Reading Some Excellent Books! 📚🧡 | Cosy Reading Vlog

Join me for a week in the New Forest, where I read eleven books - some of which turn out to be my favourite books of the year! xx
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MY BOOKS:
THE SISTER WHO ATE HER BROTHERS tinyurl.com/7d...
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:
Patreon: / jenvcampbell
Salisbury walk: www.walkingclu...
Sleep story: mylostwords.blo...
Ghost Music by An Yu
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Sehee
Life Ceremony by Sayaka Murata*
Animals at Night by Naomi Booth
Forward Book of Poetry 2023
Moomin Valley in November*
Finn Family Moomintroll*
Spear by Nicola Griffith*
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas*
Indelicacy by Amina Cain
Halal if you hear me by Fatima Asghar and Sophia Elhillo
The Silent House by Nell Pattison
The Master Key by Masako Togawa*
The Loosening Skin by Aliya Whiteley*
Leila and the Blue Fox by Kiran Millwood Hargrave with Tom de Freston
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WHO I AM
Hello, I'm Jen Campbell. I'm an award-winning poet and bestselling author of twelve books, spanning short stories, poetry, picture books, and nonfiction.
My books for adults include The Beginning of the World in the Middle of the Night, The Girl Aquarium, The Bookshop Book, and The Sunday Times bestselling Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops series. My picture book trilogy Franklin and Luna, and my middle-grade book The Sister Who Ate Her Brothers, are published by Thames & Hudson.
I've won both an Eric Gregory Award and the Jane Martin Poetry Prize, my books have been translated into twenty languages, and I have two new titles forthcoming in 2023 - more details on those soon.
I've worked in the publishing industry for over fifteen years, initially as a bookseller, and now as a freelance editor, content creator and disability advocate. I review books online, in print and on the radio. I run a KZbin channel where I talk about books, the history of fairy tales, and the representation of disability and disfigurement. I also offer online writing workshops and editorial services, give talks at schools, publishing companies, universities and book festivals on a variety of topics, and I run a book club for TOAST clothing.
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...
Facebook: tinyurl.com/3o3...
Storygraph: app.thestorygr...
Email: [e-mail]
(Since starting KZbin, some of you have been asking what's wrong with my hands. This video should answer any questions :) • My Disability | EEC Sy... )
This video contains no sponsored content. Any books marked with * were sent to me for an honest review.
#ReadingVlog #CosyVlog

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for watching, everyone; let me know what you’ve been reading recently xx

[@chespinoza1]

J.J's Ulysses 🙂

[@snamorsixteen]

I really loved listening to you describe the books and then intermittently showing nature clips. Very relaxing. Thank you

[@GettingHyggeWithIt]

Oh my word so many books! I love that you brought a whole tote bag full of books with you! I also love that you and Mr. M go on this lovely holiday every year because I LOVE seeing all the adorable pigs! It's just such a lovely way of tending to the land and the animals. Makes my heart happy.

[@jenvcampbell]

It makes my heart happy, too. 🧡x

[@GettingHyggeWithIt]

Totally different topic but I had to tell you that Nora LOVES Franklin and Luna. We bought her Franklin and Luna Go to the Moon for Christmas! And we bought her friends at daycare Franklin's Flying Bookshop for Christmas too so they can enjoy. Her favourite is Franklin and Luna and the Book of Fairy Tales and she loves to shout out "Fee Fi Fo Fum!!". Just wanted to let you know how much your work is adored in our house! xo

[@jenvcampbell]

This made me smile a lot, thank you April. x

[@charlottepedley3027]

I'm only just starting the video but I want to say that I'm always excited when they're extra long! I know that must involve a huge amount of work!! x

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you, Charlotte ♥️ x

[@carolbresnahan1244]

So glad that you got to see plenty of pigs and the bonus of baby donkeys. I find being in nature a very emotional experience at the best of times. Maybe it's kinder to feel it was a release rather than a meltdown, the beauty, simplicity and cycle of nature can stir up thoughts of the cruelty of it too. Sending my best wishes for you 🌻

[@jenvcampbell]

That's very true, Carol, thank you x

[@YourTrueShelf]

I'm so impressed that you read that many books on holiday, wow!! Such a cosy and beautiful vlog. The place names were just so sweet. The animals too 💛 I know the king Arthur book wasn't for you, but I really liked the sound of that one 😊 xx

[@ashbissessur4979]

Hi Jen, I absolutely adored this video! Your book recs are always super interesting and now I'm thinking of visiting the New Forest in the Spring time!! Thank you so much for taking us on this journey with you 💓 xx

[@kathy2539]

I loved your walks around the countryside, Jen. They were really beautiful places. I love watching walking video and nature videos so I can assure you this was a treat and not too much at all, very relaxing. I am currently reading a mystery, first book of a series called The Thursday Murder Club and enjoying it so far. I'm pleased to say I haven't discovered the killer yet so it's still a mystery, I like that I haven't figured it out yet, so with 171p left hopefully this will remain until the end of the book.

[@babblingbooks2839]

Your walks are always so lovely!

[@BilingualBookworm]

I can send you When We Were Sisters from this side of the ocean my darling! Have just finished Three Women, Nightcrawling and Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow, and moving onto Maps of our Spectacular Bodies tomorrow. Thank you for this gorgeous vlog 💚💚💚

[@jenvcampbell]

Ah, that's kind of you lovely one but I've managed to find a copy

[@baeticat]

I'm so happy for you you were able to go on holiday 🍁 I'm sitting down with my cup of tea to watch your vlog. Have a good evening, Jen.

[@jenvcampbell]

🧡🍂 I hope you have a lovely evening, too xx

[@nonnymouse3839]

Thank you for taking us along with you into the New Forest, it is so beautiful. The little donkeys made me gasp! What a paradise on earth. I’m so glad you were able to get away for a while, if not from your troubles then at least from your responsibilities, and I hope it was as restful as it looked. I’ve joined in with Katie’s Mega Dickens Readalong over at the channel Books and Things, so I’m 3/4 of the way through The Pickwick Papers and very much enjoying it. Next up on my TBR pile is "Mary’s Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein," which is a free-verse biography with beautiful watercolour illustrations that I’ve heard lovely things about. Take care, Jen, and happy reading!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you for sharing what you’re reading ☺️ x

[@ChrisDailyReading]

Those shots of the red autumn leaves are beautiful 🥰 very curious for the short stories of Aliya Whitelely after this video

[@jenvcampbell]

So far, I’ve only read her shorts stories in magazines etc but I do you have her collection From The Neck Up on my shelf and I’m excited to get to it ☺️

[@classvids2011]

I love the footage of all the beautiful walks.

[@jenvcampbell]

☺️

[@MilenaReads]

The early morning updates are so cosy 🥰

[@jenvcampbell]

🧡

[@benreadsgood]

In awe that you took so many books AND managed to read them. I always end up lugging a bunch with me, and taking them home unread 😂

[@jenvcampbell]

That's usually how it goes for me, too, no shame in that! x

[@ghanshyamsingh3653]

LOVED THE VIDEO JEN...it's sooo awesome and heartwarming with the nature, books and your genuine self! 💕💙💕👍👍👍

[@jenvcampbell]

🍂🍁🧡

[@jenniferchen5351]

I live not far from the new forest and I frequent most of the places you visited. It's a beautiful and vast area for walks and I love being so near it. I'm actually reading your book currently, which I've been meaning to read ever since I found your channel. So far, I especially loved Jacob but I've enjoyed all your short stories so far.

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you, Jennifer. And it’s such a beautiful place x

[@curioushmm9027]

i feel like i've been on a mini vacation...i loved being out on the walks with all the animals...and i enjoyed the reading...thanks for taking us along.

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for joining ☺️ x

[@curioushmm9027]

@@jenvcampbell 😀

[@dianehigham1293]

Great place names! My two favourites (up to now) are Little Snoring and Great Snoring in Norfolk. So cuuuuute 😺 xxx

[@jenvcampbell]

Haha, I love that. x

[@AnaMoShoshin]

Boulderwood seemed magical! The Pigs!

[@susannacain3564]

I know every year this is your vacation haha but it feels like mine too. I look forward to your New Forest reading vlog EVERY YEAR now. Love being tucked up in a cabin with a stack of books anywhere. Hope it was as cozy as it looks 🌲🏡📚☕️

[@jenvcampbell]

That's so lovely, thanks, Susanna. x

[@ameliabarlowbooks]

hope you had a lovely restful holiday, Jen ❤️

[@jenvcampbell]

🧡

[@demeldapenkitty7937]

What a beautiful vlog! Some great book recommendations too.

[@jenvcampbell]

♥️📚

[@pineandsprucebooks]

I absolutely loved this video. It's been a hard week and this was so calming. Thank you💚 Also I am in awe that you read 11 books in a week🤯

[@jenvcampbell]

Sorry you’ve had a hard week x

[@munglejoela]

I really enjoyed this vlog, thank you, it was very relaxing to watch. I hope you are doing OK, and it's good you were in a space where you were able to express how you felt even though it made you feel exhausted afterwards. I'm happy for you that you were able to take a break from work, if not from your own mind. Much love xx

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you, Layla ♥️ x

[@ameliareads589]

This was so cosy and lovely to watch. Thank you for taking us along.

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you for joining ☺ x

[@KierTheScrivener]

Indelicacy was a favourite of last year. I really enjoyed it, especially the uneasy time and place. It was fascinating and funny. (Funnily enough I immediately reread it, got to the end went back to listen to the set up and write quotes down and listened to the whole story again).

[@jenvcampbell]

It’s so great, isn’t it? x

[@sofiabotelho3183]

Thank you for sharing this video, Jen! It is always a pleasure to listen to your book reviews and enjoy snippets of your walks 🌿❤ I hope you had a lovely and restorative time. I've just read Cold Enough for Snow thanks to your recommendation and I loved it! One of the best reads of the year. Now I'm reading On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous. Oh, and those baby donkeys, so so cute! 😍

[@jenvcampbell]

Ah, so glad you loved it, too x

[@fionagraham4338]

Your videos are always so comforting to me! I’ve been reading recently The Diary of a Bookseller (of which you’re mentioned a fair few times!) and Franklin’s Flying Bookshop as I did a project on it for uni. Best wishes 💚

[@jenvcampbell]

Shaun is great 😊 and thank you x

[@KierTheScrivener]

I love all the nature. I love seeing all the little villages and old buildings. Such a sense of time.

[@jenvcampbell]

🧡

[@renee_3364]

I'm really happy you loved Leila and the Blue Fox. I had the same feelings when I read it; not quite as soul-wrecking as Julia, but still such a strong childrens book. You also helped boost An Yu's new novel to the top of my TBR. From what you described and the passages you read, it sounds amazing.

[@jenvcampbell]

I hope you love it, too ☺️ x

[@leabhairagustae7279]

Your cosy vlogs are always the best Jen!!! Hope you’re doing good xxx

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you; I hope you're having a good start to the week. x

[@juliepearson1685]

Really enjoyed this listening about the books and lovely clips of the pigs .

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks, Julie. x

[@gamewrit0058]

I love your book vlogs! I love hearing your thoughts, and your video editing is stellar. Yesterday I requested at least ten of your recommendations my public library.

[@jenvcampbell]

Happy reading! x

[@debjohn4]

Thank you. I always look forward to your vlogs! I enjoyed going on your walks and listening to your critiques.

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you 🍂🧡

[@hilarycartlidge6135]

Definitely a Ted Hughes vibe at the beginning with Mr M striding ahead purposefully and wild pigs snuffling in the leaf mulch. Gorgeous. From the books you present, I fancy Ghost Music and any Moomin book going, love the moomins which I never met with as a child. Current reading split between old stuff, Fitzgerald, Dickens, Woolf, and chasing down a copy of William Gibson's All Tomorrow's Parties (loved Neuromancer a matrix-like sci-fi mind twist,) but, though these aren't your kind of thing, I love watching everything you put out, you're my relaxation and inspiration. Do you remember Pigs in Space?

[@jenvcampbell]

This may be a terrible thing to say but I've never really watched The Muppets in general (sorry!) - am assuming that's the Pigs in Space you're referring to from a Google. I am a Woolf fan, though; I've read all of her books apart from Night and Day. xx

[@spexi513]

I really appreciate your videos and have found so many new ( to me and in general) from watching them. I also really admire youuuuu miss lady. Hugs love and light 💪 💚💚💚💚💚💚💚

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you for this kind comment. x

[@amyelainethomas]

Hello! I finished Spells for Forgetting last night. Absolutely loved it - one of my favorite books of the year ♥️

[@jenvcampbell]

always lovely to discover new favourite books ☺️

[@nolawernicke9078]

Hello Jen, thank you for the walk, it was wonderful to see the New Forest again. I'm reading a book published by the British Library 'Murder by the Book mysteries for bibliophiles' I have a thing for mysteries involving books. 🙂

[@jenvcampbell]

Got to love books about books ☺️ x

[@alexplatt8771]

Vladimir is excellent, possibly one of my favourite reads of the year, and I enjoyed the stories in Life Ceremony.

[@jenvcampbell]

Looking forward to picking up Vladimir next x

[@janethansen9612]

How much do I love those little curly piggy tails. It was lovely to see some of the countryside with you.

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for watching, Janet. x

[@lomazowr1]

Loving these vlogs book reviews wonderful walks scenery.❤️

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks, Rhonda. x

[@toweringtbr]

I don't read crime or mystery all that often but you've convinced me to try The Silent House. It's such an interesting premise and I love disability rep. I'm sending you good vibes and wish for you to have peace.

[@zinekatzines]

Moominvalley in November might be my favourite Moomin book besides Comet in Moominland. So good ❤

[@jenvcampbell]

Looking forward to reading it ☺️

[@paulwinchell6904]

What a magnificent video. Books, nature a relaxed Jen with a incredible tbr, I want to read them all. I should finish the Last Unicorn today.

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for watching, Paul ☺️

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

'I want to die but I want to eat tteokbokki' is such a great title! I haven't read the book yet though, so I have nothing to say in that regard.

[@jenvcampbell]

It’s definitely a great title! x

[@Lisa-vk1ey]

So glad you enjoyed Silent House ! I discovered Rita Klein through you, and I saw your video where you mentioned this book. Enjoy your holiday!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks, Lisa! x

[@sandeesandwich2180]

Great video, Jen! I'm sorry to hear about your experience with Spear. I read Griffith's book Hild a few years ago and enjoyed it enough that I'd been hoping for a sequel. I might listen to a sample of Spear just to see if it grabs me. I'm wondering why so many books in the past couple of years have covers with close up portraits of a rabbit on them. If this trend continues, I predict scifi and romance novels with coney covers in the future. (Gives new meaning to hare-y chested heroes in your average bodice ripper.)

[@jenvcampbell]

The end of that comment made me snort 😅 x

[@sandeesandwich2180]

@@jenvcampbell I'm here all week! 🤣

[@michelepastele5347]

Thank you for the video. Spending time in the countryside is so restorative! I've just finished The Widow's House an started The Uninvited Guest. They're good, but not fabulous. x

[@jenvcampbell]

I hope you continue to enjoy them, and I also hope you find something else which is fabulous soon ☺️ x

[@ChemicalPenguinn]

An Yu's books are definitely going on my TBR!

[@jenvcampbell]

Enjoy ☺️ x

[@jessdekkerreads8792]

Loved this cozy vlog 🍂 currently reading Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain.

[@jenvcampbell]

Happy reading! x

[@devonmitchell5319]

I absolutely loved this reading vlog ♥️

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you x

[@rebecca.reader]

Thank you , Jen! I loved this vlog. I have been to the New Forest but not for many years. Some of your walks remind me of Dartmoor, which is where I live and love to walk . Also, those donkeys 😍😍!! I am currently reading Before The Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi . I'm reading it for a bookclub that I am part of. Unfortunately I'm not loving it. Sending you lots of love and best wishes!

[@jenvcampbell]

Sadly I didn’t love that book either. I hope that you read something you really love afterwards. I’ve never been to Dartmoor but would love to at some point xx

[@rebecca.reader]

@@jenvcampbell thank you!! I think you would love Dartmoor, there are some really beautiful, wild places to walk.

[@erinh7450]

Indelicacy was a 5 star read for me (I'm very stingy with that rating). I had no idea what to expect going in, and I'm not even sure how to describe it now, but wow. Loved it. I have not read A Year of Rest and Relaxation, but from what I've heard of it, wouldn't have thought they'd be similar. I haven't been that interested in Moshfeg in spite of many rave reviews - should I rethink? The Ghost Music book sounds really interesting. And Moomins. ❤

[@jenvcampbell]

See if you can find some of her short stories online, and then decide if you like her writing style. As I said, the subject matter is not the same but the tone definitely reminded me of her work. Probably more so Death in her Hands ☺️ xx

[@lilyd802]

Loved this reading vlog! 😊

[@jenvcampbell]

Thank you, Lily x

[@Wanderful1]

Wonderful vlog

[@jenvcampbell]

🧡

[@annakarlien1952]

I think something went wrong with my comment trying to mention this before, but you were (very briefly) on one of the main Dutch news websites in an item about Nikki French! No idea if you're aware of this ahaha

[@jenvcampbell]

I was not aware of that 😂 x

[@kimbascherer6988]

So beautiful. Have a great time.

[@louise1174]

The donkeys are so sweet 😍

[@jenvcampbell]

They were the cutest x

[@minari6656]

I'm new subscriber. I love your voice!

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for being here ☺️

[@degroenemeisjes]

LOVELY! thank you

[@jenvcampbell]

♥️

[@kellyrosen1]

I am still waiting for my copy of Ghost Music to come in the post. I am so jealous of all the people I am seeing reading it!

[@jenvcampbell]

I hope yours arrives soon ♥️ xx

[@CemetryGates89]

Would it be a Jen Campbell vlog if there wasn't a cat, or at the very least an animal in it 😂 My partner has the same ability to connect with cats

[@jenvcampbell]

Haha, it would not! x

[@theresepazell7875]

Glad you got away just what the Doctor ordered think its helping ..BSL. what it stands for in Silent House.. Thaxs in advance TAKE CARE B SAFE....

[@jenvcampbell]

British Sign Language x

[@theresepazell7875]

@@jenvcampbell Thank You.

[@harrietobrien3900]

💜

[@jenvcampbell]

🧡

[@gamewrit0058]

Kitty!

[@jenvcampbell]

🐈

[@Kimromero1219]

Little donkeys!!! 😍

[@jenvcampbell]

The cutest x

[@Readinordertolive]

🙋‍♀

[@jenvcampbell]

👋🏼

[@rosegreensummer]

if she just wrote down her therapist conversations then there's no creativity and the therapist is due half the royalties - i guess she could pay herself for the work of typing if she didn't use transcription software

[@snamorsixteen]

I really loved listening to you describe the books and then intermittently showing nature clips. Very relaxing. Thank you

[@jenvcampbell]

Thanks for watching x