Aww, Simon, rest up and take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Everyone needs a break sometimes. When you come back, do the kind of content you want. I love the idea of reading translator's works; I love prize content; I love theme content (remember the nuns!); content with your mom; book shopping; thrift book shopping; little free library runs; whatever you want. 💚
I definitely think a break is called for. I’ll barely be gone though and there’s another week of content ahead. Have noted all the requests, I had forgotten about the nun one!!! Glad to be reminded.
Enjoy your well deserved break, even though it's not a long one. BTW, I love your shirt, let me know where I can find one as it's one of my favorite books. ❤
I love you just sitting and chatting away to us all about books, it feels like sitting down with a friend so don’t feel like it has to be a certain way, you being you is enough. Look after yourself and take the time you need to recharge and come back doing what you want to do for you. Wrap ups, book hauls etc are all great but its what makes you happy that counts and it will always make us out here that watch you (that’s not as creepy as it sounds i hope 😊) happy too. Have a wonderful summer of resting and reading
A break sounds like a good idea, Simon. You're so prolific here on BookTube on top of all your travels and work, and I honestly don't know how you do it. We'll all be here whenever you return. As for content, I'm here for anything you wish to share with us. (And wow -- how exciting that SJP mentioned you!)
I was almost deceased from the SJP moment. I’m looking forward to a mini break from it all (TH-cam, work, the lot) and feeling all fresh and funky when I’m back. Lol.
I love book hauls and reading wrap ups!! It’s how I build my TBR and have found so many great books through you. Take as long as you like to recoup a bit. We’ll be here when you come back xx
And I am interested in hearing Spring wrap-ups, even if they come out later in the future. More than hearing about new books that came out, hearing about the reader's experience is what really brings me to BookTube.
You definitely deserve a break Simon. I can always go for a summer read video; and I don't think I'd ever get tired of seeing you sitting in front of your bookshelves. Take care and enjoy the Emerald Isle! ❤
I love a book haul and/or wrap up video because it really highlights books I wouldn’t have even heard of, and love to hear your thoughts on what you’ve read. I don’t think it matters when the video comes out, because we can buy/borrow/read them anytime, you know? Can never have too many summer recs ☺️ enjoy your time off though! ❤
You patreons won’t be getting a break from me. Haha. I’ll be vlogging my break. Just for the fun. Might be hodge podge but should be a giggle. Wrap ups will be back. I don’t know why I’ve had such a wobble with them for the last few years… actually I do. Too much secret reading for work!
Subscribed so fast! The bookshelf initially caught my eye 😂 Loved your video, felt like a friend talking about their new books! Going to binge-watch the channel now. Extra points for the ‘not another one’ lady at the start 😂
Hahaha. Thanks Stevie. I’m glad you got the sense of humour. I really want the channel to feel like a chatty place with the friend vibe, though am I instantly friend zoning people or being friend zoned straight away. Hahahaha.
I hope you have a brilliant and well-earned rest to look after yourself! Enjoy your travels. Like many, I love all of the content you do. Your book hauls really inspire me to look into new releases, though I enjoy hearing your thoughts on the books you’ve read most of all. I would love to see your spring wrap-ups-and more wrap-ups in general 😊
Love book shopping and book haul videos!!! ❤ please don’t apologize for doing them. They are great and we can live vicariously through your bookish buys!! 😊 mahalo
Oh gosh Simon! I ❤ all your content! Hauls, wrap ups, vlogs (love food pics!). I would imagine being a content creator can get tiresome at some point. Do give yourself a break. Enjoy your upcoming travels!
Awww thanks for the lovely compliment. I don’t think it’s that it’s tiresome, just that I’m quite tired and a rest and a refresh might just be the thing. We shall see.
oh Simon take all the time you need to chill and recharge, your mental health is too important. It's good that you are really aware of your need to take a break - sending hugs!
Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy yourself during the summer while you can. See friends, catch up, see the sights. Fall will be a busy season for new books. We all have long TBR list this summer.
Ha. I might just have a fair bit of time doing nothing. Whilst I’ve a couple of trips I’ve been doing so much travelling for work this last few months the idea of a staycation and just pottering and sorting at home is looking highly desirable 🤣
Oh I’m not ill… just got those slight early burn out vibes and after the autumn of 2022 I don’t want to go through that again. So it’s like a preemptive mini break. Ha.
Love the t-shirt. Love the woman in the interview at the start of the video. Yes to summer reading. How about doing the wrap up in parts so that each is not too massive? Just a thought. I also think that Alan Hollinghurst is under edited but that’s the first proof copy of his new novel that I’ve seen! I enjoy very much listening to you talk about books and such while sitting in your library but I also enjoy the out and about videos. Do what feels good! And have a fantastic time away!
I was going to do the wrap up in two parts, which would still be two pretty big videos… however *someone* has given me the challenge of reviewing some books in ten words for plot and ten on how I felt about it so maybe I’ll do that challenge. Hahahaha.
Hauls are great, butvi definitely like a balance of hauls and wrapups or even reading in progress videos. More cat content is always welcome. BTW my library's 2024 reading challenge included ,read 2 books by the same translator, which I completed with two translators in two different languages and I had a blast. One of the books turned out to be the best book I've read so far this year (Honeybees and Distant Thunder)!
Hopefully my books of the year so far will be a kind of wrap up! Wonder if anyone will be able to guess what will make it. Ooh that challenge from your library I can do myself now!
Enjoy your time of rest and relaxation. Really like your channel along with another 29,500 or so followers. Especially love when you talk about the books you have read and authors you enjoy. Take care🥳🥳🥳
I love a wrap-up so it would make me very happy to see your two part wrap-up videos. It’s never too late. As you are able, of course. xx And a summer reading list/recommendations would be very much appreciated.
I’ll see what I can do about those wrap ups. Though they may actually appear on patreon as I’ll still be doing some content there. A summer selection might just be imminent 😉
I’m sooo looking forward to talking to Bella about her new book in October. I’m also really looking forward to Genfer Theory, it’s not had loads of publicity but has had lots of the right people talking about it, well lovely people I follow on socials anyway.
I don’t really watch hauls, I don’t find them very interesting tbh but I love wrap ups or reading vlogs, anything with opinions on books you’ve read. I’m personally not fussed if they’re late, I just watch booktube to hear readers perspectives, good or bad, which is why I skip the hauls. Also I’m not watching the summer book recs because it’s winter for me haha but I’m saving them to come back to in September, so I’m interested!
Hahahaha. I forget about it being winter for others. Oops. But how fab you’ll have all those lovely book recommendations later in the year. Thank you for your thoughts on hauls etc. It’s appreciated intel.
😂 Very fun start to a great book haul video Simon. It’s hard not to add to my tbr but I did choose ‘a few’😜📚 Enjoy your wish list reads, in honour of Pride month especially, (and I agree not just for the month of June) and like a movie, I’m always intrigued with what books are coming out in 25 and look forward to their launch. Yes to a summer reads video as well as a spring wrap up however/ whenever you decide to post it. It’s never too late😁📚 Take care and safe travels.
I really enjoy your shopping & haul videos so please continue doing them if you also enjoy making them. I also love the wrap ups as they usually give me more books to add to my (ever growing) tbr! I think taking some time off before you get to the point of burnout is a good idea, take some time off and enjoy it! :)
I do like making hauls and come bookshopping with me videos BUT they aren’t all I want on the channel so I’m going to have that break and see what new ideas pop up for when I’m back. Though you’ve still a few videos coming before I have a teeny tiny break.
I love you in the library on the pink fainting couch . It’s very relaxing with the books on the shelves behind you? If you feel up to it , would you do a Booker prediction video?
The pink fainting couch is now in the lounge. It gets seen by more people. I’ll be back from my break after the Booker longlist is announced so won’t have time to do a predictions one… but I’ll be honest I wouldn’t have a clue. I just want Charlotte Wood and Carys Davies on it.
Hi Simon - To answer a question you asked in passing, I think if you talking about books with upcoming publication dates, maybe the sweet spot could be 3-4 months before the publication. Then, it does not seem like too long of a wait before we can get out "mitts on it." 😄 I'm currently reading Sociopath: A Memoir, which I think got added to my TBR after you referenced it in one of your videos. I got about a third in and then put it down to focus on another book I had started (The Husbands, which I'm half-way through and am finding entertaining). I'll be interested to hear other people's review on this memoir, including yours if you do read it. (Side note: I've read Seven Days in June and I know what the first page is talking about, so hearing about your mom's reaction to it gave me a good chuckle.)
Thank you for the thoughts on timings of proofs. That’s super duper helpful. Much appreciated. I really want to read Sociopath. I’m hoping that’s one I get to this summer. My friend Julie, BookChew on Instagram, had a very strong reaction to it.
@@SavidgeReads I was curious and checked out Julie's review. Yup, that is exactly how I've been feeling the whole time I was reading that book. And why I put it down to take a break from it. Validating to see it's not just me...
I do love a wrap up and love the books you have read the most.i would never see lots of these books here in Cape Town but I can order them and a Simon recommendation is the best. I like a summer reading recommendation please do that. Look after yourself. I prefer books that are available I won’t remember a book coming out in 2025.
Seasonal book recommendations are always interesting and useful. I also like bookshop visits around the country. Taking a break from filming every so often sounds sensible. We'll still be here when you get back.
You’ll have a seasonal recommendations incoming. And I may film some bookshopping in Cambridge (I didn’t in Oxford) and most definitely in Dublin. I bet you’ll blink and I’ll be back… well I literally will be back with a few videos this week. Then on a break for a bit.
The Silence In Between sounds so so good! YESSS! Summer reading recs please! STOP it! I bought Lost in the Garden in Norwich when I was hanging out with Sarah based only on the cover! Yesterday I read Sandwich by Catherine Newman while at the lake eating a sandwich and today I'm reading The Offing by Benjamin Myers :) I love hearing about ARCs because I'll either request them on netgalley or pre-order them. I've had a stressful spring- school year stress, health stuff... I decided that after I got back from my holiday to the UK, Montenegro, and Croatia that I'd read whatever I want and that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I only just returned from the UK, but am having SO much fun with this start of a Michigan summer reading whatever I want! I am 100% here for your unhinged summer! Can't wait to see what you read and recommend! Rest up and enjoy your summer. We're here for you whenever you decide to return.
I am so ready for an unhinged and unfilmed (ish) summer. Think we all need a breather now and again. Sorry you had a stressful spring. Hope all that has passed. I looooved The Offing. Soooo much. Here’s hoping we both like Lost in the Garden.
Hi Simon 👋🏻☺️ the main thing is that you’re healthy & happy & feel pressure-free 🙏🏻 we all obviously 💗 what you’re doing 👏🏻 📚 🚂 🐈 🎶 etc 😘 have a well earned break & TC x
Could you do a video on Australian authors and books you'd recommend. Wanting to read more from other countries and translated work but don't know where to start
Oooh maybe for August. Like an Australian August video of some kind. Or maybe I could spend a week reading some of my favourite Aussie authors. I’ll have a think.
“Bad Habit” by Alana S. Portero is an outstanding read. Yes, I’d like to see a summer reading recommendations video even though I have enough books to see me through the summer. 😄
Haha, love the meme combo at first! And I just enjoy when we get a vid tbh; you do plenty outside yt and obv that effects how much time you have to film (and read/prepare sth). So I don’t mind a haul 😉 But I defo support you doing what you need to do to feel good about this channel of yours - so what matters most is that you love what you do. Hope you have a fab July of travels and holidaying! Also, love and support the shoutout to whatraereads 🌸
I am looking forward to a breather and some actual trips away that aren’t work over the next few weeks. Will be good for me and the channel. Though you’ve a week of videos ahead first.
Personally I love all your videos, particularly ones where you're out and about and share snippets of your life and what you're reading and your thoughts on the book as you're reading. BUT, you have to look after yourself. Take as much time as you need to do things that bring you life x
I’m so pleased you enjoy the out and about videos. I love making them. Dare I say I’ve just been out and about too much and noticed I’m just wanting to hide in hotels or sleep when I’ve spare time… which feels like a sign to stop for a bit and just be at home just being. Ha.
Alas David, that’s not really my field of reading so I’m not sure what I would have to say. There are lots of fab channels doing that though… and they’re waaaaay more aware of what’s hot and not in that area of books.
@@SavidgeReads Fair point. But what about one YA or MG per month. The standard is amazing. The Hate U Give, My Sister Lives on the Mantle piece, Holes, Wonder and the Crossing ( verse poetry) are heartbreaking, powerful and stay with you forever. Just a thought.
Love the content no matter the subject or theme. They are always informative and usually very funny too. Love sitting with a coffee for the book hauls too and pausing to write up a very long list and publication dates to look forward to! Agree with all other comments. Do whatever you want. We will all watch. 😁 You mentioned Dublin in July - is this a public event trip or a private trip ??
Awww thanks for the lovely comment Donal. (I hope I’ve not guessed wrong from your handle!) That was very kind of you. Glad you find them funny, we have to get all the fun we can. Dublin is a little holiday away, though I’ll be trawling the bookshops quite publicly with some lovely folk from bookstagram ha. Then I may pop to Belfast and fly back home from there. It’s a treat it’s so close to home. Is that where you’re based?
Yes you guessed correct! Lovely, it’s a nice literary city with history galore so you will have plenty to see and do. I live nearby to it in a neighbouring county. Books Upstairs on D’Olier Street is a great independent bookshop well worth a visit and it’s central so easy to find 😊 Wishing you a lovely and relaxing break away
@@donalreilly4242 yes it’s lovely. I was there pre the panda pop and had the treat of being taken round lots of lovely literary spots by Sean Hewitt we had tea in books upstairs I think.
Can’t wait to hear what you think about women and children first. The NetGalley version was awful but I have never seen what changes from that version to the published one
@@SavidgeReads hopefully the published version is better than the NetGalley one cause in that one I wouldn’t say there was much plot to be spoiled. The writing wasn’t my cup of tea at all, I found all the characters the same brand of awful and the story just wasn’t that well developed or explored imo. But again much could have changed since then!
I just have zero knowledge of what is eligible for the Booker. Lol. I am sure I’ll be intrigued by the longlist but sooooo many other channels are doing the Booker predictions who know what they’re talking about waaaaay more than me 😉
As you know, I'm a fan. You can do whatever you like and I'll listen and grow my TBR. But here are some thoughts I have, for whatever its worth. a. I like hauls as an intro to books that I might otherwise not discover. But when the stack is too big, I glaze over because the creator can't give enough about each book to entice. I'd recommend a monthly haul where you feature no more than 5-10 hauled books that you really want your readers to know about. Be a curator. b. I would love to be privy to your author interviews. Even snippets of them would be nice. And I love when you and Louise banter together. Could you do four quarterly videos with a guest (say, authors, booksellers, fellow readers, other booktubers, even judges after winners are announced)? Heck, you could interview those bathtub poets! You and your guest can discuss a favorite book or author, the results of a book prize, the new releases, whatever. Your Mary Beard event sounds like such a treat. c. I don't pay attention at all to new releases, and I especially never know what is coming out in the 1st half vs 2nd half of any given year. But I would be curious to know (not every new release but) the 3 or 4 that you think are worth knowing about. Be a curator. d. I love you sitting in your reading room talking to me. I wish you would speak more slowly, and savor the books you are discussing. Relish the nook and the time you spend with us there. Don't let it be a task you have to rush through just to get it done. e. I love your SavidgeReads reading challenge. Those videos are always fun, I think because they are narrowly focused on one or two books. Hope that feedback is helpful. Like I said, you are doing something right based on your numbers. Keep being you, Simon. You're terrific. PS So curious about Straight Acting. TY. marjorieapple.substack.com
Ha. This just made me laugh because these hauls are curated. I’ve cut the selection by half, I know it’s madness but true. I don’t know who the bathtub poets are. Not sure bath content is what anyone needs to see from me. I would love to feature more author interviews etc but it’s about kit and tech and I would want the sound and quality to be good and that’s outside my budget. Hahaha. Which challenge videos do you mean? I think that might be mums channel not mine and I’m quite keen we collaborate but also do our own unique stuff.
@@SavidgeReads re challenge videos, I mean the ones where you tell us about the book you read with the snake on the cover, for instance. re the rest, all good. I like what you produce.
Have a rest, Simon, it sounds as though you need it. Perhaps when you do that other things will fall into place, keeping all those plates continuously spinning must be exhausting. Whatever you do will be enough. You are enough. Enjoy your summer break and come back refreshed. Take care of you and yours.
Ta duck. I just don’t want burn out again and I’ve felt the beginning tremors/wobbles of it again so time for a little BookTube breather. Though still some more videos coming this week.
Take a breath ! Slow down, Go back to the basics, ask yourself, what am I excited to talk to you all about? There is your answer! Remember when you first started and why, it will help you. Thanks for the books shown, some great temptations here, but your health is more important obviously. Take care
Oh blimey. Maybe let’s not go right back to basics of the beginning as I was quite the nervous unsure mess. Hahaha. But I get the sentiment and will bare it in mind, though I think why I started and why I am still keen to do it are probably very different 8 years on. I’ve changed and maybe that’s all part of needing this break. Hmmm. Food for thought.
First of all I love you and your channel and you should make the content you want to make. However, as you asked, hauls are good but I much prefer reviews/wrap ups because I want to here your views and recommendations. That's the point for me, otherwise it's just holding up books that exist which anyone can do, but the reason I follow you is because I love your taste and want your recommendations. Also your hauls are a bit too large which means I feel you rush through them, I'd rather you focused on the books you are really interested in and took your time. I love when your just chatting and would love you just to slow down and do videos on author's and books you love. I've loved you book and author spotlight videos in the past So yes to a Summer recommendations video or any recommendation videos. Do make sure that you don't burn yourself out, take a break when you need too.
I’m definitely taking that advice and taking a bit of a break after this week to chill out and not feel pressured to film. Who knows. I might film loads. But also it’s the editing and all that too… and the reading to do before I can even film and edit. Hahaha. Thank you for your kind words and lovely thoughts. All taken on board😉
@@SavidgeReads I'm glad my comments come across as constructive and not too critical because I do love your channel. However I see lots of people writing stuff like 'make the content you like' or 'we love you whatever' and that doesn't really seem very helpful when you are asking for feedback. Also I understand how much time you put in behind the scenes and I really appreciate you're hard work.
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Aww, Simon, rest up and take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. Everyone needs a break sometimes. When you come back, do the kind of content you want. I love the idea of reading translator's works; I love prize content; I love theme content (remember the nuns!); content with your mom; book shopping; thrift book shopping; little free library runs; whatever you want. 💚
I definitely think a break is called for. I’ll barely be gone though and there’s another week of content ahead. Have noted all the requests, I had forgotten about the nun one!!! Glad to be reminded.
Enjoy your well deserved break, even though it's not a long one. BTW, I love your shirt, let me know where I can find one as it's one of my favorite books. ❤
I love you just sitting and chatting away to us all about books, it feels like sitting down with a friend so don’t feel like it has to be a certain way, you being you is enough. Look after yourself and take the time you need to recharge and come back doing what you want to do for you. Wrap ups, book hauls etc are all great but its what makes you happy that counts and it will always make us out here that watch you (that’s not as creepy as it sounds i hope 😊) happy too. Have a wonderful summer of resting and reading
That’s exactly want from this channel, it too feel like a chat with a friend. So thank you so much for saying that!
A break sounds like a good idea, Simon. You're so prolific here on BookTube on top of all your travels and work, and I honestly don't know how you do it. We'll all be here whenever you return. As for content, I'm here for anything you wish to share with us.
(And wow -- how exciting that SJP mentioned you!)
I was almost deceased from the SJP moment. I’m looking forward to a mini break from it all (TH-cam, work, the lot) and feeling all fresh and funky when I’m back. Lol.
I love book hauls and reading wrap ups!! It’s how I build my TBR and have found so many great books through you. Take as long as you like to recoup a bit. We’ll be here when you come back xx
Thanks Charlotte. That’s all lovely stuff to think on.
And I am interested in hearing Spring wrap-ups, even if they come out later in the future. More than hearing about new books that came out, hearing about the reader's experience is what really brings me to BookTube.
Thanks for those insights Cindy. Really helpful.
You definitely deserve a break Simon. I can always go for a summer read video; and I don't think I'd ever get tired of seeing you sitting in front of your bookshelves. Take care and enjoy the Emerald Isle! ❤
I am most certainly looking forward to a break. It’ll be lush. Very excited for trips to Ireland and north wales. Woohoo.
I love a book haul and/or wrap up video because it really highlights books I wouldn’t have even heard of, and love to hear your thoughts on what you’ve read. I don’t think it matters when the video comes out, because we can buy/borrow/read them anytime, you know? Can never have too many summer recs ☺️ enjoy your time off though! ❤
You patreons won’t be getting a break from me. Haha. I’ll be vlogging my break. Just for the fun. Might be hodge podge but should be a giggle. Wrap ups will be back. I don’t know why I’ve had such a wobble with them for the last few years… actually I do. Too much secret reading for work!
agree.
Yes to summer reading recommendations 🥰
That may just be my next video 😉
Yes please to summer recommendations, and have a well-deserved break, Simon!
Thank you Carole. I’ll be around this week, then a breather and then back before you know it.
Subscribed so fast! The bookshelf initially caught my eye 😂 Loved your video, felt like a friend talking about their new books! Going to binge-watch the channel now. Extra points for the ‘not another one’ lady at the start 😂
Hahaha. Thanks Stevie. I’m glad you got the sense of humour. I really want the channel to feel like a chatty place with the friend vibe, though am I instantly friend zoning people or being friend zoned straight away. Hahahaha.
I hope you have a brilliant and well-earned rest to look after yourself! Enjoy your travels.
Like many, I love all of the content you do. Your book hauls really inspire me to look into new releases, though I enjoy hearing your thoughts on the books you’ve read most of all. I would love to see your spring wrap-ups-and more wrap-ups in general 😊
Thank you! Wrap ups will be back after the break… well my books of the year so far will be a wrap up of sorts I guess. Lol.
Love book shopping and book haul videos!!! ❤ please don’t apologize for doing them. They are great and we can live vicariously through your bookish buys!! 😊 mahalo
Awwww thank you. They’ll still be happening after my summer break I would just like more of a mixture of content in between.
We love a big book haul!
I do indeed love one.
Oh gosh Simon! I ❤ all your content! Hauls, wrap ups, vlogs (love food pics!). I would imagine being a content creator can get tiresome at some point. Do give yourself a break. Enjoy your upcoming travels!
Awww thanks for the lovely compliment. I don’t think it’s that it’s tiresome, just that I’m quite tired and a rest and a refresh might just be the thing. We shall see.
We tremble then we break. That,s a quote from Vincent Deary,s new book How We Break. Clever you to recognise the 'trembling'.
Sadly it’s from having it before… we live and we learn though hopefully hahaha.
Well done for noticing when you need a break and avoiding the temptation to just push on. Look forward to seeing you when you’re back. ♥️
You’ve a week of me before I head off. Then yes, time for a breather.
oh Simon take all the time you need to chill and recharge, your mental health is too important. It's good that you are really aware of your need to take a break - sending hugs!
Thank you. Break starts next week. Woohoo!
Oh, and HOW COOL that SJP called you out! Bravo. See, I told you you were terrific.
Ha. Called you out has such a different meaning here 😉
@@SavidgeReads yes. I just dashed it off as an afterthought.
Have a wonderful vacation and enjoy yourself during the summer while you can. See friends, catch up, see the sights. Fall will be a busy season for new books. We all have long TBR list this summer.
Ha. I might just have a fair bit of time doing nothing. Whilst I’ve a couple of trips I’ve been doing so much travelling for work this last few months the idea of a staycation and just pottering and sorting at home is looking highly desirable 🤣
I love all of your content and have read some amazing books because of your channel. Take care and sending love, enjoy your time off ❤️📚
Awwww that’s so lovely to hear about the amazing books Evie. Really chuffed.
Much love to you Simon. Take the time you need to rest and practice good self care. Be well! ❤
Oh I’m not ill… just got those slight early burn out vibes and after the autumn of 2022 I don’t want to go through that again. So it’s like a preemptive mini break. Ha.
Love the t-shirt. Love the woman in the interview at the start of the video. Yes to summer reading. How about doing the wrap up in parts so that each is not too massive? Just a thought. I also think that Alan Hollinghurst is under edited but that’s the first proof copy of his new novel that I’ve seen! I enjoy very much listening to you talk about books and such while sitting in your library but I also enjoy the out and about videos. Do what feels good! And have a fantastic time away!
I was going to do the wrap up in two parts, which would still be two pretty big videos… however *someone* has given me the challenge of reviewing some books in ten words for plot and ten on how I felt about it so maybe I’ll do that challenge. Hahahaha.
@@SavidgeReads 😂😂😂
Ive had exile on my list! And sooooo looking forward to The Coin. Enjoy your holiday and take the time you need!
I think The Coin is going to be 🔥. Plus 🍉🍉🍉
Love all your content. Just do you. Enjoy your time off and take extra care of yourself. 💜
Thank you sooooo much. Shall do!
Hello Biscuit 🐈
I enjoyed 7 days in June I read it last June 😀 yes to summer book recs ☀️☀️
I’m going to savour it for next June. It doesn’t seem right to read it in any other month!
Do whatever you want to film! I love reading wrap ups and will go back and watch old ones to get recommendations ❤
Awww thanks.
Hauls are great, butvi definitely like a balance of hauls and wrapups or even reading in progress videos. More cat content is always welcome.
BTW my library's 2024 reading challenge included ,read 2 books by the same translator, which I completed with two translators in two different languages and I had a blast. One of the books turned out to be the best book I've read so far this year (Honeybees and Distant Thunder)!
Hopefully my books of the year so far will be a kind of wrap up! Wonder if anyone will be able to guess what will make it. Ooh that challenge from your library I can do myself now!
Love the wrap ups and recos, my two favorites I read in June were The Coast Road by Murrin and Wolf at the Table by Rapp.
I’m very excited for The Coast Road.
@@SavidgeReads Loved it, hope you do too Simon!
First! ❤ love from Thailand 😊 watching in July on a Monday morning.
Haha, first… and you came such a distance 😉 Thank you!!!
The silence in between is excellent
Oooh that’s made me all the keener to read it.
OMG SJP spoke directly to you!!!!!!!
My life is made!
Enjoy your time of rest and relaxation. Really like your channel along with another 29,500 or so followers. Especially love when you talk about the books you have read and authors you enjoy. Take care🥳🥳🥳
Thank you!!! You’ve a few videos from me to go yet before I vanish for the tiniest of times. Blink and I’ll be back. Ha.
I love a wrap-up so it would make me very happy to see your two part wrap-up videos. It’s never too late. As you are able, of course. xx
And a summer reading list/recommendations would be very much appreciated.
I’ll see what I can do about those wrap ups. Though they may actually appear on patreon as I’ll still be doing some content there. A summer selection might just be imminent 😉
@@SavidgeReads Enjoy your time off, Simon! xx
Best wishes for a great reading summer.
Thank you. I’m very much looking forward to it.
I got Gender Theory when I was in Bristol so can't wait to read! And I have the bella mackie book on netgalley
I’m sooo looking forward to talking to Bella about her new book in October. I’m also really looking forward to Genfer Theory, it’s not had loads of publicity but has had lots of the right people talking about it, well lovely people I follow on socials anyway.
I don’t really watch hauls, I don’t find them very interesting tbh but I love wrap ups or reading vlogs, anything with opinions on books you’ve read. I’m personally not fussed if they’re late, I just watch booktube to hear readers perspectives, good or bad, which is why I skip the hauls.
Also I’m not watching the summer book recs because it’s winter for me haha but I’m saving them to come back to in September, so I’m interested!
Hahahaha. I forget about it being winter for others. Oops. But how fab you’ll have all those lovely book recommendations later in the year. Thank you for your thoughts on hauls etc. It’s appreciated intel.
Enjoy book hauls but book reviews/wrap-ups are my favourite.
They will be back!!! In the second half of the year, they will be back!
king, take all the time you need to recenter yourself. you deserve a LONG vacation! happy to see whatever you decide to put out when you come back
Awwww thank you lovely Lord Nathan of the Nook. Appreciated. We all need a reset sometimes.
😂 Very fun start to a great book haul video Simon. It’s hard not to add to my tbr but I did choose ‘a few’😜📚 Enjoy your wish list reads, in honour of Pride month especially, (and I agree not just for the month of June) and like a movie, I’m always intrigued with what books are coming out in 25 and look forward to their launch. Yes to a summer reads video as well as a spring wrap up however/ whenever you decide to post it. It’s never too late😁📚 Take care and safe travels.
Thank you soooo much again for the books, was very kind. I’m hoping I get to them both this summer.
OMG Bad Habit is PHENOMENAL - all the stars and feelings!!!
I’m looking forward to it!
I really love your wrap ups ❤
They will be back.
I really enjoy your shopping & haul videos so please continue doing them if you also enjoy making them. I also love the wrap ups as they usually give me more books to add to my (ever growing) tbr!
I think taking some time off before you get to the point of burnout is a good idea, take some time off and enjoy it! :)
I do like making hauls and come bookshopping with me videos BUT they aren’t all I want on the channel so I’m going to have that break and see what new ideas pop up for when I’m back. Though you’ve still a few videos coming before I have a teeny tiny break.
Enjoy your vacation. I look forward to your return. You will be missed. Take time to read a book here and there.
You’ll have some more videos this week, then a break but it’ll whizz by.
What a treat for a Sunday afternoon! 😄
So pleased you enjoyed it.
I love you in the library on the pink fainting couch . It’s very relaxing with the books on the shelves behind you? If you feel up to it , would you do a Booker prediction video?
The pink fainting couch is now in the lounge. It gets seen by more people. I’ll be back from my break after the Booker longlist is announced so won’t have time to do a predictions one… but I’ll be honest I wouldn’t have a clue. I just want Charlotte Wood and Carys Davies on it.
I love the sound of Help Wanted so I’ll be eagerly awaiting your thoughts!
Might be a little while but it will happen 😉
I love a good book haul but I’ll watch for other types of content as well 😊
Good stuff!!!
Alan Holinghurst is a favourite author. I’ve read all his books and look forward to the new one. I wrote him a fan letter years ago and he wrote back!
Awwwww that’s nice of him. I’ve sat at a dinner with him and he seems lovely. His books are just a bit too long for me. lol.
Hi Simon -
To answer a question you asked in passing, I think if you talking about books with upcoming publication dates, maybe the sweet spot could be 3-4 months before the publication. Then, it does not seem like too long of a wait before we can get out "mitts on it." 😄
I'm currently reading Sociopath: A Memoir, which I think got added to my TBR after you referenced it in one of your videos. I got about a third in and then put it down to focus on another book I had started (The Husbands, which I'm half-way through and am finding entertaining). I'll be interested to hear other people's review on this memoir, including yours if you do read it.
(Side note: I've read Seven Days in June and I know what the first page is talking about, so hearing about your mom's reaction to it gave me a good chuckle.)
Thank you for the thoughts on timings of proofs. That’s super duper helpful. Much appreciated. I really want to read Sociopath. I’m hoping that’s one I get to this summer. My friend Julie, BookChew on Instagram, had a very strong reaction to it.
@@SavidgeReads I was curious and checked out Julie's review. Yup, that is exactly how I've been feeling the whole time I was reading that book. And why I put it down to take a break from it. Validating to see it's not just me...
I do love a wrap up and love the books you have read the most.i would never see lots of these books here in Cape Town but I can order them and a Simon recommendation is the best. I like a summer reading recommendation please do that. Look after yourself. I prefer books that are available I won’t remember a book coming out in 2025.
Seasonal book recommendations are always interesting and useful. I also like bookshop visits around the country. Taking a break from filming every so often sounds sensible. We'll still be here when you get back.
You’ll have a seasonal recommendations incoming. And I may film some bookshopping in Cambridge (I didn’t in Oxford) and most definitely in Dublin. I bet you’ll blink and I’ll be back… well I literally will be back with a few videos this week. Then on a break for a bit.
The Silence In Between sounds so so good! YESSS! Summer reading recs please!
STOP it! I bought Lost in the Garden in Norwich when I was hanging out with Sarah based only on the cover!
Yesterday I read Sandwich by Catherine Newman while at the lake eating a sandwich and today I'm reading The Offing by Benjamin Myers :)
I love hearing about ARCs because I'll either request them on netgalley or pre-order them.
I've had a stressful spring- school year stress, health stuff... I decided that after I got back from my holiday to the UK, Montenegro, and Croatia that I'd read whatever I want and that's exactly what I'm doing right now. I only just returned from the UK, but am having SO much fun with this start of a Michigan summer reading whatever I want!
I am 100% here for your unhinged summer! Can't wait to see what you read and recommend! Rest up and enjoy your summer. We're here for you whenever you decide to return.
I am so ready for an unhinged and unfilmed (ish) summer. Think we all need a breather now and again. Sorry you had a stressful spring. Hope all that has passed. I looooved The Offing. Soooo much. Here’s hoping we both like Lost in the Garden.
Hi Simon 👋🏻☺️ the main thing is that you’re healthy & happy & feel pressure-free 🙏🏻 we all obviously 💗 what you’re doing 👏🏻 📚 🚂 🐈 🎶 etc 😘 have a well earned break & TC x
Awwww thanks Jane!
I love book hauls and book shopping. The nearest bookstore to me is over 80 miles away.
I’ll keep them coming. Just need to make sure that’s not all I’m doing. Wouldn’t want to be a one trick BookTube pony.
Great haul, I will definitely be adding some of these on to my TBR, I hope you have a good rest during July.
Thank you very much. I’ll be around another week. Then he’s off for a breather from it all.
Have a lovely relaxing break Simon 🌞😎
I shall do. A few more videos to go first.
Absolutely love, love love your vlogs and your mums too. But please look after yourself as well lovely ❤❤❤❤
Awwww thank you, glad you enjoy the vlogs. They’ll be back!
Could you do a video on Australian authors and books you'd recommend. Wanting to read more from other countries and translated work but don't know where to start
Oooh maybe for August. Like an Australian August video of some kind. Or maybe I could spend a week reading some of my favourite Aussie authors. I’ll have a think.
“Bad Habit” by Alana S. Portero is an outstanding read. Yes, I’d like to see a summer reading recommendations video even though I have enough books to see me through the summer. 😄
Ha. We can never have too many book recommendations am I right?
Haha, love the meme combo at first!
And I just enjoy when we get a vid tbh; you do plenty outside yt and obv that effects how much time you have to film (and read/prepare sth). So I don’t mind a haul 😉 But I defo support you doing what you need to do to feel good about this channel of yours - so what matters most is that you love what you do. Hope you have a fab July of travels and holidaying!
Also, love and support the shoutout to whatraereads 🌸
I am looking forward to a breather and some actual trips away that aren’t work over the next few weeks. Will be good for me and the channel. Though you’ve a week of videos ahead first.
Personally I love all your videos, particularly ones where you're out and about and share snippets of your life and what you're reading and your thoughts on the book as you're reading. BUT, you have to look after yourself. Take as much time as you need to do things that bring you life x
I’m so pleased you enjoy the out and about videos. I love making them. Dare I say I’ve just been out and about too much and noticed I’m just wanting to hide in hotels or sleep when I’ve spare time… which feels like a sign to stop for a bit and just be at home just being. Ha.
@SavidgeReads chilling at home videos work too!
Give yourself all the rest you need!
@@lozzyjohnson85 oh hahaha. I didn’t mean in videos. I just meant what I’ll be doing while I’m off.
@@SavidgeReads sounds good to me!
I would love a summer reading recommendations 🎉
It may just be my next video.
@@SavidgeReads 😍 amazing 😍
A show on children's MG and YA books would be so appreciated.
Alas David, that’s not really my field of reading so I’m not sure what I would have to say. There are lots of fab channels doing that though… and they’re waaaaay more aware of what’s hot and not in that area of books.
@@SavidgeReads Fair point. But what about one YA or MG per month. The standard is amazing. The Hate U Give, My Sister Lives on the Mantle piece, Holes, Wonder and the Crossing ( verse poetry) are heartbreaking, powerful and stay with you forever. Just a thought.
Love the content no matter the subject or theme. They are always informative and usually very funny too. Love sitting with a coffee for the book hauls too and pausing to write up a very long list and publication dates to look forward to!
Agree with all other comments. Do whatever you want. We will all watch. 😁 You mentioned Dublin in July - is this a public event trip or a private trip ??
Awww thanks for the lovely comment Donal. (I hope I’ve not guessed wrong from your handle!) That was very kind of you. Glad you find them funny, we have to get all the fun we can. Dublin is a little holiday away, though I’ll be trawling the bookshops quite publicly with some lovely folk from bookstagram ha. Then I may pop to Belfast and fly back home from there. It’s a treat it’s so close to home. Is that where you’re based?
Yes you guessed correct! Lovely, it’s a nice literary city with history galore so you will have plenty to see and do. I live nearby to it in a neighbouring county.
Books Upstairs on D’Olier Street is a great independent bookshop well worth a visit and it’s central so easy to find 😊 Wishing you a lovely and relaxing break away
@@donalreilly4242 yes it’s lovely. I was there pre the panda pop and had the treat of being taken round lots of lovely literary spots by Sean Hewitt we had tea in books upstairs I think.
Can’t wait to hear what you think about women and children first. The NetGalley version was awful but I have never seen what changes from that version to the published one
Oh why was it awful? The font? The story? (no spoilers though please!)
@@SavidgeReads hopefully the published version is better than the NetGalley one cause in that one I wouldn’t say there was much plot to be spoiled. The writing wasn’t my cup of tea at all, I found all the characters the same brand of awful and the story just wasn’t that well developed or explored imo. But again much could have changed since then!
Biscuit is a beautiful cat Simon,
He is. A bit grumpy at the moment but very handsome.
Whereabouts in Oxford is the discounted bookshop please?
Ooh it’s just near the Five Guys near the Ashmolean.
Great thanks Simon
That new Emezi book is insane!!!
Isn’t it just. In the best ways.
Book hauls are fine and whenever the wrap-ups happen. Rather see Booker predictions than books of summer or whatever.
I just have zero knowledge of what is eligible for the Booker. Lol. I am sure I’ll be intrigued by the longlist but sooooo many other channels are doing the Booker predictions who know what they’re talking about waaaaay more than me 😉
As you know, I'm a fan. You can do whatever you like and I'll listen and grow my TBR. But here are some thoughts I have, for whatever its worth.
a. I like hauls as an intro to books that I might otherwise not discover. But when the stack is too big, I glaze over because the creator can't give enough about each book to entice. I'd recommend a monthly haul where you feature no more than 5-10 hauled books that you really want your readers to know about. Be a curator.
b. I would love to be privy to your author interviews. Even snippets of them would be nice. And I love when you and Louise banter together. Could you do four quarterly videos with a guest (say, authors, booksellers, fellow readers, other booktubers, even judges after winners are announced)? Heck, you could interview those bathtub poets! You and your guest can discuss a favorite book or author, the results of a book prize, the new releases, whatever. Your Mary Beard event sounds like such a treat.
c. I don't pay attention at all to new releases, and I especially never know what is coming out in the 1st half vs 2nd half of any given year. But I would be curious to know (not every new release but) the 3 or 4 that you think are worth knowing about. Be a curator.
d. I love you sitting in your reading room talking to me. I wish you would speak more slowly, and savor the books you are discussing. Relish the nook and the time you spend with us there. Don't let it be a task you have to rush through just to get it done.
e. I love your SavidgeReads reading challenge. Those videos are always fun, I think because they are narrowly focused on one or two books.
Hope that feedback is helpful. Like I said, you are doing something right based on your numbers. Keep being you, Simon. You're terrific.
PS So curious about Straight Acting. TY.
marjorieapple.substack.com
Ha. This just made me laugh because these hauls are curated. I’ve cut the selection by half, I know it’s madness but true. I don’t know who the bathtub poets are. Not sure bath content is what anyone needs to see from me. I would love to feature more author interviews etc but it’s about kit and tech and I would want the sound and quality to be good and that’s outside my budget. Hahaha. Which challenge videos do you mean? I think that might be mums channel not mine and I’m quite keen we collaborate but also do our own unique stuff.
@@SavidgeReads re challenge videos, I mean the ones where you tell us about the book you read with the snake on the cover, for instance. re the rest, all good. I like what you produce.
Can you do a book summary of books in translation.? I loved your travel documentaries. -especially the Wales scenery/castles.
I’m back in Wales very soon and plan on doing some filming… which I can leisurely edit and schedule for when I come back 😉
@@SavidgeReads take it easy and relax. Your contribution to all things books has been enormous.
Have a rest, Simon, it sounds as though you need it. Perhaps when you do that other things will fall into place, keeping all those plates continuously spinning must be exhausting. Whatever you do will be enough. You are enough. Enjoy your summer break and come back refreshed. Take care of you and yours.
Ta duck. I just don’t want burn out again and I’ve felt the beginning tremors/wobbles of it again so time for a little BookTube breather. Though still some more videos coming this week.
Take a breath ! Slow down, Go back to the basics, ask yourself, what am I excited to talk to you all about? There is your answer! Remember when you first started and why, it will help you. Thanks for the books shown, some great temptations here, but your health is more important obviously. Take care
Oh blimey. Maybe let’s not go right back to basics of the beginning as I was quite the nervous unsure mess. Hahaha. But I get the sentiment and will bare it in mind, though I think why I started and why I am still keen to do it are probably very different 8 years on. I’ve changed and maybe that’s all part of needing this break. Hmmm. Food for thought.
We refer to Liverpool as Irelands second largest city.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I’m looking forward to being back in Ireland in July.
Do what you enjoy, all fine by me.❤
Thanks.
@SavidgeReads Started reading Mona of the Manor, thanks for the recommendation.
What does your t-shirt say?
Oh it’s just the name of the painting. The Girl With a Pearl Earring.
but also one of them is best friends with a donkey 😂
Hahahaha. It really made me want to read it all the more 🫏
@@SavidgeReads Obviously! 😁
For God's sake not another book haul! 🤣🤣🤣😍
Hahaha I know. I’m terrible.
First of all I love you and your channel and you should make the content you want to make. However, as you asked, hauls are good but I much prefer reviews/wrap ups because I want to here your views and recommendations. That's the point for me, otherwise it's just holding up books that exist which anyone can do, but the reason I follow you is because I love your taste and want your recommendations. Also your hauls are a bit too large which means I feel you rush through them, I'd rather you focused on the books you are really interested in and took your time. I love when your just chatting and would love you just to slow down and do videos on author's and books you love. I've loved you book and author spotlight videos in the past So yes to a Summer recommendations video or any recommendation videos. Do make sure that you don't burn yourself out, take a break when you need too.
I’m definitely taking that advice and taking a bit of a break after this week to chill out and not feel pressured to film. Who knows. I might film loads. But also it’s the editing and all that too… and the reading to do before I can even film and edit. Hahaha. Thank you for your kind words and lovely thoughts. All taken on board😉
@@SavidgeReads I'm glad my comments come across as constructive and not too critical because I do love your channel. However I see lots of people writing stuff like 'make the content you like' or 'we love you whatever' and that doesn't really seem very helpful when you are asking for feedback. Also I understand how much time you put in behind the scenes and I really appreciate you're hard work.
We all need a summer break to get through the rest of the year. Anywhere... stop worrying, do what you want, you're cult.
Hahahaha. Oh blimey. I so didn’t want to end up a cult leader, is that something I can put on my cv though? 🤣
@@SavidgeReads Definitely.