Best Books I’ve Read This Year (and the worst) + How to Fall More in Love With Reading

[@brickgarden]

Tips for if you have kids and can’t find the time to read: if the book is appropriate, read out loud! I’m reading the Fellowship of the Ring to my boys (2 and 5) while they play. Sometimes they stop to listen, sometimes they ignore me (lol) and sometimes the 5 year old will stop me to ask questions or ask me to keep reading. It’s also a good way for my 2 year old, who’s been slow to talk, to hear words as he’s playing. It’s been a joy.

[@MusclesandBooks]

I love this so much - LotR was one of the first books I remember my mother reading to me (she reads the series twice a year every year) and it started a lifelong love of fantasy.

[@brickgarden]

@@MusclesandBooks Oh wow! I love that! I hope the boys have fond memories of me reading LotR to them when they're older ☺

[@jesseyhoffman1377]

Such a great tip! Reading out loud with family is so fun!

[@nanixxx1157]

Reading out loud to your children is such an important thing for their development of comprehension skills! I'm a teacher and many young children can't read properly anymore, because parents stopped reading with or to them, so good job for doing that! (Obviously there are more things that prevent children from developing proper reading skills, but this is one of the contributing factors)

[@Supercalifragil]

That lovely love lord of the rings, that work and I can tell you my parents used to read to me and my sister and we both love reading ❤

[@KMort]

Girl the sit down videos are my favourite. It feels like a sleepover chat.

[@DarlingDesi]

I always worry a bit that people aren’t interested in sit down chatty videos. It makes me so happy that you enjoy them 🥹🫶🏻

[@Horrorzeit]

@@DarlingDesi They are amazing!!

[@MarianneLandry]

@@DarlingDesiIt’s your personality that I love! 💕 So I love any vidéos you make. And it was also great that you sparkled some images and footages

[@Abergie15]

They are my favorite too!

[@JillWilliams603]

@@DarlingDesi do more of these!! i love them!!

[@StudioLindsay]

Desi: *Posts a bookish video* Me: *Gets ready to add more books to my TBR* 😊

[@DarlingDesi]

🥰🫶🏻♥️

[@Sagaofhygge]

Same here😊

[@calpal329]

Every. single. time.

[@forestwilde9882]

Literally...I opened Amazon, ready to type in the titles 🥰

[@k49821]

For real! Some of my favorite new books have come at her suggestion. Just finished Miss Newbury's List and it was so cute! And A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting was 5 stars for me as well!

[@lisamcfall1210]

I wake up between 5:30 and 6:00 every morning. I open my bedroom window to hear the birds in the garden, make a cup of coffee and get back in bed to read a couple of hours 😊😍

[@DarlingDesi]

That is the definition of my perfect morning 😍

[@Dragonpuppeteer927]

i love waking up to the bird's making coffee in the morning lol😂❤❤❤

[@catiesteas]

I remember devouring books in a day or two when I was a pre-teen. So lately, when I’m in a book slump, I will go to the kids section of the library and pick up a sweet middle grade adventure book. They can be so heartfelt, sincere, and deep-yet-digestible. I have cried when reading those middle grade books like “Love, Ruby Lavender” for how genuine and heart-filled they are. They’re not usually long, and they’re always so atmospheric!

[@laurenschmelzle9979]

I’ve just discovered your KZbin channel and absolutely LOVE IT! You are an incredibly talented videographer. My 14 year old daughter asked what “movie” I was watching. Love your cozy, clean content and the reminder to romanticize life! Also a HUGE lover of books and really enjoying your suggestions!

[@DarlingDesi]

Oh my gosh thank you!! 🥹🫶🏻 That’s so so incredibly kind of you to say ♥️ I’m so glad you enjoy it here! ☺️💛

[@spinstercatlady]

As one of your older viewers, I'd love to see you review/discuss classics, cozy middle grade and historical fiction as you used to do more often! These recent reviews all seem so YA romantasy heavy. Nothing wrong with YA, but bc I'm a bit older, it's often hard to connect with the YA romance at this point in my life. Always loved seeing the beautiful Jane Austen editions and Brambly Hedge style books you'd find and share ❤

[@baus7]

Yes to some classics!🥰

[@nelliecoody19]

My tip to becoming a reader is to make a thing out of it. Go to your favorite bookstore, grab your favorite coffee, and browse the shelves to your heart’s content. Pick a book that catches your eye

[@viraghorvath1267]

Can’t fall asleep so this came at the perfect time. I hope you’re doing well, Desi! And everyone who’s reading this. :)

[@DarlingDesi]

Aww I’m honored to be someone you spend your evening with! 🥹🫶🏻 Sending you wishes for magical dreams! 💭

[@Taylor1998taylor]

Watching this cause I can’t fall asleep either ❤😂

[@viraghorvath1267]

Thank you, Desi! 🥺

[@KathyDubs]

Another tip for getting back into reading if you used to enjoy it: Pick a book from the same genre or maybe reread something that you remember liking from that earlier period in life. That puts you back almost age-wise from where you stopped and then youvcan work your way up to new reading new things. I had a coworker try this (she started reading fantasy from her middle school years) and then she worked up to adult fiction.

[@meganp708]

Thank you Desi for another wonderful video! A tip I've discovered to help me read is to thrift a bookcase from a charity shop, and then decorate it with new and second hand books you want to read, add a cosy lamp, and create your own reading space with warm lights and blankets that helps you feel excited to read at the end of the day. It makes reading feel that extra bit special and relaxing.

[@LAJ173]

You got me into reading last year. I had never read before. I hated it growing up, but now i love it. Thanks so much for your beautiful videos

[@coralibear3561]

One of my favorite things to do while listening to an audiobook is to have the book with me and follow along. I love the feeling of having my physical copy, but don't always have the focus to read it, so doing this really helps me stay focused and get the same cozy feeling! Loved this video btw ❤️

[@boscarinoma2305]

I do the same!

[@Kribsen]

I discovered your channel two-ish years ago and you're the reason why I've fallen in love with reading again 💛 My goal is to read at least one book a month and so far i have if not more! I also love the recommendation of books you've done over the years and i've read a good few of them. You're really inspiring and i love your videos so much. Keep up the amazing work and i hope you'll have a super cozy (hyggelig) rest of your summer. Hugs, from an usually silence viewer, from Denmark.

[@littlelifeofbooks]

Reading and chatting books at the same time you are is my FAVORITE thing. Love you!! ✨🥹💕

[@DarlingDesi]

And the way we consistently read books at the same time without planning it 💛 Bookish kindred spirits for sure!! 🥹🫶🏻

[@cxzybee782]

aghhh! I've been struggling with the toughest reading slump so this is absolutely perfect!! Thank you desi

[@DarlingDesi]

I just came out of almost a month long reading slump! 😩 They’re the worst, but then finding that book that gets you out of the slump is always such a good feeling! Sending you all the hope that you are able to break the slump soon! 🫶🏻

[@eilindene]

My favorite book this year was The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker. Soooo lovely and atmospheric and full of humanity. It made me tear up so many times from how touching it was. If you like historic fantasy that actually takes the history part seriously, The Golem and the Jinni is a perfect book.🥹💖 Hope you have a great late summer, Desi! Looking forward to seeing your summer and traditional autumn videos! 💚

[@MyCozyLife-Lisa]

Desi, PLEASE PLEASE design some Fall and Winter booksleeves❤ We’re heading into the coziest reading seasons of the year and I’d love to purchase some for myself and as Christmas gifts😊

[@DarlingDesi]

It may or may not currently be in the works with The Bestie Booksleeve 🤭

[@MyCozyLife-Lisa]

@@DarlingDesi Yay! You just made my day! I bought 4 last time and meant to give some away as gifts, but couldn’t part with any of them so I kept them all. The designs and quality are unmatched!! I literally can’t wait to see the next batch. Thank you💕

[@taytum.renee.]

Can't wait for your fall videos to come back!! ❤❤

[@maddy-zzz]

Desi! Add "A Dark and Secret Magic" to your reading list for October. I just finished an ARC of it and am obsessed!!! Here's part of the description "A Dark and Secret Magic is a celebration of the Halloween season and a love letter to anyone who drinks pumpkin spice in August and carries the spirit of a witch inside their heart all year long."A warm, spellbinding tale about a witch and the secrets her coven has been keeping from her, with echoes of the classic Hades and Persephone story, in the tradition of Practical Magic and Witch of Wild Things."

[@DarlingDesi]

Ahhh I have that on my list of books to read this fall! I want to request it on NetGalley but I am so behind with other books I need to get read from NetGalley but I'm sooo tempted! It sounds amazing!

[@HistoryFan27]

OOO definitely getting that

[@MyCozyLife-Lisa]

@@maddy-zzz I’m definitely adding that to my list!

[@federica5651]

I love reading in the morning with a cup of tea and music in the background ❤ Also, I romanticize reading whenever I can, I use ASMR/ambience videos that match the book to really immerse myself in the story ❤

[@PracticalMagic13]

Did not expect a video to be released! What a nice surprise!

[@kallistoindrani5689]

I always bring my e-reader to work and read in my lunchtime. Makes me relax and gets me out of thoughts of work. Only downside is when I haven't finished reading a chapter and I need to start again. 😂😂

[@oliversebastian5353]

I'm currently rereading one of my favorite childhood books called Blackbringer by Laini Taylor. If you were a reader and feel like you've lost it somewhere along the way, I highly suggest rereading your favorites again, especially if the last time you touched them was when you were still a kid. It's always a fun experience to travel back to the worlds you held dear and annotate the books with your new thoughts on the happenings between the pages now that you are an adult with more experiences of your own. It can be really nostalgic, like revisiting home, as you relearn the magic spell by spell, word by word.

[@SarahVanderveer]

Loved this video so much!!! My best reading tip is to set your phone down on top of your current book, then whenever you reach for your phone to scroll it will be a visible reminder! I also carry my books with me wherever I would take my phone 😂 and for me, seasonal TBRs are a must!

[@haileydani1230]

So so cute! Desi, I LOVE autumn but I’m not much of a horror/witchcraft fan do you have recommendations for cozy fall books that feel like your taking a stroll through an autumnal forest? You are always such a light to many.

[@mavis5020]

I have one child at school, one at kinder and one napping! It's midday here so I am having a peaceful lunch with this new video - absolutely perfect timing!!! Thanks Desi :)

[@booksandbooks82]

Excited to check out the Lost Story! (I cried when we read the Narnia series out loud with our kids when they were small, all cuddled on the bed... Reepicheep greeting the others in Aslan's Country...weep! I had to pass the book to my daughter, lol. So sweet.) Have you read the new Riley Sager, Middle of the Night? Curious of your thoughts! Also, love your tips for readers. All good ones!

[@LPS-yp1ly]

I love the library 💕. I have found so many great books to borrow that i would have never necessarily bought because I was unsure that I would like it. They also have bookclub once a month which is a great way to meet new people.

[@meganhernandez857]

MISSSSS DESI I have been anticipating this video!!! I’ve been rewatching ur videos 💗 you are my favorite KZbinr. You’re so inspiring

[@DarlingDesi]

Ahhh omg you’re so sweet! Thank you so much for watching! I hope you enjoy it 🥹🫶🏻

[@meganhernandez857]

@@DarlingDesi of course!! Girl I love u so much!! You helped me discover romanticizing my life & it has genuinely changed my life for the better in so many ways 🩷 thank you for bringing your beautiful light into this world!!

[@skylergolombek5714]

Honestly, before i never read. Two years ago i had made a goal to stay off my phone more and spend time reading. My goal was one book a month, i was discourage because i read only 7, I'm dyslexic . I struggled finding books i enjoyed and didn't know what i liked to read. I found your channel and my life changed. I put every book you recommended on hold at the library and i never looked back. I read everyday and i'm always loving getting lost in them. My reading speed has gotten faster than i ever thought was possible for me. I comprehend them more, i enjoy it more and i have never looked back.

[@theonlymaryam]

With all the love and respect to u... i think people talking abt betterhelp being not a good service... I think u might wanna double check the trust u have for them as a sponsor :/ really, the number of people telling stories against it is enough 💔💓

[@shelleyjennings2427]

I have read so many books since last September because of you! So thanks for that. I could NOT get into A Discovery of Witches though. I TRIED! My reading tip is - if you're just not getting into a book, even if everyone in the world is loving it, you don't have to finish it. If you connect to stories on a regular basis, and you're trying to get into one that's not drawing you in, don't feel guilty about it. It can still be a good book, and you can still not like it. Life is too short to spend time on fiction that's not doing it for you! Thanks, Desi, for new entries for my TBR!

[@elizabethmoreno5393]

My book club has a rule. If, after 50 pages, you just don’t like the book, you can quit reading it guilt-free. (My husband and I have similar rule for movies.)

[@evelynthompson755]

Love your videos. Thanks for all the wonderful book suggestions. As an older person, we often get caught up in work and responsibilities (younger people too), and your videos remind me of how much I love reading and just romanticizing life. It's so easy to get bogged down in the mundane parts of living, that we forget to see and appreciate the magic of life that is all around us. Your videos help me to remember. Thank you. 😀🌷

[@jeshshe9520]

Another tip I would add is setting a read amount goal! So you could start small and just discipline to reading 10 pages per day to start! Slowly you can build that up! For my younger sister that I have custody of we take the amount of pages in a book. She’s going to read and divide those between two weeks, which gives her a goal to hit and helps her finish a book in two weeks. You could even set the goal to be one week!

[@sleepylen07]

this felt like a hug to my soul 🤎 i haven't finished any books this year cause i became a first time mom and that was obviously a huge change in my life, but ive been trying to get back into reading and i feel like this video came to me in perfect timing. thank you so much for putting this together and sharing it with us 🫶🏻 i hope the rest of the year has many more magical readings for you and anyone reading 🤎🍂

[@fannybaud2559]

I simlpy adore your simple sit-down book chat videos, it feels like talking to the sweetest friend. You bring me so much joy and comfort in sometimes difficult and stressful times of my life. I love your bookish videos, they always inspire me and remind me every time why I love reading so much. I don't think a day has passed since I knew how to read without my reading at least one line of a book. I have so many books I want to try now, they all sound perfect and just magical! I discovered the Secret garden this year, and oh my, did I love this book. It's one of my favourite children's classic. It is magical. I also adore the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, as wall as the Land of Stories. For romance, I really loved Done and Dusted. This book has a special place in my heart because it pulled me out of the reading slump I was in since the beginning of the year. It's a cozy, sweet as pie and spicy cow-boy/western romance, reminiscent of a Barbie movie. Lots of love to you and everyone in this beautiful community!

[@baejay798]

Always so happy to see a new Darling Desi video! It’s like a treat

[@DarlingDesi]

You are so kind, thank you for being here 🥰🫶🏻

[@Belovedinc]

Slewfoot, I couldn’t stop listening to the audiobook! Perfect for fall/spooky season

[@DarlingDesi]

@@Belovedinc I loooove Slewfoot! I listened to the audiobook last fall and it was one of my favorite books of the year!

[@livslibrary]

STOPPING EVERYTHING! Best part of my week so far! 💛💛💛

[@DarlingDesi]

Ahhhh Liv you are the SWEETEST!!! Love youuuu! 💖🥹

[@Oak-k5m]

I've been struggling with my mental health lately and your videos always make me feel a lot better 😊🌷

[@Raquel_loves_books]

I absolutely love your videos 💖🥹 the last few days have been tough, my grandma is 91 and had surgery and I’ve been with her at the hospital, and yesterday my dog got hurt and needed to go to the hospital for stitches ❤️‍🩹 seeing that you posted a video last night gave me something to look forward today 🥹💖 Thank you for your amazing videos, positivity, and your contagious love for books and all the beautiful little things in life.

[@DarlingDesi]

Oh nooooo i’m so sorry to hear that! 🥺 I hope your grandma will be okay! Sending all the love and healing vibes to your grandma and sweet pup! ♥️

[@Raquel_loves_books]

@@DarlingDesithank you so much ❤️

[@avocadosuppe]

My favorite book this year is The House at the Cerulean Sea. Its so cute, so cozy, so sunny. It was the perfect summer read for me and I wish I could read it again for the first time.

[@lisalantz3084]

I read that book and I loved it. I loved ALL the characters.

[@cycletr4in]

Omg i was just rewatching all your old book rec videos looking for the next book to check out at the library and then this came!!!

[@DarlingDesi]

Ahhh I love that you loved Edenbrooke! I wish I could read that one again for the first time 🥹

[@WindingRoadCrochet]

Desi! I just picked up a new book from the library and it made me think of you. It is called From Harvest to Home, seasonal activities, inspired decor and cozy recipes for fall, by Alicia Tenise Chew. I might have to buy a copy because it is full of inspiration.

[@beckyr2056]

Some great tips! Especially the screen time being replaced by reading time and morning reading - totally going to use those to help me read more! And sooo excited for the autumn/fall content already!! 😊

[@Terk1770]

Dear Desi, since I found your channel, your videos are the first and foremost thing which bring me into the mood of any season of the year! Your book recommendations also helped me after an exhausting year of work to get into the summer mood instantly! Absolutely love you channel! Musical greetings from Germany 🎻🌺🌻

[@kittyquinn004]

Yay!!! I’m SO here for more book content from you!!! 💚💚💚

[@moreamyb]

Love this video, Desi! I’m so excited to read Lost in Story this year! I read Hunger Games for the first time this year and absolutely LOVED it. I was worried it was overhyped but I enjoyed it so much. I’ve also really been enjoying the Wayward Children series this year as each book feels like a dark fairytale. I love that they are novellas too, and I’m so impressed with how much punch the author puts into each one. Highly highly recommend.

[@gennybadillonightraid]

I have a learning disability and when I'm outside or with my family I can't really focus I just want to read and when I get home, I sometimes read and listen to broadcast on my phone, and it calms me down thank you for this new video

[@carolsmith6354]

I loved this video. It was like chatting with a friend. I absolutely love reading. It is a time to get lost in the story and just enjoy some time for myself. Thanks so much! You are a favorite that I love to follow. ❤

[@juliearmstrong8781]

Hi Desi! What a sweet surprise to see your new video pop up on my feed. I adore audiobooks, listen to books everyday. You’ve given me some new books to check out. Deborah Harkness’ 5th book, “Black Bird Oracle” was brilliant, magical, and rooted in this deep sense of connection to your ancestors.

[@ladywiththelantern]

Thank you, Desi, for being an internet, reading friend. Life is much richer with books and a friend by your side. The list of books I have read so far is short but they are dynamic. Cozy Read: The Cat Who Taught Zen, Standout Series: The Raven Cycle, Spooky Read: The Invisible Man, Currently Reading: The Count of Monte Cristo and Emma

[@DarlingDesi]

Thank you sweet friend! I couldn’t agree more about life being better with books 🥰 Taking on Emma and The Count of Monte Christo at the same time 👏🏻

[@janeburkhart4051]

I've been rather depressed this summer so I've had a hard time finding a book that works for me. The one book that I loved is Grange House by Sarah Blake. I think you'd really enjoy it.

[@sweetiemeese216]

Just found this book on sale at my local book seller! 💕 Haven't started it yet. What did you like about it?

[@kallistoindrani5689]

The forest where the phoenix sleeps. I was thinking the exact same thing when she mentioned the cover! So beautiful!!

[@KM-ii4sc]

My tip is to listen to rain/storm KZbin videos while reading - this helps calm me enough when I’m anxious or worried to focus on the reading. I LOVE the hour long version of Roslyn by Bon Iver with rain sounds on KZbin, highly recommend :)

[@VickiMcCormick-jf5pe]

Hi I just found your Christmas channel. Being as we are Utahns , we for sure have to support you. 😃 I absolutely love watching you and your husband do things together. You both are adorable. Its such a breath of fresh air. There is so much garbage pretty much on a lot of videos these days. Its just so nice to watch wholesome videos, and its nice that you teach us Christmas crafts. Thank you for sharing.

[@tahliahambridge7458]

My book recommendation is the midnight library by Matthew Haig. It's such a wonderful reminder to live to your fullest. Thank you for your recommendations ❤

[@sieliestschonwieder1987]

Love the tips, especially replacing phone time with reading time! I turned it around: To reduce my screen time, I try to rather fatch up a book 😊

[@arandomwillowtree9017]

Yknow it’s a good day when lovely Desi posts a new video! I would have to say my favourite book of this year has to be The Girl Who Fell Beneath The Sea by Axie Oh! ❤️✨

[@DarlingDesi]

Ohhhh I read that one a couple years ago and looooved it! So whimsical and atmospheric and such a beautiful story! 🥹

[@autumnalfeelings]

Hi Desi. I'm a newer subscriber but I just want to say that your videos have reminded me of how much I loved to read as a child, something I've lost along the way into adulthood, and you have inspired me to start reading again. I'm half way through a book that you actually mentioned in an older video and I have been enjoying it. I am going to start another book right after I finish my current book. Thank you for reminding me of such an important activity from my childhood and helping me to fall in love with reading again. I'm incredibly grateful!

[@kristyeperez2052]

You have to read “the remarkable journey of coyote sunrise” it’s so so wholesome. Found family. Middle grade. Amazing wisdom and so much kindness.

[@lpeek56]

I picked that up for my granddaughter and I started reading it and I loved it so much and got halfway through it and I put it down for a while and like a dummy I donated it to the library and now I’ve been looking for a copy of it so that I could finish it. It was so good! I’m so glad to see somebody else. Thought it was a great book even though it was a children’s book!

[@jennyveebaguio8539]

Aloha Desi :) I'm loving all your past fall videos. Please make more videos this fall of 2024.. Take Care

[@daphsody]

I can’t wait for your fall content! Seriously one of the biggest seasonal events for me lol the tree outside my apartment changed color already and I immediately thought “yes soon Desi will have the autumn inspirational video!!”

[@janeeyre2735]

“The Parent Trap” (“Das Doppelte Lottchen”) by Erich Kästner, retranslated from German into English by Anthea Bell. The most sweet, poetic, concise, heart-tugging writing I have ever found in a young-person’s book. The way he writes the scene where Luise meets her mother for the first time!! 😭 Fully accessible, gripping, and thought-provoking for adults. Don’t think Haley Mills - the original story is actually set in the German countryside, then in Munich and Vienna… I checked it out after I heard you recommend the movies and discovered upon googling that there was an original story; I figured if it was re-translated, there must have been a reason - little non-English gems like this are the reason this publishing company exists. Reading about the author's life was fascinating as well!

[@alwaysfierce139]

My favorite book of the year so far is One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig. Its a gothic fantasy with romance. A perfect fall read🌹

[@justasksally]

Love and Other Words was the best book I read all year. Friends to lovers, open door, but not smutty and so so so good.

[@charliwutzler3656]

A good "surprise" book with several twists that will keep you guessing and turning pages is "What Lies in the Woods" by Kate Alice Marshall.

[@kallistoindrani5689]

I know, I know, not the topic of the video but OMG, i love her dresses/clothes in those clips in the beginning!

[@madelineking2202]

Currently devouring The School for Good and Evil series. I’m on book 5 and it hasn’t even been two weeks since I’ve started. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions. ❤

[@DalainaRenee]

Ty for sharing I’m trying to finish so many great books 📚 ❤

[@dragonrider4874]

Im doing a 24 hour readathon Thursday with a few other people, and we are so hyped about it!

[@sweetiemeese216]

Currently LOVING the Belles of London series you recommended in a different video 🥰📚

[@beckyjo2914]

Favorites are definitely: Happy Place, Lessons in Chemistry, and Hollowpox

[@uxoaesnal3872]

I think there is no better way to explain what reading is. I love watching your videos because I remind myself to slow down a bit. Hi from Spain!

[@maddisonhoyt]

Love the book content! Wonderful video as always Desi 🫶

[@DarlingDesi]

I’m so glad you enjoy it!! I would love to make book content more often! 😄

[@ElliePorges]

The black bird oracle is a read before the autumn. Very much a summer read. Go read it now! Just finished. It’s a perfect New England summer

[@DarlingDesi]

Omg really? Okay going to try to squeeze it in before autumn! Thank you!!

[@Oneleggedninja]

Hey Desi! I’ve always been a reader, but recently my husband has gotten into it too. We have been listening to audiobooks whenever we’re in the car. It started with me having him listen to Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book. Since then we have been listening to classics like Animal Farm and Sounder. One of our favorites was Candide by Voltaire. It’s about a young man who meets new friends and goes on adventures as he travels the world. He’s a bit like a philosopher knight, who’s fatal flaw is that he is candid and overly trusting. I’m really enjoying sharing books with my husband and listening to his suggestions as well. I highly recommend it! Loved this video!

[@Lillyjoy]

My favorite book this year is Bookshops & Bonedust! It made me feel so relaxed and it was just so lighthearted and made me happy. It really made me realize that those are my favorite types of books and that I don’t actually come across those books very often. I don’t think any book has ever made me feel so relaxed and content before. It also has really nice descriptions at times and I just love the way the author makes you slowly care about all of the characters and how they all become friends. I just loved that book so much and it made me hope that cozy fantasy can be my new favorite genre! My library doesn’t really have any other cozy fantasy books though so if anyone has any recommendations for books like that please let me know ❤

[@TiAnnaHagglund]

Same! All this! My favorite this year as well for those exact reasons. I stopped reading at like 40 pages left because I didn’t want it to end 😅

[@robynrussell679]

Loved Bookshops & Bonedust! Beautiful and bittersweet all at once. Can also recommend Legends & Lattes by the same author.

[@Lillyjoy]

@@TiAnnaHagglund aww glad I’m not the only one 🩷 what are some of your other favorite books?

[@Lillyjoy]

@@robynrussell679 Yess I enjoyed Legends & Lattes too 😊

[@michelled.3849]

You are totally someone I would’ve loved being friends with growing up and even after. ☺️

[@jessmate7833]

Just read caraval series and now I'm going to start on once upon a token heart series. So excited. Love your channel and excited you did a book vlog. Good recommendations

[@laurarwhittaker]

Thank you Desi for a wonderful surprise! On my way home from a big therapy session and I’m looking forward to watching with a cup of tea and a blanket 🫶🏻📖

[@megk2653]

Yes yes yes I missed your bookish content & this makes me so happy😇 This has been my best reading year so far and I’m so excited for what the future holds❤

[@rachaeljackson3759]

You’re channel is what got me back into reading lasts fall! I hadn’t read a book for fun in such a long time. Seasonal reading helped me start reading again. I love reading books that have to do with the seasons I’m in especially fall and winter! Per your suggestions last fall I read Slewfoot, and The Only One left and then The Snow Child for winter/Christmas which has been my favorite book I’ve read so far in reading again 😊 I’m currently on The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi for those summer vibes! Love your channel! You help romanticize life which I think is so important!

[@BuffyNTinkDidImprov]

How was Slewfoot.? I was gonna pick it up & read at the bookstore last time, but passed it up to read Gothikana & get my Alice Hoffman books

[@rachaeljackson3759]

@@BuffyNTinkDidImprov I honestly couldn’t put it down! There was one aspect I didn’t like so I gave it a 4.5/5, but it’s still good though. It’ll have you wanting to sleep with the lights on! Perfect for spooky season!

[@BuffyNTinkDidImprov]

For real.? Well I don't scare easily & love Halloween (I celebrate all year🧡) So I think I'll pick it up next time, thank you🤗 See if I get it or just get Clockwork Princess & Hell Bent (Gotta budget for Halloween decor & candy😂)

[@jocelynnnorman7890]

I need to have a notebook with me when I wat h your videos! So many good tips. My sister and I often watch your videos while drinking tea, lemonade, or anything seasonal. Thank you!

[@funnygirlspurr8820]

I came across your videos about a month ago. I started reading again a year ago. I love your videos. I watched some of your old videos of Christmas. I love the old Victorian theme you have. ❤

[@teellis92]

The Black Bird Oracle is SO GOOD!! I hope you enjoy it and can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

[@DarlingDesi]

I’ve only heard good things! 😍 I’m so excited!!

[@clh81]

My advice for getting into reading is reading about something you love. I love everything that is related to the ocean, so most of the fantasy books I read are about mermaids and selkies, my romances of choice follow couples who meet at the beach, and the thrillers I pick up are tales on the high seas. Also, my favorite book that I've read so far this year is "Things In Jars", by Jess Kidd.

[@fral8570]

What the river knows, suggested by you. I can't thank you enough!!! And now I am waiting for the second one❤

[@cassiebozeman2599]

Currently reading Gone With The Wind and loving it. Gonna rewatch your fall books videos today lol ❤

[@tonyaroche7733]

Oh my goodness. I watched this while folding laundry. I’m going to have to rewatch this all over again so I can take notes. 😂❤

[@suzanneporter41]

Some of my favourite books on the year so far - The Other Bennett Sister - Janice Hadlow, Weyward - Emelia Hart, The Forgotten Girl & The Book of Last Letters - Kerry Barrett, Highcliffe House - Megan Walker Currently listening to The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies - Alison Goodman - which I'm sure you'd love - it's heading towards to 5stars A couple of the books you mentioned are already on my TBR list - which is getting longer every month

[@charlottedonaldson9874]

It really is like a video chat... believe me, I am talking back to you 😂 and pausing to look up, and save, book suggestions to help me back into reading. I wish I had a friend like you in real life!! ☺️

[@foreversweaterweather]

My favorite book so far this year, and I think my new favorite book in general, is Flowers In The Attic (book 1 in the Dollanganger series). I'd seen the movies and thanks to a friend finally now have books 1-4. I really related to Cathy's feelings and struggles being trapped because I'm chronically ill/have chronic pain/have vision issues and because of that I can only leave the house when someone allows me to because I can't go out on my own and so I spend almost all of my time stuck at home. To read something where someone understands how that feels was really special.

[@glendatrinidad7888]

Also Meg Shaffer's new book is on my TBR! I read The Wishing Game it got me out of a reading slump!

[@margotk4653]

knowing desi fall is just around the corner in a few months... i cannot contain my excitement!

[@LydiahVanLith]

its 6 am where am, but when Desi posts I much watch!

[@Sophie-pi4ov]

I absolutely love in the moment the chances series by Brittainy C. Cherry. This week I have finished the first book of Landon and Shay and adored it. So many good phrases! 😊

[@kaydensoph7987]

My kindle unlimited is getting put to use today!! stuffing my tbr and downloads with as much as I can :)

[@riggs20]

The Girl on the Train was so good! I had to fly from Tampa to Los Angeles and the book made the flight just “fly by.”