Do Book Influencers Actually Read? 

I have been a reader all my life and because of your work and that of others I have discovered more quality literature in the last couple of years than i would have thought possible. You are an invaluable resource inspiring everyone to read more while creating a deep reservoir of book recommendations. The criticism seems more like click bait than serious journalism.

My grandfather bought a lot of books during the communist regime when they were cheaper. As a pupil in middle grade and high-school I used a lot of them for writing essays, there were some highly specialized ones. The Guardian writer thinks that all countries have great libraries that people can access. We didn't and still don't have the amazing libraries you find in the US or Canada. This is smug western attitude. I'm now curating my shelves for myself and potential future family members. What my grandpa read and what I read are different things. We both used the same home library

As someone who has met Eric IRL, I willing say he did not read for the entire time. If that doesn’t ring alarm bells…. I don’t know what will 😂

I cannot comment on BookTok because I'm old as dirt and have no interest in TikTok on any level, and I can see that just flinging a book in front of the camera for a minute and saying 'this is so good!' does not inspire confidence that the flingers have necessarily done more than liked the cover. I love BookTube, though. I think these judgy people that say 'they can't possibly read that much' are just ridiculous non-readers themselves. I read over 130 books last year, and I don't blog or have a channel or produce social media of any kind - I just love to read! And talk about reading, and think about reading! And my books definitely are a 'spark joy' thing, to quote Marie Kondo - who I think has famously said that you shouldn't own more than 30 books, but I think that's because they don't give *her* joy. But having shelves of books that I love - that sparks all kinds of joy for me, so not going to be getting rid of them (I have been unhauling books lately, but that's to try to resort my shelves to be full of more the books that I do love, and make room for new ones as they inevitably come in, becuase *piles* of books everywhere doesn't spark the joy so much. And may annoy the hubby.) And I agree with you that the people dissing the readers and booklovers are themselves judgy and pretentious.

I’m a lifelong reader but my reading has been boosted, widened, and enhanced by Booktube, especially your channel!

It seems to me that these articles are expressing two things: 1. The strange need of older people to disparage the things young people do. 2. A bizarre resentment that people who they don’t seriously are driving the market for books they don’t take seriously.

I’ve never believed you don’t read what you talk about. I envy the amount you read.there is so much nastiness on-line,it doesn’t mean anything.

I think you hit the nail on the head towards the end; we could all just discuss movies or football and instantly grow our audience by a factor of 10-100. The idea of faking this for the popularity is hilarious. Really enjoyed your humour in this video.

I had a beautiful physical library. Then I got real sick and I gave away my books, sold my house, donated appliances and furniture. I got better and now I have a digital library. It’s a life saver of infinite space which is a good thing because I got better but now have very limited space for physical books. We all live in an amazing world .

For the most part, I think BookTubers are pretty authentic and talk about the books they’ve read. Of course, there are some who might be posers. I think readers recognize other readers and non-readers judging readers often just don’t get it. You make a lot of good points, Eric. An interesting discussion. 😊💙

Ever since I discovered BookTube, I was introduced to authors I never would have read otherwise. I really think the people I follow are authentic. I enjoy your content and what you have to say about books. When I read a book that you talked about, your insights are spot on! I have read incredible books based on booktubers recommendations. You inspire us all to read more. Thank you.

SO many thoughts on this great video, but I'll stick to one. You go into multiple bookstores, and you will see many of the same books on the front table over and over. This isn't a Booktube thing, it isn't a BookTok thing. It's a capitalism thing! Large corporations (in this case, large publishers) pushing a product to give the illusion of "need' - you "need" to buy this book because it is everywhere and everyone else is reading it. Social media just amplifies that. There are so many bigger issues that these journalists could be covering. Creative, fun people wanting to create a BookTube video or BookTok video to celebrate something they love? Seems the least of our worries. And there are plenty of us out here trying to build a bigger following for lesser-known books! Thanks, as always, for the wonderful video.

Well said, Eric. I read for hours every day because I enjoy the experience. It doesn’t matter what other people think about the fact that I read over 300 books a year; I’m not doing it for anyone but myself. While I don’t tend to keep a large personal library, I’ve been disappointed when something I want to reread is no longer available at the public library, and so I own and hang onto my favourites.

Hi Eric, I have been reading for more than seventy years, have always and enjoyed having a personal library and frankly couldn’t care less what some upstart has to say about ANYBODY who loves and owns and READS books. Does he think readers are so ignorant and ill-informed that we will be taken in by presenters who don’t know their subject? Thank you for your efforts to share your reading experiences with us.

How completely fascinating! Although if anybody is immune from the insinuation of only posing as a reader & not really being one, it's YOU! Hah! I think you're in the clear!

One of the reasons I love your channel is because of how widely you read and how you have something unique to say about every reading experience! Keep doing what you are doing 🙌🏻

In my opinion I don't think that article was aimed at channels like yours. I enjoy your videos because they're authentic and it's a breath of fresh air in comparison to MANY other channels. You can definitely tell when someone has read a book and when they haven't, and it is frustrating as a reader to keep getting the same author and the same books continuously being shoved in my face, especially when there's no in depth conversation other than "it was so good. You have to read it!" Especially when I do attempt to read them and for the most part they're average with sub-par or mediocre writing. You made a good point about tiktok having a time limit but that's not the only place I'm seeing superficial/repetitive reviews about books. I encourage people to read whatever they like and have as many books as they want to. The time it's an issue for me it's when there's a creator who is being dishonest and repeating the same opinion for every book lol. And so I just don't watch their videos because at the end of the day I don't care that much. That being said, I really do appreciate your channel. The diversity in what you read is great, you create wonderful in depth videos, and it's so clear you're passionate about literature. Thank you for your content ❤️

I bought bigger bookshelves when I ran out of space but they are all in one room. I love giving away the books that I have read. Little free libraries and friends are my favorite ways to give away books. I get such joy in seeing my bookshelves every day. Thank you for the discussion! I haven’t dug into TikTok at all. I like BookTube because it has longer descriptions of the books

I promise I’ll stop causing drama in the book world eventually 🤐

I love having books. I read everyday. I have been reading all my life. I love discussing books. I got my first library card when I 6 years old. I really does not matter to me what others think. I will keep reading!

I also love my bookshelves. I could make a year's worth of videos just telling the story behind each book. They make me happy to look at. I've read some of those smug articles and wondered why they need public virtue credit for not keeping books. Thanks for this interesting discussion!

I think some people take what other people do as a personal criticism of some sort, and those articles tell me more about the authors than the subjects. I watch a variety of booktubers, some of whom have completely different reading tastes to my own, because I enjoy engaging with people who like reading, and I get a wide variety of recommendations.I am too old for the TikTok 😆 but from my understanding it is mostly young women who read a lot of what I suspect both these reviewers would categorise as the wrong type of genre fiction. All reading is valid reading, no matter the subject, or the medium.

One thing people who don't read a lot miss is the importance of having a personal library. I compare it to a woodworking shop with hundreds of tools. You might not use a lot of these tools regularly but when you need one it has to be available. Having a library full of books means when you feel like reading a particular author or genre then something is available to you. And for some of us who are academics, books are a tool you need at hand.

Oh wow! Isn't it wonderful that people are reading, talking about books, buying books, and making videos about them? I love it so much! Booktube makes me so happy. Even if people don't even read the whole book, I don't care, the fact that they find books important enough to pretend to discuss makes me happy! Good! Yea, my books are taking over my house and it's time I give some away, but owning a library is a pleasure and I feel so fortunate as a free person who gets to read what she wants to read! People don't know how fortunate they are to be able to read!

I love you, Eric. I mean, you might not know this but your channel has made all the difference in my life, showed me a door to literature I didn't understand I was needing to know existed. I never take well to suspicious and cynical people who come to torment the strangers who clearly put a lot of effort in life in reading the minds of others, and not just effort but a lusting way of life towards the written language. There's something dubious about these people, laid down all the evidence before their eyes from your eyes which show motley of feelings like joy and sadness you have gone through with time inside these covers, which I enjoy understanding. It's awkward and touchy subject to lament about the things you suppposedly did, but I'm glad you took a stand.

There are no noteworthy public libraries where I come from. Coming from a middle class family, I couldn't afford more than four books in a year. So, when I finally started earning my own money, I started buying ebooks to compensate all my lost time and hoard the physical copies of all the books I enjoyed reading. Now I lend my books to the people in my neighbourhood (because not everyone can afford to buy books). This sparked the reading bug in about twenty people and we formed our local book club and bond over our collective love for reading. I have my own private library and I'll never stop collecting books as it is the only invaluable asset I can pass on to my children. Of course, there will people who collect books for aesthetic reasons, and who am I to shame them? I don't find anything wrong tbh.

Very interesting topic! I've never gone on Tik Tok, but I've found several great RU-vid channels about books that are detailed, insightful, and useful (yours being my favorite!). With all of the problems our world faces, it seems strange for anyone to pinpoint people owning too many books as a noteworthy issue. Also, I would much rather have someone whose personality is tied to reading than the alternative. Too many people I live around are proudly anti-intellectual. Keep up the excellent videos!

Eric, the book influencer who has had the most influence on my book buying and reading is you. I love your sense of discovery, excitement, and adventure! You introduced me to the Booker International Prize, so now, every spring when the long list comes out, I walk over to my local bookstore and place an order for everything. The books that they can’t get for me (I live in the US), I put on the list for my next stop at Waterstones (Cardiff). You have made life more fun and more interesting for me. The writers who have been asking if influencers really ride stand in a long line that would include those who attacked people who bought complete sets of CDs back in the day, records, etc, etc, etc. In a word, who cares?

My sister is a single mum who hates books, and says how boring they are. If my sister says she doesn't like something, my 10 year old niece doesn't either. If her mum likes something, she says she does. My niece has recently discovered 2 authors and is reading their books

I grew up under apartheid South Africa. One of the things I hated then is the fact that as black people we were not allowed to use public libraries. I remember standing outside the door watching white people go in and come out with books. I thought that door led to a treasure cave. As such I feel the first part of my reading life missed the chance to proper books beyond Reader's Digest my mother subscribed to. I would finish the latest copy within a day a spent an agonising remaining days of the month waiting with baited breath the next one. I assign my weakness for over buying and hoarding books to this period of my life. I have read half the books in my modest library, DNF(ed) a third I guess. And hope to read the rest during my retirement. I don't answer people who think I fetishises over books, perhaps I do. But I have my reasons and prefer to do me. As you say, reading is a private thing. I keep it like that by never even critising other people's reading choices even when I feel they're superficial or shallow. Public libraries are my church buildings, it calms my soul just to be inside them, smelling books and furniture. Each to his own then. Thanks for this wonderful episode. I enjoy your channel a lot🌻🌻🌻

I've always been possessive about my books and although I happily lend them to my friends I wouldn't consider parting with them for ever. I don't understand why we should feel guilty about things that make us happy as long as we don't hurt anybody. Personally I feel that all those people criticizing other people's choices should visit a good therapist. Self righteousness is really appalling.

I agree with every word you said. If they criticize books and reading, we are in a good place. It means nowadays books receive more attention than in the past. Even if you don't read a book, and give us a short description on your channel, I might read it and enjoy it. So I really don't understand the problem. Are there no other problems in posting online? Keep reading and tell us about it. Thanks Eric!

Love Barry, I like keeping up with him, still as snarky but still commanding in his reviews/essays, love it lol. I think the conversation about bookish people is very much an online one, so I typically think of teens/early 20 somethings mostly talking to each other in a vacuum, then a random person (probably someone older) will do their finger wagging about what they think a reader should be. I think it’s pretty generational, and it makes sense to me these younger booktokers are reading the stuff booktube read years ago (A little life, secret history, etc) I think reading itself as a hobby also has no downsides. Other than aesthetically, I always think about doctors who read as a hobby so that they’re green lit as having assumed empathy for their prospective jobs. Even if other mediums like video games and movies have as much narrative power as a book, they don’t get the same love as being a reader. There’s a lot of social currency to reading that can also be fulfilling emotionally and intellectually-I think there’s an impulse to share what readers read because of how much the latter two can feel so rewarding, that’s even why I started booktube! I wanted to know if others felt the same way about what I read, and I can’t think of many interpretive experiences in life like reading that can allow me that 🤓 📚

No need to justify. Let them talk. You are great.

I usually enjoy your videos, and I never had a doubt that you do read many of the books you buy. That said, I find myself agreeing with many of the criticisms made by the said articles (albeit their sometimes snarly tone). The main problem is that the culture of reading has developed many of the undesirable aspects of the culture of consumerism-the fetishization of quantity, the hyper-commercialization through (often ludicrous) "special editions," the excess value given to book ownership (what happened to libraries?)-undesirable aspects that manifest themselves so strongly in the idea of a "book haul." With the consumerism comes that shallowness that these articles denounce. As you pointed out, there is nothing wrong with owning many physical books; but when one's focus (I admit, mine included) has become more attracted towards book hauls than to book reviews (attested by their unequal number of views), to the physical book rather than the text itself, then the case that people enjoy owning books more than reading them cannot be simply dismissed as a case of snobbishness as you seem to put it. There's a common distaste for people who like to flaunt their multiple houses and luxury items; it's the same distaste, scaled down, felt against those who flaunt books. I can't help but think that you might have taken this the wrong way in your role as a book influencer, and this shows with your shaded comments on subscriber counts and your reading in front of the camera. Clearly you are not the target of these articles; the way you talk about books shows that you do enjoy reading. The target are those who work as book influencers full-time, people who rely on producing bookish content to earn an income. The drive to produce as much book reviews (sometimes their just reactions) as possible, on the same massively popular books, and to continue purchasing more books to film popular "book hauls," videos that inevitably pressure us consumers to buy more books with our hard-earned money (at this point book hauls aren't that different from those tacky ads selling cigarettes). These full-time book influencers working under pressure of consumerism in turn contribute to the consumerism that keep them (and us readers) under pressure to own rather than read more books.

This made me smile, I love your snideness (and your thumbnail.) It may be that some BookTubers seem to read/review SO many books every week. I can't even fathom reading 18 books a month, unless you don't have a job or family (or a need for sleep), but some do! And some maybe don't but claim to, which might be where this comes from, but with the people I follow, it's so obvious they read prolifically and really take the time to think about what they're reading and how they feel about it. I don't think anyone could ever doubt you read, Eric, your love and excitement about books is truly contagious. Aside from your great reviews and personality, it's the reason I love watching you.

That ending 🤣 this is such an important video. Thank you!

Wherever I am in the world, when I walk into a room full of books, I sigh and say, “I’m home.” Watching your channel feels the same to me.

I love booktube so much. It has such a lovely sense of community and has helped make reading into a proper and cool hobby. I couldn’t believe it when I put reading once into RU-vid search and you came up that it would to such a lovely online space full of people like me who take reading seriously

This criticism always drives me crazy because it's so unfounded. So thank you for your tactful takedown.

I didn’t realize people felt that way. I genuinely feel that booktubers or other influencers actually read what they post. Personally, yes, I have many unread books on my shelf and love to show the beautiful covers from time to time but they are all ones I will eventually read. So many books so little time! Interesting topic, now back to reading myself!📚

I thought I could enjoy reading any genre, but the more I watched and read recommendations from so many young youtubers, the more I recognized I'm an adult therefore, your videos fit me. Also, your education, respect, thoughts, kindness, wide knowledge and experience...oh your Honesty! Among many other virtudes you have. A quick example is that you don't use bad words which nowadays seems to be wrongly related to "cool good people". I can keep on like I learn from your videos, I love your tone of voice, your handsome persona, beautiful eyes...I guess I must stop hehe. I really hope you find a way to ignore bad people's comments, those who only intend to harm. I've seen so many youtubers giving up. If anything, don't read comments, turn it off, I don 't know, whatever you decide, but PLEASE if you enjoy your channel, then don 't leave me/us😍

You don't need to justify yourself. Seeing any of your videos you can see the joy you get out of reading and I've been influenced to read some of your selections.

I've never considered myself a book influencer. But hey I'll take the title! 🤣In the Guardian article I was tracking with her bookish preferences -- there are a lot of readers who love passing books on. But to call people who collect books "hoarders" who are guilty of middle class snobbery, is just inaccurate and insulting. I felt most of her piece was tongue in cheek, but honestly, who cares how many books I have??? I read every day. AND I have many unread books. They all give me joy. I LOVE having a home library! Not for the ownership or idolization of books, but for the pure happiness. And BookTok? From a middle-aged perspective, it's a young adult haven. And I think many of the Booktubers referred to are YA Booktubers. Yes, the big ones are getting boxes of books. Yes, they collect and display. And yes many of them don't read nearly the number of books they receive from publishers. But there's still value and entertainment value in watching their videos. Fun, bookish suggestions, home library setups, endless list of positive influence of book channels. Do I have Tsundoku? Sure. Probably. I don't care. Come and fight me on it... 🤣🤣🤣

KonMari got a lot of my books a few years ago 😂 Now that I’ve worked out how much joy books really spark for me, I’ve acquired nearly the same number back, but there aren’t a ton of titles I’ve actually repurchased.

I didn't think much of that Guardian article, too judgy. You do great booktube content Eric.

I enjoy your book tube and have discovered books that I might not have come across otherwise. There will always be critics, complainers, and people who just don't see selves of books as communities of friends which can be revisited and celebrated. Please ignore them . I hope you keep sharing your book related discoveries with us. Thank you for all of your time and insights.

There are a lot of "book tubers" who do not read the majority of books they claim they do. They're fairly easy to spot. The two biggest give aways, 1, claiming huge amounts of books read. There was one just a few days ago claiming to have read 120 books in the first half of 2023. Whilst theoretically it is possible, it's not believable. 2, the ones whose book 'reviews' are simply paraphrasing the blurb on the back and claiming a desire to be "spoiler free" as the reason they can't go into it more. Genuine readers know genuine readers. That's my theory anyway.

I think there are some people that are posers but the majority aren’t. Thank you defending booktubers as readers.

11:19 I “discovered” you just a couple months ago and you fast became one of my favorite book reviewers! I llive in A very small town in western Nebraska and I love to hear you talk about books! I like that you talk about a variety of genres. I recently read “The Trees”: What an experience! I trust your recommendations.I also read “The Marriage Portrait” and I am now reading “Babel”. I like your energy too. Watching some of these young people on you tube wears me out! So thank you very much!

I too am an avid reader, and I have passed on the love of reading to my children. It is such an enjoyment to not only read but also to collect books (I am forever needing more book cases). Your explantations of the books you have read and present are insightful and appreciated. I look forward to all your blogs. Perhaps the critics do not truly know what it is to love to read. Thanks for all you do, and be encouraged.

Just watched you on this topic. I’ve read for a very long time and have personally found your channel enormously helpful in the last few years when choosing books, new and old, to read. You definitely do not need to justify yourself in regard to this subject. We only had to listen to your review of SPARE to know you’d read the whole book and made your own judgement and very measured review which fortunately “spared” us the pain. You’re a gem and a very trustworthy source of reviews and I’ve highly recommended you to so many of my fellow readers. Carry on your sterling work and with your own honest reviews. There are of course charlatans out there, as there are in other fields, but they often fall on their own swords when you read between their lines. 😂

I find great joy in buying books in support of lesser known authors especially that do not get the attention as greater known authors to add to my collection. I also enjoy going to Library books and used book stores for the thrill of the hunt. I have certainly increased the number of books I own since discovering book tube which is both a pleasure and a stress in acknowledging I may not have enough time in my life left to read them all. I make a good attempt though!

Your recommendations have been a true inspiration. Thank you!

Agreed!! I so enjoy your channel because you bring different books onto my radar and provide such insightful, honest, and well-rounded opinions about what you’ve read. Even the reading imposters are probably right twice a day!! Happy reading!! ♥️📚☕️

Eric, I very much appreciate your work. Keep going my friend.

I find the whole issue very interesting. A German sociolog (Hartmund Rosa) said our society is more interested in buying things than in their consumption. When I think of certain RU-vidr's with massiv TBRs who are still buying new books I understand where he's coming from. Given his comment, I even reflected on my own book buying habits. Since I only read a few books per month, I asked myself whether I should buy more books than I can read, which I found and still find very difficult because I follow many creator reading more than me and suggesting many interesting books. Additionally, I realised that over time, I sorted more books out from huge book purchases without having read them.. coming from that directing, I understand the criticism of BookTalk Bring less about reading books - even if I wouldn't say that it is all of BookTalk. However, assumptions on who a 'real' reader is feel alien to me since a reader can also be a person that only reads a book a year.

This was great Eric, I agree with everything you have said. As a lifelong reader and book lover, I have a great personal library of books, and it brings me so much joy! It is one of my favourite hobbies along side cooking ( yes, I have a cookbook library too) and being in nature. I read everyday! I have no shame and no regrets. A friend once said to me " people collect books because they are uneducated and wish they had had a better education " 🥴 I think my reaction was just to laugh. Each to their own ,I suppose! Also to say, I love your channel!! Thank you !

I will say I do see a bunch of posed photos on Instagram and you can tell they are posed. Does that mean the people aren't reading? Maybe. Who knows and who cares? I think it's fairly obvious on BookTube that we are reading the books we talk about. I would certainly have much more free time if I wasn't reading the books I talk about on my channel. 😁 I also love books as objects, and I make no apologies about it.

Thank you for adding the links to the articles you discuss in the show notes. That is helpful.

An interesting video, Eric. I respect what you do and the long hours you put in preparation wise. It is wonderful to be introduced to books I know nothing about to discover, and yes, that is a good thing. The main attraction of BookTube and people speaking and writing about books (particularly in the comments section) is having a ‘conversation’ with like-minded individuals. None of my friends really are readers, so how can I engage with them? If BookTube was not here, I really don’t know what I would do. My reading dilemma is I can’t attend reading groups out in public. I care for two parents now and spending a considerable amount of time helping my father. He isn’t managing too well. Just organising my own reading time is problematic as it isn’t happening. So BookTube gives me a release, an escape, and I’m appreciative of your time and effort. Thank you - Peter

I think most are serious like you and are doing a great job discussing and highlighting great reads. I think exploring the book tubers and finding likeminded readers is what most of us do. I have been dipping in to many but follow a few - Bob the Bookerer and you are my basic go to places and Mirandas Mills, which is a good place for my interest in historical British fiction and classic childrens`s books. And I love having books, they are my old friends! I go back to them, like you for an enjoyable evening.

i have appreciated your as a booktuber when i found out your program this year. It doesn't matter that the books you have recommended are too highbrow to me. For example, i don't like V Wolf's writing, full of the stream of consciousness. On the other hand i love cozy mysteries, so i follow a few of the booktubers. However, I like your profound talks about books and there are very few men on the similar channels. People cherish life more when they know how to cherish reading, and i think you have taken the mission to spend time on books and readers. 😍

Totally agree! I feel like the entire premise of these types of articles is wrong. So what if people who show books don’t actually read them all? So what if people talk about exactly the same titles? In my opinion every single video about books, every insta photo, every short is a good thing. More books! More books! More books! So many of these articles are just click baity garbage.

Great video!! I think some of the people just forget that reading books is a hobby and collecting books is a hobby. If these hobbies bring you enjoyment, then that is awesome!! I always dislike when people criticize other peoples hobbies-- and say what they do is superior -- all they are really doing is making the silly statement that their "hobbies or opinions are better than yours." Really? 😂

You are intelligent and kind. I am always happy listening to you.

It is true that there are quite a few fakers, you’re NOT one of them. ❤

I have a lot of books. They are neat and tidy and well organized. Yet I can't tell you how many people, neighbors, relatives, friends, even delivery or workmen, actually seem to be upset by them, and insist that I need to "get rid" of my books. When I ask them why, they have no answer .Obviously these are people who do not read themselves, I wonder if they feel intimidated, like I must be smarter then them or something...which I think might be the reason because some people are wildly impressed by my book collection and carry on about how I must know EVERYTHING. It's a weird thing, and of course the bottom line is, it's nobody else's business and no one has any obligation to explain their libraries to anyone. (And I think minimalists should just shut up anyway, I also like THINGS, and I don't apologize for them, either)

Excellent video, Eric.👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 When you compare your subscribers to the other RU-vidr was hilarious 😂😂😂😂 Anyway, I live in a very small flat so my shelve space is extremely limited. For that reason, when I finish a book, I ask myself the question: would I read this book again? If yes, I keep it. If not, I give it to my local free library for someone else.

I hadn't heard of this discussion before (Swedish) so I was surpirsed that a journalist would lack the context for books+ readers+ collecting+ idendity. The paperback was a reaction to the price of books keeping them from the working class. And having books increase the chance to read books, showing an interest in books and reading makes others considering it too, and when books and reading is "trendy" aren't we in the best of worlds? I would think so.

I always think that whatever the reason someone chooses to share books online, whether they're looking to curate a specific look for themselves, trying to motivate themselves to read more or because they just really like books, it brings more and more people back to reading, which can only be a good thing! I have friends who hadn't touched a book since school and are now avid readers thanks to social media and isn't that just the most wonderful thing!

If we go to bookstores we will probably see the same books displayed as well… (even before social media) Anyway it’s good to see people discussing books even if they’re criticizing our bookshelves 😅 Loved your video ❤

No one has accused me of being smug and middle class before… I ❤ it 😂

I just assume someone has read a book if they say they did. I do see some cases where booktubers have 250-300 books on their tbr. I worry about them buying books because of influence and not because they really want to read it. If you love books read them. If you collect books, collect them. It's your life do as you wish. I do not read much contemporary fiction, so I have a hard time with a lot of booktubers, not because they are not real and read the books. But I just don't like the genre. I do watch you as you tend to offer something a little different. I've always taken you at your word and it never crossed my mind that you didn't read a book you said you did. Keep on doing your videos, they are appreciated.

I don't always agree with your opinions on a particular book but isn't that part of the joy of what we do? Keep up the good work - I like your award prediction shows particularly and usually make my own predictions (and I don't do any better than you with the longlists!). I have been moved to read one or two books you have mentioned as part of such predictions even if they didn't go on to make a particular list - The Love Songs of WEB Du Bois being a prime case-in-point. That is one book I may not have read and the immersive pleasure that went with it without you.

It is multimedia so image is important, and probably amassing, collecting, and arranging is in-common quality that helps bind the communities here on BookTube. Personally, it's a pleasure to find someone with whom I can enjoy a chat on books, whether it's how to read on a crowded subway, or the best emendation of an obscure line from Hamlet. The only book-related topic on which I often feel a pang of guilt is my failure so far to return something worth reading to the writers I've enjoyed reading, because of course all of them also are readers too.

Definately positively! I have found SO MANY amazing books because of booktube and your channel as well. I think most people on booktube come here because they want to talk about in too much depth for people they know IRL and therefore the majority of people do read on this platform. Nerds will be nerds 🤓📚

Yes... but very slowly. I could not read a small book straight off; I have to have 9-10 going at the same time.

Excellent video - if you are feeling judgemental about something you should first of all question your own judgement and what that means before publicly bashing something 🤦‍♂️

I really enjoy your videos and have discovered books that I would never have found but for you. It’s lovely. I do admit to trying to read the titles of the books on your shelves. Perhaps you could give us a little book safari across your shelves at some point. 😊

I’m by no means a major influencer on Book Tube, but I attempt to accurately portray the books I actually read or don’t finish reading. I have been accused on one occasion of reading too much. I am still pondering a good response. But why should anyone really care how much I read or what I read? I also enjoy having a large collection of books. I consider my library a work of art that no one else can ever duplicate exactly. It is unique to me.

Upvoting already just based on that thumbnail!

No doubt that BookTube, BookTwit, and Bookstagram have enhanced my life greatly! They have also enhanced my stacks. 😩 So, I have been culling for the last year or so, mostly books I can easily get from the library or an online service. These are books that I definitely think I would enjoy but probably not feel an overwhelming need to keep. And of course new titles keep arriving. Nothing can stop that!

I have an excellent BS radar and I'm not that interested in book hauls as they can be a bit repetitive but tend more to follow book reviews and wrap ups...although I do like to see what new books are coming up for publication. Eric, your recent video on The Shards is a good example of a book actually read and considered so I'm inclined to think you do actually read. I also love your comment of what to do with the space in your apartment if you gave away your books. I feel exactly the same. (Also for what it's worth I studied literature at university and couldn't care less about image).

My experiences with interacting with readers online have been only positive - I have become a better reader, and I’m slowly becoming a more diverse reader too. It irks me to hear people say that reading or having books is “middle class” or smug- when I was a teen we were very poor and libraries were an absolute refuge for me. There is a conservative talk radio host in Iowa where I live and he refers to libraries as something like “Book Welfare” and it makes me mad - he thinks people shouldn’t have a chance to read books unless they go out and buy them? Grrr.

I find it baffling that a journalist can take issue with the number of books people keep in their own homes. I’m sure we all enjoy sharing our reading habits but none of us have to justify this to anybody else. Keep doing what you’re doing ❤

So many of the minimalist articles and books that touch on books seem to just assume one does not actually read one's books. I get most of my books at thrift shops, little free libraries and community free shelves, so when I find titles I want to read and don't own yet, I pick them up, and keep them in my hoard (aka 'home library') til I am ready to read them. I may not get to them for a few years, but I will read them, and I could definitely not afford to go out and buy them when I am ready to read them. As for the bit about how the same books pop up in so many videos, of course they do. One booktuber reads the book, others see it on their TBR or discussion videos, and more booktuber choose and read the book. I am enjoying being a booktuber well enoug, but some of the drama side of booktube and its critics gets a bit silly.

Just a thought about book keeping vs selling: some avid readers cannot afford to purchase new novels. Book stores with a used section do a precious service by allowing a book to have several "lives". I have no problem with book collectors and would do the same, but I regularly turn over my stock, for the sake of other readers like me and because that allows me to purchase new books. Thanks for all you do.

Excellent video, Eric!

I wouldn't put too much stock in what the Guardian says. I love reading and being surrounded by books, if that offends anyone, that's their problem, not mine.

You're an inspiration. So much so that I'm reading a lot of your suggestions( bought your books) and less of my portuguese authors🤭I'll catch up soon. 😃

It’s crazy to me how much people feel the need to hate on other people’s interests. Do I read a lot? Yes. Is my house inundated with books? Yes. But it makes me happy and it doesn’t hurt anyone, so why should anyone actually care? Sometimes I think people just need more to do with their time so they don’t have time to sit around thinking negative thoughts about others. 😅

They say. What do they say? Let them say - life mantra, especially to columnists who knock book lovers, etc . Sending ❤️ and 💋

I believe there is no need to justify why one would keep so many books at home. People have all sorts of random stuff in their houses. I'm even willing to defend the book as an object by itself: there's a huge difference on how you feel when you walk into a house full of books, you feel welcomed, cozy, you find company. Besides, they forget about the notes and the post it you threw there to remember later. I'd rather have these people judge me by my absolutely unnecessary and extensive food containers collection.

I don't think you need to be so defensive about your books. I am sure you have read most of them or intend to read them. Most of the booktubers I interact with seem authentic readers. Since making booktube content my reading habits have changed, I have gone from reading a book at a time to having a few books on the go and I make a TBR each month to plan my reading related to my own interests and also to tie in with some of the booktube events going on. At the moment I am reading Orlando by Virginia Woolf (which was in part for transgirlApril and also ties in with May of the Moderns), Asylum by Madeleine Roux (chosen for horror mayhem) and The Last Viking, which I saw recommended on the Revenant Reads channel. Enjoy your reading, we enjoy your videos of what you have read and plan to read.

Have you been watching Jack Edwards again? ;) x Great video essay Eric ...

The stronger my bifocals get, the fewer paper books I read. No judgement for people that love them, I just assume you don't have to move your book or your head as you read so the words stay in focus. I reread less as I enjoy Book Club and enjoy suggesting books for future months. I have enjoyed Facebook and RU-vid suggestions. The Book Club I belong to is a group of Christian women who range in age from 30s to 70s. Not all will actually read the book so we often prepare questions relating aspects of the books to our lives. If a lady hasn't read the book, they can typically relate to some of the questions. I think that sharing and discussing books enhances our lives. I will say that the more people share, the more open they are to cruddy people. I'm sorry that is true. Many years ago I was in a bookstore with a friend. There was a little boy shopping for a mother's day gift with his father. He picked up a Harry Potter book. The father asked if the little boy was sure that book was for his mother to read. The boy, maybe 5ish, responded with "she will read it to me". They got in line. Nearly 20 years later, I remember that and it makes me happy.

I think they try to read as much as they can. I don’t expect influencers to read and review 80+ plus books they just purchased in a book haul. Reading should still be fun even if it is a full time job. I hope no one feels pressure to read a lot of books just to prove something. I’m a mood reader so I may buy 5-10 books then read them months or years later….or (gasp) not at all. The Book industry won’t implode if a few people skim books or skip them entirely.

Gatekeeping is such a sad phenomenon, I’ve seen it in every hobby I’ve ever engaged in, whether it’s boardgaming or dog training, reading fiction vs non-fiction. Who is a ‘real’ gamer, a ‘real’ dog trainer, a ‘real’ reader. And then the flip side…dismissing someone else’s interest and joy in their pastime as somehow immature or specious. It’s all just such ridiculous impoverished attempts to boost one’s own ego. All this pathetic posturing is exactly why I love to retreat to my recliner with a good book. 😆

It takes one to know one. Mr. Anderson, you are a reader. I turned 60 this year, and with that came the realization that I don't have enough time to read all the books I want to before I leave. I also don't have the time to listen to negative comments.