Booker Prize Thoughts | September 2024

The Booker Shortlist is announced tomorrow, so I thought I would have a #BookerPrize chat with you all. What my thoughts are on the longlist, which I’ve read, which I have, which I want and if I’m going to read the shortlist. Oh and introducing Earl, the newest Savidge on the block. #BookChat #BookTube
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Books Mentioned…
Wild Houses by Colin Barrett
Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel
James by Percival Everett
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner
My Friends by Hisham Matar
This Strange Eventful History by Claire Messud
Held by Ann Michaels
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange
Enlightenment by Sarah Perry
Playground by Richard Powers
The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden
Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood
Me Elsewhere…
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[@ht6743]

Yes vote for you and your mother reading the shortlist.

[@SavidgeReads]

Let’s see what the shortlist delivers.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Four cats?😺😸😼😽You’re officially a “childless cat lady.” That’s a very good thing, in my opinion.

[@SavidgeReads]

Well, I am a man to be fair. But a childless cat owned one.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

@@SavidgeReads 😸

[@benreadsgood]

‘Big Bookish Beacon’ needs to be the official slogan of the Booker next year! Loved what you were saying about judging being a tough gig. I think it’s always good to assume best intentions. Fun to hear you’re planning to read the shortlist, and interested to hear your thoughts on the books!

[@SavidgeReads]

I might have to trade make Big Bookish Beacon, in fact that would have been quite the channel name. Damn! I have noticed where there’s been some slamming of the list and judges picks… those folk would be the first to flip if their platforms were slammed. Hahahaha. Anyway, onto the shortlist, I am looking forward to hearing what’s made the cut.

[@spexi513]

😂 “ I know where my place is bc I’m on the floor “ 😂 😂 💚

[@SavidgeReads]

Facts are facts.

[@katie8938]

I can't get over how adorable your cat is

[@SavidgeReads]

He’s lovely. They all are.

[@ceeveegee]

Would love a video showcasing each of your 4 cats and if they were a book, which book they would be. Earl would be something v chill & relaxing and possibly have many pages as he's a long cat. Or a DNF as he didn't stay til the end! 🙂

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’m controlling the lump in my throat at the cute cat, as we had to say goodbye to our Pebbles on Thrusday 12th.

[@SavidgeReads]

Sorry to hear that! Sending much love.

[@wendysaunders2393]

Would love to see you and Louise read the shortlist together but only if she’s up for it xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes, we will see if she is after the long list is announced. I think I might give it a whirl regardless.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

Perfect autumnal shirt. Amazing cat. “Big bookish beacon” is phenomenal and should be adopted by the Booker Prize for their merch. As someone who has read this year’s longlist and thinks it’s quite strong, I find the negativity absolutely baffling and mean spirited as well. I think my predictions (not my wish list) for the shortlist are James, My Friends, Playground, Creation Lake, Stone Yard Devotional and either Orbital or Headshot (I go back and forth on that one). Yes please read the shortlist so we can discuss. It would be lovely if Louise joined but do it anyway!

[@SavidgeReads]

I think I’ll probably read the shortlist either way. I am very disappointed you gave your predictions and not your wish list too, that seems unfair. This is because of this weekends In Memoriam incident isn’t it! Hahahaha.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

@@SavidgeReads Ha! No, I’m feeling better about the In Memoriam incident now that I know you still have a copy. My personal wishlist is Enlightenment, James, My Friends, Stone Yard Devotional, Playground and Creation Lake (by a hair over Held).

[@JardineraAnge]

I always enjoy hearing yours and your mum's different takes on short listed books. ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

I think we’re going to be reading the shortlist together. I might even reread the three I’ve read already.

[@kiranreader]

i think you'll like wild houses - the drug/gang stuff is not actually as strong of an element in the book? it's a lot more about the individual people and where they are in their current time and place. also, held is very autumn/winter vibes!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh this is really good to know Kiran. Thank you so much! You’ve sold Wild Houses to me much more. And I could possibly be down for Ann’s autumnal vibes. Maybe. Loved your takes on the Booker btw.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Of the 6 books I’ve read 1. My Friends 2. Stone Yard Devotional 3. Wild Houses 4. Orbital 5. Enlightenment 6. The Safekeep Wild Houses is best on audio. It’s set in Ballina , Mayo. Mayo is the county in Ireland that has a reputation of oddness/craziness. It’s really about how strong women save the day/ long term effects of bullying/ how drugs are now in rural isolated places.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. You are naughty Jacqueline you KNOW that I can’t do fiction on audio. Sounds like the books good. I have no real knowledge of Mayo so can’t comment on the reputation but I’m all about strong women saving the day, though I hope that’s not a spoiler?!? 😱

[@judegrindvoll8467]

I'm not a huge audio book fan either, although I do wonder if books with strong regional ties such as this one would be enhanced by being narrated by someone from the region. Food for thought maybe... I dnf'd a book recently because I just couldn't 'hear' the regional voice in my head so I definitely want to try again with it on audio.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

Earl is sooooo cute!! 🐾 Love Charlotte Wood’s writing. ❤ Like or dislike the longlist and least it’s bought 13 books to our attention that we might not have tried otherwise. I am always grateful for that with all the prize longlists. 😊 Great to see your top picks & hear your thoughts. I hope you and your Mum enjoy all the books that you get to from the Booker. Not long till we find out now!!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Not long to go at all, till both the reveal of the shortlist and the reveal if Louise is joining in with reading it. Hehehe. I sooooo hope Charlotte Wood makes it on there.

[@monicamoreira2303]

The first book I read was Held. I did not know the author yet, and I really love her writing. I felt that the interchange between characters sometimes broke my level of interest, but just at the beginning of the chapters. What really got me total emotional and loving was: - the thoughts of each character being so deep, so raw yet so sophisticated and reaching a level of questioning and understanding the human condition and how we are a product of meaning - the intimacy between characters. It were the little and simple things, but Helena and John's conversation about the wall painting, Alan asking Mara talking about her interests, the man surrounding and supporting Peter, and the Marie Curie part ... Just snapped something inside of me and made me question that perphaps we don't invest as much in relationships as we should, and that it doesn't really take that much

[@SavidgeReads]

Sounds like it was a book that really worked for you, thank you for telling me more about it and your reaction to it, has me all the more intrigued.

[@doreene11]

The black and white ramblings 👌👌 😂😂😂 my favourite part and always makes me literally lol 😂😂 The new kitty wants quiet when sleeping, I have one of those , if I watch tv or have a light on, he moves rooms 😂😅

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh honestly this one doesn’t care. He sleeps through action movies and all sorts this one.

[@mradcaqbdb]

I’m with your mum. Make the decision based on what’s on the shortlist. If you’re intrigued by the six books, go for it. If not, there are a squillion other booktubers devoted to reading the Booker lists. If it sounds like I’m not invested… I’m not. Plus, there’s the thought of having to read a list of books because somebody chose them and said they are good. OMG!!! I could never ever be a book prize judge! I’d be like nah, not interested in that one, or that one, etc. I am a total whim girl! 😂😂😂

[@SavidgeReads]

If you’re not invested, you’re not invested. That’s fair enough.

[@cherylynlarking191]

loved the cat. Really looking forward to reading James, and Orbital . Yes please read the short list with my mother. Love listening to your opinions and views.

[@SavidgeReads]

Read with your mother? I don't know what my mother would have to say about that!! hahaha.

[@EvieM1]

I too, like Earl, sit staring into space for some time after waking from a nap.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh I’m just super duper grumpy. I avoid naps at all costs.

[@monisharmuk]

OK, Earl is doing the most cat thing ever, and I absolutely love it!! Can I see the other 3 gorgeous kitties as well?

[@socaltoobie8984]

Earl’s coloring is absolutely stunning!!! 🤩 Love the autumnal flannel!

[@SavidgeReads]

He is a gorgeous cat, we’re very lucky to have been chosen by him.

[@EllenFelicity]

What a happy cat 🥰 Enjoyed hearing your thoughts, I am so keen to get to The Safekeep, and I share the love for Stoneyard. My Friends is a treat. I'm about halfway through Held and I'm not sure I have the brain cells for it. Will be interested to hear your thoughts on Wild Houses - the drugs are very much just a means to a plot end, not a dominant theme. I'm looking forward to the shortlist, shortly.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m getting all the more excited for the shortlist since making this video and having these lovely chats in the comments. People are selling me Wild Houses, sounds like it’s one I should get to regardless of it being shortlisted or not.

[@judybrown1624]

I would love for you both to read the SL.

[@SavidgeReads]

Let’s see what the shortlist brings. I think Charlotte Wood could be the deciding factor for mum. Ha.

[@misschapmanreads5645]

Love hearing your thoughts. I've read The Safekeep and I have Wandering Stars ready and waiting. I'm waiting for the shortlist to decide which others to read. Earl is clearly properly settled in now 😊 Also love that shirt, so autumnal.

[@misschapmanreads5645]

Oooh I am excited for Playground. I've read The Overstory and Bewilderment and really loved them both.

[@SavidgeReads]

I was wearing that shirt out and about on Saturday when I filmed this and had so many people tell me it was autumn in a shirt… which is just why I bought it 😉

[@Georgesmomsu]

I just love Earl. I’m so glad hes settled in. I havent read any on the list. I will read the Richard Powers - I loved The Overstory. Nothing else is screaming out at me.

[@SavidgeReads]

Not even the ones I love? Oh Su, I am shooketh hahaha. I am joking obvs.

[@ralphharris6374]

Lovely video Simon. Ive read all bar one of the long list. I dont understand Booker having a book on the long list that is not out until after the shortlist announcement. Here are my six that I think will be on the shortlist- James, My Friends, Orbital, Safekeep, Stoneyard Devotional, Held. I have loved reading the long list this year and TBH if any of the others get into the shortlist I wouldn’t mind. I totally agree that the judges job is so hard and they can’t win. Reading is so subjective and it is a joy that so many people like different types of books. There shouldn’t be negativity around a joyous occasion. There are a couple I would like to re read if they get on the shortlist. I absolutely adored ‘My Friends’ and would be delighted if you and your mum read the shortlist together and we could all could join in!!

[@SavidgeReads]

You'd think maybe they would change either the dates of the announcements or the dates of the eligibility of the prize wouldn't you, seems odd to have books readers can't be reading, ha. I have been so delighted by how many people have Stone Yard Devotional on their lists, is a proper thrill to see! I have had some quite fun thoughts of how mum and I could do some shortlist content, if she joins in. I think I will be doing it regardless.

[@ralphharris6374]

@@SavidgeReads excellent. I will look forward to that x

[@ralphharris6374]

@@SavidgeReads well I got 5 of the 6 correct. First time Ive been anywhere near that. Can’t believe it. Though I didn’t really enjoy Creation Lake

[@melaniecaldicott8643]

Hi Simon great to hear your Booker LL thoughts. Just wanted to say about Wild Houses don't be put off by the drugs/gang subject matter as I think primarily it's a book that is full of character studies. In fact it reminded me of Ordinary Human Failings. My only criticism was that I felt it read a bit like short stories and the overall plot didn't propel me through. But I think you'd like it and it's worth a read.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh ok. Thank you for the recommendation. It seems quite a few of you think it would be my kinda book… as the publishers did sending it me three times. Hahaha.

[@cecilialau_]

Love the jokes and tangents and everything in-between (as always). And welcome Earl! My friends and The Safekeep are the two I’m defo going to read - sooner rather than later, honestly get overly keen for my own good. Anyway, haha… Would love hearing you and your mum talk about your thoughts on the shortlist, so yes, I’m absolutely voting a big “yes please and thank you” on that 🤩 (or your own version of a shortlist if you were hoping to read a certain book maybe, idk, sorry for the absolute ramble…)

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha, I think reading my personal shortlist over the actual shortlist could get a little over complicated… unless they are the same thing. Imagine!

[@kristinebenoitdebykhovetz6160]

I love Earl ❤ he absolutely stole the show today 😊 what a cute face he has and great choice of a name. He really does look like an Earl. 👍🏻☺️ I would love to do the booker short list reading with you guys. I really enjoy the videos you did for the women’s prize with your mom; that was really great and the same on booker would be just terrific. 🎉

[@nflower33]

I’m guessing it’s from Earl Grey🤓perfect.

[@kristinebenoitdebykhovetz6160]

@@nflower33 ☺️👍🏻

[@SavidgeReads]

You guessed correctly. Earl because of Earl Grey. Lol. A flippant comment from me back in June when I joked that the new grey cat in the garden was called Earl and wanted to live with us… little did I know.

[@SavidgeReads]

Mum and I have read the Booker together before and it was fun. We couldn’t film together at the end so did it on zoom which didn’t work so well so timing is something we would have to look at too. I’m game though.

[@kristinebenoitdebykhovetz6160]

@@SavidgeReads see ! you manifested another cat because the universe has no sense of humor 😆 he is so cute though 🥰

[@jenniferarnold1507]

A big welcome to Earl! Yes, I think you and your mother should read the Booker shortlist.

[@SavidgeReads]

I think I probably will, will see what mum decides later today.

[@jordanb7796]

Loved hearing your thoughts - and would definitely love seeing you and Louise read the shortlist. I'm quite proud of myself, as this is the first year that I've (almost) read the longlist - barring Creation Lake and Playground due to the publication dates. I would love to see My Friends (my favourite of the list), James, Orbital, and Stone Yard Devotional in the shortlist, but I'm so indecisive about the others! I feel like I change my mind at least twice a day.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh congrats for having almost done the whole list. I am about to enter my shortlist only era as I am finding long list reading can be book burn out inducing, depending on the long list of course. I want more whim reading in my bookish diet so think shortlists might be where it’s at.

[@jordanb7796]

@@SavidgeReads I agree! I do normally pick and choose, especially as it depends what I can find in the library :) But I found all of the longlist this year quite intriguing, so thought it was a prime opportunity to challenge myself. I hope you enjoy your shortlist reading, whatever ends up on it!

[@starstuffpuff]

Wild Houses is one of my favorites from the longlist 🙂. To say it's about gangsters or drug dealers is doing it a massive disservice. I think you would really enjoy it. I also loved The Safekeep, Orbital, Headshot, My Friends, Enlightenment. I enjoyed James, dnf-ed Held, This Strange Eventful History, and Wandering Stars (for now, because I think I need to read There, There first for a more comprehensive experience). I'm really looking forward to Playground and Stone Yard Devotional, and I'm intrigued by Creation Lake. The longlist this year has been a great reading experience for me. Your new kitty companion is adorable 😻.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha someone needs to have a word with the team about the blurb on Wild Houses it seems, cos that is where I got that vibe from. Glad you have had a brilliant time reading the longest so far, well with a couple of exceptions lol.

[@starstuffpuff]

@@SavidgeReadsYes, blurs sometimes really don't do books justice :). The basic plot involves drug dealing, but it's so much more than that.

[@sadie608]

Loved There There when I read it early this year, and got Wandering Stars for my birthday, finished it like a week ago and both will be on my December reread favorites list.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh sounds like they are great!

[@Nurse_Kathy]

“The mother ship” 🩷😹😹😹😹🩷

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s what she is! Hahaha.

[@joana_jj_8]

Stone Yard Devotional was SO good and so relatable, one of my favourite reads this year if not ever.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s brilliant isn’t it? All her books are. And so is she.

[@taneesewilson8844]

Being new to all of the prizes since getting back into reading, the few that I’m interested in reading for this prize, from the LL that I hope will make the SL are, My Friends, James, Stoneyard Devotional, and Enlightmentment of which is the one I’ve read so far and really really liked. Well, prob more loved😁 And of course yes Simon 😊to you and your mom reading the SL 📚together! Always appreciate your reviews and especially your SL pics. Earl woke up and left like he forgot he had other plans😂 but he’s sure a beautiful cat! His eyes😍

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad to hear you loved Enlightenment! I am looking forward to heading back to it in due course. One thing I would say is, prizes are brilliant when you’re getting back into reading for giving you a lovely selection of books to want to check out, just don’t let them overwhelm you. As they can. Ha. I know of old.

[@janepeacock3704]

Hi Simon 🤓 & Earl 🐈‍⬛ 🐾 I really appreciated your Booker overview 📚👏🏻 I decided this year to really ‘go for’ reading the longlist - but have only read 5!! Currently reading/enjoying Wandering Stars & I did read There, There before it 👍🙂 James remains a strong contender for me; I liked Wild Houses but don’t think it’ll make the short list; Held has the potential to go further (I thought it was painfully beautiful/insightful but a bit vague now/then!); I really enjoyed Enlightenment - I just am a fan of SP. Now I come to Stone Yard Devotional & I’m in the minority I think, but I found it mostly flat & depressing & the mice 🫣🤢 BUT it could be I was in the wrong mood at that time 🥹 if it makes the shortlist I think I’ll reread it!! Really looking forward to the shortlist announcement this evening ☺️ I vote for you & your Mum to read it 😘📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh painfully beautiful, you just made Heft sound like just my sort of book! Sorry you didn't enjoy Stone Yard Devotional, we can't all love the same books though, that would be very dull - though I did briefly think about blocking you (I am joking of course!!!) I am looking forward to getting back to Enlightenment, I am having a crime phase for a while after a few exhausting weeks.

[@janepeacock3704]

Please don’t block me 🤣🙏🏻 (I did really like The Weekend 😉) Who knows - I may like it better 2nd time around (happened with Piranesi & Lincoln in the Bardo - or was it Bard!?) TC x

[@leolamoon11]

Agree with your thoughts on the Booker and the unnecessary disparaging comments. Read and loved Safe Keep, Orbital and James. I did reread Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before James, which I haven’t read since High School-many many moons ago. I must say that reading Twain deepened my appreciation for James. However, I didn’t actually enjoy the reading experience….So I don’t feel it’s necessary to read Twain before Everett’s James. Around Eighty pages into Enlightenment and it’s really delightful. I can’t wait to read more of her writing-this is the first Sarah Perry book I’ve read. I do plan on reading most of the books from the longlist. I do appreciate how passionate you are about reading and how respectful you are of writers. While I understand everyone has a right to their own opinion, I sometimes feel that reviews on KZbin can be a little too quick to dismiss books. I recently watched a review of Safe Keep in which the person didn’t seem to get or respect the book at all. I’m really glad you loved Safe Keep. It’s definitely a book that I found quite beautiful and well written….

[@SavidgeReads]

I think there’s maybe been a few folk wanting to give some hot takes or hot tea (each to their own) and I don’t really get that. Well I suppose this is my take on the list and the books, not sure how hot it is. Hahaha.

[@michaelhoran5762]

I’ve been lurking around the long list this year… been thinking “should I read the shortlist? 🤔 “ I think if you do it’ll nudge me towards yes. It’ll be fun to follow along with your thoughts! And YES 🙌🏼 to positive energy. 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

We love that positive energy. BPE. Hahaha. I am most likely going to do it. Just gotta work out the order and where can chat about them all with everyone as I’ll most likely vlog it rather than do videos per book. I’m also hoping I’ve read some already… but you never know. Happy to nudge you towards a yes. Ha.

[@ClareReads]

The only thing better than books is cats, so this video is everything! Just adore Earl, he’s super floofy like my boys ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

He is indeed a floof, very like Mildred actually. I think there will be some big hair bills ahead!!

[@doreene11]

And yes, if you and your mum want to, I am definitely interested on yours opinion on the Booker. Also, I'm interested if Enlightenment is still a favourite of yours after you finish it. I've heard only bad reviews of it, like it's too long and rambling/boring..

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh I’ve not seen only bad reviews. Euan of Hardback Hypebeast loooooved it on Instagram. I trust his opinion a lot. In fact I have seen a few raves. And I do think some of the best books can be marmite. lol.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

You and mum 🥰Louise & Simon read the shortlist and discuss 🤗

[@SavidgeReads]

We shall see… maybe… hopefully.

[@inkylabyrinth]

I definitely recommend reading There There before Wandering Stars. I don't like to read about addiction much because of personal stuff, but Tommy Orange is one of the very few authors I really trust to do it well. So pleased he's made the longlist. Wandering Stars is the only one I've read so far, but I will be getting to Percival Everett and Charlotte Wood. I hope Wood being nominated means her books will be more readily available in the States! (PS Thank you for sharing sleepy Earl with us!)

[@SavidgeReads]

Charlotte has a big back catalogue which thankfully I have most of on my shelves but they’re hard to get here… her debut is almost impossible to get full stop.

[@MelissaMoore-bm9uf]

Gable, Grant, step back...Earl the cat is THE movie star.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. He’s a very handsome boy. All my cats are equally gorgeous though obviously. I do not want anyone thinking I have favourites.

[@user-qo6tz1oe1v]

Loved My Friends

[@SavidgeReads]

That and James seem to be universally loved.

[@judybrown1624]

I liked Held a lot more than Fugitive Pieces

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh that is interesting Judy as I did like Fugitive Pieces quite a bit.

[@judybrown1624]

@@SavidgeReads I think it could win.

[@ecw199]

Do you definitely get to keep Earl, because I'm getting emotionally invested and I don't think I could bear it if you had to give him up like you did the other stray cat that adopted you (and I'm sure you couldn't either). He is very lovely. Also yes to you reading the Booker Shortlist, preferably with your mum but on your own if she's not up for it (or is she just too famous to be seen with you now LOL?)

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha, she may be... or maybe doing the Women's Prize is enough reading with me for one year!

[@janebowell3985]

Thank you , Simon 🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha, what for?

[@janebowell3985]

@@SavidgeReads Ha ha a very good point 😂 well, for talking about the Booker and the upcoming short list 😂 the only one that is the same as me is James because I just haven’t got around to reading many/any this year.

[@EvieM1]

I have ‘James’ on my shelves, but I think that’s the only one I’m planning to read.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s getting such fab reviews.

[@anneroy4560]

Lovely as always to see you but the brief presence of Earl lift the whole posting to a new level ... do read the short list ... that is when the prize starts getting interesting ... I mean some years the long list is just too long ...

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I can’t promise Earl will be in all my videos going forward or even some. Depends which seating he finds cosiest as he is still trying them all out and deciding. Haha. Interesting what you’ve said about shortlists. I can see what you mean but also at the same time I love long lists, I wouldn’t have read The Safekeep so soon if it hadn’t been for this one and that’s one of my favs of the year. Plus it highlights so many authors and really helps there careers, especially I should add with the Women’s Prize which I think is exemplary in how it celebrates its longlistee’s.

[@allisonschneider7414]

Personally, I would recommend reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn before reading James. There are so many parallel elements that you’ll appreciate more. Just my two cents 😊 I read them back-to-back and glad I did!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m glad that worked for you and appreciate your recommendations. We shall see. I am fairly sure it’ll be shortlisted but I just do not fancy reading Huckleberry Finn one bit. Hahaha.

[@sarahoflaherty1541]

Read Bewilderment… please. It’s one of the most moving books I’ve ever read. I can’t wait for Playground because of Bewilderment.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I don’t know if I have a copy of it so that could be the deciding factor in reading Bewildernent, especially if Playground is shortlisted as I’ll be heading to that. But I’ve noted your enthused recommendation for future, thank you!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Oh ,I do like that shirt ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you. It’s autumn in a shirt. Lol.

[@alisonsarahcarroll6063]

Earl is a gorgeous cat 🐈 Simon

[@SavidgeReads]

He is indeed, he joins three other gorgeous cats who are varying levels of thrilled he has moved in, hahahaha.

[@maartjedegroot9598]

I really like your Simon, but I like you even more with your mom next to you ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

I shall take that as a compliment, a cack handed one but a compliment non the less, hahaha. Alas mum and I don't live near enough to each other so we can film together that regularly but it is always lovely when we do and hopefully a nice bonus now and again for viewers of our channels.

[@MB-hc9tk]

He’s unfazed ?! 😂 Simon he looks sedated ! 👀 that cat is probably the most spoiled cat in Britain … comatosed by treats and cuddles.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. He does seem to belong here… and act like he’s been here for yeeeeears. Even though we think he’s only about 3 or 4.

[@MB-hc9tk]

@@SavidgeReads hah! knows what side his bread is buttered on , that’s what it is! He’s adorable mr earl grey ❤️

[@Ali-AvidReader]

My list is the same as yours but with Orbital not Headshot. I’m with your mum I want Stone Yard Devotional to win but suspect it will be James.

[@SavidgeReads]

I would just be so thrilled for Stone Yard Devotional to win, I would also be delighted for it to just be shortlisted for now to be honest hahaha.

[@TheEmzies]

Earl looks to have made himself at home.

[@SavidgeReads]

He most certainly has and we are delighted.

[@lynniepie52]

Is he, Earl Grey? I liked the Safekeep but don’t know how I would feel about a reread? I’m interested in Enlightenment and My Friends and I think I could get many more insights in rereading James…and it’s my pick for the Booker…maybe read or listen to a synopsis of Huck Finn before diving into James?

[@SavidgeReads]

I think with James I am just going to go in knowing nothing, as the book should (and I think must in this case) stand on its own to get on the list. Odd then that with Wandering Stars I would want to read There There first. Can’t explain it. And yea, Earl Grey. I joked when he appeared in the garden in June that ‘that fluffy grey cats called Earl and he wants to live with us’ little did I know.

[@lynniepie52]

@@SavidgeReads I probably read Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer when I was a child…through a child’s eyes…I think it would suffer as a reread…There There was a struggle for me too but I am going to read Wandering Stars…James and There There were visceral for me as I’m part of a society that tried to erase both cultures and in many ways continue to do so! Well, that’s my rant, so tickle the kitties for me and persevere through the booker list😉

[@booksandbordercollies]

You got upstaged by your cat :)

[@SavidgeReads]

It was to be expected. Happens any time I film where any of the four of them feature, intentionally or not. Ha.

[@jay_cadiramen]

The Booker has never really been on my radar before, but this year I'm challenging myself to read the entire shortlist in an attempt to expand my reading experience. Keen to hear your thoughts on the books as you work through them too... Perhaps let us know what order you'll be reading them in so we can read along and so the books won't be too spoiled as you discuss them?

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I would never do spoilers. I am allergic to giving spoilers in videos. Hahahaha. I’ll see what the list brings as I may have read some already, Charlotte Wood being on the list or not could be the decider, ha. Then will work out my plan of attach/reading. I need to work out how many weeks we have between shortlist and winner too cos I got a whole lotta work reading to do too. But would be lovely to have lovely folk like yourself join in.

[@jay_cadiramen]

​@@SavidgeReads Count me in for whatever you have planned - I'm raring to read!

[@SavidgeReads]

@@jay_cadiramen hahaha. Ok. See yourself counted. I just need to also work out where I can chat with people about the books as I go!

[@spexi513]

Sold on Stone Yard Devotional and Safe Keep and I loved Orbital ! And James and Wandering Stars - I’m 3/3 on the ones I have read 📖🪱💚

[@SavidgeReads]

I am so pleased you’ve loved all the ones you’ve read. That’s promising.

[@spexi513]

Bewilderment was my favorite read of 2022 and yessss plz on you two reading the shortlist ( or just you if she doesn’t want to ) . 📖🪱💚

[@SavidgeReads]

I think I’ll definitely be doing it either way.

[@spexi513]

Comment crazy my bad, but I basically forgot There There to the degree it was as if I hadn’t read it , and still loved Wandering Stars 📖🪱💚

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh that’s an interesting take. Noted. Also never apologise for commenting.