APRIL TO AUGUST BOOKS | sunbeamsjess

[@lese91]

This doesn’t really apply to you as someone with a high degree of education in literature but when I was younger (12-18) we were encouraged to write in our literature books for school and now when I reread those books it absolutely adds to my reading experience. I laugh and laugh at what teenage me was thinking about Frankenstein or The Bell Jar or The Catcher in the Rye. I can also see how I’ve grown and understand ideas in a different way. I don’t know if this is an American pov or a southern American pov but I’ve never understood the sanctity of not altering a book in any way. It almost doubles the function of a book into not only its original purpose but also a memory of a time in your own life. Obviously, this happens naturally when reading a book (you remember certain things about your own life from when you read it) but writing in your books enhances that aspect. Plus, I love the idea of my children or grandchildren reading my books and feeling a connection to me. Just my unnecessarily detailed two cents!

[@GeorgieeMaee]

Janie Tyrell i completely agree!

[@MyWayofEverything]

Lol. Pacific Northwest definitely has the "sanctity of the unaltered book" POV. lol I cringe when I have a book gifted to me with a note written inside. I appreciate the thought but my heart hurts for the book. idk

[@remyleigh7535]

you should make a podcast

[@dollface106]

do you have a system to get through so many books? i either sit and read for hours or not at all...i want to get on your level

[@aya-nk1xq]

Eileen Tierney same Question 😅

[@Annemiiekex]

Reading for hours is the best 😍✨ But what helps me is just to bring my book, preferably not too big and/ or addictive, everywhere I go and sneak in a few pages whenever I can. When I’m waiting on the bus, during my lunch break, after dinner and before bed etc.. This is just what works for me, I know I’m not Jess but I hope it’s helpful (: Ooh and if you can, reading more than one book speeds things up, but it’s not for everyone.

[@zenhyejin]

Yess same question. Please make a video on this

[@xocoolchickxo]

What I personally do is aim to read 50 pages a day. That takes me about 30 minutes which doesn’t seem overwhelming and I can feel like I don’t have to schedule out time In order to achieve that daily amount. If I’m really up for it I will read 100 pages a day by splitting it up into 50 pages in the morning and 50 pages in the evening. That also seems like a less overwhelming option for me personally. I can get through books pretty fast by these methods but also find that the more often I read, the faster I get at reading and the quicker I can fly through books. Hope this helps 👍😊

[@lacroix9697]

Personally I like annotating because looking back it helps me reflect on my thought process. I also don't like keeping my books in perfect condition because I like a book to be well loved and if that means annotations and tabs then so be it!

[@lydiagracew]

La Croix I’m exactly the same! So many people like keeping books pristine but I like them to feel well loved x

[@izabelalodangco5714]

ok let me grab a snack and hop in the bath...... thanks for the 40 min!!!

[@Loumoyleart]

the thumbnail is adorable

[@fionawilkes5866]

i'm a big annotator! i'm an english and history uni student but have been annotating my books since early high school. not only is it great for flicking through books i've studying/writing about to find certain parts and the ideas that they evoke but i also do it with recreational reading. one of my favourite things to do is pick up an old book of mine and see what sections stood out for me / moved me / made me think of something in the past and consider how different it is now. it's a huge nostalgia thing for me. when i hold a book i feel like i'm holding a living breathing thing. books i've completely adored become almost sacred (even if they are a bit battered and bashed from being so well-loved and carried from place to place with me!) i often open books and find polaroids or scraps of paper with notes to myself on them too. so, in summary, i am a pro-annotator and book-abuser (because it shows the love, i promise!) xxx

[@mmjaaay]

What kinds of annotations do you make? I too would like to annotate my books to 'save' my thoughts about certain things, but I honestly just highlight. I am really curious to know what people annotate! x

[@oliihk]

Yeahhhhhhh this is what I wantttttttttt thank you jess

[@francine38]

Reading and marginalia go hand in hand for me. As a child, I would circle new words and note the meanings in the margin. Other than feeling awkward when lending out a book, I am happy to be able to look back on my thoughts. It also provides my mind an exercise in connectivity with the writing and the story. I never highlight or underline. I will scribble in pen in the outer margin and I will make a dot at the top outer corner if I have notes on the page. I also list important page numbers at the back of a book. And I love finding reader annotations in used books! Thanks for sharing your reading life Jess.

[@caevlogs8]

I'm ready for all 40 minutes

[@tina7151]

I also have a Goodread, this is how I rate my books: 1 star I hated it so much that it's torture to finish; 2 star didn't really like it but not as bad to read; 3 just satisfactory; 4 good read; 5 something i enjoyed/very memorable PS I love writing on my books, I think it's a treasure to find some hidden facts/thoughts from the past readers. But I try not to cover any texts. My grandpa used to place the date started and ended in all the books he read. And it's nice to see how he sometimes reads a certain book multiple times.

[@Weihnachtsgans1]

Looooved this, you have such a good taste in books! I‘d love to watch a video about your favourite booktubers as well! 🤗

[@ZohraMaura]

Apparently its great to annotate because you might go back, reread the book and find something completely new you didn’t see at first reading, so its fun to compare! Xx

[@allelusivepieceofmind]

These videos are the ultimate stress relief, a cuppa and listening to you talk about books for 40 min is so peaceful

[@shashuhughes]

These are my favourite videos of yours. Whenever I’m in a slump and I haven’t read for a while these always get me re-inspired and motivated to read more. Thank you :)

[@becksafe1658]

so many books it's beautiful! I loved reading the variety of books whilst at university and I feel like my taste for literature has matured over the course of my studies. However, I feel that after university I've sadly lost my drive to continue reading a lot of books. Your videos inspire me to get back into reading! Can't wait to read some of these :)

[@aprillll96]

Aside from one or two, every book that I have bought over the past year and a half have been selected from your book videos. Love the series and you are always a reliable source of recommendations.

[@juliagats4302]

For Neil Gaiman, I 100% recommend Good Omens. It’s incredibly witty and full of dry humor (which I love). Basically it’s about the coming of the apocalypse, and a bunch of different characters try to either stop or continue it. Although, it does get a bit boring in the middle, but I literally stayed for two specific characters (the angel and the demon) because they were the cherry on top of the novel. But yeah, love all your book vids! I was particularly happy with the length of this one HAHA can’t wait for more 💖

[@didu2689]

I follow you on Goodreads but I had no clue about your rating system, I just love to discover more things about you because you seem so genuinely amazing. Loved the video!

[@margaretmarynotcontrary9170]

I used to think I would NEVER do anything to alter a book, but then I realized I love when you buy and old book and find an inscription or a poem in the cover, or notes and underlines throughout the pages. I like the idea of someone reading one of my books in the future and finding it so.

[@charlinelahaye737]

Omg, two videos in two days! LOVE that!!!

[@emmacauvin]

I just love your book videos and I really like the idea of making them a monthly-ish series so that you can discuss fewer books more in-depth. But I'd appreciate any format of your book videos really, you are very articulate yet you still manage to get to the point. xx

[@knongknongs]

Oh, Jessie! Neil Gaiman is my favourite writer so DO I have recommendations for you! I would say story-wise, Neverwhere is similar to American Gods as it has that same sort of magical characters set in real life element (I havent read it myself but my good friend who loves American Gods also loves Neverwhere). It's set in London too so you might enjoy it on a deeper level than us who don't live in London. My all-time Neil favourite is Stardust though because the language he uses is so gorgeous and I love beautiful writing. That being said, I haven't read a Neil I haven't enjoyed, and he writes so many types of literature from graphic novels (his Sandman series is iconic) to children's novels (try Coraline! it's short and creepy) and so many types of genres from horror to fairytale, that I'm sure you'll find something other of his that you'll love. :)

[@cozymonica]

I'm trying to get into annotating my books! I love how personal it looks and it is really helpful afterwards when reviewing.

[@aubreyjo89]

I totally understand not wanting to write in your books. When I have a beautiful brand new work of fiction I couldn't dream of marking it up! But I also feel like it's crucial to write notes when reading non-fiction. It makes the book feel like I've left my stamp on it and like it's something more special than a pile of papers. I don't know if I'll ever get to that point with fiction but I do see the value of it, especially when you have a need to glance back through it and get your bearings quickly.

[@learandall9237]

I feel the same way about annotating my books! I personally just use sticky notes because I can just take them out and have a pristine book after if I want :)

[@christinefrazier]

I love annotating in books it really helps me absorb material but I always annotate in pencil. Excited about participating in book club. i read lois lowry the giver when i was a kid and only remember it vaguely. So excited for a monthly book tube video!

[@luke28]

I love how personal and detailed you review your books! Thank you Jess!

[@aprillll96]

Just want to add something about 'The Vegetarian', as I read that earlier this year. I found both the narrators' relationships with the protagonist both disturbing and fascinating. She was clearly very trapped by her mental health, which was not understood by any of the narrators. It was sad but clever how each narrator seemed so wrapped up in the way that they either fetishised her disturbed nature or negated the validity of her condition. We do read excerpts from her protagonist every now and again, which helps us piece together the episode that led to her disturbed mental state. It was a book I massively enjoyed reading and although it was a short one, I only read a couple of chapters per night. I recommend others to do the same, as I think the reader will benefit from letting each section sit with them for a bit before picking it up again.

[@TheSlumse]

I freaking love American Gods, it might be my favorite book. I’ve read it twice and I must admit, the first time I understood absolutely nothing. But the second time, oh my god... it is amazing! I’m from Denmark and love the way Gaiman use the Norse mythology, especially his portrait of Odin. I must say, you do need quite a lot of basic knowledge about the different religions, but all the hints he drops through out the story are amazing, but I didn’t discover them until second time reading it. I’ve also read Amanda Boys, which is no where near as good as American Gods.

[@AlicePorter]

I annotate my books! I hated doing it first (like you said, it feels like a sin) but now I'm used to it I don't know how I couldn't, especially when I'm reading for my degree because it's really helpful in seminars and discussion based-tasks and I found it really helpful when I ran an online book club as it was a good way of noting down my thoughts in a casual and relaxed way xxx

[@LisIsInRainbows]

Could you do a video where you talk about your top 10 favorite books? I’d love to see it!

[@PriscaL]

Love a good long book video. As far as annotating goes, I find it easiest on ebooks. I really don't care if I highlight or add notes to an ebook because I can easily tap and delete them if I want (also really easy to search thru the book). This of course only applies to books you would be reading on a kindle etc. and I know a lot of people are very opposed to ebooks in general.

[@yikes268]

My favourite Neil Gaiman book is Neverwhere, it's set in the London sewers. There's also Good Omens that he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett, it's about angels, demons & witches.

[@JessTree]

I love to take notes when reading a great book, but I also love to lend my books to friends. I feel like if I were to physically write in them, I would leave little spoilers or somehow influence what the person reading should think. But if it works for you, I say go for it! Love your book review videos!

[@kylagarlid401]

What a lovely long vid!! Thank you JESS

[@ericarobbin]

Love your book review videos. I really enjoy annotating whether for personal satisfaction or reviews. It helps me reflect and sort out my thoughts. I like being able to reference back to quotes or concepts or to help me remember what I want to include in my reviews. Usually I'll highlight words or lines that made an impression on me and maybe write a few words here and there depending upon whether it's a physical or digital copy. I won't write negative words or harsh critiques in books though. I personally don't want any books on my shelves or pass-it-alongs to look like a graded paper. The only exceptions are digital ACRs which typically end up looking proofed, by using red highlight :) and I just write simple notes in my notes app. If there's something I read in a book that is life changing, that's outside of an actual book critique, I'll reserve that for my journal.

[@jamaicanadiangurl]

I like annotating and underlining with pilot frixion pens as they are erasable, and I can use different colours to represent different thematic concerns, which is super helpful if I decide to write an essay based on it. My primary school teachers had definitely instilled in me a fear of permanently marking texts, and only encouraged underlining with pencil if extremely necessary. Though I must say, I hate when I buy a used book only to discover annotations made by the previous owner in permanent ink! so distracting! lol

[@Gmcw002]

Hi lovely Jessie! I'm a freelance book reviewer and I annotate even if just underlining and starring. Once you break the seal, so to speak, I think you'll love it, too! This was a great video; one of my faves of your book ones. I actually think I might like this way best: less detail in vids and more detail in the written reviews on your blog x P.S. Love all your videos. You have such a calming, lovely, intelligent, and cool vibe!

[@PriscaL]

So I totally tried to buy Ordinary People today but it's not out in the US until April 2019! Good thing I've read the Giver.

[@melissagrindon9074]

Just started my Masters in Writing... time to binge read! It's research, right? ;) Well done on completing your Masters, Jess! I loved this video and can't wait for more xxx

[@jholmie6016]

yay love your book videos!!!! really wanna read The Vegetarian, as I've been reading some critical theory on the connections between vegetarianism and feminism. and as far as annotation goes i am a crazy annotator. it's not spoiling a book imo, it really enhances my experience (and memory!) of the book

[@carolinah6472]

I really recommend The ocean at the end of the Lane by Neil Gaiman, it’s so good. And I also like Good omens that he wrote with Terry Pratchett but I don’t know if it is the sort of book you would like:).

[@lermaline8233]

The thumbnail is adorable 😄 another book video, yes !!

[@charlielauren2674]

I love annotating in books, when I studied them and wrote my own thoughts and comments everywhere, marking the pages, the book felt lived in and like it was actually mine - especially when you own the books yourself and you don’t have much intention of loaning them out!

[@Wolfhailstorm]

Neil Gaiman is another of my faves! I'd recommend Coraline, The Ocean at the end of the lane and his Sandman graphic novels (although I've only read vol. 1)

[@aquaviolin07]

Yay! Normal People is one of the two longlisted books I've been wanting to read, and October will be perfect timing for me. I'll be interested to hear what people reading along think of it.

[@thukiet4642]

So excited when I saw this video. This is exactly what I need now. Thank you Jess!

[@kaylyn3299]

When I'm reading I underline my books and write little comments in the margin. I don't know if I would equate it to the annotating I did as an English major or in high school because my comments & marks don't really point out literary devices or anything like that. I love to review books on Goodreads and because I do it right after reading a book the memory is fresh.

[@GeorgieeMaee]

my a-level english lit teacher told me that whenever i read a book i should always have a pen in my hand! am forever highlighting, underlining, annotating my books (out of choice). especially with classics, plays and dystopians as i love to look into the context. 💓

[@jujumitko]

I just noticed you misspelled han kang in the description great video I really enjoyed and appreciated it ❤️

[@nicole_deeann]

I love your book videos! One of my favorites! I am definitely similar to the others as I enjoy reading but I don't read as much as I want to. My stack of "to read" are relatively small at the moment, as I am due to go book shopping. ☺

[@AndxxNatalie]

I share the annotation guilt! I feel less guilt if I know I'm going to like the book enough to keep it and re-read it, because then it makes sense to write on it, but I feel bad if I'm unlikely to read it again/didn't like it (and would likely donate it because I know people won't pick up books that have been written on). The problem is, I often don't know whether I like a book until I'm partway through, and then I'm unlikely to start writing in it or start over. Maybe I should do 4/5 star tbrs and just write in those. Also thank you for taking one for the team and warning us about Clariel. I've heard it's universally disappointing from a variety of reading opinions that I trust, so I think I'm just going to avoid reading it and let the series stand as something I love.

[@helenamondragon8817]

So many great recommandations. I’ve loved the Luminaries, and I just can’t exactly explain why. I thought it was well written, though sometimes slightly long, however I couldn’t stop reading it.

[@TheHeyMoo]

This is how high school me annotated, I had a post-it per chapter which I wrote on and kept in the book. 🤓

[@TheFoxJiu]

40 minutes long?! Ahhhh I'm so excited, that is all I want

[@lubeeluonline]

I recently read The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo which was an incredible read based in Hollywood. And a similar title but totally different book, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle which is a mystery with a twist.

[@Annemiiekex]

Yes! I’m soo here for these book video’s! 🙌🏻✨ I’ve been buying too many books already lately and after this video I’m sure my list will grow haha 🙈😳 Thankfully the holiday sales are coming up soon.. 😅

[@Liv-zx2dp]

PLEASE do NOT get rid of this hairstyle I am LIVING for it !

[@Cristina-rr9rf]

I definitely never, ever write on my books! I love my entire collection and hope to pass it in to my children but I do keep a little journal to write thoughts and lines that stayed with me during a book or so. So in these journals they’re exclusively for “book notes” if that’s what you can call them and I keep separate journals for planning or personal writing. I label my notes w page numbers or chapters. It helps me have all my notes in one place and i don’t have my books ruined. But i will say it’s so nice to pick someone else’s book up and read if they’ve left any notes, also my system works for me bc I like to flip through my journals. I’m not sure how someone who wanted to read exactly what they’ve written on a specific book at the exact time they’re rereading or so. Just my thoughts😃😉👍🏻⭐️

[@danielapiovesan3791]

When I was younger I would NEVER write on a book, but after doing two IB literature classes I found out it’s really necessary. It is the best way to analyse a book. Ps: loved the luminaries ❤️

[@Lisa-qt4hh]

Great video Jess!! I would love for you to read (if you haven't already) and talk about 'The Prestige' written by Christopher Priest. It is a sciencefiction novel/a psychological thriller and I really like the book and the film adaptation :)

[@orangeelliot]

Feedback that other people may or may not agree with: I don’t love having you read the blurbs on the back of the books to us. I would rather just have, like, a sentence from you on what you remember or what expect the book to be about (after reading the blurb yourself, perhaps). Obviously not a big deal! I just always skip ahead during those parts of your videos, and I thought that if I were you, I’d want to know that. Love these book videos-keep ‘em coming!

[@laugt440]

The Elena Ferrante, my brilliant friend series is so good. Maybe a lot of people already had recommended those books to you ( sry if i'm an other one of them XD ) but yeah i think you would like those. I've read Jamaica Kincaid, the autobiography of my mother that you recommended and i just adored it! So thanks for all the good recommendations.

[@michalinastelmach8945]

I would love if you made more videos about books and literature, you have an amazing voice ! x

[@sinahasler562]

Lovely! I'd Love to know what you think about The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. I have such mixed feelings about it!

[@karolines.9136]

Loved the video - so many good recommendations, thank you!! Concerning annotating books - the way i do it is I underline sentences or passages I really liked or I found paticularly interesting, sometimes I jot down some if my thoughts besides it (usually squeezing tiny letters into the margins). I dont always do it but it makes it more enjoyable to reread books as it is fascinating to see what I thought the first time around. Oh and I always use a pencil for my "just for fun" books, if it's a book for Uni I go heavy handed with highlighters, pens and post-it notes :) xx Karoline

[@tashcordwell9142]

Hello, I was just wondering if you had any favorite book tube channels with similar styles of reading as you?

[@Wolfhailstorm]

I'm loving this massive collection of reviews! I was actually expecting it to be a haul of books or something haha! I'll have to add you on Goodreads! I'm enjoying your taste in books... Quite thought provoking! I really loved The Vegetarian. It was one of those books I felt like I couldn't express my thoughts eloquently enough but I adored it. I'll keep what you said in mind about Elenor Oliphant as I've been interested in reading it! I love The Old Kingdom trilogy by Garth Nix, I've done so many videos about them haha but yes, I found Clariel to be the weakest, so when I say its a fave series I mean the original trilogy haah! I did the exact same with reading them around that age and then rereading them in my teens hahaha Also, I'm currently vlogging for October and I just had to mention you! I've fallen in love with your channel, I hope you don't mind haha xD

[@carysjones2804]

Your book videos and your vlogs make my day!! Thanks for being such an inspiration!!🎉

[@maxinegaomas1804]

YOUR VOICE IS SO CALMING

[@millienagle4039]

for a Neil Gaiman recommendation I thought Neverwhere was amazing!

[@mariarcgi39]

THANKS! I was in a serious need of new book recommendations hahaha Also about Neil Gaiman,I recommend Good Omens (written with Terry Prachett) as it a more satire version of goods and their relationships in the modern world

[@coleowl31]

Definitely settled in with some dark chocolate and ice cold water (what a combination) watching this!You inspire me to pursue more literature and become more versed in education.

[@hollyamber4578]

These are my absolute favourite videos!!!

adding all to my amazon bag now!

[@batfacedgirl]

Loved this!! Also, in my opinion there's no such thing as an overload of book themed content haha

[@jennigedney]

i’ve heard so many good things about neverwhere by neil gaiman!!

[@thailacommons5935]

YAY! Love these videos I'm so so excited for this! Thanks Jess!

[@katk2265]

I am all for writing in books, I wish I had always done it! I need this haul and I need to know what you think of City of Saints and Madmen! I live for Jeff Vandermeers writing, it is very intense and destinct tho 👌🏻 Is it your first book by him? I imagine it could throw people off it is quite something 😄

[@ornaciav8441]

yay i was so happy to see this in my subscriptions! i love these videos

[@MollyLyonNotes]

Oh my gosh your eyeshadow is gorgeous. I’ve wanted a colour like this forever. What is it please??

[@dollsflorenjia6415]

Im a slow reader but excited to see a book video as always 😁

[@rosettagrey2851]

I'd recommend Ocean At The End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. It's a gorgeous story and very readible, emotional and magical. Hope you enjoy it

[@jennigedney]

also, bookswithchloe has a great video on annotation if you are interested in starting to do that

[@bonnie04]

If you're very averse to writing in your book, just jot down the note on a post it note and leave it on that page (not sticking out to find the pages or that would make it hard to store neatly on a bookshelf, but that way you can flick back and see where you made notes

[@thatialencar4738]

i am kinda sad... this morning i was just in the bookstore, but i didn't knew what to buy so i didn't ...but now i have good recomendations! thanks :)

[@leoniekellner5883]

Very excited about book videos/ content!!!

[@babyspiderss]

thanks for all the great recommendations! i'd love to read for the book club this month, but it seems normal people isn't released in the US yet... anyone have suggestions on where to find it?

[@reem4721]

Hello Jess! Would u recommend buying your Panasonic GH5 camera?

[@soulsamate4489]

Have been waiting for jess’s book video 😍😍😍

[@insomnia-city504]

GIRLRKGOZRJGPZ I AM SO DAMN EXCITED

[@brianadeeds597]

You should read The Graveyard Book. It's amazing.

[@seznamginb]

If you'd like another eerie, short, quite interesting and a bit hunting book, you should give "I'm thinking of ending things by Iain Reid" a go. xx

[@cat_pb]

Yes !!! Book Video ♥

[@OlaLidia]

Love love love your book videos

[@rockingyourlife]

you could put post-it on the book and write on them instead of writing on the book :)

[@moonstoneabby]

Yes I am sooo excited for this! I needed new reading material. Also, (this comment is more about your last video) I love the septum on you! You should subscribe to Ruthie Barone, she has a nostril and wears a fake septum a lot and hers looks a lot like yours :)

[@gabrielerajauskaite3822]

Regarding annotations, those are your books, you can do whatever you want with them :)

[@katiee898]

Jess, you should do a book Q&A 😊