All the books I've been reading recently 📖

[@barbaralemon4170]

I finally read Piranesi! It does not disappoint, even with all the positive reviews,I was still awed with how wonderful this book is! I want to read it again!!

[@Katt_Dubbs]

I’m so happy you enjoyed the books! ☺️

[@nikkivenable73]

Am I the only person who misses Carolyn's reviews on Russian books? 😢

[@rjtxnj]

No, same

[@yogininamaste]

Yes...Russian books please

[@IreneTerenteva]

I agree❤

[@mkashpur7697]

yes

[@yuliamelnikova6220]

As Ukrainian I am sick of them

[@Geet99]

Heyyy love your content 🩷 i got to know a little late but congratulations on your wedding i wish you and leon a very happy and healthy future ❤️ you inspire so many people to read and take enjoyment in the literature, keep inspiring we are here for all of it❤️

[@deborahracette9755]

Happy to see Nature Stories! I bought it about a month ago and will be starting it shortly.

[@isobelpoppy]

The Boy and the Dog sounds so wonderful and heartwarming! I’m currently in the middle of Kafka on the Shore, and although it does have those Murakami problems you mentioned, it’s still a fascinating concept:)

[@maddy-zzz]

I had friends rave about Murakami so I read The Wind Up Bird Chronicle. The descriptions of women/sex creeped me out. I do not get the hype about him at all lol

[@Thetrilingualreader]

There was this interview where someone asked him if there is any meaning to objectifying women this way and he was like what objectification? He had no idea he was doing it. So yeah man is sexist af

[@pamelatarajcak5634]

I just finished East of Eden and it was perhaps the best read of the year! I am obsessed now. I can't wait for you to get back to it!

[@mm34815]

I just read an AMAZING book called Cathedral, by Ben Hopkins. It takes place in Medieval Germany, where different lives are affected by the building of a cathedral in a city named Hagenburg. I literally cried when I finished the book. The way that the lives are all connected is so wonderful. You follow the lives of peasants and merchants, noblemen and church Canons, architects and heretics. It truly is a beautiful book.

[@asan1050]

Carolyn Thank you for all your book recommendations!

[@haerhawk]

I'm currently atleast 75% of the way through Siddhartha & I've started reading letters to a young poet by Rilke I'll Also be starting Canterbury tales by Chaucer for college July was a very fulfilling month for me ❤❤

[@AyushKarotra-s9m]

siddhartha is one of most fav. books

[@maypasifiki9360]

Siddhartha was a required reading when I was a senior in high school. I can't remember much about it but I remember it being interesting

[@JaroslavP]

I think it's rather therapeutic for me to share your joy of books. Thank you. I will look at some previous recommendations, especially Russian literature. Am going to a city next week (Ottawa, Ontario), and will be doing a bit of browsing. And buying. I tell you, I'd rather lose any other sense, but not sight. I have been a reader all my life, and can't imagine how there are others who do not read, or are no longer able to read, such as my mom. She taught me to read- it's her fault! Thank you again for your stream- nay, a lively river. Take care.

[@lorr123x]

You come across so kind and sweet 😊 me and my daughter love watching your videos.

[@paradise_nsh]

I have read the red bean paste and 1q84 last year. I enjoyed both of them alot.. As a fan of japaneese literature happy to see you are reading them. With 1q84, you won't feel the change in the storyline up page 800 or 900. He just bultup the story. Afterwards, there would be really weird changes! It is not my best Murakami book, however, I loved it!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed them both! Hmmm interesting

[@michellealmer1125]

I read Alka Joshi’s Jaipur Trilogy. I fell in love with the sight’s, sounds, and scents of India! I didn’t want it to end. She has another book coming out next year.

[@udishaverma7862]

So far this month I have only read 2 books, Willa of the Wood by Robert Beatty, and When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill. I'm currently reading Th Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson, and The Power of Habits by Charles Duhigg.

[@starlasell5698]

Your reads sound so beautiful. I added Sweet Bean Paste to my tbr immediately. I'm just starting Dear Life by Alice Munro. Thank you for the video!

[@jamesduggan7200]

No, sadly I've read none of those featured : ). However, I did make a new tbr last week which includes East of Eden. Maybe next time we'll have more in common? I hope so. Ths - enjoyed

[@neshkavirdure8289]

LOOved Sweet Bean Paste Too😊❤️📚

[@caspiansvensson]

I want to thank you for your love of japanese literature, it has made me intrigued and now I love it. I just finished "What you are looking for is in the library" and it is a new favourite book of mine. I mostly borror books from the library and I am currently waiting for "When the coffe gets cold" (I think that is the title). You opened my eyes to a new world. I am not a manga boy and I think I used to just lump it all together and therefor not bother with japanese literature, until I came across your channel.

[@__rishikasingh]

I love such videos where you show pictire books (if i may say so) Id love to see you recommending more such books Carolyn

[@lexiscardinale6186]

When I was a little girl, I loved because of winn dixie. Its just so good and warms the soul.

[@raphaelh.9911]

Hey, I've recently picked up some Japanese literature for the first time, starting with "Days in the Morisaki Bookshop" and now I'm reading "Kitchen" by Banana Yoshimoto. Both of them are rather short novels and great for a summer read. I had some mixed feelings with the first one. Although I felt that there are two many gaps in the story and the character development, for me in order to get to know the characters on a deeper level, I was intrigued by this kind of calm and mysterious way of telling a story. I haven't finished "Kitchen", yet, but I find it even more intriguing. It deals with grief and loneliness in an urban setting and the importance of human connection and one of my favorite topics in literature: cooking and how much comfort a delicious meal can bring.

[@LoriCremer]

Thank you for all your book recommendations! I’ve gotten quite a few of your recommendations on my list to read😊Right now I’m re-reading the Cormoran Strike novels by Robert Galbraith. I love that series so much. Have you read them? I thought I’d mention that since you enjoy JK Rowling’s writing. Such great characters!

[@joceanna3461]

I love them too. JKROWLING is so talented.

[@WaterBearReads]

All your videos are so relaxing! 💜 Thank you!

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

Sweet Bean Paste has been on my wishlist for two years now, hopefully I get to it! I am currently reading Normal People by Sally Rooney. I was on the fence about it for years, but you have convinced me, and I am so glad because it is already so dear to me just 50 pages in.

[@efluvial]

Hi Carolyn I started East of Eden when you did. I too am reading it slowly though I am a third of the way through the writing is beautiful. It is taking me a while to get into the story though.

[@circleofleaves2676]

Murakami's writing of women is horrendous. Re his writing of women in Norweigan Wood being "not great but not terrible", there are some scenes in there that are definitely terrible in my eyes, one in particular towards the end. He's definitely known for his strangeness. Kafka on the Shore was the first Murakami I ever read, in my 20's (I'm in my mid 40's now). It was really interesting, but trigger warning for animal cruelty. I would like to re-read Sputnik Sweetheart and see what I make of it today. The Only Child looks so beautiful, I just love the illustration style. You introduced me to Brian Selznick so thank you for that. It's so hard to pick a favourite of his, but it might be Wonderstruck. I'm in the middle of an unhinged number of books. The majority of them are non-fiction though which is easier in terms of having bookmarks in a big stack of books. A lof of nature writing at the moment for me - Robert Macfarlane, Nan Shepherd, and others.

[@vintagelace7076]

Some books illustrations are gorgeous. The Gift of the Magi has beautiful cover. I would love to see you straighten your hair one day it's would be gorgeous

[@denisefreitas6727]

Carolyn, i also love Wave, it's a wonderful book! I'm dying to read Ferris, by Kate Di Camillo. And Sweet Bean Paste has a film adaptation called Sweet Bean (2016), by Naomi Kawase. I watched it on Prime Video.

[@myweakness1883]

My sweet spot is 3 books at a time (1 physical, 1 audiobook, 1 ebook), but at one point this month I found myself reading 5 at once 😅 Also you made me want to revisit Murakami - his first book I read was Sputnik Sweetheart (5 stars) and then I picked up Norwegian Wood and I just didn't vibe with it, it was so hard to get through 🫠

[@cafeaulivre]

I just finished Annihilation by Jeff Vandermeer, a Lovecraftian horror/scifi novel that really has you on the edge of your seat, and I finished Annie Bot, a novel about human relationships, but through the eyes of a very advanced AI companion robot. Both great recommendations!

[@ralanca2352]

The boy and the dog sounds like it would make me cry

[@bookitwithwendy21]

Love, love your video's! You are so sweet, and you love all my favorite Authors!❤❤❤

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw I'm so glad!!!

[@sandyrivers3037]

I’ve had East of Eden for years and haven’t read it either! Now I’m waiting to hear what you have to say about it

[@KMort]

I think I read east of eden in 3 sittings, I couldn't think about anything else. Maybe put it off until it can be your main focus because it deserves to be binged.

[@adoreeandrian7508]

Few weeks ago I joined your book club. And started 1Q84, however I DNF it (for now) because I wasn't feeling like reading it. I don't know if it's due to my big reading slump since May. I'll start Lord of the ring by the end of the summer. I feel like doing it backward 🤭 PS : Currently reading Sense and Sensibility and will start Anna Karenina after I finish this one. Thanks to you 💛

[@johnthomas1686]

East of Eden is AMAZING!!!!!!!! It is a page turner. . . KEEP READING IT!!!!!!!!!!! Currently reading: Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy, The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley, and All That She Carried by Tiya Miles. Miles is non-fiction.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I WILL!!! :)

[@lapvona]

i just finished orlando and i’m continuing my long journey with madam bovary. i might start a new book however

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I loved East of Eden and 1Q84 was an interesting reading.

[@brentmonnett953]

Carolyn! Most recently I finished reading Thomas Pynchon, Virgil, and Vladimir Nabokov. I want to read some T.S. Eliot and Louis Ferdinand Celine next. I might do a Dostoyevsky re-read as well. Please let us know how East of Eden progresses for you! P.S. Murakami intrigues me as well. I need to read Kafka on the Shore at some point. Cheers!

[@gulaybagirova8101]

I am reading New Brave World by Aldous Huxley. Liking it so far. Hope I will enjoy more as I keep reading. I have been wanting to read 1Q84 for so long. But I am hesitant because of its thickness. I am looking forward to watch your review about it🌸✨

[@sherribugd3799]

I picked up a bunch of Japanese lit recommendations that I saw by you!

[@colleenbarry]

Hi Carolyn, I am interested in the mini bookmarks. Are there limited quantities of them? Will you be creating more designs of the bookmarks? Thank you.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I'm so happy to hear that! There is a limited quantity, but I'd be happy to bring them back again in the future :) Yes, I'd love to create more designs for the bookmarks!

[@neshkavirdure8289]

Thank You So Much For These Book Recommendations😊📚👍👍I Still am In Middle -Earth( Almost Done with The Two Towers😁I also Am Reading in Small Chunks The Princess Bride( Love it😊), Yumi and The Nightmare Painter By Brandon Sanderson(REALLY REALLY Loving It😊😊), AND The Do-Over By Lynn Painter( Really Loving It😊😊)📚

[@mishelly]

I’m stuck on 1Q84 too. 🙄 I also knew it was supposed to be bad. But it’s worse than expected it’s boring to read on and on about the details of breasts and nipples. 🤦🏽‍♀️ and I had to set it aside. It was putting me into a big rut

[@crimsonwhispersva2498]

If u love illustrations and graphic novels I suggest reading Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Haru by Joel Letham he illustrated and wrote it as well as self-published it himself, and I adored it so much 😊

[@martinelanglois3158]

There is not enough time to read everything! Currently reading "Baudolino" by Umberto Eco but what will I read next? LOTR? Emma? Pride and Prejudice? 🙆‍♀️❤📚

[@neshkavirdure8289]

I Want To Read Ferris Much📚😊

[@daniellesarah_]

Been reading - catching fire and dr of Hiroshima - listening to : frankenstein

[@mylenefrancois]

I'm seriously considering DNF for 1Q84, the depiction of women obsessed by their own breasts and having male fantasies is not doing it for me... should I really continue? Is it worth it? I'm a little bit intrigued by what is going on but not enough to put myself through those scenes! I discovered Nature Stories through your channel and loved them! Reading one or two per day is a great way to approach this book ;)

[@CarolineLeSage-k7s]

We need more of Willow in your videos 😊🐶

[@CarolynMarieReads]

It would be my pleasure to have her in them more :)

[@mirjfur]

I hope East of Eden will inspire you to create your John Steinbeck Author Portrait with the special gold foiling someday! ♡

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oooo I'll definitely consider doing that!

[@jetabone46]

1Q84 is the first and only book by Haruki Murakami that I've ever read and I'm not totally sure that I'll read another one from this author 🤷‍♂️

[@toliyeptho3313]

Just randomly thought of Willow, how's he doing?😆

[@michalaharesnape5434]

Hi Carolyn, I’m a new subscriber (from England, like your husband I see!) I’ve been really enjoying going back through your videos. I’ve had a great reading month some highlights have been, ‘Lula Dean’s little library of banned books’ by Kirsten Miller, ‘The last witch of Scotland’ by Philip Paris and ‘The burial plot’ by Elizabeth MacNeal. I’ve also picked up from the library ‘Chess’ by Stefan Zweig and ‘Galatea’ by Madeleine Miller because of your recommendations, thank you x

[@catherinevallek]

I was cringing so badly at the beginning of 1Q84, but then I got into the story and kind of could ignore the terrible descriptions. In the end I enjoyed it 🙈

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So glad you felt similarly and that you enjoyed it in the end!!

[@catherinevallek]

@@CarolynMarieReads hope you enjoy it too!

[@sandyrivers3037]

We forgive you.

[@lunaginebra]

After all those weird reviews about Murakami I’m less and less interested in reading him haha I don’t think the fact that “that’s his style, how he writes and what he’s known for” really excuses the weirdness and (probably because I haven’t read him 😅) misogynistic tints on his female characters

[@nka30]

The way Haruki Murakami wrote about women put me off so wasn’t a fan of this book. And unfortunately this was my first introduction to his work.

[@chelleandpoppy6379]

I flew through 1Q84 and it’s still haunting me! Interesting you preferred Tengo to start because I definitely was more intrigued by Aomame at first, but Tengo grew on me. I will say the first book definitely was very sexual and lots of trigger warnings for sure. I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrators did a great job! Edit: I finished Leaves of Grass this week and it was perfect in every way 🥲