Books That Just ‘May’ Keep A Book Slump Away | May 2024

As May has historically been a month where I have a huge book slump, I thought I would create a selection of books (I don’t want to call it a TBR as I discuss hahaha) that I am hoping to head to in the next few weeks or so to try and keep a book slump at bay! Would love your tips and picks for anti-slump bookish/reading treats. #booktube #tbr #bookchat
Channels mentioned…
‪@NatalieMeree‬
Events mentioned…
Ingrid Persaud www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-lo...
Kaliane Bradley & Juli Min www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-con...
Coco Mellors www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-eve...
Christos Tsiolkas www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-eve...
Books mentioned…
You may need a pen and paper for this
Me Elsewhere…
Instagram: / savidgereads
Patreon: / savidgereads
Threads: www.threads.net/@savidgereads
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/savidgereads
Wishlist: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/user/2qu1l93...
Twitter: / savidgereads

[@petrageciova5719]

Maybe recommendation video about books set in rural England? Greetings from Slovakia👋😊🇸🇰

[@sonjatonnesen8619]

Uh I would love that as well😊 love from Denmark

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Great suggestion! I'm on board for books set in rural England.😀

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooh ok. Noted 😉

[@onourpath]

Me too -- one of my favorite settings.

[@alexstanbury2112]

I’d watch a shortlist video even if the prize has been and gone :) Always love a reading vlog too. Books that define you - not necessarily your favs but ones that have impacted you at various ages and why 🤷‍♀️

[@SavidgeReads]

I think apart from the Womens non fiction shortlist I need to have a prose shortlist break for now but I may head to more later in the year… and definitely some winners of prizes. Books that define you is super interesting. Could be all sorts of ways and themes to define someone. I’ll have a think about that.

[@jacquelineturner7206]

I love Strout. Olive Kitteridge is one of my favorite fictional characters.

[@jamhermann]

Best books with older female main characters - not a very well represented group

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh interesting. Noted.

[@juliehughes1258]

I really like this suggestion. Very much.

[@TripleRoux]

I'd love a video about literary mystery and thriller novels, with beautiful language. Plus points for Gothic vibes!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh ok! Noted.

[@dqan7372]

1. Maybe 'Top 10 things I've discovered about my library while sorting through it'. Would be interested to hear how many lifetimes it would take to get through your personal library. I'm at "several", yet I keep buying. 🙄🤔 2. 'Ten books older than me that I still WANT to get to' accompanied by a poll to choose one to read. Nothing torturous. 3. 'Ten books I don't ever want to read, so stop suggesting them. (You know who you are)'. 😉 4. 'Ten books that portray modern English life really well.'

[@SavidgeReads]

I think it’s good to have lots and lots of years of reading ahead on your shelves if you can. Good to have the choice and add and subtract as you like. I think people, and I include myself in this, over think it. I’ll have a think about all these. Thank you.

[@zadeyasmina8582]

i relate so much to wanting to get better at just picking up the books i'm excited about quicker! i'm a bookseller and it's so impossibly hard to not be forever distracted by all the shiny things, like you say - i don't wanna stop getting excited, but i get excited in so many different directions 🤣 but i definitely do find that i'm much less likely to end up in a slump if i read more of what takes my fancy in the moment vs new books that i THINK i should read. i never ever want reading to feel like work... even if it does tie into my job 😅

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha, yes, it's exactly that - getting excited in too many directions lol. The slump has slightly hit BUT that is partly because I read a book so good I got a book hangover... that said I have so much to read this month that I can't afford to be slumpy, so that is helping.

[@tee.bowi3]

Video/reading suggestion: Australian authors based on found recommendations(from.interviews etc) from Aussie authors you've previously read and loved. Robbie Arnott? Etc Book slump cure for me; sometimes just reading first paragraphs and playing with books until i get hungry enough to read one. Haha.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh could you explain the found recommendations a bit? I don’t quite get what you mean, I like the sound of it though from what I am getting. Hahaha.

[@tee.bowi3]

@@SavidgeReads aha! I was watching and writing as I was.getting ready for work this morning, what an odd way for me to word it 😅 I meant from interviews etc, little recommendations mentioned in passing, "I've really been enjoying this title", or "I read this title several times last year". I find those titles more interesting than ones listed.when authors are asked directly to list "favourite books of all time" for example. Though that would suffice too!

[@Phillybookfairy]

Im super excited about your author interviews! I hope they will be recorded for your channel. I am trying to read books that I’ve just bought as well as ones I’ve had for a while. I want more balance in that. Also, I’m very excited for you to catalog/inventory your books because I have to do the same. My books have outgrown my wall of books and I need another bookshelf and I need to document how many I have and how long it will take for me to read (I might die first)

[@tabithahempshall3853]

Can highly recommend ‘Code Dependent’ on audio. I listened as I didn’t want to purchase if it wasn’t quite my taste but I devoured it & will most definitely be purchasing a physical copy when it’s in paperback & telling everyone to read it. I gained so much understanding & perspective on AI 👏👀

[@SavidgeReads]

I tried Code Dependent and wasn't sure on the narration, if I am honest. I am going to have to binge them soon though because me and Mum are recording in less than two weeks but I have sooooooooo much work reading to do.

[@JardineraAnge]

I'd love to see an 'unpopular opinions' video of books that have been super hyped, especially on Booktube, but that you haven't liked. Also perhaps one with your mum with books one of you liked but the other didn't. (I haven't found anyone on Booktube who hasn't raved about Babel - I DNF-d it at 60%, and it was a struggle to get that far). ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh interesting, I don't tend to head to hyped books for that very reason but I shall see if any appear and if they do hold them to one side for such a video. I haven't attempted Babel, I didn't like Yellowface (oh there is a hyped book lol) and was asked to do an event with the author for Babel and politely declined. No offence to the author, but didn't think was going to love it and it is huge.

[@hayleynorman9155]

I would love you to do a round up of the international booker. It’s one of my favourites!

[@SavidgeReads]

Alas not this year. Though I may get to them all at some point. I’ll definitely read the winner.

[@jessicat6271]

1) Yes! More Australian authors or non-UK & non-USA books (since there’s lots of exposure for UK and USA books but for me, not other countries (not just Australia.) 2) Show and Tell/tour of bookshelves and you can tell us your fav book(s) on each shelf. Yes, I get in books slumps sometimes. Not sure if it’s weather related and I want to be outside more or what it is. Mental fatigue after too many heavy/sloggy/depressing books probably too. I just find an “easy page turner” or a very short book for my next read and that picks up the reading rhythm again. Feel better soon!

[@SavidgeReads]

Which other countries outside of Australia would you be interested in? I would be interested to know. I’ll be doing something quite big with the bookshelves in the library so that should be fun I’m hoping. Though none of those are books I’ve read. Lol. I could do a shelf tour in the office where all the books I’ve loved and kept are. I’ll have a think about that. Fab suggestions.

[@jessicat6271]

@@SavidgeReads It’s one of those situations where ya (me) don’t know what you’re missing. I think we get a decent amount of Japanese and Korean translated books but, if you are aware of other translated books in the booksphere or books already in English from other countries (that aren’t already heavily marketed) - it would be fun to find out about them. My local indie bookshop does have a small ‘Read the World’ section but, it’s exciting to hear what other people recommend and what they have liked. When you said Australia, I thought “Yes, fantastic idea!” Would love to hear more about that! ☺️

[@traceymills5113]

I have been in a bit of a book slump after reading 4 3 star women’s prize books. Needing a bit of a change of pace I picked up the first Jackson Brodie after hearing you talk about the series. Its great! Crime with a bit of depth. Thank you so much for steering me out of my slump. I think I may binge them. :)

[@SavidgeReads]

So off record, the longlist this year had a slightly similar effect on me BUT with the deadline of the shortlist announcement I kept on keeping on, which was both a blessing and a curse hahaha.

[@traceymills5113]

@@SavidgeReads haha look forward to hearing your thoughts!

[@sheltercoordinator8387]

Summer of Strout....Yes please!

[@SavidgeReads]

I keep looking at her first novel and wanting to read it RIGHT NOW! Hahaha.

[@katherineallen4239]

Top 10 queer books - with queer author and/or main plot - character focus.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh ok. Noted.

[@onourpath]

Me too

[@kimswhims8435]

I loved Thunderclap on audiobook but I also just borrowed the book from the library to see the art mentioned. Couldn't resist reading a bit more of it too, just loved it.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh that is a resourceful way of combining the two.

[@mradcaqbdb]

I listened to Thunderclap and Doppelganger, both read by the authors. They were fantastic. I doubt I would have liked Doppelganger quite as much as I did if I read the physical book. It was really nice to have the physical copy of Thunderclap to be able to see all the pictures Laura Cummings was describing while listening to her. She’s got an excellent voice for narration. I don’t expect you to like her book given your past experience with her, but I thought it was excellent.

[@SavidgeReads]

I kind of liked her previous book. I didn’t love it. I felt like I was kept at a distance. But I’ve read books by authors who I hadn’t loved previously and then loved them… so you never know. Sometimes a certain book by an author will get you into their work. We will see.

[@booksandbags]

I’m reading the NF shortlist. Thunderclap was fantastic! I did not expect to like it as much as I did. How to Say Babylon was also amazing. The writing was so beautiful and poetic. I bet it would be a good audiobook to get because it’s read by the author. I think I will do Doppelgänger next.

[@bookonnoisseur]

How to say Babylon was an absolute banger on audio! She’s such a talented poet and she reads her book beautifully!

[@SavidgeReads]

I listened to a sample… and downloaded it. I loved her narration.

[@tammyripp998]

Love the authors you'll be interviewing, Mellors' book is on my TBR and I have Shanghailanders next up.

[@SavidgeReads]

Very excited to chat too all these authors.

[@Mesa37122]

I'm currently listening to How to Say Babylon on audio. I'm enjoying it so far! Some kind of reading vlog featuring backlog books from your shelves would be fun. Some ideas for from the shelf reading: randomized spinner, reading the lowest/highest rated, reading lowest/highest number of ratings or reading an author that you own multiple books from but haven't read from the author yet.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh thank you for your suggestions. I shall pop those into the jar! Well I actually need to buy a new jar for this. Might get it today.

[@tfrailey7722]

Would love top 10 Graphic Novels. I purchased Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe because it was a top banned book here in the US and I wanted to support the author. I ended up loving it and loving the graphic novel format. I’ve since read Ducks:Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton and currently reading I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together by Maurice Vellekoop. Would love more recommendations that are not super hero/fantasy themed. Doppelganger was very good on audio.

[@SavidgeReads]

Interesting, I didn't like Naomi's narration when I tried the sample so didn't download it. I need to read more graphic novels, I haven't read many. I do have Ducks on the TBR ever since it won Canada Reads.

[@laurenclarke9284]

The books that got you back into reading again 📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I’m talking about this in a conference on Tuesday so that’s spookily at the forefront of my mind.

[@wooshell11]

Would love to see you get through your shelves and read some of your backlist. Maybe decide to do something like read the 7th book off every shelf? It might inspire me to read my massive backlist as my older books watch on as I read the book I bought this week. 💙

[@SavidgeReads]

So I was planning on more backlist reading, however, NEWS FLASH... my books are going into storage for a while, while the library gets a summer make over!

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Nervous 😂😂😂 of a book 😂😂😂 ❤❤❤ Can’t wait to discuss these with you AND the fiction 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

👀👀👀👀👀

[@leeh4343]

Exciting about Christos Tsiolkas! He’s at the Melbourne Writers Festival this weekend where I’ll be going to later today! 😊

[@latebloomerdiaries4219]

I also worry about reading new books by Tracy Chevalier. I’m not sure why-they never disappoint. I need to grab a copy of her new one! Happy reading, Simon!

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s weird how that happens with certain authors we love and the books they have coming out. I still haven’t got to it but will, it’s not in shops for a while yet so apologies for being a Chevalier tease. Lol.

[@smileycindy]

I hope you feel better soon! I used to be a one book at a time reader, but in the past year, I've started having a few books on the go simultaneously and I enjoy it because I can read based on my mood, which I feel prevent me from getting stuck on something that I'm not feeling as much. As for video suggestions, how about sharing some of the books you've really enjoyed that you think would get someone out of a reading slump? Either because they are funny or short or fast reads or unputdownable... You also mention you tend to not read the summaries on book sleeves before you read the books, but I'd be curious for you to comment on books you have finished and that you think are the most misrepresented by the back cover blurb (or where the summary or marketing did not serve the book well). For me, The Vanishing Half comes to mind. This was not the book I expected based on the summary on the back.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh that’s interesting about your experience with The Vanishing Half. I’ll have a think about how I could do that with some books and break my usual blurb avoidance habit, hehehe.

[@laurenclarke9284]

Books you haven't got to yet but really want to read

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. Thats my entire TBR, that could be quite a long video, I’d run out of battery 🤣

[@symonelucas]

Video ideas: Books to make you happy Books you can read in a day Prettiest books (could be covers or writing style/content) Hope you feel better from your cold. Thanks for the content.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh thank you for all these. They’re noted.

[@peaseblossom4252]

I would say Sinclair’s narration of How to Say Babylon is one of the best audio books I’ve ever listened to. She has a beautiful voice, and her narration of the Jamaican patois and her own poetry (and poetic writing) really enhanced my enjoyment for this book. I would almost say it’s a “must listen” (vs reading the print copy) because it’s so good. I did also listen to All That She Carried on audible, and it was good as well, though not a must-listen. You have the hardcover to see the photo of the sack that I believe is in there (I googled it).

[@SavidgeReads]

I have downloaded How To Say Babylon, I have some big train journeys the week after this so that will be the perfect time for that. The others I think I will all do in book form and work out how many pages a day I have to get them done by.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

I think your idea of doing a reading vlog of 2024 prize winners is a great idea. So many winners are going to be announced very soon! Love that you are planning to read the Strout novels containing Olive and Bob Burgess so you can be ready for her new book when they all appear! I think Thunderclap should not be listened to because the pictures in the book are really important, and I say this as someone who is not a fan of books about art. So much great reading coming your way!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh he has some good books ahead you are right, apart from the ones he has been reading for events, has he read anything else... no! Hahaha. Oops. Looking forward to the Summer of Strout, when I can work out the timings/months for it I shall let everyone know, her new on arrived yesterday.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

@@SavidgeReads The Summer of Strout! What joy!

[@cecilialau_]

Off the top of my head, maybe a “run through” of each/your most read genres and a top three books and/or authors from that genre where you also speak about how you got into it, what you enjoy about it? Maybe colour-related as in reading the colour green for a week, maybe the backlog of one author in a week, maybe only South Korean/Australian or another country for a week? Or make them into recommendations instead of you having to commit to certain books. Hmmm. Maybe choose a book from your office (read books) beginning with each letter of your first name to speak on some “older” books you enjoyed? Older books could also be books from the decade you were born in or favourite book from each decade since, idk. Sth about your growth when it comes to which books speak to you more now compare to you from ten years ago or sth; what books in general have taught you (good or bad). Maybe sth about the books that surprised you most? (Got the arc, wasn’t expecting you’d like it but did). Yes for sure agree that reading winners would be a fun reading vlog! Defo think that non-fic on audio is worth trying out 🤌

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh thank you for the suggestions, some corkers in here. I still have not bought a bloody jar for the suggestions. I need to do that on my travels this week. I have started watching What Rae Reads and now want to do a collab or two with her in the future. Though I am too shy to ask/suggest. Lol.

[@cecilialau_]

@@SavidgeReads haha, I would love that and be slightly jealous to not be there with you 😄 You are so welcome btw, though they’re not exactly out of this world suggestions… Anything for my fave, though!

[@user-ff1uz4sy5g]

Maybe some summer reads suggestions ☀️ I tend to only read books set in summer in the summer 🤣 also any good books set in London , I do love reading descriptions of London Town 📚📚 I’ve just bought Rosewater haven’t read it yet , starting Notes on an execution and a few others that need to go back to the library 📚

[@SavidgeReads]

So I have a funny relationship with books about London… cos I think there are too many. Hahaha. I lived there and fell out of love with it before I left but we’re bonding again a decade one. There’s actually a summery book set in London that I’ve just read, so a combo of the two, that’s a new favourite book… and I will be chatting about on Sunday.

[@user-ff1uz4sy5g]

@@SavidgeReads oh great will see you Sunday 😀📚

[@kanzahzinoz7279]

Doppelganger has an excellent audiobook, narrated by Klein herself and that brings about a sort of sincerity and intensity to it that adds to the mix of personal and political in the book!

[@SavidgeReads]

Interesting, I didn't love her narration, it felt very robotic to me. Ironically. Ha. Narrators are very subjective, its interesting what voices do and don't work for us.

[@amyparkinson6671]

Doppelganger was OK on audio, I think it made it more manageable that if I read it physically... but much agreed on How to say babylon, fab on audio, highly recommend 👌 ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

I tried the samples, Doppelgänger I will have to read, I was bored. Loved How To Say Babylon, downloaded.

[@janepeacock3704]

I’ve only read so far for the nonfiction shortlist/Women’s Prize - A Flat Place & Thunderclap (really enjoyed both esp Thunderclap). I’m currently reading How to say Babylon (liking a lot) & I can imagine audio version would be so engaging 😌

[@janepeacock3704]

‘Babylon’ audio is read by the author Safiya Sinclair 😌👏🏻 🇯🇲

[@janepeacock3704]

You knew that already sorry 🙈

[@SavidgeReads]

I ended up trying them all on audio but then wondering if not reading them all as books was fair, as some of them aren't read by the authors... I am saying no more until Mum and I have filmed hahaha.

[@janepeacock3704]

I look forward to that video ☺️ imho I think it’s very reasonable to try them all via audio 👍

[@debrahills8148]

Random but can we get a better look at your Once Upon a Time tattoo and hear your story about it? Maybe accompanied by books that in some way involve tattoos? Also… I’m always looking for light plate-cleanser books that are also …kind of smart, you know? Extra points for funny but smart. 📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooh a tattoo themed video. Oooh I’ll have a think. I am due a new tattoo so if I can’t work it into a sit down video maybe I’ll work it into a vlog. I’ll have a think about that palate cleanser one, a challenge, I like it.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooh a tattoo themed video. Oooh I’ll have a think. I am due a new tattoo so if I can’t work it into a sit down video maybe I’ll work it into a vlog. I’ll have a think about that palate cleanser one, a challenge, I like it.

[@janepeacock3704]

“The summer of Strout” oh yes 👍 📚 I’ve yet to read “Lucy by the sea” but have it 📖 so can read that in Aug ready for the new one in Sep yay ☺️

[@SavidgeReads]

I have read all the Lucy Barton ones so far... none of the others and as I think the forthcoming one (which arrived this week, woohoo) features more of The Burgess Boys quite heavily and Olive (I think) it seems like I should catch up with all the others.

[@janepeacock3704]

I’ll enjoy returning to those characters - I read The Burgess Boys some time ago; read both Olive books 👍📚👏🏻☺️

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Video thoughts 1. Favourite authors whose books you’ve collected but not read 2. Books from the last 6 months you still need to get to 3. Books from 2023 you still haven’t read 4. Try a chapter of new releases 5. Books with linking themes , places , ideas

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you for all these Jacqueline. I’ve noted them all down!

[@ellagerry7568]

Listened to Code Dependent, How to Say Babylon and Doppelgänger on audiobook - all read by authors and all I very much enjoyed! How to Say Babylon is particularly magical!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh ok. All this is noted. Thank you very much for your thoughts.

[@beckyomelia9242]

I listened to Code Dependent and Doppelganger on audio. Code Dependent was great on audio, I was nervous about reading it but it was so interesting and kind of gripping.

[@SavidgeReads]

I tried the sample of Doppleganger and it was not the one. Hahaha.

[@carolewatson2113]

Very subjective but… books I was bereft to finish. I think that is what I’m missing from my reading life. Mine would include A Little Life, the heart’s invisible furies, Fingersmith

[@kmaggs7804]

I'll second that! Good thinking Batman.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh ok. Noted. Could be all sorts of reasons to be bereft a book has finished, I’ll give that some thought.

[@lizlewis66]

I would add A fine balance to that list

[@JanetReading]

Would love to hear your take on popular or classic books.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh ok! Noted.

[@FeelToBelieve]

Read How to Say Babylon and All She Carried on audio. How to Say Babylon is 100% my recommendation on audio. And my overall pick (from the 4 I’ve read?) Also I liked but didn’t love All She Carried. Have Doppelganger up next, but likely won’t get to the others.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh that’s high praise for How to Say Babylon. I’m looking forward to that.

[@deborahbachellerlaidlaw7140]

One of the major reasons I watch your KZbin is your commentary on the Women’s Prize. Please keep doing this. All the rest is fine…just keep the number of project to a manageable range that what stops me from being overwhelmed.

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoy the Women’s Prize content. I am hosting an event at Women’s Prize Live next month which I’m super excited about. I’ll definitely be doing the 30th year, the 2025 prize and then I might have a reassess and just go to shortlists. I didn’t mention this in the video but my slump in May is generally cos I have read so much in April because of the longlist to shortlist reading, which even in a great year (which I don’t think this was) is exhausting. Haha.

[@deborahbachellerlaidlaw7140]

I will not be able to watch it do my location.i am pleased to hear you will be doing the 30th year. I look forward to your commentary. I will savor this year and next with pleasure.

[@booksinscotland4215]

Would love to do/see a ‘read around the UK’ reading vlog/challenge. So pick a book set in each country of the UK, or even each capital city.

[@SavidgeReads]

Interesting. I am doing a project later in the year that involves travelling to all four nations so maybe I can tie all that up into it.

[@still-reading]

I've been noticing that you have some British Library Crimes Classics behind you on your shelf. (I think, anyway.) I'd love to hear reviews of the books you've read in that series, if you've done that I can't find it. Also, good books by well known authors that get overlooked would be fun. Sometimes my favorite book by an author is one nobody else seems to have read. And I'm always interested in books with a relationship to Shakespeare. Like Birnam Wood and Enter Ghost, but I'm sure there are more out there. Thanks!

[@SavidgeReads]

I may have done that video but it’s no longer on the channel. I archived about 600 videos last year. There was too much of me on the internet. Hahaha. So I could do something on those. I really want to do a series where I travel around reading ones set where I go but 💸 lol. One day. One day. I am not a big Shakespeare fan, that’s more Mum’s field, though I loved Hamnet… and I am doing an event on queer Shakespeare in June!

[@still-reading]

@@SavidgeReads The June event sounds great. I'll look forward to hearing about it. Thanks!

[@Brijeanson]

I’m not sure if you’ve done this video before but would love a top 10 books by Canadian authors video 🤗🇨🇦

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ll add this to the mix of suggestions. I’ve still not bought the jar for this. Haha.

[@katrinaandallthebooks7993]

I’d like to see a video about books you’d like to read again but are scared to in case they spoil your memory of them.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh that’s a good one as that’s the very reason I never reread books. Lol.

[@onourpath]

We talked briefly a while ago about books with nuns as characters. I still want that! Great books set in (insert country here) Books set in/around cemetaries (and could you include your speech from when you were a High Gate tour guide, *please*???) Library tour featuring your faves, scary books, books that made you cry, favorite classics, etc. Your fave fiction featuring.... *school stories *cults *witches *selkies/mermaids *sanatariums/institutions *haunted manors/castles *magical realism *great twist endings *art/music *lgbtqia love with happy endings I could do this all freaking day, but I'll stop now!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh that’s all very helpful will be whacking those into the pot. Some may be more time appropriate but they’re going in and sometimes filming quite a bit in advance helps. As Leena has told me on more than one occasion… always have a video or two in your pocket. Lol.

[@onourpath]

@@SavidgeReads yay!!! 💚

[@carl_oak]

Build your house around my body could be a good pick for you @onourpath. It is a bit dark,Vietnamese folklore, cemetery, ghost story. It is not a horror per se, but had a dark atmosphere. I really enjoyed the writing and story.

[@onourpath]

@@carl_oak thanks very much! I'll check it out!

[@gailgilchrist5421]

If you're looking for recommdations with a cemetery setting I would suggest A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle. It's a lovely fantasy novel that takes place in a cemetery and features a talking raven.

[@anitahayne8621]

I have been in a reading slump this year. Just not finding the right books. Suggestions: best crime fiction and/or thrillers set in London. They can be set in any era. Or: the best historical fiction set in India. It doesn’t have to be a long list. Just a few ideas. I will not hold you to it. I am very curious about The Tower because I love things set in the Tudor time period. I am always looking for good Tudor fiction. A new movie is coming out with Jude Law playing Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Katherine Parr.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh now I have a bit of a thing about books about London… I think there are waaaaay too many of them and having lived there for over a decade in my life I don’t tend to head to them… which is a video in itself. But there are exceptions to the rule.

[@katiesikkes1527]

I loved Doppelgänger on audio and have still been thinking of it. I found Thunderclap very hard on audio.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh ok. Thank you for the tips. I feel Thunderclap with the images/paintings it could be hard to relay on audio maybe. It is a stunning physical object too.

[@TamsinS]

I’ve read Doppleganger on audiobook and it’s really good - I don’t think I’d have enjoyed it reading the actual book but the audio definitely helped!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh interesting. Thats got me torn. Hahaha.

[@RhiannonRobb-qe6hx]

How about the top 10 books that most pleasantly surprised you when you read them?

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh that’s a nice idea.

[@HannahsBooks]

I'm eager to hear what you think of Tiya Miles! She's pretty amazing.

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s one I’m very excited to read from the shortlist.

[@camillalucyify]

I'd love a video of Australian author recommendations 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

I need to get back to reading more Australian books again and then I most certainly will.

[@rebeccamaclean6242]

How to say Babylon is great on audio. I am in the middle of Doppelganger and enjoying it.

[@SavidgeReads]

I tried Doppleganger on audio and I didn’t love it. I’m really picky about narrators and audio voices in general. How To Say Babylon however was beautifully read in the sample so downloaded!!!

[@polly2900]

Video Idea- Suggestion for readers that want to read more literary fiction

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh. This is interesting as soooo many people have differing thoughts on what ‘literary fiction’ is. That could be a discussion though.

[@sc8717]

I'm really interested to hear what you think of Tracy Chevalier's book 👀

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m sooooo looking forward to it!

[@varsharavi1268]

Doppelganger is great on audio! Very compelling listen.

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s good to know, that’s one of the ones I’m most tempted to head to on audio.

[@susprime7018]

Almost finished Bodily Harm by Margaret Atwood and Virginia Woolf's Night and Day, not much happening in the Woolf. Hope your reads may work.

[@SavidgeReads]

I am not a big Woolf fan, love Atwood though.

[@davidmoorhead885]

Children's literature - MG and YA

[@SavidgeReads]

Hmmmm see that’s not my usual bag. I have some, experience of reading them and on the shelves. But not very much.

[@helenwilson9622]

You really need the art pictures from Thunderclap. They will add a lot to the text. I thought it was a beautiful book but it is quite niche.

[@SavidgeReads]

Thankfully I have the book. I wonder if having the book for the paintings while you have the audio on can work.

[@helenwilson9622]

@@SavidgeReads yes it will. She goes in to pictures in the text so a multi-sensory approach would be good.

[@monaedoyle3631]

I am reading a book that I am enjoying called Cowboy With A Cause by Carla Cassidy.

[@SavidgeReads]

Good to hear!

[@bookquilteraz]

How about sharing books you wish you could read again for the first time??? I am having a bit of a slump this month myself however I bought 10 books while in San Francisco and Canada on a cruise for my birthday.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh belated happy birthday. I’ve always wanted to go on a cruise. Mum and I keep looking at possibly going together.

[@bookquilteraz]

@@SavidgeReads It's a great vacation for me and my husband - No cooking, No cleaning and it forces my husband to sit and not work or check work. Usually we sit and read, but we've learned to play cribbage recently so we spent some time doing that.

[@doreene11]

📚📖📚💙

[@SavidgeReads]

💙📚

[@jessattheworddegree5244]

Omg new Evie Wyld 🏃

[@SavidgeReads]

I can report that it’s very good. Struggling to come up with a quote that does it justice.

[@jessattheworddegree5244]

@@SavidgeReads YESSSSS! omg I want it! Can’t wait to see your name on the tin 😉

[@lindaleehall]

Whatever Elif Shafak writes, I’ll read.

[@SavidgeReads]

Same. I have so much of her backlist to get to too. Hooray!

[@TKTalksBooks]

The 10 funniest books you’ve ever read.

[@SavidgeReads]

Now that will be interesting as I have a very hard to find funny bone. Lol.

[@katrinamuritala3207]

books that are irrelevant subjects to young people today takes you out of your comfort zone

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I don’t know what are relevant and irrelevant subjects to young people today. Alas I am not one of them. Lol.