Booktube!

As a broke college student who loves reading, practicing self control in Barnes and Noble can be really difficult. I always end up with a huge stack of books that I want to buy if I go in there without a specific book in mind. I usually try to have a few books that I know I really want to buy, to avoid buying too many books I can't afford or books that just end up on my shelf and I never read them. How do I find book recommendations you might ask? Booktube!

I usually only watch two specific book Youtubers, PeruseProject aka a young women named Regan and Abooktopia another young woman named Sasha. I watch Regan much more, but both Youtubers have given me really awesome recommendations that I actually read and enjoyed.

I like Booktube so much because you get to listen to people's reviews and general thoughts about books. It's so much more personal. I really trust their opinions. They do all different types of videos, my favorite are the ones at the end of the year, when Booktubers make videos for their best and worst reads of the year. This is usually how I spend the Barnes and Noble gift cards that I inevitably get for Christmas every year. They also do book tag challenges, book hauls, and specific recommendations, like winter or airplane reads. There's something for everyone.

Regan has similar interests as me when it comes to reading. She usually favors Young Adult Fantasy and Sci-Fi, although she reads a solid mix of different genres and subgenres. One of the best recommendations she's made for me is The Remnant Chronicles, which is a Fantasy trilogy by Mary Pearson. Sasha always raves about Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I started the first book and the tv show last year, but because I have so little time to read I have been unable to finish the books (they're also very long).

One other great thing about Booktube is they usually talk about and review the "chosen ones" or the books that are chosen by the publishing houses and God knows who else to be the big hits of the year. It's a great way to keep up with the industry and what's up and coming.

If you're ever struggling to find new books to read, check out some Booktube channels. They can really help.