It just sounds like he wants you to do all the legwork, and be as enthused as he is, without participating.

My husband has been a lifelong sci-fi and fantasy lover, and he gets pretty deep into those interests. When we first met, he was thrilled to share everything, and I've picked up bits-and-pieces over the years. He loves it when I mention something he's shown me, or when I read a book he's recommended (especially since it's fantasy).

There was never any study or required reading involved like in your case. Sure he's been mildly disappointed if I hadn't started a book he'd recommended a year ago, but I was never accused of lacking interest in his life and hobbies, and being less of a person.

Perhaps have a more earnest chat with him. Tell him he's really hurt you, the interest in each other's lives should be reciprocal and at a reasonable scale. Emphasise that "I am not you", you have your own life, likes, hobbies and you shouldn't have to feel you need to participate at such a high level to meet his bizarre expectations, to the extent that you're eclipsing yourself and losing your own identity.

If that conversation yields the same results as previously, walk away.

Eight months is nothing in the grand scheme of things, and long distance is going to suck for you with a guy like this. You'll likely be the one visiting him all the time. You will feel like you're on a leash/tether and he will make you doubt yourself and you'll likely feel obliged to be online all the time, dropping in and out of calls with him, watching shit constantly to feel a connection with someone who sees you as "less than".