6 Months on BookTube: Wins, Struggles & Surprises Meli in the Margins 2026-04-30 | Six months ago, I started my BookTube channel, and it’s been equal parts exciting, challenging, and eye-opening.In this honest 6-month update, I’m sharing what I’ve learned as a new YouTuber, the struggles I’m still working through (finding balance, finding my niche ...), and a few reflections that might help anyone thinking about starting a YouTube channel of their own.From perfectionism and filming struggles to unexpected community growth and navigating (or not navigating) the algorithm, this is a real look at what the first six months on YouTube have actually been like.If you’re a new creator, thinking about starting a channel, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of BookTube, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:36 What I've Learned6:39 Continued Struggles13:49 Surprises16:55 Tips & Takeaways20:35 Final Thoughts#booktube #newyoutuber #youtubejourney #contentcreator #smallyoutuber
10 More Book Awards You Should Know About | Part 2 Meli in the Margins 2026-09-25 | In this follow-up to my beginner’s guide to book awards, we’re exploring 10 more book awards and prizes worth knowing about.After my first book awards video, so many of you recommended awards I hadn’t covered that I fell down another bookish research rabbit hole. So, in this video, I’m sharing the results.My hope is that at least one of these book awards introduces you to a new author, book, or award worth following!💬 *Have you heard of any of these awards? What book awards would you add to the list?* Let me know in the comments, and thank you to everyone who suggested an award for this follow-up!📚 *WATCH THE ORIGINAL VIDEO*My Beginner’s Guide to the Book Awards You Should Know:youtu.be/D7u-odBnyZI?si=XjF6UXvXFf3ZSegW 🏆 *THE BOOK AWARDS MENTIONED*1. *Republic of Consciousness Foundation / Queen Mary Small Press Fiction Prize*Official website: republicofconsciousness.comBooks mentioned:• The Remembered Soldier — Anjet Daanje, translated by David McKay: goodreads.com/search?q=The+Remembered+Soldier+Anjet+Daanje• Ghost Driver — Nell Osborne: goodreads.com/search?q=Ghost+Driver+Nell+Osborne• Figures Crossing the Fields Towards the Group — Rebecca Gransden: goodreads.com/search?q=Figures+Crossing+the+Fields+Towards+the+Group+Rebecca+Gransden2. *Dublin Literary Award*Official website: https://dublinliteraryaward.ie/Book mentioned:• Gliff — Ali Smith: goodreads.com/search?q=Gliff+Ali+Smith3. *Giller Prize*Official website: gillerprize.caBook mentioned:• Pick a Colour — Souvankham Thammavongsa: goodreads.com/search?q=Pick+a+Colour+Souvankham+Thammavongsa4. *Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction*Official website: walterscottprize.co.ukBook mentioned:• The Matchbox Girl — Alice Jolly: goodreads.com/search?q=The+Matchbox+Girl+Alice+Jolly5. *Wilbur & Niso Smith Writing Prize*Official website: wilbur-niso-smithfoundation.orgBook mentioned:• The Fertile Earth — Ruthvika Rao: goodreads.com/search?q=The+Fertile+Earth+Ruthvika+Rao6. *Caldecott Medal*Official information: ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottBook mentioned:• Fireworks — Matthew Burgess, illustrated by Cátia Chien: goodreads.com/search?q=Fireworks+Matthew+Burgess+Catia+Chien7. *Locus Awards*Official website: locusmag.comBooks mentioned:• Death of the Author — Nnedi Okorafor: goodreads.com/search?q=Death+of+the+Author+Nnedi+Okorafor• The Everlasting — Alix E. Harrow: goodreads.com/search?q=The+Everlasting+Alix+E+Harrow8. *Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award*Official website: youngwriteraward.comBook mentioned:• Year of the Rat — Harry Shukman: goodreads.com/search?q=Year+of+the+Rat+Harry+Shukman9. *Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO)*Information and coverage: https://www.marklawrence.buzz/2018/06/the-official-self-published-fantasy.html Book mentioned:• By Blood, By Salt — L. L. Odom: goodreads.com/search?q=By+Blood+By+Salt+L+L+Odom10. *BookTube Prize*Official website: booktubeprize.org Books mentioned:• James — Percival Everett: goodreads.com/search?q=James+Percival+Everett• Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space — Adam Higginbotham: goodreads.com/search?q=Challenger+Adam+Higginbotham🎁 *BONUS: Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest*Official website: bulwer-lytton.comThe contest celebrates deliberately terrible opening sentences in fiction. The website also includes information about its history and past winners.💬 *THANK YOU TO THE VIEWERS WHO RECOMMENDED THESE AWARDS!**NOTE: The first three commenters tagged below are also BookTube content creators. Please check them out!*@eyesonindie @DixieSparkle @EmpireofPages @MMjones6459 @Rosemary-xg4vm @michaelbodell7740 @joldomort5515 @jenniereece1158 @raswartz If you enjoyed this video, please consider liking, commenting, and subscribing for more bookish discussions, reading recommendations, literary deep dives, and casual conversations about books.Happy reading! 📖🕰️ *TIMESTAMPS:*0:00 Intro1:33 Award # 14:45 Current winners, book blurbs7:53 Award # 29:54 Current winner, book blurb10:38 Award # 312:17 Current winner, book blurb13:21 Award # 415:04 Current winner, book blurb16:16 Award # 518:13 Current winner, book blurb19:07 Award #620:50 Current winner, book blurb21:09 Award #724:10 Current winners, book blurbs26:24 Award # 827:45 Current winner, book blurb28:30 Award #931:49 Current winner, book blurb32:40 Award # 1035:37 Current winner, description36:42 Bonus “award”41:44 Final thoughts#booktube #bookawards #literaryawards #bookrecommendations #readingcommunity
Popular Bookish Trends: IN or OUT? 📚 | In or Out Book Tag Meli in the Margins 2026-09-22 | Hello BookTube,I'm back with a new (yet old) tag video.This original tag was created over five years ago by Rick @RickMacDonnell, it was revived in 2026, and I was tagged last May by Pat @BookChatWithPat8668. It requires us to make rapid-fire decisions (in ... or out?) about numerous bookish tropes and trends, which is a bit of I challenge for me as an overthinker, but it was very fun to do!*Prompts:*1. Reading the Last Page First 2. Enemies to Lovers 3. Dream Sequences 4. Love Triangles 5. Cracked Spines 6. Back to My Small Town 7. Monsters Are Regular People 8. No Paragraph Breaks 9. Multi-Generational Sagas 10. Re-Reading 11. Artificial Intelligence 12. Drop Caps 13. Happy Endings 14. Plot Points That Only Converge At the End 15. Detailed Magic Systems 16. Classic Fantasy Races 17. Unreliable Narrators 18. Evil Protagonists 19. The Chosen One 20. When the Protagonist Dies 21. Really Long Chapters 22. French Flaps 23. Deckled Edges 24. Signed Copies by the Author 25. Dog-Earing Pages 26. Chapter Titles Instead of Numbers27. Tag others🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*youtu.be/B3yL9VTDxZA?si=zn0cUf44Ze2DKA7Pyoutu.be/Sx2q0mSpL20?si=q7SvcqB7i8AXsomI🏷️ *Tag, You're It!*@OnastackofBooks @YoungsandTheRestless @MyMessyBookshelf @HomeSchoolLibrary25 @booksimnotreading @PatricksBookReviews @TheAccidentalBookseller @SaracensSalute @royreadsanything @AlyciaRunsandReads @SpartzReads @Nanna_reader What bookish trends are in or out for you? Let me know in the comments! And if you enjoy bookish discussions, reading opinions, and casual literary conversations, consider subscribing for more.#booktube #booktag #tagtuesday #booktropes
10 Cities That Deserve Their Own Murder Mystery Meli in the Margins 2026-09-18 | What cities would make the perfect setting for a murder mystery? 🕵️📚🌎I’m afflicted with both book lust and wanderlust, so whenever I travel, I inevitably find myself thinking, “This would make a great place for a murder mystery.” In this video, I’m taking you on a worldwide murder mystery tour through 10 cities and towns that I’ve personally visited and think deserve to appear in more mystery novels.This is, of course, a completely subjective list based on places I’ve actually traveled to. I’m especially interested in cities that offer something atmospheric, unusual, isolated, labyrinthine, or visually striking, and I’d love to discover more murder mysteries set in locations beyond the usual suspects.*The 10 Murder Mystery Settings*🇫🇷 Paris, France — the catacombs🇮🇹 Venice, Italy — canals, fog, and labyrinthine streets🇫🇷 Marseille, France — Château d’If and the cathedral overlooking the city🇺🇸 Seattle, Washington — underground Seattle and Pike Place Market🇲🇽 Mexico City, Mexico — Coyoacán, colorful markets, and summer heat🇺🇸 Orlando, Florida — Disney parks with a supernatural twist🇹🇭 Chiang Mai, Thailand — the lantern festival🇨🇳 Guilin, China — atmospheric underground caves🇯🇵 Kawagoe, Japan — historic streets and Japanese Gothic atmosphere🇯🇵 Koyasan, Japan — isolated temples and a huge cemeteryHave you read a murder mystery set in any of these places? Please let me know in the comments, especially if you have recommendations! And tell me: what city or place do YOU think would make a perfect murder mystery setting?I’ll travel there. 😉Happy reading!🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro1:02 City #12:56 City#24:12 City #36:03 City #47:24 City #58:58 City #69:52 City #711:54 City #814:22 City #915:58 City #1018:02 Final thoughts#booktube #murdermystery #mysterybooks #travel #wanderlust
My Most Anticipated Reads 📚 | A Very Exciting Book Haul Meli in the Margins 2026-09-15 | Over the past couple months, I’ve been collecting some of my most highly anticipated reads, and today I’m finally sharing them with you in a new book haul! 📚This haul includes a mix of classics, fantasy, romantasy, literary fiction, poetry, and memoir. I’ll be sharing the books I purchased recently, along with a few titles I picked up from the library.As I share each book, I’ll also be reading its opening sentence (or, in the case of Mary Oliver’s Devotions, the opening poem) and sharing my first impressions. These are all books I’m genuinely excited to read, although I’m not sure I’ll manage to fit every single one into my reading plans for the rest of 2026!📚 *Books "Hauled":*Treasure Island — Robert Louis StevensonThe Knight and the Moth — Rachel GilligDevotions — Mary OliverWhistler — Anne PatchettThe Correspondent — Virginia EvansLand — Maggie O’FarrellI Am I Am I Am — Maggie O’FarrellGeorge: A Magpie Memoir — Frieda HughesThe Once and Future Witches — Alix E. HarrowThe Shadow of the Wind / La sombra del viento — Carlos Ruiz Zafón🎥 *Video Mentioned:*youtu.be/V6kp3wgZ23g?si=hUavZDFlrrv30L4pI’m also participating in To Sea in September, a new BookTube reading event created and hosted by Brad from Home School Library. I’m linking and tagging all of the hosts below!🐳 *To Sea in September Hosts:*Brad @HomeSchoolLibrary25 Randy @LiterateTexan Mark @BookTimewithElvis Jeff @JeffsCaveofCoolBooks Mark @richardsonreads573 Steve @saintdonoghue Roy @royreadsanything Gavin @GenreBooks23 Michael @michaelk.vaughan8617 💬 Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you thought without spoilers, and tell me what you’re planning to read during the fall and winter months.Happy reading! 📖🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:18 Treasure Island2:12 The Knight and the Moth3:49 Devotions5:27 Whistler7:57 The Correspondent9:33 Land11:09 I Am I Am I Am14:20 George: A Magpie Memoir16:05 The Once and Future Witches18:24 The Shadow of the Wind / La sombra del viento#bookhaul #booktube #toseainseptember #fallreading
How to Read a Shakespearean Sonnet | A Beginner’s Guide Meli in the Margins 2026-09-11 | How do you read and understand a Shakespearean sonnet? If Shakespeare and poetry have ever felt intimidating, this short, informal guide is here to help demystify the Shakespearean sonnet.In this video, we’ll break down the rules and structure of a Shakespearean sonnet, including iambic pentameter, quatrains, the final couplet, and the rhyme scheme. Then we’ll translate some of Shakespeare’s trickier language (including thee, thou, thy, and thine, unusual verb forms, and those wonderfully strange apostrophes) into more familiar English.Finally, we’ll put everything into practice with a line-by-line analysis of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”). I’ll share my own interpretation while also emphasizing that literary analysis isn't about finding one “correct” answer; different interpretations are welcome when they can be supported by the text.Whether you're a Shakespeare beginner, a student studying poetry, a longtime reader, or simply someone who has always wanted to understand Shakespearean sonnets a little better, I hope this gives you a more approachable way into the poetry.And yes, I’m wearing a historically inaccurate Renaissance Fair hat. 🎩If you enjoyed the video, let me know in the comments: What exposure have you had to Shakespeare or poetry, and what has your experience been like?Happy reading, Shakespeare or otherwise!🕰️ *Timestamps*0:00 Intro1:31 Understanding the Sonnet Rules10:14 "Translating" Shakespeare Into Today's English16:16 Analyzing a Sonnet34:00 Final Thoughts#shakespeare #shakespeareansonnet #poetry #shaketember
I Finally Got My Reading Groove Back | August Reading Wrap-Up Meli in the Margins 2026-09-04 | After a slog of a summer, I finally got my reading groove back! 📚 In this August Reading Wrap-Up, I'm sharing everything I read this month, including fiction, short stories, and poetry.This month was a little different from my usual reading wrap-ups; instead of going chronologically, I'm breaking everything down by genre. And, of course, we're bringing back "Books, Distilled," where I attempt to capture each book or story in six words (or fewer!).I read mysteries, historical fantasy, YA fantasy, classic and contemporary short stories, and four very different poetry collections. Some were comfort reads and some surprised me. I'll share my favorite reads of August, including And Then There Were None and The Unicorn Hunters, plus some short stories and poetry that made an impression.📚 *Books & Stories Mentioned:*NovelsAnd Then There Were None — Agatha ChristieHeart the Lover — Lily KingSo You Want to Be a Wizard — Diane DuaneThe Unicorn Hunters — Katherine ArdenShort StoriesThe Adventures of Sherlock Holmes — Arthur Conan Doyle“A Shameful Affair” — Kate Chopin“There Will Come Soft Rains” — Ray Bradbury“Homecoming, 1901” — Carys DaviesPoetryDog Songs — Mary OliverFersace — Nicole TallmanThe Burning Where Breath Used to Be — Jen KaretnickInheritance with a High Error Rate — Jen Karetnick🎥 Videos Mentioned:youtu.be/gQP3ssRwAz8?si=fqbskdMSuRx02ofSyoutu.be/D7u-odBnyZI?si=67XrLpYjry4gPpgm📖 *Channels & Commenters Mentioned:*Abby @abbyreads1 — recommendation for So You Want to Be a WizardNicky @MyMessyBookshelf — buddy read of The Unicorn HuntersAlly @genteelblackhole — poetry partyPaul @GeeksLoveDogs — DOGust reading event for Dog SongsNina — recommendation for “Homecoming, 1901”🎙️ *Short Story Summer Cohosts:*Randy Ray @LiterateTexan (creator) Nicky @MyMessyBookshelf Crystal @fiberartsyreads Greg @anotherbibliophilereads Hannah @HannahsBooks Steve @saintdonoghue Brandy @TheBookclectic James @JamesRuchala Brad @HomeSchoolLibrary25 If you're looking for book recommendations, reading wrap-ups, short story recommendations, poetry recommendations, or books to get you out of a reading slump, I hope you'll find something here to add to your TBR!If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and tell me what you read in August! 📚🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro1:11 Novels: #12:30 Novels: #24:36 Novels: #37:43 Novels: #412:16 Short Stories: #118:16 Short Stories: #219:58 Short Stories: #320:59 Short Stories: #421:46 Poetry: #123:54 Poetry: #228:20 Poetry: #331:40 Poetry: #435:02 Final Thoughts#augustreadingwrapup #booktube #readingwrapup #shortstorysummer #dogust
10 Short Stories That Will Mess With Your Head Meli in the Margins 2026-08-28 | Hello readers,These are 10 short stories that have stayed with me and that I’d recommend to anyone looking to discover great short fiction, fall back in love with reading, or get out of a reading slump.Most of these are well-known short stories by well-known authors, and as an English professor, I've taught several of these stories to students, but if you haven't read them yet, I strongly recommend going in as blind as possible. In this video, I share 10 memorable short stories spanning literary fiction, horror, science fiction, psychological fiction, and more:📚 *The 10 short stories featured:*“The Lottery” — Shirley Jackson“The Tell-Tale Heart” — Edgar Allan Poe“The Blue Lenses” — Daphne du Maurier“The Yellow Wallpaper” — Charlotte Perkins Gilman“The Story of an Hour” — Kate Chopin“Désirée’s Baby” — Kate Chopin“A Rose for Emily” — William Faulkner“There Will Come Soft Rains” — Ray Bradbury“The School” — Donald Barthelme“The Nightingale and the Rose” — Oscar WildeThese stories range from the mid-1800s through the 1970s, and while they're very different in genre and style, they all demonstrate just how much a writer can accomplish in a surprisingly small number of pages.If you're new to short stories, looking for classic short stories to read, trying to get out of a reading slump, or simply want a few unforgettable literary recommendations, I hope you'll find something here.💬 Have you read any of these? What short stories would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments!Happy reading! 📚📺 *Channels & Videos Mentions:*Nicky @MyMessyBookshelf Julia @exenglishmajor youtu.be/ShdVBC7NuTE?si=wLAAxRnKaz3yAgoN📃 *Short Story Summer Crew:*Event created by Randy Ray @LiterateTexan Co-hosts:Nicky @MyMessyBookshelf Crystal @fiberartsyreads Greg @anotherbibliophilereads Hannah @HannahsBooks Steve @saintdonoghue Brandy @TheBookclectic James @JamesRuchala Brad @HomeSchoolLibrary25 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro1:01 Short Story #12:50 Short Story #24:19 Short Story #34:57 Short Story #45:53 Short Story #56:34 Short Story #67:17 Short Story #78:42 Short Story #810:26 Short Story #911:42 Short Story #1012:41 Final Thoughts#shortstories #shortstorysummer #booktube #classicliterature #readingslump
Back to School: Which Fictional Schools Would I Survive? Meli in the Margins 2026-08-25 | Which fictional schools would I actually survive? 📚🏫It’s back-to-school season, so today I’m ranking the fictional schools I’d love to attend (and probably would not survive). This video is part of the Back to School Book Tag, an original tag created by Jessica @OnastackofBooks, who kindly tagged me! Make sure to check out Jessica's video below:youtu.be/RitbDuMxXZ0?si=moyuFwy5vH8NQHUoThe tag has just two prompts:1. What fictional school would you love to attend and why?2. What fictional school would you NOT want to attend and why?You can have multiple answers from both prompts.📚 *Schools I’d want to attend:*• Hogwarts — _Harry Potter_ by J.K. Rowling• Brakebills College — _The Magicians_ by Lev Grossman• Avonlea School — _Anne of Green Gables_ by L.M. Montgomery💀 *Schools I would NOT want to attend:*• Hampden College — _The Secret History_ by Donna Tartt• The Academy — _The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes_ by Suzanne Collins• Sinegard — _The Poppy War_ by R.F. Kuang• Basgiath War College — _Fourth Wing_ by Rebecca Yarros• Lowood — _Jane Eyre_ by Charlotte BrontëWhich fictional school would you choose, and which one would you absolutely avoid?I'm tagging a few people below, and if you decide to do the tag yourself, please consider yourself officially tagged. As always, no pressure!🏷️ *Tag, You're It*@booksimnotreading @abbyreads1 @HomeSchoolLibrary25 @EmpireofPages @AlyciaRunsandReads @awebofstories @SueJacksonDE 🕰️ *Timestamps*0:00 Intro0:54 Fictional schools I would NOT attend7:09 Fictional schools I WOULD attend10:58 Final thoughts on nonexistent schools#booktube #tagtuesday #fictionalschools #booktag #bookish
The Book Awards You Should Know | A Beginner’s Guide Meli in the Margins 2026-08-21 | How many major book awards can you name? The Nobel Prize, the Booker Prize, the Pulitzer Prize … and then things get a little fuzzy? Same.As an English professor, I’ve always been slightly embarrassed by how little I knew about the world of literary book awards, so I decided to fix that and take you along for the research.In this video, I’m breaking down some of the major book awards readers should know, including awards for literary fiction, children’s and YA literature, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, horror, and more. I’ll also share some lesser-known literary awards and a few wonderfully strange book-award facts I discovered along the way.I’m looking at:📚 *Awards for an author's body of work*Nobel Prize in LiteratureNeustadt International Prize for Literature📖 *Major literary fiction awards*Booker PrizePulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardsNational Book Critics Circle AwardsWomen’s Prize🧒 *Children’s & YA book awards*John Newbery MedalMichael L. Printz Award🚀 *Genre fiction awards*Hugo AwardsEdgar AwardsNebula AwardsBram Stoker AwardsAnd, because apparently there's an award for almost everything, I also discuss the Mythopoeic Awards and the wonderfully bizarre Bookseller/Diagram Prize for Oddest Title of the Year.I also consider a bigger question: Do book awards actually matter? Do they help readers discover deserving books and authors, or are literary awards ultimately too subjective to tell us what is “best”?📚 *RESOURCES & AWARD WEBSITES**Awards for an Author's Body of Work*Nobel Prize in Literature: nobelprize.org/prizes/literatureNeustadt International Prize for Literature: neustadtprize.org*Literary Fiction*Booker Prize: thebookerprizes.comPulitzer Prizes: pulitzer.orgNational Book Awards: nationalbook.orgNational Book Critics Circle Awards: bookcritics.orgWomen's Prize: womensprize.com*Children's & YA*John Newbery Medal: ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberyMichael L. Printz Award: ala.org/yalsa/printz-award*Genre Fiction*Hugo Awards: thehugoawards.orgEdgar Awards: edgarawards.comNebula Awards: nebulas.sfwa.orgBram Stoker Awards: bramstokerawards.horror.org/the-bram-stoker-awardsAnd if you want to go much deeper down the rabbit hole, the Wikipedia list categorizes literary awards by country, region, language, genre, identity, and more: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_literary_awardsThanks for watching, and happy reading! 📚🕰️ *Timestamps*0:00 Intro1:17 "Research" Process2:54 Body of Work Awards5:27 Literary Fiction Awards14:40 Children's & YA Awards16:57 Genre Awards21:51 Book Award Fun Facts22:55 Final Thoughts#booktube #bookawards #literaryawards #bookrecommendations #literaryfiction
I Might Not Have Started BookTube If Id Known This Meli in the Margins 2026-08-18 | YouTube just changed its monetization requirements, and as a small BookTuber, I have some thoughts. In this video, I'm talking about what the new YouTube Partner Program requirements could mean for small creators, especially niche channels in communities like BookTube. I started my BookTube channel about nine months ago with no expectation that it would become a significant source of income. What I did hope was that monetization might eventually become a small milestone — a way to help pay for a book or two while continuing to make videos I genuinely enjoy. But with the new YouTube monetization requirements and increased watch-time threshold, that goal suddenly feels much more difficult, and it has me thinking about what these changes might mean for small YouTubers, new creators, niche communities, and the kinds of videos we're incentivized to make. I'm especially concerned about the possibility that small creators will feel pressured to chase viral videos rather than make the slower, more niche content that helps build genuine communities. As a BookTuber, I love making reading wrap-ups, book discussions, literary analysis, and other videos that aren't necessarily designed to go viral. I don't want to stop making those videos just because they're unlikely to generate huge numbers. So this is a little different from my usual Thursday BookTube content. It's a very informal (slightly wine-fueled 😬 🍷) conversation about YouTube, monetization, small creators, and the future of niche communities on the platform. Do you think the new YouTube monetization requirements will change the kinds of videos small creators make? Would they have affected your decision to start a channel? Let me know what you think in the comments. And thank you to Alison @alisontalksbooks for bringing these changes to my attention! 📚 MORE BOOKTUBE If you're new here, I make videos about books, reading, literary discussions, rereading, and the occasional BookTube rabbit hole. Subscribe if you'd like to join me. 🕰️ *Timestamps* 0:00 Intro 1:13 Mild Rant 12:56 Conclusion? #booktube #smallyoutuber #youtubemonetization #youtubepartnerprogram #smallcreators
What I Missed the First Time Around | July Reading Wrap-Up Meli in the Margins 2026-08-13 | Hello readers,July turned out to be the month of familiar stories. 📚 In this reading wrap-up, I’m reflecting on rereading favorite classics, how our own experiences change the way we read, and the surprising things I noticed on my second encounters with _Jane Eyre_ and _The Odyssey_ . I also talk about revisiting _The Last Unicorn_ as an adult and comparing the book with my childhood memories of its animated adaptation.📚 *Books Mentioned:*• _Jane Eyre_ by Charlotte Brontë• _The Odyssey_ by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles• _The Last Unicorn_ by Peter S. Beagle🎥 *Videos Mentioned*My reflections on book introductions:youtu.be/zyVnXRATthY?si=jBFy0sPBAAKDZ1psNew BookTubers you should follow: youtu.be/i59_qd51qUs?si=Vejo0e-gAQy4ANvVMy thoughts on Christopher Nolan's _The Odyssey_ adaptation: youtu.be/j83QzKf7LVM?si=TaiPu_yIWh8abehEI also have a quick update at the end: I officially completed BookTube Quest: A Summer Scavenger Hunt! 🏆🏆 *BookTube Quest Resources*📄 Download the BookTube Quest checklist:drive.google.com/file/d/1sAsDldtfJRxKVD9xi5uwhodyB3WK4gIc/view?usp=sharing🔎 *BookTube Quest Co-Hosts:*Nicky @MyMessyBookshelf Jessica @OnastackofBooks Lauren & Ben @YoungsandTheRestless 📺 *Channel Mentioned:*@theonlybooktowrite youtu.be/Ee9U2pBIaeU?si=4rdB8i8rsTLpI6gUAlso tagging @Thomas.R.Howell since I have one of his videos to thank for discovering _The Last Unicorn_ in book form. 😊 If you reread books or revisit stories from childhood, I'd love to know: Do familiar stories feel different when you return to them years later?🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:36 Jane Eyre5:02 The Odyssey9:15 The Last Unicorn13:39 Final thoughts14:31 Wait! Booktube Quest Update#booktube #readingwrapup #booktubequest #janeeyre #theodyssey #thelastunicorn #classicliterature
Do Book Introductions Change the Way We Read? Meli in the Margins 2026-08-06 | Question for my fellow readers. Do you read a book's introduction before Chapter One, do you save it until after you've finished the book, or do you not read it at all?After reading _The Last Unicorn_ , I found myself thinking about introductions to works of fiction and asking myself: What is a book introduction actually supposed to do?In this video, I reflect on the purpose of introductions, discuss Patrick Rothfuss' introduction to _The Last Unicorn_ by Peter S. Beagle and Stephen King's thoughts on spoilers in his intro to Daphne du Maurier’s _After Midnight_ collection, and share why I usually save introductions until after I've finished a book.We'll talk about the following:📚 Should book introductions include spoiler warnings?📚 Should introductions explain the story or simply prepare us for it?📚 How much should an introduction shape a reader's first experience?I'd love to hear your perspective in the comments. Do you always read introductions first, skip them entirely, or save them until the end?If you're a fellow BookTuber, consider this an open invitation to join the conversation with a video of your own! I'll also tag a few creators below whose thoughts I'd especially love to hear (but no pressure!). @BookChatWithPat8668 @TracysNordicLight @MyMessyBookshelf @booksimnotreading @OnastackofBooks @RiffRaffReads @anotherbibliophilereads @abbyreads1 @HannahsBooks @royreadsanything @LiterateTexan @Bibliophile-Reads @YoungsandTheRestless @katsnoveladventures1863 Happy reading, everyone.#booktube #bookdiscussion #readers #bookishthoughts
10 Underrated BookTubers You Should Be Watching Meli in the Margins 2026-07-30 | Hello BookTube,I recently reached 500 subscribers, and the best part of that milestone hasn't been the number; it's the incredible people I've met here on BookTube.To celebrate, I'm sharing 10 underrated BookTubers whose thoughtful reviews, unique perspectives, and welcoming communities deserve far more attention. If you're looking to discover some hidden gems on BookTube, I hope you'll find a new favorite creator today. 💎In the second half of the video, I also share my progress on "BookTube Quest: A Summer Scavenger Hunt," including the videos where I found nearly every prompt. If you'd like to join the challenge, you still have plenty of time!📚 *Featured BookTubers*@stephanie-ThisReadersLife @VintageStacie @madelinereads4 @whatsrobsreading @TheRetiredBookGuy @DixieSparkles @exenglishmajor @abbyreads1 @WidelyReading @anniesshelf 🏆 *BookTube Quest Resources*📄 Download the BookTube Quest checklist:drive.google.com/file/d/1sAsDldtfJRxKVD9xi5uwhodyB3WK4gIc/view?usp=sharing🎥 My BookTube Quest announcement video:youtu.be/1CXYsVI2cB0*Videos Where I Found the Prompts:*☕ Holding a mug – Tracy (@TracysNordicLight) youtu.be/QT7d5ezuOn4?is=R--xzQlwkp4uBG68😂 Has bloopers – Ally (@genteelblackhole)youtu.be/M9EMjxe4wgg?is=ll76JQxdZ_knLeW0🐶 Pet snoring in the background – Jenny (@jennyjaybles)youtu.be/FuQC1wNZx_0?is=jYSMDkXt5c8BP_Ws🐾 Pet behind them – Masha (@Masha.s_Book_Obsession)youtu.be/d3fB8tQE3Us?is=7Ndd4QzjfwwQ35SV📚 Knocks over a stack of books – Ellen (@ellenmadebookclub) youtu.be/B-HzHWfnM5k?is=n_JdusbAo0jPN9p4🐈 Pet walks across the screen – Patrick (@PatricksBookReviews)youtu.be/VwCxRKOjck4?is=POE-Z2hiBdAfZ1HP🪿 Goose visible – Lauren & Ben (@YoungsandTheRestless)youtu.be/Rk48WqzIRZU?is=wsxek_29wm0Sxu0X📖 Added a book to my TBRNicky (@MyMessyBookshelf) – Why Mummy Drinksyoutu.be/Apy6Crms1No?is=ZfuRpb3X4ksxVp4TStacie (@VintageStacie) – Garlic and the Vampireyoutu.be/GB-rDVNq1D8?is=2mt9416qELCQZBPz👶 Child interrupts – Nicky (@MyMessyBookshelf) youtu.be/Xuqvv3_OZ_E?is=UfkGlpcha0xinUZi🌿 Green man portrait – Jessica (@OnastackofBooks) youtu.be/Wc9M27B5Jlg?is=XeKfhOshg7NNK4Oz🪟 Window behind them – Pat (@BookChatWithPat8668)youtu.be/MDrT0PrjdMY?is=wwHxOcWMaNLWpdMv🚫 No books in the background – Melinda (@awebofstories) youtube.com/watch?v=XP8VRg0O1yc&is=EOohypnXMFlQO6tV📚 Current readathon mentioned – Stacie (@VintageStacie)youtu.be/GB-rDVNq1D8?is=2mt9416qELCQZBPz🎭 Shakespeare figure – Melissa (@meliinthemargins)youtu.be/qQhl736SFtE🗿 Statue or bust – Alice (@TheBookCastle) youtu.be/3QO7cgNqPyA?is=HqwOAeJ6GDuaPY8Q🐕 Dog barking – Melinda (@awebofstories) youtube.com/watch?v=XP8VRg0O1yc&is=EOohypnXMFlQO6tV💔 Hates a book I love – Nicky (@MyMessyBookshelf)youtube.com/live/6xkKLVFCpM4?is=7ri34EmbXLIhqAVG(this was live with with Cliff @CliffsDarkGems🕰️ Clock chimes – Stephanie (@stephanie-ThisReadersLife) youtu.be/u0OB6Gg0rqA?is=vugYmNkRz68MPNtU⚠️ Spoiler warningJenny (@jennyjaybles) youtu.be/vSM4qnw8UE8?is=qbnVDMhgwonf2pH_Lauren & Ben (@YoungsandTheRestless)youtu.be/iw10lm-kny0?is=5NIQSZKVpj_iHYhG❤️ Mentions my favorite author (Jane Austen) – Madeline (@madelinereads4)youtu.be/w9rUnOUR3HU?is=UmI5P6A-kTstsnUY🎮 Pop Funko visible – Paul (@GeeksLoveDogs) youtu.be/6Jx986afpoQ?is=QYq-ohOtUgQINZ7N📖 Favorite book on the shelf – Lauren & Ben (@YoungsandTheRestless) youtu.be/4P_vKLVoTjo?is=j4QmKXBLwHC9xShm📦 Went overboard with a book haulJames (@JamesRuchala) youtu.be/9cI3sew3W4E?is=VoniYQTziJhAgQBcDixie (@DixieSparkles)youtu.be/Tz--IEyLVqo?is=TWZOgfRW1BIX4PkS🌍 Globe visible – Randy Ray (@LiterateTexan) youtu.be/kl4FVMaw_jk?is=6NxIzYbFPoB4HH7c🎥 *Other Videos Mentioned*The Odyssey - Book v. Film: youtu.be/j83QzKf7LVM?si=pl26Xu2lAxW8QqaYBookTube Diaries playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6NC7JBAIYon35_BX5w8Meq8oS8kaJV8B&si=qpHUXxVPQCNRxo9jIf you know a smaller BookTuber who deserves more attention, leave their channel in the comments! I'd genuinely love to discover even more amazing creators.Thanks so much for watching, and happy reading!#booktube #booktubecommunity #booktubequest #smallbooktubers #readingcommunity
I Reread The Odyssey Before Watching Nolans Film Meli in the Margins 2026-07-23 | Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has sparked a renewed interest in Homer's 3,000-year-old epic, and after rereading the poem, I couldn't wait to see how this ambitious adaptation measured up.In this review, I discuss the film from the perspective of both a reader and a longtime lover of Greek mythology. We talk about the challenges of adapting ancient myth for modern audiences, the film's narrative structure, its approach to the gods, the casting, the historical aesthetic, and why I ultimately think this is a worthy adaptation, even if I have a few reservations.Most importantly, I think this film is doing something wonderful: introducing new audiences to one of the foundational stories of Western literature and encouraging many people to pick up The Odyssey for the first time.I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you seen Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey? Has the film made you want to read Homer for the first time or reread the epic?🕰️ *Timestamps*0:00 Intro0:18 My Readings of The Odyssey4:05 The Aesthetic4:52 The Casting6:26 The Story10:53 The Gods13:44 Final Verdict14:51 Final Thoughts#TheOdyssey #ChristopherNolan #GreekMythology #BookTube #ClassicLiterature
Sirens, Revolution & Cosmic Horror | June Reading Wrap-Up Meli in the Margins 2026-07-16 | •June may have been a relatively small reading month, but it certainly wasn't lacking in variety! In this June Reading Wrap-Up, I share my thoughts on three memorable books spanning historical fiction, mythology, literary fiction, and cosmic horror.This month's reads explore sisterhood, revolution, family, and the unknowable.I'd love to hear what you read in June! Have you picked up any of these books? Which book was the standout of your month?📚 *Books Discussed:*_The Sirens_ by Emilia Hart _The Lion Women_ of Tehran by Marjan Kamali _Ride the Spiral_ by Ben Young 📺 *Channels Mentioned:*@YoungsandTheRestless (Lauren & Ben) @Uncommon_Reader (Daniela) @PatricksBookReviews (Patrick)🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*_Ride the Spiral_ Book Reviewyoutu.be/2Wv3MMuDEKs?si=A0AJ76FXOB-HjdcM📚 Summer Reading Plans youtu.be/f8tB5LOLh3g?si=iAyx0CyGivf9IuXF🔎 BookTube Quest: A Summer Scavenger Huntyoutu.be/1CXYsVI2cB0?si=N8w2V076iZkgZndd🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:31 The Sirens4:36 The Lion Women of Tehran9:51 Ride the Spiral13:30 Final Thoughts14:18 BookTube Quest Update#booktube #readingwrapup #bookrecommendations #readingvlog #booktubequest
Coffee Table Books: Are They Actually Meant to Be Read? Meli in the Margins 2026-07-09 | Have you ever wondered what coffee table books are actually for? Are they meant to be read cover to cover, or are they really just beautiful décor?In this video, I explore the history of coffee table books, where the term came from, why they've become such a staple of interior design, and the ongoing debate over whether displaying books for aesthetics is "performative" or perfectly reasonable.Then I take you through my own coffee table book collection and share why each one has earned a place in my home.I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you own any coffee table books? Do you actually read them, display them, or both?📚 *In This Video:*What defines a coffee table book?A brief history of coffee table booksBooks as décor vs. books to be readMy personal coffee table book collectionWhy coffee table books make such memorable conversation pieces📖 *Sources Referenced:*Book Riot - bookriot.com/history-of-coffee-table-booksQin Printing - qinprinting.com/blog/the-history-of-coffee-table-booksSheres - sheres.com/blogs/news/the-fascinating-evolution-of-coffee-table-books-from-conversation-starters-to-cultural-icons 🎥 *Video Mentioned:*youtu.be/1CXYsVI2cB0?si=t5Qcc-opRLorWw__Thanks so much for watching, and as always, happy reading!🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:41 The Controversy2:42 The History8:39 Show & Tell22:48 Final Thoughts#booktube #coffeetablebooks #bookcollection #booklovers #booktubbquest
My Midyear Reading Check-In | Faves, Stats & Surprises Meli in the Margins 2026-07-02 | It's officially the halfway point of 2026, which means it's time for a midyear reading check-in! 📚In today's video, I'm combining two BookTube favorites—the Midyear Freakout Tag and the BookTube Numbers Tag—to look back at the first half of my reading year.I'll be sharing:✨ My favorite books of the year (so far)✨ Biggest surprises and disappointments✨ Favorite new author, character, and fictional crush✨ My prettiest book✨ Reading stats and BookTube numbers✨ The books I hope to read before the end of the yearI'd love to hear from you in the comments! What has been your favorite book of 2026 so far? Have there been any surprising discoveries or disappointing reads? And what are you most excited to pick up during the second half of the year?Happy reading, and here's to a wonderful second half of 2026!📚 *Midyear Freakout Tag*Tagged by:@hardbooks770 @LiterateTexan @MyMessyBookshelf 📊 *BookTube Numbers Tag*Created by:@jimsbooksreadingandstuff Tagged by:@booksimnotreading @TheAccidentalBookseller 📺 *Other Channels Mentioned:*@TracysNordicLight @YoungsandTheRestless 🏷️ *People I'm Tagging:*@joesbookandmoviecorner @JessBookgirlTV @books_and_bocadillos @Masha.s_Book_Obsession @Uncommon_Reader @DixieSparkles @madelinereads4 @whatsrobsreading @DTRstephen @PatricksBookReviews @RiffRaffReads @genteelblackhole 🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*youtu.be/f8tB5LOLh3g?si=fcpkcaw27y6KXGyFyoutu.be/ITxMpEa_KkM?si=CdlEgH7rMRP4H87Jyoutu.be/j38S3cbM-aQ?si=V1xV6RzUHf8YfQuu📖 *Books Mentioned:*Pandora's Jar — Natalie HaynesBookshops & Bonedust — Travis BaldreeThe Unicorn Hunters — Katherine ArdenGraveyard Shift — M. L. RioIf We Were Villains — M. L. RioRomancing the Duke — Tessa DareThe Everlasting — Alix E. HarrowSwordheart — T. KingfisherCarmilla — J. Sheridan Le FanuThe River Is Waiting — Wally LambWild Reverence — Rebecca RossThe Romantic PoetsThe Odyssey — HomerThe Silent Companions — Laura PurcellPersuasion — Jane AustenCrime and Punishment — Fyodor DostoevskyThe Song of Achilles — Madeline MillerLes Misérables — Victor HugoJane Eyre — Charlotte BrontëThe Lion Women of Tehran — Marjan KamaliRide the Spiral — Ben YoungGiovanni's Room — James BaldwinI Who Have Never Known Men — Jacqueline HarpmanSay Hello to My Little Friend — Jennine Capó Crucet1984 — George Orwell🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:36 Midyear Freakout Tag13:36 BookTube Numbers Tag20:48 Tagging Others21:32 Final Thoughts#booktube #midyearfreakouttag #booktubenumberstag #readingwrapup #books
BookTube Quest: A Summer Scavenger Hunt | Announcement Meli in the Margins 2026-06-30 | Hello BookTube!Along with my fellow co-hosts, we've created a lighthearted BookTube game that runs from July 1 through August 31. Your mission is simple: watch BookTube videos and see how many of the 15 scavenger hunt prompts you can find!Whether you're a BookTuber or simply love watching BookTube, everyone is welcome to participate. Share your progress in your own videos or leave updates in the comments using #BookTubeQuest so we can all follow along.This event is all about discovering new channels, celebrating our favorite BookTube moments, and building community while having fun.📚 How to participate:• Download or view the scavenger hunt checklist (linked below).• Watch BookTube videos throughout July and August.• Check off prompts as you spot them.• Share your progress using #BookTubeQuest.Huge thanks to my wonderful fellow co-hosts for helping bring this idea to life!🎙️ *Cohosts:*Nicky @MyMessyBookshelf youtu.be/FP4qJPOMlDs?si=uKdbMcbn6iBBC6N2Lauren & Ben @YoungsandTheRestless youtu.be/2mRa5A8sIxo?si=cES8536Gzz80UzSRJessica @OnastackofBooks youtu.be/bu-6oPcZD9E?si=3O1ACm1_5ESfzXRf🔎 *Here's your scavenger hunt checklist: *drive.google.com/file/d/1sAsDldtfJRxKVD9xi5uwhodyB3WK4gIc/view?usp=sharingHappy hunting, and happy reading!#booktubequest #booktube #bookishcommunity #readingcommunity #summerreading
Summer Reading Plans 😎 | Big Books, Comfort Reads, & More Meli in the Margins 2026-06-18 | Happy start of summer, everyone! 😎In this (very unscripted 🫣) video, I'm sharing my thoughts on summer reading, why I sometimes struggle to maintain my reading routine during the warmer months, and the books I'm hoping to read this summer.My plans include participating in several annual BookTube events – Big Book Summer, June on the Range, and Joy Reading June – while exploring a wide range of genres, including classics, westerns, mystery, nonfiction, fantasy, Greek myth retellings, and poetry.Along the way, I discuss books such as Jane Eyre, Lonesome Dove, The Odyssey, And Then There Were None, The Last Unicorn, Medea, and several poetry collections that I'm excited to discover.I'd love to hear about your own summer reading plans. Do you gravitate toward big books, comfort reads, seasonal favorites, or something completely different?Here's to sunshine, long reading sessions, and plenty of great books! ☀️📚📖 *Big Book Summer Hosts:*@SueJacksonDE (creator)@awebofstories 🤠 *June on the Range Hosts:*@michaelk.vaughan8617 (creator)@LiterateTexan @GhostReadersintheSky @saintdonoghue @bookssongsandothermagic @MysteryandMayhem-gr7nn @royreadsanything @M-J @GenreBooks23 @anotherbibliophilereads 🤗 *Joy Reading June Hosts:*@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf (creator)@CharlieBrookReads @spreadbookjoy @danisbookworld 📺 *Other Channels Mentioned:*@Thomas.R.Howell @Masha.s_Book_Obsession @genteelblackhole 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro 0:17 Thoughts on summer reading 3:36 Big book (classic) 4:57 Big book (western)7:03 An Odyssey (literally)7:37 Reading for joy (intro)8:47 Reading for joy (nonfiction)10:44 Reading for joy (mystery)11:43 Reading for joy (fantasy)12:33 Reading for joy (historical fantasy)14:44 Reading for joy (Greek myth retelling)17:36 Reading for joy (poetry)20:29 Final thoughts#booktube #summerreading #bigbooksummer #juneontherange #joyreadingjune
Spooky Season Came Early 👀 🧛♀️ 🕯️| May Reading Wrap-Up Meli in the Margins 2026-06-11 | Spooky season came early this year. 👀🕯️ In May, I ended up reading an almost entirely gothic, horror, and dark-fiction selection thanks to BookTube’s Horror Mayhem event. Tagging all those involved below!*Created by:* @thebookishbryants In memory of Scott Bryant *Co-hosts:* @anotherbibliophilereads @BookBlather @bookssongsandothermagic @michaelk.vaughan8617 @M-J @LiterateTexan In this May reading wrap-up, I talk about creepy novellas, vampires, haunted governesses, Greek tragedy, prison book clubs, and psychological horror, including:📚 _Graveyard Shift_ by M. L. Rio📚 _Carmilla_ by J. Sheridan Le Fanu📚 _How to Read a Book_ by Monica Wood📚 _The Turn of the Screw_ by Henry James📚 _Three Plays of Euripides_ (Alcestis, Medea, The Bacchae)_📚 _After Midnight_ by Daphne du MaurierI also chat about how Carmilla might actually be creepier than Dracula, how ambiguity in horror works well for me, and how Greek tragedy still feels shockingly modern.If you love gothic fiction, horror novellas, classic literature, dark academia, or atmospheric reads, I think you’ll enjoy this month’s wrap-up.What’s the creepiest thing you’ve read recently? Let me know in the comments!🕰️ *Timestamps*0:00 Intro0:50 Graveyard Shift3:12 Carmilla5:09 How to Read a Book6:57 The Turn of the Screw9:12 Three Plays of Euripides13:31 Bacchae (alternative translation)15:43 After Midnight21:19 Final thoughts#booktube #readingwrapup #horrormayhem #horrorstories #gothicfiction
I Went Book Shopping in Spain | Travel Vlog & Haul 📚 🇪🇸 Meli in the Margins 2026-06-04 | Hello readers,Join me for a Spain travel vlog and book haul as I explore beautiful cities, browse bookstores, visit a book fair, and bring home a stack of books from my travels. I'll take you along for a look at some of the places I visited (including several bookstores) before sharing all the books I bought.If you love books, bookstores, literary travel, reading in translation, or simply traveling with an empty suitcase and returning with books, I hope you'll enjoy coming along for the adventure.📚 *In this video:*• Spain travel vlog• Bookstore visits• Casa del Libro book haul• Madrid book fair find• Spanish-language book purchases• Books I regret not buyingDo you buy books when you travel? Let me know about the most memorable book you've ever brought home from a trip!🎥 *Check out my Miami Book Fair vlog and book haul:* youtu.be/pf7pSWjmh-E?si=VgsX-xzC7m6VhiLl🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:59 Spain travel vlog11:31 Book haul, bookstore #115:24 Book haul, bookstore #219:18 Book haul, bookstore #323:02 Book haul, antique book fair find24:58 Books I regret NOT buying27:49 Final thoughts#booktube #bookhaul #spaintravel #travelvlog #bookshopping
Grief, Magic & Poetry | April Reading Wrap-Up + TBR Meli in the Margins 2026-05-28 | Hello readers,April was a month of contrasts. I read devastating literary fiction, cozy fantasy romance, and French prose poetry in the original language.In this belated April reading wrap-up, I discuss:📚 _The River is Waiting_ by Wally Lamb📚 _Swordheart_ by T. Kingfisher📚 _A Far Wilder Magic_ by Allison Saft📚 _Paris Spleen / Le Spleen de Paris: Petits Poèmes en prose_ by Charles BaudelaireWe’ll chat about grief, forgiveness, magical swords, enemies-to-lovers romance, prejudice, prose poetry, urban melancholy, and what it’s like reading in French as a non-native speaker.I also share a preview of my May reading, including gothic and horror reads for Horror Mayhem, plus a possible reread of Jane Eyre.If you’ve read any of these books or if you also tend to bounce wildly between genres like I do, I’d love to hear from you in the comments.Thanks so much for watching, and I hope your next read is a great one.📺 *Channels Mentioned:*@YoungsandTheRestless @exenglishmajor 🎥 *Video Mentioned:*youtu.be/0uvd19UC2QY?si=xbASTY4QmDEUgHrl🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:52 An aside about tea drinking ☕️1:28 The River is Waiting4:43 Swordheart6:37 A Far Wilder Magic9:48 Le Spleen de Paris: Petits Poèmes en prose12:51 Reflections on reading in foreign languages14:25 May TBR/reading preview16:13 Final thoughts#booktube #readingwrapup #fantasybooks #literaryfiction #horrormayhem
Why Reading Matters More Than You Think Meli in the Margins 2026-05-21 | In a world full of endless entertainment and self-development options, is reading really that special?In this video, I explore a question that challenged my assumptions: _Is reading truly more valuable or transformative than so many other potential hobbies?_ After a conversation with a former student, I started to reflect on my own potential biases, and I came to conclude that, yes, there _is_ something special about reading.From imagination and creativity to empathy, focus, and language, I discuss what reading actually does to our brains and why it might matter more than we realize.Whether you’re an avid reader, trying to get back into books, or wondering if reading is even worth your time, this video is for you.💬 *Let’s talk about it in the comments:*Do you think reading is essential or just one hobby among many?📃 *Articles mentioned:*psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2024-31640-001.html worldliteracyfoundation.org/reading-enhances-imagination/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23429523248&gbraid=0AAAAACUfjZIy6qifqgoaHYrXeN3oOJfOY&gclid=CjwKCAjwtcHPBhADEiwAWo3sJjkPEZpMvAIf57CxU8Afk7bLW0PYtJVxeIFmSO_HyoTpmJVQyx1AKxoCot0QAvD_BwE https://www.osu.edu/impact/arts-and-creativity/fletcher-power-stories yorku.ca/mar/Mar%20et%20al%202009_reading%20fiction%20and%20empathy.pdf jeps.efpsa.org/articles/jeps.ca🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro1:52 Enhancing imagination3:37 Enhancing empathy5:03 Improving focus6:33 Improving vocabulary8:52 Final thoughts10:10 Bloopers#reading #booktube #readinghabits #personaldevelopment #books
Bookish Would You Rather (Rapid Fire Answers) | BookTube Tag Meli in the Margins 2026-05-07 | Today we’re playing a bookish game of Would You Rather, and I was surprised by how quickly I had answers to most of these! A couple of them were rather painful, though. This tag was a fun way to explore my reading preferences.Even if you’re not a regular BookTube viewer, feel free to play along and pause the video to make your own choices. I’d love to hear what you’d pick!This tag was originally created by Cat @Curious-Cat, and I was tagged by Bonnie Nicole @BonnieNicoleWrites. Thank you! Watch their videos for these tags below 🎥:Cat - youtu.be/YY-2RFwxBzE?si=SFIq2t4bSF-xcEc8Bonnie Nicole - youtu.be/5JgoNqfA5lY?si=5rWqV4az2h2oVHry Let me know in the comments: which of these was the hardest for you to answer?*Questions for the "Would You Rather" Tag:*• Never read more than one book from the same author (can’t re-read either) OR read only books from your favorite author or one author of your choice• Read a book with an unlikable MC OR your favorite character dies • Start your library from scratch (but you can’t re-buy any of the books that were on your shelves before) OR never be allowed to add a new book to it • Your favorite author never publishes anything new OR only publishes bad books from now on • Read only one of your favorite genres OR read as widely as you want except in that one genre • Be stranded forever on a deserted island with a full library OR still live in society but books have disappeared • SFF - read only 5* series but they’re unfinished OR read only thick standalones with a bunch of info dumping • MYSTERY - Always get book twists spoiled OR they all have an open ending/the killer isn’t caught • HISTORICAL ROMANCE - great love story but historical inaccuracy OR toxic or meh love story but great historical world building • Read a book that has the best Characters / plot / writing but none of the others • Have a friend who loses your books OR mistreats them (stains, break the spine…) • Never be allowed to visit a bookstore again OR be banned from all the libraries in the world? • Everyone hate your favorite books OR everyone love the books you hate • Only listen to audiobooks narrated by the worst narrator / Mickey Mouse OR only read physical books in terrible lighting • Books from a same series/collection who don’t match OR read books printed in a tiny font • Never post another YouTube video OR never watch YouTube ever again • Tag other people🔖 *Tag, You’re It:*@MyMessyBookshelf @YoungsandTheRestless @Bookish_Blonde @GeeksLoveDogs @booksimnotreading @awebofstories @litandlovelylila @JessBookgirlTV @BookswithSam1 @books_and_bocadillos @stephanie-ThisReadersLife @royreadsanything @TheBeastReads @awildyoonacorn @WidelyReading 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:30 Question 11:04 Question 21:48 Question 32:27 Question 42:47 Question 53:17 Question 64:01 Question 75:03 Question 86:00 Question 97:19 Question 108:28 Question 118:51 Question 1210:06 Question 1310:59 Question 1411:54 Question 1512:28 Question 1612:52 Tagging others13:18 Final thoughts & mini announcement#booktube #wouldyourather #readingcommunity #booktag #readingfun
Seriously Well-Read? Let’s Be Honest… | BookTube Tag Meli in the Margins 2026-04-23 | What does it really mean to be seriously well-read? 📚In this video, I’m responding to the “Seriously Well-Read” BookTube tag created by Randy over @LiterateTexan. Here's his original tag video 📚: youtu.be/gzqBEFNupfg?si=VBFOe5mELcadhWSX I share my honest thoughts on reading widely, tackling the classics, what “well-read” means to me in the first place, and if becoming *seriously* well-read is even an achievable goal. In discussing the books that shaped how I read (and the ones I’ve been avoiding ... looking at you, Moby-Dick), this tag turned into a deeper reflection on reading as a lifelong journey. ✨ *Join the conversation in the comments!* Are you personally on a journey to become more “well-read"? What does being seriously well-read mean to you?🎥 *Video Mentioned:*Wuthering Heights: Book v. Film - youtu.be/LF-1Y5uoB_U?si=Mckfof4-P2YkriNT🔖 *Tag, You're It:* @exenglishmajor @BookishTexan @JoshuaJClarkeKelsall @RobertGReaderofBooks-r3p @jennyjaybles @hardbooks770 @DrCrankyPantsReads @RiffRaffReads @NicholasOfAutrecourt @jgracegordon @ADudeWhoReads 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:53 Question 12:04 Question 23:25 Question 37:05 Question 47:31 Question 58:02 Question 69:07 Question 710:58 Question 811:50 Question 913:02 Question 1014:41 Final Thoughts#booktube #readinglife #wellread #booktag #readingjourney
My Childhood Books & How They Shaped Me 📚 Meli in the Margins 2026-04-16 | In today’s video, I’m taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting my childhood reads — the books that shaped my earliest experiences with reading, from picture books to middle school classics.This video is part of the “My Childhood Books” BookTube project, which was started by Paul over @TheAccidentalBookseller. Here' his original My Childhood Book Tag video 📚: youtu.be/R6GKmaybMO4?si=AK_7_gLZmgnQ3Oq5I’ll be sharing the stories that stayed with me, including early Spanish-language reads, library favorites, and the books that marked my transition into more complex, emotional storytelling.From _La Edad de Oro_ by José Martí to _The Little Prince_ , _Goosebumps_ , and _The Outsiders_ , these are the books that helped shape my love of reading.I’d love to hear from you. What books defined your childhood reading?#booktube #childrensbooks #booknostalgia #readingjourney #bookcommunity 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:30 Pre-literate6:20 Elementary school9:26 Middle school15:39 High school16:05 Final thoughts
Exploring New Perspectives | March Reading Wrap-Up + TBR Meli in the Margins 2026-04-09 | In today’s March reading wrap-up, I’m sharing four thought-provoking books that pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me explore literature through a different lens. From a trope-defying romantasy I loved, to feminist reinterpretations of Greek mythology, Chinese poetry spanning centuries, and reading classic Spanish literature in the original language, March was a slower but deeply rewarding reading month.I’m discussing my thoughts on _The Everlasting_ by Alix E. Harrow, _Pandora’s Jar_ by Natalie Haynes, _Women Poets of China_ , and _Platero y Yo_ by Juan Ramón Jiménez, along with my April TBR and what I hope to read next.If you enjoy literary fiction, classics, mythology retellings, translated literature, thoughtful book discussions, and deep-dive reading wrap-ups, I hope you’ll enjoy today’s chatty wrap-up!💬 *Let me know in the comments:* What’s the last book that challenged your perspective or made you think differently?🎥 *Video Mentioned:* Literary Ingredients that I Love – youtu.be/coiV3wXJYXo?si=niA-cnX8DatH6Ohi🗞️ *Article Mentioned:*The Donkey and the Meaning of Eternity – themarginalian.org/2023/07/23/platero-and-i 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:20 The Everlasting4:49 Pandora’s Jar8:25 Women Poets of China13:19 Platero y Yo18:40 April TBR19:50 Final Thoughts#booktube #readingwrapup #marchwrapup #bookreviews #tbr
Mystery Book Haul | Unboxing & Judging Every First Line Meli in the Margins 2026-04-02 | Hello readers,I recently placed a Book Outlet order… and completely forgot what I bought.In this video, I’m unboxing a budget book haul full of surprise reads, even for me. Since I barely remember what’s in the box, this turns into a bit of a mystery unboxing as I rediscover each book in real time.For each book, I’ll also be reading the first sentence and sharing my initial impressions, so we can see which ones hook me right away.If you love affordable book hauls, Book Outlet finds, and first impressions of books, I hope you enjoy this slightly chaotic unboxing.💬 Let me know in the comments: Any recent purchases that you’re excited to read? And do you ever forget what you ordered, or is that just me? 📚 *Books Mentioned:*_The Sirens_ by Emilia Hart_Hemlock & Silver_ by T. Kingfisher_Medea_ by Eilish Quin_The Way Home_ by Peter S. Beagle_The Age of Innocence_ by Edith Wharton_The Name of the Rose_ by Umberto Eco_Pandora’s Jar_ by Natalie Haynes_Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife: The Extraordinary Lives of Medieval Women_ by Hetta Howes📹 *Channels Mentioned:*@YoungsandTheRestless @Thomas.R.Howell @TracysNordicLight 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:27 Unboxing1:31 Book #12:57 Book #23:54 Book #35:07 Book #47:43 Book #58:59 Book #611:08 Bonus Books14:16 Final Thoughts#bookhaul #bookoutlet #booktube #bookunboxing
Get to Know Me, Off the Shelf | BookTube Tags Meli in the Margins 2026-03-26 | Hello readers,I've hit a mini milestone on my young channel and thought I'd celebrate by sharing a little bit more about myself via a couple of BookTube tags -- "Your Answer Can't Be Books" which I’ve _just_ learned was created by @BookBuds) and "Off the Shelf" (created by @Bibliophile-Reads).Thank you to @Megzi14 and @stephanie-ThisReadersLife for tagging me in these!*Questions for the "Your Answer Can't Be Books" Tag:* 1. What is something that you own way too many of other than books? 2. What is something other than reading that you do for fun? 3. What is something special or important on your nightstand, other than books? 4. What is something that you buy at a bookstore other than books? 5. What is a fun gift you’ve received that wasn’t a book or book gift card?6. What is a YouTube channel that you watch that’s not related to books? 7. Tag 5 Booktubers that you want to learn more about. *Questions for the "Off the Shelf" Tag:*1. When you’re not filming or reading, what does a normal day in your life look like? (Work? School? Etc.?, whatever you feel comfortable sharing) 2. What kind of work do you do? And does it change how you read or what you notice in stories?3. Are you a morning person or night owl? 4. Do you recharge by being alone or talking to people? 5. What drains you more: too much socializing or too much isolation? 6. What’s something that you enjoy that has nothing to do with reading? 7. Do you like planning things ahead of time or figuring things out as you go? 8. Do you like working alone or alongside others? 9. Are you more sentimental or practical? 10. What kind of pace do you prefer in life? Busy? Steady? Or Slow? 11. What’s a simple task you strangely enjoy doing? 12. Are you naturally early, on time, or late? 13. What motivates you more, curiosity or responsibility? 14. What do you tend to overthink? What helps you feel grounded? 15. What's something you always notice when entering a room? 16. What kind of humor do you naturally use? 17. Do you usually multitask or single task? 18. What's your default reaction to free time? Plan or relax? 19. Are you comfortable with silence around other people? 20. Do you usually remember conversations or impressions?🔖 *Tag, You're It:*@YoungsandTheRestless @TracysNordicLight @litandlovelylila @VintageStacie @TheAccidentalBookseller @art.and.lit.matters @HomeSchoolLibrary25 @Masha.s_Book_Obsession @LiterateTexan @Uncommon_Reader @BonnieNicoleWrites @BookChatWithPat8668 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro1:31 "Your Answer Can't Be Books" Tag1:49 Question 12:19 Question 22:43 Question 33:17 Question 43:57 Question 55:18 Question 66:08 "Off the Shelf" Tag6:27 Question 17:04 Question 27:27 Question 38:29 Question 48:51 Question 59:05 Question 69:24 Question 79:37 Question 810:05 Question 910:20 Question 1010:36 Question 1111:08 Question 1212:11 Question 1312:27 Question 1413:23 Rambling Interlude13:44 Question 1514:01 Question 1614:25 Question 1714:52 Question 18 & 1915:13 Question 2015:37 Final Thoughts#booktubetag #readerscommunity #gettoknowme
How I Rediscovered My Love of Reading (and so can you) Meli in the Margins 2026-03-19 | Have you ever felt like you’ve lost your love of reading?After years of not reading consistently, I found myself in a long reading slump, one that made me feel like I’d lost a part of my identity. In this video, I’m sharing my story of why I stopped reading, what changed, and the practical steps I took to fall back in love with books again.If you’re struggling to get back into reading, dealing with a reading slump, or trying to build a sustainable reading habit, I hope these tips help you rediscover the joy of reading in a way that feels natural and lasting.In this video, I cover:• how social media affects our attention span• simple ways to make time for reading• how to rebuild a reading habit (even with just 10 minutes a day)• why it’s okay to DNF books• how audiobooks can help with focus• the role of book clubs and reading communityWhether you’re a lifelong reader trying to reconnect with books or just getting started, you’re not alone, and it’s absolutely possible to fall in love with reading (for the first time, or all over again).Let me know in the comments: have you ever gone through a reading slump? What helped you get out of it? 📚🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro1:14 Finding the Time4:04 Chasing Immersion6:58 Building Community8:39 Final Thoughts#readingslump #readingtips #readingmotivation #howtoreadmore #readinghabits
The Literary Ingredients That Make Me Love a Book 👩🏻🍳 📚 Meli in the Margins 2026-03-12 | Hello readers,What makes a book unforgettable? I read widely across genres (from classics and literary fiction to fantasy, mysteries, and gothic stories), but over time I’ve realized that the books I love tend to share certain _literary ingredients_ . It’s rarely about the genre itself. Instead, it’s specific storytelling elements: the kinds of plots, narrative structures, characters, writing styles, and overall atmospheres that consistently pull me into a story.I went with a less scripted, more informal (read: chattier) approach for this video, in which I break down the literary ingredients that almost always work for me as a reader, from political intrigue and ancient secrets to lyrical prose, eerie gothic settings, and multi-generational family sagas. I also share examples of books that showcase these elements, including works like _To Kill a Mockingbird_ , _The Name of the Rose_ , _Jane Eyre_ , _The Bear and the Nightingale_ , _The Chronicles of Narnia_ , and more.Note: I mention an Apple TV series that I absolutely forgot to provide the name for, so here it is: Mythic Quest.If you love analyzing storytelling, tropes, and literary style, or if you’ve ever wondered how to define your own reading taste, this video might help you start building your own “book recipe.”What are the literary ingredients that make you love a book? Let me know in the comments.0:00 Intro0:30 Plot Elements10:58 Narrative Structure Elements15:20 Character Elements18:44 Writing Style Elements21:25 Atmosphere Elements26:46 Elements I Avoid28:16 Final Thoughts#booktube #readingtaste #bookrecommendations #readersofyoutube #literarydiscussion
From Hallmark to Heartbreak | February Reading Wrap-UP + March TBR Meli in the Margins 2026-03-05 | Hello readers,February’s reading took a dramatic turn. I started the month deep in contemporary romance (fake dating, small towns, witty banter) and ended it rereading gothic classics and exploring literary fiction centered on generational trauma. This wrap-up truly went from Hallmark vibes to emotional ruin.In this video, I share my thoughts on:• _Book Lovers_ by Emily Henry• _Highland Fire_ by Tanya Anne Crosby• _Yours Truly_ by Abby Jimenez• _Romancing_ the Duke by Tessa Dare• _Red, White & Royal Blue_ by Casey McQuiston• _The Love Hypothesis_ by Ali Hazelwood• _Wuthering Heights_ by Emily Brontë (reread)• _The Dew Breaker_ by Edwidge DanticatPlus, I’m sharing my March TBR, including _The Everlasting_ by Alix E. Harrow, _Cien Años de Soledad_ by Gabriel García Márquez (in Spanish!), and a poetry anthology, _Women Poets of China_ .If your reading month gave you whiplash too, you’re in good company.Let me know in the comments: was your February light, dark, or somewhere in between?🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*Can Modern Romance Win Me Over?: youtu.be/ITxMpEa_KkM?si=WhBO66J4-NddAJ6N Wuthering Heights Book to Film Adaptation Review: youtu.be/LF-1Y5uoB_U?si=d4uF-M_J4BujwSxg Why I Rarely Reread Books: youtu.be/B3yL9VTDxZA?si=XFVLKfdg9YjTlrpC 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:27 Reflections on romance reads1:14 Book Lovers1:29 Highland Fire1:45 Yours Truly2:00 Romancing the Duke2:22 Red, White & Royal Blue2:50 The Love Hypothesis4:38 Wuthering Heights6:42 The Dew Breaker8:03 March TBR10:26 Final thoughts#februaryreadingwrapup #marchtbr #booktube #readingwrapup #wutheringheights #contemporaryromance
I Used 4 Book Tracking Apps for a Year: Here’s the BEST One Meli in the Margins 2026-02-26 | Hello readers,Looking for the best book tracking app?For all of 2025, I logged every book I read in four different apps — Goodreads, StoryGraph, Fable, and Margins — to see which one actually enhances the reading experience instead of complicating it.In this video, I’m ranking and reviewing each app based on usability, data and stats, social features, aesthetics, yearly wrap-ups, and overall enjoyment. Some felt like spreadsheets. Some felt like social media. And one felt like exactly how I want my reading life to feel.If you’re looking for a Goodreads alternative, trying to decide between StoryGraph vs Goodreads, or wondering whether Fable or Margins is worth downloading, I hope this comparison helps.Do you use a book tracking app, or do you prefer not to track your reading at all? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.Happy reading 📖📚 *Follow My Reads Here:* https://margins.app/u/3821d38c4c044120beffccf5d9c139de 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:26 Goodreads2:04 Storygraph7:01 Fable10:40 Margins16:49 Final Thoughts#booktracking #goodreads #storygraph #fable #readingapps #bookish
Were We Tricked into Watching “Wuthering Heights”? 🕯️ Meli in the Margins 2026-02-19 | Is Emerald Fennell’s _Wuthering Heights_ really an adaptation of Emily Brontë's novel or something else entirely?In this video, I break down the latest _Wuthering Heights_ film and why, despite its striking visuals and strong performances, it doesn’t feel faithful to the heart of the book. From the softening of Cathy and Heathcliff’s cruelty to the removal of racial tension, class dynamics, generational trauma, and Nelly’s narrative complexity, this version reframes a gothic psychological novel into something closer to a tragic romance.I didn’t hate the film, but I do think it fundamentally changes the themes, characterization, and central tensions that make _Wuthering Heights_ such a disturbing and fascinating classic.Let’s talk about adaptation, faithfulness to source material, and whether a film adaptation needs to preserve a novel’s core themes in order to work.If you’ve seen this adaptation, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.0:00 Intro0:24 Characterization3:51 Themes7:46 Tone9:18 What I Liked11:21 Final Thoughts#wutheringheights #emeraldfennell #booktofilm #filmadaptation #emilybrontë
Can Modern Romance Win Me Over? 💖 Meli in the Margins 2026-02-13 | Hi readers,I’ve always assumed I’d find modern romance uncompelling, but this February, I decided to give romance books a chance.In this video, I read across the romance genre (contemporary romance and historical “bodice rippers”) to see whether I’ve been unfair to modern romance books … or whether they just aren’t for me.📚 *Books Discussed:*• _Book Lovers_ by Emily Henry• _Yours Truly_ by Abby Jimenez• _Highland Fire_ by Tanya Anne Cosby• _Red, White & Royal Blue_ by Casey McQuiston• _Romancing the Duke_ by Tessa DareI also briefly mention _People We Meet on Vacation_ (film adaptation) and share my early thoughts on trying an Ali Hazelwood audiobook.In this romance reading experiment, I talk about:• why witty banter works for me but manufactured miscommunication doesn’t• the difference between longing in classic romance vs. conflict in modern romance• predictable tropes and whether they ruin the reading experience• spice vs. emotional depth• what makes a love story feel believable• and why some romance novels completely won me over and others … didn’tWhile some of these books were a miss for me, others genuinely surprised me and helped me better understand what I’m actually looking for in a romance novel.If you love romance books (or struggle with them), I’d love to hear your thoughts. What makes a great romance story in your view? Do you prefer contemporary romance, historical romance, or something with higher stakes and sharper conflict?Happy Valentine’s Day, and happy reading. 💌📖🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:35 Book Lovers4:39 Yours Truly7:19 People You Meet on Vacation8:08 Highland Fire9:58 Red, White & Royal Blue12:11 Romancing the Duke14:51 Final Thoughts#modernromance #romancebooks #booktube #romancereader #contemporaryromance #historicalromance
Geishas, Orcs & Gods | January Reading Wrap-Up + February TBR Meli in the Margins 2026-02-05 | January may have been a slower reading month for me, but it was anything but narrow. In my January reading wrap-up, I talk through four very different books, ranging from a Japanese modern classic to cozy fantasy, romantasy, and a foundational work of Greek mythology. I also share a loose look at my February TBR.📚 *Books discussed in this video:*• _Snow Country_ by Yasunari Kawabata — a quiet, atmospheric Japanese classic with striking imagery but emotionally distant characters• _Bookshops & Bonedust_ by Travis Baldree — a cozy fantasy prequel featuring an injured orc, a struggling bookshop, and very low stakes• _Wild Reverence_ by Rebecca Ross — a romantasy prequel rich in mythology, gods, mortals, love, war, and fate• _Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes_ by Edith Hamilton — a comprehensive, academically framed guide to Greek mythologyThroughout the wrap-up, I share what worked for me and what didn’t.If you enjoy thoughtful reading wrap-ups, honest book reviews, BookTube content, or discussions that span classics, fantasy, romance, and nonfiction, I hope you’ll find something here to enjoy.💬 *Let’s chat in the comments:*Was January a fast or slow reading month for you? Did any book really stand out or disappoint?Happy reading, and thanks for being here.🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*My 2026 Reading Goals – youtu.be/MdzK_hAw31E?si=Et7N5AF7A2EXkNzOWhy I Rarely Reread Books – youtu.be/B3yL9VTDxZA?si=DRzBbbDkAg2hWTxr🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:22 Snow Country5:42 Bookshops and Bonedust8:33 Wild Reverence13:44 Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes 20:26 February TBR#januaryreadingwrapup #booktube #bookish #fantasybooks #bookreviews
My First 3 Months on BookTube (The Honest Truth) Meli in the Margins 2026-01-29 | Three months ago, I uploaded my very first BookTube video, and this feels like the right moment to pause and reflect. In this video, I ramble a lot more than usual because I wanted to share my honest, unfiltered thoughts on my experience as a new BookTuber during my first three months on YouTube. This isn’t a “how to grow on YouTube” guide or a list of tips. I’m still very much figuring things out. This is a candid look at my personal experience with the video-making process (from ideation and scripting to filming and editing).I also talk openly about the challenges of starting a YouTube channel: overthinking performance, time commitment, creative pressure, and balancing consistency with personal health. On the flip side, I reflect on the unexpected joys of learning new skills, reading more intentionally, and finding a thoughtful, welcoming community on BookTube.Whether you’re thinking about starting a BookTube channel, you’re a new creator yourself, or you’ve been on YouTube for years and are curious how the early days compare, I hope this video resonates.I’d love to hear from you in the comments:• What were your expectations vs. reality when you started?• How has your experience changed over time?• Or, if you’re thinking about starting a channel, what’s holding you back?Thanks for being here, and here’s to many more good books and great conversations ahead.🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*(Filmed after 2 glasses of wine): My Reading Habits Through the Years - youtube.com/watch?v=DJjMitJNErA(Vlog filmed without a script): Miami Book Fair (Come With Me!) - youtube.com/watch?v=pf7pSWjmh-E(Filmed while my neighbor annoyingly mowed the lawn): My 2026 Reading Goals - youtube.com/watch?v=MdzK_hAw31E(Filmed while I had the flu): December Reading Wrap-Up: youtube.com/watch?v=EdIZgMn3dYY🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:39 Channel setup2:08 Video-making process12:11 The negatives18:15 The positives22:15 Final thoughts#booktube #newyoutuber #booktubecommunity #smallyoutuber #contentcreatorjourney
Hamnet on Screen: When an Adaptation Gets It Right 📽️ Meli in the Margins 2026-01-23 | Can a film adaptation truly capture the emotional depth of a beloved novel? In this video, I compare Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell with its recent film adaptation, exploring why this version succeeds where so many book-to-film adaptations fall short.Rather than focusing on strict faithfulness to the text, I discuss how effectively the film translates the novel’s emotional core (grief, loss, love, and the role of art in survival) into a visual, communal experience.This is a spoiler-filled comparison of Hamnet the book and the film, touching on:• Why Hamnet is one of the most successful book-to-film adaptations I’ve seen• Major and minor changes from book to screen• The role of nature, setting, and visual symbolism• The performances that anchor the story • Why watching Hamnet in a theater created a rare sense of collective catharsisIf you’ve read Hamnet, seen the film, or experienced both, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did the adaptation work for you? And what book-to-film adaptations do you think truly understand their source material?🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 – Intro0:37 – Brief Synopsis 1:15 – Overall Impressions of the Adaptation1:46 – Why This Adaptation Works: Visuals3:30 – Why This Adaptation Works: Performances5:34 – Major Changes from the Novel8:50 – Minor Changes from the Novel14:47 – Moviegoing & Art as Shared Experience16:35 – Final Thoughts#hamnet #bookvsmovie #booktofilm #literaryadaptations #booktube #filmanalysis
Reading for Connection | December Reading Wrap-Up + TBR Meli in the Margins 2026-01-17 | December was a slower reading month for me, and I’m learning to be okay with that.In this December reading wrap-up, I talk about three books that stayed with me despite (or maybe because of) the slower pace. What connects them all is a shared focus on community, human connection, and what happens when warmth enters or is withheld from people’s lives.I also share a loose January TBR, including what I’ve already started reading and what I’m hoping to pick up next, plus a request for your nonfiction recommendations as I work toward my 2026 reading intentions.If you’ve ever had a quiet reading month, or found that fewer books sometimes leave a deeper impression, you’re very much not alone.✨ *I’d love to hear from you:*• Do you tend to notice themes emerging in your reading?• How do you feel about slow reading months?• What’s on your January TBR?Thanks so much for reading along with me.📚 *Books discussed:*• _Burial Rites_ by Hannah Kent• _Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries_ by Heather Fawcett• _A Christmas Carol_ by Charles Dickens🎥 *Video Mentioned:* Why I Rarely Reread Books - youtube.com/watch?v=B3yL9VTDxZA&t=39s 🎙️ *YouTuber Mentions:*@litandlovelylila 🕰️ Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:01 Burial Rites4:56 Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries7:24 A Christmas Carol10:58 January TBR12:10 Final thoughts#booktube #readingwrapup #decemberreads #tbr #januarytbr #slowreading
My 7 Favorite Books of 2025 (The Ones That Stayed With Me) Meli in the Margins 2026-01-08 | Hello readers,I read a total of 52 books this year, and in this video, I’m sharing my 7 favorite books of 2025 — the novels that stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Rather than a strict “best of” list, these are the books that made the deepest impression on me this year, emotionally, thematically, or stylistically.You’ll also find a few honorable mentions along the way, including standout nonfiction reads and lighter, joyful stories that didn’t quite fit the tone of my top seven but were still worth celebrating.If you’re looking for thoughtful fiction, literary favorites, underrated books, and emotionally resonant reads, I hope this list gives you something new to add to your TBR.🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*• November Reading Wrap-Up: youtube.com/watch?v=L83rqJMzbzU&t=201s• October Reading Wrap-Up: youtube.com/watch?v=YXk2bAvcVXQ&t=191s• Jacqueline Harpman’s Comfortable Dystopia @LawrenceDebbs : youtube.com/watch?v=LR-W_WOc3O8📚 *Books Mentioned:*• H is for Hawk• Every Living Thing: The Great and Deadly Race to Know All Life• Nettle & Bone• How the Penguins Saved Veronica• Hamnet• Blood Over Bright Haven• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow• Rebecca• Giovanni’s Room• I Who Have Never Known Men• Say Hello to My Little Friend🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:35 Disclaimer 0:50 Honorable Mentions (Nonfiction)2:32 Honorable Mentions (Joyful Reads)3:55 Book #7 5:12 Book #6 6:09 Book #5 7:20 Book #4 9:05 Book #3 10:45 Book #2 13:20 Book #1 17:46 Final Thoughts💬 *Let’s talk books:*What did your favorite reads of 2025 have in common? Do you gravitate toward lighter stories or the ones that completely wreck you and linger anyway?#booktube #bestbooks2025 #favoritebooks #bookrecommendations #literaryfiction #underratedbooks #readinglife
How I’m Escaping the Book Algorithm in 2026 Meli in the Margins 2026-01-01 | Hello readers,If you’ve ever felt stuck reading the same kinds of books over and over again, you’re not alone. In this video, I share how to escape the book algorithm and why I’m being more intentional about how I discover books in 2026.There’s nothing wrong with loving popular or widely recommended books. But when algorithms start deciding what we see, buy, and read next, it can quietly narrow our reading lives. Here, I walk through five practical strategies (both digital and analog) that help me find books outside my usual recommendations and reconnect with curiosity-driven reading.📚 *In this video, you’ll learn how to:*• Find book recommendations beyond BookTok and Goodreads• Use AI tools intentionally to surface lesser-known titles• Discover unexpected books through thrift stores, Little Free Libraries, and public libraries• Get better, more personal recommendations from real peopleThis isn’t about rejecting popular books or technology; it’s about reading with more agency and widening the range of stories we encounter.*I’d love to hear from you in the comments:*✨ Have you ever felt limited by the book algorithm?✨ Where do you find your best off-algorithm reads?✨ Are you trying to read differently in 2026?Thanks for watching, and happy reading beyond the feed!Little Free Library Organization: littlefreelibrary.org🕰️ *Timestamps:* 0:00 Why the book algorithm feels limiting0:41 Strategy #1 2:50 Strategy #2 4:41 Strategy #3 8:14 Strategy #4 9:31 Strategy #511:04 Final thoughts#booktube #readinghabits #bookrecommendations #readinglife #bookish
My 2026 Reading Goals (Not a Reading Challenge) ⭐️ Meli in the Margins 2025-12-26 | Hello readers,With each new year, I like to pause and reflect on what I’ve gotten out of my reading in the past and to think more intentionally about the year ahead. What do I want my reading to give me? How do I want books to make me feel? Are there gaps in my reading life that I’m ready to explore?Rather than setting strict reading challenges or resolutions (because, let’s be honest, how often do we actually stick to those?), I focus on the questions I want my reading to answer and let curiosity—not pressure—guide my choices.In this video, I share my 2026 reading goals, though not in the traditional sense. These are reading intentions: five thematic areas I want to lean into this year, from nonfiction and poetry to rereading favorites, reading in Spanish and French, and studying Greek mythology.This video may be especially for you if traditional reading challenges leave you feeling overwhelmed or uninspired. *I’d love to hear from you in the comments:*• Do you set reading goals, intentions, or challenges for the new year?• What do you hope your reading gives you in 2026?🎥 *Videos Mentioned:*November Reading Wrap-Up: youtube.com/watch?v=L83rqJMzbzU Why I Rarely Reread: youtube.com/watch?v=B3yL9VTDxZA Frankenstein Analysis: youtube.com/watch?v=deaTrY5wHgg&t=121s 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Why I Don’t Do Reading Challenges0:20 Reading Intentions for the Year Ahead0:43 A Turn Toward the Real (Nonfiction)4:29 Letting the Short Form Linger (Poetry)6:31 Claiming the Original Voice (Spanish & French)9:21 The Value of Return (Rereading Favorites)10:59 Going Back to the Source (Greek Mythology)13:46 Reading Without Pressure14:15 Final Thoughts#booktube #readinggoals #slowreading
My Reading Habits Through the Years | Reading Shifts Tag Meli in the Margins 2025-12-18 | Hello readers,I’m excited to participate in my first BookTube tag—the Reading Shifts Tag—where I reflect on how my reading habits and reading life have evolved over time. From childhood favorites to the books that resonate with me now, this video is a personal look at how reading changes as we do.Thank you to Tracy @TracysNordicLight tagging me, and to Hannah @HannahsBooks for creating this thoughtful questionnaire about reading shifts over a lifetime.Below is the full list of questions from the tag, in case you’d like to follow along, or respond to one or two in the comments. I’d love to hear how your own reading life has changed.📚 *Reading Shifts Tag Questions:*1. How has your reading developed over your lifetime? Do the kind of books that bring you the most pleasure now differ from the books you loved most earlier in your life? If you’ve seen big changes in your reading since you’ve matured, what might explain your changing interests? 2. Do you find yourself choosing different kinds of books at different periods of the year? For example, do the seasons affect what you read for pleasure? Similarly, might you read very different kinds of books while on vacation? 3. Do specific experiences in your life ever shape what you choose to read? For example, did you read obsessively about child-rearing when your kids were little, about gardening as spring is about to begin, about the experience of grief when someone you loved died, etc.?4. Have there been any times in your life when circumstances have limited or changed your reading in some way—perhaps caretaking responsibilities or a big move that made it hard to find as much time to read as you’d like, or personal illness that made it harder to concentrate, or maybe just long-term travel that might have limited your book choices? How do you deal with those circumstances?5. Booktube is full of discussions of “reading slumps”—when dedicated readers seem to lose interest for a while in books. Sometimes they just can’t find a book that appeals to them. Have you ever experienced a slump? If so, how did you handle it? If not, do you have any advice to give people who are experiencing slumps? 6. Booktubers also talk about “book hangovers”—when readers are so moved by a book that they find it difficult to move on to a new book. Have you ever felt this way?7. Tell us about a few books that almost always work for you—something that might have remained a favourite throughout your life despite any changing reading tastes, something that always seems to hit just the right spot when you need a lift, or perhaps some lifetime book hangover where the text will always be at the back of your mind. 8. Tag people!🔖 *I’m Tagging the Following BookTubers:*Megzi @Megzi14 Lauren and Ben @YoungsandTheRestless Olivia @OliviasBookTalk Jackie @readingwordsmith Lit & Lovely Lila @litandlovelylila Bonnie Nicole @BonnieNicoleWrites 🎥 *Video Mentioned:*Why I Rarely Reread - youtube.com/watch?v=B3yL9VTDxZA 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:31 Reading changes over time2:40 Seasonal reading4:02 How life experiences shape reading5:57 Reading interruptions7:06 Reading slumps9:07 Book hangovers9:58 Books that always work12:04 Tags13:02 Final thoughts💬 *Let’s continue the conversation:*Which of these questions resonated with you most? Have your reading habits shifted over time, or do you feel like you’ve always been drawn to the same kinds of books?#ReadingShiftsTag #BookTube #ReadingHabits
5 Thoughtful (and Cheap!) Gifts for Book Lovers 🎄🎁 Meli in the Margins 2025-12-11 | Looking for bookish gifts that aren’t the same mugs, candles, and generic merch you see everywhere? (I love those, don’t get me wrong.) In this video, I’m sharing 5 thoughtful (and cheap!) gifts for book lovers, all personal, meaningful, and easy to put together … even if you’re not crafty.Each idea is designed to feel special without costing much, and several make beautiful, low-pressure holiday experiences for the reader in your life. I’ll walk you through how I make them, why they work, and how you can personalize each one.✨ *In This Video:*• Personal and affordable bookish gift ideas• Unique DIY-adjacent gifts (no craft skills needed!)• Experience-based gifts for readers• Cozy holiday vibes 🎁 *Links Mentioned:*• Customizable acrylic bookmarks: tinyurl.com/y7pzwtwe • Blank sticker labels, option 1: tinyurl.com/48uzhtwv• Blank sticker labels, option 2: tinyurl.com/558sycn8 • Blank sticker labels, option 3: tinyurl.com/4z6cmhpz • Canva label designs (bookmarks, annotation kit, book recs jar): tinyurl.com/35pkp522 • Customizable Canva template for labels: tinyurl.com/2hfhrd6w • Annotation tabs, option 1: tinyurl.com/24uu34cr • Annotation tabs, option 2: tinyurl.com/3ynjpthe • Library card catalog drawer with cards: tinyurl.com/ym84dae4 • Golden ticket: tinyurl.com/55ub5eva I’d love to hear from you! *Which idea was your favorite, and what meaningful gifts do YOU give the readers in your life?*Happy holidays, and happy reading. 🎄📚🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:30 Gift idea #15:46 Gift idea #26:26 Gift idea #39:27 Gift idea #411:13 Gift idea #512:18 Final thoughts#bookgifts #bookishgifts #booktube
The Cost of Knowing 💡 | November Reading Wrap-Up + TBR Meli in the Margins 2025-12-05 | I didn’t notice the pattern at first… but every book I read this month circled the same idea: *knowledge comes with a price.*Whether it’s scientific discovery, buried family secrets, long-silenced injustices, or truths that unravel entire realities, each story explores what it really means to _know more than you did before_ and what that knowledge demands in return.In this November reading wrap-up, I share my thoughts on:📘 Frankenstein❄️ The Frozen River🗝️ The Last Secret of Lily Adams📚 The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek🌊 House of Salt and Sorrows🧬 Every Living ThingPlus, I reveal the books on my December TBR.*I’d love to hear from you:*✨ Which of these books have you read, or which resonates the most?✨ Have any books ever changed what you thought you knew?✨ What’s on your December TBR?Thanks so much for being here, and happy reading. 💙🎥 *Video Mentioned:* youtube.com/watch?v=deaTrY5wHgg&t=121s📜 *Sources mentioned:*Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project documentary: pbs.org/show/pack-horse-librarians-appalachia12 Dancing Princesses fairytale: resources.corwin.com/sites/default/files/32._twelve_dancing_princesses.pdf🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:42 Books, distilled0:55 Frankenstein3:20 The Frozen River6:09 The Last Secret of Lily Adams8:37 The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek12:10 House of Salt and Sorrows15:17 Every Living Thing20:28 December TBR22:05 Final thoughts#ReadingWrapUp #BookTube #TBR #NovemberReads #MonthlyWrapUp
Miami Book Fair (Come with Me!) 🏝️📚🥵 | Vlog + Book Haul Meli in the Margins 2025-11-27 | Hello readers, and a Happy Thanksgiving weekend to any Americans watching! 🍽️🍁Come with me to the Miami Book Fair as I go book hunting for local authors, indie publishers, and poetry gems. This is my first ever BookTube vlog, so grab a coffee or tea and join me as I browse booths, snap dog pics (🫣), and share a mini book haul + bookish merch at the end.I also got a chance to attend a poetry event featuring Miami-based voices, and I share a little bit about the experience. If you’re a fan of community storytelling, small presses, and discovering writers in your own backyard, this one’s for you. 💛✨ *Question for you:*Do you have a book fair, indie market, or literary event where you live? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!🎥 *Video Mentioned:*youtube.com/watch?v=YXk2bAvcVXQ&t=1s 🖋️ *Authors Mentioned:*Richard Blanco - richard-blanco.comJen Karetnick - jkaretnick.com/about Nicole Tallman - nicoletallman.com Mia Leonin - goodreads.com/author/list/1182734.Mia_Leonin 🕰️ *Timestamps:*0:00 Intro0:16 Book Fair2:39 Book Fair Haul#MiamiBookFair #BookFairVlog #BookHaul #BookShopping #LocalAuthors #PoetryCommunity #BookTube
Why I Rarely Reread Books — Even the Ones I Love Meli in the Margins 2025-11-20 | I’m an English professor who rarely rereads books, even my all-time favorites. (Sure, I reread constantly for work, but almost never in my personal reading life.)In this reading confession, I unpack four reasons _why rereading doesn’t always work for me_ and discuss what I value about first-time reads. Whether you’re a devoted re-reader or someone who never revisits a book, *I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments!* 💬 • Do you reread favorite books? Why or why not?• What makes a reread meaningful for you?• Should readers challenge themselves to reread more?🎥 Video Mentioned: youtube.com/watch?v=deaTrY5wHgg 🕰️ Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:00 Reason #1 – Too many books, too little time1:58 Reason #2 – I already know what happens3:33 Reason #3 – Comfort reading doesn’t comfort me4:56 Reason #4 – Afraid of breaking the spell6:36 My (small) rereading challenge7:08 Final thoughts#rereadingbooks #readingconfession #booktube #readingdiscussion #bookcommunity #englishprofessor #readinghabits #shouldwerereadbooks
Frankenstein 2025: Guillermo del Toro’s Vision vs. Mary Shelley’s Classic Meli in the Margins 2025-11-13 | Spooky season’s not over yet ... because we’ve got a _new_ Frankenstein to dissect. 🧠⚡In this video, I share my honest reactions to Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 Frankenstein and compare it to Mary Shelley’s classic novel — the themes, the changes, the moral complexity, and the beauty (turns out del Toro’s “monster” is kind of ... pretty?). 💬 I’d love to hear your take:• If you've seen the film _and_ read the book, how did Guillermo del Toro’s vision measure up to Mary Shelley’s original masterpiece?• If you haven't seen the film yet but love the novel, what would a movie adaptation *have* to do to capture the essence of Frankenstein?• I'm also curious to know how people who've never read the book feel about the story as presented by del Toro. If that's you, please opine!🎥 Video Mentioned:October Reading Wrap-Up - youtube.com/watch?v=YXk2bAvcVXQ&t=3s 🕰️ Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:58 Changes that were fine, I guess6:38 Changes I'm conflicted about8:24 Changes I didn’t care for16:09 What I DID love ❤️#Frankenstein #GuillermoDelToro #BookVsMovie #MaryShelley #FilmAnalysis #BookTube #AdaptationReview
5 Books, From Heartfelt to Haunting 🧡 | October Reading Wrap-Up + November TBR Meli in the Margins 2025-11-06 | Hello bookworms,October was a great reading month — not a single book in this wrap-up that I wouldn’t recommend. If I had to assign this month a color to reflect the tone of my reading selections, it would be gray: quiet, reflective, and a little haunted. And yet, most of these stories left me feeling cautiously hopeful rather than despondent.In this October Reading Wrap-Up + November TBR, I share "distilled" reviews (in six words or less) and reflections for five books that shaped my spooky season, from gothic classics to tender coming-of-age stories.📚 Books Mentioned:• _The Prince of Los Cocuyos_ by Richard Blanco• _Dracula_ by Bram Stoker• _Blood Over Bright Haven_ by M.L. Wang• _Hamnet_ by Maggie O’Farrell• _The Shining_ by Stephen KingPlus, a look ahead at the books I’m planning to read in November!Related Links:• Goodreads reviewer quoted: goodreads.com/user/show/1720620 • Shakespeare TED Talk: youtube.com/watch?v=LsESSyMnwmU• My deep dive into The Shining: youtube.com/watch?v=476vmEzySHY&t=1sTimestamps0:00 Intro0:37 The Prince of Los Cocuyos3:23 Dracula7:08 Blood Over Bright Haven12:32 Hamnet16:25 The Shining17:42 November TBRIf you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What was your favorite October read?#booktube #readingwrapup #novembertbr #bookrecommendations #theshining #dracula #hamnet #mlwang #richardblanco #bookreview
