Best books of the year so far 📚 Reading check-in 📖 Mid-year book freakout tag

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Thanks for the Booktuber list. A few of those names are new to me. I drop whatever I’m doing if a new video appears from Miranda Mills. I’ve enjoyed every book that Miranda has recommended. You and Miranda are right up my book alley. 📚

[@Claire_Fenby]

I’m exactly the same with Miranda’s videos!

[@Sarah_Naomi]

Thank you for this video Claire! 🕰I also love Hillary Mantel's Thomas Cromwell and have read that series more than once (although, the last book only once, it's too intense to read again 😅). I also don't cry easily from reading, but I'm starting to become aware of how a book can influence my mood in positive and sometimes very negative ways and I'm starting to be more mindful of that 😊

[@Shipwrecked_Alien]

Tristram Shandy is one of my favourite books of as well! I haven't seen the clothbound edition before, it's really pretty. Would you ever consider doing a "Where to start with Tudor history books"-video? I know so little about that time period and the vast number of books is so intimidating 😅 And I love that you are always so passionate about Tudor history 🖤

[@Claire_Fenby]

I weirdly have a lot of imposter syndrome when it comes to talking history books but I am planning on studying it next year so lots more content will be coming your way then ✨

[@GemofBooks]

I really need to get to Bring Up The Bodies, I loved Wolf Hall. Also, it was lovely to meet you yesterday 🧡

[@Claire_Fenby]

So lovely to meet you too!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

🕰️ Loved this as always! I just finished Orlando and was blown away by its uniqueness and brilliance!!! Excited to see what books you read in the second half of the year 📚💖

[@katrinadunne1361]

🕰⏰I always love the enthusiastic and geeky way you describe the books you have read! 😁

[@MJ-in-Canada]

I consider it a “job well done” if a book makes me cry.😢 I’m impressed by writing that can draw out strong emotions in me. The last book to do that was the 2022 non-fiction title, "The Bookseller at the End of the World" by Ruth Shaw. Ruth opened a couple of tiny bookstores on her property in New Zealand when she was in her 70s. This is the story not just of the bookstores but also of her incredible life adventures. In a few spots, I was crying so hard that I had to put the book down because of the adversity she faced. It's worth reading and despite the tears there are many reasons to smile, too.😁

[@monica_has116lentilsand2cats]

⏲ lovely video, Claire! your enthusiasm is contagious (blood, fire & gold is making its way to tiny-town austria, as i write this). i cry over books. always have. though time has lessened the „physical water shedding“ somewhat, i think. maybe i‘m not hydrating properly? 🤔 can‘t wait for the virginia woolf‘s house video! if it‘s half as charming as the Chawton one i shall be very pleased. ☺️ love your necklace and the bold red lippy! monica 📚🐾🐾

[@MyLocsareREAL]

I’ve cried plenty of times reading…my heart was severely broken as a young child (10) when my mother died so I guessed because of that I’m overly empathetic 🤷🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️… oh!!! I was going to say Miranda Mills but she’s already top on your list 🥰

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Having lost my Mum a long time ago (I'm sorry you were so young), I sometimes tear up when Miranda Mills' mother is on screen with her. I wish I could have that kind of warm mother-daughter relationship back again. Hugs to you, and here's to many good books ahead.

[@MyLocsareREAL]

⁠@@MJ-in-Canada🥰 thank you so much.. I’m sorry for your loss too 💕… oh!!! I love Miranda and Donna

[@iconsonscreen7291]

Ugh! I have been so unmotivated lately! Coming back to you dear Claire because you havw always been like my virtual friend who boosts me with good energy about my life! ♥️🌹

[@Claire_Fenby]

Well thank thank you for coming back! I hope you’re well ❤️

[@gillwoolley6515]

🕰 I've never cried over a book that I can remember, but sobbed over films and TV shows. I went to see Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap at the theatre yesterday on it's 70 year anniversary. It was really good. Thanks again Claire,some great recommendations.

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

I totally agree with your thoughts on The Marriage Portrait - it was fantastically done but it was missing that extra little something that makes Hamnet a favourite book of all time. I don't cry often at books but if they do, I cry a lot of droplets! I hope the rest of your reading year goes well! ⏰💛

[@anitahayne8621]

I watch your channel and Lil’s Vintage World for history recommendations; I especially love the Tudors. I sometimes have to order the books from the UK. Are there any channels you watch for history recommendations for yourself? I still can’t bring myself to read The Mirror and the Light because Hilary Mantel died; however, I’m making it my goal to read it before the end of the year. I read Wolf Hall twice. I will probably reread Bring Up the Bodies. I bought the miniseries of Wolf Hall with Damian Lewis and Claire Foy. I have watched it so many times.

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Your spoilers made me laugh out loud. I’m a big crier- worst was finishing Love Story on the school bus. I could hardly see to get out. Thanks so much for sharing your local sights, reading along with Virginia Woolf from the west coast of Canada 🕰️

[@plathsylvia194]

would you do a video about Anne Boleyn? where should I start if I would like to read about her? :)

[@juliephillip8490]

Me before you by Jojo Moyes made me cry

[@irhonda31]

I cried when I read Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther, about his son dying of cancer at 17. I read The Marriage Portrait and had to push myself to finish, now I’m scared to read Hamnet. I guess it’s not my style; too many words, saying the same thing over and over. And I think I don’t like fictionalized accounts of real people. Loved your video!

[@Claire_Fenby]

I would recommend Hamnet because it’s nothing like The Marriage Portrait 😂

[@bfranklin1052]

I cry liquid tears if a poignant twist catches me off guard -- you never? Ah well. Love your channel, Claire. Cheers! 📚🕰

[@Claire_Fenby]

One day! I must have a heart of stone 🤣

[@LeanneRose]

So many absolutely beautiful books 😍 book designers absolutely killing it. Loved hearing about your reading year so far! I hope you have a brilliant time with your reading for the rest of the year

[@KDbooks]

I hope there’s it’s a Virginia Woolf House TikTok dance compilation

[@Claire_Fenby]

You got it! It’s Virginia Woolf as Barbie and Leonard as Ken

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

Thanks for the shout out Claire. Yes The Marriage Portrait was good but not extraordinary. And you can't have too much Woolf in your life in my opinion.

[@mhairigilchrist9792]

⏰ A wonderfully bookish year so far, I completely agree about Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf. I've yet to read Hilary Mantel but did love the BBC adaptation. I adore history so I'm looking forward to checking out Estelle Paranque. Thank you for another lovely episode ❤

[@jenniferbuhler461]

I cry so easily over books and tv and probably everything!😂 Can't imagine how not to!

[@oscarsimon1998]

🕰️🕰️🕰️

[@a.__mie7544]

I‘m reading Sense and Sensibility right now since it‘s an Austen I haven‘t read yet, I‘m loving it so far (of course I knew I would) it‘s making me smile so much :)!

[@davidmccalip5759]

Hi Claire! Hope all is well with you. I really enjoy your videos. Some other booktubers I enjoy are: For the Love of Classics; Tristan and the Classics; Kate Howe and Michael K. Vaughan. I can't wait to see your next video. Have a great day!⏲

[@jesdotx3797]

🕰️

[@rowenaroberta5244]

🧭⏰️🕰

[@SarahBarnaby-h4p]

🕰️

[@badfaith4u]

Lovely video ⏰📸. I'm still reading Carrie Soto is Back 🎾.

[@angelaw4904]

😍🕰

[@nanasadie2879]

⏱❤

[@jessicanw]

Arrived here on the recommendation of What Victoria Read. I'm thrilled! I've watched a few videos so far (including your Jane Austen's house visit) and really enjoyed them all. I occasionally try out different channels, but rarely find ones that perfectly click with my tastes -- the genres and authors, the way the books are discussed, additional content, etc. -- but I immediately felt like everything lined up here. Like you, I do feel a variety of emotions when reading books, but I don't cry. However, just this morning I was surprised to find physical droplets forming in my eyes a couple of times while reading Flowers of Fire (Hawon Jung), and I'm not even half way through it yet. It's just so appalling and frustrating (the events in the book, not the tearing up)! I'm looking forward to checking out your other videos. 😊🕰

[@Claire_Fenby]

Thank you so much ❤️ I love Victoria’s channel so feel very honoured. I hope you enjoy watching my future videos!

[@marsaig7633]

⏰

[@caitlancole9136]

⏰ Great video! I just discovered your channel! I can’t wait to read A Room of One’s Own as my introduction to Virginia Woolf, thanks for the recommendation to start there!

[@ReadBrucey]

⏰. I am definitely a cry baby when reading or watching something sad.

[@CoynieReads]

Well this was a delight! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts of The Mirror and the Light! ❤

[@PKHenry]

Have definitely been reduced to tears while reading and laughed out loud - enjoy your channel - thank you

[@criselda.]

🕰 enjoyed this video! I also added Blood, Fire and Gold to my TBR list 😊

[@ursulaclarke6066]

I’ve never cried reading or finishing a book until…..I read Remember Me by Charity Norman. a) I could not put it down and read it in two days and b) I properly cried

[@fatemakh96]

I haven’t cried over a book ever😂u r not alone Movies yes sometimes but never books

[@RoisinsReading]

I definitely need to read Virginia Woolf, adding A Room of One's Own to my book buying list to get on it soon. I didn't love The Marriage Portrait either, especially the ending which kind of pissed me off. I barely ever cry at books, I always feel slightly detached. However, Trespasses by Louise Kennedy had me putting the book down and and properly snivelling Thank you for adding me to your list!

[@Claire_Fenby]

I hated the ending!! You will LOVE A Room of One’s Own ❤️

[@____wicked.witch.of.the.words_]

I definitely need to reread Jane Austen. As a young reader I always avoided her books but as I grew older I enjoyed her work more and more. ❤ thanks for an amazing video ❤❤

[@Claire_Fenby]

I hope you enjoy re-reading them ❤️

[@gogo_lopez]

🕰️ I think that it's easier to cry at nonfiction, especially if the author still lives, because you're reacting to their true experiences, and living in the same world as them! That being said I did bawl my eyes out last year reading The Well of Loneliness, it's a very specific and peculiar book but it's so worth the read 💙

[@Claire_Fenby]

I still haven’t read The Well of Loneliness and as a Queer woman I really need too!!

[@gracetaylor7351]

Loved this Claire and love watching your videos and vlogs !❤🕰️⏰

[@Claire_Fenby]

Thank you for watching 📚

[@nerdfighter_and_unicorn2422]

Lovely video as always 🕰️

[@ElleHistory]

Love your videos!

[@ElleHistory]

And again thank you so much for your praise about Blood Fire & Gold. I'm so forever grateful!

[@JardineraAnge]

Hi Claire, I've just discovered your channel after Victoria (What Victoria Read) recommended you. The first thing I thought after a few seconds of watching this video was how much you remind me of Miranda Mills! 🕰

[@Claire_Fenby]

Welcome 🥰 I was honoured to be featured on Victoria’s channel! I love Miranda’s videos too so I’m very flattered. I hope you enjoy my future videos ❤️

[@adrienne4028]

🕰️ The new book release I’m looking forward in September is Emily Wilson’s translation of the Iliad. My other favorite book tube channels are: @adayofsmallthings and @tristanandtheclassics6538. Happy reading! 😊

[@Claire_Fenby]

I really need to read her translation of The Odyssey!