Please enjoy these absurdly cute photos of Penny on the walk, and this absurd photo of me, giving "who's this lesbian in our neighborhood" vibes.
This morning, as I took my usual walk around the neighborhood with the pup, I started thinking about how we engage with books. You know, the whole “critically engaging” versus “reading for the vibes” debate that’s currently happening on BookTok? And honestly, it’s totally not an either/or situation, you can do both, depending on what you need in the moment.

When I think about critically engaging with a book, I imagine a reader who questions, analyzes, and really digs into the work. It’s about unpacking themes, questioning motives, examining literary devices, and connecting the dots. Critical engagement often involves taking a deliberate, analytical approach—reading with a purpose beyond simply enjoying the story. It’s about understanding deeper meanings, context, and sometimes even challenging the author’s perspectives. Also if I’m honest, the phrase “critically engaged” sometimes feels like a buzzword, but for me, it essentially means to read something with a conscious Mindfulness—questioning what we’re reading and being aware of our responses. It’s not necessarily about finding flaws or disagreeing; it’s about actively participating in an intellectual conversation with the text. I’ll be even more honest, this approach feels intimidating and sometimes seems like it’s only “serious” readers. Wait, I’m a serious reader, I seriously like to read. But do I need to critically engage with everything I read?

And then there’s reading for the vibes—definitely a more relaxed, immersive experience. It’s about soaking in the atmosphere, feeling the emotions, and enjoying the aesthetic or mood the book creates. Sometimes it’s just reading a book because you heard the spice was top notch. What if we just want to read to escape, to feel something intensely without overthinking?

Sometimes I pick up a book just to get lost in it. Other times, I’m in a mood to be challenged by themes, question characters, and dive into the symbolism. And honestly? I do both within the same week. Why limit yourself? Reading isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

You don’t have to pick just one approach, despite what booktok says. You aren’t a vapid reader (no one has actually used this term–that I know of) if you only read to escape, you can still escape into diverse and inclusive narratives that teach you things unconsciously. Some days, you want that chill, “just for the feels” read, and other days, you’re craving mental stimulation. Both are valid. There’s no rule that says you have to be “serious” or “not serious”—it’s all about what your brain and heart need in that moment.

Does not analyzing make you less of a reader? Not at all. Just because you’re not dissecting every symbol or questioning every motive doesn’t mean your love for books is any less real. Sometimes, reading for the vibes helps you unwind, inspire, or just let yourself feel everything without overthinking. That’s just as meaningful.

So here’s the real talk — books are what you make of them. Whether you’re analyzing or just soaking in the mood, both ways are legit. Think of it like a playlist for your reading life: some days you want the deep cuts, other days just the feel-good jams. So, stop stressing about what “counts,” and read how you wanna read. Because as I was walking this morning, I realized the best thing we can do is embrace all of it — the critical and the vibey, the thoughtful and the relaxed.

And honestly? That’s what makes reading so endlessly good.