READING RUSH | the reading vlog where i didn't rush to read

[@gracekliewer7296]

joel makes me want to dress up, drink matcha and have a civilized conversation about books i know nothing about

[@fictionalfates]

DO IT

[@matteahayn]

REALLY THOUGH HE DOES

[@ashnaaggarwal6741]

Mood ngl

[@junaina3071]

"honey you've got a big storm coming" "things look good naked, what can I say" 👀 not even 5 minutes in and this vlog is already ICONIC

[@fictionalfates]

LMAO I'm glad you're enjoying!

[@rileyherbert4462]

PETITION FOR JOEL TO START A READATHON!

[@fictionalfates]

sdfoifjeofj maybe in a few months

[@libbyhanzlik3110]

I second this motion!

[@bryceantonio]

I THIRD

[@ACupofNicole]

The title is so accurate like did any of us rush to read? No, we didn’t lol 💖

[@fictionalfates]

we were just taking a chill route!

[@AdrianneChristineBooks]

Am I the only one fast forwarding to the end of everyone’s RR vlogs to see their response to the drama 👀

[@fictionalfates]

👀

[@jazzgirlie]

lol it is drama, but more importantly it is a series of highly problematic actions that the women running the reading rush did and sadly haven't made amends for.

[@larissaprates1384]

What drama? 👀

[@AdrianneChristineBooks]

Larissa Prates !! Look up the reading rush on Twitter

[@ms15525]

Does anyone else get excited when the dustjackets come off? I wish more booktubers would show us naked books, especially in the hauls etc. Anyway, what a fun vlog. I can't even believe how new this channel is, I look forward to all the videos like it's been here forever!

[@fictionalfates]

I honestly love showing what's underneath the covers! And thank you so much for your kind words ^_^

[@ashwini8247]

watching this instead of reading like i should be 😌✨❤️

[@fictionalfates]

djskskdiiv you better read afterwards!!

[@matteahayn]

I was really disappointed with how the Reading Rush was run this year, even aside from the valid criticisms you brought up. If they really spent so much time planning it, I would’ve thought that the challenges would’ve been better thought out. I had a really hard time getting excited for the prompts this year, and it kind of messed up my reading groove tbh. I don’t think I’ll be participating next year unless they make an effort to use it to amplify marginalized voices. It’s okay though because I loved watching all the vlogs and I have a bunch of BIPOC and diverse reads I’m really excited for in August!!

[@fictionalfates]

We love to see a diverse August TBR!

[@huda9445]

I like that you said , you won’t participate unless you see change ... others just said NO and weren’t open to change .

[@ellias]

Content 🔥🔥🔥 WTFFF YOU’RE ALSO A FEBRUARY BABY?! AQUARIUSSSS ♒️ FOR THE WIN!! I didn’t even start my vlog until Thursday 😭😆 A court of miracles on the outside 5/5 stars. A court of miracles on in the inside 3/5 stars lmao. Teach me how to edit!!? The squiggly fonts?? Love it. CHEESECAKE!!! You’re thriving, love to see it 🙏🏻

[@fictionalfates]

You 🥺🥺🥺 AND YES! We're literally 4 days apart (I'm on the 11th), so we LOVE TO SEE IT!! Honestly, we were both late to the rush and does it matter? Nope 😂 I'm looking forward to your vlog too, King!! LMAO LITERALLY - I guess when they say don't judge a book by it's cover, this is what they mean 😭 I CAN SHOW YOU WHEN I COME TO CA!! CHEESECAKE!!!! Hehe thank you!! I'm enjoying this so much ^_^

[@starlitbri]

This whole vlog was *chef's kiss*

[@mirnatius]

Congrats on 7K on bookstagram! Also, thank you for mentioning the insensitive stuff that the reading rush has done, they should be taken accountable. 💞💞💞

[@PSYCHOreader624]

😂 the space between you saying "imagine me as a naked hardback" and realizing how that could mean to some.

[@fictionalfates]

this happens more often than you realise

[@PSYCHOreader624]

@@fictionalfates Oh I believe it cause I do it to! I think this is just the first I saw it happen in your videos.

[@zofiakowalewska5325]

"The only thing I was rushing to do is rush away from my problems" why does it sound so familiar *sweats nervously*. Anyways, I was looking forward to watching this vlog, and it's probably my personal favourite when it comes to your reading vlogs! And the outfits tho, we stan

[@princessedesaturne5361]

my french ass: *not understanding what was wrong with the way Gods of Jade and Shadow misprint was printed* me *realize french book's titles are always printed in that sense and for some reason it differs from english books*: Mr.Worldwide 👁👄👁

[@eelsay]

I agree completely with the discussion. thank you for sharing your point of view.

[@elenaschwartz5740]

It was so nice to see you for 44 minutes 😊 I honestly recommend you "Loveless". I started reading it as an asexual, and left as a person on aromantic spectrum as well!! So eye-opening 😍

[@fictionalfates]

Ooh, I love it! I'll definitely pick it up soon!

[@peachyjjarred]

I want to give Joel a hug!!😭🥺💜 You are amazing man

[@RaetheSaint]

Thank you so much for mentioning book bloggers. I've been running a book blog for over 2 years now but it can be so hard to stay motivated because I really do feel underappreciated in the community, thankfully it looks like more people are starting to see the importance of book bloggers

[@fictionalfates]

Oh! What's your book blog? I'd love to check it out! And of course, book bloggers are so important in this community and they are the hill I will die on!

[@RaetheSaint]

@@fictionalfates Aww thank you! My blog is educatednegra.blog/ and that's a hill I'd die on too

[@umislunares]

This vlog was so entertaining and thank you for touching on the issues of performative activism. also I see “The Henna Wars” in the background. I just read that book last month and I loved it. The cultural representation is great and it touches on many important issues wonderfully. Loved the video!! ✨

[@masha426]

i'm so glad i've found your channel, your videos are an absolute joy to watch 💖

[@fictionalfates]

thank you so much!

[@kiraaa9506]

yes king! ur rlly out here doing the most and we love to see it. stay safe💕 haha ps i finally ordered the daevabad trilogy thanks to you

[@fictionalfates]

thank you!! i hope you stay safe too and omg sifjsdfioj i'm sorry for your future pain

[@kiraaa9506]

fictionalfates 👁👄👁 im scared

[@fictionalfates]

@@kiraaa9506 as you should be

[@ashvanderlans246]

that necklace is so beautiful. Also absolutely loved this video, as per usual

[@fictionalfates]

thank you!!

[@hallieduffy349]

Thank you for your kind words about book bloggers! As a book blogger myself it sometimes feels like we are shouting out into an empty void, even though we all put in a lot of hard work to create content. Again, thanks!

[@alexabrahams4782]

joel: *cuffs his trousers* me: well he's got to let us know he's bisexual somehow

[@milou9258]

ok but you have the most iconic openings lmaO

[@fictionalfates]

LOL thank you!

[@daniellalayseca2855]

I just found your channel and let me tell you that you made me happy for the first time in weeks, thank you thank you thank you! Keep doing what you love and your love will spread even through a screen😊

[@christinelareads]

The fact that you got to 3 long books in super awesome! Also, those cider bottles on your shelf at the beginning made me SO THIRSTY! Those are my favorite ciders ever!

[@fictionalfates]

They're my favourite too!! I have such an acquired taste when it comes to ciders and they just fit the bill!

[@scoutthepages]

You are my new favorite booktuber

[@shaylasingh2979]

the amount of aesthetic reading montages you give us is everything.

[@drewc3210]

New to your channel and I'm loving the representation, your amazing content and it's been a joy to join you in your reading journey from late afternoon into early morning and find some new reads. I was a booktuber back in 2010 under a different name and I ended up taking a long break of nearly 6 or so years. I'm seriously considering coming back into the community from a different angle now my reading has broadened and there are great folk out there.

[@sophiecarbone4977]

This is the first reading vlog I’ve seen of yours and that intro is superb! Very happily subscribed!! And so happy you mentioned book blogs! Definitely barely see anyone mention them ever!

[@alinasdarkling6535]

ahh you’re AMAZING! idk what it is, but the vibes you give up are so calming and warm, i LOVE watching your videos 💓

[@AbiofPellinor]

I didn't know that I needed matcha cheesecake but oh damn I do, and I totally agree with you about the RR. It started with them announcing the readathon on Juneteenth and just went downhill from there

[@kttyk926]

I laughed out loud at your apology to Myo and Mina when you started getting changed. Also, I 100% agree with your thoughts about the Reading Rush 2020 gaffes! We can all do better.

[@effpng]

yessss!!! been waiting for this vlog ✨💖

[@fictionalfates]

eeee, i hope you enjoy it!!

[@effpng]

@@fictionalfates currently stopped doing my own reading just for this 😂

[@matteahayn]

That outfit is stunning 😍😍

[@halimamuslimah]

I love your videos Joel. I didn't participate in the reading rush.I am significantly older than most booktubers (55) but that isn't the issue. I have Multiple Sclerosis and it is hard getting around, so reading outside isn't an option for me. Either way, I enjoy watching all the videos of those who do all the prompts. I read as many books as is possible and they help me not to get too down on myself. Thank you for your efforts to be inclusive and "see" those who are often forgotten. Much love.

[@fictionalfates]

Much love to you too! I'm glad I was able to highlight the aspects that didn't encompass everyone who wanted to participate in the reading rush -- hopefully next year you'll be able to do all of the challenges!

[@NicoleMoon]

loving the video, I haven't finished watching it yet, but omg your outfits are always so ON POINT, I love😭😍😍😍

[@fictionalfates]

Thank you!! ☺️

[@ivaylastefanova6188]

First video of yours I've seen. Your personality is everything! Instant subscribe❤

[@awkward-duck-777]

your fashion sense is on fucking point! love that blue and brown combo, so fancy

[@sarahhorn5887]

Wow I’m so happy I found your channel! I’m reading such a a fun age right now and I’ve had Felix ever after on my list for a while so I can’t wait to see what you think of those books! Already obsessed with you and I loved this vlog ☺️❤️

[@etruiz]

Oh my gosh I also love Ashley from bestdressed, also your outfits are so amazing! keep up the great work :)

[@naek5106]

Can we talk about that lovely gourmet makes intro, complete with a dramatic pause - literal chef's kiss

[@lindsayrivers4147]

my favorite part of watching reading rush vlogs is finding all my fellow amethyst babies !!!!💜 we love a february birthday! 😝

[@fictionalfates]

us february babies are iconic!

[@lenouchkkk]

I found your channel two or three days ago and oh my!! i am so in love with your content? love your energy and your personality, your videos are a delight to watch! looking forward your next uploads!

[@lenouchkkk]

also i checked out the recipe you followed for your cheesecakes and i'm definitely trying this one out soon!! i love cheesecakes and the ones you did seemed delicious??? hhhhhh cheesecakes ftw

[@lectershunt]

love your videos because i’m always getting amazing recs💜 i hope you get to loveless soon, it’s really amazing!!!

[@mb-bh3di]

Completely agree with the discussions, really well worded. Would just like to add that in addition to the hosts I think the community of readers and participants need to seriously introspect. It was so frustrating so many non-black people accepting their apology and dismissing genuine constructive critcism and ignoring the fact that it takes genuine emotional labor in articulating these critiques and seeing them being dismissed as "hate" or "part of cancel culture" was so disheartening

[@bettyreads222]

love the style of this vlog and yes to your personal style! appreciate you addressing what's going on in the end. looking forward to the discussion around such a fun age because it is so good and just want to talk about it with everyone.

[@fictionalfates]

yes!! i'm super looking forward to discussing it too!

[@andresifuentes5815]

Omg, I was so confused when you mentioned that challenge and yaaaas to the end of your video, I knew it ✨

[@alenasmolemoreader3584]

Thank you for your vlog! I hope that next year the hosts will do better and yall will participate again because it was my only second reading rush as a reader and I don’t want to lose such a fun event for both creators and us regular readers 😔

[@aimeewheredidyoursociallif7926]

DO NOT MAKE ME WANT TO PICK UP EVERY BOOK I OWN AND READ IT IN THE MIDDLE OF MY LAW EXAMS!! (ps why is everything edited so well??? what a talented king)

[@foreverandeverly]

HI i'm late to commenting but i loved this video so very much!! cheesecake looks delicious, can't wait to see your thoughts on felix ever after, and thank u so so much for shouting out my blog 🥺💗

[@lerouxwrites]

I so thoroughly appreciate the car footage from the passenger side (on the left) and how it must've confused American viewers, because I've been watching so many American vloggers that for a second I thought you were driving, until I realised you guys drive on the same side as we do

[@andresifuentes5815]

We stan this channel 🤲✨

[@RamblingsOfAnElfpire]

I didn't take part in the Reading Rush in the end because of all the issues but love your vlog! That outfit is perfect for Cinderella is Dead!

[@rileyherbert4462]

I know it's only 14 minutes later, but I feel late because I wasn't here as soon as it went live! 😭

[@fictionalfates]

LOL it'll always be here, no matter how late you are!

[@taffers07]

I'm so happy you are going to be reading Such a Fun Age, it was a crappy thing they did, I read it a couple of months ago and gave it 5 stars 😍

[@ciarasformerchannel750]

I watched this whole thing! you are so fun to watch!

[@ayeshazafar1641]

This was so heart warming. 💛

[@AikiraBeats]

So glad I stumbled onto your channel loving your content and your positive energy

[@mothertheresa]

the binding hb is one of the most gorgeous books I own 🤩 Recommend adding it to your collection (and reading it bc it’s very good!)

[@gabsran]

Joel is my favourite booktuber ever. All his videos have been so iconic. We stan an entertaining creator 😎

[@fictionalfates]

🥺🥺 thank you!!

[@nicolechacon6654]

just discovered your youtube page and it's so aesthetic! definitely following :)

[@heyimsasa]

ohhh my god, my heart SAAAANK for you when you dropped the book LOOOL wow your luck with misprints XD these cheesecakes omggg. i'm glad you said something about the reading rush. what they did was not okay.

[@HappyChappyRea]

I am livvvinnnggg for your videos!

[@chlebushekk]

omg, just started watching, but decided to pause and comment about you watching it’s okay to not be okay! love this kdrama!!

[@fictionalfates]

it's so good!! i need to catch up on this past weekend's episodes but i'm super excited

[@bookally9033]

I loved the gods of jade and shadow too! It was so good i don't know why I havent heard more about it

[@hallieduffy349]

Old Mout Cider!!! Loved this stuff while studying abroad in London. I miss the sweet bliss of sipping some cider!

[@emikathearchitect527]

yes for book blogger rep

[@fictionalfates]

yessss

[@sarahbookworm5937]

Love it! This was golden! Thank you for making such amazing content!

[@lauraevans6285]

Loving everyone's responses, just makes me want to read such a fun age even more, specially when Noelle keeps raving about it too! Let's give this book the support it missed out on! 🙌

[@Lina-vs2ei]

I genuinely thought you had four beer bottles on your shelf and I was worried 😂

[@fictionalfates]

They're not beer 😂They're cider!

[@mel5071]

ahhh, I'm so excited to watch this! also, the intro, iconic!

[@fictionalfates]

thank you! 🥺

[@SereneDancer]

That outfit is absolute perfection!!!!!

[@TamaynIrraniah]

The discussion of a boyfriend like cheesecake really made me decide I had to comment. I concur with you 100% that a boyfriend like cheesecake sounds wonderful. I also wanted to ask, is Cassiopeia just an interesting name used, or does it have anything to do with Greek myth? Good to see your video and looking forward to seeing more.

[@miriambravo6881]

It’s not a fictionalfates video with MATCHA 💚 haha we love to see it. Thanks for addressing the shortcomings of the readathon. It’s unfortunate what happened. Glad I will be able to join in with you on the book discussion for Such a Fun Age bc yes I actually read it for the readathon (& then was disappointed that the hosts didn’t). And omg I just got the audiobook got Felix Ever After yayyyy. Oh and Gods of Jade & Shadow has been on my TBR for a really long time. I need to read it!

[@fictionalfates]

Matcha is a staple in my videos and of course! Definitely read Gods of Jade & Shadow, it's such a good book!!

[@thebugbear]

Just stumbled across your channel and when I heard you love TAZ that was an immediate subscribe for me. I love your picks :)

[@Marie45610]

I got Court of Miracles from NetGalley earlier this year. I enjoyed it, and am interested in the sequel. The middle did lag a little for me, and I almost stopped reading it. Thank you for talking about Book Bloggers, I have a book blog. :)

[@fictionalfates]

I think the middle was where I just didn't like it a lot, it just felt like it went on forever but also didn't last long at the same time sjijsfoisj

[@daniLA972]

I loved Gods of Jade and Shadow too, but it also fell a little short. To me it all happened wayyyyy too fast and i didn't feel like Casiopea had time to show us her who she was at the start and her development also missed it for me. The book as a whole just also felt very YA-ish with certain adult fiction scenes

[@mariekevanharselaar]

I am currently reading Gods of Jade and Shadow and I loooove it! Hope you enjoy it as well 😃

[@mariekevanharselaar]

Soo, you loved it! Yay! You should really check out her work Certain Dark Things (vampires!) and Signal To Noise (music and magic!) as well. Both are utterly magical and Moreno-Garcia’s writing is so lush!

[@Forestecho_]

I want to make a cheesecake now...also, my copy of Cinderella is dead is currently being shipped to me and I’m so excited!

[@jabulkoml]

you had me at the first sentence 🥺✨

[@nogaamram4387]

This video is so chill and I *love* it, makes me want to drink tea and read or play Animal crossing

[@fictionalfates]

🥺 omg this is the aesthetic i aspire to have

[@afternoonliterature9098]

Writing vlog - no motivation.... I totally feel you

[@corporalkireads]

omggg you watch Ashley! We clearly have the same taste! also i was really excited to do the reading rush this year because it's a big event and people were hyping it up so much, but now I'm very upset that i participated and gave them money for the reading planner. i don't think I'll be participating again next year either.

[@fictionalfates]

omg we do indeed!!

[@aaleenzafar599]

This vlog didn't make me wanna read but I sure wanna order McDonald's lol. Lovedthevideooo! :)

[@nico-et3cz]

I can't wait for you to read Cinderella is dead because it sounds so good 👀 also about the RR, the creators also "talked about" JKR in their podcast and as a trans person I found their response to her transphobia disappointing since they pretty much laughed the whole time and didn't take it seriously. thought I'd mention that since I see no one talking about it. great reading vlog!!

[@fictionalfates]

i-- that is so disappointing.

[@adeliamorris2363]

After drinking coffee for so long these videos make me want to go back to tea

[@theaxx1214]

Honestly you should host a readathon some time, that is all about reading books by diverse authors that'd be amazing. I normally don't participate in readathons because it stresses me out, but that'd be seriously cool

[@SantReads]

Okay, now I want the cheesecake. Also, what a great vlog Joel. Love.

[@roselucyking]

I just got Cinderella is Dead I can't wait to read it!

[@Ellereads1]

Im not kidding, I just watched the Seulgi and Irene video you were watching like RIGHT before ahah

[@badandbookie5826]

Love this. Really wanting to go pick up Gods of Jade and Shadow as well as a matcha latte. xD

[@zuko803]

dude, I fall in love with your blazer lol..AND YOU WATCH RED VELVET??? OMG WE HAVE THE SAME TASTE BRUH

[@juandbooks]

i thought it was like so easy if they change the challenge to like read it one a place that you usually don't read (like if you always read in your room, maybe read in the kitchen or something crazy like that, for me it would have the same concept but knowledging that the world is in a very different place right now). it was my first readathon and i didn't get envolved that much, i was just reading the books that fit in the challenges but not really posting it and to me it was so sad how it ended things, honestly. i will not be participaiting next year as well. im so sorry about what keeps happening with the black booktube community and black people in the world.

[@bebella9005]

“No, don’t imagine me naked. Please don’t” is not a sentence I thought I would hear in a reading vlog ever, tbh 😂 You almost crying with the matcha cheesecake was a mood! Great vlog!

[@matteahayn]

I love to see books without the dust jackets because I also take mine off as soon as I start reading!!

[@jasminewestover7068]

I love your channel and videos, I was really uncertain whether I should upload my reading Rush Vlog! Nevertheless, thanks for motivating me to start my own booktube channel, upload videos and become more confident in myself. 💚💕👑

[@fictionalfates]

You definitely should! Share how much you read with everyone and your reading progress!

[@joellareads3970]

I had to take down my original video to add in my piece on the Reading Rush dude. Performative indeed. I won’t be participating again until I see people pull up their sucks Mxm.

[@fictionalfates]

Same, I think they've got some work to do