Taking Myself on a Book Date (Book Shopping & Reading in the Park)

[@riddles610]

A lot of the books I read are from Goodreads and booktuber recommendations - most books that I read are not popular at all. I don’t read romance so a lot of the popular Tik Tok books are out of the question for me😂 My favourite thing to do is go to a bookstore, pick up anything that looks intriguing and skim the synopsis then decide whether or not I want to buy it - I’ve found so many hidden gems that way. I’m also the type of person who’ll buy max four books at once, then read all of them before I buy more so I have a lot of self control with book buying😂

[@emilyperkins3807]

i applaud that self control that i dont have 😂 i have way too many books on my physical tbr

[@scarletsjazz6472]

although I can’t relate to your willpower when it comes to buying books (unfortunately 😩) I’m the same when it comes to picking them out, I don’t read romance either and every time I have read a popular book I’ve been disappointed! I’d rather pick up the books that I’m drawn to even if I’ve never heard of them

[@emmariggs5298]

her videos are so good for me. like "oh a new justali video went live?" time to have a little self care night complete with a little desert. "oh, there are videos of hers I haven't seen yet ?" time to cue them up and clean my room.

[@erikachai388]

Dial A for Aunties is AMAZING! And superrr funny 😂 Can't wait for you to read it!

[@JustAli]

Eeee I'm so excited to read it!!

[@tabeenmeer5717]

Have you read its sequel

[@heartkenzie3481]

@@JustAli 📚

[@erikachai388]

@@tabeenmeer5717 Yes! It has the same vibe as Dial A For Aunties so I would really recommend you read it if you liked Dial A For Aunties

[@evelynvieira8101]

A Little Life is my favourite book. I found it a little slow to start but then it really picks up. Its both heartwarming and truley heartbreaking. Also if you love found family that's a bonus.

[@korbinspringer830]

I usually buy off of top 10 lists. I have found the best books by buying off of lists of best novels by women, best novels by a POC author, etc. I wish I had the self control to not read summaries but I always do. I’m too worried I won’t like the book if I don’t read the summary first. “Such a fun age” is so good btw!!!

[@taylorsversion7336]

I love your videos so much Ali. They make my day and cheer me up when I am down ♥️

[@noony8360]

my book buying habits is 1: buy some books that are on my tbr 2: buy random books that sound interesting because why not anyways keep up what your doing i love your videos i watch them ass soon as i can ( fun fact i was book shopping when you posted this video) and you should read more of “funny you should ask” it sounds really good and can you make a video where you give book recommendations for teens cuz im one myself and my mother is very strict about what books i can buy lovee you aliii🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@dreamingofthemoon]

2:36 if you want another reality romance rec I would recommend "The Charm Offensive" ! It's a queer romance and I enjoyed it:)

[@michaelawatts2599]

I usually go into Barnes and Noble and look at popular books, but I always pull up Goodreads and reading the reviews. Sometimes if it’s between two books I compare the average rating and decide on the higher rating. Love your videos! 💕

[@jessicamay9587]

I look to see what new books are out first when I go book buying. And then I’ll either buy a book based on what the blurb says or it is already something on my tbr 😄

[@mikaelanicole7600]

first love your vids

[@anaiskunkel2096]

Girl I found your videos 5 days ago and me being obsessed with your content is an understatement! Your reading vlogs and sleepover videos are such hits. You are so smiley and happy it makes me so excited that there are people out there that are as in love with books and reading as I am. I love that I can be part of this cute ass nerdy community :)

[@JustAli]

Aww your comment made me smile. That is so sweet! I'm so happy you found my channel. I literally get so excited just thinking about what a cool community the book community is🫶🏻🥹

[@ProfKristieK]

Reading the first chapter of a bunch of books is such a good idea. Speed dating, but for books.

[@JustAli]

Aw wow I love that. I'm definitely going to call it speed dating for books from now on haha!

[@evamarie792]

i love your videos!! ik you mentioned “a little life” but PLZ READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THE BOOK!!!! it can be a very emotionally and mentally draining book - much love :)

[@thethriftyfawn]

My book shopping habits are mostly to thrift them, or purchase at locally-owned second hand bookstores 🙂

[@jonahsdiary]

the charm offensive is a mlm book that takes place on a reality tv show!! one mc is in the show and the other works on the show and it’s so so good i highly recommended it

[@kristinambrose]

Conversations with friends is SO good!!! And the tv shows is amazing too!!! It’s basically a slice of life and as always Sally Rooney makes such poignant observations of mundane things and humanity. She made unrelatable circumstances hit close to home. I liked this one even more than normal people 🥺

[@cyndiz]

I love that you put a page counter on the screen!!

[@suuuregulus]

you're so so underrated! when i see notfications from ur channel i feel so happy stg 🤍

[@beasbonks]

i'm the same way! i enjoy finding books on my own that aren't very heard of--especially when they end up being super good-- but on the other hand i like seeing what a really popular book is about other than just clips, scenes or quotes that float around. i love going into books blind and not even reading the summary so i get the full experience of unraveling the story as i'm reading, especially if its any murder mystery/horror book!

[@midnightwanderer3886]

My book shopping is basically going to the booktok table first, then looking at the romance books, then going to the YA section!!

[@JustAli]

Basically SAME. My 3 favorite sections

[@trudyjohns5150]

A Little Life is so good. It’s quite the emotional roller coaster!!!

[@kaitlynnicolereads]

i need to do this! picnics are the way to my heart

[@JustAli]

yesss reading picnics are the BEST

[@bunny_koo]

You remind me of allie from the off campus series

[@seeratbhatia8405]

I AM SO GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL! I LIVE IN TEXAS AS WELL! LET'S GO TEXAS! Thank you for the book recommendations: I love you and your videos. (I just found this channel) 😆

[@emilyperkins3807]

im similar with you. when books look good, i enjoy going in blinded, but sometimes i read the summary. just depends on the book!

[@suusbookwurm5266]

Omg same I have over 30 books I haven't read yet with every time I have money I buy new books I just love reading and book shopping and it is almost my birthday and I'm gonna bookshopping as a gift from parents

[@pelinyalcn7560]

Can u do an updated bookshelf tour ? Btw i love your videos:)

[@nataliejohnson8117]

Hi Ali, I really love reading hyped books. But I also choose wisely because like The Spanish Love Deception, a lot of people didn't like that book and I loved that book with my whole heart. So I will follow the hype but within reason. It's sad, the only Barnes that I have near me is about 30 mins away so I don't get to go book shopping. But I buy a lot of books on Amazon. Something so fun to know after a long day, there will be a little treat on my doorstep. I really love these videos. You were so cute eating that croissant. LOL I don't have anyone I know that reads like me and it's nice to have someone who GETS IT!! ❤❤❤❤📚

Such a cute idea!!💕 I have to do this for myself! I personally love reading books that I find myself in the bookstore, while also reading some viral books. I read a duology this year called A Song of Wraiths and Ruin and I never hear anyone talk about it but it is literally my new all time favorite and I'm so glad I found it on my own! I also like reading the little descriptions on books because sometimes there are topics or tropes that I don't want to read about and so I want to make sure it's not in the book before I buy it😂

[@notmeritus4424]

I read a good mix between popular and obscure books. I prefer popular because I can discuss it with others, but obscure books tend to be way better because you're mostly going in blind and the plot will be more unique compared to popular books. (Also, you may have 30 books on your tbr but I have around 130+ that I haven't read yet lol)

[@kaylee02060]

I just read Dial A For Aunties while I was on vacation and it was SO GOOD!!! I can't wait to read Four Aunties and a Wedding soon

[@vadastansbury4906]

AGHHHHH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Always the highlight of my day :) Also, where did you get your tote bag? I LOVE IT!!!

[@liamarie5926]

my book shopping habit is literally loving everything you buy and recommend. I’m so excited for funny you should ask!! I wanna read it and i’m waiting for your review🤍🤍 love you, you make my days better

[@karinapla4790]

I love going blind on reading my books but sometimes I do read the back of the book or if I like the cover I’ll read the book … but they way I loved all your videos 💕

[@AlessandroReads347]

Loved this video😊😊 and I love Dial A for Aunties! Definitely a top tier book that is funny, romantic, and overall a fun read! If you like If the Shoe Fits, I might also recommend The Charm Offensive. It has a similar plot( focused on characters on a reality dating show), but it’s an M/M romance. I just finished it and really enjoyed it.

[@lexiesmith1490]

If I’m at b&n and don’t have anything specific in mind, then I’ll also browse around the romance section for a book that I’ve never heard of and I always read the summary and look up the goodreads reviews for those! But if it’s a more popular book or one I’m borrowing from a friend I’ll generally go in blind because I feel like that’s more fun! Reality show setting recommendations: the charm offensive & one to watch

[@marieb.4315]

I just finished The Charm Offensive which is a queer romcom about a reality tv show inspired by the Bachelor. It was sooo cute I know you would definitly love it and the audiobook is great

[@zoebrowne9695]

dial a for aunties is one of my few five star reads! you should definitely read it :)

[@sophia_1957]

I honestly just love to go into books blind and pick out some that aren’t popular but I also love reading the booktok books

[@nicoledorman8484]

I know I'm 2 months behind watching this video but I had to answer your question about book buying habits. Because they're terrible!! I recently ordered the entire Addicted/Calloway Sisters series after reading the first one. And now I'm about to buy the entire Off Campus and Briar U series because I'm obsessed!!! Thank god for afterpay! 😅

[@SophieCharBooks]

The first time I read a little life it hurt me so so deeply so please take care of yourself if and when you read but it’s an amazing book and took me on a journey. The way I felt about the characters is like how I felt about Evelyn Hugo- they feel so so real, you want to check up on them after🖤

[@elisereigner2810]

Conversation with friends is sooooo good, I personally think it’s Sally Rooney’s best book (even my dad likes it)

[@Elisabetti17]

I really like your videos. So cozy and cute. If you ever come to Budapest, I will be happy to give you tips about the interesting bookstores here, and where you should go. 😊

[@chandlerforbes]

If not for a book club, I get most of my physically books from free little libraries in my area!! It’s not always successful, but it’s so fun to drive around like a scavenger hunt!

[@JustAli]

aww wait thats so cute!

[@dreamingofthemoon]

I get most of my recs from booktuber, bookstagramer or - the biggest one- The Storygraph!!

[@kellynicole8301]

I just love your videos, they make me feel like I am hanging out with a friend! 💕 When I bookshop, I just browse and let the title/cover speak to me first. Then I read the summary and if it seems like something I would enjoy, I'll go for it (or put it on my TBR list)!

[@jennyjesseisloislane]

I love this idea! And that book cover for “Funny You Should Ask” is so cool. I have so many books on my TBR physical and digital but I just keep adding more.

[@edwardleecaliforniausa]

Good morning happy Wednesday morning and I loved your channel and your vlogs is amazing and you are amazing Supporter and I'm proud of you

[@amber_fletcher]

I usually go to a used book store and browse the shelves and read the summary on the back. The inventory is always different every time you go, so I never know what I’m gonna find. I look for titles and covers that are familiar, but I also pick up what ever looks interesting 📚✨🤓

[@4hotpink10]

I’m definitely trying that cute bakery tomorrow, its abt 10 mins from me. That cinnamon roll looks BOMB

[@colettamanske2048]

One to Watch and the Charm Offensive also are reality TV show themed romances that remind me of the Bachelor!!

[@gabs392]

I think you’d really enjoy The Wedding Game by Meghan Quinn if you like the behind the scenes of a show along with some romance.

[@xoxohannahrp1807]

UGH! conversations with friends is AMAZING!! it made me crave reading!!!

[@kacie_shipman]

You have to read Where the Crawdads Sing and then watch the movie! It is the best book I will ever read in my entire life and the movie is the best book-to-movie adaptation I have EVER seen! Reading the book first was just amazing. 10000/10 recommend!!!

[@GiznTinknBoo]

This is such a wonderful idea I love this video so much 💜

[@Magicwaves-]

I usually order the books I KNOW I want to read. I "treat my shelf" my going into the bookstore blind and getting whatever speaks to me. I always read the synopsis of books.

[@shanice2428]

I loved Dial A for Aunties! It was so funny!

[@liviamterra3545]

I think I prefer to go on books blindly… I’ve been reading for about 2 years now and most of the books that I bought and read in the last year wore instagram recommendations and I just didn’t like it. The ones I really enjoyed I didn’t know a single thing about it or I read thinking I wouldn’t like it at all. I think I create so much expectations if I read a book that everyone is talking about in the moment. So now I like to watch KZbin or instagram recommendations and if I think it’s interesting, I will put it in my wishlist and buy when I forget what is was about.

[@daniela-qu2rh]

i just found your youtube videos and i’m in love! you are so sweet💗

[@zara2904]

I try and read a variety of books so I don’t read too much of one genre in one go. E.g I’ll read literary fiction then romance and then a thriller. I like to also read popular books that I hear people talk about as normally there’s loads of TikTok’s to watch after and Spotify playlists made😂 However I also enjoy going to the bookstore and choosing books that seem fun and interesting and it’s a fun experience looking around💕

[@laurenschenck5355]

YAY SO EXCITED!! ❤️💗🌈🧡💝💝💝💜🤎💙🤎❤️‍🩹💓💓💜❣️💖💖🖤💝🌈💗🧡💚💔💛💞💞💛💘💔💚📙📖📖📖📙📖📖💚💘💛🌈💗🖤💝💓💓💜🤎🤎❤️‍🩹🌈🌈✨✨✨🌈🌈🌈🌈✨✨📖📚📚📙📚📖📖📚📙📙📖📖📖📚

[@13Ram107]

When I go book shopping at B&N I grab a shopping basket and first check out the deal tables in the front where they usually keep the BOGO books. They almost never have anything that catches my attention so I make my way to the YA section and check the first endcap I come across and then make my way shelf by shelf and try to read all the titles. I like horror and thriller, so if it's got something like that in the title or a dark cover I'll pick it up and read the synopsis. If I like it, it goes in the basket! I tend to avoid the booktok and romance books, they're not my type. Every once in awhile a book outside of my usual genres will get my attention and I'll do the same. Also if the author has a Latino-ish last name I'll pick it up. If the book sounds good, but I don't want it enough to spend $18-$20 on the physical copy I take a picture of the cover so I can get the eBook. When I've looked at everything I take my basket to the cafe (where my poor fiance has been waiting for an hour) and look at the books more closely. I look up the title on goodreads to see the tags, I don't care much about the reviews, and then open to a random page and try to read for a little bit to see if it's my type. Then I go back to the YA section to put back the ones I didn't want and to glance quickly over the shelves one last time. And then I leave with like 5 books! Also I got into a bad habit with last years 50% off all hardcover sale, and now I only buy hardcover books. At used bookstores it's much easier. I scan the YA section, pile everything interesting in my basket, then stand there and figure out what I really want and what can wait until next time.

[@misswhitehouse4740]

Love this video. Inspired to take myself on a book date. I'd say read dial A for aunties. Sounds fun. I tend to either be encouraged to read it because of the hype of because of a comment on the cover. I don't really like to read the synopsis because it can ruin it for me sometimes. Keep the videos coming. X

[@laurenschenck5355]

I need to read where the The crawdad sings I love the great Gatsby book 📚 💛✨✨🤎🤎💛💛✨✨✨💛💛💛💛✨✨💛

[@amema2601]

If you want more of the behind the scenes of reality TV, I really recommend « The charm offensive » by Alison Cochrun, it’s a m/m romance about the producer of a show and it’s star.

[@Mymakermovie77]

I adore this vid! I love to read books that I’ve heard about, but not necessarily knowing the plot/summary 🌻

[@someuser2851]

Personally my favourite thing to do is sit at the book store for over 3 hours and I'll eventually buy 4 or 5 books I always read little tidbits of the back of the book and then when I finish reading I go back and read it and I'm like oh they said that in the back

[@hobsyllwin2562]

Curious about Funny You Should Ask 😊 Love your Vlogs! Especially the cozy or spooky ones. So much looing for a lot of them in the fall. PLEASE 🍁

[@slatergaming1161]

yes another amazing video!! love these vids so much! make my day when i see these vids come up on my screen!

[@hightoxins]

Sometimes I pick popular book but other times I pick up a random book and go in blindly, it depends on my mood of that day

[@jennieboute3643]

I read like the most popular book but I always look up if it is good ,but sometimes I’m spontaneous and just buy a book without seeing if it popular or has good reviews . The plot just need to speak to me 😂

[@bumblebee9347]

My friend really loved dial a for aunties. I also love going into books blind. I want to know as little about it as possible 😂

[@layla-yg9zf]

definitely read a little life! i just finished it was a 5 star read for me

[@stephanielandowski626]

i definitely like to go into books blind but also ones I've heard of

[@raphaelaaristidou6630]

you’re videos always make my day! ur so sweet & I love ur energy😭

[@chloereynolds550]

A little life is one of my favorite books

[@m1lanameow]

Personally I don't have one specific book shopping habbit. Sometimes I buy books because I've heard great things about it, or someone recommended it to me, or the cover just looks pretty to me. Although I do mostly read sad books I've noticed.. ALSO A Little Life is one of my fav books it's heartbreaking but so beautiful and the characters have a special place in my heart

[@lisamarie9307]

I like to read the book blind or if I heard of it, I was read it, and I like to read books I never heard of.❤

[@anjreadsbooks]

Oh my gosh!!! That was so much fun 🤩 I should treat myself with one such day too 😁💃

[@lightscamerasashley.]

this is so cute 💖 glad you had a fun date day with yourself ☺

[@nadineschurink9502]

I really like going into books blind! It makes it way more exciting for me!

[@katiana5103]

I’m also reading If the Shoe fits by Julie Murphy

[@camrynlouise8005]

Me, Before You- love it. After You- DNF’d so fast. This shouldn’t have been a series. It almost ruins the magic of Me, Before You just knowing there’s two more books.

[@mancanesloureignefranzp.1499]

Yay i love your videos all the time 🙈✨

[@jessicajohnson1802]

Hey Ali. I love all your videos and I think your so sweet and down to earth and I feel like my reading tastes are very similar to yours and I absolutely loved If The Shoe Fits. it was sooo good and reminded me a lot like The Bachelor!!!

[@a_paige_brig9112]

I'll be honest I don't always read popular books but I do read summaries and like to know about the book beforehand and so I'll often watch booktoks and youtubers who like the same genres as me!!

[@dedasab]

I buy books via googlebooks since it's the only accessible way to buy books in my country. I am also not that rich and get underpaid. So, I buy books on deals, if a famous book is on discount and I'm intersted in the plot that's usually my happy day. Honstly, I realized that most of the famous books are overrated, I found good books on my own that really deserve to be know more than some hyped up books. But to each their own.

[@amina-xg5yw]

I just loove you so much 😭💕💕💕

[@winterrainreads]

I almost never read summaries I just watch booktube and bookstagram and add things to my tbr from there. Sometimes I read the summary if It's a book with a pretty cover on my goodreads tl or if I pick it up in a bookstore

[@Iva.Addie.shenanigans]

Love your videos so much Ali. I also love this video idea, you also cheer up my day

[@erikachai388]

Yay!!! Love your vidsss

[@ayaenaba788]

Dial A for aunties is so chaotic yet so good i love it

[@emmanoack13]

i like to go into books blind because i feel like a lot of time the synopsis on the back spoils things

[@kitkatbites]

Dial A for aunties first. I love cookbooks but you never show even the shelf at the book stores! Do it in future pls

[@bajsungefeli7208]

girl these videos are the best! i was wondering tho if you could name some of your fave authors and their best book. thank you! and keep up these amazing top quality videos

[@ydaliah04]

I like to research books on goodreads before I start reading! Also, A Little Life is not just sad it is very very intense. Many people say it is basically trauma p**n, please look up all the trigger warnings before attempting to read it.

[@vante3186]

honestly i try to go in to buy a book beforehand but then i end up getting another one like going to a grocery store for one thing and leaving with everything but that thing

[@jayson9036]

ahhhhh love this video so much ali! I wish i could afford to go and buy multiple books at once but then again i would walk out of the book store and have NOOOOO money hahaha 😅🤣

[@marissabeverman5518]

I loved if the shoe fits