When The Love For Reading Grows Smaller
Also titled: falling out of love with books because of trends
In a time where reading is celebrated and book recommendations flood our feeds, it’s easy to feel like a lesser reader if you don’t measure up to the lofty standards set by platforms like ‘BookTok’ (TikTok) or the ambitious goal of reading 100 books a year. The pressure to keep pace with these trends can ironically lessen the joy of reading rather than amplify it.
BookTok and the Pressure to Conform
BookTok, a vibrant community on TikTok dedicated to books, has transformed the way readers discover new books, authors, and titles. Books trend like viral lifestyle or life hack videos, and recommendations spread faster than wildfire. While this is a great way to introduce readers to different genres, new authors, and new releases they might have not encountered otherwise, it also creates a subconscious competition to keep up with the latest "must-reads”. For some, this pressure can overshadow the love and pleasure of reading itself, turning an otherwise relaxed and easy-going activity into a race against time.
The Race to Read 100 Books a Year
Setting reading goals is like motivation for many avid readers. On top of being fulfilling, it provides structure and a great sense of satisfaction or accomplishment as each book marks a book closer to the set reading goal. This is why it’s important to remember that reading is not a numbers game.
I believe that each book deserves appreciation. When the focus shifts solely to quantity, the depth of engagement and appreaciation may change for the worst, leading to an otherwise decreased overall reading experience.
Rediscovering the Joy of Reading
One thing I will always advocate for is reading the books (and any reading material you enjoy) at your own pace. Yes, reading clubs that set reading milestones are a good challenge, but taking the opportunity to read and understand the book without thinking of numbers sounds better.
The best part about reading lies in the connection formed between the reader and the story, whether it is savouring the prose of your favourite author, exploring new worlds and ideas, or simply returning to the pages of beloved book.
When the love for reading grows smaller, it's often because we've lost sight of why we started reading in the first place. It's not about how many books we read or whether we're keeping up with the latest popular books or latest releases; it's about the personal journey each book takes us on, the emotions it evokes, and the views it offers.
So, whether it’s a classic novel, a trending bestseller, or a hidden gem you find in a bookshop–let’s celebrate reading in all its forms. Let’s read for pleasure, for knowledge, for escape, and for empathy. Let’s read not to meet expectations but to enrich our minds one page at a time.
Reading is a means of thinking with another person’s mind; it forces you to stretch your own. –Charles Scribner, Jr.
Thanks for reading! If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read, remember to follow the publication (and clap/comment too!). Want to write for Penny Press? Please check out our submission guidelines and ask to be added as a writer in the comments of that post.
