Every few months, BookTok engages in the same debates: Do audiobooks count as reading? How many books can you read in a month before it “doesn’t count”? Does romance even qualify as an actual genre?
Many people have dismissed these debates as being “stupid” or “not that deep,” and that is true to some extent. However, I think the problem isn’t the topic discussed but how people approach them. In any case, I find the desire to gatekeep reading as a hobby bizarre—let’s talk about it.
Do Audiobooks Count As Reading?
Before written books even existed, storytelling was an oral tradition. The Iliad and The Odyssey—two of the most famous literary works—were passed down orally long before they were written. Additionally, many religious texts have oral elements and were only written down later to spread their mission. Considering this history, wouldn’t oral storytelling (fiction or non-fiction) be the purest form of engaging with literature? Wouldn’t those who continue engaging in this tradition be the true literary experts?
It is also important to consider the accessibility aspect. Visually impaired readers can engage with literature through Braille or audio. Are they not reading? The idea that reading must be done with one’s eyes and nothing else is incorrect and dismissive of how different people experience books.
Beyond the historical and accessibility factors, some people simply prefer and retain information better through audio. Additionally, some may not have the time to sit down with a physical book, and audiobooks allow them to engage with literature while commuting, cooking, or doing other tasks. If two people can have a discussion about a book, does it really matter if one listens to it while the other reads it on paper?
Yet, despite all of this, there’s still an underlying belief that audiobooks are “less than.” In a country with worrying literacy rates, discouraging any form of reading is counterproductive. Why create more barriers to engaging with books when the focus should be on encouraging more people to do so?
The “Too Many Books” Problem
“If you read over 10 books monthly, you’re just skimming.”
“If you listen to books on anything but the original speed, you’re not really absorbing them.”
Trying to shame people for reading a lot has to be the downfall of BookTok. Who decided there’s a limit to how many books a person can meaningfully engage with? Some people naturally read faster. Some have more time. Some people, especially academics, are trained to quickly read and analyze large amounts of text. The idea that there’s a single “correct” way to engage with books is limiting and completely unnecessary.
At the same time, it’s important to acknowledge that BookTok has normalized extreme reading goals, making it seem like reading over five books a month is the norm. Whether someone reads 50 books a year or just five, they’re still readers. No one should feel like they have to meet an arbitrary number to “count,” and no one should set said number.
Still, there’s an interesting discussion to be had about critical reading and how people should engage with books to deeply analyze their themes or motifs—but that’s not the conversation happening on BookTok. Those making such statements almost always try to validate themselves as readers by criticizing others for their reading habits.
Specific Genres Shouldn’t Count Towards Reading Goals
Some have also criticized BookTok for the prevalence of the romance and “romantasy” genres, arguing that they shouldn’t “count” as actual reading.
These genres are primarily associated with female audiences and are often dismissed as frivolous or “less serious.” This argument isn’t only harmful because it discourages people from reading, but it also paints the readers—again, mostly women—as being “unserious” or even “stupid” for engaging with these genres.
For the sake of argument, let’s assume that books need to be intellectual or educational to “count.” Even then, romance and ‘romantasy’ would “count” as they often explore human relationships, emotional growth, and intimacy. Additionally, romantic fantasy usually includes social and political themes, allowing readers to engage with problems that frequently parallel our real world.
Why Are We Still Having These Debates?
I believe people’s desire to belittle others’ reading habits—whether about audiobooks, book counts, or genre legitimacy—stems from a need to feel superior or validate one’s status as a reader. People who think this way can’t entirely be blamed. This mindset can be tied to the American obsession with productivity and constantly striving to outdo others. Still, reading as a hobby doesn’t need to be ranked or policed. People should be able to enjoy books in whatever way works best for them.
Moreover, most people would agree that encouraging more reading, especially in a country with declining literacy rates, is beneficial. Creating these arbitrary regulations as to what “counts” as reading only discourages people from picking up books at all. Instead, let’s focus on fostering a culture where more people feel welcome to engage with literature.
So yes, on the surface, these debates might seem pretty stupid. At the end of the day, it’s up to each reader to decide what counts toward their own reading goals. Nevertheless, it’s important to think beyond yourself and consider how the things we say can be harmful and discourage others from engaging with literature at all.