By Brina B.

Chronic stress has always been part of my life, so I often turned to escapism using film and television. It was helpful to focus on fictional lives instead of focusing on my own. However, as my stress transformed into anxiety, what once gave me comfort was no longer effective.

For instance, while watching Knives Out for the first time I had to google spoilers in order to finish enjoying the film. My experience with anxiety had been so unpredictable during that time that it was difficult to pinpoint what genres or plotlines would trigger my anxiety. Therefore, I found myself watching a lot more YouTube due to its formularized content.

A community that quickly caught my attention were commentary channels, specifically movie reactors, which is how I learned about the After series. As a result of watching several reactions of the film, the algorithm recommended my first BookTuber, FullofLit. I enjoyed hearing her talk about the book experience because it provided a different perspective.

Although I didn’t have any desire to read the After books, I credit FullofLit for reigniting my love for reading and helping me rediscover a different way to escape when anxiety becomes too much to bear. The more I watched FullofLit’s videos, the YouTube algorithm started recommending other channels.

In no particular order, here are the 7 BookTubers that help me manage anxiety with their bookish content.

1. FULLOFLIT

In addition to her book reviews and being the sweet soul that reignited my love for reading, two of the things I love about FullofLit are her reactions to book adaptations and the fangirl moments sprinkled throughout her videos.

She has gotten me intrigued about book adaptations that I would have never gravitated towards on my own. Not to mention that the joy in her fangirl moments is contagious. I can’t help but be drawn in by her love for literature and how she expresses it. Not to mention, she’s hilarious!

2. WITHCINDY

I love Cindy’s book reviews because they are a mixture of humor and critical thinking. I would be lying if I said I had interest in reading most of the books Cindy talks about. I honestly just enjoy the discourse and conversation she sparks.

Don’t get me wrong, the books pique my interest, but sometimes I just want to hear an interesting conversation about books and Cindy provides that for me. With the abundance of nonsense on the internet, I’m grateful for her insight.

3. mina reads

I find myself gravitating towards indie romance authors because they give me a good mix of hallmark and lifetime with a dash of Tubi, which is a good remedy for my anxiety. When I want to dive into some black indie romance, I go right to Mina Reads.

She has given me some solid recommendations and really helps me to utilize my kindle account. She has also piqued my interest in trying out some fantasy romance in the future. Not only that, but her funny commentary can make any book sound intriguing.

4. PeaceLoveBooksxo

When I’m looking for other indie romances to try or if I want to find a book based on a specific trope, Jess from PeaceLoveBooksxo is my guide. She has given me some solid recommendations and has really opened my eyes to the world of indie romance and the different authors in the genre.

This has been extremely helpful because as I mentioned, these are the type of stories that help my anxiety the most. Not only that, but her joy for reading has really helped me to find my sweet spot and really embrace indie romance as the remedy for my anxiety.

5. jess owens

What draws me to a Youtuber will always be their personality. Even if I’m not their target audience…the personality is all I need to keep me coming back, and that is what draws me to Jess Owens.

Watching her videos are a guaranteed laugh, plus she talks about the book community from different angles which range from dramatic readings to hot topics within the book world.

What I love about Jess the most is her vulnerability. She talks about her mental health while reading, which I can relate to, and I truly appreciate her for that.

6. BooksandLaLa

I’m a creative at heart. Anything that is outside the box or has a theme will always reach my spirit and feel like a warm hug, and that is what Kayla from BooksandLaLa gives me.

Each video has a creative way for her to get through her TBR (to be read) and I appreciate the effort she puts in. It’s always fascinating to see what theme she comes up with next. I’m sure it takes a lot of work on her end, and this creative is always left in ah of how she does it. When I’m in a creative rut I know Kayla has a video for me to watch so I can live vicariously through her creativity.

7. chandler ainsley

Like many online communities, you will notice when something is popular or trending. When I want to hear a straight to the point book review about indie authors, or books, I’m on the fence about, I know Chandler will deliver.

Her videos are honest, funny, and sarcastic and I LIVE for them. She has helped me not only save time from reading a book I wouldn’t have liked; she also helps me to get the best use out of my kindle account.

It has been a difficult transition from chronic stress to anxiety, but with the help of these 7 bookish content creators, I’ve been able to replace an outdated coping skill with a lost love.