Why You STRUGGLE To Enjoy The Books You Bought

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the concept of 'Attunement,' a feeling when a book or piece of art deeply resonates with a person, often beyond logical explanation. Drawing on experiences as a bookseller, the speaker contrasts the consumer-driven, algorithmic approach to book-buying with the organic process of being 'attuned' to a book. The video critiques the educational and critical emphasis on literary hierarchies and proposes that true engagement with literature begins with allowing personal connections to form naturally. Ultimately, the speaker advocates for rediscovering this personal connection to books as a way to foster a deeper love for reading.

Takeaways

• 😀 Attunement is a concept introduced by Rita Felski, describing the emotional connection we experience with art or literature, which transcends rational explanations.
• 😀 Modern reading culture is influenced by algorithms, bestseller lists, and heavy curation, making it harder for people to find books they genuinely connect with.
• 😀 The speaker critiques the way books are marketed, comparing modern bookstores to supermarkets, where the focus is on selling what’s popular rather than allowing for an organic discovery process.
• 😀 Book floating, or aimlessly browsing in bookstores, is seen as a valuable practice, allowing books to 'find' the reader rather than following pre-set recommendations.
• 😀 The rise of curated recommendations and algorithms has reduced the surprise and joy of discovering a book independently in favor of following trends or being told what to read.
• 😀 In bookstores, some readers will read entire books without purchasing, which the speaker defends, suggesting that these readers may be attuned to something deeper in the book that they are discovering.
• 😀 Education, particularly in literary studies, often stresses ‘quality’ over emotional connection, making it harder for students to form genuine, personal connections with literature.
• 😀 Literature should primarily be about enjoyment and emotional engagement, not about meeting academic or societal standards of what is 'high-brow' or 'low-brow.'
• 😀 Critics and literary scholars often focus too much on ranking books based on quality, neglecting the emotional engagement readers feel with the books they connect with.
• 😀 Rediscovering Attunement involves tuning into your own curiosity and emotional responses, which can lead to a more authentic and personal reading experience.

Q & A

What is the concept of 'Attunement' in literature?

'Attunement' refers to the deep emotional connection a reader experiences with a book, piece of art, or literature. It is when a book unexpectedly grips you, often through a sensory experience, and engages you emotionally before you can even rationalize why you like it.

How does the narrator view the act of browsing in bookstores?

The narrator views browsing in bookstores, especially as a 'floater,' as a way to discover books organically. Rather than following a preset list or algorithm, the act of floating around can lead to finding a book that captures you emotionally and serendipitously.

What is the problem with modern bookstores according to the narrator?

Modern bookstores, in the narrator's view, often operate in an algorithmic, consumer-driven way. They prioritize sales and promotions, which reduces the chance for a more spontaneous, emotional connection with a book. This stands in contrast to older, less commercialized bookstores where browsing felt more genuine.

Why does the narrator defend 'floaters' in bookstores?

The narrator defends floaters because, despite being seen as annoying by booksellers, they embody an important approach to discovering books. Floaters don't have a clear goal, allowing the possibility for books to find them, which can lead to a more profound connection with literature.

What role does emotional connection play in reading and literature?

Emotional connection is central to reading because it is what drives genuine engagement with a book. If literature does not invoke any emotional response, it risks being ineffective or disengaging. Attunement emphasizes the importance of feeling the book before being able to explain it intellectually.

What is the narrator's teaching philosophy when it comes to reading?

The narrator's teaching philosophy emphasizes teaching readers how to read rather than what to read. They encourage readers to be attuned to their own preferences and instincts, helping them discover their interests rather than relying on external recommendations or algorithms.

What criticism does the narrator have regarding literary critics and academic standards?

The narrator criticizes literary critics for focusing too much on setting up hierarchies of quality, such as determining which books are 'better' based on intellectual standards. This focus on 'high brow' versus 'low brow' can suppress emotional engagement with literature, which the narrator sees as crucial for a fulfilling reading experience.

How does the concept of 'Attunement' challenge traditional reading expectations?

'Attunement' challenges traditional reading expectations by advocating for a more emotional, less rational approach to books. It suggests that instead of forcing ourselves to read what we're 'supposed to' based on cultural or academic standards, we should embrace our emotional reactions to literature and let that guide our choices.

What is the narrator’s stance on book recommendations and algorithms?

The narrator is critical of book recommendations driven by algorithms, which often fail to predict what a reader will truly enjoy. They argue that these systems don't account for the complex, emotional aspect of reading, which makes them less reliable in helping readers discover meaningful books.

What does the narrator suggest is the key to improving reading habits?

The narrator suggests that the key to improving reading habits is to focus on re-discovering personal preferences and reconnecting with what emotionally resonates with you. Rather than trying to force yourself to like 'important' books, readers should embrace their own instincts and enjoy the process of finding books that speak to them.