretty much since he started his booktube journey and even though he mainly reads genres I myself usually don't read, I always enjoy his videos and am interested in what he has got to say about them. My attention span is not the longest but I think I could listen to you guys talk for hours and I'd still be totally concentrated and interested. ❤❤❤

[@elenafari_]

wow this is the best interview i've ever heard, i was so hooked i couldn't pause it i love the work of both of you so much

[@raishraddhaa]

I loved this interaction. Specially regarding social media and Jack’s views on Twitter because that’s how I feel too about Twitter. Overall time not at all wasted. Thank you both.

[@jordanmajor4081]

Really enjoyed this convo! Jack is such a good guest and so articulate. Would love to see him on again in the future!

[@sohinidutta97]

Jack you bring me so much joy and hope. I am generally not an optimistic person but listening to you talk about living and being kind to yourself makes me have hope again. Thank you! And thanks Nathaniel for this interview. You guys were absolutely brilliant.

[@dookyy]

C'est tellement bon comme podcast, j'adore! Merci de nous présenter une tonne d'invités du domaine des arts, c'est vraiment nice de découvrir pleins d'univers créatifs différents! :-)

[@freya4729]

I wish this was for hours, both are well-spoken and are having a conversation that is flawless

[@Francisca_Acevedo]

Two of my favorites KZbinrs 💖 I discovered u both during the pandemic! I was living in paris and have arrived a few month before Nathan so I totally related with his content and the frustration of living in this beautiful city and being able to fully enjoy the experience. So on the other side I had seek refuge in books and that’s where Jack came into my life. You have been such an inspiration, you can’t imagine. Thank you for continuing doing what you do, and I send u a big hug from a thirty something that’s still scared to put herself out and start a KZbin channel 😅

[@Francisca_Acevedo]

Ps. 1 : sorry about the typos, English is not my first language Ps. 2 : Nathaniel, have u thought of putting the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts? Just a little request in order to have u more accessible on my phone hehe

[@belhypotheque6417]

I really like Jacks passion for books and I admire his lightness and kindness. Thank you, I enjoyed this.

[@whateverbabe]

I love you both ❤❤❤ Two of my favourite content creators This cross-over was so unexpected, it's such a delight.

[@samaha8369]

Yes JACK!!! The crossover we all needed!

[@lightscamerasashley.]

so good 💖 I really appreciate y'all sharing this conversation!

[@jaysauer834]

This was such an insightful conversation and really helped me think about my relationship with media and the pros and cons of digital platforms. Thanks so much for this episode!

[@emmyb7613]

You to radiated such positive vibes. I love it, I'm constantly smiling. :)

[@chantelp9224]

I needed this collab so much

[@kavya12kohli]

I was so invested and engaged in this conversation that I didn't realize that an hour had passed while I was patiently listening.

[@maramkura]

oh, my two favourite boys together - what a treat

[@helenekrause9429]

Yay love this 🌞 I really appreciate the work you guys are doing

[@iamrjdennis]

I never expected this cross over, but I'm here for it!

[@ashaw6960]

The topic at first glance didn’t seem to be one that I would find interesting, but I thoroughly enjoyed this whole conversation. I like the depth of your questions and the interchange of both of your viewpoints. I had no idea who Jack Edwards was but found him very refreshing and genuine.

[@susanboeh3539]

Thank you both for referencing how the education system can ruin the love of reading. It certainly did for me - being told to read a particular book and then read only from page x to page y and then there will be a quiz. I can only remember 1 book I really enjoyed in high school (in the mid 70s) and that was The Grapes of Wrath. We were assigned to read this over Christmas break and I put it off until the last 2 days of break and then binged on it. These days there would be outrage from assigning a book like that over break. I know this as I was a HS science teacher and heard about the tirades other teachers received from parents when the teacher only suggested a study plan for science class that could be done over the Christmas break. Fortunately in retirement I have found a book club with lifelong readers who open up authors and genres new to me., along with Booktube creators like Jack, of course.

[@maxfischer5962]

Lovely gallery wall and podcast opener, cool visuals! Genuine charm is where the value is found on KZbin, enthusiasm has great gravitational force.

[@Shugarpeaa]

Two creators I love!!! clicked on this in a heartbeat and DID NOT REGRET :) love the ending "so you had no idea who I was??" "er... yeah"

[@annatk8027]

I was nodding along to everything Jack said about booktube, this man really gets it!

[@esikazemese]

Really liked this interview, loved listening to you guys. His voice is so engaging as well :)

[@ameejocelyne24]

Jack Edwards and people who are so gifted with that yearning for intellectual growth and academics really inspire me. I admire that. I wish i was more like that but I have short attention span and have so many thoughts running in my mind that I can’t focus and have a hard time focusing and reread the same passage more than 10x. I find myself stuck on the same sentence for long minutes at a time and it’s frustrating. But watching Jack’s KZbin content always pushes me still nonetheless. I have mad respect.

[@clarex992]

I watch Jack’s videos & now have such a greater appreciation for his approach & self-awareness on analysing books quickly as well as maintaining audience attention. 😊 Such a mindful creator 💕

[@LittleMissTotoro]

I have started reading a lot, and I definitely get better at it, as Jack says! ❤ I don't think I read faster now, but I clear time for it and pay more attention 😊

[@jennymurcia5150]

I aspire to have conversational skills like these! 🙌🏽

[@stevendejoint4717]

J'ai vraiment bien aimé cette interview. Vous êtes deux youtubeurs que j'apprécie et dont j'aime le contenu. Merci de partager tout ça avec nous, et prenez soin de vous ❤️

[@rinosha6138]

this is such a random collab but i love both of u 💞

[@brandstixs7836]

Yoah... Two of my favorite KZbinrs (for different reasons) coming together for a video... I never saw this coming.

[@chiarabertoldi2992]

The crossover we all wanted ❤

[@svetlanatikhonova8741]

enjoyed your conversation 🤍 thank you

[@Handlebarnpc]

So well spoken Jack 🤌💋

[@the_secrets_of_silver_clouds]

Love these guys! Keep inspiring us!

[@meme.d112]

I cannot wait to listen to this!!!! Wowow what a power duo.

[@a.lumpia]

I can't get over how Jack is still so young but I feel like I've known him for ages!

[@trishmnz]

these are the quality podcasts I love listening to - being able to finish it with the feeling that I've learned something from it and that my mind and beliefs have been challenged. thanks for another great episode, Nathaniel! can't wait for your next guests 💖 p.s. it would be interesting for you to have Moya on one of your eps too!

[@sinas896]

Im German and it’s absolutely true, we do not use the word „love“ lightly. I feel like saying the German word „liebe“ sort of would be better translated into „I’m in love with you“. So it’s not used as often for platonic love.

[@mae__]

Appreciated that conversation soo sooo much

[@TaylorSwiftGleek]

I love Jack he is so pure ❤️❤️

[@maypasifiki9360]

I quickly jumped on this video when I saw this collab 🥰

[@rebeccabonnicirebygotitall]

2 of my favourite youtubers, together!!!

[@allthingshraddha]

Thank you for this!! ❤

[@saranovais5413]

The books recommended by Harry Styles video did help A LOT with making me a reader. I wasn't a reader before 2019 and Jack's videos really helped this habit of mine to the point where now I can't imagine myself not being a reader. Books are a great happiness of mine now and Jack's videos helped make that happen

[@AikiraBeats]

Relaxing just for the sake of relaxing is something that I forget to do. I'm so focused on being busy, but I'm trying to get better at not blaming myself for wanting comfort.

[@MissAishaAibazova]

We need more interviews with Jack❤

[@FernandoFajardoChannel]

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE ❤ I LOVE YOU 2

[@k1k0000]

need the part two to this

[@Nate1975]

He’s a good speaker. Made for ytube and I really like how he describes books. Infectious quality

[@bihter3201]

It’s lovely to listen Jake’s voice

[@colleensnyder8943]

“Assign Value” …Brilliant!

[@NameName-qu5lh]

das wort "liebe" ist im deutschen ein wort das in der regel für tiefe emotionale beziehungen genutzt wird. selbst in liebes-beziehungen wird es erst nach einer gewissen zeit genutzt. es gibt sehr viele worte um mögen, bewundern, verehren etc. zu beschreiben.

[@MementoVivere.]

Wow, never thought I would be so excited for a podcast. The others are awesome but this energy is unmatched. Still watching and I know it's going to be great

[@medius2134]

Спасибо за интересного гостя! Блог Джека очень крутой, и сам Джек невероятно интересный и харизматичный блогер. (Как хорошо, что можно включить дополнительно английские субтитры.) Thanks for this interview. 🥰

[@datvithanh8192]

that line and the little giggle at 20:20

[@Anna-us7gw]

Could listen for hours! Would you two consider making a video together where you both read short stories or poetry, but Nathaniel reads it in different languages and idk analyzing how it’s different??

[@riindala]

my two favorite KZbinrs are you joking ?? I love this

[@emiliaburgos5404]

Love Jack! Great podcast 😊

[@Ello927]

40:00 -> in a way, Jack is an athlete too because he reads so much and trains that "muscle" constantly thats why he has so much great insight into things that people who train for things, have. 55:00 being skeptical of non fiction>>>>

[@bansarivora7448]

it’s probably just the fact that both of you have a very curious and inviting personality and way of communicating but i am fully convinced that you’re both in love with each other simply because of your body language and how you’re both paying such close attention to each others words haha