I came across a booktube video today that I really want to share with more people, because I think it contains in incredibly important message. It was made by Mary from books-and-cookies (please check out her blog, she is quite literally THE nicest person on Tumblr), who recently started a booktube channel.
Obviously, I myself love reading, and I know I can go a little overboard when giving people book recommendations. In my enthusiasm, I'll momentarily forget that not everyone is as into reading as I am. I also think that reading in general is important because it can teach people so many things - I am a big supporter of projects to help children find the right books for them, and improving literacy in general. But it's important for everyone in the book community to remember that not everyone likes reading, and that that's OK.
Obviously, I myself love reading, and I know I can go a little overboard when giving people book recommendations. In my enthusiasm, I'll momentarily forget that not everyone is as into reading as I am. I also think that reading in general is important because it can teach people so many things - I am a big supporter of projects to help children find the right books for them, and improving literacy in general. But it's important for everyone in the book community to remember that not everyone likes reading, and that that's OK.
Like Mary says, we are not special little snowflakes because we happen to like reading. We are not better than people who prefer sports or creating art or collecting stamps. The booktube and bookblr community are generally great, but there is a lot of snobbery going on under the surface as well: avid readers looking down on people who don't read, or not as much; readers looking down on other readers who prefer YA or graphic novels; people who keep their books immaculate looking down on people who annotate theirs; readers of physical books looking down on people who listen to audiobooks, and so on. That is ridiculous, and it needs to stop.
Ultimately, no matter how much 'being a bookworm' is part of your identity, reading is a hobby - it's something that's supposed to bring you joy. But don't forget, it's also supposed to bring joy to the other people who enjoy reading. Our reading habits don't make us better than anyone else and besides, it's not a contest!
Ultimately, no matter how much 'being a bookworm' is part of your identity, reading is a hobby - it's something that's supposed to bring you joy. But don't forget, it's also supposed to bring joy to the other people who enjoy reading. Our reading habits don't make us better than anyone else and besides, it's not a contest!