Books I *desperately* want to read this month 📖 August TBR

[@scarlettx3079]

Dear Carolyn, I recently discovered your channel when researching different versions of classics, and I think I found my happy place. I’ve been watching your videos every single day. I love your passion for literature and art, and your voice always calms me down instantly. For Asian literature, I’d like to highly recommend the “Three Body Problem” trilogy by Chinese author Cixin Liu. It’s an AMAZING sci-fi series that won the Hugo award. I just finished them and I don’t feel that I will be the same person anymore, or could see the starry night in the same way anymore. The writing and characters are not the author’s strengths, but if you’re looking for a mind-expanding, soul-shaking story (and encapsulated in it the philosophy) that will reshape how you look at the universe and the fate of humanity, definitely definitely don’t miss it. The story is so intriguing and the storytelling is so great that I just couldn’t stop turning the pages one after another. Love you & hope you have a wonderful day!

[@rue.h05]

Currently read Anna Karenina for the first time - on part three and enjoying it alot!!

[@jamesduggan7200]

one of the greats - enjoy!

[@hernameisjuliet]

We’re on the same boat! Currently on part 4

[@-alittletoowildinthe70s-]

Carolyn! You’re so right about reading smaller books alongside a bigger book! I do the same thing, but I just thought I was crazy- I recently finished Great Expectations and I read various Shakespeare plays alongside it and it helped me to not lose momentum! Love this vlog ❤️❤️

[@writerchic676]

As a mood reader, I feel like I’m always landing myself in a similar situation (I’m reading 5 books now too 😬😂). But, something that helps me is a 3 book system, until I finish all of my books: 1 physical read to be read at home, 1 audiobook while I work, and 1 palette cleanser! 1Q84 could be your physical/ebook read, the nature stories could be your palette cleanser, and your audiobook could be tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow 🤗 Or, the audiobook for 1Q84 is pretty good too, you could see if you can borrow it from the library?

[@oliviac712]

Maybe it's time for a 24 hour readathon...?? 🤞🏽🤞🏽😆

[@poppycalliope]

Yes I agree 👏

[@bookthoughtswitheilish]

Glad you like Enid Blyton! If you don’t mind books targeted for younger readers I’d definitely recommend Malory Towers ☺️

[@rebeccaselsky8491]

I usually never read more than one book at a time. But, I am thinking of giving it a try. I just finished The Count of Monte Cristo (which I loved) and currently reading Jaws LOL. It is one of my top ten favorite movies so I always wanted to read the book. After that, I'm thinking of The Grapes of Wrath, A Farewell to Arms or Needful Things. I'm already making a TBR for fall and spooky season too :) 🧛‍♀🦇🎃Also, I love your channel and your love of books and especially classics.

[@jamesduggan7200]

Peter Benchley was a speechwriter for the President before hitting it big with Jaws. The subplot is kind of weird and it doesn't surprise me Spielberg had little interest in it for the movie version. It's been said that Benchley hated Spielberg's cuts and changes, until of course it became a mega blockbuster. They made for an odd pairing, as one is in-your-face giant monster and the other is think-about-it-awhile psychologically disturbing. Anyway, I personally think your current reading list is great. I know you're going to enjoy it.

[@vintagelace7076]

I just read Jaws for same reason..I liked movie better

[@LibrariesandLattes]

I absolutely adored Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow!!! Hope you continue to enjoy it 😊 Some books on my August TBR include Pachinko, The Song of Achilles, Parable of the Talents, Remarkably Bright Creatures, Stone Blind, Love and Other Words, and Oathbringer! An ambitious one for sure haha

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

Carolyn, I'm a quarter Filipino, but I hadn't read any Filipino literature until this year. Here are the ones I have read and enjoyed, Touch Me Not (Noli Me Tangere) by Jose Rizal, Viajero and Dusk both by F. Sionil Jose, The Last Time I Saw Mother by Arlene J. Chai, In the Country by Mia Alvar (Short Story collection), and When Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe. Jose Rizal is a national hero in the Philippines during the time when Spain Colonized the Philippines and Touch Me Not is a classic. When Elephants Dance is WWII and could make you cry.

[@michellemitchell5112]

Why am i just now seeing you have The Thorn Birds on your shelves, I love that book, have read it several times over the years (and the mini series 😍)

[@BarbaraChudzynska]

Dear Carolyn Marie, I have recently discovered your channel and for the first time sought to comment on You Tube (a self confessed technophobe). I am always interested and inspired by your choice of books, your kindness, understanding and enthusiasm towards the author, the written word and also to your audience you always leaves us captivated for more. You are a true inspiration to so many. Today, you asked your audience for some advice on your August TBR. My advice would be to get the audio version of 1Q84, one day read the book and the next day listen to the audio version, it is a weighty tome and it is obvious you are intent on finishing it for your book club. In the same vein you purchase a book after hearing the audio version a little reverse psychology can also be applied to 1Q84 (no, it's not cheating) I hope that helps. As you asked I am currently reading Finding Hildasay by Christian Lewis, Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama and on your recommendation The Tale of Despereaux by Kate Di Camillo I hope that the above advice helps and look forward to watching your future Vlogs (?). Take care and in your words Happy Reading. B

[@doowopshopgal]

I just saw the Thornbird’s on your shelves. You are going to love the miniseries and oh my goodness I watch that every summer.

[@deborahracette9755]

Love that book! Such beautiful descriptive writing. Definitely in my top five. And thumbs up to the movie!

[@efluvial]

Have you read Virginia Woolf’s ToThe Light House? Beautiful writing summer theme and short, highly recommend!!! Happy reading to you!❤

[@jamesduggan7200]

My new tbr is long, like two years long, including East of Eden, Middlesex and, IQ84. In particular I'm looking forward to reading three popular novels from my formative years: Peyton Place, The Stepford Wives, and Valley of the Dolls. There's also some History and Philosophy there. I haven't yet read Bertrand Russell, so perhaps that will be interesting? idk - thx for the video : )

[@rachell773]

I just finished east of eden, so happy to see others in the comments excited to read it 🤍

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

Oh I love to read poetry in the morning when I have my coffee. It has been a ritual of mine for a couple of years now. I am interested in your thoughts on Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow; I'm a good judge of whether I will like a book or not most of the time, but I am unsure of that one, so your opinion may help me decide.

[@michelleizoco]

I read anything from 5-13 books at a time - but they're all VERY different. It helps me with my need to mood read - that way I can choose from almost anything and I never get confused. Devotions is a beautiful collection of poetry - hope you love it as much as I did! Loving the book choices you picked and wish you a great month of reading.

[@almatoledo1608]

Always a pleasure, thank you.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Love your TBR, Carolyn! A Pale View of the Hills and The boy and the dog are my favorite ones! I want to read East of Eden also.

[@elfedesbois6646]

Hi Carolyn ! I’m also reading smaller books alongside 1Q84. I just finished The Gentleman from Peru by André Aciman the other day, it was so magical and a 5 ⭐️ for me ! I’m going to Sardinia next week and i’m taking some Elena Ferrante books with me, i can’t wait ! Have a wonderful summer 🌞

[@user-pd5qz2vt2c]

Have been on an Ishiguro jag lately. I liked A Pale View of Hills more than Never Let Me Go. Very affecting. You have quite an ambitious TBR list. Go for it!

[@sumedhareads]

I so get you on wanting to read Asian literature, because I feel the same!! I want to explore more of Japanese writers

[@samuelmartin2608]

I'm working my way through Anna Karenina. After every "part" I switch to a smaller book. That way, I can keep a variety going.

[@ParadoxKismet]

I have 1Q84 on my TBR for so long. One day I will get to it! I agree - it's good to get a short book in while trying to read longer books. I understand wanting to feel like I am finishing something. I am currently reading Weaving Sundown in a Scarlet Light by Joy Harjo, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and California by Edan Lepucki (I got it randomly in a "bag of books" sale & wonder why I never heard of it).

[@bookmonsterally8260]

Great selection of books. Boy and the Dog sounds wonderful. I loved Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow, such an amazing book. I have two of her other books, Young Jane Young, which was a good read (not as good as Tomorrow), and The Storied Life of A.J Fikry, which I'm about to read. I'm also currently reading Please look after Mother, a Korean translation, very interesting and unusual book, it's really making me think. ☺

[@SandyGram75]

Pale View of Hills is on my TBR list, too. I enjoyed Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow as well. I just finished Parnasus On Wheels by Christopher Morley, which was a quick read. It's kind of quirky but well written. I enjoyed it. I am about to start The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

[@biancast.2420]

I read Come Rain or Come Shine a few years ago. I think it's quintessentially Ishiguro so if you're craving a taste of his writing it's a good little story to read but I know I thought it wasn't as good as his books (not due to the format - I think some novelists can write incredible short stories)

[@bezo.]

Currently i am reading the name of rose by umberto eco and it is going amazing and i just want to read the woman in white by Wilkie Colins did you read that? is it good? let me know 😊

[@kimbarbeaureads]

I DNF'd IQ84. Life is too short. I started Light in August by Faulkner. It is not my favorite. I think I just want fun books right now. These are my problems.

[@Floridiansince94]

Asian literature??? Snow Flower and the Secret Fan- Lisa See is the author- I believe you will love it!

[@lisaanne6475]

Can't wait to get to the Post office today. I have a package waiting from your Etsy shop!

[@johnthomas1686]

I hope you return to East of Eden ASAP! It is extraordinary and a genuine page turner. . . I read two of your recommendations: Foster (I LOVED it! Superb!) and am just about done with the lovely, moving Crying in H Mart. Tomorrow I will (probably) start another of your recommendations, Swimming in the Dark. Just finished reading Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy and am smack in the middle of The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley. Please finish East of Eden!!!!!!!!!!!

[@martinelanglois3158]

My brain totally agrees with yours: I also read shorter books when I am reading a big one. Or I read short stories. I would recommend "Chronicle of a death foretold" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez or "She and her cat" (but not the manga) by Makoto Shinkai. ❤📚

[@reneepasich]

Carolyn, East of Eden is on my top 10 favorite books of all time! I would wait until you finish 1Q84 and then just dive headfirst into East of Eden. I also wanted to let you know that based upon your recommendation, my daughter and I are buddy reading Before The Coffee Gets Cold. It’s our first buddy read and this is a great book for it! Thank you!!

[@almatoledo1608]

I read Dark Vanessa and now The Glutton.

[@greghill7691]

Congratulations on the marriage. I highly recommend the Penguin Anthology of Japanese Short Stories. All Ishiguro are very good but When We Were Orphans changed my life. Gish Jen's Thank You, Mr. Nixon is a great collection of Chinese American stories.

[@josephross5677]

A Pale View of Hills is on my list this month as well! I've also really been enjoying The Ministry of Time. It has been a really fun way to take a break from some heavier reads.

[@readingindefinitely7892]

I highly recommend the book Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin. She is a South Korean author and I gave this book 5 stars.

[@CamsCampbellReads]

I've read 1Q84 a couple of times and really enjoyed it. The audiobook is excellent too. I saw you had the Wind-up Bird Chronicle in your bedroom pile too. I just bought the exact same edition. It was my first Murakami audiobook and I wanted to get a physical copy too. Have you read it? Right now I'm reading a fantasy series by Robin Hobb, a series of 16 books in total and I'm reading one a month. Besides that, there's War and Peace and Crime and Punishment as slow reads (I'm leading the Crime and Punishment one) and also I'm running a group to follow a humanities course over two years, starting with Plato and moving onto Homer next week.

[@ba-gg6jo]

1Q84 has been sitting on my shelf (or floor) for two years and I kept thinking I must start it. Then I heard you say that you had just downloaded it to your Kindle, so I have just done the same. Far easier too read than a chunky book, especially with the arthritis, yes I am that old. I missed out on the bookmarks again, being in the UK got my time zones mixed up, it is a pity you can't advance order and pay for them then. Still I will keep trying. I have only read one book by Ishiguro : Klara and the Sun, which I found both poignant, uplifting and unusual, I got so invested in Klara. I should give more of his books a try. Thank you for the vlog, believe me the older you get the more books you have to be read. Too many books so little time. Enjoy your reading everyone.

[@kjgerdes1111]

Hi Carolyn, how can you and other readers read so many books at one time? One at a time for me! Love your videos!.

[@AnUncreativePerson]

I've created a very ambitious TBR for the month, hopefully I'll be able to finish it with school starting. I'm attempting to read the entire Truly Devious series (it's so good!) along with a few other books

[@nishasingh684]

I am in my Japanese literature fever too. I am reading 'The Penguin Book of Japanese Short Stories.' It takes you on a roller coaster ride, trust me.

[@greghill7691]

My favorite South Korean book is Human Acts by Han Kang. It does a lot of things very well. Comparable to the story of Hector in the Illiad; to Antigone; and with a concern for historic documentation like Slaughterhouse Five.

[@almatoledo1608]

I have never listened to an audio book or a kindle!

[@reubensmart1757]

Pale view of the hills is good!! I love ishiguro. The remains of the day is my absolute favourite by him

[@postcodeox278]

You have my bad habit reading too many books at once. Now I try to read 1 book at a time

[@sofia7321]

Dear Carolyn, I ve just started to listen to Crying in H Mart( I love listening to it and I will take my time with it) so thank you a lot☺. I wanted to ask you when listening to audiobooks you also annotate the book?

[@greghill7691]

I am about to start Dead-End Memories by Banana Yoshimoto just now translated from Japanese. I will let you know how it goes. East of Eden is a great movie. Grapes of Wrath is both a great movie and a vast elaborate novel.

[@JaydonH_02]

Currently reading No Country for Old Men before I continue my A Song of Ice and Fire journey. Next up: A Clash of Kings

[@mig900]

Try Wind Up Bird Chronicle or Kafka On The Shore after 1Q84! :)

[@LizziebelleXOX]

Ben Fogle did a wonderful tv series called: new lives in the wild. It was fascinating -I highly recommend . Maybe that’s what you were thinking ❤❤

[@jillenglish5878]

Grew up reading Enid Blyton's Famous Five book's, I am currently reading the Wind in the Willows , Tales of a Country Parish by Colin Heber-Percy, and just starting Stories for Summer by the British Library Women Writers

[@marjoriedybec3450]

As for what I'm hoping to read in August? I need to finish Look Homeward, Angel. Here are three other titles I'd like to get to but in truth, I expect to only fit in one or maybe two: Slip/The Slip (P Peiffer), The Gardner Heist (U Boser) or Lincoln in the Bardo (G Saunders.)

[@martins1964]

The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea is a little dark, but quite good.

[@meganvansickle8798]

I'm currently listening to Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson and reading Hera by Jennifer Saint. I just picked up Foster by Claire Keegan, thanks to your recommendations!

[@joelharris4399]

Omnivorous reading for a more equitable, eco-friendly, sustainable future. Toss in a little Asian lit, nature writing, Mary Oliver to fill in the poetry gap in your literary salad. Bon appetit!

[@RideStorm17]

Tomorrow x3 is wonderful! Be careful you’ll get very hooked! And I agree you should read East of Eden physically

[@OrdenJust]

Ha! When you said you were into Asian literature, I immediately thought that I would recommend 1Q84 in the comments. But I see you are already reading it.

[@marjoriedybec3450]

That's quite a big pile with the big books you are already reading. Impressive. I have two others that I think you would enjoy at this moment. Have you heard of the Belgian author, Amelie Nothomb? She wrote a book in french titled Stupeur et Tremblement (Fear & Trembling) about a young woman working in a Japanese corporation. Its very short and very good: tense and funny at the same time. The other is my favorite book of 2024 so far, What is the Grass: My Life with Walt Whitman, by poet Mark Doty. It is part biography of the great Walt Whitman, part coming-of-age memoir of Mark Doty and part gay NYC history. It was one of the most uplifting books I've ever read. I would postpone The Sailor who Fell from Grace. A couple of other booktubers made it sound like quite a harrowing slog. Given the rest on your TBR right now, I think its one that could slow you down rather than speed you up. Another thing I've done with big tomes, is to cut them into normal length volumes, ducktape the spine and read each one like a series. That way its not a physical reminder of the awkward discomfort of reading a 4" thick book.

[@neshkavirdure8289]

🎇🙋‍♀️😊I am STILL In Wonderful Middle Earth( Still Sloshing Around with Frodo , Sam+ Gollum/Smeagol In The Dead Marshes😯I Also am Reading Yumi and The Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson and The Do-Over By Lynn Painter( Almost Finished😁📚. I am Really Loving Sci Fi Fantasy so I Want to Read The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young and Maybe The Little Princess by Frances Hodgsen Burnett😊📚

[@karenlittlefield]

Have you read “the 39 steps” John Buchan. It’s only 122 pages and it’s a quick, easy read.

[@asan1050]

Patience....

[@Cubehead27]

I too have lots I want to read this month, only problem is I don't have time or focus to get through it all 😢 gonna have to do some prioritizing cause I probably won't have reading time past the end of the month and getting through 1Q84 is starting to look a bit unrealistic

[@rahulangiras8102]

A Personal Matter by Oe Kenzaburo is a great Japanese novel

[@maryknighttttttttttttttttt]

Hi. Would romantic or regency book would you recomend if i like brontes writing style? Thank you a lot😇

[@jmsl_910]

i can't weigh in on your list... BUT did you once recommend ice palace? i read it. wow. surreal

[@kaoc799]

Which mary Oliver poems would you recommend???

[@rachaelbird9250]

Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow is 1 of the books I am reading at the moment and I am struggling with it at the moment. I am just learning about Sam's Dad and he sounds an interesting character, so I am hoping the story will pick up for me.

[@macide500]

I believe the author of Tomorrow&Tomorrow&Tomorrow is a zionist🥲

[@hellopaulie]

🙄

[@patriciapendlbury2603]

She's married?? I thought she was like 16 and living at home 😂

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Everyone I meet thinks I’m much younger than I am 😆 I take it as a compliment!