Everything Wrong With Booktube in India (a rant) 

*Someone criticizes reading fiction* Me : I'm about to end this man's whole career.

People in our country is like “I don't have time to read” I mean come on you guys spend 2-4hr scrolling through Insta, Facebook whole day and then complain that how they have no time for reading. Bull shit 😂

I'm a teacher and whenever parents ask me about improving their children's English I always recommend them to develop habit of reading in their children. But almost all of them had a similar reply, "Arey sir pehle course ki kitaab toh padh le kaam toh wahi aani hai." And then they send their students to heavily advertised and fancy Spoken English Classes that too till it's in their "budget". The awareness about reading is absolutely zero. Also I feel that in India and also on Indian RU-vid channels we don't give importance to Indian English literature. Whenever somebody talk about Indian literature they have very similar book recommendations. And many of them pretend that they want to "explore" Indian literature but in the name of exploring they just read some very popular Indian book and call it a "discovery". There is a plethora of great great Indian fiction in English but no we won't ever even try to give those books a chance.

Ruskin Bond has said that he pities the people who don't read. I agree

This is such an important rant!!! //Totally agree with on the hesitation of parents toward fiction books. //Also the fact that there are so less public libraries or used bookstores or even general bookstores makes me so so mad.

I completely agree with you. I've heard parents say to their kids at stores " don't waste money buying books. You are never going to read". No words of encouragement at all... Sad

Judging someone on basis of the books that they read is so annoying. I started my reading journey by reading Chetan Bhagat's books. For the 13-14 year old me, that was the best thing I had read back then. However, I did not remain stuck to Chetan Bhagat's books. I discovered different writers, different genres and found my love in them. But I'll always admit that I went gaga about CB's book at a time. I'm not just stuck there anymore I have friends who are crazy about the latest Chetan Bhagat book and I'm fine with it. It's their taste. I just advice them to check out so and so writer as well. And that's where I peace out. No fights about who's a better writer and all that stuff.

The fact that a booktuber has to constantly give disclaimer while criticising a book shouts on how emotional ‘readers’ can be.

That vent on people intolerant towards differing opinion is so satisfying. So true, Since I have started booktubing I have been so surprised at the number of people interested in Booktubes, such an underrated community.

Thank you so much for mentioning this! I've always received criticism for reading fiction, obsessing over fantasy worlds and things like these books aren't gonna get me anywhere and that is just so insensitive. I've learned kindness, empathy, how to deal with your emotions as a 17 year old and so much more. I've learned more from these books than I have in 13 years of school life and I pity people who don't know that there is so much more to reading than they can imagine.

Today, In the afternoon after watching house of cards I was judging my friend who watches vampire diaries, now I am feeling ashamed 😦

I agree with everything you said. You have summed up everything that Indian booktubers face and are frustrated about. You are right about authors wanting free reviews but to some extent, the fault lies with us. There are some who will agree to do a review for a measly sum of 200 or 300 Rs. If we don't value our own work then how can we expect the authors to appreciate our hard work?

You're soooo on fire 🔥 today, so is the video 😀😀. Many more emotions poured in. Agreed on all points. 1. Majority of children are never encouraged to read apart from their study. 2. People criticize others for their reading habits. 3. Absurd trolling videos get millions of like. I'm sure there must be some take out elements for the audience. 4. The books recommended by celebrities are kind of biased mostly, not all. And they are more like self help book, which can develop you in certain way but not because of sheer pleasure of reading. 5. And yes, I also like Heli's videos a lot. You two are my favourites.

You covered all the points very well. I have seen parents stopping their child from reading Harry Potter too. And yes, India is very judgemental. I agree. I feel lucky that atleast my parents don't stop me.

Exactly! Even I feel that a great section of people are unaware about the reading community and what makes me feel sad is that how people don't like to see reading as one's passion because for them it's just a mere hobby !! This video was much needed Shruti!🤍

The parents attitude towards it so rightfully said and I shared this vid with my parents pointing out their stupidity! That still didn't help but at least in a way, they got it!

I completely agree with u Shruti. I hate it when ppl try to push their opinion. I remember, a friend of mine used to praise "Alchemist" n she gv it to me n I didnt like it n she was like how could u not like it? It has changed millions of lives n I was like ok! May be i am not a part of that million. N believe me so many ppl say this to me - " U read fantasy. What will u learn from it. Start reading non fiction. U r not a kid". N i am sick of explaining them that I get to learn so much from fiction. Harry Potter has taught me so much. Each n every character of that book has taught me so much. Matilda was the book that made me brave. N i cn keep writing on how these fictional characters changed my life. N yes u ppl deserve so much more respect. Makeup is given imp, skincare is given imp, so why not books man? Authors should collaborate with the booktubers. Even if it is paid, someone who is honest will be honest. N we r smart audience, why would we blindly trust anyone. U ppl should be given all the support that u deserve n then let the viewers decide whom they want to follow or trust.

I totally agree with everything you have said.... But for me, I feel really lucky and thankful that my lovely parents have always been encouraging me to read since I was a kid... But I have observed that most people around me do have parents/relatives/friends always discouraging them from reading in some way or the other . The second part of the video is so damn true and you explained everything really well

This is just so so true Shruti! I feel like I've read much less number of books than I could have had I not been made to feel guilty about it. I was told I'm just wasting my time and money because once I've read a book, I won't read it again. It's so so irritating having to explain it again and again.

I agree about what u said about reading being discouraged in India. My parents never let me buy books when I was younger. I discovered my passion for reading in lockdown, when I was 15. I wish I had found it earlier! 🙂

Very True!! I am a reader and I follow various channels for book recommendations and so. At a time i was really influenced to start my own channel but it kind of demotivated me seeing that there are so many great Booktubers and still they are undervalued or i can they should be noticed so, how would I being a beginner can stand a chance to grow and be a booktuber.

Wowww!!! 🙇‍♀️🙌 you did it!! every issue and every concern you've raised here is just accurate. This is a wholesome, thorough, and precise video that everyone should watch. More power to you Shruti!! ❤️️👍 ps. I am not exaggerating here but you actually took the words right out of my mouth.

The booktube community really does require attention. Your content is so good

Well, I would like to confess that I was judging people by what they are reading, but I will not now. I don't know but that thing never crossed my mind that I was wrong. Really thank you Shruti Ma'am.

Yes I agree. It's a really frustrating reading culture. I watch American booktubers and have been searching for story books in libraries. It's so sad to see that academic and public libraries don't have that many collection of fiction. And also good fiction books are way out of our budget. Only the non fiction books are cheap I think

You nailed each and every point. Especially the part about influencer marketing. Booktubers are sadly among the most ignored part of the overall Indian RU-vid space. And I think this boils down to the first point: reading itself isn't valued in India. Hope the situation improves with the booktubers and bookstagrammars inspiring more people to read. Amazing video Shruti!

Hi Shruti! Everything you mentioned in this video is so true! From reading not being encouraged enough to being judged by others and being trolled badly... It's very sad and hope things improve with the coming generations 🤞.I have been lucky enough not to have gone through these nasty experiences but have heard from others about the same.... A very nice video.thank you!🤗

OMG you are so on point. I am reading like since my primary school days. I would just love stories so i would read any kind of stories. And i would be judged for reading not so famous authors. N all the other points that you mentioned are so right too. I got my vocabulary only because of reading. I am so much grateful for this hobby of mine 🥰🙏🏻🧿 i still remember reading those fortnightly magazines sort of books for kids in mother tongue

It was something which needed to be addressed. Thanks ma'am for putting that up. Some solid pointers indeed. This video needs more and more reach.

Yess! I totally agree with you Shruti! Judgment on books is just sooo annoying!! You are my inspiration and motivation! ❤❤

I started reading Hindi novels after comics and my first novel was Munshi Premchand ji Gaban

Subscribed! As a reader myself, I love this content and I can see how much thought was put into this! I agree with all the points that have been mentioned and I look forward to more of your videos :) Really good stuff.

So glad I stumbled onto this video on my feed today!!! 🥰 so fascinating to see how the book community in India is doing! I definitely love to see this!

Each one of those points are so so true and relatable .. especially, judging people on the basis of the authors they read, and the ‘what have you written, to be a legit reviewer’ .. so baseless and flawed .. loved this rant .. so satisfying!!

Very valid points. I wouldn't consider this as merely a rant video, but as a video that talks about the obvious reality of booktube in India. By and large, reading is still elitist in India eluding the interest of people in general. So tough to make it as a booktuber here!

And regarding booktubers point i want to disagree on one point and that is Helly is not a booktuber acc to me She started with booktube and now she is doing / including other videos like videos related to productivity, freelancing, movie recs and life updates etc which is fine. Everybody have their choices and she has a right to do whatever she wants to do. And i am not a hater/crtique of helly. I liked her content too. I'm just saying she can't be called as a hardcore booktuber bcoz of the content diversity 2nd point - major booktubers subscribers range below 10k. Apart from manpreet and booksand toast i think no body is there in booktube above 35k subs in india

1. People like you are self-motivated and are kind enough to share the entire process/experience of reading. I appreciate your consistent work and knowledge. Keep doing it, like me many others need it. 2. There is so much to read but support or guidance to build this habit is needed in India. Small town kids and Adults actually need to know the variety available to read, and booktubers like you should be given extra support. Indian Hindi Novels Should also be promoted and no rough ROADMAPS are available. 3. Books & authors are best if u can not read or pronounce the name....as it looks cool ( People with these mindsets are there/ negative mindsets should be taken as challengers in this reading journey....to make it more fun) sometimes that is actually cool to open the boundaries and explore the horizon...variety and getting ahead of our appreciated genre should be cherished and supported. don't be judgemental of what someone is reading...we need to develop ACCEPTANCE. 4. The right to have an opinion is something that needs to be taught and we must respect others opinions before getting to conclusions. many times we differ in opinions while reading the same book after some time. so which opinion was correct is not a matter of concern and not much attention needs to be given, rather we should appreciate and develop the reading and reading community around us. 3. fixation is a big problem....pre-opinioned reading is dangerous as it kills the zeal and destroys the fun part of reading...why can't someone read anything which is not trending...give a break. 4. I find this reading community rising. Ur words are real and we can see the pain and passion and that's what keeps it going....this embarks the RISING. 6. Gift 12books to 12 people in a year should be passed as a law. if not 12....just 1 book to a stranger/friend/family/anyone...Promote gifting Books...it can change someone's life....I mean it. 7. Books are magical... Hardcover, Paperback, Used Books, Pre-owned Books, Or Pre-Loved books or even Kindle are all same...and sharing is loving...we need to respect the reading more and enjoy the whole process of having it. ... so go ahead we are reading what u say..... :)

More power to you..!! I agree with everything you're saying.

This was such a comprehensive video, I am a newbie in booktube so I don't have any personal experience but i can feel all your frustration through the video. Great work!!

Hats off to you for saying this out loud🙌❤️️... Being a part of the bookstagram community, I understand your struggles when authors/publishers judge you on the basis of your followers, they should instead take into account the basis of the content quality. Also, even 50k subscribers/followers is a lot and not everyone has that much. Most people in the Indian booksta community have 1k-10k followers.

Hi. I’m a booktuber from Malaysia. The first point is sooo like my reading community here in Malaysia. I hope things will change here

Hey Congratulations 👏on 7k subs . Loved the video will like to see more like this.

I'm postive that efforts like yours and other Indian bootubers, dedicatedly making such beautiful contents will change the face and soul of Indian booktube community pretty soon. All the best, girl. Go get them!

I feel so bad for the people that aren't allowed to read fiction....

This was a much needed video! Thank you for giving us an insight 😃

Totally agree with you, well said💥💥

I think for English booktubers the situation in India is really terrible. Things need to improve and the only way of doing that is to encourage English fiction and Non-fiction reading

A good rant was something we all needed!! Thanks:))

You are very inspiring! I liked how articulate u were with your words and opinions. I'd love to learn about how books and reading were a part of your childhood.

So true..on so many levels!!!

Thank you for this video. I really had no idea about these complexities and nuances (especially about being discouraged to read in childhood! Though I guess some families may have to prioritise other things if they, for example, cannot afford books). I love your point about reading what brings you joy! On that note, do you have any recommendations for Indian works (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama) that bring you joy? I'd like to read more from Indian authors. With love x

You know, this video of yours has inspired me so much. I'm just a teenager and have been reading since 6 years, and I love it. But there is no one to discuss it with. Reading community is really small in India. Thanks a lot for creating this video.❤️❤️

Kudos to you and your constant effort. 👍❤️ All your rant points are valid!!!

i feel like most of booktube community revolves around the US/UK and indian booktube gets ignored af. the way i read books, i mostly follow the international releases (because they suit my tastes). the booktubers i follow have 1 lakh subscribers (approx.) and they are all from the US/UK and i've been following them for so long that my reading tastes have become aligned with them. moreover, i always see a repetition of books that are being mentioned. this has also got to do with the fact that some books are not always available in most indian bookstores because of lack of proper funding (which again is the case of indian people not encouraging reading). there is vast chasm between the global booktube community and the indian booktube community and some of the problems do stem from these.

You do you girlll... 🎉🎉 We loveeee your videossssss ❤️

You got it there girl. I can relate to so many things you're saying here.

You spoke so wonderfully about the topic that so serious, yet never discussed. Keep up Shruti!!

Every word she said, just makes so much sense!!!!

You stole the words out of my mouth. You were so on point when you said reading is not a huge thing in India. Barely any of my friends read books like me and I have always felt very alone when it comes to my passion because I can't talk to someone about the books I love. People talk about so many different things like music, movies, politics but very few people talk about books especially where I come from.

You earned a new subscriber💝 I support every single point you made. These are the same reasons stopping me from starting a booktube channel. I used to run a book blog, which was easier to run and luckily attracted international readers as well, but the fact that authors would never pay you disturbed me a lot. But you inspired me a lot. So, maybe I'll give a try to create a channel. 💞

This is so accurate!!! Thank you for sharing your views.

Well… I paused the video and saved “Patrick ness” and “Queen of the tearling” on my wishlist. Will that explain enough to the authors?

You are amazing. Hats off to your confidence and honesty. 🔥💯

YESSSSS 👏🏼👏🏼 especially about the critiquing bit. 🤭

Reading kind of teaches to respect differences and if you/we are doing opposite of it.....it's bad... Even if it's bit hard sometimes ... We should try 😅

Totally agree with you!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

True rants .. I agree . fiction books are so significant for the diverse training of a child. As Einstein said .. "If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."

Such a wonderful video ,I came to know very new & different thing.Actually I also judged many of my friends about their book choice but certainly it is Wrong really it open my eyes... thank you keep uploading such video😎😎

You are doing a great job I love your videos and the hardwork that you booktubers are doing. I respect all the booktuber and they aspect more than they are getting ❤️❤️

Ahhh......I agree with each and every word you said in this video...... seriously reading is really really underrated in India. People around me, my friends assume that if I'm reading, I'm boring. Idk,why reading is considered as boring and nerdy....like you poured every thought of my heart in this video. I feel pity for the people who don't read,as a 15 years old girl I'm really thankful and proud that I came in this amazing world of Reading......... You were just amazing........I wish booktube and our readers community get recognised by these big people ...... 👍

Ohh my gawddd..I am just so fascinated with how well you explained all the flaws and talked very crisp and to the point . Also I felt the part where you discussed how some people actually bully you for reading a certain book and yes the last part where your discussed about how paying for reviewing book is not considered a service is really horrible. I mean I am a reader and I adore you so much and I actually wish to be like you..maybe review a book someday 🥺but after hearing this I don't really have the motivation to work for something I'm not gonna get paid for

I just love this video of your, you have given a reality check girl !!!

Well said👏I totally agree with you and this disgusts me .I have seen foreign youtubers geeting book mails from publishing companies for free but never seen any indian booktuber get that opportunity .Also I feel people who can afford new books or physical books needs some form of book subscription boxes for new releases and stuff which is totally obsolete in india in terms of no.of subscription boxes available in india and how much they try to reach a booktuber.Again this goes down to the root as you said,reading is ignored in india and people dont realise its importance and happiness that can come with it .Also i feel apart from online shopping ,there should be more half priced books and libraries available to people as not all can afforf to buy brand new books or have the opportunity to get an online subscription to audiobooks .So ultimately the resource gets limited.I feel really sad and this is something that should be focused on .

This is so true! I started reading last month and after I read one book I wanted to read more but I didn’t know where to get suggestions from and I remembered that pewdiepie has done some book reviews from there I discovered the western booktube and now I finally found this community which is so so so wholesome! Much love ❤️

All of this is so true!

This might be my favourite Booktube video ever. I said it. Just discovered your channel. Loving your content.

Whatever you spoke is actually the need of the hour, every word every point is so relevant 😍...i have been reading since school days and seriously I don't understand why reading is so unrated 😕... I particularly loved the point when you spoke about being a critique (are you a chef/movie director that u are criticizing the food/movie?) You just nailed that point 😂.... It's really time we appreciate different opinion or at least understand that choice are extremely personal 😌 Just keep on with your good work 🥰

This is so on point!. 🔥

Completely agreed with all points mentioned.

Maybe this happens in north India but in Bengal parents encourage children to read. So 🙄

I can relate with your full video and it is hard truth to accept. Whenever I say my parents to purchase me some books they always say what you can do with a book just study ur course books and this thing is hurt a lot 💯😔

So satisfying video........ PS: I agree with your points

Please bring us this type of chit chat videos. I love your vocab and watching you talk about books

You are absolutely Right Mam...

Oh my god I agree to every point 💘

I can’t believe parents stop child from reading books in India 🙄. It surprised me to the core. And what they want child to do play games on mobile?

True to every word....even though i am new to this channel and book community in RU-vid i do feel the same👍....you have said what every youtube content creater in BookTube wanted to say(including me)....keep going....👍

So inspired by you. I want to become a booktuber someday!

Wow, loved this rant :p

This was such a wonderful rant!! I loved the way you spoke; you're really fluent, which made this video even more enjoyable. It's quite frustrating to be a booktuber in India, especially since there are so few people who read, and it's so hard to reach those people. Views are subscribers are really hard to come by. I wish Indians would read more. I'm subbing to you, by the way!

On point, Di! come across so many people bashing each other just because they don't agree on liking a book. If it happens to me, I now have a reply ready. ' Honey...Honey, I did understand the book!'. 😂😂👍

Hahaha...i just loved the way u explained how one can have different opinions...n u are my goto when i want to read any new book and want to know which book I should buy... 😍😍😍

My problem is that the authors or publishers gives free books to famous influencers who are not even a part of booktubers or bookstagrammers.

My dad literally ripped my novel apart and I was legit crying the whole damn night as there was nothing I could do about it! Btw love you❤️

I totally agree with your arguments about the reading culture in India. I also faced bad experiences since childhood as whenever I say to someone that I love reading books, collecting them or anything about books everyone gets amazed as I asked for something abnormal.

On point!

I'll add to that list. Indians have a thing where they somehow feel non-fiction is the actual reading and superior and fiction is basically garbage and a waste of time. When I started college, that's the first time I started telling people that I read books. I felt more comfortable saying it simply because at that point it felt like I could find more people sharing that love for books with me (schools here really don't encourage reading so even if people read, they don't talk about it). But it didn't take me long to realise that when people said they read, they usually meant The Secret or Rich Dad Poor Dad (which is fine if you like it) but the second I would throw back that I liked let's say, John Green or Meg Cabot, their reactions changed. Like a line was drawn lol. That never affected me really, it was all cool because I get how we are here. But now every time I tell people I read books, I literally either directly say or add that I like FICTION. I leave it upto them to decide whether they want more out of that conversation or not. And they don't.

Thanks for such a great information

I found you randomly and now I cant stop watching u❤️ More power to you☺️

I totally agree with you👍