{GIVEAWAY CLOSED} 2K Q&A Part 1 & A GIVEAWAY!

It's time for Part One of my 2K Q&A Videos! You all asked so many wonderful questions that this will be the first of THREE parts! And this is also your chance to enter my GIVEAWAY! Be sure to leave a comment on this video - if you sent in a question for my Q&A then you already have one entry but can get a second entry by leaving a comment. Giveaway closes on Sunday, July 28, 2024 and the winner will be announced on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Question Categories:
1:45 Early Reading Life Questions
5:12 General Reading Questions
12:00 General Book Questions
21:26 Genre/Specific Book Questions
27:55 Personal Questions
29:28 Booktube Questions
Videos mentioned:
My Rereading Video - • Let’s Chat Rereading |...
Books mentioned:
(Please note that all links below are affiliate links. By clicking the link and making a purchase you are helping to support me and grow my channel - thank you!)
Best Word Book Ever by Richard Scarry - tertulia.com/b...
Put Me In the Zoo by Robert Lopshire - tertulia.com/b...
Bread & Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban - tertulia.com/b...
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak - tertulia.com/b...
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst - tertulia.com/b...
The Story of Holly and Ivy by Rumer Godden - amzn.to/3WvpEAe
Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin - tertulia.com/b...
The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher - tertulia.com/b...
Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher - tertulia.com/b...
Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson - tertulia.com/b...
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot - tertulia.com/b...
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough - tertulia.com/b...
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen - tertulia.com/b...
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman - tertulia.com/b...
The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths - amzn.to/4d8e2IO
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1 by Beth Brower - tertulia.com/b...
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf - amzn.to/3YdzTu8
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - amzn.to/4da6Z2d
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Let's Connect!
Instagram: / jensreadinglife
Goodreads: / jensreadinglife
Email (for business enquiries): [e-mail]
Take 20% your book purchase at Tertulia.com with Referral Code - JENFANS (no account or membership needed!)
Book Outlet Referral Link (you save $5 off $25, I get $5 in rewards credit): bookoutlet.com...
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[@pliska2038]

Congratulations Jen!

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you!

[@wendywesley7423]

I did not leave a question for you earlier. Watching your video made me think of a question. What are some of your go to favorite cookbooks? One’s you like to read and one’s you find useful to cook with❤

[@jensreadinglife]

I love this question but forgot to add it to my Q&A! I'm thinking of doing a video all about cookbooks/food memoirs so stay tuned for that!

[@MarthaBlevins-fo4cm]

Hi Jen! I absolutely love watching your videos! You and Miranda in the UK are a delight! I can't believe how similar our tastes are and I love getting new ideas for books to read. I agree with you about Miss Bunckle! She really is a hoot!

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you for your sweet words! And, yes, Miss Buncle is the best!

[@diannegibb6515]

Thanks Jen for answering so many questions! It was good to hear that you don't force yourself to read Classics you don't enjoy. I find I want to read books that bring me joy and not be a struggle. I am totally enjoying your channel!

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much! And yes, reading should be a joy not a struggle!

[@chelsear377]

Congrats on 2k. Its been so fun to watch your videos and see what you're reading. I feel like so many bootubers all reccomend the same fantasy ya books over and over so you are like a breath of fresh air.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much!! It does sometimes feel like it's all the same books being talked about on booktube so I am happy to bring something a little different with the types of books I enjoy reading!

[@verodunstan7864]

Thanks for your love of books Jen

[@jensreadinglife]

Thanks for watching!

[@emmareads734]

I agree with you on Wuthering Heights and The Great Gatsby!

[@jensreadinglife]

I'm glad I'm not alone in not loving them!

[@katehowereads]

I'm 100% with you on The Great Gatsby!! I do not get the love and have zero interest in ever revisiting it...I will never understand exactly why I love Wuthering Heights because it goes against so many of my normal taste in books - there's no accounting for why I love it as much as I do! So fun to hear all these answers!

[@jensreadinglife]

I love that you love Wuthering Heights! It's so wonderful that there are so many different books out there to appeal to so many different readers (or even just one reader's reading moods!).

[@nerthameus6643]

So many recommendations. Thanks!

[@jensreadinglife]

You're welcome!

[@thomasceneri867]

Hi! To each his own, but in defense of The Great Gatsby, it’s one of the most realistic portrayal of the 20’s that, I think, anyway, has ever been written. With regards to Daisy Buchanan, she’s supposed to be shallow: she’s part of the shallow culture that, for Fitzgerald, anyway, was the 20’s. What I think is a very complicated woman character in The Great Gatsby is Myrtle Wilson. Check out the book again!😊

[@jensreadinglife]

I can appreciate everything you said about the book but it's still just not for me. I am glad to hear it's one you have enjoyed. And you are certainly not alone in that!

[@theresas709]

I am the same about YA. Ruta Sepetys is the exception, love her books. I would love a reading sprint but not morning.

[@jensreadinglife]

I still need to read Ruta Sepetys! I have two of her books on my shelf! I will definitely be doing some reading sprints...and for sure not in the morning, lol!

[@TammyakaBluerose-l8y]

I'm so glad I found your channel! You've filled my reading list with new books. It's hard finding channels that don't just focus on the new, trending books, so I'm incredibly grateful for your recommendations!

[@jensreadinglife]

You are so welcome! If you need recommendations for other channels like mine, let me know!

[@elizabethwolfe297]

2K is such a happy achievement, and I hope that many more readers come your way, Jen! I enjoy your videos so much! 🌺🌸🌼🌷

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much! That really warms my heart!

[@marep17]

Thank you, Jen, for being so open and generous about your reading life. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much for being here and for your kind words!

[@sassykassispages]

Sprints for sure!

[@jensreadinglife]

I will definitely be setting up some sprints in the future! Quite a few people are interested!

[@amyc1752]

Enjoyed hearing your answers to all the questions, Jen. And I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like Farenheit 451! I couldn't stand that book and found it so strange.

[@jensreadinglife]

Yes! Such a bizarre book! It hardly made any sense to me...I'm glad I'm not alone!

[@charlynestyles]

Congratulations Jen, thank you for taking the time to answer such questions 🤍🌸🫶 All the best 😊

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you! 😊

[@racheljoy7]

I just thought of another good question: do you have a favorite fairy tale from childhood?

[@jensreadinglife]

That's a good question! I wasn't a huge fairy tale reader as a kid other than reading Disney versions of the movies, lol! If I had to pick one that I loved, it would probably be Sleeping Beauty - even thought the queen really scared me!

[@LisaPattinson-fv4hb]

Oh Jen You are such a joy I love listening to your posts and particularly enjoyed this one I will look forth 2 and 3 keep an coming x

[@jensreadinglife]

That is so sweet of you to say! Thank you for being here!!!

[@MeMyDogAndBooks]

I'm starting to get picky-er about my YA reads too!

[@jensreadinglife]

I think I'm just getting too old, lol!

[@mandyc1280]

The Count of Monte Cristo is so worth the time. If you ever read it I hope you enjoy it.

[@jensreadinglife]

I’ve heard wonderful things about it so I really hope to get to it before too long!

[@mariahambidge2645]

Really enjoyed the first questions being answered! Can't wait until the next one, thank you for doing this.

[@jensreadinglife]

You're welcome! And thank you for watching!

[@cassandra3399]

Hi Jen, my question was your very first one in this video. Thank you. 😊I always so enjoy your talks and love most of what you love. Now I want to read Happy all the Time. 😊

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you for your question and for watching! I hope you do get around to reading Happy All the Time and that you enjoy it!

[@jillellert3319]

Loved your answers, Jen! Thanks for taking the time. I also was so excited that you said you really liked the question that I had submitted. 🙂

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you for sending in the question - I really appreciate it!

[@bobpatience7947]

Jen, Richard Scarry was my first book that I remember reading. Thank you for bringing up that memory!Karin

[@jensreadinglife]

His books are so wonderful! I enjoyed revisiting them when my son was little! He was a huge fan of Lowly Worm!

[@ACanuckinAlabama]

I'm really looking forward to reading The Shell Seekers and discussing it at Book Club. So enjoyed Part 1 of the Q&A and look forward to the next 2 parts! We are a nosy group aren't we? LoL

[@jensreadinglife]

Lol...nosy but in the best possible way! I feel like I have a lovely bookish community here. I hope you love Shell Seekers! I'm enjoying my reread so much!!!

[@MeMyDogAndBooks]

Congratulations on your 2k - well deserved my lovely friend!

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you Johanna!

[@susanmay4215]

Hi, Jen - another great post! I'm rereading The Shell Seekers right now! It's probably my 4th time, a favorite for sure. Rosamunde Pilcher's The Blue Bedroom short stories is my *best* comfort read. I'm looking forward to part 2 of your Q&A!

[@cathycrandall5264]

I have read the shell seekers 4 times too!😍📚📚

[@jensreadinglife]

The Blue Bedroom is going to be on my favorites of this year! I can see why it's your best comfort read! I will be rereading it for sure!

[@lizanelson4777]

Great video! I just ordered “Happy All the Time”-it was on my wish list, but after what you said about it I wanted to get it! I also have “The Shell Seekers” which I’m looking forward to reading. Oh, and I LOVE Mary Stewart! 😊

[@jensreadinglife]

You have two great books to look forward to! And Mary Stewart is the best!!!

[@carlabrown6849]

I enjoy your channel and plan to read The Shell Seekers with you. It's sitting on my shelf!

[@jensreadinglife]

Wonderful! I'm so happy you'll be reading with us!

[@monicabiashi4866]

Hi Jen, another wonderful post! Loved all questions and answers , I too love everything UK. Same taste in books and I have taken many of your suggestions. Thank you for creating such a great channel.❤❤❤

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you for your sweet words and for being here!

[@sylviahalko691]

I love watching your videos and your bubbly personality. You inspire me to read more.

[@jensreadinglife]

Oh thank you! That's so sweet of you to say!

[@andeeheartsbooks7447]

I might reread The Shellseekers in August, so good!

[@jensreadinglife]

It's such a wonderful book!

[@MMjones6459]

Great video! It was interesting to hear your genre response about the young-adult category. I wanted to read a couple novels by John Green, but decided I just can't. Also can't do stream of consciousness writing.

[@jensreadinglife]

Stream of consciousness can be really tough! Sometimes it works for me but a lot of time not.

[@cozycottagechapters]

Congrats on 2K!🎉

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you!

[@katnissfire5605]

Hi Jen! Thank you for the Q&A. I really enjoyed your videos. 😊

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you! And thank you for watching!

[@michaelmccarty]

Whew is right! Great questions -- and great answers! 🙂 I agree with you about The Great Gatsby. I've had Wuthering Heights on my TBR for a while, but I'm afraid to start -- mainly for the reasons you shared.

[@jensreadinglife]

I think Wuthering Heights is a love it or hate it book! Maybe give it a try if you find yourself in the right mood and see if you like it!

[@allisonryder4781]

Thanks for sharing! Lots of interesting questions and answers! I can’t pay for a patreon, so would prefer content on your regular channel. I do like sprints and have done a couple on bekah books and bujo’s channel. That would be fun!

[@jensreadinglife]

I am definitely going to be starting with sprints here on my regular channel! I may do Patreon or something like it in the future but we will see! I definitely want to bring as much content here for everyone to enjoy as I can!

[@joyceredman2136]

I really need to get a copy of Rosamund Pilcher's Shell Seekers and Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin since you talk about how much you really like these books. I finished reading Brotherless Night and its the best book that I have read this year about the Sri Lankan Civil War, heartbreaking but informative. It was a quick read since its first-person narration which compels readers to keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.

[@jensreadinglife]

I hope you are able to get copies of them both and enjoy them! I haven't heard of Brotherless Night but sounds fascinating!

[@DebraGraham-c5x]

Thoroughly enjoying all your videos Jen. I love that we have so many book lives in common.

[@jensreadinglife]

I'm so glad! I love finding more bookish kindred spirits!

[@ann-kathrinmeyenburg7265]

Thanks for your answers 👍🏻 Best wishes from Germany Ann

[@jensreadinglife]

You're welcome!

[@stephaniegahn6715]

I love 84 Charing Cross Road as well. I think it is a must read for anyone who loves books.

[@jensreadinglife]

Definitely a must read for book lovers!!!

[@JacquelineCaron]

can't wait for parts II and III 😊 reading sprints ~ yes!!!! I wanted to ask ( if I haven't before? 😏 ) have you read anything by Mary Wesley? I have 'The Camomile Lawn' a family saga set in the late 30s on the Cornish cliffs to London. It sounds like a book you might like. also -- I finished The Queen and I and loved it -- kind of guessed the ending a little more than 1/2 way thru the book, found it entertaining and can't wait to read another Sue Townsend! have a great vacation!!

[@jensreadinglife]

Mary Wesley has been on my tbr for awhile but I haven't read her yet! I'm glad you enjoyed The Queen and I! I didn't guess the ending but as soon as it happened it all made sense!

[@nicolekeas957]

I have to agree the classics that are overrated. It was nice to hear that from someone else. I really enjoy your reading style and your channel.

[@thomasceneri867]

I’m sorry, but I have to comment on this statement. The classics are not overrated. You’re talking about a great deal of books. Perhaps you’ve read a book or two that’s considered a classic that you didn’t like, but that doesn’t make classics overrated. I also find that when I reread stuff that I’ve read several years before that I didn’t connect with, I get a whole new perspective on it and quite often really appreciate it the second time around.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much!

[@jensreadinglife]

I think she meant that the few classics I mentioned are overrated, not all classics! Just to clarify!

[@ryanbroganreads]

I am so glad I have found your channel a few months ago. I have already enjoyed so many of the authors you love. I would love to be entered in the giveaway and thank you for doing this! 🎉😊

[@jensreadinglife]

You're welcome! Thanks for being here!

[@evamarie1537]

Thanks for answering my questions and all the other ones! I feel the same as you concerning Wuthering Heights and The Great Gatsby. Never understood why they are so loved.

[@jensreadinglife]

It looks like we aren't alone! Quite a few others feel the same about those two books!

[@This.mama.loves.reading]

I fell in love with Mrs.Pollifax because of your channel! Thank you for all of the amazing and cozy content😊

[@jensreadinglife]

I'm so glad you found and loved Mrs. Pollifax! She's so much fun. And thank you for your kind words - I am glad you are enjoying my channel!

[@sandysmith3854]

Congrats on 2k - really enjoy your videos I just found you this year and consider you a book reading friend. Have a blessed day ❤

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you - that's so kind of you to say!

[@938quilt]

I read the Great Gatsby in 10th grade- had a great teacher though I didn't particularly appreciate it at the time LOL! she told us that the characters and actions in the book show the overall attitude in the 20's - right before the depression- parties, uncaring people (the puppy at the beginning.we never hear about it after it's shivering in the house), daisy is shallow and doesn't care that she's married and knows another man is wanting her as well as the other characters messing around wihout a car in the world. I don't think the characters knew themselves nor had any depth to them at all so they couldn't be fleshed out- nothing to flesh.. and the promise of getting to watch robert redford in the movie after finishibg the book was the icin on the cake!

[@jensreadinglife]

I do remember liking the movie more than the book but I still feel like the shallowness of the characters, intentional though it was, is just not for me.

[@susanpuckett4521]

Congrats, Jen!! You are definitely my book twin!! I can't wait to read (again) the Shell Seakers with you and the rest of the book club! It's also in my top 10 favorite books of all time!! I can't wait to watch the other 3 parts of your 2k Get To Know Me questions videos! You are so generous to offer a giveaway, too! We would all be here anyway, but thank you for your generosity! 🎉❤. Congrats again! I love your videos! Keep 'em coming!!🎉💜💓🎉

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I love finding my bookish kindred spirits here!

[@miriamelizabethreads]

This was so fun to watch, Jen!! Loved learning more about your reading tastes.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thanks Miriam! 😊

[@ganeshasr141]

lets see my luck in getting gift coupon 🤣🤣

[@jensreadinglife]

Good luck - you'll find out tomorrow!

[@bizpierpaoli7999]

Congratulations on reaching the 2K milestone. I look forward to your videos.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much!

[@MeMyDogAndBooks]

Scotland is for sure your favourite location for a book isn't it ;)

[@MJ-in-Canada]

😉😆

[@jensreadinglife]

OF COURSE IT IS!!!!

[@TerryJ950]

I just finished Happy All the Time and loved it and will definitely reread it in the future. I was sad when it ended - I wanted to spend more time with her wonderful characters!

[@jensreadinglife]

This makes me so happy!!! I'm glad you loved it. Definitely read her other books as well. She's such a wonderful writer!

[@TerryJ950]

@@jensreadinglife I actually ordered A Big Storm Knocked it Over and Family Happiness from the library and they’re waiting for me on the hold shelf.

[@jensreadinglife]

@@TerryJ950 YAY!!! I hope you love them! 🥰

[@gracetaylor7351]

I enjoy watching this Jen ! Thank you I going start using book buddy I think I’ll like more then using goodreads for working out many books I have and have read. ❤

[@jensreadinglife]

It's a fun app for tracking your home library! I'm really enjoying it!

[@NER13794]

Great video thank you for answering my question. Congratulations on 2000 subscribers 😊

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you for watching and for your question!

[@patriciakent3600]

Hi Jen, you are definitely a reading soul sister. I could have answered all the questions in about the same way! The only re-reads I’ve done are Nancy Drew mysteries during middle grade March. I have way too many unexplored reads to reread much.

[@jensreadinglife]

That's why I'm only a recent reread convert! But I've discovered the joy of revisiting favorite stories and characters and I know there will always be too many unread books I want to read anyway! And sometimes the comfort of the familiar is just what my reading mood needs! But I completely understand not rereading too!

[@KellyOblak]

I would love it if you did both reading sprints and Jane Austen January. What a fun video! Looking forward to the next two.

[@jensreadinglife]

Both reading sprints and Jane Austen January are in the works! Stay tuned...

[@reneeshepherd6034]

You have received many thoughtful questions. I can see why you are breaking up the videos as you answer. Great job! Looking forward to Part 2.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you!

[@JessBookgirlTV]

Congratulations 🎉

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you!

[@RosemaryG65]

Great video, Jen! I read a lot of World War II Historical Fiction set in England. I hope to travel there in the next few years.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you! What are some of your favorite historical fiction books set in England? I'm always looking to add to my TBR!

[@barbaraperez9223]

I put off reading Mrs Dalloway for so long, but I finally did it last month. The audiobook was really good. 4.5 of 5 stars.

[@jensreadinglife]

That's so good to hear! I'm waiting for my hold to come in at the library and can't wait to give it a go!

[@tammys5687]

Congrats on reaching 2k subscribers! I have enjoyed your channel. I know everyone is different but I'm not interested in paid subscriptions (Patreon or the like), but I do know those seem to be popular.

[@jensreadinglife]

I'll be starting with adding some things here on my regular channel...sprints, readalongs, etc. before I do any paid content!

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with us, Jen.😀You asked if there’s anything else we’d like to see on your channel. If possible, I’d like to see you visit libraries and bookstores, and, of course, more little free libraries. I’m also hoping to see you reading outside under a tree.🌳📚Please don’t enter me in the giveaway. It would be more fun for me to see someone else benefit from a win.

[@jensreadinglife]

I will add visits to libraries and bookstores to my to be filmed list! I need to get better at vlogging....it's definitely a different skill than just sitting and talking to the camera, lol!

[@gerridauer9092]

I knew your reading genres and authors aligned well with mine. And now I know your least favorites do too. I just can’t get into sci fi, fantasy or young adult with a very few exceptions through the years. Ditto on Wuthering Heights and Great Gatsby.

[@jensreadinglife]

We are kindred book spirits for sure!!!

[@susanfryman5156]

This was great. I would become one of your Patreon members if you decide upon that. Definitely participate in readathons, sprints, discord, etc. I know all of these are quite a bit of work. So, I’ll support you in any or all of these endeavors. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3 of the video.

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you so much! I will definitely be adding more content in the next few months. I will probably start with some sprints and go from there! Stay tuned! Thank you for being such a wonderful supporter of my channel!

[@susanfryman5156]

@@jensreadinglife I’m happy for you and me.

[@judykovach6912]

Still hv my original holly/Ivey bk I had and remembered reading ☺️

[@jensreadinglife]

I wish I still had mine!

[@LauraR00]

I can relate to the YA thing. I'm so over the angst 😂

[@jensreadinglife]

Right? So much angst! 😂

[@JudyGraves-ws7yl]

I’m laughing at your Beat Generation college course experience. It feels like something that would happen to me - a whole excruciating semester of beats 🤢

[@jensreadinglife]

Lol...that was exactly what it was...excruciating!

[@maryannestoner4065]

Have you read the Laura Child’s Tea Shop mysteries? I think you would enjoy them.

[@jensreadinglife]

I have not but I’ll have to check them out.

[@eileennielsen5165]

What is DISCORD? Wuthering Heights is one of my favorites. I collect old or unique editions. Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Austen novel. I finished The Shell Seekers 2 days ago. I liked it, but was expecting so much more (I guess all the hype?). Will re-read it again sometime to get another take. I thought Winter Solstice much better. So far, that is my favorite Pilcher. Lot's to go, think I've found all her bks. now.😁 Now reading g Summer At The Little Beach St. Bakery. It's o.k. Did you find Letters From Skye? Have been watching you since your first video! Happy I found you.🤗

[@jensreadinglife]

Discord is an app with a chat feature. I'm thinking of using it when I set up some readalongs. It's free to use and once I have my channel set up there, I can have people join for discussions. I'm sorry you didn't love Shell Seekers as much as you hoped. Sometimes it's when we read a book that determines how much we like it. Maybe a reread will hit differently in the future! Thank you for always watching and commenting, Eileen!

[@sassykassispages]

Yay!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations!!!

[@jensreadinglife]

Thank you!!!