Big News, Prizes & A New Channel | A Bookish Catch Up | May 2023

It’s been a while since we had a good old bookish catch up, so I thought it was time. I have a chat about some big news (which I am ridiculously excited and quite nervous about), some prizes updates, vlog updates and a whole new channel. Oooh #booktube #bookchat #updates
You can support me on my Patreon here / savidgereads
And follow me on my Instagram here / savidgereads
My new mini channel ‪@SavidgeSnapshots‬
Richards amazing channel ‪@DoctorChairVlogs‬
Nathans channel ‪@nathansnook‬
Mums channel ‪@louisesavidgemuses4135‬
Books Mentioned…
Watch to find out.
Me Elsewhere…
Instagram: / savidgereads
Patreon: / savidgereads
Wishlist: www.amazon.co....
The Sky Arts Book Club FB Group: / theskyartsbookclub
Spotify: open.spotify.c...
Twitter: / savidgereads

[@kathleencook9186]

I've been listening to you and then watching your channel for more than seven years. I first found you on when you did a podcast with Thomas! Then you moved on and here you are seven years later. So forget imposter syndrome. As a long-time listener/viewer, I can say that I truly enjoy your work and what you have to say about the books that come into your life. Congrats and I hope I'm still listening to you for another seven years.

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you Kathleen. Thats is very kind. Fingers crossed there will be another seven and this won't be my seven year itch. Eek! I actually think a tiny bit of nerves and imposter syndrome are good so have been channeling them in a positive way.

[@milliemary6328]

7 years! Wow! 🎉happy booktube birthday Simon! 🎂 I adore your content 😄 cheers to the next 7 years! 🍻

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thank you very much.

[@paull9115]

Fantatsic news Simon. 1 hour 20 vlogs are still brilliant. Never dull and the best channel on KZbin ! All the very best. PAUL

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww Paul, thank you so much that is super duper kind of you.

[@nancynurse4552]

Congrats!!!! Been with you for 6 of these years. Have enjoyed hours and hours and hours of our “chats”. Excited to watch anything you are involved in ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you for joining me for six years Nancy!

[@lizdorrington2851]

Wow Simon 7 years!! Well done and thank you for all the hard work you put into making your videos, the always make my day a little brighter. 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww that’s lovely to hear. Thank you!

[@davidlittlebellschannel8282]

Congratulations, well deserved.

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you David.

[@JaneNally]

I’ve been away for a bit Simon, concentrating on writing a dissertation, but I’m demob happy now it’s over, and catching up with your book news has been like coming home. I’ve been following you for about six years now, and you just keep getting better and better - all the best for all your new projects.

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you so much Jane what a lovely comment to get. Thrilled you are demob happy, hahaha, hope it has all gone well.

[@carolinemiller2555]

Wow, such exciting news! Love your channel. Have been listening for years.

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you Caroline.

[@DoctorChairVlogs]

Omg thank you for the shoutout 🥹 Glad I could inspire you to make your own vlogs!! What a great way to keep up with your daily adventures ☺

[@SavidgeReads]

Honestly, I absolutely BINGED your channel BINGED it. Your other channel will be next hehehehe.

[@user-dv9jm2hu7y]

Happy 7 years' anniversary. Inspired me to try and whittle down my favourite 7 books of the last 7 years! Love ideas like this and carry on with the fab channel too. Your channel has introduced me to some amazing books I would never have read. So thanks!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh what were the 7 books? My video will be arriving belatedly later today. Ha. I am so pleased you have found some fab books via the channel, that is ace.

[@emmavd]

Happy 7th KZbin Birthday, Simon!🎂and… Many happy returns!🎉Thank you for all your inspiring videos and vlogs. I look forward to the one with the seven books for seven years😊📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks Emma, it should appear today. I thought I would have time to film at Hay... what a fool I was to think that.

[@Tinahgirl83]

I swear I could listen to you talk all day. Wouldn’t even have to be about books. I think warm and rye sums you up (and bread too) perfectly. And each of those summaries really was only one sentence. Just replace all periods with semicolons. 😊😊 Also, if you just had some shots of different shops and things while you’re in Hay that would be awesome. I’ll probably never get there myself, and it would be a mini tour for us vicarious livers.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh you might like my other channel then, there are those kind of snapshots on it. That said I am also hoping to pop around all the shops on Monday and judge them out of five... or something.

[@dianedickson6366]

Oh my word - A Terrible Kindness is one of my favourite books of all time. I did like Lessons in Chemistry but A Terrible Kindness blew me away. Will certainly have a look at Savidge Snapshots Good luck with the interviews. I would love to go to Hay but haven’t made it yet. One day - One day.

[@SavidgeReads]

I have enjoyed Hay so far. It wasn't what I expected. Have seen lots of lovely people there. I love all six of the books on the shortlist and shall not say anymore for fear of saying too much. Lol.

[@susprime7018]

Must have forgotten to hit send, in any case congratulations on 7 years. News sounds exciting.😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!!!!

[@BruceRobertYap]

Congratulations! You deserve all the great things happening. Enjoy the ride and keep us posted ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks so much!

[@viviannewson8662]

Can not wait to see the 7 favorite books vidoe ! 🎉🎉🎉congratulations !! I love this channel, you’re the best !

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks Vivian. That’s very kind.

[@nathansnook]

omg congrats on 7 years!!! can't wait to dig into the new channel and see your little bits and bobs!! and honestly, major props to richard. i honestly wish he could shoot all my b roll footage lmao but glad he's the inspiration!!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I would like him, you or Ana to edit all my videos frankly. Instead I just have to use you all as muses and inspiration. My little bits and bobs, how dare you, my big bits and bobs thank you very much... hahahaha.

[@spexi513]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That’s AWESOME!!! Hype for you and for myself to see it ! 📖🪱💚

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanks 🥳📚

[@bibliosophie]

congratulations on the new gig & 7 years on this channel! and at the risk of becoming a parody of myself, I once again love yr shirt :)

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanking you! And I am so glad that Booktube has brought you and your channel and chat into my world, a Booktube bonus.

[@juliequick5526]

Sounds like a fabulous job there and perfect weather for the garden party! I’m looking forward to seeing you with Barbara Kingsolver. I’m currently reading Demon Copperhead and have found it a bit slow tbh. I’m persevering though and find it a little bit hard reading about his childhood experiences. Have a great weekend!

[@SavidgeReads]

We lucked out on the weather weekend one of filming, I hope it is as sunny next weekend. I am also getting a day in Hay next Monday to actually do the bookshops as I have not been in a single one of them. Sorry to hear that about Demon, you'll see my experience in a future vlog so will not say anymore here, ha.

[@annie-mz9956]

Congratulations what an honor❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Well, I hope I have worked hard enough to have earned it hehehe.

[@amy_harboredinpages8272]

🎉Happy BookTube Birthday!!🎉 I only recently found your channel, and am enjoying your content so much. I've got a nice little pile of reading I'm excited for in June. Some Fantasy, Sci-fi, and Historical Fiction with sprinkling of fantasy element. At the moment I'm reading In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. klune, and Exiles by Jane Harper. I've about 2 and half weeks of preschool teacher work before the children are re-released into the wild for the summer! I think because my focus will be too split to fully engage in a physical book, I'll be Audio Reading my first 2 or 3 books on my June TBR. I hope your event goes well, it sounds very exciting! 📖🥰📚

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m sooooo pleased that you enjoyed it. Nothing wrong with a good audio book or 12. Read however you can read. Lol.

[@enidlacob1157]

Congratulations. So well deserved Hoping it is a wonderful ride

[@SavidgeReads]

Me too. So far fun, getting more intense 🎢 Hahaha.

[@SelinaAllinson]

Well done Simon 🎉 You deserve everything. Thank you for all the joy you bring ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you very much Selina.

[@karakask5488]

Wow! You are booked and busy (literally and figuratively)! Take care of yourself, and have fun! I'm excited for whatever you bring us from the Hay Festival

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. So far it’s been a very tiny bit of b-roll but I’ve several days to film more thank goodness.

[@YourTrueShelf]

Oooh so exciting doing the rehearsals!! Gosh it must be so hard no getting distracted when someone is talking in your ear! Congratulations on 7 years (& thank you again for pushing me to do booktube, what a blessing it has been). I still remember that very first voicemail that you and Gavin left on the BOTNS podcast and that must have been what about 15y ago?! Love the look of the prize! Lessons in chemistry is one of my faves of the year so far Xx

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m sooooooo glad you joined BookTube. It’s a wonderful place isn’t it. Oooh the voicemail… I think it might be even longer than 15 years.

[@YourTrueShelf]

@@SavidgeReads I've met so many friends in real life now, and one friend is coming over from America to stay with me thissummer! Booktube is the best 😊

[@paulwinchell6904]

Simon thank you for seven years. Thank you for introducing me to books that I would have never heard of it wasn't for you and the other booktubers from across the pond I would have missed out on some incredible writing. A huge thank you for recommending Tin Men seriously one the best books I've read in the last decade. I pray that you live long and prosper and that you always find excellent reads to recommend. Let there always be words that form into stories that transform and better our lives. Yours Paul

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks for such a lovely comment as always Paul. Very very very kind of you.

[@smittenforfiction]

Happy 7 years! I'm headed to a fancy hotel for the night with my husband to celebrate our 10 years anniversary, 17 years together. Reading lots of amazing books this month. Two new short story collections by Peter S Beagle who wrote one of my all-time fav books The Last Unicorn, a few novellas from The Wayward Children series, Closer By Sea by Perry Chafe (amazing book set in Newfoundland), and Bunny (finally read it and loved it).

[@SavidgeReads]

Belated Happy Anniversary. Hope you had a fabulous time.

[@smittenforfiction]

@@SavidgeReads Thank you! Yes it was wonderful.

[@phoenixjones660]

🍞 Warm and Rye! Yeah, that's a goodie 😊. 7 years! But you don't look more than 6, haha 😂 Seriously, this couldn't be more earned and well deserved, Simon 🥳 Hay is a fab location , Natter and Nature combined 🌻perfect for a Savidge 📸 💜

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thank you so much Phoenix, very kind. There were three Savidge's in Hay this weekend and they were all loving it!

[@sniffingthesheets]

Warm and rye had me chuckling. Totally sounds like bread! Can't wait to see your outfits. If they're anything like your t shirt collection then you will be looking 🔥 Enjoy it and 🍀

[@SavidgeReads]

Apparently I have done warm and wry very well. Hahaha. My pink suit went down a treat with the crew and production.

[@sniffingthesheets]

@@SavidgeReads Saw it and loved it!

[@fozzymup268]

Subscribed to your new channel Simon, looks great! Also, love the t-shirt! You deserve the best in everything you do, enjoy yourself 💕

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you’re enjoying the new channel!

[@benreadsgood]

Congrats on the big news - so pleased for you and can’t wait to watch! 🎉 I’m heading to Hay next weekend (3/4 June) so if you see an idiot waving at you, it might be me!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha that just made me laugh. I saw a few people yesterday and that was looooovely.

[@1960Amanda]

Congratulations on 7 years and also your Hay festival sky arts programme which I am very much looking forward to. You should be very proud of what you have achieved. I met you at Stockton library when you were in conversation with Patrick Gale and find your style calm and relatable. I often find book recommendations through your channel but equally enjoy your days out and home interiors content. Thank you 🙂. PS I'm currently reading Elizabeth Finch by Julian Barnes.

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks so much for such a lovely comment. It means a lot. Patrick was such a treat to interview.

[@elaineray245]

I have The Terrible Kindness, will have to take it on holiday with me

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you like it as much as I did.

[@Nurse_Kathy]

Simon! Everything’s coming up roses for you-I’m thrilled! 🌹 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha, lets hope it stays that way.

[@laurenclarke9284]

Thrilled for all the amazing things you have coming Simon, it's very well deserved. I love the long vlogs and the snapshots so happy to watch a mixture of both ☺️ Good luck with the filming

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww that's good to know. The longer vlogs will be back, I just can't really do them when I am reading for work anymore, I don't think it is fair on the books, the author, or me... if I am super busy hahaha. So thought two channels would be the one. Filming has gone well so far!

[@Revnedkitty]

Happy Happy! Well deserved on all fronts! Enjoy all you content! What edition/ publisher of Lessons in Chemistry? Must have!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ah, thats the proof edition. I don't know if they have any left or if it is in circulation anywhere.

[@fayegibbons97]

Congratulations on everything you are doing. 7 years is fabulous. The prize books look good too🎉🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you very much Faye.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

Such a major news-packed video!!! Sending you all kinds of positive vibes for Hay and hoping it’s amazing. Wish I could be there and would love to see videos of how you film a TV show for later at a live event. And also a video about the festival itself. Love the Savidge Snapshots content and am delighted to subscribe. Excellent RSL prize shortlist (have read several and now must read the others). Definitely eager for more prize content from you as well. Have a fantastic time Simon and happy early 7th anniversary!

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks Cindy. You always say the loveliest things. I think our shortlist is ace. Hope lots of people head to it.

[@wooshell11]

Congratulations on your Book Tube birthday! Great news on the Hay news. 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you very much!

[@shawkitty2524]

Happy 7th Anniversary! I LOVE the idea of "Savidge Snapshots"!! Great idea!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanks very much, hope you enjoy the new channel.

[@mrsbookworm72]

Great catch up current read Wandering souls 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

I enjoyed that book very much, cried loads but enjoyed it.

[@mrsbookworm72]

@@SavidgeReads I am loving it I remember your thoughts on it which made me want it !

[@margo8248]

Congrats - just be yourself and you'll nail it 🎉🎉🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha, they kept saying that but when someone asks you to be yourself you start to wonder who you really are hahaha.

[@marjoriedybec3450]

🎆Congratulations on your anniversary. I'm a new subscriber. Love your passion. Good luck with your interviews. As a writer myself, I'm always curious who authors say influenced their writing. I also love to know about the environment and mindset they were in when the wrote the book. For example JK Rowling in a coffee shop in Edinburgh or Roald Dahl in his little writing cottage at the far end of his property. Also hearing some authors describe their environment can be a real treat too. Yes, I'd love to know more about the short listed book. The one about Gaughin's muse sounds very interesting to me. I love books about Art. This year, in that category, I've read: Ninth Street Women (incredible, 5-stars, long), Picasso's War (dry, 4-stars, a no if you don't like books about Art), and now I'm reading Saving Italy (fascinating, can't star yet.) Don't burn out. Personally, I love the 15-30 min format. I'm not a big fan of super shorts. My old brain cant process that fast. 5-6 mins is okay. Over 45 mins, I need to really want the content. Good luck with the new channel and the work-life-record-read balance. Bravo.

[@SavidgeReads]

Welcome to the channel. I hope you keep enjoying it. Thanks for the book recommendations I will look into them. It is rare a book about art gets me like I Am Not Your Eve did. Thanks for you thoughts on length of videos. Everyone’s preferences are so different, so I tend to just see where the waffle takes me, with a chatty video, or week takes me with a vlog and hope people fancy giving it a watch. Ha. Ps. No comment on she who must not be named. Ha.

[@barbarahelgaker390]

Ooo great we can watch it outside UK! Look forward to it!

[@SavidgeReads]

You should be able to... I hope.

[@cecilialau_]

Happy 7th birthday, Simon! 🥳 Thank you for sharing your life and love of books with us. My tbr has expanded immensely, and I wouldn’t have it any other way 🫶🏼 I hope Hay is treating you well, and I hope you are proud of yourself (as you mentioned) - I have absolute faith in you btw 😎 - I recently listened to The Troubles With Us by Alix O’Neill - I also prefer nonfiction if on audio - and as a Derry Girls fan it was both “familiar” and insightful ☀️

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you Cecilia. Hay has been good so far. Lots of lovely feedback. Ooh I’ll note down The Troubles with Us. Thank you!

[@antigony8178]

Congratulations Simon - thanks for sharing your wonderful news. I can imagine you're feeling nervous, but also excited. Hope it goes really well!

[@SavidgeReads]

Nerves are a really good thing I have decided, so is MILD imposter syndrome. They show you care and keep you rooted and I think it all went pretty well.

[@antigony8178]

@@SavidgeReads That's great! Yes, a bit of stress is good for one's performance.

[@deemarie8647]

When you said a sentence about each book I did have a wee chuckle 😊 Congratulations on your exciting job I would like to see everything you manage to film lol

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha, I just cannot do succinct. I have managed to film 'bits' but it is very very back to back on filming days.

[@angiescott6046]

Wow! Such exciting news! I’m excited that you will interview Barbara Kingsolver. Congratulations!🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes. I’ve got Barbara joining me in my tent on Monday. Woohoo.

[@lizardslaw2661]

You’ll be wonderful. Congratulations 🎉🎉❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thank you 🥳📚

[@katiechatseyeshadow4394]

Great t shirt x

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!

[@Victoria-Claringbold]

Congratulations Simon. Always a pleasure to see your videos. 🎉 Enjoy Hay festival, look forward to watching your show on sky arts. 🤩📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you Victoria. The channels been a bit thin on videos of late but that will change I promise. Loving Hay so far though the pressure is quite high. Ha.

[@starstuffpuff]

That's such wonderful news, Simon! Congrats! 🎊🎉🎈

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you very much 🥳📚

[@carolewatson2113]

Congratulations Simon! Think I was one of the nagging people re Lessons in Chemistry. Now reading the Bandit Queens. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎬

[@SavidgeReads]

I was really thankful so many people told me to read Lessons in Chemistry. Isn’t Bandit Queens just brilliant.

[@Georgesmomsu]

Congratulations! So deserved. I just finished listening to The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve heard some really good things about that book. I don’t know why but the title really puts me off.

[@lomazowr1]

Congratulations can’t wait to watch your debut 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🍾

[@SavidgeReads]

Very weird going it alone.

[@lomazowr1]

Your a star you will be great❤️

[@doomantidote]

Huge congrats on all your latest endeavours! All very inspiring

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks Ben. That’s very kind. Fingers crossed our paths will cross again soon!

[@Heatherskl]

Congrats and all the best!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you Heather.

[@SueWard]

Congratulations Simon

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you Sue 🥳📚

[@sgaston3969]

Congratulations 🎉on your 7 year anniversary 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you 🥳

[@booksoverbreakfast]

Congratulations!! 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

🥳📚

[@mradcaqbdb]

Enjoy your new adventure in Hay! ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

So far so enjoyable.

[@stacey__withanE]

Congratulations!! You deserve every good thing that comes to you! I just finished reading Fayne by Ann Marie MacDonald and it's one of the best I've read this year. If you can get a copy, I highly recommend!

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thanks so much Stacey. I’ve not heard of Fayne. I shall have to look it up.

[@Usvaa]

Why do all glasses suit you so well!??! I can't get away with wearing ANY frames. 😡 🙂

[@SavidgeReads]

I am not sure they do... and I have only been wearing one pair recently hahaha.

[@donnarosenthaltruitt5548]

My book is non fiction It is called I won against all odds and it tells about my 44 yr daily battle with epilepsy and how I got cured.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh ok. Good luck with it.

[@CJReads]

Killing it!!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh you!!! Thank you! 🩷📚

[@normanorourke3244]

I am starting to look for books written in the 1950’s about the countryside like the miss read series

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh good luck, happy hunting.

[@cathrineboysen1017]

🎉💜📚🌞💜🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

🥳📚

[@lindaleehall]

Trying to figure out why you don’t like books about art……..and ships?

[@SavidgeReads]

I think in part it's just a taste thing. I don't like boats in real life so that probably explains that one, ha! And books with art in I can find alienating if I don't know the art or it isn't described vividly enough to me, same with music.

[@bethheller7734]

A Terrible Kindness was one of the best books that I have read this year. I knew nothing of the Aberfan disaster prior to reading it. What a tragically beautiful story.

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes, I think I have found a new genre/type of book I like... brutally beautiful.