Favorite Books of 2021

[@ricollomaxo1324]

AAAAAA POSTHUMOUS MEMORIES OF BRAS CUBAS!!!! As a Brazillian viewer of yours and someone who had to read this in school I'm SO GLAD you read it. One of my all time favourites when it comes to classic brazillian literature. I'd recomend anything by Machado de Assis, one of the greats and was WAY ahead of his time

[@thaissabbatino1409]

I both fear and look foward to the day she might pick up Dom Casmurro

[@tvp61196]

I picked up Bras Cubas after Merphys foreign recommendations video, and it blew my mind. It's so strange but it pulled me in like few books have.

[@viniciuspedrosa2405]

Was not expecting that, what a surprise lol

[@emersontavares6177]

MACHADO DEMAIS ASSIS BRABO DEMAIS MLK

[@deborareads5838]

@@viniciuspedrosa2405 Same

[@notnanomercy]

Wow, as a Brazilian viewer, seeing The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas make a smile on my face haha

[@CasadaCoruja]

Me too!!

[@fouzya8310]

what is the difficulty level of the book on a scale of 1 to 10, for someone whose first language isn't English?

[@laurab.2318]

@@fouzya8310 the book is originally written in portuguese, and even for me, a native portuguese speaker, is kind of a hard read if you are not used to classics, witch makes it a 9 out of 10, but i don't know how the author's prose translates to english. Machado uses a lot of references and words that are not part of anyone's vocabulary lol, BUT it's really worth reading.

[@fouzya8310]

@@laurab.2318 ohh, okaay. guess i could give a try then! thanks.

[@kevinmacedo9289]

Sameee

[@GM-vr4eb]

I bought Posthumous Memoirs and Ember Blade just because of your reviews. People have been praising me for having great taste. So thanks Merph!

[@neovcgl]

Jesus amado, ela leu Brás Cubas. A BRAZILIAN FAN IS HAPPY!!

[@YasminCarli]

Two of us, actually I think all of us around here.

[@danielquinzel9641]

three of us, AAAAAA

[@lauramarini2207]

Adorei como os comentários de Brás Cubas estão todos no topo kakakaka BrásCubas is such a great book and I hope she reads Dom Casmurro in the future, it's one of my favorite books ever ❤

[@guilhermefigueiredo3936]

I love the way you talk about posthumous memories of Bras Cubas! I'm Brazilian and this is going to be the first book that I'll read in 2022 and it's crazy that a big part of me wanting to read this book is because of you!

[@hannibal9503]

The way you described The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas, I am sold, gonna get it for myself. The top 5 books I read this year, ranging from high fantasy to History. 5. The Ambassadors: Thinking about Diplomacy from Machiavelli to Modern TImes By Sir Robert Cooper. --- A very nuanced take on some major events which transcribed the history and political landscape of the entire world. The Author, himself being one of the best Diplomats of the past 4 decades, sheds light on many instances, I have a few problems with some people being written the way they were, Talleyrand I mean, but it provides an engaging and good look into the circumstances and the actions. How they influenced the world, while also providing a warning that Populism will break the institutions. 4. The Lady of The Lake by Andrzej Sapkowski. --- Finally finished the Witcher Series and I loved it. It was bittersweet, it was heartbreaking and it was lovely but Andrzej Sapkowski has written one of the most imaginative Fantasy series I have read. 3. The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan. --- Picked up the Wheel of Time this year, The Eye of the World and the way it ended was weird but The Great Hunt hooked me completely. the Eye of the World was like hmmm, ok, but the great hunt expanded on the characters, just felt more immersive to me personally. 2. Don’t Be Evil: How Big Tech Betrayed Its Founding Principles-and All of Us by Rana Foroohar. This was an eye-opener for me as this book by Mrs Foroohar was simply brilliant. This was on the point with regards to the authoritarian natures of many Big Tech companies. 1. The Napoleonic Wars: A Global History by Alexander Mikaberidze. --- It is a big fat history textbook but it is very vital as Mr Mikaberidze explores in a very detailed, intricate manner, the history of Napoleonic Wars, the rise of Imperialism, The seeds planted for German and Italian Nationalisms. He just doesn't cover the 18th and 19th centuries, but also goes into the details that the powers planned and the global order of the 20th century and the subsequent future. Possibly one of the best non-fiction books I have read to date. sorry for the long post...

[@piratalofi9148]

Don’t know if u know but the writer (Machado De Assis) is the biggest Brazilian author of all time really recommend his work

[@ratmilk671]

Don't be sorry mate, thank you for your in depth recommendations!

[@hannibal9503]

@@piratalofi9148 I have heard, After Posthumous Memoirs, I plan to dive into Dom Casmurro. read a few snippets and I am very intrigued by his way of story telling

[@gijs7509]

Nice to see someone enjoy The Wheel of time. If you like the expansion of character you got already, you are in for a great ride. Hope you have fun throughout like I did.

[@hannibal9503]

@@gijs7509 I am sure I will enjoy it, I am a sucker for High Fantasy and this is just straightup so intriguing. Started the book 3 already and will finish it up by the end of the week

[@FatMan-ch4jc]

I read A man called Ove last year with my mom and loved it, I felt so proud when my mom told me “I feel this book changed something in me, it’s beautiful”

[@JessietheSleepyKoala]

The Posthumous Memories of Bras Cubas sounds SO interesting. You’ve really sold me on it

[@saunatonttu93]

The way you talk about books is so... your excitement is extremely contagious! One of my top books of the year is Beartown. I kinda started off in a weird order as I read Us Againt You the previous year before Beartown, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment in any way in either book's case. I buddyread Beartown with my friend, actually, and that experience is probably what brought me most joy this year. Thanks for introducing me to Backman; I picked up Us Against You from the library because I remembered this was the author you really enjoyed --- that, and I'm a sucker for hockey and seeing it in a book got me really excited. I've also read some short story collections and anthologies this year, and I couldn't be happier. I'm so impressed with authors' ability to convey so much in so little space or so few words. Hope your holidays are going great! Happy reading and resting!

[@AnaCarolinaVanzetta]

As a brazilian subscriber, I love that you read Posthumous Memories of Bras Cubas, it was a required reading for high school and I hated at the time. Hahaha (now I like it)

[@nssuresh4849]

I'm thrilled you loved Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas! It's such a vibrant, witty story. Your content is always so relaxing and in-depth. Have a great new year!

[@originaldahha]

I have to say, the fact that you (and danniel) are willing to give other mediums such as manga a fair chance is something that gives me so much respect for you and what you do with this channel. keep up the good work =D (that scene still hits me so hard more than 15 years later)

[@MLLatUtube]

I loved A Man Called Ove - it was my first Backman book but not the last. I ordered the Posthumous Memoirs based on your description and am looking forward to it.

[@user-sw7ru6tk6e]

I basically followed this channel not because of the books you read I just enjoy watching you talk very passionately. I am not a huge fantasy reader and I've never read manga but I was like she seems fun. On a whim I decided to read a natural history of dragons after you recommended it and really enjoyed it so it was a really happy surprise and now I will be reading a lot of what you recommend!

[@notorioushkm97]

One Piece is in the Top 2 You love to see it 😎

[@yacinegaci6402]

Great video, thanks. My top 5 for 2021: 5/ Pride and prejudice 4/ The well of ascension 3/ The last argument of kings 2/ A man called Ove 1/ Britt-Marie was here

[@ashleysartalbum1030]

I just wanted to say how much I love your channel, and you! You’re so passionate about books, I love your personality, you’re so beautiful and fun and sincere, your videos are just always so fun! You’re literally my favorite channel to watch on here! That’s it, love you! Keep doing what you’re doing!❤️

[@Punkandcannonballer]

The Bras Cubas audiobook is one of the most entertaining listens in my library. Thanks for the hilarious recommendation.

[@adamsabin718]

I’m so thankful for you and your channel. Both Ember Blade and A Man Called Ove were two of my favorite books I’ve read in recent memory. Thank you!!

[@carolinaroveroni8101]

As a brazilian, I so happy that you loved one of our most famous book by one of the most important authors. I hope you read more brazlian and south american literature.

[@elijahmwh]

Enies Lobby has maintained it's spot as my favorite saga in all of manga. Love this video, Merphy!

[@Flint_Ironstag]

So glad to see The Ember Blade included on this list. It was my favorite read of 2021. I just wish more people knew about it

[@wennesmota3860]

It’s so good to see you talking about “Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas. I’m Brazilian and Machado de Assis is our greatest writer. He’s a genious. Thanks for sharing good contents as always. ❤️📚👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@thatsci-firogue]

I really need to resume reading One Piece one of these days.

[@KuroashiDali]

Best thing you will do trust me👍❤

[@Atlas9766]

U definitely need to

[@random1piecefan]

Which arc did you stop at?

[@bluedragonfly81]

So worth it!! ♥️🤗

[@rickthestick6995]

I started reading Backman this year. A small independent book store I had just found out about had Anxious People on one of their main display tables. I read the back cover and decided to give it a try. Loved it right from the get go. Read A Man Called Ove a month or two later. I just picked up Beartown a week ago when I was buying my dad a copy of Lord of the Rings. Plan on starting it in January. I'm hesitant to call him my favorite over all writer (Tolkien holds that), but I would say he is my favorite contemporary fiction author (I don't read much outside of fantasy/sci-fi). Everything you say though about how relatable the characters are in Backman's books, 100% true.

[@CasadaCoruja]

I’m soooo happy you are reading Machado de Assis! You should take a look at Dom Casmurro by him! My favorite!!

[@aleeceb4993]

I love how Enies Lobby of all things made it onto the list of books of *this* year X3 though, from all of One Piece to pick from, Enies Lobby probably is the best pick. Because while another Arc (which I won't name to not spoiler anyone who has yet to go onto this 1000+ chapter adventure :p) might be like a condensed version of the overarching plot of One Piece, like a micro cosmos to make us understand the much bigger narrative, Water 7 and then Enies Lobby together are like a condensed version of all of Odas strengths as a writer, on every level: Character moments, character development, set-pieces, key-moments (not related to characters but the narrative, like with the flag), side characters, challenges to the Status Quo, villains, fight scenes, potentially the most hard-hitting flashback in a series notorious for it's hard-hitting flashbacks, growth not just of single characters but of the crew as a whole, underlying philosophies (like the contrast between Luffy and the enemy boss, who for once is not a fighter, and who does ham out his ideas and values, but hides behind his men to defend them for him, while Luffy always stands himself for what he beliefs in), and so much more. One Piece as a whole only gets better over time, as it is all connected, and becomes more and more of a masterpiece the more the entire picture becomes apparent, but Enies Lobby on it's own was still the peak of its quality, and considering how that was before the half-point of the manga, and that you rarely hear fans talk about "seasonal rot" as you might expect from a long-running series (see Simpsons, Spongebob and others) I'd say that speaks volumes about the entire manga. So, yeah, The Enies Lobby(aka Water 7) Saga is probably the best pick to represent the show as a whole.

[@miransaadoun4432]

Wano?

[@aleeceb4993]

​@@miransaadoun4432 If it's about quality, then yeah, Wano is good, but a) it's still going so too soon to make any call, but also b) so far it didn't quite deliver on all the points I made about Enies Lobby, and for some the chance has kinda passed already. So, yeah, strong, but not as strong as EL, I'd say. But if that's your guess for what I meant with the condensed version of the overarching plot...then no X3 much, much earlier: [Spoiler Warning for those didn't read/watch far enough to get the whole picture yet] I was referring to how the trip to the sky islands kinda turned out to be an arc long teaser of what the overall narrative of One Piece will be, with a seemingly beautiful land on the surface(skypia/the entire world), but hiding a dark secret (the oppression through force/all the skeletons in all the world governments closets), being led by a self proclaimed god (Enel/The Celestial Dragons) living high above everyone else (The Upper Yard/Mary Joa) who dethroned the previous, good "god" (Ganfort/The Ancient Kingdom, probably, or the Lunarians), and who darkened the the world (Enels Mega-Storm/The Great Darkness) just for Luffy, the natural Enemy of God (Rubber/D.) to come in and not only defeat him, but also clear the sky and bring back the sun.

[@heytheredelilah982]

Ikr

[@Nemo37K]

Given your enjoyment of Machado de Assis, you should consider reading either some of the novels of the Short Story Omnibus of Brazilian writer Clarice Lispector and Argentine Silvina Ocampo. South American literary fiction is such a particular brand of surreal and beautiful. Lispector's prose is delicious, and her stories luminous. The Short Story collection is what got me into her. I would also recommend Fernando Pessoa who was Portuguese (not brazilian) but wrote equally beautifully, and with multiple pens.

[@leoncoopermarques3460]

She writes great children books as well.

[@ur3sh11]

Ennies Lobby has to be peak One Piece. It is quintessential everything One Piece condensed into a single Saga. You have the adventurous and explorative world building in early Water 7. You have intense character drama with Usopp and Luffy. You have heartbreaking tragedy with Franky and Robin. You have the distopian dark underside of the so called Utopia with CP9 and World Government. You have the moving world politics with WG and Aokiji. You have so many emotional highs , especially "I want to live" and Luffy vs Usopp. You have some of the best fights in the series. And you have the immense gratification and eomtional from everything tying up together and Oda masterfully delivering on every set up story beat: Luffy overcoming Lucci, Robin snapping Spandam's back, Usopp apology, the crew jumping into the sea. There is SO much going on with Ennies Lobby. It is the tightest writing One Piece has ever had. That said, imo, Whole Cake alsso comes very close to the same quality that Ennies Lobby had. I just think Ennies Lobby had just a bit more going on than Whole Cake .

[@arthurdoktor]

I agree Ennies Lobby is peak one piece, bit would personally put Wano or Marine Fort before Whole Cake island

[@khamoshsilence8468]

also shanks vs whitebeard, ace vs bb and luffy family reveal

[@Ysmnfgj]

I agree but i think current wano is right up there with the water 7 saga like wano been crazy good for a minute

[@mikepennington9057]

Could someone looking to get a taste of One Piece start on this saga, or should I just start from the beginning?

[@Ysmnfgj]

@@mikepennington9057 beginning the saga only hits as hard as it does cause u liking the characters by that point and want to see them rescue Robin

[@catherinefenquist5022]

Oooh Bone Shard Daighter sounds so good! It’s definitely on my list for next year thanks to your recommendation

[@iamdivan7368]

No sutisfying moment of pulling out the final book into the frame, 0/10 trash tier list (Thanks for your hard work this year, it was incredible journey watching you go through all these stories and make me connect with them all a little bit)

[@jeancarl0ss]

She read one of the most famous classic books in Brazil, The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas. It feels great to know that, and I feel bad because I haven't read it yet

[@riatsila144]

Even if I never read any if these (though I should say you make them most tempting), it's such a joy to hear how much you've enjoyed them! Came to your channel because of One Piece (overjoyed it made the list, and what part made the list!), but love your channel as a whole, it's always great to hear people sharing things they love! Unrelated to this video, but since it's a book series I can relate to, definitely looking forward to Locke and Jean's next adventures!

[@DarkJulyHeartless]

*not even one minute in to the video *Sees Machado de Assis *Brazilian blood starts to pump faster than usual Damn, the comments will be full Portuguese comments by the end of the month.

[@CasadaCoruja]

Totally!! I was genuinely happy when I saw Machado!! Lol

[@BusyGrinch]

I'm really happy you loved Machado de Assis. It's our most famous writer in Brazil.

[@livslibrary]

The Bone Daughter sounds so intriguing. Adding to my TBR! 🤍 Love seeing One Piece on your list as well!

[@puchi1388]

I loved The Ember Blade!!! My favorite of the year!!! Thank you for the recommendation

[@jamieconley797]

Dig your enthusiasm. Thanks for the insight into the books. 🙂

[@MPScrimshaw]

Your description of the ember blade just significantly raised it on my list of books I'm interested in potentially reading in 2022. I've been looking for a cozy classic fantasy experience with modern sensibilities lately and it sounds like that is literally exactly what that book is

[@dalekriens1397]

Such passion for books. Love that. Makes me want to try some of your choices. But, I'm a different background, so we'll see.

[@roaneagen7726]

You and daniel have really gotten me to read more. Before this year I hadnt read a book for fun in 17yrs. This year I've read all the asoiaf books and im finishing up first law. WoT is next. Thank you so much

[@CamillaCardosoGuedes]

AAAAAAAAA I CAN NO BELIEVE! I am a Brazilian and that is the first video I am watching and see a Brazilian author in your best books it's so grateful!!!! Thank you for give a chance for Brazilian Literature and for sharing this. Please check Clarice Lispector she wrote many goods things too

[@madridrock150]

I picked up The Ember Blade after your review earlier this year.. Really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book in the series!

[@ashlynhale3369]

I read Rebecca thanks to you and LOVED it! However for some reason I haven’t read more of her books yet so that is a goal for 2022! I also loved A Man Called Ove this year! Next year I hope to read Beartown and Anxious People. The Ember Blade also sounds really interesting especially since I read Lord of the Rings for the first time this year and it is an all-time favorite series for me!😊

[@katiejarrett2207]

I was so happy when you read a man called Ove, it's my favourite book 😊. I also read the posthumous memoirs of Bras Cubas and picked up one piece on your recommendation and really enjoyed/ing both, so thanks

[@susanherbert3014]

I read “A Man Called Ove” last year. I was a bit reluctant to read it because I had seen it on so many “must read” lists and I was concerned it wouldn’t live up to the hype. It turned into one of top favorites of 2020. It was the first book by Fredrik Backman I read, I immediately went back to the library and checked out his other books. He has become one of my favorite authors. Definitely a book on a read again list. PS- I love your Snoopy mug!

[@kanellospap]

Backman is frustratingly awesome. Always succeeds in making me cry and smile, sometimes simultaneously and in a single sentence, and always in a natural way, not forced. So simple, believable, flawed and beautiful characters.

[@kimkosyjana9511]

I read Ove this year too and LOVED IT!!! My other favorites were The Nightingale, It Ends With Us and Raven in the Teen titans graphic novels. I wish I finished ROW, otherwise that would be on the list, but I still have like 300 pages to go! Also, I know you don't watch TV, but I think you would love Locke and Key. Especially if you love the magic keys and big house kinda thing. I do believe it is a graphic novel, so maybe check that out!! Happy New Year to you and your family! Thanks for putting out awesome content all year! We love you!!

[@shelliingle571]

Here's my favorite pick of my books of this year 😇: BFG (Big Friendly Giant) - I found a father-daughter relationship so adorable. Socrery of Thorns - A Cute YA Fantasy Romance Pantomime - Amazing Steampunk Fantasy with an Intersex character Dirty Streets of Heaven - Urban Fantasy with a hilarious character that I ever read The Roman - This is my very first book of Anne McCaffrey, her writing is so incredible and characters are so relatable Dreamtheader - YA Urban Fantasy with an amazing magic system that involves with dreams and a character that you can related to. Dolphins of Pern (Another Anne McCaffrey's book, beautifully written and very character-driven) Blink (very action-packed romance and so real to life) Black Clover (It's a manga that feels like I am reading a Fantasy novel and I finds the characters are so relatable) The Thousand Orcs - My very first Drizzt book. I found Drizzt very interesting. Cabal - I love the movie Dark Breed and I felt the same way with the novella. He Who Fights - I thought it's a best revenge story that should be written. The Immortal Rules - It's YA Distopia with vampires. Thanks Goodness, the vampires aren't like Twilight. The female protagonist isn't like Bella and she even kick-a**.

[@itsdolph1n109]

Thanks Merphy, unless it ends terribly, very glad i took your recommendation on The Ember Blade. Great read so far!

[@abigase135]

whenever I appreciate or I see someone appreciating Backman's writing style I can't help but be grateful for the translator that worked on it. My friend who has a degree in translation always says 'this is the ultimate translation dream' when she reads a Fredrik Backman book.

[@mandeepsian6857]

🥰🤗 totally agree with “A man called Ove”! I honestly didn’t know that books could be as good as what Backman can create. As you, I also borrowed this book from the library and then bought my own copy. 🥰

[@AnyMEmdq]

Machado de Asis is (was) an awesome writer, and I'm happy you got to read Brás Cubas, my favourite from what little I've read of him. If you want to keep introducing South American authors, I would like to recommend to you Argentinian author Julio Cortázar, specifically his novel (or counter-novel, as he described it) Hopscotch, if only for what a pleasure it is to experience the way the book was written, and the multiple ways of reading it. Got The Ember Blade as a Christmas present, and I intend to read it over the next few months And as for One Piece, I just love it, and I agree, Water 7 + Enies Lobby is the best I've read within the series, at least top 5 within the medium of comics (#1 in manga, but I've read too many comicbooks from too many different authors, from too many different countries to be sure), and at least top 10 among anything written (same as with comicbooks, too many to compare off the top of my head, but I've read more books, so I want to give me some breathing room just in case)

[@heathers9378]

Can I just say you are utterly charming! I just found your channel and within a minute or two I hit subscribe. The way you show such excitement and connectection within your detailed descriptions is fantastic. You've made me want to purchase and read books on this list that are out of my typical genre preferences!

[@jnbfilm56]

I'm happy you gave Brás Cubas some attention. It's not your typical book, and I love it for that. Hope more people get into it!

[@scotiehelen]

I read Still Life following your rec and I just wanted to come back and thank you, most beautiful book I’ve read in ages ♥️♥️ truly special!

[@jefersonnascimento995]

I was forced to read Machado de Assis through all my high school time, and I couldn't help but think HOW Boring it was at the time. It kinda took me some time to understand the provocative style that makes Assis so relevant to our literature, but now I'm very proudly to say that he is one of my favorite brazillian writers of all time. I'm glad you liked him and hope other people do too. He is to good to be ignored by the world!

[@TheThreeBookshelves]

Ove was my favorite of 2020 and I was so excited to see you read and love it in 2021! I’m reading Britt-Marie now in hopes of my first read of 2022 being a five-star.

[@digital-ocean]

Water 7 Saga is peak One Piece. I think its where a lot of one piece fans starts getting obsessed with one piece.

[@JBrnard23]

One small detail in One Piece :3 if you are referring to the Saga the actual Saga is Water 7 Saga :) which encompasses from Long Ring Long Land to Post-Ennies Lobby and is to this day still my favorite in One Piece, I think it is peak One Piece and when the story turns from fun and cool to a bit deeper story with very important themes :3

[@sWirus89]

It's fan-named anyway. I would even call it CP9 saga to parallel Baroque Works saga

[@errexe0]

@@sWirus89 Yagara Bulls Saga!

[@islandboy9381]

Long Ring island is important to re-establish the feel of the growth of the SH as a team and Luffy's own philosophy as a captain with the readers, before it all gets put to the test, regardless if the villain wasn't all that (although I liked how he forced Luffy to win with using some smart tactic instead of willpower for once). Also it definitely feels like the Davy Back games will be used again in some way later in the story.

[@bluedragonfly81]

I was not prepared for the roller coaster of a ride Oda Sensei created in the Water 7 saga. I’m still in awe of his storytelling in these arcs.

[@ritzee13]

I honestly wouldn't pick up a book with 'posthumous' in the title, but you totally sold me, I gotta read this.

[@nikcantsnipe]

Bone Shard Emperor is pretty cool. Enies Lobby and Water 7 are peak One Piece. Although the saga is referred to as Water 7 Saga. It covers every thing from Long Ring Long Land till Post Enies Lobby.

[@hei7846]

I would say the ongoing arc is peak One Piece

[@klatonb]

@@hei7846 top 5 spot for 2022 secured 🤝

[@carogallasc1848]

Your comments about the Posthumous Memoirs remind me of the fun time I had reading Alcatraz vz the Evil Librarian (by B Sanderson). Last book comes out next year so totally recommends giving it a go. Great palate cleanser!!!

[@juju1981]

A Man Called Ove was one of my top books of 2020, and you described it so perfectly. You also are the one who introduced me to Fredrik Backman, and I’ll for be forever grateful to you for it! He’s one of my all-time fav authors.

[@jimave]

I just finished A Man Called Ove and I want to thank you for your recommendation of this book. It is one of the best stories that I’ve read in a very long time. It reminded me of the movie Up because of the story of the couple who couldn’t have children. My wife and I struggled with infertility for many years until we adopted embryos and now have 3 beautiful girls.

[@clymbr]

I read A Man Called Ove this year and I've never experienced a book evoke such a range of wonderfully pure emotion. I love that rare thing where tears are running down your face and next moment writers can make you burst out laughing (still while crying of course). And for some reason it doesn't feel jarring at all. It feels like, over course those emotions would go together. (Ricky Gervais is the other example I can think of who nails the laughing while crying thing)

[@Deni-mt9bj]

My top 5: My Dark Vanessa (still depressed about that one) Sorcery of Thorns (predictable but super sweet vanilla story) Last Argument of Kings (I might have finally found my favorite author this year) Spinning Silver (such a cool winter fairytale that I want to read every winter now and it has one of the best last sentence) Republic of Thieves (finally got to book 3 this year thanks to Merphy, I’m still waiting for the review 😁)

[@mimimayhem]

Been waiting for this!

[@ProspectivePlans]

I need all of these books on my bookshelf immediately! 💫 Keep rising to be who you want to be! 💫 #keeprising #risingtobe #aswerise

[@cjm1960]

Great reviews! I agree totally on A MAN CALLED OVE, and you sold me on THE POSTHUMOUS MEMOIRS OF BRAS CUBAS, a copy of which is on its way to me as we speak!

[@insilencea4599]

Those all sound so good. Never heard of Bras Cubas before, but now I need to find it asap. Been on an older classics kick lately.

[@klhansen4]

I read a man called ove this year also and I loved it. I recommend to so many people. This was a bookclub book and I wasn't that impressed when it was picked to read. Wow was I ever surprised. One of my favorites I've read.

[@genghisgalahad8465]

What an amazing intriguing discovery of a premise the first book on this list is! And not surprising the kudos in the comments! The prose is like a splash of cold water!

[@genghisgalahad8465]

If it’s a reread, it’s gotta be notable: Daphne De Maurier!!

[@jessicah6839]

I picked up Bone Shard Daughter earlier this year based on your recommendation. Loved it. Got me out of a bit of a reading slump. Didn't realize the second one had come out already. Going to place a hold at the library ASAP.

[@Popi-oh3hb]

Read a Man called Ove based on your recommendation and I really liked it. My favorite read of the year (or re-read I suppose) is the Blue Sword by Robin McKinley. It’s one of my all time favorites.

[@alicey.c.7316]

yay!!!! du Maurier!! I'll definitely read this one. You introduced me to Rebecca and it was (dare i say) the best thriller I have ever read. Thank you so much!!

[@rays5808]

I don’t get early access but four minutes after upload isn’t too bad. Can’t wait to hear more recommendations. Really enjoyed A Man Called Ove.

[@centenoj85]

Amazing list of books 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Salute and be blessed

[@abhinavarya9090]

If there was an option for top 10 we would have voted top 10 😊

[@litlbucky]

Great list!! Did not realize you read Ove this year, also in my top 10 of 2021

[@WrestlingwithBooks]

I am so happy to see the Bone Shard books here! And I am confident it stayed on your list after finishing book two - I adored it and loved seeing the characters we met in Book 1 cross paths in Book 2. Such a good series!!

[@avataraarow]

Enies lobby is really the peak of one piece still for me, it is just so extremely good. Also I’ve never read Backman, but I’ll have to try it out after your reviews!

[@allmightykingrhythm9949]

I need you and Daniel to read berserk... probably the one of the best manga ever made... a super intense Dark Fantasy character focused story. My favorite MC of all time...gets REALLY dark tho, can't stress that enough

[@the_corvid97]

She started but stopped because of all of the sexual assault that goes on. It's one of the boundaries that she has.

[@adgd]

What a great way of summoning The Brazilians® as one myself it's really nice to hear someone loving Brás-Cubas. Machado de Assis is one of the greats and way ahead of its time. Also love the One Piece love, gotta say I started watching your videos for those reviews and I've sent snippets to friends, they're amazing.

[@Bearpaw01]

Thanks for the video. Will make sure I read some Backman this year.

[@MohseenLala]

Was looking for something like the Ember Blade, thanks for finding it.

[@thecaffeinatedbookwyrm3051]

Thank you for this! Fun list. Definitely going to check out The Posthumous Memoirs.... Buona festa and Happy New Year!!!

[@candacediana]

The video I wait all year for, thanks for the recommendations Merphy ❤️

[@mikepennington9057]

That Boneshard series has been added to my tbr pile. I think my top 5 books that I've read (that I can remember at this moment) are: The Fires of Vengeance by Evan Winter, The Horde by Marie Favereau, She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan, Knife of Dreams by Robert Jordan and Hawkwood's Sword by Christian Cameron. I'm definitely missing more than the majority, but I'd certainly recommend all those books.

[@Lynn-CA]

FYI, 4 out 5 of the books you listed as favourites from Jan to June made this list

[@osonhodeleon]

So many great works. Great recommendations.

[@bookishlychelle9434]

“The Ember Blade - it’s heavily inspired by Lord of the Rings” *immediately adds to kindle wishlist* In fairness I also added the Posthumous Memoirs one too, it sounds incredible.

[@Merlijn1994]

Aaaaargh you're making me doubt my choices. I have some money to spend on books, and I had finally decided I'll buy book 3 and 4 of the memoirs of lady Trent (thank you thank you thank you for convincing me to start that series!!!) But now I'm doubting if I shouldn't get bone shard emperor instead. I have been going back and forth since Christmas and I thought I made up my mind and now it starts all over again 😭😭😭

[@ana_goncalves]

Also a Brazilian viewer here! Brás Cubas is a classic, so we're supposed to read it in school and I think too young to even appreciate it. But PLEASE READ DOM CASMURRO (also by Machado de Assis). Pleeeaaaase, Murphy ♡ I think you'll love it even more. I love it so much.

[@kaitotatsuya]

Yea ,the Enies Lobby arc is legendary ...I still got my volume manga from that arc when I was in my middle school.

[@lollydolly4590]

I love your recommendations and the way you give them I think your taste is awesome 👌🏼

[@TheBookishMom]

The Bone Shard Daughter was fantastic, one of my favorites of last year. I still need to read book 2 though because I am very excited to see how it continues.

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Several of my top reads: Sword of Kaigen Last Argument of Kings LOTR Fool's Errand from RotE Royal Assassin from RotE Station Eleven The Dark Tower book 7

[@Deni-mt9bj]

Last Argument of Kings for me as well ☺️

[@the_snakelicious]

Enies Lobby is still my favorite arc to this day.

[@JunJunMusume]

I'm another Brazilian viewer of yours and the author of Posthumous Memories of Bras Cubas is written by one of the most renowned authors here. Like the other person commenting here, I had to read some of his stuff in school.