Beautiful new books!!!

[@AlexandraJane21]

I am 32, live alone with my cat, Hamlet, and I own over a hundred illustrated children's books. They are magical and beautiful. Each are pieces of literal art. I feel like children's books are perfect for adults because it reminds us of the basic, yet powerful morals humans should live by. As we get older we can forget the magic around us. We can forget that above all, love is always the answer. The lessons go on. More than adult fiction (which I love and read often too), children's books are humble. They are so special!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@felix__93]

If you ever made a video introducing your books (and even better, featuring Hamlet) I would be very happy to watch it 🥺

[@Mungoteazer11581]

Oh yes! I also collect picture books.

[@retiredbooknerd]

Hello, Carolyn! I'm the guilty party who made your journal. 🙂But, you owe me no further thank yous.. I was just so happy to find her home! They are each a labor of love and I'm so happy you love her! Your channel is so wonderful and you give me tons of joy, so the journal is actually a "Thank You" for you! I'm a retired teacher and I spend my time reading, creating journals, and enjoy spending time with my sweet dog, Holden. ❤

[@janebaily3758]

The journal is BEAUTIFUL!!

[@retiredbooknerd]

Thank you❤❤

[@fukurocari]

that journal is so stunning you really have an eye for that craft, so cool

[@officialejprice]

it's gorg - you're so skilled n talented

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Like everyone is saying, the journal is STUNNING!!! I truly can’t thank you enough for sending her “home” to me 😊 She will be admired everyday! I’m honored to know that my videos bring you joy, as your journal has brought me joy! It’s so lovely to hear from you! Willow says to say hi to Holden 🐶

[@nikolaiquack8548]

Awwww, seeing your dad was so sweet. Just typical dad things 😂

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Indeed 😂

[@Tania.atlasinajar]

Yes Carolyn! You can be your own Santa! And hey dad you two look so alike! 🥹 Those are such gorgeous books!

[@itsmecharmiller]

Right! Same beautiful genuine smiles

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw that’s so sweet to hear! I’m always told I look more like my mom and my sister looks more like my dad :) We do all have very similar smiles though, yes! 😊

[@merphynapier42]

Wow that journal is incredible!!! What an amazing gift! I feel you on your love for walking. Nothing can fix a day like a long quiet walk ❤

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Isn’t it! I’m glad to hear you understand the love for walking! (Also, I adore your videos Merphy! It warmed my heart to see this comment) ❤️

[@janebaily3758]

LOVED IT WHEN WILLOW HELPED TO CHOSE YOUR BOOKS...so great to see your dad too. I miss mine SO much...and it's been 10 years already

[@tp06]

Carolyn has the best laugh.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw I’m so glad you think so! :)

[@evangelinepoe8952]

Here’s to 🎉 2023 ✨🎈 So many, many moons ago, my son and I decided to take a trip to the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. The day before we left, I recvd a package in the mail from a friend. It was a multiple cassette tape of A Walk in the Woods. We listened to it on the way there, and it was so hilarious, we listened to it again on the way home. Bill Bryson’s humor is wonderful.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oh my goodness, how sweet!! Thank you for sharing that with me :)

[@agathayo7344]

The book journal is LOVELY!!

[@serena432]

I am so excited that Meditations is one of you favourites of 2022. I want all your books that you've shown us today🙂 You are as beautiful as a snowangel. Someone needs to write a book about you. A picture book would be a perfect book for you. There is always beauty in a picture book.

[@lornam3637]

A Walk in the Woods is just such a great book! The book equivalent of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It's so funny, full of amazing facts, excitement and one of my all-time favourite non-fiction characters (if that is a thing).

[@belaeurus]

That is an amazing journal!! Great video and great books, looking forward to all the new beautiful books of 2023. Cheers!

[@anacarolinabenite6522]

I'm love watch your videos to improve my English. Thank you for this Carolyn!

[@thJune-ze7dn]

Bill Bryson is the writer who got me into non-fiction when I was only into reading fiction. I hope you enjoy him, I think he has the most incredible ability to make anything he's talking about sound interesting (my favourite is probably Down Under, his book about travelling through Australia). Happy new year!!

[@fandomshark]

I was coming down here to also hype up Bill Bryson. He’s definitely an author to read if you’re not too sure about non-fiction.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So happy to hear you both enjoy Bill Bryson’s non-fiction! I can’t wait to read his work :)

[@DRmakeupgirl]

I love how you have so many editions of your beloved Anna Karenina. Of course you need many diverse copies for your collection. If I had the book shelf space in my home I'd have them full of beautiful books too. I see book shelves as works of art. Wishing you all the best in the New Year! I don't make New Year's resolutions, but if I did, it would be to read more in 2023.

[@gailjackson8941]

Happy New Year!

[@Lolie.h63]

This has become my comfort channel 💕💕

[@CarolynMarieReads]

It warms my heart to know that! Thank you for being here and for being so lovely :)

[@denisefreitas6727]

Santa was great to you, darling Carolyn! Love the diary and the books you got! So sweet the cameo of your dad in the video! I got some books in Christmas too: The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett, and a beautiful edition of Romeo and Juliet. Happy readings and happy 2023! 💖✨✨✨

[@coopaloopmex]

Yessss!!! I grab clothbounds whenever I need British Lit! I want all the Austens and the Brontes!!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yesss

[@alyssaguevarra8687]

Happy New Year Carolyn!

[@harryjamessmithmusic7762]

Happy New Year, Carolyn! Great job! ..."You can be your own Santa", yeah, I like that!!! I agree!!! lol

[@martinelanglois3158]

Happy New Year to you, your family and Willow🎉

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Thank you 😊🥳 Happy New Tear to you and your loved ones as well!

[@RRScott-uz1lg]

Wonderful! Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Thank you for being here! Wishing the same for you and your family :)

[@jillc4720]

All Bill Bryson books are fantastic! My Dad read them all while finishing up hiking all the Adirondack High Peaks 😊

[@gryffinpuff_9923]

The one who made it , is truly talented, it's amazing 😄

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Agreed!!!

[@gryffinpuff_9923]

@@CarolynMarieReads yep ! Hey can you by the way please recommend few murder mystery books or horror genre books ? P.S I love your vedios 😁😄🌺🌸💐 , I myself is a bookworm, and I watch your vedios in my free time. Your content is amazing ! Hats off and a happy new year 🎉

[@eelsaacf]

Happy new year Carolyn! ❤ So excited for all the videos that are coming this year, can’t wait for Game of Tomes to start🥰

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Happy New Year to you as well! ✨ So glad to hear you’re excited!

[@belindabramfitt8721]

Beautiful books, Carolyn. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Thank you! You too!

[@mattkean1128]

I had no idea Maggie O'Farrell did illustrated books like that! Still think you should check out illustrator Raymond Briggs' The Snowman, or Time for Lights Out

[@savinaking8637]

Have you noticed that in the tree there are two red ornaments that look so good with the Anna Karenina copy. Shows it was meant to come home with you.

[@kathy2539]

Illustrated children's books I really want to start my own collection. They are so lovely.

[@gracerracer3405]

Your hair looks gorgeous!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw thank you! :)

[@pendragon2012]

Salivating over your beautiful haul! So much goodness and beauty there!

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

I love your amazing new intro with your dad lol 😂 wishing you the best of luck with your reading your amazing books for January 2023 prayers and thoughts for you and your amazing family love your family friend John ❤❤❤

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw I’m so glad! 😂 Wishing the same to you! ✨

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

@@CarolynMarieReads thank you 😊

[@anitas5817]

I’m having inner conflict right now about being an active reader vs being a book collector. I have always loved beautiful leather or cloth editions of books but always used them for reading (carefully 😊). Now I am learning about annotating and don’t want to mess my nice books up, so I’m thinking about buying “working copies” instead or in addition. I never meant to collect books to just sit on a shelf just to own them, so I’m not sure what to do. I really love those Penguin clothbound editions.

[@Victoria-kl7su]

I would say you should start annotating one and see how you feel, if it doesn’t sit well with you then all you have to do is re-buy that book and you will have your answer about working copies and collector copies. But if you start annotating and really enjoy it, you can annotate your heart away with your books and just really enjoy the process. I have worked in libraries for 10 years and am a book lover - I absolutely love looking at and arranging books, but I personally feel that books are for reading and using, I have no qualms with dog earring my pages, annotating, or not keeping books I have read - there are very few read books I would keep even and they would likely be non fiction. We are all different and I do understand why people collect and love to have pristine copies but ultimately books are to enjoy and use (who doesn’t love a book that has seen life?) so never feel bad about that - Enjoy!

[@anitas5817]

@@Victoria-kl7su Thank you for your response! Much to think about! True, I don’t even know how or whether I will annotate, or maybe just take notes, and 2) I bought those nice books for me to have and enjoy during my life, not for resale. My husband and I both reread classics from time to time. The nice cloth or leather editions are all classics I want to keep in my library. I don’t plan to keep most regular fiction and non-fiction and I try to get them from the library or on Audible.

[@colleenjacobs8210]

I love Jim Kay….I have been buying those books for my granddaughter, however, I am wanting copies for myself now! Think I will send her the Maggie O’Farrell book too….gorgeous! Anna Karenina is my favorite classic too!

[@catrionamurray1381]

Great video. I have the HP illustrated editions too, which I love. I’ve also started collecting the Pan Macmillans after seeing yours, so thank you for introducing me to these beautiful editions. I gave quite a few as gifts this Christmas too.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

That’s so wonderful! They’re such gorgeous editions, and it’s always exciting to see your collection of them grow :)

[@racheldemain1940]

I have a Clothbound copy of Alice in Wonderland as I love that book and have a Tattoo sleeve of the characters but I can't afford more clothbounds and Waterstones didn't do a half-price sale on those. I am in the UK.

[@joceanna3461]

I can't believe the work that went into that journal. It must have taken days to create.

[@nicky_bee]

I was feeling stupid for having multiple editions of Anna Karenina but not anymore 🤩

[@ame1861]

You look so much like your dad!! So lovely.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Aw that’s so sweet!

[@karynafontes]

I was my own Santa this Christmas too! Gifted myself a beautiful edition of The Count of Monte Cristo 🥰 Happy New Year Carol! ps. You look exactly like your dad!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

There you go! 😂🎅 Ooo so wonderful! Happy New Year to you as well! Aw that’s so sweet :)

[@Ms.SpookyNerd]

Happy 2023! Great haul🥳🎉📚☕⛄

[@erika20099]

Anna Karenina😊🎉

[@circleofleaves2676]

I got a few books for christmas too: - Companion Piece (Ali Smith) - Sea of Tranquility (Emily St John Mandel) - Emily Dickinsons Poems: As She Preserved Them (Cristanne Miller) - Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World (Anthony Doerr) - The Letters of Virginia Woolf Vol 1: The Flight of the Mind: 1888 - 1912 (edited by Nigel Nicholson & Joanne Trautmann) I also got two book vouchers for the same independent bookstore.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

That is a wonderful selection of books! 📖✨

[@dizzyjenni]

i accidentally found out about the barnes and noble sell because (funny story) my mom got me a copy of “the picture of dorian gray” and when i opened it on christmas i flipped through it and smelled it (iykyk) but the contents of the book was not dorian gray. it was jokes and riddles. no copyright page, the summary in the back had typos. it was wild. so we went to exchange it in person cause my mom was very upset about it. when we got there it was BUSY. we were like wow what’s happening.. oh hardcovers are all on sale!! anyway i ended up getting a couple books, including the Nick and Charlie book, which i devoured last night in about an hour. i also absolutely love heartstoppper and the alice oseman universe. happy reading!

[@hollyludlow2460]

I love clothbounds and pan MacMilan’s

[@sophiaisabelle027]

Happy New Year. God bless you and everyone.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Same to you!! ✨

[@sandrawilliams4874]

Happy New Year Carolyn! I so enjoy your videos. You are going to write and illustrate many books. I'll be one of the first in line to purchase them.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Knowing that means the world to me, thank you so so much! Happy New Year ✨

[@AdrianasWonderland]

such a beautiful boos! i am so happy to be part of your family

[@mithusharma2217]

Happy New Year, dear 💜 You are looking so gorgeous, girl and ofcourse, we all can be our own Santa. Lots of love 😊

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Happy New Year! Aw thank you!!! Lots of love back to you ✨

[@suesmith4040]

Hi Carolyn !! I love your videos!! I want to read Meditations!! I've heard so much about it!!

[@rossetarwen]

Ooh we listened to "A Walk in the Woods" as an audiobook during a move last summer. I am pretty picky when it comes to audiobooks but really enjoyed Bryson's narration!

[@sianamainwaring5599]

You look soo much like your dad 😭😭 I only got one book for Christmas BUT it was the POA Harry Potter Bloomsbury illustrated deluxe edition and it is the nicest book I think I’ll ever own 🥺

[@cathrynjones3019]

Love that Maggie O’Farrell! My 5yo and I also really enjoyed her autumn release ‘The Boy Who Lost His Spark’ (same illustrator and format). I really hope she continues to do these; perfect for children (and adults!) who don’t get enough fleshed out storytelling from standard format picture books but aren’t ready for chapter books with minimal/no illustration. (Also do you have the Brambly Hedge books by Jill Barklem? I think you would love!)

[@wmgpdlv]

I GUESSED ANNA KARENINA YESSSSSSSSSS

[@CarolynMarieReads]

You know me well 😆

[@lilaccottage]

Went to get my hair done, and backed into a semi truck as I was leaving the salon.... This video was just what I needed to brighten up my day 😊

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m glad this video brightened your day 😊

[@witchreads]

barnes and noble does the 50% off sale every year the day after christmas it’s a tradition really

[@Maddiexz]

Girl you can never have too many copies of Anna karenina 😭

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Thank you for supporting my Anna Karenina addiction 🥹😂

[@kurtfox4944]

@@jmsl910 To tell you would be a Spoiler! Read AK and you will know immediately.

[@kurtfox4944]

I think you will even see them if you watch the movie trailer with Kiera Knightly.

[@thirdonetoo1212]

Carolyn, I think you showed remarkable restraint at the 50% sale. May this new year bring you many wonderful adventures and opportunities. And thank-you for sharing your book recommendations and sparkling personality with us.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I know! I surprisingly *had* shelf-control 😂 I’m wishing the same for you!! Thank you for being here and leaving such kind words and wishes! ✨

[@becandthebooks]

I love anything by Bill Bryson. This is his most famous book 🌱

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So glad to hear that!

[@juanmanuelgarzon6334]

I love Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and the Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky Fiodorthe only thing is that they’re beasties Biggies😊😢

[@TheCazz1960]

Jim Kay won’t be illustrating the last 2 books apparently Carolyn.

[@circleofleaves2676]

Looking forward to joining the Game of Tomes bookclub, though I'll most likely miss the live stream show because of time zone differences (I'm in Australia)

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So happy to hear you’ll be joining us! Aw that’s a shame. They are going to be saved to our channels, so you can always watch them back. Maybe Emma and I can switch up the times we do it so that people from different places in the world can join in live! It really just depends on our schedules :)

[@mahi_in_wonderland]

oh my goodness another Anna Karenina?? girl love you so much honestly, I was thinking about it 6 months later I have to go to another country to continue my master, and just don't know how to leave my books and leave them alone :((( it's heartbreaking actually :( another problem is how I can buy books and collect them in another country when I am not sure I will stay there or not 🤣🤣🤣🤣 problems come together happy new year lovely girl and have a great reading year my dear 😍😍

[@baxtermaxtor]

17:12 "There it is!" - Vronksy ...I still regret not buying the War and Peace Briggs version on sale.

[@dailycarolina.]

You need an illustrated edition of Anna Karenina. Don't know if in English exists but in Spanish there is one.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I have the folio society edition, which is illustrated!!! (One of my prized possessions) 😂✨

[@zaftra]

those harry potter books all seem to be half price on amazon uk, order of the phoenix 20 instead of 40 pounds.

[@mary_yankulova]

Hey Carolyn, loved your videos what you read, how you talk about books. You motivate me to pick 12 classics for 2023 ❤. I want to share 2 books with you from quite some time, with regards to your passion for Russian literature. “The Porcelain dall” by Kristen Loesch - its amazing and its simply an explanaition of love from the author to “Anna Karenina”. It just got published in Bulgaria. The plot follows a devastatiing family hostory in the span ot the 1917 Revolution, it has a lot of secrets, magical realism and Russia ❤ he author wrote in her notes that she inserted some little hints in her text that are referring to “Anna Karenina”. The second book its “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles - also a spectacular story. Its set in Moscow over a long period of time and follows the life of Count Rostov who is sentenced to house arrest in Metropol hotel from the Bolshevik tribunal. Hugs from Bulgaria 🇧🇬

[@takewhisks8193]

You probably have already mentioned somewhere but which translation/ edition do you recommend for Anna Karenina? I'm not prepared to collect 9 copies just yet 😆

[@nicoledorman8484]

She has a video called "how reading anna karenina changed my life" and I believe goes into her favourite translation there. But I believe the most common and easily accessible is Louise and Aylmer Maude translation

[@takewhisks8193]

@Nicole Dorman thanks! I think I started that one and had to stop. Time to finish watching it

[@annagyorsa8100]

OMG THE DAD!!!!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

😂

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦🖐👍♥️❄☃️🌨🏂🚍🛣🌲🦝🏒💜🥳🥶❄

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Hello from New York!

[@jmsl910]

does anyone know the significance of the spy glasses on the AK cover?

[@kurtfox4944]

Yes, but to tell you would be a spoiler. I think you will even see them if you watch the movie trailer with Kiera Knightly.

[@jmsl910]

@@kurtfox4944 okay. thanks

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

While I won't speak against having multiple copies of Anna Karenina (I have 7 physical and I don't know how many digital) I will speak against having 4 different editions of the P&V translation because THAT is a choice (along with continuing to platform the works of Joanne after 2 full years of her just being generally hateful) Happy New Year!

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

I would say Grandma Gatewood's Walk is a much better read than A Walk in the Woods.

[@CarolynMarieReads]

I’ll make a note of that one as well!

[@kaymak-bo1ud]

I would add Jennifer Pharr Davis' books as well, if you become interested in books about long trail walks. Becoming Odyssa is a favorite.

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

@@CarolynMarieReads Cool! I hope you get to read it sometime. :D

[@nita5194]

Wow you look so much like ur dad

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Everyone tells me I look exactly like my mom, so you guys telling me I look like my dad is so sweet! :)

[@nita5194]

@@CarolynMarieReads I can't believe there's someone you could look so much like more than ur dad (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)⁠♡

[@Mariam.4445]

Here within 1 min 💀

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Love it! Thank you so much 😊

[@vesch5083]

I love the illustrated Harry Potter books. They are gorgeous. Don't feel you have to explain your reasons or give disclaimers to people who try and make you feel shameful for buying Harry Potter books.

[@kurtfox4944]

not just Harry Potter books... any book. Shame on them for shaming you!

[@irenegrijalvotarres]

I say this with love, but please stop buying brand new Harry Potter books. That woman is a horrible transphobe and she's actively hurting people.

[@vesch5083]

Let's stop bothering people about what books they buy. Make your own decision and let others do the same. It's a form of censorship and smacks of holier-than-thou attitude. I say this with love

[@irenegrijalvotarres]

@@vesch5083 I wasn’t talking to you

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Okay, this is what I was a bit afraid of…I just want to say that I don’t support JK Rowling’s views. As an illustrator, I do like supporting the works of other illustrators…such as Jim Kay. Although, I know it’s still in association with JKR. I want my channel to be a safe space for all people no matter what they look like or identify as, so please always be kind to one another :)

[@irenegrijalvotarres]

@@CarolynMarieReads I totally understand wanting to support your fellow illustrators, and I know you’re a kind person. This is not a moral judgment on you. I think it’s perfectly fine to enjoy Harry Potter and even want to own the illustrated editions, but buying them second hand wouldn’t support her financially. You’re also calling attention to them on your platform and other people might buy them as well. If she just had horrible views and wasn’t doing anything with them it would be different too, but she is funding political campaigns with her money. I know you don’t mean any harm, but please be mindful ♥️

[@finsfables]

Please remember that JK Rowling is transphobic!! Please stop purchasing the illustrated editions! If you want to get them maybe you can find them second hand

[@finsfables]

i hope this didn’t come across as rude or anything btw. i just wanted to let u know haha

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yes, I 100% don’t agree with JK Rowlings views, but as an illustrator I do admire the works of Jim Kay very much. That’s a wonderful idea though, trying to find them second hand instead :)

[@finsfables]

@@CarolynMarieReads that’s totally fair!! i completely understand that. i hope i didn’t come across as rude or anything and i get wanting to support a favorite illustrator!

[@vesch5083]

Same as I posted above. Let's stop trying to tell people what they should or should not purchase. Make your own decision and give others the same freedom without judgement. I'm tired of book tubers having to defend themselves for their love of books. We all have different standards and freedom of choice about what we buy and shouldn't have to defend those choices. That's a form of censorship.

[@kurtfox4944]

I am sure the illustrator is getting a royalty from that book, too. So to cancel the illustrated copies is to ban the illustrator who may(?) not share the same views. JK Rowling is already a billionaire. She wouldn't care if nobody ever bought any of her books again. YOU are speaking to a wall. ON THE OTHER HAND, the illustrator, however might be a starving artist in need of the funds. What if Carolyn was the illustrator for that book - would you say to ban her too? I say support the artist. Carolyn should be able to buy what she wants without having you shame her for it. Shame on you for trying to shame her into your opinions.

[@ha_limabeanz]

SO HAPPY AFTER SEEING THIS NOTIFICATION CAROLYN YOU MADE MY DAY 😭😭 🤍🤍 but your father's intercept was my favorite 😂

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Awww I’m so glad!!! 😂 again, I’m so glad!