My Favourite Books of 2023

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ค. 2024
  • It’s one of my favourite videos to make & they’re some of my favourite videos to watch… I’m back with my favourite books of the last year. I wanted to have some space from 2023 before I chatted about some of the absolute corkers I read. I chat about 12 of them here, with a few extra mentions creeping in here.
    What did you think of these books if you’ve read any? What ones are calling to you now? What were your favourite books of 2023?
    #booktube #favouritebooks #bestbooks
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    Books mentioned…
    You’ll have to watch the video to find out. I don’t want to give spoilers here. Not that I’m sure how many of you read the description box. Lol.
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ความคิดเห็น • 146

  • @MJ-in-Canada
    @MJ-in-Canada 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Oooo…”brain tingle!” I know that feeling so well. I loved how you included thoughts about your Gran in this episode.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Book tingle/brain tingle, both delicious things. I think you all would have enjoyed my Gran very much.

  • @dunkbiscuit
    @dunkbiscuit 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Jen's poetry book was fabulous. It shocked me in many ways. I don't know if there's awards, but she deserves them, so raw and vulnerable.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Completely agree.

  • @user-qo6tz1oe1v
    @user-qo6tz1oe1v 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    I've read everything James McBride has written. Loved it all. Saw him in person in Nashville in August 2023. He was brilliant and so nice. He even played the piano!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Wow, sounds like the man has no end to his talents. Very much looking forward to heading to some of his earlier works.

  • @renee_3364
    @renee_3364 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    The amount of excitement I felt to see this video pop up on my feed after a long workday was insane... I'm so happy to see Jen's collection make its way to your list. It was in my top 3 of the year too; vulnerable, personal and (as a fellow disabled person) such a true-hitter...
    And yes, you've successfully convinced me to order a copy of Cereus Blooms at Night ;)

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hahaha, I will never force anyone to buy a book... well not online, in a real bookshop it is a slightly different matter, ha.

    • @renee_3364
      @renee_3364 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm usually not in favour of peer-pressuring, but in the context of a good book, I'll allow it ;)

  • @AndreBagoo
    @AndreBagoo 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    An honor to be on your list! ❤❤❤ 🎉

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you for your wonderful words AND for being such a joy IRL, was lovely to meet you this year, please come back.

  • @rosie1334
    @rosie1334 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    My top three books of last year were Bel Canto by Ann Patchet, A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, and Stoner by John Williams. I also read some Devorah Levy on your recommendation and loved them 🌟

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      So pleased you have been enjoying Levy, you have reminded me that I haven't read her latest or her last few actually, need to rectify that.

  • @enidlacob1157
    @enidlacob1157 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I have been waiting for this and you never disappoint. I loved Birnam Woods and The Bee Sting and of course The Poisonwood Bible is an old favourite. I need to try Demon Copperhead again as I found it so dark at a time I couldn’t cope with it.I do hope 2024 is full of piles of wonderful reads

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Looks like you enjoyed the chunksters last year with Birnam Woods and The Bee Sting. I don't know why but neither of those have called to me, yet, and I have had them both on the shelves. Maybe this year, we shall see. Here's to a fabulous reading year for us all in 2024.

  • @jesdotx3797
    @jesdotx3797 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The one we've been waiting for 👏

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hope you enjoyed it... and the rest of the content in 2024 hahaha.

  • @whatscarlareading
    @whatscarlareading 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You're such an amazing reviewer, I've added so many of these books to my tbr. You've convinced me!!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Awww thank you very much, that is very kind of you to say - especially as these were quite short reviews as was aware lots of books and not loads of time, ha.

  • @dianedickson6366
    @dianedickson6366 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fascinating to see such an eclectic mix of books. I fancy several of those so thank you.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Absolute pleasure!

  • @athertonca
    @athertonca 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My favorite 2023 books:
    1. Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
    2. North Woods by Daniel Mason
    3. Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke
    4. Be Mine by Richard Ford
    5. Somebody’s Fool by Richard Russo
    I read Demon Copperhead in 2022, otherwise it would have been my favorite book of 2023.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I must, must, must read North Woods.

    • @LaughingStockfarm1
      @LaughingStockfarm1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I just finished North Woods and really enjoyed it. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be in my top 10 for 2024.

  • @rachealguidry2388
    @rachealguidry2388 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Always love your recommendations! I've read and enjoyed so many that you have talked about. Thanks Simon!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      A pleasure. Thank you for the lovely comment.

  • @louisesavidgemuses4135
    @louisesavidgemuses4135 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well! I loved watching this, found it completely beguiling and was pleased to find some real surprises too. What a treat 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hahaha #beguiling. Wonder what the word for 2024 will be, so far it is content. Also how SPOOKY we both did novels for our top books without telling each other!

  • @Evegalewitz
    @Evegalewitz 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Just catching up on my favorite Booktubers, after a busy holiday season. Like so many of your other viewers your year-end wrap up and reading prompts 2024, are among my favorites vids. Your thoughts on DNF were very helpful and gave me the encouragement to not slog through a book I am either not enjoying or not quite understanding.
    Currently listening to Sarah Winman’s Still Life on audio and reading Richard Bradford’s Red Sky at Morning on Kindle which was published in 1968. Beautiful story I am enjoying.
    My top 5 reads of 2023 were:
    The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead; The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, Dawnie Walton; The Music Shop, Rachel Joyce; The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides; and Once Upon a River, Diane Setterfield.
    Thank you for another great year of fantastic content and for continuing to inspire my lifelong reading journey.
    P.S. I love when you speak about your family, especially your Gran who gave you a love of reading. For me it was my late father, whose love of books left an indelible mark on me.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Awww thank you for such a lovely comment. It was a good year for reading and content, not my best on either front but when it was corking... it was corking, hahaha. Sounds like you found some absolute corkers too. I really want to read Rachel Joyce this year. Ps. Here's to DNFing any books we feel meh about, be it for now or forever.

  • @hellobookworm
    @hellobookworm 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What an incredible list of books, Simon! It seems you enjoyed a stellar reading year in 2023. You had me with your description of Land of Milk and Honey. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one. Thanks for the recommendations!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It wasn't my best reading year ever, when the books where good though they were really good.

  • @user-pn9oy3yv4o
    @user-pn9oy3yv4o 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Really fab list that I can't wait to explore!

  • @TKTalksBooks
    @TKTalksBooks 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent list.. several I will add to my TBR… thx

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I am glad that you enjoyed it!

  • @RovingReader
    @RovingReader 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I think these all sound amazing! Trespasses sounds interesting as a teacher because I'm curious if I'd connect to her watching kids' response to the troubles as I watch my kids react to school shootings like they're normal and typical. Barbara Kingsolver is incredible but I still need to read Demon! OMG Cereus Blooms at Night sounds so so good! Now I want to go to the Caribbean and read it on location ha! Hope you're having a great start to the year :)

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think Mum, who is a teacher, said she did - though I don't want to put words in her mouth, I am pretty sure she did. I would love to go to the Caribbean and read books set there, that said don't think they are too hot on their LGBTQ rights, which is partly what Cereus Blooms looks at.

  • @woopwood
    @woopwood 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Brill vid thank you Simon! lots i want to add to my list! Always wanted to read Toni Morrison but I’ve always been scared of the sadness! Just picked up Sula hoping that will ease me in :)

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I wouldn't say be scared of the sadness, just be prepared for the sadness. She is beautifully haunting with her writing. I meant to say that in this video, drats.

  • @cecilialau_
    @cecilialau_ 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A lovely goodbye to 2023 with some brill stories. Beguiled is an understandable choice of word for this new year. May all your bookish endeavours make you feel delightfully beguiled. Thank you for being an absolute inspiration - in more ways than one. You help keep my love of books alive. Big love for Barbara Kingsolver, family and dreams coming true ✨

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Beguiled is my word for last years reading. So far in 2024 it would be content. I wonder what it will be by the end of the year.

  • @whatscarlareading
    @whatscarlareading 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I've heard so many amazing things about the Bandit Queens, really looking forward to read it!!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It is sooooo good, hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

  • @thebookgeek87
    @thebookgeek87 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Absolutely love The Bluest Eye

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      It’s an incredible book.

  • @EllenFelicity
    @EllenFelicity 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Such an interesting mix!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ta very much!

  • @sniffingthesheets
    @sniffingthesheets 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought Cereus Blooms at Night a few months ago after hearing you speak about it. Can't wait to pick it up!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

  • @kathleenwalsh3556
    @kathleenwalsh3556 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi Simon, much enjoyed. And so glad u got2 read Poisonwood Bible. So good.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      And then to talk about it with her was quite magical.

  • @janicedonaldson6975
    @janicedonaldson6975 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent! Thank you for sharing your best books of 2023. I can't wait to read some of them.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I hope you enjoy them when you get to them Janice!

    • @janicedonaldson6975
      @janicedonaldson6975 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you for your kind response! I appreciate your time. Happy reading!@@SavidgeReads

  • @annie-mz9956
    @annie-mz9956 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +9

    What a wonderful story about your Grandmother. Something like this happened to me and I was in such awe upon reflection of the event. Always love your reviews and hope you have a great reading year❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ooh what was the event?

  • @thelefthandedreader6632
    @thelefthandedreader6632 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What a list! You’ve sealed the deal for me on the Justin Torres!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hope you enjoy it, it won't be for everyone but it was very much for me.

  • @robyn-leemurphy9629
    @robyn-leemurphy9629 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great video, i’ve added a few to my list, The Storm We Made sounds fab. I read The Bluest Eye & it is one of my top reads for 2023 too, such a powerful & hard hitting read! I’m aiming to head to Sula soon. My other top reads of the year were The Bee Sting, Demon Copperhead, Our Wives Under the Sea & Prophet Song 👌

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Prophet Song was sooooooo nearly on this list and if I hadn't read The Poisonwood Bible then Demon Copperhead may have made the list too. I didn't want to have multiple books by the same author, or series, I forgot to say that in the intro - oops.

  • @tamarabulazel3320
    @tamarabulazel3320 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi, Simon.....great fan of both your mum's and your book vlogs.
    A GREAT thank you for recommending "The Storm We Made" about Malayans under British-then-Japanese-rule. It's simply amazing. It's already been translated into lots of other languages, too.
    And then for pointing out "Super infinitive", abiogeaphy of John Donne. Although I studied English lit. at the time, I never got past Donne's 'The Flea'.....but this book is so much more than dealing with his poems. It gives you an inctedible insight into Britain in the 16th century.
    Another thank-you for recommending "The Trauma Cleaner"...
    Have a good new reading year!!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Aww thank you for the lovely compliment. So pleased to hear you enjoyed The Storm We Made too, I have been thinking about that book a lot since I read it. I am looking forward to heading to Super-Infinite at some point this year, have heard brilliant things.

  • @jenniferfyffe6949
    @jenniferfyffe6949 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    dear Simon, I absolutely LOVE your top titles of 2023! Every title is either on my tbr list or that I have read. If you have not read James McBrides The Color of Water, you should go to that first when reading his books. He is such a versatile author, and I have enjoyed all his books. I am so excited about my reading journey this year. Between you and Louise I have some wonderful books to start the year, and I look forward to reading along with you both in 2024🎉❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I hope you enjoy all the books you head to this year, especially the Savidge favourites of course, ha. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store is my first McBride so very keen to read more. I have his short story collection and The Good Lord Bird on my shelves to read when the mood takes. I am resisting buying books by authors I already have on my shelves but when I have read those will definitely head to The Conor of Water.

  • @robert3482
    @robert3482 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I had really high expectations going into My Government Means to Kill me because everyone I talked to loved it so much and it absolutely met them all. Such a hugely impactful short little book! I'm so glad to hear more people talking about it outside of my immediate circle!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’m soooooo pleased to hear that you loved My Government Means to Kill Me too. What an absolute corker.

  • @maryeddy802
    @maryeddy802 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Yes, "The Poison Wood Bible" is an amazing book and I savored every page! If you liked it, I would highly recommend The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux (1981). An incredible book that make a good comparable with "Poison Wood", but in a different setting, etc.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oooh I’ve not heard of The Mosquito Coast. I shall look it up. Thank you for the recommendation.

  • @TheEmzies
    @TheEmzies 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's always interesting to see people talk about books they loved that I DNFd. I'm encouraged to try Mrs S again.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hahaha, it can also be very interesting the other way round. That is what I have found in the comments on my recent DNF video, lol.

  • @bookswithb2684
    @bookswithb2684 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I loved The Bandit Queens. It was one of my top reads last year as well. After falling for Demon Copperhead last year, my want to read more her books grew even more. Think I’ll give The Poisonwood Bible ago, thanks! I read The Bluest Eye as a kid and have never forgotten it. So good.
    The Golden Mole sounds so good! Same with My Government Means to Kill Me.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I reeeeeeeeally want more people to pick up My Government Means to Kill Me, it's just such a good book, important but such a romp too. Hope you enjoy the Poisonwood Bible.

  • @photographychica
    @photographychica 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am always so happy to see people loving Shani Mootoo AND highlighting Caribbean literature :)

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’m so looking forward to reading more of her books.

  • @ariannefowler455
    @ariannefowler455 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My Government Means to Kill Me was one of my favorites of the year. It was so well done and perfectly captured New York City at that time. You read some great books last year!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It was sooooo brilliant wasn't it, so thrilled to hear from someone else who loved it too.

  • @starstuffpuff
    @starstuffpuff 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    So many of your favorites are my favorites as well :). I adored The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, it's my favorite read of 2023. I was sooo moved by Jen's poetry collection, it was incredible and made me cry as well. The Bandit Queens was a delight. I've become obsessed with Katherine Rundell after reading The Golden Mole, I loved it so much. I'm currently reading Impossible Creatures, the first installment of her new middle-grade series, and I think it might become my favorite book of 2024 (the year barely started, but when you know, you know 🥰). I highly recommend it, it's wonderful! A Spell of Good Things was such a gut wrenching novel, I'm still thinking about it. I have The Storm We Made and Trespasses on hold at the library, and I have My Government is Trying to Kill Me out from the library waiting its turn :). I really want to read Kate Atkinson's short story collection and I'm really intrigued by The Dreaming and Cereus Blooms at Night. Have a great rest of the week, Simon!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Hooray for mutual favourites, that is lovely to hear. I am so, so, so looking forward to Impossible Creatures. I hope to read that in the not too distant future along with much more Rundell full stop.

  • @ChemicalPenguinn
    @ChemicalPenguinn 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ok so many that I want to read here!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hope you enjoy the ones that you get to 📚

  • @meganshrum1928
    @meganshrum1928 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Poisonwood Bible has been my favorite book of all time until this year and it is now tied with Shark Heart. I cannot recommend it enough! I am currently reading The Storm We Made and I cannot put it down. Could not agree more with your comments on both books. ❣️

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Oooh I don't have Shark Heart on the shelves but I have heard lots of great stuff about it, now your lovely self included. So pleased you are enjoying The Storm We Made so much.

  • @lynniepie52
    @lynniepie52 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Although I wasn’t a fan of Demon Copperhead…I loved the Lacuna(different strokes for different folks) the poison wood Bible is on my TBR and has been for quite a bit. Your recommendations for the bandit, queens and The Storm we made are now added to my TBR… they have an earth. Grocery store was my pic for Book Club this year will be reading it in April.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Totally agree, different strokes for different folks. If we all loved the same books all the time it would be soooo boring.

  • @benreadsgood
    @benreadsgood 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love to see Blackouts make the cut. I felt weirdly emotional when it won the National Book Award.
    Hadn’t even heard of your number one but super intrigued to check it out!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think it is a bit of a travesty that My Government Means to Kill Me isn't out here. I can't actually remember how I found it, ha. I really want to head to the books that aren't getting shouted about so much more often this year. I sometimes forget to check out books outside the echo chamber.

  • @emmavd
    @emmavd 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks, Simon!🌷Of your top 12 I’ve only read Trespasses, and enjoyed it very much. I’ve also loved I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel, The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng, Grey Bees by Andrey Kurkov, Standing Heavy by GauZ, just to mention some of the most impressive books I read last year. Top of my list would probably be Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store is going to be my next read (also Greg @Supposedly Fun is enthusiastic about it). I have gifted the Dutch translation of The Golden Mole to two friends, who are animal lovers, and it was in both cases a huge success. I haven’t read it yet. I usually don’t read many short stories, but I’m currently reading and loving Thunderstruck by Elizabeth McCracken. I think I’ll explore more short-story collections this year. Happy reading!🥰📚

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Greg has very good taste, I meant to mention him along with Bret re the recommendations for McBride. I'm A Fan was one of my favourite books of 2022, had the pleasure of interviewing Sheena this year. I am slightly surprised I didn't get to The House of Doors last year, maybe this year we will see.

  • @lissarice1876
    @lissarice1876 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Poisonwood Bible is one of my all-time favorites.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      It is a great book!

  • @Georgesmomsu
    @Georgesmomsu 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    2023 was such a great year for books. I have too many favorites, but here’s a few of the ones I loved
    - The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn
    -All The Sinners Bleed by S A Cosby
    -The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
    -The Winners by Fredrick
    - Memphis by Tara M Stringfellow
    I had my local bookstore order me a copy of My Government Means to Kill Me and it’s not stocked in the store as well.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I think My Government Means to Kill Me has gone a little under the radar, fingers crossed that can be slightly address with lots of you lovely lot getting your mitts on it. I will get to The Whalebone Theatre this year and I must must read S A Crosby. I will pick up a book of his when I next head to a bookstore, I meant to last week, oops.

  • @polly2900
    @polly2900 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would love to see more videos when you go bookshopping.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have another one planned for February!

  • @4travelinggirls
    @4travelinggirls 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I discovered Elif Shafak in 2023 and really enjoyed The Island of Missing Trees. Also, The Book of Longings, and nonfiction: Between Two Kingdoms

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      The Island of Missing Trees was my favourite book of 2022, I think she is a phenomenal writer.

    • @4travelinggirls
      @4travelinggirls 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SavidgeReads I have 3 Faces of Eve to read next. Which of her books would you recommend as a follow-up read?

  • @nathansnook
    @nathansnook 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    THE VIDEO I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!
    loved that you started the list with Blackouts! quite an important book in the landmark of queer literature. and LOVED that a queer narrative during an interesting time period made it to the top. what a fab year of reading for you. can't wait to see what you cook up for 2024!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think Blackouts is also such a different book and that excites me. Same with My Government Means to Kill Me. I think reading as much as I (and we all) do I want to get my hands on things that really stand out. I did look back on 2023 with a slight feeling of 'ooh there was quite a few samey books in there'. Here's to reading adventures of all kinds in 2024.

  • @juditkovacs1205
    @juditkovacs1205 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    My favorite novel of 2023 was Just Above My Head by James Baldwin. It is a chunky book, but excellent. I had a great time reading Baldwin's works this past year. And based on the part about the James McBride book I think you would love the short story collection called Going to Meet the Man by Baldwin.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have struggled with Baldwin, which always feels like a very vulnerable thing to articulate on any bookish platform because people adore his work and him so much. I have read a couple and been left a bit cold to them. I have one or two on my shelves so if the mood takes me I will definitely head to him again. I am desperately trying to not by new books by authors I already have on my shelves. Let's see how that goes, actually I failed last week in Edinburgh. Ha.

  • @naomiblenkinsop4259
    @naomiblenkinsop4259 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    cereus blooms at night is one of my top 5 favorite books of all time; one of the best books i've ever read

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Such a phenomenal book, was my number one for so long. I am looking forward to heading to more of her work this year.

  • @dunkbiscuit
    @dunkbiscuit 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Also, Impossible Creatures is awesome. So worth a read. Think it's based on a Scandinavian folk tale or something.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have a copy, am looking forward to getting to it in due course.

  • @OhioEddieBlack
    @OhioEddieBlack 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great sweater! you always look dashing. Demon Copperhead dragged on and on. I really like BK but I don't think DC deserved the PP.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Each to their own, we can’t all love the same books. Though I am thrilled you love my jumper. Hahaha.

  • @GregHarness
    @GregHarness 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am about three-quarters of the way through "The Storm We Made" and it is indeed an absolute corker. My favorite books I read for the first time in 2023 are "In Ascension" by Martin MacInnes, "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters, and ""Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan. I plan to read "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" this month. Thank you as always Simon.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I am so pleased you are enjoying The Storm We Made, if enjoying is the right word. I will read Fingersmith one Christmas, it will happen. Last time I tried though someone commented on 'the twist' and I am waiting to have forgotten it until I head to it again.

    • @GregHarness
      @GregHarness 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I finished "The Storm We Made" today, and I am so glad I read it. It has been a long time since I cared so deeply about so many characters in a single book. I hardly ever cry when I read, but there was a scene that hit me as hard as anything ever has and my eyes certainly watered. A beautiful heartbreaker.

  • @LauraRodriguez-Peace
    @LauraRodriguez-Peace 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you for sharing, Simon. I look forward to your book faves list each year, and always appreciate your humor and insight. 🙂
    My 2023 book faves list:
    Non-Fiction:
    “An Immense World” by Ed Yong
    “Paradise Falls” by Keith O’Brien.
    “Eating to Extinction” by Don Saladino.
    “Sounds Wild and Broken” by David George Haskell.
    “Portable Magic” by Emma Smith.
    “The Wager” by David Grann.
    “Democracy Awakening” by Heather Cox Richardson.
    Non-Fiction/Biographies:
    “Fierce Ambition: The Life and Legend of War Correspondent Maggie Higgins” by Jennet Conant
    “Wanderlust: An Eccentric Explorer, an Epic Journey, a Lost Era” by Reid Mitenbuler
    “King: A Life” by John Eig.
    Fiction:
    “The Running Grave” by Robert Galbraith (Book #7 in the Cormoran Strike series.)
    “The Last Devil to Die”
    by Richard Osman (Book #4 in the “Thursday Murder Club” series.)
    “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver.
    “The Covenant of Water” by Abraham Verghese.
    “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride.
    “North Woods” by Daniel Mason.
    ☮️🩵📚

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wowsers, that is a bumper list of book recommendations, fabulous. Though I won't be touching any 'Galbraith' books ever, I am tempted to try The Covenant of Water and meant to get to North Woods all year.

    • @LauraRodriguez-Peace
      @LauraRodriguez-Peace 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SavidgeReads
      I usually read around 125 books or so yearly, (although several more this year since retiring), and have been putting my faves on my Facebook page for friends and family, this past fifteen years.
      Love you, your mama and both of your channels, and have been watching since you started.
      Grateful for you sharing the book love, Simon! 😊
      P.S.
      (Of course, I totally understand completely about not wanting to read the Galbraith/Rowling books.
      While the books are very well-written, her personal views are abhorrent, and I do not agree with them whatsoever.)
      ☮️🧡📚

  • @onourpath
    @onourpath 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you, I love this video! "My top 'however many' books of the year" are the best! I read Jen Campbell's Please Do Not Touch This Exhibit, and omg! I don't even like poetry, but her book was fantastic! My top 5 (lol) for 2023 are:
    10 Hawk Mountain, Habib
    9 Fever House, Rosson
    8 Please Do Not Touch This Exhibit, Campbell
    7 Red is My Heart, Laurain
    6 Small Things Like These, Keegan
    5 King of the Armadillos, Chin-Tanner
    4 Open Throat, Hoke
    3 Book of Goose, Li
    2 Half-light, O'Donnell
    1 Sleeping Giants, Denfeld
    Sleeping Giants comes out in March. It's another fabulous book by the author of The Enchanted, among other amazing novels. She is such a poignant, emotional writer, and her prose is surgically precise; if you haven't read her, please do! 💚

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I really meant to get to Hawk Mountain in 2023 AND 2022, maybe this year will be the year. I would also like to read some Li, I somehow have three of her books on my shelves.

  • @katrinaandallthebooks7993
    @katrinaandallthebooks7993 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The Grocery Store book is 99p on kindle at the moment.
    My favourite book was between Hello Beautiful by Ann Nepolitano or Talking at Night by Claire Daverley.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I don't really promote Kindle on here but if that is your thing... what a bargain, just hope he is making some pennies from it cos it won't be pounds, eek. I have seen sooooo many recommendations for Hello Beautiful, I will definite be giving that a whirl when it comes out in paperback. I haven't heard of Talking at Night, I shall look it up. Thank you Katrina.

  • @Abebech6
    @Abebech6 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    It's that time again! Preparing my wallet. Thankfully the sales are on!!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hope you enjoyed the video!

    • @Abebech6
      @Abebech6 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SavidgeReads I always do

  • @Jodi9810
    @Jodi9810 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think my top 3 in 2023:
    The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
    Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout
    The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
    Thank you for your reviews - I've added several to what I want to read, or move up my priority list.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I definitely want to get to more Strout this year, something I am very keen to do.

  • @susanburgess820
    @susanburgess820 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ❤❤❤❤❤

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      📚📚📚📚📚

  • @Laura_D
    @Laura_D 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This comment relates to your Insta stories musing about a book with interlocking stories about people in a waiting room. One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a bit like that…except it’s a visa office waiting area.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Oooh thank you for the recommendation, I have noted that down.

  • @ryanand154
    @ryanand154 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nana’s Crossword Puzzle by Harriett Demos Ashtray.

    • @ryanand154
      @ryanand154 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      That book is so bizarre. The crosswords are really simple.

  • @jlmo3027
    @jlmo3027 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Covenant of Water was my favorite of 2023

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’m debating reading that this year. I won’t lie, the size scares me. I’ve been told by friends you whizz through it though.

  • @mradcaqbdb
    @mradcaqbdb 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am waiting for My Government Means to Kill Me to come in at my local indie. Can’t wait to read it. I picked up The Storm We Made at the same shop after you first mentioned it. Hope to get to it this month. Cereus Blooms at Night was one of the books I picked up on my trip to London! So many great books on your list! Here is my top 10 fiction for 2023:
    A Little Luck - Claudia Pineiro
    Clytemnestra - Costanza Casati
    Address Unknown - Kathrine Kressmann Taylor
    Black Butterflies - Priscilla Morris
    Wandering Souls - Cecile Pin
    The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels - Janice Hallett
    Trespasses - Louise Kennedy
    Grave Expectations - Alice Bell
    None of This is True - Lisa Jewell
    A Murder in the Family - Cara Hunter

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I sooooo hope you love My Government Means to Kill Me, though if you don't... don't tell me hahaha. It is one of those books where you don't wanna hear a word of criticism because it means so much to you hahaha.
      I enjoyed A Little Luck, Clytemnestra, Black Butterflies and Wandering Souls, if I had done a Honourable Mentions video they would have all been in it.

    • @mradcaqbdb
      @mradcaqbdb 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@SavidgeReads I just finished Lie With Me by Philippe Besson and translated from the French by Molly Ringwald. Sooooo brilliant! If you haven’t read it, I highly, highly recommend it. It’s super short too. (If you’ve read it and didn’t adore it, don’t tell me either.)
      I now have My Government Means to Kill Me in my hot little hands and I think it’s going to be the next book I start, after watching your Best of 2023. I was going to read Cereus Blooms at Night next until then… 😉

  • @susprime7018
    @susprime7018 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I bought Trespasses, but there are lots in the stack before I'll get to it.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That’s fair enough.

  • @rewghob
    @rewghob 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am reading A Little Life and so far so good. I am prepared for the suffering and sadness. I have put Come and Get It on reserve at the library for 2024. Interested to see what you are planning to read this Jan.

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I am trying not to plan my reads too much, especially this month. I start work events again from Feb, though I am doing less in 2024 so it shouldn't sway my reading too much. I just want a year of whims where possible.

  • @katherineallen4239
    @katherineallen4239 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think I'm going to read the Poisonwood Bible next!

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Ooh hope you enjoy it if you do!

  • @byronsbrain
    @byronsbrain 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've just finished reading The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store on your previous recommendation and it was amazing, I went in blind and wow I wasn't expecting that!
    I read the Bluest Eye in the 80s and I've never forgotten it, it's one of those books that stays with you and invades your brain every so often, I really should pluck up the courage and read it again :)

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I can see why you feel that way about The Bluest Eye, an incredibly powerful and visceral book. Imprints itself on the brain. Soooo please The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store amazed, delighted to hear that.

  • @jacquelinemcmenamin8204
    @jacquelinemcmenamin8204 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Best books of 2023
    All The Little Bird Hearts
    Little Monsters
    The Rachel Incident
    The Road to Dalton
    The New Life
    The Bee Sting
    Prophets Song
    All That’s Left Unsaid
    Fellowship Point
    Birnam Wood
    The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store
    The Wren, The Wren
    Kala
    Close to Home
    We Are Called to Rise
    Small Joys
    Crow Lake
    Backlist favourites
    The Blackwater Lightship
    Heft
    The Unseen World
    The Winter Solider
    Number one book…..
    Deluge by Stephen Markley
    It imagines an America were someone like Trump wins the 2024 election.
    ☘️👋🍀📚📖📕🇮🇪☕️🤗

    • @SavidgeReads
      @SavidgeReads  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Wowsers, that is quite the list.