The Best Books I Read This Year.

[@califlorican]

I read East of Eden as a teenager for school and it stuck with me. I reread it this year as a 30 year old and it was just as good, if not better, than I remembered. Incredible book!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

It's truly timeless. People will constantly try to reinvent the wheel, but sometimes those classics work so damn well

[@NoelleGallagher]

You and jaylen have convinced me!! I have to read East of Eden asap 🫣

[@jessdekkerreads8792]

I’m with you! I’ve owned it for so long. No more excuses.

[@pdog9372]

Ive already noticed its not so well spread over booktube, at least not among my known corner. But obv worth it

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

omg, hi Noelle!! Now that you've graduated, you've got that time, baby!! (congrats, congrats!! 🎉🎊🎓)

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

this is your sign to buckle up this holiday season and read it out!

[@miraintheforest]

I hated it. Lol

[@babysp1c3666]

I spent the last couple of weeks making my way through all of your videos and now I’m finishing off the binge with a new upload of yours on my birthday it feels like a gift😁! You have introduced me to so many great books I’m so glad I found your channel!!!❤

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!! I hope all your wildest dreams came true. Thank you so, so much for hanging out with me the past few weeks. Cheers to many more weeks to come!!

[@rubyanddelilahandnani]

January 10th is my bday too! Lol I like how you talk about books most people on here don’t talk about. I like buying books that are really hyped, but I like hearing about less known ones as well. Thank you. Also love your sense of humor.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

JAN 10TH UNITE!! And thank you so much!! I'm just having a big ball of fun and I'm glad people enjoy it

[@_jared]

Pnin is a great pick. I'm also a big fan of the odd-numbered lists - 5, 7, whatever. Just pick the number that your list video needs!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Jared! Thanks for popping in! Love your vids! Long live the prime numbered lists

[@SavidgeReads]

I have been WAITING for this video. Possibly all month, possibly all year, possibly all my life. Loved it. What a fab selection of books. I may brave One Hundred Years Of Solitude because of you. I’ll HAVE to give East of Eden a go I think.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Baby, you better get that bath going for One Hundred Years! Suds up and chow DOWN. Happy New year!! Have a nice glass (or two or three) of champagne for me ;)

[@nathansnook]

babes, we love Babz! Sex and Rage is a classic and must be done for the cover alone. reading it al fresco over a caprese salad and a martini is the VIBES! also, just finished The Goodby People by Gavin Lambert which would be a lovely pairing if you want to revel in the parties of Eve Babitz

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

babes for the babz!! Going to commission a tee to say that. Happy New year!! Thank you for bringing class and cinema esteem into my life

[@nathansnook]

@@AnaWallaceJohnson omg pls do it. do it for the LA girlies and ofc bb! love ya!

[@pdog9372]

Steinbergs Level of writing really is on a different Level. Its a Joy to Read that book, really well structured and paced. His tortilla book is on my list for the future

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Honestly, I never felt bored reading EOE. I felt like it was necessary to learn the story. Such fantastic writing.

[@juliak1615]

„Seven - because I love to be unique.“ glad I stumbled upon your channel!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

tehehe! odd numbers are sometimes better

[@saraackerman8019]

LOVED One Hundred Years of Solitude. I have East of Eden on my shelf and now can't wait to read it!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

It's that same family saga feel, but less lush!

[@jobuckley2999]

East of Eden has amazing characters especially the mother. Wow. Also, fantastic writing and the story of two totally opposite brothers and a wise sage uncle. Complex and brilliant. Read it cause Ana said so. It is a great novel. I spied three Christmas cactuses and a dieffenbachia. Lovely room and presenter. Another good time..Thanks.

[@pdog9372]

Underrated book indeed

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

so good!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Jo! Happy holidays to you and yours! Glad you loved the novel. The mother still haunts me to this day, but such an iconic character in her own right.

[@pastorytime2683]

Loved your list and adore Babitz. I bought East of Eden as you loved it so much over the summer! Happy new year. Siân 💚

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Happy New Year, my doves!! Sending hugs and love your way. I hope you love EOE. Babz is undeniably cool and just the perfect amount of badass and we love her for it.

[@bibliosophie]

ooh I'm so glad Pain is on here -- I loved that book. I'll be celebrating your birthday by returning to NYC lol

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

lmaoooo tbh, the cold has made the city smell very nice, so it is a celebration of sorts

[@illchangemyusernamewhenith9130]

YESSS East of Eden is my favorite book of all time I'm so happy you loved it. It's one of those books that has a profound effect on your life. I always recommend it to everyone but I think a lot are intimidated by the sheer girth of it and the fact that it's a classic.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

I absolutely do the same. People look at me like I've had one too many when I recommend it, but don't let that size fool you, baby! Reads like a gem

[@nailea9950]

I have Pnin, One Hundred Years of Solitutde, and East of Eden all on my shelf, I’m definitely gonna be prioritizing these for 2023!! + adding more of your recs to my tbr

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

What a stacked shelf!! You got the goods for 2023, baby!!

[@2wicebittten]

pnin was also one of my favorites of the year!! i thought it was absolutely hilarious as well-- honestly i found it funner than much contemporary/modern humor, nabokov's humor is just so clever and rewarding. my other favs of the year were girls against god by jenny hval, agua viva by clarice lispector, play it as it lays by didion, reborn (diaries '47-'63) by susan sontag, butterfly boy by rigoberto gonzalez, illuminations by rimbaud, and autobiography of red by anne carson.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

ohhh you're coming in with some BANGERS on the faves list. Read my first lispector last week and obsessed with the person she is. Heard so much about Jenny Hval and looking to get into that weird mind of hers (relatable)

[@CJReads]

Ok fine I’ll read Steinbeck

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

2023 is the year of the big boiz

[@ill-2734]

I screamed when u mentioned Pnin!! Fianlly. I never hear of it enywhere. Havent read it yet, but my mum would talk about this book since ever. This made my day :))

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

It's so much fun! Nabokov was in his funny boy era with that one!

[@yarn_apart]

Wow, I've had One Hundred Years of Solitude on my shelve since summer and always wanted to get around to reading East of Eden as well. Will put them on my priority list now :) thank you! Currently reading House of Leaves. I hope you had a wonderful time over the holidays and a happy new year to you🥰

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Happy Holidays and New Year to you! How is House of Leaves? I want to read it soon. Did it scare you? I wanna be scared😱

[@yarn_apart]

@@AnaWallaceJohnson oof it's been a while... got a bad case of the flu and been so caught up on catching up on uni since. So, I'm only about 160 pages in and it sure is unsettling! I didn't find it very scary at the beginning, but it definitely creeps up on you. Still a long way to go, but for me a must read even if only for the experience. Loved all your new vids as always! 🥰

[@GuiltyFeat]

35 years ago someone I looked up to said I should read One Hundred Years of Solitude. They said it would change my life. It did. Happy new year!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Oh, I absolutely love every comment you write. Happy New Year, my friend! Sending love to you and yours

[@MothsAreTheBest]

as a norwegian, your pronounciation of "Knut Hamsun" was pretty damn good!!

[@charlottetaillefer573]

I'm so glad i found your channel. Currently binge-watching your videos (it's a problem, i have work to do)

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Thank you so much for binging! I won't share your secret (work will never know🤫)

[@belen837]

Ahhh so *cool* we’re both Capricorns Ana! January is The Month😎 I’m putting in my TBR for next year hopefully ‘One hundred years of solitude’, it was one of my mum’s favourite when she was about my age, and ‘East of Eden’ because I mean, it’s your No. 1 sooo. Hope you are having a wonderful time back home, surely amazing things to come next year in this little corner of the internet ✨

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Cappys UNITE! When is your birthday? I think you'd love One Hundred Years (mama has got great taste!) can't wait to see what the next year brings 🥂🥂

[@belen837]

January 18th!! We shall toast at each other’s bdays 🥂*cling cling*

[@AshtheViking]

Your video just came up on my recommended feed- Happy Birthday!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

haha! Thank you! I am one year older and hopefully wiser ; )

[@marcellainthemargins]

East of Eden has been so high on my reread list, I think 2023 is going to be the year! Happy new year!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Happy New Year! 2023 is the year of EOE (read it aloud for the rhyme 😋)

[@oohpiee]

One Hundred Years of Solitude is on my tbr for next year, watching this reaffirmed my decision to finally pick it up.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

It's so great. I say read it in the spring. It works so well with a budding backdrop

[@audreybogina1087]

East of Eden. Your taste is truly superb, on another level.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

ilysm. Bury me with that book

[@alattemorning]

OMG I'm so happy your #1 was East of Eden, I FREAKING LOVE THAT BOOK.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

It's such a great story!!!

[@janngio]

I audibly gasped when you said your birthday is January 10th. Mine too! Happy early birthday to us 💕 I've had East of Eden on my radar for a couple months and now I'm fully convinced I need to get to it in 2023.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

WHAT! no way! Capricorns assemble! 👑👑 EOE is an absolute banger and I think you'll love it!

[@jaynm]

ah! so glad lanny made your list! i love max porter.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

I think about that novel so often. Dead Papa Toothwort has influenced me.

[@angelab412]

One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the best books ever of all times and I disregard anyone who dislikes it… so I am glad I have found you

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

hahaha! It's truly a great way to ween out who can stay and who has got to GO

[@liliamuseum196]

SO HAPPY YOU MENTIONED ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE !!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Literally a life changer. Gimme his mind!!

[@nthabiandherbooks]

Love this list, I am looking into disruption for my 2024 reads (doing a no buy situation going into 2023) - this is a great list. I’m shocked 100 years of Solitude wasn’t on your number one because I loved the “film” review you did of it. Lots of interesting books. Have a great new year. Also shout out to all of us January babies.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

!!! OF COURSE you're a January baby. I love it. Happy New Year! Always so happy to see you here. I want to read "Down Second Avenue," next year, on your suggestion. (I'm also trying to buy less--we'll see how that goes 🙂).

[@maddys3955]

Love this! Love the whole vibe 👌🏻😊 keep doing this please! Also your decor is en pointe! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

[@AnaMariaBotoser]

If you liked “One Hundred Years of Solitude”, you should check out “Pedro Páramo”, by Juan Rulfo - it’s another South American classic and a true masterpiece😊

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

oh wow. Just checked it out. Popped it on the TBR. I'm an easy sway

[@sylviashanabrough6515]

I loved East of Eden. I read it many years ago and should read it again.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

It's a perfect novel to return to. I'm sure you'll get more the second time around

[@sylviashanabrough6515]

I went to the thrift store after Christmas and while looking at books I found a copy of East of Eden. No excuses now for not revisiting one of my favorite books.

[@charlest1828]

Read Hunger and had a similar reaction; want to read Pnin now, as I am always intrigued by Russian lit. You are a natural in front of the camera! Subscription added!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Charles! Thank you so much. Pnin is absolutely, 100% worth your time

[@charlest1828]

Just ordered a copy of Pnin!

[@charlest1828]

My TBR pile is gettung large enough to be classified as a geographic landform! 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤣

[@mad3leine]

This is the first video i have seen from you and I really like the way you present yourself:) you have such a flow in your movements, just had to say it. And I liked that Knut Hamsun came up since i am norwegian. I am a bit embarrased to admit i haven't read it (yet), but its on my bookshelf and probably my next read. Can also recommend other norwegian authors that might "strike your fancy" - Tarjei Vesaas and Amalie Skram :)

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Thank you so much! I just love entertaining haha! And Tarjei Vesaas has been coming up so much in the comments lately, so I feel like I should pursue some of his books soon!

[@JoannaT455]

Great list! Reading cockroaches atm on your recommandation! My favorite book of 2022 is The Ice Palace by Tarjei Vesaas, Norwegian book about a young girl that gets lost in icy wintery Norway and her girlfriend that has to deal with this loss. Very beautiful and immersive nature writing and dealing with grief. It is one of max porters favorite books (I listened to a podcast with him about it) which is funny because my worst books last year were Lanny and Grief is a thing with feathers, but Porter's stories are heavily influenced by Tarjei Vesaas work and he took quite a bit from the Ice Palace and The Birds, so a lot of similarities in themes and the magical feeling and kindness towards the main characters and the importance of the villages, so maybe I should read Max Porter again with that in mind. Vesaas tone is a bit darker, melancoIic and serious but still very magical and kind and weird which really spoke to me. So on behalve of myself and Max Porter, haha, I highly recommend the Ice Palace and The Birds by Tarjei Vesaas!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

hahha! oh, I love this comment! Wow, yes. I have looked up both of her novels and the bleakness seems like something I could enjoy (as much as you can enjoy those things). If they're anything like Maxxy P's books, I'll be on the lookout for them at the thrift. Which of Porter's books did you dislike the most? Lanny or Grief? Thanks for the rec!!

[@JoannaT455]

@@AnaWallaceJohnson i liked Lanny more! I think Im just too bitter and sour to enjoy his style! Same with 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders which felt similar in tone in a way, have you read that? I hope you'll find an old copy of the Tarjei Vesaas work. Would love to hear your thoughts! The Birds is only a little bit sad and very sweet! Happy 2023!

[@sierragray11]

AH ok Ana ok I am going to start off the new year reading east of Eden you have CONVINCED me

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

babe, it's the time. get out the cozy socks and blankets and READ!

[@shasoreads]

East of Eden is my top 1 fiction book of the year too. I also made my mom and 2 of my friends read it😂

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

ahaha! sometimes you have to share the taste, baby!!

[@ffiontill5924]

Can you make a top non fiction books everyone should read video? Like of all time kinda thing? One of my goals next year is to read more non fiction and I’m looking for recommendations 😌 I love your presence and energy in these videos. They’re so calming and could listen to you talk all day, would you ever launch a podcast? Thank you for an excellent video hope you had/ have a wonderful holiday season and new year. Can’t wait to follow along your channel next year ☺️

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Wow, thank you so much for all the kind words! I would love to do a podcast eventually (drag some of my friends into it!) As for nonfiction, I can absolutely do a video. What sort of nonfiction interests you? I can curate a special list to help you out

[@bossdeman]

what a beautiful home you reside in......

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Wish I could say my apt in NYC was this nice! My parents know how to decorate a place!

[@HA-cm3eq]

love your channel. I am a big reader :) new subbie

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

subbie love in da house!

[@imalyzathymia]

this video made me subscribe. love it

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

ilysm thank you for hanging out!

[@p4chennorway]

Ana Hei from Norway! Have you ever read Naive Super by the Norwegian author Erlend Loe? His books might be of interest to you and this one is an excellent place to start! Funny enough it has a connection to New York. Loe’s work is incredibly thought provoking and playful. Singular and not mainstream, but incredibly popular and beloved here. Just wanted to give you a shout out! :)

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

OH wow! I just looked it up. I think it's definitely something that I'm interested in. Maybe a deep winter read? I think so! Thanks for the recco!

[@p4chennorway]

@@AnaWallaceJohnson Enjoy Ana!

[@priscilladias8544]

Mauler and Questus by english writer Shawn Williamson. Mauler is indicated by english writer, história and cinema diretor Andrew Sinclair compared with White Fang by Jack London.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Wicked nice!

[@Ohyamads]

Can you put the book name when you’re done with your review too? Had to rewind like 3 times to try and get the name of book 5! Sometimes I don’t want to read it or pay attention to the title until after you’ve reviewed it

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Totally!! Thanks for pointing that out! I sometimes wonder if the picture is distracting, so I quickly take it down. Noted for the next vid!

[@LarryHasOpinions]

great list, a couple of these i didn't know - i hope you're doing well x :-)

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Larry! So happy to see you here. You popped in my head the other day. I'm doing great--I hope you are, too!

[@anushahsyed]

sorry if this is weird but could u do a tour of ur parents' home interior, so so stunning

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

totally not weird! my mom is a decorating queen. I'll see if I can manage a small tour next time I'm up!

[@maddssmithy]

Hi, just wondering what type of camera you film on and what type of mic you use? I will have to read East of Eden. Have heard great things. Nice wrap up!

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Thanks so much! Camera is Sony a7III. For this video I used just a cheap lapel mic (the brand is saramonic). I have used the Blue Yeti in previous vids and sometimes no mic at all (lots of white noise, though). Hope that helps!

[@maddssmithy]

@@AnaWallaceJohnson it does! thank you! the camera quality is great and the sound is better than a lot of other booktubers i watch haha so thats why i asked.

[@bignatesbookreviews]

if you liked east of eden and one hundred years of solitude you should fuck with pachinko 🙏🙏 we love a good family saga

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

Ooooh hell yeah! People keep recommending that to me. I'm keeping the ol eyes peeled for a copy at the thrift dungeons

[@kimberleecatena]

❤❤❤❤😃🙂

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

[@WWS322]

I'm reading only recently published books. They are more understandable.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

I understand that!

[@AnnNovella]

Hunger is amazing.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

10000% agreed!!

[@shttc900]

Cathy is one of literature's great villains.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

1000000000%. But such a great character wow.

[@nikhilvashishth2125]

thala for a reason

[@icedcoffeeandbookss]

Ok woah, I tried reading East of eden last yea4 but it felt racist in the beginning. Is it not? I heard of it bc of Emma chamberlain. I think I still have my thrift store copy.

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

oh, I hope not! The beginning details a lot of the history of the land and the coming up of the family. There's definitely some dated words in there, that I wouldn't condone the use of, so go in with that warning!

[@lamjin1342]

for some reason your goodreads ljnk isn’t working for me. Do you have a username?

[@AnaWallaceJohnson]

I think I remedied it! But if the link doesn't work, my username is Ana WJ