The irony of writing a blog post about the difficulties of getting your blog posts and reviews seen is not lost on me at all, and as with every time that I write something personal, as always, please note that what follows are solely my opinions.
2024 has been quite a bit of a year for me personally (you just have to trust me on that one), and also I think it has been the worst “professional”year since I started blogging.
Coupled with this, as I enter my fourth year of full time caring, I can honestly say that I have never felt more lonely and isolated, and one idea I had to combat that was passionately pitched by me and kindly and gently turned down by someone else, so my confidence has really taken a knock this year.
I have hit major reading slumps around three times this year, and like I suspect a lot of bloggers, have been wondering how on earth to keep shouting about books I love when it feels like no one is listening.
I admire the people who are fine with the hope that their writing brings one reader to the book they are talking about, but I find accepting that hard. I want to talk about books, I want conversations that lead to a feeling that someone gets you and that both your reading lists have grown. It all just feels disconnected and I hate it. I also know that I am not the only person feeling like this, judging by the conversations I have had with many other bloggers this year.
Reading and talking about books for me has always been about connections. With readers who you know will love the book too, with the author so that you can tell them how much you love their work, and on a more general level with the world at large, so that you don’t feel so alone – now more than ever.
It is so disheartening to feel that you read a book maybe for publication day, writing a review, telling everyone how brilliant it is, and knowing so strongly that there are so many people who would love it too. When you get absolutely no feedback or interaction – especially on social media, and sometimes from the publisher or author too, I wonder why on earth I bothered. Is it more important that a book is simply ‘seen’ as opposed to being reviewed?
In 2024, I have realised that book blogging isn’t what it used to be, and although everyone will deny it, as a 54 year old woman, I honestly feel less and less visible as a book blogger. I don’t do TikTok or Reels, no longer feel confident doing videos anymore, and what I feel is that my written words are being lost amongst a sea of brilliantly creative and other ways of talking about books that don’t necessarily mean written reviews.
That then makes me think why I am doing this. Is it purely because I want to share my love of books, in which case engagement and likes and being able to have proofs shouldn’t be important, but the book blogging world is a connected one. The more engagement and more that people connect with you, the more likely you are to be able to ask for proofs to shout about books before they are published. Yet that is not how I started book blogging, I didn’t even know what a proof was, which now makes me feel that being so aware of them is not what book blogging should be either.
To take the pressure off myself this year I have tried mixing up reading books from the library, books from my own shelves and proofs that I have been sent, and reviewing when I can. It’s ridiculous to even say that it feels freeing to do this, because at the end of the day, reading should be a joyful thing, not a chore or feel like a bookish test you are trying to pass.
Of course the rational thing to do if I am bothered by all this is to hang my book blogging hat up, and instead let other people carry on, but then what? Being at home as much as I am, without talking to other people for much of my day is honestly really hard – blogging gives me a purpose, something where I can be Clare, not Mum or Mrs Reynolds or a carer. It gives me a purpose, a feeling that there is something I think I am good at and love talking about. Books and blogging have been such an important part of my world for so long that the thought of walking away from this brilliant community is hard.
2025 is very nearly here, and I think I need to make some decisions. Either to carry on and not get upset by the fact that I feel no one is listening anymore, to understand that fighting against the social media algorithms is pointless, and to just think stuff it and give it everything without worrying! Or maybe it’s time for me to step back and appreciate I have had a brilliant time, but that Years Of Reading has run its course.
My love for reading and books hasn’t changed, it just feels like everything else in the book blogging world has. I have to work out how and if I want to fit in, and that’s the part I’m finding difficult.
Love,
Clare
Xx
Years of Reading Selfishly 
I hope you will do what feels right for you, right now. That is the most important thing. But I also want you to know that I always enjoy your interesting reviews. They have led me to books that I might otherwise have overlooked. All the best for 2025.
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Thank you so much Emily for your kind words, that really means such a lot.
I hope all is well with you.
Clare Xx
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Sounds like you might need support in other ways Clare, I don’t know, Other people giving advice can be annoying so I’ll stop. I hope you continue to enjoy your reading and write reviews, maybe they don’t have to be too long… I started on instagram four years ago and hardly have any followers and I come and go with the reviews. I clearly joined too late, like you I can’t be doing with Reels and Tik Tok, taking a photo is enough! But I do enjoy lil chats with other reviewers. I’m actually quite a slow reader (sometimes one book a month!) but I post what I can. This year I have had about six people tell me in person (rather as a comment) how much they like my reviews and to keep going. That is enough for me. Wishing you the very best for 2025 Clare. X
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Thank you so much, Dymphna,
One of the best parts of being in the bookish Community is talking to other people who love books -like you!
I think I’ve learnt to slow down and appreciate my books a bit more, although I did have a massive spurt on over the summer and read loads of books!
Thank you for very much for your kind words,
And I hope 2025 has been kind to you,
Best wishes,
Clare XX
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Hello ClareYour blog made me sad – you sound sad – which resonated because I was a carer too and know exactly how lonely, isolating and exhausting it can be. I looked after my mum for 8½ years, and my dad for six of them. They both reached 94, with all of its challenges and indignities, and whi
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Hello Michele,
Thank you so much for your kind words, and I’m sending lots of love back to you, because I know how tough it is being a carer, and how isolating and lonely is as well.
I hope you’re doing okay, and thank you so much for taking the time to comment on my blog post.
Love,
Clare XX
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I think you’ll know what the right thing to do is.
I’ve struggled with blogging this year too, interaction is way down, I barely get any comments and, for me, that’s part of the fun of book blogging, connecting with people across the world who are as passionate about books as I am….I don’t want to do bloody tik tok 😂
Best wishes for 2025 whatever you decide to do.
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Yes! Absolutely this!
The best part of book blogging is making new connections with people who get why you are excited that an author has a new novel coming out, or you can discuss a book and agree or disagree about it. I miss that.
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, and I hope you have a wonderful 2025 too. Xx
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Same, most of my friends aren’t big readers, so this platform was Ideal. Hopefully we’ll get some of that back. X
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I hope so too, all we can do is keep plugging away can’t we!
Best wishes,
Clare X
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I hope things get better.
I feel you, I lost my job this month and blogging is the one thing that has kept me grounded, despite not having that many views (hey, I have 17 followers and my book recs are not exactly mainstream lol).
To me, other than connecting and being read, blogging is also about building something in proud of. I love seeing the posts stack over the months and feel like my blog is a written testimonial of my life.
But if it’s mostly connection you’re craving, there’re also other ways to connect online, other than social media. There are a lot of forums and communities of people who are passionate about any topic.
Or maybe it’s time to open space for new hobbies and passions, there’s no harm in that as well. =)
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Thank you so much, Larissa,
I know it’s a long time since I posted this blog, so I hope you found a new job and that you are still enjoying blogging.
That’s a really interesting point about you viewing your blog as a written testimonial of your life, and I think that’s a very wise point of view as well.
I have been doing other hobbies apart from blogging too, and have found joy in choosing books I want to read rather than feeling I should be reading certain books!
Thank you so much for your comments and have a lovely day,
Best wishes,
Clare
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I completely understand where you’re coming from. I find a lot of my engagement on Facebook and in particular groups on there. I still get a thrill when someone buys a book from one of my reviews. Just make sure that whatever you choose is right for you. Also, remember that you can always change your mind. As long as you’re kind to yourself x
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Thank you so much,
It honestly makes me feel a lot better to know I’m not the only one that feels the same way.
You are absolutely right too, and not being able to change my mind is one of the brilliant things about being a book blogger!
Thank you for your kind words,
Clare XX
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I for one enjoy reading your posts, but I understand how you feel. I try and content myself with chats among the group of friendly bloggers that I’ve come to know over the years. I say that if you still enjoy it, then keep doing it. I hope 2025 is an easier year for you x
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Thank you so much, Cathy,
I think there’s a gro anymore! up of us that feel exactly the same, and one of the things I’ve learnt is that I have to work out what works for me, otherwise the fun goes out of it and I don’t want to do it any more!
Thank you for your kind words,
Best wishes,
Clare
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I’m so sorry you’re thinking of giving up blogging, Clare. I always enjoy your posts both here and on social media although that’s become considerably less rewarding since Musk got his sticky fingers all over it. Whatever you decide, I hope you won’t sink entirely from view. Wishing you and your family all the best for 2025.
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Thank you so much, Susan,
I agree that social media has changed so much since we started blogging.
I think I just have to find out what works for me and be content with it-which is often easier than it sounds!
Thank you for always being so kind and supportive,
Love Clare XX
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I understand Clare, it’s taken me five years to get where I am and I’ve enjoyed it. But engagement isn’t the same and I feel being ‘visible’ has become a huge part of shouting about books, whether that’s creating reels or videos or going to book festivals and conventions. Like you I rarely leave home and if I paid to go to Harrogate or other book event I wouldn’t be able to afford a family holiday so I don’t feel able to do those. I have made a decision to only do this while it’s fun and I’m making friends. I hope you find whatever solution is best for you. Happy New Year ❤️
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Thank you so much, Hayley,
I really feel exactly the same. I think making sure you enjoy it is so important, and when you don’t, it’s always good to step away and have a think about what you want to do.
Thank you for always being so kind and supportive, I really appreciate it.
Love,
Clare xx
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I agree completely with so much you have written here Clare, and like you am pondering which direction to go. I have a deep dislike of Bookstagrammers/TikTok which seem to consist of people waving books around with shallow commentary, or grinning inanely with a pile of books that look obviously unread but to seem to attract thousands of followers. A well written review is a real craft, and I’ve always appreciated the time and effort people out into this.
I enjoy reading blogs such as yours which offer real depth and insight, with a love of reading so clearly on show. My own reading/reviewing ratio has fallen off a cliff this year, as the lack of engagement is really dispiriting, and am not sure about the long term-more thinking is needed. Rest assured though I will still follow your recommendations wherever and however they may be! You’re great! ❤
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Thank you so much, Raven,
I really think there’s a whole group of us that feel exactly the same.
The blogging landscape has changed so much over the years, and I’m so pleased as a whole new generation of people that love to read.
It just feels a bit like I’m being left behind and I still want to talk about books, it just feels that no one is listening!
Thank you for your lovely comment.
Love, Clare XX
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I hear you too. I still blog occasionally but very few readers. I much prefer to read about books and reading than listening to rambling podcasts or videos too!
I hope 2025 proves a better year!
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I hear you too. I still blog occasionally but very few readers. I much prefer reading about books and reading than listening to rambling podcasts and videos!
I hope 2025 proves a happer year!
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I hear you as well! I get overwhelmed with all the podcasts and videos- there is a lot of bookish stuff going on isn’t there!
Best wishes,
Clare
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Hi Clare,
I found I’m haven’t been enjoying social media as much & I think that’s the problem for me. I like to see the new books & people shouting about what they’ve read, but with all the news popping up and on Twitter the ads, it was hard to find who I actually liked following anymore.
The interaction has fallen but I think maybe it’s because there are now so many outlets for social media, people are more choosey and with the new year some detox from their socials & phones.
Do what makes you happy with the time given to you
have a wonderful New year
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Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much – I agree that social media is a minefield, and that there are lots of different places all shouting about books so it can get overwhelming can’t it!
Best wishes,
Clare x
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It is something that only you will know what is right for you, Clare. I don’t do bookstagram, or Tik Tok or youtube etc. I read and review on my blog and yes, I so love when someone comments. I have a group of bloggers that always comment and we suggest books to others, and I have a lot that just click like. I will continue to do what I do because I love to share what I read. Happy New Year and all the best in 2025.
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Thank you so much for your comment Carla, and finding bookish people has definitely been amazing. Keep sharing what you are reading!
Clare xx
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Just wanted to say I hear you and feel your pa
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Thank you so much x
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Hi Clare,
we’re only two days into the new year but I hope that it started better for you than the one just gone.
I am probably one of those people guilty of “absolutely no feedback or interaction” but, just like in my schooldays, just because I don’t participate doesn’t mean that I’m not listening or paying attention. I felt compelled to drop you a quick line because what you do matters immensely and it saddened me to read that you are thinking about packing it in.
You may feel that no one is listening, but we are, perhaps now more than ever. Never before in history have any of us been so utterly swamped in endless, meaningless dross and rising idiocy while everything and everyone is unfurling in hysteria – simultaneously, in parallel and in series, with increasing speed and no end in sight. This is why your voice matters, why your writing matters, why talking about books matters. To give up would be to let the forces of mindlessness and soullessness take one step further. Step away for a while, take a break. I think you’d come back with a renewed passion because in the end we all go back to our first loves like books and we can’t simply stop being ourselves. But we all do need a break.
Whatever you decide to do, you have my thanks for all your years of reading selfishly, and for being a genuine and passionate voice.
Best wishes from Dublin, Ireland,
Goran
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Hello Goran,
Thank you so much for your beautiful comment.
I am so sorry it has taken me so long to reply, but 2025 has been a bit of a year.
It really means such a lot to me, and I am going to try to post more now, as I feel that it might be a good way for me to express myself.
I am so pleased that you like my blog, and I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to reply.
Have a lovely day,
Best wishes,
Clare x
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