30 Books I Need to Read Before I'm 30 | ad

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[@vesch5083]

Yes, you can't perfectly plan your life with time based deadlines. One never knows what turns you are to take. When I was in my early 20s, I had every intention of going to grad school. Then I had a baby at 24 and decided to put grad school on hold. Then another baby. And another. Anyway, here I am at 45, and I have just been accepted into grad school. So time/age for goals are incredibly flexible and the main point is to love where you are at the moment. Also, my youngest son and I are really enjoying your book. It pairs well as we read Percy Jackson. Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Austen.

[@lauralou1102]

You have to listen to the audio books for the How to Train Your Dragon series. David Tennant is the narrator and it is INCREDIBLE!

[@rynb4868]

autobiography of red is so so moving! Anne Carson's Antigonik is also amazing, she is such a talented poet and author

[@JeansThoughts]

I’m hoping this starts a new obsession aha

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

Ooh, 'Much Ado About Nothing' is my favourite Shakespeare play, it's got a really fun enemies to lovers storyline and some of the wittiest word play! I also really enjoyed The Family Upstairs and as soon as you held it up, I knew Lianne would have sent it to you 😂👌 Great TBR, happy reading!

[@LaChicaMadrilena]

The Ippos King is fantastic! You got me addicted to Grace Draven, I'm about to start Entreat Me and I fear it won't be the last of her books I'm going to read in the foreseeable future!

[@JeansThoughts]

Omg this makes me so happy - more Grace fans!!!

[@MarjaCamargo]

As a Brazilian, I’m really glad to see Paulo Freire on your list. His legacy is, unfortunately, a hot topic in the country nowadays, but his contribution to the field of education is unparalleled.

[@dubbingsync]

If you want more Sci-fi written by Women I would recommend The Mammoth Book of SF Stories by Women. Not the most imaginative title for the book but certainly tells you what it holds. About 40 short stories of various lengths but bound to be something in there for you to enjoy.

[@AnniesBookNook]

This is a great list. One of my goals this year is to finish all of Jane Austen’s novels. I’m planning to read sense and sensibility this month!

[@AnniesBookNook]

OMG I loVE how to train your dragon!

[@FableForager]

I'm not sure if you've heard of this/read it already, but The Angel of the Crows by Katherine Addison is a fantasy Sherlock Holmes retelling based in an alternate London where the 'Sherlock' character is an 'angel' of London. I don't want to say too much because it's better to go into it not knowing much, but there's all sorts of creatures in it. It's definitely different with twists on the typical Holmes stories while still telling them in a familiar way. I really loved reading it!

[@bettymiller5164]

I read Antigone Rising last month because I saw it in one of your videos. It was very thought provoking. I’m reading The Five right now, and Becky Chambers is on my TBR. I read To Be Taught If Fortunate in January and adored it. You always give me great recommendations for books that weren’t on my radar. Thanks!

[@SorgieWrites]

Wonderful Video! Going to work on my Turning 60 TBR😃

[@TheBookishLand]

Happy birthday (in a week or so 🤣) Jean =D I hope you enjoy the books on this list =D A People's History of Chicago and Mad, Bad and Sad and In Black and White added to my book of interests, thanks for sharing them!

[@RoisinsReading]

I'm thinking of making a video soon about 30 classics I want to read before I'm 30. I have about 18 months till I'm 30 and I was inspired by Simon at Savidge reads and also by Seji from the Artisan Geek who has done loads about non western classics which I'd really liek to incorporate if I do it, as well as classic non fiction which I feel like I don't often consider when I'm thinking about classics.

[@eringolive]

I’m midway thru The Mysterious Howling based on your recommendation. It’s charming and fun.

[@JeansThoughts]

I’m so happy you’re enjoying it!

[@Nyledam89]

I utterly failed at my list but it wasn't as realistic as yours I think. Hope you can get to all of these before you turn 30. Mad, Bad and Sad sounds really fascinating. Added it to my wishlist. :)

[@JeansThoughts]

Aha no shame ;) as long as you're enjoying your reading!

[@janebeyondtheacademy_]

You've inspired me to make my own list! I have so many books on my TBR that have been there FOREVER (I'm looking at you, Les Miserables and Catch-22) that I should really knock off. I'm turning 27 this year, so my goal is to read ten off my list each year from now until I turn 30, interspersed with other things I feel like reading of course! Going through my overall storygraph TBR has been enlightening though. I read 100 books last year, and I feel like the list barely saw a dent. It has made me think about how much time I actually have to read vs. how many book there are in the world, and what I want to prioritize. At this point, I read so much more diversely than I used to, and I want to continue that... Why would I keep reading all these books by old white dudes when I can see some different perspectives and support authors who need my support more? My priorities have really changed, and I'm glad for it.

[@christinacampbellbooks]

Sense and Sensibility is my absolute favourite classic of all time! I definitely want to read some Becky Chambers this year :)

[@JeansThoughts]

I’m so excited to read it - I just know it’ll become a favourite too!

[@nessalossehelim5026]

This made me want to make another list! Usually I choose a few books I really want to get to that year. For 2021 some of them are Moby Dick, Erasmus Darwin's 'Temple of Nature', 'Breaking Ground: Pioneering Women Archaeologists' and Valente's 'Orphan Tales'. All of them have been on my TBR for at least a year, some I have started already but were slow reads, and others I haven't prioritized because they are more expensive to buy. Lists give you a good excuse to finally get around to it!

[@amykruse6887]

Much Ado is my FAVE!! My 14 year old read it this year.

[@AndrewBuckleBookReviews]

30 books, that should be easily achievable unless they are all 1000+ pages. Can't recall if I ever thought of it at the time, quite certain I didn't. Should be doing a 60 books to read before I am 60 but as my pile of books changes all the time, be tricky. There are zillions of books that I should have read, not going to worry about them. Finally getting around to watch all the Star Wars in order ... Great video as ever, love your enthusiasm for the books ! Definitely the Aristophanes, loved reading those.

[@lyadmilo]

Oh you should definitely read Anne Carson's translations of Ancient Greek plays! I love them as an actor but I am always curious what classicists think. They are a lil' divisive, I've heard. I also love her translation of Sappho.

[@thebookgeek87]

I love crafting too. It's important to participate in things that ignite your soul. Also yes to dragons. They are also my favorites

[@JeansThoughts]

100% and I love that description ‘ignite my soul’ 👌

[@FaeryLaume]

Thanks for mentioning A People's History of Chicago. I shall have to find a copy of it. Rumor has it that our family includes a bootlegger for Al Capone during Prohibition. A Study in Scarlet Women is on my list to try to get to this year too.

[@Idontneedadevil]

Much Ado is my favourite Shakespeare play, and, I think, my favourite play ever. I actually just did my bachelor's thesis on it. I love Beatrice and Benedick's banter and love, because besides the great shenanigans it also deals a lot with the treatment of women. I really enjoyed the Tennant/Tate version, if you can get your hands on it. I found it on Digital Theatre, which some universities have access to. Look forward to hear your perspective on it!

[@ankitachawla5]

That is SUCH a gorgeous edition of Sense and Sensibility. And i think i'll read it this year too! Also, please do hear Cressida Cowell's series on audio. It has been narrated by David Tennent and that is always a wonderful thing ☺️

[@JeansThoughts]

Ok you're tempting me aha.

[@sotelovillagrandianaitzel5704]

my 25th birthday is in two days, so now I'm going to make a list like yours because I liked what you said and it sounds like fun. I'm an extremely slow reader so I give myself five years to read 30 books

[@JeansThoughts]

This seems like a much more sensible goal than mine ;).

[@thelibrarybat4254]

I recently made myself a "30 books before I'm 30" - I'm 25 but I've put a lot of books on there that are 800 pages or more so it actually feels like a challenge 😂 I've put Juliet Marillier on there as I really want to try her after all your recommendations although I've not specified which one as I'm not sure where's best to start!

[@abreckenfridge]

i devoured the wayfarers series! read it all in a week and cried reading each one.

[@lani6700]

(not poking fun I swear) The word 'Chicago' in your accent is ADORABLE

[@agirlabookandamom6721]

Chilling Effect sounds terrific! I've added it to my books I want to read list!

[@JeansThoughts]

I hope we both love it!

[@circlesofflame]

Hi Jean, I read Men Who Hate Women recently and can I offer some advice? The book is so important and well-researched, but it really made me angry, frustrated, depressed and occasionally left me feeling physically sick. Even though there might never be a 'good time' to read something that emphasises the mindset of some of the people in these incels, please make sure you're in the right headspace before reading it. It wasn't a good time for me to read it, when emotions were already heightened by a pandemic and other life stuff. Breaks in between were also very necessary, otherwise it just felt like an overload of negativity and bile. It makes me sad when I think that Laura Bates had to live in that world when researching, writing and promoting this book. Good luck with your list... there's some great stuff on there!

[@apocalypsereading7117]

love this list! Ovid's on mine too, and has been ever since Metamorphoses blew my mind to pieces, but i always flounder when it comes to picking translations/editions... any recs? especially interested in the Heroides and his exile stuff. that Antigone book looks fab, looking forward to hearing your thoughts on it =]

[@OhioEddieBlack]

If it helps, I would have guessed from looking at you that you were turning 20, not 30 :) Also, good for you for continuing to read books for all ages. I think adults miss out on SO much good lit because they won't read MG or YA. Incorrigible Children books - so fun! Read them all last year and I'm almost 50. Have you read the Temeraire dragon series by Naomi Novik? Or the dragon books by Marie Brennan (the first one is A Natural History of Dragons)? Good stuff.

[@potatoesofdefiance]

MOVING PICTURES is PHENOMENAL!!! One of my absolute favorites (but, then, which work of Sir Terry's isn't!). Am all set to pick up THE TRUTH next. :-)

[@butchpoetics5096]

autobiography of red is really amazing, i read it my first year in university and ending up writing my dissertation about it haha. i hope you end up enjoying it!

[@JeansThoughts]

Aha that is HIGH praise indeed - I'm excited!

[@lani6700]

A Closed and Common Orbit is my favorite of the Wayfarers series and I really really think you will connect with it

[@JeansThoughts]

I’m so excited - I think my anticipation is also the reason I haven’t read it yet!

[@jazzavalon5105]

Oh no😂 I was hoping to see The Priory of the Orange Tree on the list, its huge and I will patiently wait for your review before buying it, cuz I can only trust you to tell us if its a good dragon book hehe💛

[@JeansThoughts]

Dang now I’m thinking it should have been on their TBH - book 31?

[@inessamaria2428]

Clay earrings are so beautiful.

[@maryjohnson6296]

They Were Her Property and Ippos King are on my 2021 TBR. I'm hoping to get to Are Prisons Obsolete? in the next month (it'll be my first Angela Davis book).

[@JeansThoughts]

Oh it is such a phenomenal book! I’m sure you’ll become a Davis convert immediately aha

[@KathyTrithardt]

I saved this to watch on my 35th birthday :D I hope you are able to complete your list.

[@KathyTrithardt]

Also, your jumper is delightful!

[@katri3415]

When I saw the title of this video, I was like ”This is a 30 before 30 list that I want to do too!” and then I realized I`m turning 30 exactly 30 months from today!!! So now I`m superhyped and making my list for my book a month for the next 2,5 years :D I have ie. American Gods by Neil Gaiman, A Room of One`s Own by Virginia Woolf and The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin in my list. So HUGE THANKS for the inspiration!

[@JeansThoughts]

Oh my god I love that - one book a month! What a coincidence!!

[@ggt47]

(Gasps)Ooh? Well,one for. It is the 2020's so great gasby.

[@Iry951]

That's quite a list! Good luck with those 😊 I absolutely adore the original Sherlock Holmes books! Which one is the best retelling book(s) of it you can recommend?

[@JeansThoughts]

Titan do a whole range called 'the further adventures of Sherlock Holmes' written by different authors that I love - David Stuart Davies is one of my favourites.

[@Iry951]

@@JeansThoughts thank you! I'll have to have a look ☺️

[@dsarrazin]

My daughter (who is 12 and has been learning English for the last two years) is really enjoying your Greek Myths book (www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1465491538) which I borrowed from the public library. She is interested in mythology (particularly since she watched me play the video game Immortal Fenyx Rising, which she loved, and wanted me to get her books on the topic). I had some familiarity with the topic and it can get quite complex (and is not always very "family" friendly ;-)) but your book is extremely well written and seems perfect for her age (and we also love the illustrations, although I suspect you didn't have anything to do with them?). She wants me to order her a physical copy of the book, which I have (it is great that she is reading books in English -- she is struggling with English at school a bit, although she excels at everything else). So a big thank you for such a wonderful book (and for helping my daughter improve her English in a fun and interesting way).

[@jodieneary9960]

I have done this challenge for my 30th (coming up April) and it’s been so much fun. I picked 30 classics

[@JeansThoughts]

Eeeh how have you gotten on? :D

[@jodieneary9960]

@@JeansThoughts I’ve got three more to go. It’s been amazing, some new all time favourites and some I have hated 😂 **cough** Moby-Dick **cough** but has been a lot of fun. Slightly terrifying it’s almost over.

[@JeansThoughts]

Well done that’s so impressive!!

[@paulwinchell6904]

The Chicago histories your looking for are by Studs Terkel start with his Working. His books are oral histories of ordinary people and worth it. Sorry to add to your tbr.

[@JeansThoughts]

I checked and the title I actually thought the poetry was inspired by is A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn - but I'll look them up too!

[@nanimaonovi2528]

I second that! On a side note what did Chicago and Discworld have in common? A: A chicken could run across the river!

[@wordsofclover]

This video is just reminding me if I want to do a similar challenge, I only have eight months to complete it. OMG I'm not ready XD

[@JeansThoughts]

YOU CAN DO IT!

[@supernovellas]

I love Much Ado About Nothing (the banter is amazing), but as a warning, one of the side plots is infuriatingly misogynistic (Claudio is the woooorst). On a happier note, the audiobook for How to Train Your Dragon is read by David Tennant and it's delightful!

[@JeansThoughts]

Aha thanks - I think I just expect misogyny to some extent with all pre-20th century literature now which is a bummer.

[@nanimaonovi2528]

You have to read 'How to Train Your Dragon' if only to find out the origin of Hiccup's helmet...

[@JeansThoughts]

Oooooooooh NOW I'm intrigued!