1 // to be or not TBR? - including my fave book of 2021

[@bwader05]

my theory is that there are two types of people: sally rooney girlies and colleen hoover girlies. us sally rooney girlies listen to phoebe bridgers and have crumbs in our bed

[@LucyJaneWood]

This wins comment of the day 🏆

[@toniallen7942]

The accuracy 😭😂😂😂

[@user-qu8zs7vs1x]

Well there's also those who can't stand Sally Rooney's books because they're the entitled, privileged middle class girl manifest and equally hate Colleen Hoover's because they romanticize abuse?

[@everydaykelly]

You are so good at talking about books and giving a good synopsis. Even though I am a library technician and part of my job is to recommend books, I find I have difficulty describing storylines well. But I'm getting better I feel. Great list! I read Reputation from your last video. And I love a good Flo cameo!

[@LucyJaneWood]

I make lots of notes beforehand because I have so much I want to say! That definitely helps 😊

[@pattybaker8064]

The way you speak about books is so eloquent and beautiful. These are some of my favorite videos from you. When and if you finish that novel one day I would expect nothing less than a page turner that I would anticipate for months and months.

[@LucyJaneWood]

🥺 that’s so kind, thank you!

[@lifewithladyT]

This is why I love your channel so much. This feels like a conversation with a friend rather than a lecture, and it’s so much more captivating and interesting. Definitely adding some of these to the looming Victorian child pile in the corner 😆

[@becbec3541]

Can I just say that the way you have arranged the books behind you in order of colour is just wonderful 🥰

[@sarahsearle9598]

I have saved this to watch with a gin. Literally been waiting for the kids to go to bed so I could indulge. Love when Flo pops up 😂. So good to see another video of yours xxx

[@LucyJaneWood]

This video plus gin is the perfect combination

[@annemdale]

loved the flea story in Hamnet. I kept talking about it to friends!

[@Lynseycostello77]

So happy you have returned! Made my day so thank you!!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahhh that's lovely, thank you!

[@xeshacinds]

absolutely love the title of this series, haha! the magical elements of Hamnet really helped me fall in love with the book more than I would've otherwise too! My recommendation for you is They Both Die at The End x

[@LucyJaneWood]

I read that last year! It was great and made me cry hahaha

[@xeshacinds]

@@LucyJaneWood omg me too!! I really missed the characters as soon as it was over, did you hear there's a prequel coming out?! x

[@livonimpulse]

Great video - I love how you described the plots. Some of them sound amazing- I’ll certainly add The Mercies to the top of my wish list!

[@PraiseHisname777]

The colour coordinated books on the shelves in the background is really satisfying 👌 Thanks for the recommendations! I’m looking forward to trying them out xx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha looking at the book rainbow is my favourite thing 🤩

[@jessiee3612]

You feed my soul, thank you for being your authentic self! I live for your videos like this and you have such great recommendations and sell the books so well. Time to go spend lots of money on books! Xx

[@twelvetimesme]

Oooh! Don't know if it's the new camera lens or just your glowing personality, but the lighting/focus is looking crisp ✨

[@LucyJaneWood]

I have a shiny new filming set up! Thank you for noticing 🤓

[@tawnyman]

I am 100% with you on the flea/plague chapter in Hamnet. 🤣

[@LucyJaneWood]

What a magical flea indeed

[@zoeedelaney]

yesss I love new book videos from Lucy!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Yayyy me too! My faves to film x

[@vmurphy7415]

You immediately sold me on The Mercies, and it is now on my list of books I need to purchase. You have done such a beautiful job describing these titles and can consider me hooked for your "To be or not TBR" series!

[@kellynorman9270]

Glad to see your book videos back and your thoughts on Hamnet are literally the same that I had. Captivating and a drag all at the same time and totally agree on the chapter on the journey of the Plague!

[@femmesjuh]

Love watching you ramble about books with gorgeous covers while under a blanket with a storm raging outside! I think you would also love 'Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe'. Its written with the same punching sentences as the Sally Rooney books, about a boy in the 80's growing up with his best friend :)

[@sarahmoon1772]

Yay! I love a Lucy Wood book video 🥰 xx

[@LucyJaneWood]

That makes me very happy to hear! 😊

[@marianneshepherd6286]

I was on the fence about reading Hamnet but you've convinced me with the flea chapter and the fact it's got more of Ann Hathaway has got my attention x

[@LucyJaneWood]

Hahaha the flea will honestly make it worth it

[@whatamiedid4014]

These are some of my favourite videos on YT. I love the way you review books!

[@LucyJaneWood]

😊😊😊 that really means a lot, thank you!

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

Ohh thank you so much for this video! I've found so many great authors thanks to you :)

[@LucyJaneWood]

Woohoo! That’s what we like to hear 😊

[@Snugglecher]

A Victorian ghost child... That seems like a perfect character for a book that can be hilarious or sinister depending on what way you went with it. I love book time! I have been reading my favorite books over and over. It's interesting how things change perspective as things change in your life. I'm in. Let's go!

[@KathyDubs]

I am currently reading Project Hail Mary and it is certainly something!

[@emilymontague8550]

I just finished it and loved it! The audiobook was superb

[@LucyJaneWood]

Okay I’m gonna have to check this one out 👀

[@leebitsears]

Love these videos I wash the dishes and she keeps me company x

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha that’s the perfect set up!

[@LynnetteReads]

One of my boys is very cuddly at the moment because I am out lots and everytime I sit down to film he or his tail is in the video somewhere. So lovely Flo wants to help you with your reviews xx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahhh how cute! She insists on being a very helpful assistant haha

[@miralintuko5485]

Yayy a book video from you, love it! Love the title too haha xx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thanks so much! Hope you enjoyed it 😊

[@Min_Mog]

Love a book conversation. I've been on an odd book tip recently. So Marisha Pessl - Night Film : if David Lynch wrote a book about the myth of David Lynch. Build your house around my body- Violet Kupersmith : a dreamy, nightmareish, murder mystery ish story set in Saigon. Explores the consequences of being a woman. Very much enjoyed The Furies, thanks for the recommend.

[@cally314]

Loved Night Film!

[@Min_Mog]

I don't know anyone else that's read it! Really stayed with me though. Have you any recommends?

[@LucyJaneWood]

These sound super interesting! You’ve got me intrigued haha x

[@cally314]

@@Min_Mog I read True Crime Story by Joseph Knox last year and loved it, it has a similar mixed media approach to Night Film as well as being a mystery. Bunny by Mona Awad was also really good, quite surreal but in a fun Heathers sort of way, if that's something you would enjoy :)

[@Min_Mog]

Amazing thanks Cally, I love a book thats not easy as such, and I don't even have to like it to enjoy it, if that makes sense! I'll definitely check those out. Have you read Ghost Wall by Sarah Moss? Quite literally haunting. And the new Susannah Clarke - Piranesi is perfection. I could waffle on about books for hours!

[@andreahamre7334]

So glad to see you back around here! Loved this video and put a couple of these books in my Amazon cart!

[@enyaoreilly4209]

The Mercies is 100% on my tbr now! Historical fiction is right up my street! I recommend you give The Binding by Bridget Collins a read. I'm just finishing it and it's a great blend of oldy worldy, mystery, character relationships and suspense! Plus the cover has shiny gold foil :D

[@LucyJaneWood]

You had me at shiny gold foil ✨✨✨

[@rhiannonschaumburg564]

Reading the description of The Binding - it sounds so good!!! - made me think of a book I read recently called The Conductors. Similarly oldy worldy, with murder, amazing characters and suspense, but weaving in magic and the underground railroad. I highly recommend!!

[@enyaoreilly4209]

@@rhiannonschaumburg564 oooo that sounds incredible! Will look that one up 😊

[@stephc3522]

Your hair looks absolutely beautiful here! Teach me your ways 😍

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thank you! I had it done about a week ago so I think it’s still in good hairdresser mode 🥰

[@avecat]

Love your book videos! Just borrowed The Mercies from the library and excited to crack on with that one. Also placed a hold on Sally Rooney. Loved her Normal People tv show and so excited for Conversations with Friends. Hi Flo ❤️

[@LucyJaneWood]

Flo sends a headbutt and a pile of dribble your way 🐱

[@Laura-fs6rp]

Always so happy to hear your reading recommendations, Lucy (and to catch a glimp of Flo). Have you perchance read any novels by Rachel Kadish, like The Weight of Ink or Tolstoy Lied? I think you might like them as well.

[@LucyJaneWood]

I haven’t read those! I will definitely check them out x

[@thoughtsofthereader]

I wasn’t sure about reading Hamnet but you’ve sold it to me! The Mercies is on my tbr as well, so might be pushing that higher up the list😍

[@LucyJaneWood]

This is me telling you to read it next! 📚

[@logg_out3611]

I'm going on a trip to York specifically to wander around bookshops so you KNOW I'm picking up at least half this list

[@mellangdon9168]

Me and some friends have recently formed a little book club so have definitely added some of these to the TBR pile in case it’s my pick soon! Last months book was pachinko - would never have picked it up but would definitely recommend 🤓

[@Kate-ch2hr]

I second your recommendation of Pachinko, was one of my faves read last year

[@LucyJaneWood]

Off I go to buy Pachinko! Thanks 😊

[@mellangdon9168]

@@LucyJaneWood it’s also a beautiful cover which we all love 😂😍

[@FloN.]

The Sally Rooney chokehold comment is relatable. Glad to say If I had your face and The Mercies are on my TBR.

[@AmberClareHawleyx]

I LOVE THIS NEW BOOK "CLUB" TITLE 🥰

[@Lana-mr5yl]

I recommend the 7 and 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, it's a very intriguing who done it book and the writing is just SO impressive in my opinion, I often had to stare into space and take a moment because I could feel the puzzle pieces falling into place. Would love your thoughts on that one!

[@fictionalmusings4676]

i completely agree on the flea chapter!!

[@emmag6493x]

Books, you and cats, what could be better? Hehe 😁 Purrfect video lol 😸❤️

[@LucyJaneWood]

My ultimate combination 😎

[@analeasejac4703]

okay I may only be 2 books into the video but I'm so glad I'm seeing books I haven't heard of before! Booktube is filled with a lot of the same authors and books and if that's not for you then it can become a bit bland so I'm loving your recs ❤️

[@LucyJaneWood]

That’s really cool to hear, thank you!! There definitely seems to be a lot of trending books that pop up everywhere 👀

[@Geminwonderland]

I love your reading videos! Always gives me the best ideas for reading!

[@LucyJaneWood]

That’s so good to hear! I hope there’s some gems in here for you x

[@nikkijohnston2891]

Love a good book recommendation video 👌I have the Sally Rooney book on my physical tbr however I have decided this year to read my physical tbr any books bought before 1st Jan 2022 to zero, and yes ! as you can imagine it is killing me I just want to pick up all the new books but I am determined (tbr currently sitting at 112) eeeeek !!! Recommendations I recently read and loved, The house in the cerulean sea, Under the whispering door both by Tj Klune, MIdnight Library and The invisible life of Addie Laurie all five star reads for me. Happy reading :) x

[@LucyJaneWood]

112! Hahahah mate that’s is absolutely out of control, I think you’ve made a good decision

[@awilc9501]

My tbr pile is crying at me ordering all these rn 🤣🤣

[@Jelicream]

If you haven't already, I would highly recommend reading anything by Elif Shafak - I recently found her and she's become my favourite author! Beautiful writer and her character development is fantastic.

[@chooseyourthoughts7692]

Yay! ♥️book content📚📚

[@LucyJaneWood]

Yay 🥳🥳🥳

[@novpriory6624]

I've never been so impressed by a title pun as this one

[@booksnotlovers]

I love your bookish content sooo much! Hamnet was one of my favourite books last year as well! I tried so hard to get through The Mercies, but as a Norwegian living in Trondheim, I could not get past some of the more... creative liberties in spelling, use of Norwegian words that made no sense, and some of the names weren't recorded in Norway until a century later. I'm sure the story was really good, but I couldn't get past that.

[@merlegro5734]

I think you might enjoy the book "sin eater" by Megan Campisi. It's about a young girl that is punished to be a sin eater, which involves her not being allowed to speak (also A few other thing alongside of that). She witnesses something weird about a death in a castle, but she can't tell anybody about it. So she starts to find out what happend by herself. So it's about her adjusting to her new life and "job" and about this death. It's set in 16th-century England. It isn't the best book ever, at least in my opinion, but it was a good book and I thought you might like it, based in what you said you usually like:) also I love your videos and I'm happy your back! xx

[@LucyJaneWood]

That sounds excellent! Thank you for the recommendation x

[@Kate-ch2hr]

Omg the title of this video 👏🏼 😂 I love a good book chat!

[@LucyJaneWood]

It is indeed my worst series title ever, and I'm proud of it

[@Kate-ch2hr]

I love it and am adding If I Had Your Face and The Mercies to my TBR immediately.

[@EmmaBlyth7]

i’ve been so scared to read ‘beautiful world, where are you’ because i want it to live up to rooney’s other books so i cannot imagine how she feels about writing!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Honestly just thinking about the level of pressure is nauseating 😂

[@pamelajacosqui]

I started reading it (haven’t read Normal People yet) and it’s safe to say it’s ruined books for me because the writing is so good and haunting at the same time

[@zozzle_]

If you loved The Mercies you’ll love Devotion by Hannah Kent! Local author to me in South Australia and it has a very similar feel! Haunting as well.

[@amandolin9542]

Adding The Mercies immediately!! Have you read The Starless Sea? I feel like you might love it. I finished it the other day and I can’t stop thinking about it 🤩

[@LucyJaneWood]

I haven’t but I’m off to check it out immediately!

[@sharonscott9277]

I'm currently 100pages into The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell & feeling exactly how you felt about Hamnet. Trying to persevere with it but close to giving up. My last read was The Midnight Library which I loved. Really enjoy all your videos 🙂

[@emilysmith2784]

Mercies added to my Amazon wish list. Thanks. I cannot recommend the earths children series enough. It’s been decades and I have yet to read anything better. Book 2 is the best 😉

[@amarisviv]

You’re my favorite! I haven’t read any of those yet, but I will. Right now I’m reading The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. So far, I love it!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahh thank you! I will check that out for sure x

[@Magpie997]

The Great Alone is one of my top 10 probably.. I recommend it to everyone! ☺️ so good!

[@ZoeShears]

Will be checking out a couple of those I need a good read. I recommend The Minaturist by Jessie Burton. It did leave me wanting more but the plot twists that are in there are really well woven into the story

[@alliberry]

You description of the "plague fly" reminds me of Boris Pasternak's writing style, especially in Dr Zhivago. Also little bits and pieces of the Belgariad/Mallorean series by David and Leigh Eddings

[@jessford8867]

I felt the exact same about Hamnet, I'm glad you managed to get to the Flea story! 😅 i feel like you would love The Binding by Bridget Collins based on some of these books and the other videos!

[@linziclaire6868]

I would second The Binding! It was exceptional!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oooooh okay, The Binding is going on my list!

[@gabs9043]

Your book videos are the best!!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoy them 😊

[@mollywildsmith840]

I got Beautiful World for Christmas and still haven't gotten round to reading it! My TBR is waaaay too big!!

[@lindakirste4540]

I love your book videos!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Hahaha of course! Tiktok has just taken over all elements of life

[@lindakirste4540]

@@LucyJaneWood totally!

[@vickiquinn1196]

I love the title!! 📚

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thank you!!

[@SherbetLemonMate]

Those sprayed edges though 😍😍

[@peachy_em3777]

I think you might like The Glass Woman by Caroline Lea! Its very gothic, historical with Jane Eyre vibes but set in Iceland ☺️

[@joanneryan6623]

Just put in a book order! 😄

[@idaandersson78]

Love your book videos!! 🙌🏼💫

[@LucyJaneWood]

Yay! That’s lovely to hear 😊

[@georgianic]

such a good title 🙌🙌

[@LucyJaneWood]

Hahaha why thank you 😎

[@carireads1526]

I'd really recommend for you to pick up any Fredrick Backman. Anxious People is so fantastic! Also if you're feeling spooky I loved Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia.

[@mariannewhite383]

If you like historical “whodunits” I highly recommend Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, it delves into mental illness, memory, social status, spiritualism, all the things, and takes place during the 1840s in Canada, also anything by Atwood is pretty magical!

[@Magpie997]

💕 🇨🇦

[@caitlin6901]

I am currently reading Hamnet and I found that the writing style took a while to get into. Once I got into it, I started to enjoy it more.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Same here! It’s definitely a bit of an adjustment to such poetic style x

[@terenlarge]

Ahh I'm studying Korean at the moment (in my free time for fun, Hellooo mid to late twenties) and as a byproduct consuming a lot of Korean media so I'll definitely be picking up that first one!

[@terenlarge]

Wrote this comment before I saw the second book, the design on it is absolutely stunning. I'm sure I'll be picking that up too possibly under the pretense of a bday present for my Mum.

[@lauren6109]

Hi Lucy, I love watching your book recommendation videos. I would recommend Olive by Emma Gannon and The Perfectly Imperfect Woman by Milly Johnson 📚😊

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thank you! They’re going on the list x

[@EKats-rm2hu]

I think it would be super interesting to get your opinion on Verity or the good girls guide to murder series. Both kinda shook me and stayed with me a lot more than I expected.. And i am convinced that everyone should read Mariana Zapatas books. They are awesome!

[@gr33neyes1000]

I had the same feelings regarding HAMNET. Not sure if you have already read the midnight library by Matt Haig, if you haven't I highly recommend.

[@luvpilotjordan]

Anxious People - Fredrik Backman (if you haven't) HIGHLY recommend. Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ooooh this sounds interesting! I will check it out, thanks so much 😊

[@Emily-md9yu]

I felt the same way about Sally Rooneys book. It was just ok, I think my expectations were too high after the amazing normal people!

[@LucyJaneWood]

I think something had to break the spell at some point 😂

[@thewildinbetween]

What I personally do and my favorite tip for avoiding the Victorian ghost child that is the TBR stack: buy eBooks for a while. 🤣 Then you can pretend you haven’t added new books to your pile. 😜

[@LucyJaneWood]

I go through big phases with my kindle. I’ll probably rediscover it next time I go on holiday!

[@francescahughes1024]

Based on the books you have talked about I think you would enjoy both the familiars and the foundling by stacey halls

[@LucyJaneWood]

I’ve read both of these and love them so much! I’ve talked about them in previous book vids 😊

[@francescahughes1024]

@@LucyJaneWood I love her writing, maybe that's why I was thinking you'd like them. Have you read her new book Mrs England?

[@bjulalula9537]

So Funny, when you mentioned the mercies i thought that i'll read it because you loved it so much. But the more you said the more i knew "nooooo", i never gonna read that. Who wants to be chilled to the bones

[@yarnivores]

Thanks for the recommendations Lucy ❤️Definitely will be reading Sally Rooneys new book. Speaking of debut novelist. Have you read Romy Hausmann - Dear child? Such a good thriller book📖

[@LucyJaneWood]

I haven’t heard of it but I love a thriller so I’ll take a look! Thank you 😊

[@yarnivores]

@@LucyJaneWood I love a thriller too 🤓

[@MVTay]

I’ve been living in South Korea for 6 years now and the beauty standard here are so harsh and all consuming - for men and women. It’s not uncommon for people to get plastic surgery before a job interview or feel like they have to lose weight before a job interview because they don’t think they’d get the job looking how they do (and often, sadly, they wouldn’t). I could go on about this topic forever, but I’m definitely going to be reading this book as it’s a culture I’ve been living in for so long!

[@cally314]

Have you read any Sarah Waters? She writes historical fiction usually set in London with queer protagonists. The Night Watch and Fingersmith are my favourites.

[@LucyJaneWood]

I haven’t but have actually picked up her books a few times! I’ll have to take the plunge x

[@novemberdag1127]

Always love a good book recommendations video. And what you said about coming of age around 30 is soooo true. I only just started to figure out life and it is amazing to do that alongside you (through your youtube video's that is... ) " You should really indulge in the Midnight Library, I really feel you would enjoy it sooo much!

[@LucyJaneWood]

I read the midnight library recently! It was adorable x

[@marianrlund884]

If you want a warm and fuzzy read, I can recommend The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. 😊

[@LucyJaneWood]

I’ve heard of this one! I will check it out, thank you x

[@theameierhormann254]

Of you like flea writing you should read the poem the flea by John Donne and just feel sorry for us who had to study it

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oh god you’ve literally just made me remember this from school or possibly uni… no thank u

[@janicedeweerd8044]

You working really hard to put together this video. Me: where's your sweater from?🥰

[@tarnya_smith]

Well i've just added 3 more books to my TBR pile....

[@harrietthomas-bush7274]

I don't know what the copy right implications would be but pls put 'hold onto your hobnobs' on a tshirt xo

[@Marshmallow341]

Can’t find you on StoryGraph! Ps. love the jumper!

[@LucyJaneWood]

I popped a link in the description! Hopefully it works?

[@Hillary429]

Which chapter is the flea chapter? I want to sneak in a bookstore and just read that snippet

[@PraiseHisname777]

Are you going to read the new Taylor Jenkins-Reid book Maybe in Another Life? Would love to know your thoughts…

[@LucyJaneWood]

I think that one is actually a few years old right? I saw she announced a new one today though!

[@elsacameron8132]

I love listening to your book recommendations! I finally read "Normal People" and loved it, so will have to try "Beautiful World Where are You". Have you ever read "Burial Rites" by Australian author Hannah Kent? I think you would like it! It is based on the true story of a woman in 19th century Iceland who is accused of murdering her former employer. It is such a beautifully written story and explores the treatment of women in the early 19th century.

[@jacquiheywood3142]

I'm a boomer and I love Sally Rooneys books. I love the writing and story, but dislike every character she writes..LOL I have started Hamlet and put it down. I do intend to suck it up and have another go though. Will check out your other books.

[@Min_Mog]

Oh and The Invisible life of Addie Larue is delightful: historical, supernatural, modern day, romance. Ish.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ooooh okay, I will go and check this out immediately, thank you x

[@jmk1962]

Ha, ha. I thought TBR meant The book Review. I'm old. I don't do Tick Tock or is it Tic Toc?? Captivated by a flea!@#%* Lucy's finally lost it.😯 Great review.

[@LucyJaneWood]

‘Lucy’s finally lost it’ will probably be the title of my autobiography

[@graceclaudia8631]

Which is the best Sally Rooney book do you think? I haven’t read any of them yet! Where should I start? Xxx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Normal People for sure! A perfect book x

[@hattie2525]

Yay! Your back!! 😁 (your new camera however is making me feel bit sick as the background is SO blurred and the foreground SO sharp. Sorry be be a Debbie downer, just being honest!)

[@LucyJaneWood]

Sorry about that! Maybe just listen like a podcast haha

[@felicityrichards]

Lovely video, I really enjoyed your reviews! Have you read The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf?

[@LucyJaneWood]

I haven’t heard of that one, I’m off to google immediately haha x

[@felicityrichards]

@@LucyJaneWood it's non fiction so more dry, but it's an amazing examination of the sexism and misogyny of beauty standards!