🍵 problematic booktubers, shady sponsorships, & my honest thoughts | booktube real talk tag

[@321busted]

I love how books are supposed to be an escape from reality--for most--and be happy and joyful, but there is always some hot tea happening in the community. Like people chill.

[@withcindy]

Because nerds have pent up rage and have to lash it out after high school

[@mediocre.cosplays4500]

@@withcindy honestly me too

[@andromedasignage]

"oH mY gOd DiD yOu SeE BiLLy? hE aCtUaLLy LiKeD **insert trash romance novel here** ."

[@valdish9620]

Have you tried getting involved in the gaming community?

[@tosheatower]

People are different with different opinions, it doesn't matter if you love books, horses, cheese or Jesus. No community is ever going to have everyone get along and be good and supportive. Just watching this video, I was thinking how I don't agree with her on someone pointing out that he is ''different'' because as a man in my 30s I also often feel like booktube doesn't speak to me because in fact, it really is mostly women in their 20s review YA and fantasy... so how to get consensus when people inherently feel and think differently.

[@throneofpages]

"i just wanted to talk about six of crows" big mood

[@withcindy]

That's all I wanted 😭

[@oscarfun100]

Just bought that book! It was published in my country a few weeks ago :)

[@throneofpages]

Gábor Vág get ready for your life to change

[@oscarfun100]

@@throneofpages That sounds awesome. But first I have to finish this thriller titled Friend Request. It's a Facebook thriller. LOL.

[@evies.1018]

Gábor Vág And get ready to cry

[@CAHurst-uy9uz]

I must be the most naive bookworm out there, because I had no idea the community could get so...feisty.

[@withcindy]

it's embarrassing TBH. be glad ur missing out

[@Parrot5884]

Same! I thought booktube would be the most chill community out there, but nope. It's like a niche version of the beauty community.

[@talkingtoawall5123]

Me neither

[@pearlgirl5643]

It’s super catty from what I’ve seen

[@kamilleferrer1061]

Sameeee

[@CodiesBookCorner]

“Some depressed girl who wanted to talk about books” dude same.

[@withcindy]

that's what unites us together!

[@evies.1018]

Mood

[@beepboop9976]

I think to anybody who’s not on booktube, only reading library books is completely normal...but for booktube as a whole the norm has become owning a wall sized bookshelf full of hard copies. That’s not a problem, but to a lot of people it’s just not attainable. I have a shelf full of my favourites and that’s it, but I would LOVE an entire library of books in my house

[@withcindy]

it's strange how that has become the norm on booktube, which goes to show much of a bubble we live in lol

[@evies.1018]

I’d love to have a ton of books like that, and I do have a pretty good amount, but my room isn’t super big and I don’t have room for millions of books in my house. I always see people doing these huge hauls and unhauls and it’s just so hard for me to understand why you would keep so many books you didn’t like, or buy like 10 new books a month.

[@beepboop9976]

Enfys Best I don’t understand that either, but each to their own. I still enjoy watching some of them

[@avasisx]

I want a library or a wall of books but realistically I wouldn't be able to fill it

[@patriciatamara3028]

Im torn in the middle. I would love to have a wall covered in books, but I also can't keep books I don't genuinely love. I wouldn't want someone to come over and see a bookcase full of 2star books. Im constantly getting books, but I'm also constantly getting rid of books I don't LOVE.

[@Memodeth]

“If you are a KZbinr, you’re probably unstable anyway.” Now I truely know I belong here.

[@withcindy]

me too lmao

[@Zach-bt2ky]

Memodeth Books this man talks about books for a hobby and cannot even spell the word “truly”

[@Memodeth]

Zach and you know how to spell “truly” correctly, but can’t even talk about books as a hobby. Truly though, cut me some slack, it’s not my native language, I’m trying here. Also, thanks for bringing this comment back to my attention. I didn’t realize it got 900 likes! Thanks everyone!

[@ggundercover3681]

@@Zach-bt2ky anddddddd this is why you don't come off rude and condescending to someone who makes simple spelling mistakes on KZbin or any social media platform. the world doesn't revolve around only native English speakers. what you did here was potentially shatter someone's confidence but luckily this person is smart enough to know they are doing a good job. Furthermore, this is social media. It's informal so even native English speakers don't care to spell correctly and punctuate. it's like texting. where do you get off of your assumption of someone's abilities because they spelt one word wrong. please remember this for the future. if you want to correct someone, ensure you come off as a really nice person with good intentions. if anything, it may be helpful for ppl who aren't native if you gently correct them so that they can improve and not feel like crap at the same time. cheers!

[@beepboop9976]

‘You can simply exist and let other people exist without this need for comparison’ I love that

[@withcindy]

who woulda thought?!

[@blacklez]

EXACTLY THIS

[@cheesecakelasagna]

This mentality is so rampant in the music fandom, both the big and the niche ones. Smh.

[@lauram3440]

"I'm probably being paid the same amount as a part time mcdonalds employee." As a part time mcdonalds employee I'm now considering a change in job...

[@itsmist-er]

What's wrong with the library? I keep hearing so many people get upset about this and I'm sorry, Karen, but I just don't have the money or space to buy every book, including ones I haven't read and may not like. I'm not saying that Cindy was insulting library use, but other booktubers do.

[@poofer3878]

DeadAccount I don't buy books until I've read them and I know I like them. I have so many unread books I paid full price for from awhile back like sis...that was several coffees right there

[@zaydenelliot9339]

I really don't understand this mindset either. I have a pretty extensive book collection, but I also spend a lot of time at my local library and read library books very often. I absolutely adore just wandering the shelves at the library and stumbling upon books i've never heard of and diving in with no pretext or expectation. I've found some of my most beloved books this way and picked up so many books I never would have if I spent more time in book stores as opposed to libraries. Also, I believe in supporting libraries because they provide so many services for the community beyond just borrowing books. They have so much more value for communities than people realize and I am all about supporting their success by utilizing their services.

[@vaishvi1762]

also the good thing with libraries is that you can read a book you think is interesting and then it doesnt live up to your expectations you can just return it without spending a lot of money and if u truly enjoy it u can buy your copy. it just helps not regretting over buying books that you ended up hating or not enjoying and just helps save money

[@aishaarshadalam3412]

I just use the library. If there's a book I absolutely love then I'll buy it maybe after I first read it in the library. Books are expensive. Also I don't have space in my room for a shelf of books.

[@biie.0431]

I dont go to the library because I like to read in English, and with me being from an Eastern European country, i won t have any luck finding what I want, especially some new releases. So I have to buy books, and books in English are even more expensive,like 50 bucks or even more sometimes, but I have a scholarship so I manage. I might be able to find classics in other languages, most likely French, but I took German from 5th to 12th grade, so again, no luck there. It would be so nice if I could actually use the library, but alas, only went there for the books I needed in high school that I didn't already have at home.

[@kayleigh6236]

So...I always feel like I am not a "real reader" because people will ask me about my book collection and I only own like...5 books. I almost exclusively read library books..not just library books but e-books I have borrowed from the library. I have read hundreds if not thousands of books and can wax poetic about archetypes and tropes but I still feel like an imposter when it comes down to it. I am gonna hop on over and watch your consumerism video now....

[@kingshark8795]

Bruh I thought you had said communism instead of consumerism.

[@luthientinuviel101]

same, I feel like people only consider people real readers when they have a ton of books on their bookshelves

[@bellac6311]

@@luthientinuviel101 honestly, i wish i could only read library books, but imma need to sort out my hoarding issues first lol...slowly going bankrupt.... 😂

[@steinistein8611]

I started with goodreads so I could keep track of the books I read. Makes it feel like a library in my head :)

[@anacpereira5]

A book collection is not everything - I have a friend that loves reading, but doesn't own books, she only has ebooks and she has read hundreds! Just because you don't own them doesn't mean you aren't a reader, and certainly doesn't mean that you don't love reading! Plus, it's expensive to buy books xD (I always buy them, because I can't focus reading online, and I love having the physical copy, but I'm going bankrupt with that xD)

[@raedoroteo2225]

Cindy with a thirty minute video?????? WE ARE BLESSED, MY CROPS ARE WATERED, MY SKIN IS CLEAR?????

[@withcindy]

At this point I envy those who can keep their videos below 20 minutes

[@yuustay8459]

Some booktuber: Omg I‘m so different than the rest?? 10,000 other booktubers: *gasp* Oh omg same

[@withcindy]

LOL

[@preets2024]

😂

[@alexandracampos4950]

If any sponsors are reading Cindy's chaotic comments, GIVE HER YOUR MONEY. I just want her to get the coin she deserves. And that's the that on that.

[@withcindy]

omg thank u sis !!!

[@charliegaines5732]

“All I care about is the money. So if you don’t wanna give me the f***ing money, I don’t care.” Ur sense of humor is too much, bc ur so honest.

[@withcindy]

it's best to be straightforward!

[@charliegaines5732]

readwithcindy ur my new favorite book tuner just bc of how funny u are. Thanks for making my day ❤️

[@sarawithoutanH]

"don't hate the player, hate the game" couldn't agree more. we love a well-spoken queen!

[@withcindy]

glad you agree!! i think its just easier to resent an individual rather than consider something more complex like a system that's already not equally set out for everyone

[@sjmarga]

i love her travel vlogs and wrap-ups but the long chat videos are just... god tier

[@withcindy]

Maybe I'll make more 👀?

[@sjmarga]

@@withcindy you'd be blessing all your subscribers (so yes please do)

[@BlondeBooks]

The C in Cindy stands for Coin This video was so thought provoking, and you did a great job with it!

[@withcindy]

thank you angela

[@thatskai3070]

Coin in Natasha’s damn satchel C. I. N. D. Y

[@agentkurt]

“You can choose who to watch” I choose Cindy. ✌🏻

[@withcindy]

I'm honored

[@user-pm1gb2eo1s]

Thanks Rysand

[@RetrievingBooks]

I can’t imagine having the balls/ lack of sense to just try to make friendships on the basis of gaining something other than a positive interpersonal relationship. Like reaching out to someone just for clout? A) my social anxiety is quaking and b) how entitled

[@withcindy]

Some people have no shame SMH

[@entiretinofsweetcorn7025]

If someone is entitled that means they actually do have a right to claim that thing they are entitled to. I think you and everyone else who uses the word wrongly mean to say "sense of entitlement", but of course that's not sufficiently quick or punchy to deal damage to someone's image, and so doesn't get used in the absolute cesspit that is women and feminine men criticising something online.

[@therealfirelord3359]

@@entiretinofsweetcorn7025 1. The evolution of colloquial language does not indicate a lack of intelligence, literacy, or concrete knowledge. 2. "Women and feminine men" are not unintelligent or illiterate by default. 3. Nitpicking casual comments online, and then blaming what you view as a misuse of language (which isn't all that serious) on femininity alone, doesn't gain you any brownie points. 4. "Wrongly" isn't a word.

[@samiraansari5686]

Kylie Chappel God, I think I love you based on that comment alone. Please marry me?

[@therealfirelord3359]

@@samiraansari5686 Meet me in Vegas lol

[@madisonstarr9615]

“I’m the only nerd in my social circle who actually reads books” This was me until I met these two guy and we became friends because we’re all very avid readers!

[@rosebud8222]

I once had friends who read English books.. I’m now living in another country where no one reads English books so I’m all alone again

[@emmisirpale]

" You don't owe your time or energy to anyone. " 👏

[@withcindy]

Words to live by!

[@emmisirpale]

@@withcindy your boss-attitude is to live by! 👌

[@Agentmg17]

I like TBRs, unhauls, and bookshelf tours, because I'm a writer and it gives me an idea of 1) what's on the market 2) what my ideal audience is reading and thinking 3) what trends are coming or going 4) etc, it's good research Also, some folk's voices are soothing. I'll have it playing in the background.

[@withcindy]

That's a good point!

[@Alexandra-ff4tw]

when i first came to the book side of youtube (and twitter) i thought it would be the most chill of communities because the topic at hand is books but i could not be more mistaken, im convinced people just like the drama (and not just in books)

[@withcindy]

i feel like there must be some sociological reason that maybe majority of booktube and book twitter were isolated and emotionally stunted growing up and now that there's a drop of clout they can get in their adult lives they're basing their self esteem on numbers or social justice issues, which ultimately leads to nerds projecting onto other nerds

[@Harry-cy5vz]

@@withcindy that's a lot, but probably true

[@JeantheSecond]

readwithcindy I think it’s just a human thing. I’ve seen the same kinds of drama in every community I’ve been remotely associated with.

[@SixMinutesForMe]

I found your channel via your consumerism video, and I really enjoyed it! I love that you promote libraries, and totally agree it’s sad that this is seen as an outlier position (to solely read from libraries). And your comments about just letting your content speak for itself really resonate with me, I think there’s so much room for everyone to share their views and no need to put others down. Thanks so much for this video!

[@withcindy]

yes exactly, just be yourself and the rest will follow. no need to be shady towards others lol

[@Lady-parfait]

"..Not that I have any Morals," "...I'm only here for the money okay?"

[@withcindy]

just keeping it real here

[@tj5087]

I actually don’t agree with the notion of “don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Yes, the “game” can be corrupt; however, if “players” are aware of the corruption and discrimination of the game and they agree to be a participant in that game, the player is also responsible to contributing to the negative impact of the game.

[@Anna-md5nc]

KZbinrs who claim they had no idea a sponsor was shady after being called out quiver in fear of Cindy's ability to Google company names

[@nukhbahsany9712]

I’m actually impressed with the energy that this community possessed. I thought this was only about reading a book whilst sitting/lying around-literally exerted the least amount of energy to do the job.

[@withcindy]

it's all pent up inside of us!!

[@ELFNY]

I like the idea of bookshelf tours but have found they're mostly just the same YA and Middle Grade bestsellers over and over again.

[@withcindy]

maybe you havent found the right people! lots of smaller channels on here read other genres.

[@matthewdeancole]

Or The racist implications of Carve The Mark weren't really there and those that labeled the book as racist were reaching at best and started a fake controversy.

[@jasmineburgos8657]

i rarely comment on videos but i felt it was necessary because the kermit the frog meme destroyed me

[@satvikapanyam9923]

I’m a middle class Indian girl. In India usually parents support their kids financially for as long as they need. So it’s very common for parents to pay for college and literally everything else as well, most of the parents do that even after their kids are capable of supporting themselves. For example, my parents pay for everything for me and currently I’m in college and it’s a design college so naturally it’s very expensive to a point that if my parents won’t be able to afford to pay for a semester because they are also paying for my sisters school, then my mom loans money from my grandmother. I don’t live in a joint family but I do have a huge extended family and a few of them would help us financially if we need it. Its an amazing thing but it can also get negative if there is some money issue within our relatives.. it can ruin relationships. I grew up seeing all of this and it has made me conscious with spending money. I don’t get pocket money, if I need to buy something all I have to do it ask my parents. I see my parents struggling to pay my fees in this pandemic and trying to get ends meet. I don’t think they have even thought about saving up for their retirement because they don’t have that kinda money to save. And honestly they don’t need to think about it either because when I’ll start earning I’ll obviously support my parents financially for the rest of their lives, it’s not seen as paying back the money, it’s more like supporting your family when they can’t/don’t need to support themselves. So I’ve never bought make up, skin care, books, anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. I’m not saying that I’ve done something great, all I’m saying is that it’s the kind of lifestyle that a lot of Indians live. So when I initially got a gist of book tube I was a bit jealous of people who had a wall full of bookshelves and books filled in it. I’m from a small town so there isn’t a good bookstore or even a proper library here for me to get books from. There are several bookstores but they only sell school books. That’s one of the reason I never read a novel, but one day a friend sent me a pdf of a John green book and asked me to read it coz he loved it. And I was like, bruh where did you get it from? And he told me that a lot of books are easily available online for free. And that’s true literally every book I’ve read is downloaded from online. I am one of those people who wants a huge book collection… like at least the books that I really love so I can someday pass it down to my kids as heirloom but I don’t got the money so I’ll have to wait until I start earning. Now literally most of the books are available online for free in pdf or ePub format and i know that reading those means that I’m not supporting the author and I shouldn’t do this. But like… it’s very common in India to get pirated movies and series and stuff so… I sort of stuffed my guilt away. Because I don’t reread books so honestly I don’t see a point in buying them other than just for the sake of it. And I’m a cheap ho, if I get something for free I’ll take it. But I also feel horrible. But at the same time I don’t…. I don’t even know what was the point of writing this comment was. Also, even if I buy books, I got no place to store them. I live in a 2bhk apartment with my parents and my sister. We don’t even know what privacy is. So I guess when we consider everything then at the end of the day I don’t really feel that bad for illegally reading books 🙂

[@satvikapanyam9923]

@@KHT586 I completely forgot about this comment 😅. Now I’m just embarrassed about this lol. Thank you for understanding tho.

[@clarity_art]

Wigs? Snatched. Tea? Hot. Cindy? Queen. BookTube? Exposed. Us? Shook. Hotel? Trivago.

[@withcindy]

everyone? canceled

[@evies.1018]

Cindy? A queen

[@noriakikakyoin8587]

@@withcindy Don't get my hopes up please

[@abigailruiz8612]

Cindy told sponsorships “if you ain’t talkin money, I don’t wanna talk”

[@lilymcallister9751]

I just donated 30 years of books to my local library to use or sell. I don't even know how many I had accumulated but it shocked me when I saw them boxed up. So now I have a room that I used as my "awesome library" converted into a nice little mediation space. It was a hard decision but I am so happy I made that choice. I have about 40 books left that are personal to me. All of the others exist inside my kindle or audible now. I can take that "awesome library" with me, increase the font size to gigantic, and what is not to love about that? Lol

[@avasisx]

Can't believe booktube has drama, I need to follow people on Twitter to keep up

[@withcindy]

it gets TIRING lol

[@TuberoseKisser]

I'm absolutely fascinated by the fact that a "community" about books is more nutty and petty than the beauty "community".

[@eviemelona]

"While we're talking about sponsorships..." I really thought you were gonna say this video was sponsored. 😂

[@withcindy]

haha i did consider making this video sponsored but decided that would be too meta

[@loveandcupcakes100]

I feel weary when it comes to booktubers because I feel like there are a lot of them who don’t seem completely honest with their opinions. What I mean is every book they’ve read is “sooooo good! Perfect! Omg I loved it!” And there’s nothing wrong with loving a story, I just don’t often hear them give a critique or weigh out some weak points with the story and it makes me feel like they’re afraid to criticize something. I get it though. I think when it comes to reviewing books or movies (as opposed to products) people automatically think if there’s something about it you dislike, you hate it and it’s problematic and everyone should be ashamed for liking it when all it means is they think the story could have happened differently if the writer put some attention in that detail. I think that’s why I like listening to readers who aren’t afraid to tease or make fun of some of the books I like (I mean as long as they’re not mean about it). It means they’ve read something and interpreted it differently and maybe tell me something I might have missed or even tell me something new about myself as a reader.

[@krys9463]

As soon as you mentioned this one booktuber and how they admitted they were homophobic, an ad popped up and it was advertising this webcomic called Vampire Heart, which is about a gay vampire. These ads are annoying but I love their timing sometimes XD

[@HeyAriana]

15:30 so relatable. Been in this place so many times and it’s so hard for me to say no when I can clearly see they only want the clout. Love you! New sub!

[@Elena-tz9ev]

Watching this when i have just let my classmate copy my lines of code that i took hours to write just bc she asked for it. Shouldnt have dont that!!!!

[@amandaoregan5894]

I have been dying inside to make a booktube and watched so many videos on how you should have that big white shelf with fairy lights and 100000 books on it. So I haven’t .... which sucks but I feel intimidated by that. I own a ton of books but I just don’t have that kind of set up or the room for it...

[@mollyrose4462]

We need more natural booktubers! I’d love to watch content that is focused on quality over quantity and more moral. You don’t need a huge setup to make great content ❣️

[@tayashokkerwrites]

"You don't owe anybody your time or energy." Preach. Yes Cindy!!!

[@rzawilski]

“KZbin gets shook whenever people spend their money reasonably” So true! 😂

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

As someone who legit had a problem with telling people “no” and whose best friend spent an entire YEAR asking her to do the most INANE things until “No” became second nature (I am FOREVER grateful that I met her when I got into Uni, cuz my life would have been totally and completely different), I legit love you EVEN more for pointing out the fact that it is our time and energy and we should put ourselves first. Also, I love how you have set rules in place to help you with deciding which sponsorships you decide to go with. Whenever I do hit the numbers where sponsors would deign to reach out to me and ask if I am interested in getting sponsored, I would have my own list in hand to decide if it’s worth. Now all that’s left is to actually make a list! Catch me procrastinating and not doing it for another YEAR!! Fjfjfjfjfjfj 🤣🤣🤣. Great video as always Cindy. And once again, I LOVE YOU!!! 🤗🤗🤗

[@withcindy]

aww noria! im so glad that you learned to prioritize yourself more!! and i cant wait for you to start making your COIN as you righteously deserve!!

[@ChroniclesofNoria]

readwithcindy 🤗🤗🤗😭😭😭😭

[@mluizaavila]

honestly? i feel educated after this video, thank you queen

[@withcindy]

I'm glad I could help!

[@roseredmayne]

I have been in a similar situation. I was in a creative writing group and I wanted to join because I am an aspiring writer and a huge reader. I was so excited to enter college and meet friends who can relate to me. The club stopped being fun when people tried to kiss certain people's asses and not actually collaborate and critique like I expected us to do. People, a group of diversity (many lgbtqia, an enby person, the majority was poc), was incredibly close minded and made my passion feel like a job and made it not enjoyable anymore. It was sad. But I still read, write and have met people who are similar to me but sadly 0 or the writing club members have contacted me since. I'm kinda happy about that.

[@unsunghero1446]

"Most people are illiterate and don't read books." That's a sub from me😂

[@Katspearl]

My favorite thing about you is that you don't take yourself too seriously and you have an awareness about who you are and how your platform works. I always love hearing you talk

[@molekyyli]

If I ever wrote a book, I'd honestly appreciate review from somebody as critical as you - to highlight weak spots etc. and make it then better. :P (I'm serious.)

[@SoaringElk123]

I just realized this like the third or fourth time I have stayed up till one in the morning watching your vids and ColeyDoesThings's vids.

[@MonicaMakesOne]

It's much better to have bookshelves full of books you love. For that reason, I always borrow books from the library and if I love the book, only THEN will I buy it :D

[@sherinmanamel5438]

What a wholesome video 😂❤️ “I’m only here for the money.”

[@PhoenixRiseinFlame]

“Most people are illiterate and don’t read books” Boy, that’s the true!

[@_Mike.85]

So glad I found your channel. You're easily my new favourite booktuber. You're not a grifter, you don't buy into hyped booktok trash, you're actually critical and you're funny as fuck! GET THAT COIN!

[@Aimlesslytash]

This honestly felt like I had a 30-minute convo with you while I put on my makeup. Also " I just wanted to talk about six of crows" needs to be a tshirt because #mood.

[@withcindy]

glad u enjoyed!

[@suzpls]

“Don’t forget to unsubscribe from this channel” Me brushing my teeth: whet

[@withcindy]

i didnt stutter

[@ICTmamaB]

lol but why though?

[@antoniobabliku]

"Not because I have, like, morals or whatever" A MOOD!

[@cristianj.3678]

A 30 min video?! You are blessing us again Cindy! I'm quaking! I'm deceased! I'm snatched! and I'm having a stroke!

[@withcindy]

sis are u OK

[@hello79712]

everyone else: mayhem me who’s been gone from the platform for 1.5 years: what just happened???

[@withcindy]

God I wish that were me

[@elizabethreads0312]

I don't believe that the issue with Carve the Mark was a problem of racism but rather an issue of social justice warriors who jump on the bandwagon without fully educating themselves on this issue. You should check out the video Francina Simone did titled 😱 Carve The Mark The Controversy 🤭 | Discussion. She made the video after she read the book and is a minority herself and I found it to be an eye opening video for me personally when she made it a few years ago. I loved you discussion about the merky waters of sponships. Great video can't wait to watch your follow up.

[@withcindy]

good to know, thanks!

[@therealfirelord3359]

Thank you for mentioning that video. When Cindy mentioned the controversey I was really concerned because I adore Veronica Roth, but Francine's explanation really cleared things up. It's crazy how one lie, one article can cause a hive mind mentality in a community and completely demolish a book and an author. Of course, after hearing about all this, I'm even more interested in reading the book for myself haha.

[@elizabethreads0312]

Kylie Chappel I would call it a lie but it was one persons misguided or ignorant opinion. It’s something that has been running rampant in booktube and more so on book twitter. I made a video about an experience I had this summer and how one persons tweet had negative effects on me. I think it’s okay to be passionate but I think we all need to be careful with social media because it’s so easy for just one tweet or video to really impact someone.

[@lizziefrancis7915]

I loved that book, I loved that the main character had chronic pain and was still a bad ass. As someone with chronic pain it really made me happy.

[@The_Open_Book]

Love the honest talk. I haven't watched enough of your videos but so far I've appreciated the genuine commentary, it's a lot easier to absorb and learn from because there's no filter in my brain going "okay, how scripted was that advice though". Collabs and sponsorship deals do seem sketchier now but it's better to be aware of the implications of getting involved before doing it :)

[@eboniestevenson231]

Cindy...you JUST don't know how much you have saved me mentally and financially. You have saved me from spending SO much money on bullshit books that other booktubers have swore was highly recommended. And let me tell you...I haven't paid full price on a book since I learned how to read. So to hell with everything else Cindy I love your ass!! You are real, down to earth, witty, professional, sincere, funny, and pretty much me if I was born Asian.🤷😁

[@SecretConceit]

Re: Sponsorships and making money: “Best revenge is your paper” has been my mantra lately.

[@withcindy]

That's a good one!

[@Mel-me9sw]

You truly are such a charming person, Cindy! You always say you don't know why ppl like you, but you have a really natural charm and you're very relatable!

[@withcindy]

thank you! i think there are def people who get annoyed by me but that's okay because it's not like im forcing them to watch my videos lol. i appreciate your support

[@Mel-me9sw]

@@withcindy 💜

[@DennisQLy-qx2em]

I just discovered you last night and already watched like 6 videos. I’m obsessed. You’re funny and blunt, and you cuss a lot 😅

[@withcindy]

thanks for being here!!

[@andreeab7003]

OMG SPILL THE TEA I'M HERE FOR IT

[@withcindy]

🍵🍵🍵🍵

[@nycpizzarat]

It's always interesting when you make these real talk videos. I really enjoy watching you share your views this way, and I always learn something from them so thank you! ❤️

[@withcindy]

thank you! Im glad you found it interesting :)

[@dearartms]

"not that I have any morals or something" 🤣 queen

[@withcindy]

I had to make that clear

[@carolinedanielson1031]

"looking like a 12 year old skrillex" DYING

[@graybow2255]

What struck me about you is your good English, enunciation and presentation, which I find missing in many KZbinrs. (English isn't my first language).

[@GavinReadsItAll]

“She ain’t shit” genuinely love the raw honesty, like we seriously need this ❤️ love love love you!

[@withcindy]

thank you gavin!

[@bettyreads222]

"You don't owe anyone your time or your energy." Preach.

[@withcindy]

Always a good reminder!!

[@LisaOfTroy]

So glad that I found another Booktuber who does not have a giant bookcase behind them! I usually donate almost all of my books to the library. Personally, I feel guilty if I have a bunch of books on the shelf collecting dust knowing that there are 20-30 holds on that book at the library.

[@rainepanda]

The way you approach sponsorships in a way that they benefit other people is super smart. I wish more people did stuff like that

[@Readingwithabawse]

I’m the only nerd in my group who reads books #relatable

[@withcindy]

same

[@ellie2590]

I agree with the consumerism aspect of book tube. Personally, I buy all of my books but that is because my library isn't good. The YA section is literally stuck in Twilight era. And just because my library isn't accessible to me. It's 10 miles away. But I completely agree. Thank you so much for voicing your views!

[@aelingalathynius9963]

I love how you heart almost every comment and reply to lot of comments 🥺

[@withcindy]

i try!!

[@sophialeonie8258]

your thirst for money is so relatable😂😂

[@itisbeatriz]

I love how your thoughts really consider every angle and how empathetic you come across, sometimes it seems so easy for some people to forget everyone else is also just a human being... Can't wait for that discussion video! Wishing you all the coin xxx

[@withcindy]

thank you! something that has made me feel jaded recently is that i feel like people are too busy projecting their issues onto others that they don't realize we're all human beings and we're all just nerds who read books and that's it, lol

[@itisbeatriz]

@@withcindy same, and I feel like a lot of people wouldn't be saying some things if they had to say them to people's faces

[@rimbluebooks]

Best timing. Me waking up from a good nap and 30 minutes video from Cindy

[@withcindy]

Ooh new videos to watch after a nap are the best!!

[@khalilzrayer7199]

I jist woke up from a nap daaam what a coincidence

[@rimbluebooks]

@@khalilzrayer7199 inception 😂

[@froncifresh]

The Better Help shade, I'm-

[@withcindy]

plot twist: this video is sponsored by betterhelp

[@Stefanseyes]

“If you are a KZbinr, you’re probably unstable anyway." ... That must explain why I feel inspired to start one xD

[@SuperPao]

Oooo can't wait for the follow-up video. Watching this while hiding from whoever just knocked on my front door hoping they don't hear all this scalding tea and think someone is actually home.

[@withcindy]

who tf is knocking on ur door on memorial weekend??

[@SuperPao]

@@withcindy lol, don't know. Still hiding away from windows. Who even knocks on doors anymore?

[@Celise]

Okay this is 4 months old but I watched the whole thing and was reminded once again of how well-spoken you are and enjoyable to listen to. I was feeling a bit burnt out from watching booktube actually, and this is the first thing that captured my attention all the way to the end. Thank you for being awesome and candid as always.

[@withcindy]

aw thank you so much celise!!

[@Comaful]

"It was very obvious to me that she ain't shit." This was so straight to the point and honest. This is why I love you!

[@catcreme]

Your video about booktube consumerism was one of the first videos I've watched on your channel and it was really something I needed at the time. I've been frustrated with booktube for a while because most of my subs were always on the buy all the books bandwagon and I've never seen anyone who doesn't have at least 200+ books in their house on YT. I own very few books compared to people I watched and it made me feel inferior, so your video was absolutely a breath of fresh air and made me appreciate my library even more.

[@withcindy]

thank you! im glad these vids could help!

[@kiwireading1459]

Cindy: I’m here for the money! Me: I’ve never related to someone so well!

[@draigrhosynreads3450]

Your comments about being people pleasers resonated with me on such a personal level - you come across as so self aware and your words are definitely older than your years. Thank you for being you💜

[@Mia-qe9nx]

Omg spill that tea Cindy!! We love a 30 minute video with our queen

[@withcindy]

glad u enjoyed mia

[@airwrekareads]

I love your honesty with everything. Like, you're someone who I could sit and listen to all day (who I have done) because you're so blunt about shit. There are so many reasons to be on the booktube platform, but being truthful about who you are is one of the biggest things to consider when doing so.

[@withcindy]

Yes!! If you feel like you're not represented in booktube, that makes it even more important for you to be on booktube

[@Kaastengels]

I found myself clapping proudly when you revealed that you were featured in huffington post

[@withcindy]

Thank you Sonia!

[@raminybhatti5740]

The big KZbin communities (from books to power tools) are essentially conduits for marketing and selling things. Even the studying community, one of the most tamest groups, isn't immune to this phenomenon. Eventually, channels just become mouthpieces for larger businesses and corporations.

[@LycaMina]

I love your sass and honesty. You've just gained a new fan:)

[@1journal2catstea39]

"Nobody reads because people are f*cking illiterate." I love this statement because it really does feel like this is true. I worked as a janitor for a while. More than half of my coworkers at the time didn't understand what the wet floor signs meant. I had to explain it to them. They did not understand the words "caution wet floor" translated into three languages. They also didn't understand the picture on the the signs of a cartoon person falling backwards. Ugh.

[@takkariarmstrong8736]

Yeah KZbin for me is hobby. And rant territory. I come here to say stuff I don’t get to say in real life cause I don’t leave my house.

[@withcindy]

same

[@EllieC130]

“Because nobody’s a fucking loser” I really felt that straight in the jugular.

[@enzarecchia3830]

Cindy i love you. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. It feels like i'm with a friend, i know it sounds cheesy but it's true. And your critical reviews helped me both as a reader and as a writer, positive reviews are nice and all but i also want to know about the negative ones, if either the book or the author are problematic - - and what discussions can we have without fighting one another about certain topics.

[@withcindy]

thank you! i also like hearing critical reviews of books, even books i enjoy, because it encourages me to be a more thoughtful reader too.

[@abelangjq]

This feels like the quintessential readwithcindy video: a lot of insight, pragmatism, "telling it as it is", self-deprecation, honesty, sass, deep sexy voice, "good enough" quality and humor. I am glad I was curious enough to click on one of your videos when I first saw it. Keep being you, Cindy.

[@Sandra-sr1wk]

The library is the effing best. I just don't want a lot of possesions just for the sake of having possessions. The only books I wanna keep are the ones that have a high re-read value, which is mostly poetry and none fiction. I read mostly fiction but am totally satiesfied with getting those from the library.