I love so many of these books. The Count of Monte Cristo was a favorite of ny dad's and we read it several times. He passed this year, and I reread it in his honor. What a masterpiece. Before he passed, we talked about how it was originally published, and he was fascinated to learn something new about one of his favorite books.
This was my first visit to your channel; I fully expected it to be a list of books that came out in 2023. What a pleasant surprise that it was YOUR FAVORITE READS of 2023! Thank you for so many good recommendations, and for your enthusiasm!
You're so welcome. I tried doing a reaction video to a 2023 best seller list and realized "...hmm. I dont read these books." =) That's how the Best Books in the World, 1899 edition video was born.
I am so happy that I found your channel. I really enjoyed this video. David Copperfield has been sitting on my shelf for over a year now. This video is pushing me to finally pick it up.
Like some other commenters, I just found your channel. A fellow classics lover! Your enthusiasm for these books is palpable and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you talk about them. And wow, what a bunch of chunky books! I am seriously impressed. I haven't read David Copperfield or The Count of Monte Cristo since high school which is decades ago. I will see if I can fit them in this year. I also want to reread Anna Karenina. I meant to read it this year, but I just didn't get to it.
Boston Terrier😄. Frankenstein was my favorite read this year. It was a first time read, and I still think about it, even though it's been several months since I read it. I would be interested in seeing a video about your surprising reads.
Love Frankenstein. The movies just don't do the book justice. It's such great food for thought. Definitely thinking surprising reads video will happen.
OMG! Thank you sooo much. That's so sweet. I'm so happy we've all found each other. Here's to hoping this turns into a great community of like minded readers!
Boston terrier. Nicole, it’s a delight to hear your passion about the books you love. I have similar feelings about Housekeeper & the Professor, and Do Not Say We Have Nothing. I was especially interested in what you have to say about A Suitable Boy because I’m going to be leading a group read of it in 2024 and I haven’t read it before. I appreciate your advice about digging into what’s happening with one’s reading experience if a book seems to drag.
Ooo! Love that we love the same books. That sounds like an AWESOME group read. Definitely pay attention to the authors use of "suitable" and other synonyms and like ideas. Also, I forgot to mention there's a multi disk movie too. I found it on amazon on dvd. Might be fun to finish with a watch party!
Aww thanks. I'm still fairly new so I warn you now the video quality and editing gets worse the further back you go =) That said, I love a good channel binge.
New subscriber here, just found your channel! I love your book choices, enthusiasm for reading and reviews. I definitely need to do better with reading my longer classics, you made it sound really fun. I was so intimidated to read Anna Karenina and was surprised at how readable it is so my plan this year is to just go for it. I read Moby Dick many years ago and it is definitely worthy of 5 stars, the parts about whaling have really stayed with me. The other book you mentioned that I really loved and stayed with me was Madeleine Thein's, what an accomplishment that book is. Happy holidays and happy reading ✌ ....love the shirt, my vote would be Boston terriers.
So many wonderful books!!! I also read Anna Karenina, Frankenstein, and War and Peace in 2023. All favorites too! For the great debate - Boston Terrier! 😆
I recently attempted War and Peace and I shelved it at around pg 200. I struggled with it and I ultimately decided to try it down the road. My favorite Hardy is Mayor of Casterbridge. Unfortunately, I think Hardy is fading in the attention of modern day readers. New sub, I really got some great reading ideas from this vid. I admire your enthusiasm ! ( Boston Terrier)
Welcome to my channel! I definitely don't think War and Peace is a great book in terms of traditional novel form, I would recommend Anna Karenina as a better novel and sample of Tolstoy. I agree that Hardy isn't as popular any more. I really liked The Mayor of Casterbridge too.
After 20 years of reading and rereading The Count of Monte Cristo, I’ve only now discovered that Dumas loosely based it on his father who was a very important Bonaparte general! I just picked up a biography of Dumas’ father by Tom Reiss called The Black Count and I’m so excited to read it. Hardcore Literature channel does an excellent video on CMT and explains that this was originally serialized, hence the nonstop cliffhangers. This was a great video and I look forward to following your channel.
Yes! I figured out the Bonaparte connection part way through the book and am hoping to read The Black Count in February. I also read about the serialization and figured that was the cause for the cliffhangers. The writing style made it easier to read over a long time, but harder to go to bed at night!
I love your Boston Terrier shirt, Nicole! You have such a natural charisma about you! Happy to have you on Bootube and in our community! Wow you read a LOT of chunky books this year! Amazing job and so glad you had that many stories that you related too I Guess I have to read "The Count of Monte Cristo now 😅Excellent video!
The books that you read and the page count blow my mind ! I loved The Housekeeper and the Professor. Yes!!! THE COUNT❤ I love your energy, enthusiasm, and love for literature. Happy New Year!
Aww thanks!! I do get excited about books and I have no idea how I pulled off so many large books this year other than that they were amazing! Truly I could put hearts after all of them.
I tried to rank my favorites and it was impossible, so I love that you just had the list of 5 stars. They are all great books. I've got 20 5 stars on mine which is probably because I get the suggests from you guys on youtube. Love your videos.
First time seeing your channel. Love it. Subscribed. Thank you for the Uriah Heep rec. I’m currently reading the book where he is first mentioned (I noticed you didn’t want to mention it’s name) so I will definitely pick up the Uriah Heep book.
I’m a new subscriber. You had a fabulous reading year. ❤ Tolstoy Together sounds like it would really help me. I read 1984 for the first time this year, then read Julia by Sandra Newman. Really enjoyed the combo. Happy New Year!
Welcome! I did have a great year. Definitely try Tolstoy Together, it really helped me since I had no one else to discuss it with. I'd heard about, but since forgotten about, Julia; thanks for the reminder!
Boston Terrier- You have convinced me to read The Count of Monte Cristo. I wish you were my English teacher in high school! We had to read Moby Dick and I hated it but after watching this video I may try it again.
Aww thanks! I used to teach high school English, so that's the best compliment! I definitely would have taught an alternate reading of Moby Dick (i.e. find the humor). Here's a good article on that I just found: annotationnation.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/moby-dick/
I’m so glad this video popped up on my feed (I clicked because Do Not Say We Have Nothing is one of my all time favorites)! the way you talk about your favorite reads is incredibly heartwarming and contagious. it made me eager to try and read them all myself, so thank you :) also: definitely boston terrier!
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you found the video too and hope you enjoy some of these books. Of course, I recommend starting with David Copperfield ;)
What an incredible reading year! I'm reading Frankenstein right now, and can't decide if I read before it or not. It seems so familiar...I feel like I must have read it in high school. I'm actually going to say French bulldog (I was going to say Boston terrier, but then I googled "French bulldog black ears white face" - that's definitely it!!)
I had the opposite experience with Frankenstein. I know I've read it before, but it felt like the first time! You're the first French bulldog vote! It's definitely closer than people realize. Most go with the one they're more familiar with! I'll do a side by side the next time I wear the shirt for a video.
❤ i loved your presentation and the content of your video. You are both conversational, astute and engaging. This is the first of your videos I've watched but won't be the last! Thank you!
Thanks! We're not settled in our new location yet, but I know the temptation will be strong to buy some books while the others are missing. I'm trying to remind myself that I'll have to carry them all to the final location.
Oh, that last chapter of War & Peace, haha! I coincidentally read a lot of the same books as you this year, glad to have found another booktuber that loves classics and Japanese lit! Tale of Genji, The Woodlanders and The Housekeeper and Professor are all on my TBR for 2024. Hardy was a new favorite author for me this year, excited to read all of his work. I read The Memory Police in 2022 and liked it, but it didn’t stick with me as much as I’d hoped. Have you read any Mishima?
Yay! Sounds like we have a lot in common. I just finished the Tale of Genji. I think you'll love The Woodlanders and The Housekeeper; I think both are better works by the authors mentioned. I've not heard of Mishima, please share more!
I enjoy reading about books at the year’s end, thus your videos popped up. Love your choices. I will try some of them. Your voice is clear and easy to listen to. Subscribed! P.S. Moby Dick is one of my favorite books. So layered, it is about America even today. I think you need to read Emerson at the same time.
So pleased to discover your channel this morning. So many of the books you discussed are amongst my favourites (or sitting on a shelf waiting to be read). I’ve never read any Thomas Hardy but 2024 is the year. Which would you recommend? Boston Terrier
So glad you're enjoying my channel! For Hardy I started with Far From the Maddening Crowd. I think it has a better start (in some ways) than some of his other books and has lots of plot twists to keep you going. It's also not super long. Terriers are winning!
Hey! I just found your channel and the book choices and the way you describe them made this an instant like and subscribe. I, too, loved Moby Dick and am currently making my way through Middlemarch. Good luck for the next year❤
Great! Glad you enjoyed watching. Have fun with Middlemarch and let me know how you like it. (George Eliot and I don't play nice together 😂). The miniseries (?) by BBC is great!
Wow ..this was a fantastic video.. Love love your breakdowns on each and every book... brand new subscriber as of today....I have so many of these books in my home library that you gave a 5 star too..most unread but after this video..I'm on it..thank you so much..your awesome
Thank you! It was hard not to wax poetic for ages (in fact I did but I edited down ALOT). Love that you've been inspired. We're all going to have fun reading this next year!
I enjoy your enthusiasm. I just subscribed to your channel. If you loved Monte Cristo, you should read The Three Musketeers. It appears we have similar tastes in literature. I loved The Tale of Genjii. I look forward to spending time with you this year.
I agree about the Woodlanders, including the probably. That makes two for the Frenchies. I wonder if this is an across the pond issue (i.e. Boston vs France) 🤷♀️.
Welcome! And yes, I know. If I had no work or responsibilities and limitless money I'd definitely be on a beach reading David Copperfield with a treasure trove of books near by.
I love your reading taste!!! I found your channel by accident yesterday and saved several of your videos to watch. New subscriber now!🎉🎉 Yes I'd love to hear surprising reads. Crime and Punishment was a top fav for me also The Warden by Trollope.
I love so many of these books. The Count of Monte Cristo was a favorite of ny dad's and we read it several times. He passed this year, and I reread it in his honor. What a masterpiece. Before he passed, we talked about how it was originally published, and he was fascinated to learn something new about one of his favorite books.
That is such a special memory. Thank you for sharing! And what a wonderful connection to have over an amazing book.
This was my first visit to your channel; I fully expected it to be a list of books that came out in 2023. What a pleasant surprise that it was YOUR FAVORITE READS of 2023! Thank you for so many good recommendations, and for your enthusiasm!
You're so welcome. I tried doing a reaction video to a 2023 best seller list and realized "...hmm. I dont read these books." =) That's how the Best Books in the World, 1899 edition video was born.
3:20 The Woodlanders is one of my favorite novels!
I suspected it would be my favorite Hardy but was pleasantly surprised by the read.
I am so happy that I found your channel. I really enjoyed this video. David Copperfield has been sitting on my shelf for over a year now. This video is pushing me to finally pick it up.
Do it!! I love it. I almost read it back to back because I figured it might help get me out of my slump!
Such a great list! Glad to have found your channel 😊 and I'd say Boston terrier
Glad to have you here!
The Count of Monte Cristo is one of my all-time favorite books. You had a great reading year. 😊
It was a great reading year! And yes, The Count is just sooo good.
I went into Frankenstein with low expectations and it was fabulous! So rich in themes.
I agree! I really think it's a book that pop culture has not helped at all.
Don Quixote = Hilarious!!! One of my favorite reads of the year! Had me laughing so hard, I cried!
I love that book. I hope it comes up on my reading list this year. We'll see!
Like some other commenters, I just found your channel. A fellow classics lover! Your enthusiasm for these books is palpable and I thoroughly enjoyed watching you talk about them. And wow, what a bunch of chunky books! I am seriously impressed.
I haven't read David Copperfield or The Count of Monte Cristo since high school which is decades ago. I will see if I can fit them in this year. I also want to reread Anna Karenina. I meant to read it this year, but I just didn't get to it.
Hello classics lover and welcome! I hope you fit any of the 3 you mentioned in. They're all great, but I'm biased towards David =).
Boston Terrier😄. Frankenstein was my favorite read this year. It was a first time read, and I still think about it, even though it's been several months since I read it. I would be interested in seeing a video about your surprising reads.
Love Frankenstein. The movies just don't do the book justice. It's such great food for thought. Definitely thinking surprising reads video will happen.
Whoa you had a fantastic reading year. My favourite for the year is Stoner by John Williams. Loved it.
I did! I've heard good things about stoner. Adding to my TBR list, for sure.
OMG! I’ve just found my fave channel on YT! Love your taste in books and your captivating enthusiasm! 🤗
OMG! Thank you sooo much. That's so sweet. I'm so happy we've all found each other. Here's to hoping this turns into a great community of like minded readers!
I love, love, love The Count of Monte Cristo!! It's been a long time though, I may need to reread it this year.
Also, it's a Boston terrier. 😁
Yes! Do it. I'm definitely rereading it again sometime in the next few years. So good!
Boston terrier.
Nicole, it’s a delight to hear your passion about the books you love. I have similar feelings about Housekeeper & the Professor, and Do Not Say We Have Nothing. I was especially interested in what you have to say about A Suitable Boy because I’m going to be leading a group read of it in 2024 and I haven’t read it before. I appreciate your advice about digging into what’s happening with one’s reading experience if a book seems to drag.
Ooo! Love that we love the same books. That sounds like an AWESOME group read. Definitely pay attention to the authors use of "suitable" and other synonyms and like ideas. Also, I forgot to mention there's a multi disk movie too. I found it on amazon on dvd. Might be fun to finish with a watch party!
@@noteworthyfiction Thanks for those additional tips Nicole! 😘
Oh my gosh, I freaking love you and I love your taste in books. So obsessed. Off to watch the backlist.
Aww thanks. I'm still fairly new so I warn you now the video quality and editing gets worse the further back you go =) That said, I love a good channel binge.
New subscriber here, just found your channel! I love your book choices, enthusiasm for reading and reviews. I definitely need to do better with reading my longer classics, you made it sound really fun. I was so intimidated to read Anna Karenina and was surprised at how readable it is so my plan this year is to just go for it. I read Moby Dick many years ago and it is definitely worthy of 5 stars, the parts about whaling have really stayed with me. The other book you mentioned that I really loved and stayed with me was Madeleine Thein's, what an accomplishment that book is. Happy holidays and happy reading ✌ ....love the shirt, my vote would be Boston terriers.
Thanks for the kind words. Sounds like you're doing some great reading yourself. Boston Terriers are definitely winning in the comments.
So many wonderful books!!! I also read Anna Karenina, Frankenstein, and War and Peace in 2023. All favorites too! For the great debate - Boston Terrier! 😆
3 Great reads! Boston's are winning by a long shot. I'm not sure Frenchies have had more than 2 votes!
I recently attempted War and Peace and I shelved it at around pg 200. I struggled with it and I ultimately decided to try it down the road. My favorite Hardy is Mayor of Casterbridge. Unfortunately, I think Hardy is fading in the attention of modern day readers. New sub, I really got some great reading ideas from this vid. I admire your enthusiasm ! ( Boston Terrier)
Welcome to my channel! I definitely don't think War and Peace is a great book in terms of traditional novel form, I would recommend Anna Karenina as a better novel and sample of Tolstoy. I agree that Hardy isn't as popular any more. I really liked The Mayor of Casterbridge too.
After 20 years of reading and rereading The Count of Monte Cristo, I’ve only now discovered that Dumas loosely based it on his father who was a very important Bonaparte general! I just picked up a biography of Dumas’ father by Tom Reiss called The Black Count and I’m so excited to read it. Hardcore Literature channel does an excellent video on CMT and explains that this was originally serialized, hence the nonstop cliffhangers.
This was a great video and I look forward to following your channel.
Yes! I figured out the Bonaparte connection part way through the book and am hoping to read The Black Count in February. I also read about the serialization and figured that was the cause for the cliffhangers. The writing style made it easier to read over a long time, but harder to go to bed at night!
I love your Boston Terrier shirt, Nicole! You have such a natural charisma about you! Happy to have you on Bootube and in our community! Wow you read a LOT of chunky books this year! Amazing job and so glad you had that many stories that you related too I Guess I have to read "The Count of Monte Cristo now 😅Excellent video!
Thanks Alex!! I was shocked when I realized how many chunky books I read too. Definitely didn't plan that!
The books that you read and the page count blow my mind ! I loved The Housekeeper and the Professor. Yes!!! THE COUNT❤ I love your energy, enthusiasm, and love for literature. Happy New Year!
Aww thanks!! I do get excited about books and I have no idea how I pulled off so many large books this year other than that they were amazing! Truly I could put hearts after all of them.
I tried to rank my favorites and it was impossible, so I love that you just had the list of 5 stars. They are all great books. I've got 20 5 stars on mine which is probably because I get the suggests from you guys on youtube. Love your videos.
Just discovered your channel - I really like your reading taste and your enthusiastic reviews :)
Thanks!
First time seeing your channel. Love it. Subscribed. Thank you for the Uriah Heep rec. I’m currently reading the book where he is first mentioned (I noticed you didn’t want to mention it’s name) so I will definitely pick up the Uriah Heep book.
OH! Do read it. It was great, especially reading them back to back.
You do a wonderful job discussing books with infectious enthusiasm.
Aww thanks! I get so excited, so I'm glad it shows.
I love this post and subscribed at once Your enthusiasm is infectious and makes me want to read (or reread) all the books.
Wonderful and welcome!
I’m a new subscriber. You had a fabulous reading year. ❤ Tolstoy Together sounds like it would really help me. I read 1984 for the first time this year, then read Julia by Sandra Newman. Really enjoyed the combo. Happy New Year!
Welcome! I did have a great year. Definitely try Tolstoy Together, it really helped me since I had no one else to discuss it with. I'd heard about, but since forgotten about, Julia; thanks for the reminder!
Boston Terrier- You have convinced me to read The Count of Monte Cristo. I wish you were my English teacher in high school! We had to read Moby Dick and I hated it but after watching this video I may try it again.
Aww thanks! I used to teach high school English, so that's the best compliment! I definitely would have taught an alternate reading of Moby Dick (i.e. find the humor). Here's a good article on that I just found: annotationnation.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/moby-dick/
I’m so glad this video popped up on my feed (I clicked because Do Not Say We Have Nothing is one of my all time favorites)! the way you talk about your favorite reads is incredibly heartwarming and contagious. it made me eager to try and read them all myself, so thank you :)
also: definitely boston terrier!
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you found the video too and hope you enjoy some of these books. Of course, I recommend starting with David Copperfield ;)
What an incredible reading year! I'm reading Frankenstein right now, and can't decide if I read before it or not. It seems so familiar...I feel like I must have read it in high school. I'm actually going to say French bulldog (I was going to say Boston terrier, but then I googled "French bulldog black ears white face" - that's definitely it!!)
I had the opposite experience with Frankenstein. I know I've read it before, but it felt like the first time! You're the first French bulldog vote! It's definitely closer than people realize. Most go with the one they're more familiar with! I'll do a side by side the next time I wear the shirt for a video.
❤ i loved your presentation and the content of your video. You are both conversational, astute and engaging. This is the first of your videos I've watched but won't be the last! Thank you!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Hope you're settling in and not too tempted to find more books for your shelf.
Thanks! We're not settled in our new location yet, but I know the temptation will be strong to buy some books while the others are missing. I'm trying to remind myself that I'll have to carry them all to the final location.
Oh, that last chapter of War & Peace, haha! I coincidentally read a lot of the same books as you this year, glad to have found another booktuber that loves classics and Japanese lit!
Tale of Genji, The Woodlanders and The Housekeeper and Professor are all on my TBR for 2024. Hardy was a new favorite author for me this year, excited to read all of his work. I read The Memory Police in 2022 and liked it, but it didn’t stick with me as much as I’d hoped. Have you read any Mishima?
PS - Boston Terriers 😅 As a former Bostonian, that’s my biased opinion!
PPS - My favorite read this year was Les Miserables, with Paradise Lost and War & Peace tied for a close second!
Yay! Sounds like we have a lot in common. I just finished the Tale of Genji. I think you'll love The Woodlanders and The Housekeeper; I think both are better works by the authors mentioned. I've not heard of Mishima, please share more!
I enjoy reading about books at the year’s end, thus your videos popped up. Love your choices. I will try some of them. Your voice is clear and easy to listen to. Subscribed! P.S. Moby Dick is one of my favorite books. So layered, it is about America even today. I think you need to read Emerson at the same time.
Glad I popped up for you. I speak again about Moby Dick in my end of year video; it was definitely a surprise read for me.
So pleased to discover your channel this morning. So many of the books you discussed are amongst my favourites (or sitting on a shelf waiting to be read). I’ve never read any Thomas Hardy but 2024 is the year. Which would you recommend? Boston Terrier
So glad you're enjoying my channel! For Hardy I started with Far From the Maddening Crowd. I think it has a better start (in some ways) than some of his other books and has lots of plot twists to keep you going. It's also not super long. Terriers are winning!
Hey! I just found your channel and the book choices and the way you describe them made this an instant like and subscribe. I, too, loved Moby Dick and am currently making my way through Middlemarch. Good luck for the next year❤
Great! Glad you enjoyed watching. Have fun with Middlemarch and let me know how you like it. (George Eliot and I don't play nice together 😂). The miniseries (?) by BBC is great!
Boston Terrier - for sure!! My son has a pug and people always thinks he is a Frenchie. LOL
That's 2 for terriers!
Love your channel! You need to correct your list of books in the notes to change the author of 1984 to George Orwell. Keep up the great videos!!
Thanks!! Did I say it was Huxley?!? I ALWAYS do that! Thanks for letting me know.
I've just discovered your channel, this was great! Looking forward to your next videos :) All the best in 2024!
Welcome! Happy reading in 2024 to you too.
Wow ..this was a fantastic video.. Love love your breakdowns on each and every book... brand new subscriber as of today....I have so many of these books in my home library that you gave a 5 star too..most unread but after this video..I'm on it..thank you so much..your awesome
Thank you! It was hard not to wax poetic for ages (in fact I did but I edited down ALOT). Love that you've been inspired. We're all going to have fun reading this next year!
I enjoy your enthusiasm. I just subscribed to your channel. If you loved Monte Cristo, you should read The Three Musketeers. It appears we have similar tastes in literature. I loved The Tale of Genjii. I look forward to spending time with you this year.
Aww, thanks! So excited to find like minded readers. Definitely check out my most anticipated reads video!
Thank you. I'm glad I found you and your insights.
Thank you and welcome to my channel!
You read some GIANT books this year, props
I surprised myself too! It was definitely a one bite at a time situation.
I love The Woodlanders, probably my favourite Hardy.
They’re definitely French bulldogs 😂
I agree about the Woodlanders, including the probably. That makes two for the Frenchies. I wonder if this is an across the pond issue (i.e. Boston vs France) 🤷♀️.
New subscriber here, loved this so much, oh if only i could stop working and read or reread all these books NOW!!
Welcome! And yes, I know. If I had no work or responsibilities and limitless money I'd definitely be on a beach reading David Copperfield with a treasure trove of books near by.
Best wishes with your reading in 2024, and to your channel.
Thank you so much!
I love your reading taste!!! I found your channel by accident yesterday and saved several of your videos to watch. New subscriber now!🎉🎉
Yes I'd love to hear surprising reads.
Crime and Punishment was a top fav for me also The Warden by Trollope.
Welcome and love your handle name! OMG, just realized you knit and spin too. YESSSS, girl.
I only knit now.... and my "channel" isn't one that I really post on anymore. I can't remember why I even posted those in the past. Lol
@@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD currently I just own yarn and knitting needles, so I know that feeling 😏
loved this video! really good vibes🧡. kisses from brazil
Hello Brazil!! Thanks for watching.
French bulldog. My son also votes French bulldog
I'm convinced it's a Frenchie too, but I have more US viewers and we have more Bostons here, so...🤷♀️
Yeah, those are Bostons! Great books, by the way!
Bostons are so far ahead I've forgotten what the other option was. 😂
I was going to say pug but then when you gave me choices I decided Boston Terrier.
That seems to be the popular pick!
😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉