Do I Want to Read These Books? 🤔📚

Reading the beginning of seven new releases and sharing my thoughts (along with baking and cooking, obviously). xx
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MY BOOKS:
THE GIRL AQUARIUM: tinyurl.com/yc...
THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT tinyurl.com/ln...
FRANKLIN’S FLYING BOOKSHOP: tinyurl.com/hl...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA GO TO THE MOON tinyurl.com/yb...
FRANKLIN AND LUNA AND THE BOOK OF FAIRY TALES: tinyurl.com/y2...
THE BOOKSHOP BOOK: tinyurl.com/qb...
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THINGS MENTIONED:
A Lover's Discourse by Xiaolu Guo*
Feathertide by Beth Cartwright*
August by Callan Wink*
How To Fly (in ten thousand easy lessons) by Barbara Kingsolver*
The Family Clause by Jonas Hassen Khemiri
Islands of Mercy by Rose Tremain*
The Butterfly Lampshade by Aimee Bender*
cinnamon buns recipe www.bbc.co.uk/...
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WHO I AM
Hello, my name's Jen. I'm an award-winning poet and short story writer. I run writing workshops, give talks at universities & book festivals on a variety of topics, judge literary prizes, and take on freelance writing and editing. If you would like to speak with me about the possibility of working together, please get in touch via email: [e-mail] x
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Where to find me:
Website: www.jen-campbel...
Editorial services: www.jen-campbel...
Writing Workshops: www.jen-campbel...
Twitter: / jenvcampbell
Instagram: / jenvcampbell
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Events: www.jen-campbel...
Podcast: www.jen-campbel...
Email: [e-mail]
(Since starting KZbin, some of you have been asking what's wrong with my hands. This should answer any questions :) tinyurl.com/z3k...)
This video contains no sponsored content. Books marked with * were sent to me by publishers for an honest review.

[@CoynieReads]

THOSE CINNAMON BUNS! 😍 Even if they didn't turn out as expected they still looked great to me!

[@camillalucyify]

What a lovely video. Scrumptious food, happy music, before and after crafts, adorable dogglet and topped with a sprinkling of delicious books. Thank you Jen 🙂

[@lauragrillo27]

I knew you were going to say red! Yes I think if you dyed the dress with red and mixed it with a blue or purple that would have work. But hey pink looks good!

[@akosp932]

Khemiri is my favourite contemporary Swedish author. Although I haven't yet read this particular book by him, I love the way he plays with form and different perspectives in his novels. Hope you'll enjoy the book!

[@Larissa_KD]

I'm absolutely loving your reading vlogs!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks, Larissa x

[@lizzieryan4242]

The cover for a lovers discourse is EVERYTHING 😍😍😍

[@lauraevans6285]

I also have 3 of those same new look dresses. Red with white pinstripes, blue chambray and a black and white gingham. I love them so much but the red is by far my fave! ❤ the pink is so cute and it suits you very well

[@tphipps7665]

Hi Jen. I was wondering if you might do a video on "pet peeves" in writing style. I have several but you pointed out one that really makes me dislike a book -- unnatural dialogue. Besides over explaining, I hate when people have a dialogue and continuously say the other person's name. People just never do that. They don't say: "But James, you always like your eggs over-easy. Yes, Lydia, I do, but today I want scrambled. Well, I am happy to make them that way James. Thanks Lydia. How 'bout some bacon? Sure, James. Let me see if we have any." Additionally, I don't know any couples who even say each other's actual names. What are your pet peeves? I am curious what you and others have to say. Thank you, Jen. (intended)

[@nessiewix5469]

I was feeling ill with a fever today and this video was such a treat to watch, it made me feel a bit better for sure! Thank you. Ps: the pasta looks soooo gooood and so do the cinnamon rolls even though they look “artistic” ;)

[@wordscaninspire114]

Excellent, most inspirational. Likewise, I'll buy 3 or more if I like an outfit 💛 the red bye dress is gorgeous. Good colour for you ♥️

[@michelemarchesani5139]

Gosh! And here I am thinking how perfect today's cinnamon rolls look! xo

[@Codyline]

For a second there I thought you said "autistic" and not "artistic" and my world kind of shattered there... Jen would never say that, what the _heck?_ Then I turned on the CC and was just like.... _oh..._ I'm too used to hearing that word. xD Everything looks delicious and now I totally want to make my own pasta. 👌

[@jenvcampbell]

I would never say anything like that x

[@thynameisjoy]

Exciting to see the translated version of Jonas Hassen Khemiri’s book! I went to hear him talk about this book when it was released (in Sweden) and it seemed like an interesting read. He talked a lot about his own life and inspirations. Have yet to get to it but will for sure. The topics he touches on and the way he writes has a way of really gripping you. The plays he’s written have been amazing as well. Hope you enjoy it!

[@Nickelini]

The pinky-red is lovely

[@priscillacosta1307]

Loving the books + food combo! Thank you for another super entertaining and cosy video (and my tbr just keeps growing with each one)!

[@GettingHyggeWithIt]

Lovely Lola!! I think the dress looks super cute in pink! It’s like a lovely watermelon colour which is really ideal for summer! Omg I feel like the whole world wished they were over at yours eating all the delicious breads and cinnamon rolls! Yum. And enjoy!! This was such a great idea for a vlog. Hmmmm wondering if I could find some books in the same vein on my shelves to just finally pick up or say goodbye to! I’m inspired

[@jenvcampbell]

Yey, I would love to see that video from you x

[@TheDuchess1980]

Hi I absolutely love your vlogs with reading, food, and other activities. So relaxing. Hugs ❤️

[@Larwowa]

On the subject of dying clothes or anything else the colur that you've got and which is sold as red is actually magenta. The true red is a mixture of magenta and yellow. If you would like it redder you can try dying it yellow next. P.s. i absolutely loove your films 🤗

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you, that’s very helpful ♥️

[@krissyn.3366]

I loved how the color of your dress turned out! This video was great alternating between book talks and cooking. So fun and creative! Thanks Jen! 💗📚

[@YourTrueShelf]

I just so love the ideas you come up with for videos, and interspersing with baking etc. I have added the family clause and the Rose Tremain to my wishlist. I loved the particular sadness of lemon cake by Aimee bender. Currently reading testament of youth by Vera Brittain (amazing) and The New Wilderness by Diane Cook (so far, a struggle). Lovely to see Lola again!

[@curioushmm9027]

this was a fun video..hope you do this selection idea every once in awhile. i'm so glad you explained about why lola was with you. i got worried when i saw her.

[@beatingaroundthebooks]

I love your reading vlogs - the only downside is that they make my TBR grow uncontrollably 😅 Your cinnamon rolls and the homemade pasta look absolutely delicious! One little tip on the pasta: next time you could also just roll up the sheet and cut it that way, it's a bit quicker and the pasta nests sort of create themselves. We have a pasta machine, but as my husband has gotten more into it, he's gradually stopped using it and now insists on rolling it out with a large rolling pin - he claims it works better 🤷‍♀️ My most memorable recent reads were 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds In This Strange World and How Much Of These Hills Is Gold. Now reading a completely different and not recently released book: White Noise.

[@jenvcampbell]

I actually tried that first and found it didn’t work for me, so did it this way instead :) x

[@beatingaroundthebooks]

@@jenvcampbell aahh ok, well as long as it works for you 😁 I think the trick is flouring the whole surface very generously, so nothing sticks..

[@quirkydee45]

Your dye job came out beautifully! (also, um, teach me the UK's secrets of how washing dries in *one* night?) There have been so many commercials that have sold me on what the actress was wearing instead of the actual product! (I knew that Special K as soon as you mentioned it, but also remember some laundry detergent ads and even pad/tampon commercials where the dresses or extra swishy skirts were sooo enviable.)

[@jenvcampbell]

I hung the dress by an open window and there was a breeze, hence drying quicker than usual :) x

[@StillAlicia]

I loved the style of this blog, the idea of committing to just reading a bit and deciding is absolutely brilliant and I need to do that more instead of feeling like if I've bothered to get it I have to read it all at once. I am currently reading Harrow the Ninth, which is a lovely sequel about necromantic lesbians in space. Also your pasta was beautiful, I love how homemade pasta color is so much about the eggs you use, those very lovely and fresh eggs made your pasty such a homey warm color.

[@CharlesHeathcote]

I am rather fond of the way you edit together a reading vlog. I didn't know that Kingsolver had an upcoming poetry collection so will seek that out. I'm currently reading 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, but don't feel I've read enough to garner a proper impression of the book.

[@brush2canvas849]

I really love these vlogs that combine reading with other things😍 especially books and food are a perfect combination. Stay safe💚💚💚

[@anothergreatetcetera]

Such a great reading vlog, thank you, Jen! I found it so interesting how you spoke about Barbara Kingsolver's poems because I heard similar criticism about "A Woman's Story" by Annie Ernaux recently. Very sculpted and measured, but I actually adored it.

[@jenvcampbell]

Interesting! I haven’t read her work before x

[@irenegrijalvotarres]

I had Feathertide on my radar but I was also under the impression that it was middlegrade. I liked the little snippet you read, so I'll definitely give it a try. Islands of Mercy also peaked my interest!

[@mradcaqbdb]

The Rose Tremain is gorgeous and it’s Bath, so I’m tempted. I may pick this one up at some point. I’m not sure I’ve read a novel set in Bath, which I adored when I visited there. Great video!

[@calypso22xx]

Loved this video! Such a great combination of different elements!

[@Chocolatetart88]

I love these videos. Just what I needed today. Thanks Jen! X

[@Ram_mar787]

I loved the format of this video! ✨ also, Feathertide peaked my interest with that beautiful writing 🤔

[@jenvcampbell]

it certainly is beautiful!

[@teanlit2949]

that dress color is absolutely beautiful

[@SadieReadsAgain]

I recently read The Butterfly Lampshade and really liked it. I'd not read any of Aimee Bender's books before, but it wont be the last.

[@renee_3364]

Again, a wonderful collection of books you bring to my attention. I read an ARC of Feathertide and share a lot of your feelings about it. I wasn’t sure about the audience either, although I do feel like it’s meant to be an adult novel with that kind of whimsical modern fairytale-vibe. In terms of themes and choice of words it’s just not completely appropriate, nor will it resonate with a younger audience in my opinion. It wasn’t a new favourite for me, but I did really enjoy it, and have to admit it made me think of you and your taste in books. I can also see how it might be the type of book that sounds perfect for you on paper, but doesn’t quite click upon execution. I think that was the feeling I was left with a bit as well. PS Your “exploded cinnamon buns” look absolutely delicious by the way!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, Renee x

[@leeh4343]

Great vlog Jen - very relaxing 😊

[@santersgrotto]

I'm intrigued by a lot of these books. The Family Clause and Feathertide definitely sound like books I'd liked to pick up. The Butterfly Lampshade sounds good but the idea of things living inside you makes me feel really uncomfortable. Your pasta looks amazing! I made ravioli from scratch a few years ago and didn't roll it thin enough but it still tastes good, just need some more practice.

[@joannoriol6444]

I loved this video, everything about it. ❤️

[@angelicabalia6143]

Hi Jen, I really liked this type of video. At the moment I'm reading The remains of the day and Mythos by Stephen Fry, as well as lots of children's books for my masters. A change is gonna come is one of my favourites so far, it's an anthology of ya short stories and poems by BAME writers and is stunning. I think it's curated by the same person who created The Good Immigrant

[@trishwickwire3079]

Oh I love the color of the dress it looks good on you

[@ingertsvard6731]

Jonas Hassen Khemiri is my favorite Swedish auther. His first book is still one of my favorite books of all time but all his books are fantastic (at least in Swedish). The Family Clause is very Swedish in one way but still universal. I really hope you will enjoy it.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

I have seen Feathertide floating about ... I would have assumed from the cover it was MG too but weird to have that content in it 🙈 Currently reading The Death Of Vivek Oji but think I'm going to read a short story from Smart Ovens For Lonely People as I am having that short story craving 😉 Hope your pinched nerve is feeling better xx

[@jenvcampbell]

It’s feeling much better, thank you x

[@paulwinchell6904]

Just started Mexican Gothic and Summer by Ali Smith. Lola was looking guilty there dreams of scarfing a cinnamon roll.

[@jenvcampbell]

Or fifty 😂

[@-ParisTexas-]

The dye stuff is for a certain amount of fabric. Maybe the dress was heavier than the recommended weight of fabric the amount of dye stuff in the package could dye to the full red colour (sorry, really cumbersome way to describe it). If you want to dye it the intense colour, you should weigh the garment and if it is heavier than recommended, you could use 2 packages. It could also be that the fabric is not 100% natural fibres. Cotton & linnen will dye to intense colours, but if there is a percentage of artificial fibres like polyester or nylon, the outcome will be lighter and less intense. So much for the lecture on textile dye. ;)

[@jenvcampbell]

I think it was the material, not the weight (as it could dye many more items than this). Would make sense that the dungarees worked better as they were 100% cotton and the dress wasn’t x

[@-ParisTexas-]

@@jenvcampbell Yes, that was likely it then. :) My boyfriend tried to dye a polar fleece sweater once. He called me up and told me very proudly it was in the washing machine. I told him it would't work, but he was convinced and said he dyed other things before. So I just let it go (because I knew it wouldn't work). When it got out of the washing machine the thing was still dishwater colour. The only thing that was bright blue was the little cotton zipper puller. A whole packet of Dylon for that. I laughed so hard. Glad your dress turned out a nice colour. :)

[@margaretwhittaker7519]

I think I'd love to read the Barbara Kingsolver poems, I've always loved her writing. Have you read Lorrie Moore's short stories? I've been on a kick of reading her lately.

[@zoereads1125]

Lola is so cute I love her white eyebrows.

[@justinreader2804]

I’ve been trying to knock out some titles from the booker long list I read ‘how much of these bills is gold’ and ‘apeirogon’ the second of which has been so interesting and poetic and teaching me loads about Israel and Palestine which I’m very interested in. Also recently finished ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’ on audiobook and it was fantastic, 117 narrators bringing that story to life I’d love to hear your thoughts on that book as it is so much like a play it’s extraordinary. The New York Times did this VR trailer for that book that was so moving it had me crying all over again, it’s on KZbin if you want to check it out.

[@monicaacheson1118]

Lola ❤️

[@Gagging4Lit]

Want to check out Aimee Bender now :D

[@WeepingPrince]

Life should have more jazzy Lola intervals

[@jenvcampbell]

indeed, it should!

[@braincabbage]

I think Feathertide is Young Adult

[@jenvcampbell]

If it is then it’s strange that it has a children’s author quote on the front and then compares it to adult novels in the blurb.

[@braincabbage]

@@jenvcampbell It's definitely sending mixed messages, I've had a look at its page on Penguin's website and there it's being compared to YA fantasy/magical realism novels (The Night Circus and The Bear and the Nightingale). And a book reviewer (lindasbookbag) said that the publisher said she'd like it if she's interested in ‘YA, mermaids, other worlds or LGBT stories’. But then there's also people calling it an "adult fairy tale". I feel like a detective trying to uncover the mystery of what genre this book is!

[@Pottymoon]

Can you give examples of the poems or collections of poetry that you consider have ‘wildness’ or that ‘bend when you prod them’ please?

[@jenvcampbell]

Calling a Wolf a Wolf tinyurl.com/yd3cnsmu Why God is a Woman tinyurl.com/yc2yt8vg The Perseverance tinyurl.com/yamtosmk The Trees, The Trees tinyurl.com/yxpbys7t The Exhibit hyacinthgirlpress.com/yeartwo/theexhibit.html The Jitters www.spdbooks.org/Products/Default.aspx?bookid=9780990813941&rf=1 Don’t Call us Dead tinyurl.com/yara7kpx Night Sky with Exit Wounds tinyurl.com/ybab5o8q Houses tinyurl.com/y99pole9 Not Here tinyurl.com/y7yqsm43 Beauty/Beauty tinyurl.com/ycf87yl3

[@Pottymoon]

Jen Campbell Thank you so much! I bought ‘Night Sky...’ on your recommendation, following your mention of The Kindergarten Teacher (also ‘Calling a Wolf a Wolf’) That film haunted me and has remained one of my favourites ever since. “Anna is beautiful. Beautiful enough for me”

[@remlya]

These appear to be “proper” books.When I worked at a book retailer we often had advance reader copies available. But I could never bring myself to read one because they somehow never seemed “proper.”