why booktube was bad for me as a reader | an essay & unhaul

[@Sadalitecomputerclub]

I was so disappointed when I discovered booktube was just YA and not rants about Murakami, honestly.

[@selina1107]

Would you recommend his books ? If so do you have a particular favourite 😅

[@deepakongaming2711]

@@selina1107 Colorless

[@incensive5020]

Honestly, the time that I followed a lot of booktube content, pretty much everything was just filled with YA content, and me being young and impressionable bought quite a bit of YA content (using cheaper websites like Book Outlet and thrift books), and recently probably about 95% of them got donated recently because they were pretty much all cringey, uninteresting, and twin content. Separating from its provided a lot more variety and less wasting my money on things I dont like

[@raaneemmayenin8412]

Nicole M exactly!! i’m getting into booktube and booktok but i’m realising most of it is ya so i feel like i need to read it but i should read what interests me! i really didn’t like the ya books i read but then i felt like i had to like ya books for the community ahaha

[@prosperenfantinylosgeograf2721]

@@selina1107 Depends on what you're looking for. I feel that he has some books that are more abstract, weird, big, and I guess overall "artistic" and other ones that are more traditional and character driven (even if still weird and abstract at points). I have read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle which I would classify as the first and did not enjoy it, but I have friends 1Q84 and Kafka by the shore and enjoyed them a lot. I guess they liked like the mysticism of it? And it is well written. I also read Tokyo blues, which I would classify as the second type and really enjoyed it, even though it's probably in part due to the fact that it was very appropiate for me at that time. Nevertheless, I recommend it: it's heartfelt, weird, beautiful, poetic, and readable/short. It's also sad though.

[@aprajitasingh9802]

I think booktube would be overall more interesting and real if everyone talked about what they really loved to read. I hope you have a great reading experience from now on.✨✨💙💙

[@totallyanonymousbish9599]

Aprajita Singh let's reform booktube💖

[@EmilynWood]

Yes!!

[@readwithtalia]

I totally agree with that! That's also the best way to find new books you have never heard of before. Not everyone can be reading the same books.

[@forestt_moss_]

Some people do like the type of books that are currently on book tube though I mean myself, as a reader has a massive obsession with ya fantasy before I even new about book tube and then it was just a platform I liked to use to get book recommendations however I do agree, book tube shouldn't just be categorised for a particular genre, I feel that every style of reading should come in to place and people should film about the books that make themselves as readers happy and not just for the audience

[@rekaantal1478]

There are actually a lot of channels that talk about "different" or less popular books, they just usually dont get big because of these reasons

[@jannekek.8756]

One of my favourite booktuber is "readwithcindy" maybe you'll enjoy her content as well. She is very vocal about not owning any books (she goes to the library) and not buying into the consumeristic side of booktube.

[@steinistein8611]

Yup, I love her! Her criticism is always thoughtful which I appreciate She doesn't just ramble and stutter on for 40 minutes Plus she's super funny

[@LiLi-xi2dl]

I love her she's so blunt and funny

[@bookishnatie9614]

I was about to comment cindy lmao

[@readwithtalia]

I love her channel!

[@vickyy.7544]

Yess! She is my favorite she’s so funny

[@TheToneBender]

I would much rather listen to someone talk about a manga they love rather than a book they wouldn't normally read.

[@numericalhorror185]

“I only read 37 books” ...*glances over at the single dog eared book on my nightstand I’ve been trying to read for half a year*

[@ninjablack4347]

Pff the booktubers i watch read that many in two weeks!

[@theajensen435]

So inspiring!! Even though I don’t have a booktube channel, I understand the feeling. I started buying and reading aaaaall the ”popular” books just because and I got into a huge slump. Books are for entertainment so why do we read stuff we don’t even have the slightest interest in?? This video made me realize that I have full fracking control over which books I read so thank you Ashley for reminding me and always being my favourite human!🥰🧡

[@annaan2873]

I read them based on reviews actually. You tube reviews help a lot. I have specific books I have to avoid. Now, I make exceptions too. Like, I read a book which contains trauma and suffering, things like torture (they scare me, I don't say they are bar, they just remind me feel sad and scared for whatever reason) if it is beautifully written or recommended by many authors. I love books that are really cute, like children's book, but not too childish at the same time. Also I look forward to child friendly books or books that don't contain violence in general

[@jessie4341]

jolie not really though. When you’re apart of a Community you really love you don’t want to be left out. After seeing so many great things being said about a book of course you’ll want to pick them up and be apart of the community discussion. Plus their comment wasn’t really placing the blame on anyone and more of a “I got caught up in the excitement of popular books”

[@hamiltontrash9255]

@jolie I don't think it's about following I think it's kinda like missing out

[@jennaleesmith4038]

I feel the same way. I don’t have a channel but that didn’t stop me from wanting to read all of the popular books. I have recently rediscovered reading for myself and not to fit in. Doing this got me out of a really long reading slump. I also did an unhaul like this and now I am much happier looking at my shelves.

[@theajensen435]

@@jessie4341 yes precisely:) I really love booktube but I just need to kinda rediscover which books I like

[@victoria4]

My fave, I missed you! I can’t imagine the pressure that is pit on booktubers to just read like 5+ books a month. I read one book a month if I’m lucky.

[@annaan2873]

I did that, it's not okay. If I do read a book per week for like a month, then I stop for many more months. Like, too much information at once that needs to be gathered and thought about. I'm the queen of overthinking and overanalyzing so ...yeah... Read rarely if you want, it's more that okay 🤗😘

[@sameeksha4782]

@@annaan2873 I found my twin 🤓

[@nr48890]

That's what I've been saying!! The booktube community needs variety. I love books but most booktubers usually only read fantasy + ya. Excited to see what you put out now

[@Victoria-cm7yh]

Agreed! I always like finding BookTubers who read off the beaten track. The most popular channels seem to read all the same stuff and make the same kind of videos.

[@izerale3344]

I agree! indirectly booktube had made me read books that aren't really my type (ak.a. contemporary romance) but my biggest struggle is the pressure to finish books instead of enjoying them. 🙄 I'm still working on that

[@millie9814]

You know what? True. Taking longer than two days to read a book is not necessarily bad. For example, I took almost a year to read Um tempo entre costuras from María Dueñas and it was so good to read it like that. It felt more real, because the book tells a long story. I did not forget about it. I was busy and confused with many things. When I got back to the book after a few months of not reading it at all, in december, around the middle to the end, I felt more mature, just like the main character. I felt ready to finish it. Things like this can happen, I guess. I hope I communicated well, my main language is brazilian portuguese.

[@AClockworkReader]

hey, i love u 💛

[@tutdunsthemouse]

i love u hannah💞💞

[@bushraamir3263]

Yesss, I love you too, and im your subscriber

[@svet-td1pb]

this is the problem with society in general, we can't do things for ourselves, otherwise if we do it doesn't match the criteria.

[@ANGELina-sh3tx]

I love how you replaced the books you unhauled with kpop albums😂😂😂😂

[@wathonsmt]

the nctzen jumped out

[@Conjuringpages]

I can't believe I found this video. As a life long reader, English teacher and book fiend... I've always wanted to share and absorb more book community and content. Booktube and, in particular, bookstagram really warped my bookshelves too. Things I was passionate about weren't en vogue and I felt terrible about my self and shelf. I lost myself in trying to keep up... Thank you for this video. I needed it so badly.

[@palestblue]

I totally get it. I think for me it was also a lot about becoming a book collector instead of a reader. I have always loved reading so much, but booktube videos kind of influenced me to care more about what my shelves looked like, which versions of books I wanted to buy etc. And suddenly I found myself thinking more about a certain beautiful box-set and how to find it instead of thinking about the beautiful world of a book I was currently reading. That was just not for me, didn't make me happy, so I got rid of almost all of my books and now I read a lot more again and I am in love with stories once more ☺️

[@TheBookLeo]

I totally feel you on this one! I stopped uploading for almost two years because I didn't enjoy reading anymore, and just wanted to get back to that feeling of walking into a bookstore without having reviews flash through my mind at every title I see, or succumbing to consumerism. Now that I'm back, I don't really do bookhauls anymore. Just keep doing what you love, make videos about the books that you love, and you will eventually attract an audience whose preferences match up with yours!

[@madisonknott8567]

This is why I have issues with most of booktube. The book reviews where all the same and never books I would read

[@Saad_Drawings]

As a digital illustrator who draws whatever concept or theme he likes, I felt freedom in my paintings and that alone gave me a journey of self appreciation for art. Now that I’m starting to read more books. I just want to appreciate the books I pick without being influenced 80% of the time.

[@musicgirl6397]

ahh i loved this!! it's so important to read what YOU want and especially in the YA book community, it is so easy to forget that. i've been doing so much better with my book buying habits since i read marie kondo's book and realized i'm just keeping and buying so many things because they're supposed to be important to me, and they're not. it's so freeing to find those realizations about yourself and admit it and choose to make yourself happier! hope you begin reading more again for yourself, and if you'd like to share those stories with us, we'll be here to listen. ^_^ also, love the new k-pop shelf!

[@HaleyShealy15]

Oh hay Ashley! hahaha

[@musicgirl6397]

@@HaleyShealy15 omg hi haley!! 🤣

[@aniiperez3079]

Mary Kondo made me get rid of lots of books which didnt spark any joy anymore for me. I felt really bad, but now I embrace this kind of freedom (I also bought a kindle for new books that I find interesting or I'm curious about).

[@ThisIsNotInUseOkay]

A very important message! It’s so easy to get caught up in “what everyone is reading” rather than to focus on what YOU are most interested in. Booktube is a form of book recommendations online & it seems it just gets more & more focused on a certain type of book when that’s not necessarily what everyone wants to be reading. It’s good to pick up a popular, talked about book, but not all the time.

[@savannahgiron3052]

I felt this soooo much! I used to only buy books when I no longer had any unread books on my shelves. But I definitely went through a phase last year of just buying anything I saw get hype on bookstagram/booktube. I’m doing so much better this year and reading what I want. Go Ashley. Also, CABESWATER!!!

[@annaebe8101]

Oh god, this felt so genuine. As far as I love booktube for making me discover new books I really struggle finding book influencer I actually like. The other all looks the same, like same things and do the same video. So I end up following a relly few of them. Wellb now you are in that list. I recently crated a bookstagram account (I won't tell the name cuz I don't care~) because I want to share my passion and bring some different book the the table. Also, I'm italian and it's really sad seeing people reading only american/english author. Yes, we don't have a lot of good fantasy books, but I feel like some of them didn't even look for them.

[@Rie_Bot]

check out merphy napier....she covers multiple books of multiple genres and like covers whats good and bad about them..it sthe best channel on booktube for me ( i discovered a lot of books i really liked through her)

[@MicaTheGamer]

Love this! I’m on a journey to rediscover what I enjoy reading since finishing my English BA. SOOOO many books have been read out of force and it’s weird trying to simply just “enjoy” a book. I find myself getting stressed about finding a good essay topic mid-read when I don’t even have any classes to take or essays to write anymore! I hope everyone reads what makes them happy and/or keeps them up into the hours of the morning from not being able to stop ❤️❤️

[@louisity]

I read 25 books in 2019. I didn't feel like a failure. As much as I would love to read all the books that I add in my Goodreads list (which is almost anything), I don't feel obliged to read like 50+ books per year. I am interested in YA yet I am interested in books from other age groups. As an Asian BookTuber, I feel sad about Asians aren't popular. I know the numbers reflect still it makes me feel sad. This video plus other videos make me reflect and probably will create. P.S. even if you film literary fiction authors I would still watch your videos. Donna Tartt's books are sold a lot in the Philippines. Not much of a Haruki Murakami fan though, but he's popular in the Philippines. If you talk about Han Kang, I would love to hear your thoughts on books (gave you a Korean author). I have yet to read Viet Thanh Nguyen 's books but I would be interested seeing them in your book hauls. 📚😊

[@tokyochemist]

This video came up on my feed and I’m just bewildered by how you young booktubers get so caught up with trying to be like everyone else. Just be yourself. Do what you want. Read what you want. It’s really not that difficult a concept. Just have fun!

[@forever_quiinn1324]

This has been one thing that has actually kept me from starting a book tube channel As much as I would love too I know I don’t have the money or schedule to keep up with popular book demands as well as not really liking contemporary (a massive genre in book tube I have found) It’s been super disheartening.

[@totallyanonymousbish9599]

Moony _Really?! Agree so much!

[@arandomuser9459]

Yeah same. I might do my own version of those videos on my channel when I start it.

[@alkhemiaaugustine3764]

Same. I really want to start but it's so consumeristic it just intimidates me. And I no way have the money to keep up.

[@potatoejessica6753]

I'm glad that you are happier with your book collection now :) I know, at least for me, being able to look at a bookshelf filled with books I love, can really brighten up my mood

[@ChristyLou]

I feel this~ Sometimes I don't feel like a "real booktuber" because I don't make monthly wrap ups, and I don't read 100 books in year. I definatley have books on my shelf that I bought because people were talking about them. I don't even know what the books are about, I just...bought them. Read what you want and talk about what you want is the most important thing people can do on booktube~ (also I need that Cabeswater license plate!)

[@Mary-fy8qi]

Something I noticed on some channels that really shocked me was how some (a small majority but enough to be noticed) people got super offended that someone didn't like a book that they did or wasn't interested in ever reading it, and so that person would go on a raging tirade and act as if their entire being had been attacked. And seeing all of those videos where people have to give disclaimers for not liking a book or getting rid of it is just sad. People like different things and that's perfectly okay!

[@zoe_the_storydragon]

Yes give us all the manga rants!!!!! Or whatever else you want to post as long as you enjoy it, that is the main thing. It’s one of the reasons I found your channel and I stayed because I really enjoyed your videos in general. So glad you are so much happier about this, and am genuinely excited for what is now to come and see you fall in love with what you read again

[@BasicallyBrittx]

This was a really powerful video and as much as I don't like to admit it that it's true, this is also really true in my case. I'm going to a book swap soon which means that I'm going to unhaul some books and this really inspired me to look critically at all of my books and decide whether they still represent me as a person. Thanks for this videos, Ashley!

[@noraalbinus620]

This is amazing. I’ve always felt like every booktuber talked about the same books and never talked about anything different or something that represented their interests

[@lesliemonterroso2355]

i just want to say i completely understand!!! before going to college i was really into reading... so much so that i had shelves full of books, but as i got busy and time progressed i just stopped enjoying it as much as i used to. fast forward 4 years, 2 out of the 6 shelves i have are still full of books i love and WANT to read... but the rest of my shelves are full of kpop albums and haikyu manga (i’m really really new to manga lol) at the end of the day doing and having what you like is the most important! i’ve been subscribed to you for a long time now and i’m happy you’re doing you!!

[@thebookchronicles2494]

Shannon and I are so glad to see you back ! We hope your year so far has been good . We had cleaned our bookshelves as well as our tastes in books changed . Most important to read what you love 🥰. I am 45 and my tastes in books changed so much over time . I mainly like thrillers . Manga and adult fantasy. I used to read more middle grade . Anyway, Shannon and I love your heart and are so glad you are doing well . Congrats on your final semester of school ! We are so proud of you girl . Keep shining -Mel and Shannon

[@teddydingsdale]

Wasn't subscribed to you before and this video got recommended to me by KZbin. This is the most real and honest video I think I've ever seen on booktube, at least for a very long time. I'd love to hear you talk about books YOU find interesting as opposed to what's hype or trendy, bc to be honest, after one video about those books, I find them boring and repetitive. I'd love to hear about what you enjoy and maybe get some random recommendations out of it! Subbed, keep being honest girl :)

[@luh.renmoa29]

YASSS QUEEN it’s hard for me to get attached to booktubers these days bc all I’ve seen were the same books over and over again so it never felt genuine and I always wondered is that really a book that describes you? I’m so happy for u and that ur finding ur footing again in what makes u happy :))) KEEP GOIN GIRLY

[@caglabot]

i love watching two booktubers, kat and cindy. that’s all the connection i have to the booktube community but i see very clearly where you’re coming from. i completely agree with you. i can’t help but see all the books goodreads is recommending at the bookstore and go “maybe i should buy this because it’s so popular”. i stopped doing that recently. i’m very lucky to be a native turkish speaker, a language that has an amazing literary background. i tend to buy titles that interest me and tell the story of the society i grew up in. it’s so refreshing. i loved this video so much because it told me this exact story, so thanks 💖

[@afreen610]

I really loved this video and hearing your perspective of book tube! I also hate the pressure to burn through books so quickly. I enjoy taking like a week or sometimes even more per book to allow scenes and the writing to sink in, and it's also always been a form of escapism to me. But then seeing everyone else reading like 4 books per week made me feel pressured to read faster. Eventually it started to feel more like a burden than a passion.

[@Joharis]

Completely love this video! It's important to distance yourself and believe in what you're doing. Ultimately it's you wanting to fit in and you have to check yourself

[@teawarrior]

This is why I don’t watch much booktube anymore. Nor do I post much on bookstagram. I appreciate both for getting me back into reading but there was this level of “you have to read this” and “you have to do that” involved in it. It was exhausting. Just gonna read what I want to read and at my own pace ☺️ So glad I stumbled on your video 💖

[@saschaadrianaillustrates]

Ok THIS is what I've been experiencing lately. I'm going to clear out my shelves tomorrow and only show the books I truly love. Thank you.

[@mikaela__]

i’m not a booktuber, but i have been a viewer since around 2012, and i am so glad you and others are realizing this, bc the reason i stopped being interested in this community was because i grew up, and yet the booktubers i was familiar with were still reviewing cassandra clare books, there’s nothing wrong with young adult as a genre, my favorite series ever is the raven cycle, but it stopped feeling genuine when all these people that were growing up with me were still talking about the same type of books/authors they were interested in 5 years ago, i wanted to find out about books i haven’t heard of, and maybe some that weren’t about teenagers, and booktube just wasn’t giving me that at all, but recently i’ve gotten into the community again and i think now there’s a few booktubers here and there that do talk about books they are genuinely into, and that’s always 100% more interesting to watch, even if it’s a book i have no interest to pick up, than another soulless popular-ya-book-of-the-month review (unless it’s a ya book the person making the video is actually really passionate about, like i said)

[@ilargia_]

i love it when content creators finally come to the conclusion that this is their space and they can do what makes them happy, it’s a big step and it makes me proud of my choice to follow and support them! ash read what you like, dress how you want and just the true to yourself we will S U P P O R T 💜

[@jessiebetts7334]

i relate to this lots! despite not being a booktuber i often find myself feeling bad and inadequate because I rarely read “trendy” books on booktube. i have never read a leigh bardugo book. or sarah j maas. or a lot of other authors that are popular. i love classics, and travel books, and i’m getting into murakami. why is my reading any less worthy than anyone elses? i would love a more diverse book community where everyone just talks about what they love to read then it would be a better and more interesting community. lots of love to you 💗

[@ZzZivaReads]

This was so powerful, the truth of it honestly made me cry a little :D I love that you're rediscovering what you love, especially books, I hope taking a step back like this gives you a clearer perspective and maybe brings back your joy for reading

[@DjangoOvlidarLaFruita]

Great video! I'm not even a book tuber and I feel pressure from the community to read certain books just to feel like my opinion is valid. I'm glad you can now make videos you LOVE

[@loveFlash89]

Hi Ash. I love this video. You have voiced concerns I have with booktube as a viewer. I found myself watching people talk about books that were hyped and constantly showing off hauls. Books hauls only hold meaning to me if the books are going to be read, ya know? Sure we all have books that sit on our shelves for a couple of years but to buy and buy and buy...it's so materialistic. I sought out some more colorful folks and more diverse voices that aligned with how I've come into my own reading journey...and here you are :) You popped up on my recommended. Subbed and here for the good good. Thanks for the essay and the honesty.

[@adinamusrepova1447]

This video is honestly so relatable. I stopped reading as much as I sited to during the prime time of booktube and ever since I felt like total trash. I constantly looked at my bookshelf and felt guilt but at the same time I felt no connection with the books I felt were almost too “childish” for me now. This debate in my head made me so sad that I stopped reading all together. Now I’m slowly starting to read again and it feels so nice to know that other people go through that too

[@brightshineestar]

I’m so happy for you and there is no shame in reading 37 books. Be proud of the books you read. I hope you find your joy again for reading and about books you want to read. Sending lots of love.

[@HisNeverland]

I can relate so hard. When I discovered booktube I spent a lot of paychecks buying books hyped on booktube, and I've enkoyed about 20% of them :/ I'm so much happier now that I vet the books on my wishlist a bit more so I don't just buy books that are hyped on booktube, but books I actually want to read!

[@mybookishtravels]

The honesty and rawness of this video is 100% true.

[@katelinj7393]

Hi Ashley! I just wanna say I love your videos!! Also, my personal taste in books is closer to mainstream YA but that absolutely doesn't mean I don't want to hear people's thoughts on books outside of that! I'll still be around to watch your videos about books I've never heard of from genres I don't read from. And maybe something new will interest me! Keep it up (that is if you want to of course) xx

[@walkingintheairr]

As someone quite new to watching booktube, I would love to hear about those books you don't think anyone would be interested in hearing about. Sometimes it feels like there's an echo chamber of all the youtubers reading the same things, I want to hear something different. You do you, and well done for letting go of the things that aren't you x

[@mementosnorri]

I don't know your channel at all but I absolutely love this video you sound really smart. The pressure to read something that you didn't pick yourself takes away the pleasure of reading and we find ourselves procrastinating. This is what happened to me in grad school (or whatever it is called, I'm French)

[@nikki9808]

i remember when i found your channel the very first thing i noticed was your shelves. they’re so bright and lovely and seeing murakami was what solidified my love for your channel! it’s weird how this pressure comes down on us in all these different ways. but i know i’ll always watch what you put out because it makes you genuinely happy and therefore makes me happy too, and i’m pretty sure everyone else who’s subscribed feels the same 💗 also, this was SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING WOW 🥺

[@theelizaaguilar]

I think that other creators and readers can relate. I realized I was beginning to do this too in my first year and have made it a goal to include rereads of old faves, and more backlist titles to balance the popular releases I'm interested in. It helps to remember that you can like some books just because, or not like some even though it contains everything you normally like in a book. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@darkflamereads6416]

I hope that this unhaul and reset helps you enjoy reading again! Avoiding slumps in such an immersive community as booktube is quite difficult, at least I've found that, and it's awesome that you're finding your way out of some of that. I love how this video is put together, it's visually very lovely :)

[@graceescalante9276]

I agree with you so much. I felt like I let myself down when I didn’t meet my goodreads goal and it’s the 3 month into 2020 and still haven’t read a single book. I felt like I over exhausted myself with how many books I should be reading when I should read for fun and not a deadline. Thank you for speaking out about this and I fully support you. 🤎

[@GinaLuciaReads]

Oh gosh this hit hard. I've been feeling this recently. Trying to battle against the Booktube 'norm'. Not easy.

[@mandiconnell3311]

So true, I’ve been a lot more conscious of what I’ve been buying lately instead of just getting a book because it’s popular on the KZbins, and it’s so freeing ☺️ I just want to read what I want to read.

[@mondenkind8604]

This was oddly satisfying to watch. I really hope you'll be happier with your book collection now and can read more books that you really like🥺🥺 also totally unrelated, but your outfit in the video is so cute and I love your short hair, it suits you so well 🥺😍

[@magdelineadler4284]

This is very informative for me. I've recently begun looking for book recommendations on KZbin and have been sucked into the drama I never expected in the BookTube community.

[@reneelia]

damn this video really shows the pressure of trying to read into the popular books. Honestly I appreciate booktubers who do it for fun and read different and unique books that they WANT to read ♥️ great for unhauling and I hope you find your love of reading again!

[@fictionaldarling]

this came up in my recommended & i'm genuinely moved by how authentic you are and i hope this next year is filled with all books you love and are genuinely excited about reading 🖤 i love the idea of an unhaul, & this just inspired me to take a look at my own shelves and get rid of all the ones that don't feel like a curation of me... also, this vid is just so aesthetically shot & calming to watch!! i'm so glad the youtube algorithm popped you up in my feed!!

[@sugawarayournewsenpai1748]

It's beautiful how you have grown and come to a point where you are reading for yourself rather than your subscribers. Because,I myself love reading books and worship them and honestly I read my books when i feel like it! Don't pressure yourself for your content because it's not who you are, You do what you want to do because then you would enjoy the fantasy world of books. And please don't let this booktubes make you not love the books you truly feel into your soul. love your video on this topic! Thank you so much for sharing!💖

[@ShahrzadStories]

I'm on the verge of starting, super scared. Kept watching videos on how to start. Then your video came up... and GOSH i'm grateful. Thank you for your honest words. They just made me realize i didn't decide to start so i could impress others with unique editing tricks, etc. Right now, i'm not gonna watch more. I'm gonna finish my editing and post it right away.

[@rosam5949]

This video spoke to my soul, while I'm not a booktuber, I'm an aspiring illustrator and comic artist and lately I felt like the content I was putting out on Instagram didn't reflect me anymore, I was drawing what others expected good artists to draw and it was making me tired. So I archived all of my old drawings and started anew. It's sad to see this happening to others too but in a way we're all in this together :)

[@Horsefreakify]

I’m not even a booktuber and I feel this. I have been watching people in this community for the past year and I have never seen someone talk about the books I typically love to read. I have been listening to booktuber recommendations and buying those books and honestly hating a lot of them haha. I have no idea what to read now to get back to the books I love. Also I love Murakami, one of my favorite authors, and would love to hear you talk about him, it would be cool to hear something different from a booktuber ✌🏼

[@Mhangho]

yes yes and yes! I was part of the bookstagram community for the longest time and only recently deleted my account after the guilt of not posting enough which was the result of a book slump from books I just wasn't interested in! I have a book shelf full of untouched stories and yet I'm now content with the fact I haven't actually sat and finished a book in over a year, now I read when I WANT to, not when I HAVE to

[@dawncox4019]

Yes. I agree with your video so much. No matter the hype- if you wouldn’t usually buy it- don’t. I’ve also had to unhaul and archive kindle books. And yes I found that I’d forgotten the joy of just discovering a book in a shop. Another guide for me has become- if no one saw my goodreads and no one knew what I was reading or how much- would I still do it?

[@BrandonGuimond]

I think you hit on a topic that many people fall trap to. I understand that certain books are popular, but after a while, you start to see the same 6-8 books over, and over, and over again (If I see the book "Scythe" one more time, I'm going to scream), so I don't think you're alone in feeling this way. I applaud that you stepped up and made a video about this. I guarantee this will help other people that are in the same spot. Oh, and btw, I'd LOVE to see a video after what Manga you've read....Booktube is severely lacking in the Manga category!

[@nikolettapr]

I can totally understand your thoughts and even though I am not a Booktuber I watch a looot of booktube! It's true most of the Booktubers I follow talk about the same books but I do follow some smaller Booktubers which stick to a specific genre of their preference eg. Manga, thrillers and I always watch their videos because they are the only ones who talk about these books or recommend these genres! I wish you all the best! Keep doing what you do in the way that you would like to do it and you will find your way!! Hugs xx

[@ReeseRyanWrites]

I love this realization. Good for you, and thank you for sharing. Happy reading!

[@pucksandpaperbacks]

I was just saying this. I've been a Booktuber for 7 years and I read Contemporary books. Most channels that succeed focus on fantasy books and or popular books and that's how they accumulate a large following. The algorithm really favors that and it can be frustrating at times. Great video!!

[@evelynslibrary5712]

It's so nice that you made such a video! As someone that used to watch A LOT of booktube I've felt the same way and I now try to not be so influence by what and how much others read.

[@andreasreadingcorner7112]

I started Booktube and am feeling everything you described here and I’m revamping my channel. Never before have I related to a video more that made me tear up because of how much I feel out of something I loved so much. I’m trying to “recover” back to enjoying reading and stuff as usual. Glad to know we aren’t alone and I’m not the only one who feels Booktube can be toxic 💕

[@socialbianca]

lovely this! I've been watching so much booktube lately. I was writing my tbr and realized most books I had on there, weren't books I picked for myself. I trashed the list, and have been taking this month slow. hope all is well!

[@dafutureempress]

This was such a cool video, and I totally understand what you were saying about being the norm of a typical booktuber. Whatever content you want to put out, or whatever books you want to read, it's all yours and the right followers will find you/stay with you~

[@JasReads]

Thank you for making this video!! I totally relate to reading books for other people/booktube instead of for myself. I love that your taking charge and unhauling all the books that don’t feel like you! I really appreciate this video Ashley! 💕

[@hannahsnow5307]

This is so true and as a 21 year old viewer I am sick of book tube being about YA books, I love it when book tubers recommend books that I would never have heard of otherwise. Make what you want to and we will still watch because at least it will be different.

[@xiomyra1]

This was me a few years ago. I would be on booktube and read what was hot at the time or just buy the book just to have it. Meanwhile I would read otger books that I found interesting and see them nowhere on book tube. I ended up reading less moving on from that section of youtube. This is a great video! Keep it up Nctzen 💚💚💚

[@twirlingpages]

i love this and am excited for your new shelf 🥺 WE LOVE DOING THINGS FOR OURSELF PRIORITIZE YOU !!!!

[@hisaff]

I just came across your channel from this video and I love the sentiment! All the books you talked about liking yourself (the Murakami's etc.) I would love to see videos about!

[@kenmakozume9930]

lot´s of love and apreciation for youself and your decision 🤍 that´s the right way. Reading is something personal so i totally agree with all of your points 💛

[@teastojanovska]

This was beautiful and inspiring. So very true. I started noticing the same type of shelves and exactly the same books everywhere. It seemed like one big community for a very limited theme of books. But i'm glad somebody expressed it in a coherent and understanding way.

[@天恩-m1y]

actually i really loved what you said here. I'm not apart of the booktube community but recently I've been paying more attention to alot of the more popular books with good reviews and ratings, but not really enjoying them as much :')

[@lunarbeam7764]

i totally understand this. i found myself feeling like pure shit about not being able to read like other readers but, i realized that by doing that...i spoil how fun reading is for me. its about enjoying it + getting lost in the different worlds. i like to write reviews to engage with other people about these great books.

[@BashHarryofficial]

Even though I’m not a part of the book tube community, I relate to this so much. Both as a reader and Beauty KZbinr, cause I read for fun but I make videos about beauty which pulled me down cause I felt like it was trying to be everyone else. Hope you’re okay babe ❤️

[@Miakoda00]

Most interesting video from a booktuber I’ve watched so far. This is why I gave up my book blog because I was asked to read and review all these books from publishers that I couldn’t stand to read “just for the internet”. Well made video and please read the books that you like and enjoy your life!

[@asmrbeezzzz756]

It is just all about how much you let other people to change you. It is normal and it happens all the time. Great for you that you stepped out of the "main river" and went back to your own style. Wish u many many enjoyable chapters! ❤️

[@nefaryous1427]

I'm genuinely intrigued in what manga you read and anything about Murakami because I'm thinking of purchasing my first book by him. ALSO I love your style! Booktube will 'get to you' only as much as you allow it, never read for others.

[@emveereads7652]

I love this! I get all my books from the library so I dont have a fancy bookshelf in the background of my booktube videos. I also talk about different books and webtoon comics. Although I'm still new, I've recently had the thought that i should read newer things so maybe i can get a few more views, but i normally read whatever sparks my interest at the time. I also can't read too many books especially if I'm in a nonfiction phase which I have been recently because it doesn't sink in if i feel like i have to read it quickly. Anyway, this was a really refreshing video! I'm new to your channel but will subscribe! 💜 Happy reading!!

[@WithLoveFeli]

I love this! Such an important topic that so many youtubers don't seem to talk about

[@howrrahamed1727]

I love this I’m so glad u are making decisions that will make u happy. Thanks for having the courage to post this. Ur courageousness inspires me and I’m sure other ppl as well.

[@kristinreads5192]

When I began booktube I started reading way less books. I have taken these past two and a half months off and my reading have been thriving (I am on book 20 for this year right now, crazy!!!). I am reading exactly what I want and it is amazing. I understand that it is hard for you as you are a successful booktuber (and one of my absolute favorites), but I felt that as well, wanting to read books people would care to watch me talk about. It's really hard to not care about numbers, I definitely did, and it hurt my conference A LOT! But right now I am just happy that I am reading, even tho I am outside if the booktube community.

[@andrea-up1qf]

I remember getting books bc so many booktubers recommended them and more than half were just not what I expected or many so claimed to be.I mainly got into manga because of you/your channel! I’m so glad you’re back! 🤍

[@BonoloMatjila]

I love this. So authentic and honest. The world has so much space for real - real people, real opinions, real interests. I hope you find joy in rediscovering the real you✨

[@mirandamassey9820]

I respect this so, so much. Please! Be yourself. It is so much more interesting. I’m always looking for booktubers who aren’t reading what everyone else is reading. I find myself fast forwarding through all the books that show up on everyone else’s channel. Most of the time I’m not interested. I miss the days of browsing through my local friends of the library and NOT scanning every book to see what everyone else rates it on Goodreads. Why can’t we just read what sparks our own interest? I relate to this so much. Thank you for a very thought provoking message.

[@DebbieChristina]

A really inspiring video! You are right, read for yourself and what you want to read. I recently did an unhaul as well. When I first discovered Booktube I felt like I was already 10 years behind with the books I had read at the time. I wanted all the books the Booktubers had so I could talk about them with them, so I would fit in. I started out with a blog, I was reading the things people were talking about and in the process I picked up a bunch of books I either didn't really enjoy or I never would read. Over the years I learned to care less about others and do/read what I want to do, the unhaul I did was the last step. I got rid of all the books I did feel like reading or I wouldn't reread, so only books I really enjoyed and wanted to read stayed on my shelves.

[@Astarothiart]

You're really cool and I'm down to hear about your manga/graphic novels or anything else you decide to read! It's nice when it's not just the norm, people can come and find new exciting things. 💖

[@itszoway22]

This video is amazing! I am so happy someone addressed this about book tube because everything you said is absolutely true from my experience watching and following booktube. Truly a unique, real, and beautiful video!