In this episode of Booked & Unfiltered, Michelle Glogovac and Stephanie Hockersmith dive into the unspoken pressure readers face in a world obsessed with speed and quantity. From the guilt of not finishing a book (DNF) to the blurred lines between genuine reviews and influencer content, they unpack how hustle culture is infiltrating the literary world.

Michelle and Steph get real about balancing reading for work vs. reading for joy, why timing is everything when it comes to picking up the right book, and how mixing up your reading routine can reignite the spark. Plus, a fun wrap-up on dream book merch—because who wouldn't want a tote that says “Read The Damn Book”?

What We're Talking About...

• The pressure to read can be overwhelming, especially with so many new releases.
• It's important to find books that resonate with you personally.
• Reading should be enjoyable, not a chore or competition.
• DNFing a book doesn't mean you failed; it means you're honoring your reading journey.
• Everyone has different preferences and opinions about books.
• Reading is a personal experience and should be tailored to individual needs.
• Book reviews should reflect genuine engagement with the material.
• Mixing up genres can enhance the reading experience and prevent burnout.
• It's okay to prioritize reading for pleasure over professional obligations.
• Merchandising ideas can stem from a love for books and reading. 

Chapters

00:00 The Pressure to Read All the Books 06:02 The DNF Debate: When to Put a Book Down 11:47 Balancing Reading for Pleasure and Work 18:03 Mixing Up Your Reading Routine 23:56 The Future of Book Merchandising