books ive read in 2023 & a thank you for everything

My book club! Check out Keelin Moncrieff on Fable! We’re reading Talking at Night. Join us!
fable.co/club/...

[@evajamison01]

i pretty much never comment on social media, but i felt compelled to today! i’ve been watching your videos since i was a teenager (22 now) and i’m so grateful for your platform. through your channel i was able to learn about how to live a more ethical lifestyle, and i always find comfort in watching your videos because you’re just so unapologetically yourself in a world where so many of us find it difficult to be sincere. anyway, it’s lovely to watch you flourish as a mother and your personal growth. i left northern ireland for the UK about 3 years ago, but your videos always feel like a slice of home. best wishes keelin! - eva 🧍‍♀️

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank you so much Eva this is so nice ❤️❤️ happy new year 🥳

[@maryseptihet]

ALL 35 BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO: 1. The Secret History - Donna Tartt 2. Tomorrow And Tomorrow And Tomorrow - Gabrielle Zevin 3. Braiding Sweetgrass - Robin Wall Kimmerer 4. Trespasses - Louis Kennedy 5. My Brilliant Friend - Elena Farrante 6. Motherthing - Ainslie Hogarth 7. Really Good, Actually - Monica Heisey 8. A Life’s Work - Rachel Cusk 9. Outline - Rachel Cusk 10. Transit - Rachel Cusk 11. Kudos - Rachel Cusk 12. Notes On Heartbreak - Annie Lord 13. Breast And Eggs - Mieko Kawakami 14. Gathering - Anne Enwright 15. The New Me - Halle Butler 16. Tennis Lessons - Susannah Dickey 17. Seven Steeples - Sara Baume 18. This Happy - Niamh Campbell 19. Small Pleasures - Clare Chambers 20. Blueberries - Ellena Savage 21. Sex And Rage - Eve Babitz 22. The Year Of Magical Thinking - Joan Didion 23. Acts Of Desperation - Megan Nolan 24. Cleopatra And Frankenstein - Coco Mellors 25. Daddy - Emma Cline 26. Educated - Tara Westover 27. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read - Phillipa Perry 28. Breakfast On Pluto - Patrick McCabe 29. Hamnet - Maggie O’Farrell 30. The Dinner - Herman Koch 31. Young Mungo - Douglas Stuart 32. Snowflake - Louise Nealon ALSO MENTIONED: • Milk Fed - Melissa Broder • Normal People - Sally Rooney • Where The Crawdads Sing - Delia Owens Edit: Also, yes I agree with you about Haruki Murakami! I AM A HATER!!! I think that is why I gravitate to similar books to you as I can relate more to the female perspectives of actual human females!

[@siene4079]

herman koch :) it's a dutch writer

[@maryseptihet]

@@siene4079 thank you so much! I will change !!! and I also forgot to add the author of snowflake as I was just writing as I went! :)))

[@claire8735]

thank you for this!!

[@maryseptihet]

@@claire8735 :)))

[@zo_mar777]

Soo agree with the whole not reading books by male authors thing 🙏🙏

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

2024 out: male authors 🚫🚫🚫

[@cliodhnamalone7493]

how come?

[@giorgia.m]

Saoirse sounds so gorgeous!!!! She’s amazing. Also, I’ve decided that because I’ve been depressed and trying to get out of a reading slump I’m going to stop trying to force myself to read the literary fiction books that seem so cool, Yeno a lot of the ones you’ve read this year and ones that are like featured in TikTok videos as hot, smart women books. I’m just going to mood read and let myself just read fantasy and romance and whatever feels easy to me until I’ve worked my brain muscles enough to pepper in some women’s fiction and non-fiction. I put so much pressure on reading books that seem smart that I take the fun out of it and end up with 10 books half read at the end of the year!!! This year I will let myself be and hopefully I’ll be able to keep up with some cool girl books by the end of the year, but if not, I’ll still have been enjoying reading again 🖤

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Yes I totally agree!! I always wanted to read classic literature because it felt like I was missing out on something or I wasn’t appreciating “real literature” but I could just never get into 👎 read what you enjoy !

[@giorgia.m]

@@KeelinMoncrieff Yes totally agreed!! The only other thing I’ll say is about classics, just some advice I’ve found. A lot of classics are just straight up boring or very slow (at least from what I remember from years ago when I didn’t struggle with motivation as much) but some are great, it’s just the dated language that I struggle with. I made it through most of Jane Austen’s catalogue by listening to the audiobooks of it, sometimes as an accompaniment to the book or sometimes just listening. And because it’s classics, most classics are free on KZbin or audiobooks even free on Apple Books etc. Theres loads of great full cast ones on audible too that are kind of like a radio 4 play or something. I listen while I’m doing the dishes or the washing or going to sleep and I can speed it up or slow it down depending what I need. Would totally recommend if there’s a few classics you still really want to find out about or a few you think you’d like if you could get past the dated writing styles!!

[@francesca-kk2it]

thank you for everything too keelin ❤ you’ve inspired me for years and i hold so much love for your perspective/attitude towards life :) youre beautiful!

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank you so much!! 🌟🌟🌟

[@honoroneil1715]

I’ve been watching your videos for years and you’re the only KZbinr I still watch religiously. Find so much inspiration and solace in your videos. I love your self-curiosity, introspectiveness, and sincerity as well as your efforts to be a truly considered mum. Thanks for being such a beautiful and human! We are so lucky for your content:)

[@yasminx999]

Thank you too Keelin, always look forward to your book recommendations. Side note & opinion; Norweigan wood is one of the worst books I’ve ever read and I actually threw it away when I was done lmao sorry bye happy new year xxx

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank god someone is talking sense

[@stellaalbine3912]

I've recently been feeling so removed from myself and my life after going trough a breakup - as if it's hard to remember the person i was before, who was an agent i her own life. watching your beautiful videos and hearing you being so thoughtful about the things you love and care about has been so inspiring and really moved me to start taking actions to feel better again

[@katebutler2413]

Keelin your videos bringing me peace I can’t seem to find anywhere else on the internet ! Happy new year

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Happy new year 🥳

[@cass465]

Oh my god YES about Haruki Murakami not knowing how to write women. He gets so much praise but can’t empathise properly with half of the human race. He spends more time describing womens tits than their inner thoughts. Also if you found Year of Magical Thinking to be too much then definitely have caution with her follow up “Blue Nights” which details the death of her daughter. It tore me apart and I don’t even have kids so I can’t imagine what it’s like to read as a mother.

[@adelewalton2776]

Love this sit down chatty book video! You would love watching women and girls! Beautiful collection of short stories on woman and girlhood x ❤

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank you!💞

[@charlottebendrey8932]

Keelin I really recommend reading My Work by Olga Ravn. It’s a complex and honest depiction of the transition into motherhood and mixes different forms of writing such as journaling and poetry with longer prose. Written gorgeously and easy to fly through too!

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I’ll add to my list, thank you!

[@user-qv2wc2jr6t]

I suggest the Glass Castle if you liked Educated :)

[@Poppy-wj1kp]

i so look forward to your videos keelin thank you

[@KALB96]

Totally agree with you about Cleopatra & Frankenstein!!! Didn’t get the hype. Also read Small Pleasures last year and it has been my favourite book ever since. ❤

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Any other recommendations?x

[@KALB96]

@@KeelinMoncrieff These Days by Lucy Caldwell. Set in Belfast! Almost sure she’s an Irish writer too. SO good. Gives me cosy vibes like Small Pleasures xx

[@tillylong4337]

love when you talk about books!!!

[@aries-tq6ev]

The Great Reset book ,,, i hear its a great read .

[@snowrose8483]

Big love to you Keelin, you’re a good person trying your best. Your videos feel like a warm cup of tea and a hug on a cold day. Thanks for making such honest and creative content that feels wholesome and educational. Keep doing you ❤

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

You're the best!💞💞💞

[@gegethomas1]

ahh I just had a breakup at the same time as you and read notes on heartbreak after you recommended and its sooo good, I ended up crying when I finished it as I was so sad it had finished lol and I have been going back to it to help me deal with seeing him with a new person etc - it’s a breakup saviour

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Omg I ballleed my eyes out at the end

[@elliedoble337]

Good material by dolly alderton is great break up book too 😊 also is the podcast continuing this year? Missing the eps! 💕💕

[@Sarah-jt5xy]

love this video its so lovely to see you being kind and fair to yourself Keelin :)

[@meredith1727]

You r such a light!

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank u!

[@bubblesparsons2399]

Jonathan Harvey’s books are GREAT I recommend him :)) x

[@miahastings23]

so many of the books i’ve read out of your list i had the same opinions: the relatable ones, the slow ones, rachel cusk too philosophical and confusing, the quick reads 📖🎀

[@aislingheade7419]

literally just adore everything about you! you carry yourself so well and I hope you give yourself credit for that :)

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank you so much 💞🌟

[@hannahhouse00]

Yayy thanks for the recommendations Keelin! I've been meaning to read a few of the books you mentioned, this gave me the motivation to finally do it :) I also agree that Murakami's female characters are all written horribly. I could never get through any of his books. Also HATE whiny privileged men characters who don't know any better but to hurt everyone around them. The only male author I LOVE who writes people in such a beautiful and real way is James Baldwin. I recommend "Giovanni's Room" and "Another Country". Wonderful atmospheres also. Hope you're doing well! I always look forward to your videos

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I’ll add to my list thank you xx

[@LauraGarland-b4r]

Just went & bought 2 of these , thank you 🥰

[@user-qv2wc2jr6t]

Another amazing one is the rules do not apply - a memoir about miscarriage, career, love...

[@lauraflynn271]

Loved this! ❤

[@SinéadGallagher-x1l]

You may have been recommended this before but The Idiot by Elif Batuman is SO good, not quite an anti-hero but an often unlikeable character trying to navigate fancy university (yale?? Cant remember) in the 90s. Lots of philosophical bits but also hilarious x

[@Hannah-us2cu]

you could make a goodreads account to keep track of your books :) also would be useful for your book club!!

[@iluvpatrickstar]

omg i thought i was sooo silly but reading male authors is soooo difficult, its like my brain cant register the words the same

[@evadawe7962]

I read Educated as my first book of the year, and now I’m afraid I’ve peaked too soon it was actually incredible!!! I can’t get over it, keep googling “books to read if you liked educated “ but nothing is going to hit the same 😫

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Read ‘the heart of invisible furies’ it’s not similar but it’s my favourite book!! But I know what you mean I think a I took a month long reading break after eductaed 😭😭

[@pickledhan]

Keelin, have you read “I Who Have Never Known Men”?! It’s honestly my Roman Empire 😅 Your videos are always such a comfort 🙏

[@TaylorNoelS]

Yayyy love a book video 💕 do you have a Goodreads or StoryGraph? I really recommend StoryGraph!!

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I don’t! I only have a fable account x

[@erincooper7342]

You should read the goldfinch if you havent already!! I really loved the character development and vibe like in secret history

[@n4omi871]

love the music at the beginning! Where can I find it? ❤

[@yt-bj5tl]

Thank u for recs!!! I’m going to read educated ❤️ I recently read and loved ‘the good sister’ by sally Hepworth - easy, quick read and so compelling…

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thanks so much for the recommendation 💞

[@RachelEustace]

lovely vlog keelin x

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thank you!! 😊

[@elisazouza]

omg what mic is that?? i need one like that for my podcast

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

It’s the ChenFec portable interview microphone x

[@elisazouza]

@@KeelinMoncrieff Thankyou so much x

[@tillyevans7119]

So intrigued if you have anything else to say on The Secret History!!!!? Or any books you've read which you would recommend in line with it - I've been trying to find something equally as good since I finished it! x

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow is quite similar! Or a little life - sort of. Same themes of friendship & loss but the secret history feels like it’s written in the same world as the dead poets society

[@Lucypearly01]

so real about male authors

[@janca1817]

Is it saoirse singing? I loved the song is it out somewhere? its soo good😍

[@Hannah_r_o]

Absolutely loved your rant about Norwegian wood and Murakami!!! omg it’s so pathetic and overhyped! Did you know that the author of breasts and eggs was called the “female Murakami” in Japan and she was similarly annoyed by his depiction of female characters? Just thought it was funny that you read both of their work 😂 anyway great video and thanks for the recommendations xxx

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

🌟🌟🌟

[@shanii_lvh]

so I 100% agree with your stance on murakami! I was super disappointed with his depiction of women in his books, because I really liked the surreal/magical aspects of his writings. If anyone is looking for a female author that has that whimsical sort of vibe in murakami books, I recommend Braised Pork by An Yu!

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@oisinroberts]

Heya! Just wondering what mic do you use?

[@Hyperparody]

Can I still join the book club if I’m international?

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Yes xx

[@emmalyons-bc5bz]

Please share more parenting books ❤

[@cici.2301]

Hi Keelin! Just a quick question about your book club - it's not going to be 18+ is it? I'm 17 and I would love to join the club if i could. Thank you!! :)

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

No it’s all ages 💞

[@cliodhnamalone7493]

acts of desperation- added to basket

[@ruby911]

oh ur taste is perfect! thank you so much for sharing !!! also i completely agree i dont think i can read books written by men anymore as theyre so…. surface level? and idgaf about what they have to say 😂

[@charlottelach1]

What is the stunning song at the beginning

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

It’s my sister Saoirse’s song ❤️

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

on.soundcloud.com/pdnN11rusBczHiZaA

[@celebrityauthor7942]

I'm expecting downvotes for this, but I've heard the argument about male authors a few times, and on similar channels. Personally I don't feel the need to categorise writers based on their sex, but rather on the quality of their storytelling. To choose books exclusively based on sex seems limiting. After all, I like to read to experience life beyond my own personal experience. If I had applied the logic of only choosing authors belonging to one particular sex then I would have missed out on some of my favourite reading experiences. And this from someone who lately almost exclusively reads work by female authors, not because they're women, but because they're excellent writers.

[@gregorr8252]

That you sing at St mark Church today

[@SaadetOZTRK]

7:54 I want to have too much time to think as well

[@Poppy-wj1kp]

You need to read the wren, the wren by Anne Enright!!

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I’ll add to my list !

[@user-gm6nf5ln8f]

MURAKAMI - Norwegian Wood

[@Lauren-777]

Im not even joking all the books i read last yr were by women unconsciously, i feel like you will love Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill, short stories are are so captivating and from a strong female opinionated narrator

[@elenahoraiti]

what are your thoughts on J.D Salinger?

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I’ve only read catcher in the rye which I liked - I don’t understand why it’s so many boys favourite book tho

[@elenahoraiti]

@@KeelinMoncrieff i recommend franny and zooey by JD Salinger!! it’s so underrated. i personally think it’s better than catcher in the rye and it’s all about this girl having a spiritual awakening and questioning her ego a lot

[@gray4338]

Another songs44dads slay

[@L0veInStereo]

and i donntt wanna sing my sonngss to the wall for much longerr

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

Been stuck in my head all day

[@L0veInStereo]

@@KeelinMoncrieff me and my friend love her songs sm weve learnt some of them on guitar and we sing them together when were drunk haha

[@sjwells04]

You gotta read lessons in chemistry if you haven’t! Just incredible

[@sjwells04]

Also hard agree with you on male authors. It’s a very narrow view of the world and hardship that they have, and I don’t find myself really learning or expanding from the things that they write about

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I’ll add to my list, thanks for the recommendation!

[@Maxwellhyde14]

I just started Young Mungo today and I am so scared now

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

🥲🥲🥲

[@elsaluvsnutella]

analyses

[@quatrevingthaha]

drop the Goodreads profile

[@KeelinMoncrieff]

I don’t have one I just have a fable account !!