I watch book reviews on BookTok (guilty) and I see a lot of comments like, “This book shattered me for weeks” or, “I couldn’t stop crying for days.” Sure, some books really resonate with people and evoke strong feelings. That’s the purpose of good storytelling. But I read some of these books that are supposed to “devastate” me and they…didn’t? Sure, some are thought provoking to me and I ruminate on the story for a few days after finishing, but I’m not on the floor sobbing like some of these reviewers are saying. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion on the books they read and the emotions they feel, but many of them seem so exaggerated. Am I alone here? lol
by birdieeat
6 Comments
I recently had a book wreck me emotionally. I listen to audiobooks at work and this particular book had me fighting tears at my desk, crying in traffic, and doing some light sobbing while reading it at home later that night. And I also tear up when I see booktok references to the parts that really got me.
But also! I cry a lot more than most people lol. I think being so torn up about a book might be more on the abnormal side, so I think you’re good 🙂
I always assume they’re being hyperbolic. Like saying “I’m rolling on the floor laughing” cause a video made you smile.
It depends on what you’ve read and previous background. If you don’t usually read sad stuff, it’s probably going to have a bigger impact then it’s something you normally consume.
It’s obviously different, but I was raised on fanfiction and still read this. The vast, vast majority of “spicy” books that people get worked up over are incredibly tame to me because of what I’ve seen in fanfiction.
Your first mistake was watching “Booktok”. Your second mistake was basing your opinions on what others tell you that you should be feeling. Your third mistake is worrying what others think about your feelings/opinions.
Some people react differently to all kinds of media. I love a good cry and I cry very easily lol.
I’ve even been known to cry at god damned *documentaries* haha, which never fails to get people to give me weird looks.
I think some people just might be more sensitive, not necessarily more compassionate or “alive” lol. I cry seeing other people cry, but not everyone is like that! Same with books