my favorite books i've read so far this year 🥀 mid year reading review

[@katiekaboom7747]

THANK YOU for keeping the book title and author's name in the upper right of your videos the entire time you're talking about them (AND for repeating the title at the end.) It seems like a small thing, but I get so annoyed having to go back in videos to the beginning of a review (especially when I'm just guessing and clicking until I find it). I really appreciate that you do those things.

[@caricanread]

🥰🙏

[@wtf.iswrongwithella]

Storygraph is the best thing that has ever happened to my reading culture

[@caricanread]

🔥🔥🔥

[@aliwilson4130]

I wish you could link it to Libby or whatever equivalent oh! And kindle

[@wtf.iswrongwithella]

@@aliwilson4130 Yes that feature would be so cool. You can only link GR accounts for now though

[@lemonsanidiot]

Honestly. I started using it to track my progress when I started reading Harrow the Ninth (Having a marker of how far I was through it helped keep me motivated, and I finished it in two days, so, yay!) and it's much easier to use than Goodreads, imo. I also love how they make sure to keep everything spoiler-free, and add content/trigger warnings. Just like, things that should be standard practice, but they're just... so nice to have.

[@hanariix]

​@@lemonsanidiotlmao, Goodreads is just as simple as storygrap, wdym

[@Cecebookworm07]

From the moment I read the prologue of Divine Rivals I KNEW it would become a favorite of mine. I mean, mixing history, mythology, light fantasy, and slow-burn romance with no smut? COUNT ME IN! I read it in two days and haven’t stopped thinking about it since (and I read it a few weeks ago lol.)

[@caricanread]

🥹🤍🥹🤍

[@torieodain]

no smut is it’s biggest detractor for me bahaha different strokes!

[@airunYT]

@@torieodain same, lol. Although I liked the book. Not my fave, but still good

[@sanssmithy8246]

I love some good steamy smut 🌶️ but divine rivals is in a league of its own. Such an emotional and timely read for me 🥺 ⚱️ 5 ⭐️ hands down 💫

[@lauramatei8181]

I cried starting with the Prologue 😅 But it was absolutely beautiful 🤍

[@Mahantonia__]

This more spontaneous way of making videos is perfect, you should do it more often! I love your content 🤍

[@caricanread]

Thank you!!!

[@brittanywaynestilphen4685]

I agree

[@taintedcrimson]

I absolutely loved Divine Rivals, and I'm so excited that the sequel was moved up and we'll get it many months sooner on December 26th! It's just a duology, so our hearts will be spared waiting for an additional installment after that. 💌

[@caricanread]

Omg ahhhh thats such good news!!

[@evieonthetv]

Finally storygraph getting the love it deserves.

[@caricanread]

Last years mid year wrap up was all via storygraph too lol its been being loved!!!

[@quillheart877]

I LOVE storygraph so much

[@Beyond_Reads_]

❤😊

[@bookbrain1557]

Divine Rivals is probably the best book I've read all year. I loved it and cried for a while.

[@FrugalOverFifty]

Putting so many books on hold at the library right now 😭😆

[@caricanread]

Yessss!

[@VivianLybianto]

i love storygraph too!!! it's so much easier to input books and the app doesn't hang as often😅

[@caricanread]

Ugh yes! Even just opening the goodreads website takes forever for me hahah

[@Pickledmacaroni]

The good ol "oh no this is not wrapping up" got me too this year, every year... every year.

[@books631]

I read Gideon the ninth on summer vacation two months ago and it BROKE me. It was such a funny book and then the end had me sobbing like the world was ending. It was such a good book though, I really liked the writing style and world building

[@lemonsanidiot]

The whole time, I was ranting to my friends, going "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAAAAAAAAAAND!!!" And holy mother of mercy, the ending of Harrow made me want to put my head through the wall. Like, why do all the people I like have to suffer!? Abigail deserved better!!!!!!

[@DaraCartujano]

The fact that I read most of this because of you! You have great recommendations and I never would’ve found some of this if you didn’t share them. And not just the hits! I read through your misses and loved some of them too. Thank you Cari for your service and enjoy Europe!! Just gonna check out Cari Cakes ✨

[@caricanread]

Thank you always 🥹🙏

[@redsands1001]

The way the epic poem story goes in Harrow the Ninth ends up is a section i really like to re-read

[@ellieskouros2174]

"what are you, an orc?" had me dying laughing 😂

[@caricanread]

😂😂😂

[@elliellem]

I read Big Swiss because of an earlier video of yours and LOVED it. Easy 5 stars for me!

[@caricanread]

Omg yesss im so glad!!!

[@lunamestrela]

I don't read as much books as I'd liked to, bc I often feel too tired/not in the mood/too focused of something else/in a distracting environment/etc etc, and while sometimes those reasons are valid, sometimes they are just.. excuses for being uninspired to read. After I listen to you talk about reading, though, my hands are just always start to itch and I immediately go to pick up a book. And I never regret it! So thank you for being inspiring

[@luciusrapeggia9539]

In italy it's pretty late: 02:25 am. I can't sleep and i'm very gratefull that this video is here. I really enjoy your voice and the soft tone calm me a lot. Thank u.

[@caricanread]

Hope you were able to sleep!!

[@haveyoumetmanvi]

i am at my limit of holds in the library and my bank account will not let me buy more books and my unending tbr just grew longer, i support this

[@Lara_Ameen]

Love this! I read 60 books so far this year. Here are my favorites: 1. LUNAR LOVE by Lauren Kung Jessen 2. SONG OF SILVER, FLAME LIKE NIGHT by Amelie Wen Zhao 3. HOW TO EXCAVATE A HEART by Jake Maia Arlow 4. WALDEN by Amy Berryman (it’s a play) 5. GHOST MUSIC by An Yu (this was a rec from you-thank you!) 6. TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin (also a rec from you, I think!) 7. SHE IS A HAUNTING by Trang Thanh Tran 8. DELICIOUS MONSTERS by Liselle Sambury 9. THE SEARCH FOR US by Susan Azim Boyer (comes out in October; I read an ARC) 10. WHERE YOU SEE YOURSELF by Claire Forrest 11. IF TOMORROW DOESN’T COME by Jen St. Jude 12. WHAT MY BONES KNOW by Stephanie Foo 13. BEING ACE Anthology edited by Madeline Dyer (read an ARC; comes out in October; I also have a story in here, so very biased) 😂 14. LOVE LETTERS FOR JOY by Melissa See 15. OUT OF CHARACTER by Jenna Miller 16. DISORIENTATION by Elaine Hsieh Chou 17. THOSE WE DROWN by Amy Goldsmith 18. GIVE ME A SIGN by Anna Sortino 19. DAMNED IF YOU DO by Alex Brown 20. IF I SEE YOU AGAIN TOMORROW by Robbie Couch 21. LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood 22. FOXGLOVE by Adalyn Grace

[@orange_tea]

What a good start of the year Cari! Weirdly I don't care that much when I don't like a book like I'm just happy to read that when I look back I say ooh! I hated that book but I'm glad I read it. Also it's reader's day in my country, so happy day to everyone here!

[@caricanread]

Hapoy happy day hahha

[@secretlyamacat]

Just finished work this is the best treat to celebrate!!! 🎉

[@caricanread]

Yeeee hope you have a relaxing rest of your day!!

[@secretlyamacat]

​@@caricanreadthank you!!! i hope you have a lovely day tomorrow and the uk weather treats you well ☀️

[@bridgetinhumboldt]

Just read The Bandit Queens and loved it. Yes the topics are hard, and they should be, but the author did such a great job making it easier to read with humor. Love these ladies! ❤ Thank you for the recommendation!

[@HumDoodle]

Ive just finished the Discovery of Witches series, its like adult twilight with some tudor history and kinda made up genetics. I loved it.

[@vitoriar8753]

29:30 Big Swiss will be adapted into a HBO minisseries starting Jodie Comer as Big Swiss btw!!! i'm already tuned in

[@tattooedkittykat]

Fav books for first half of the year are: The Stolen Heir Stardust in Their Veins The Tale of the Last Flower Bride Divine Rivals Silver in the Bone A Door in the Dark Court of the Undying Seasons The Book that Wouldn't Burn Immortal Longings Garden of the Cursed Cursed Crowns A Ruinous Fate Omen of Ice (Cari PLEASE read this cause I know how much you love snark and red head main characters 😆)

[@lilicake4208]

The incident that skyrocketed " This is how you lose the time war " was a viral tweet by Dickolas Nicholas of the Trigun fandom whose OTP is Vashwood. ( Vash x Nicholas D. Wolfwood ) Its a pretty funny incident within the fandom actually, I was in tears 😂

[@shifa_sarguru4]

This has been a good reading year so far, I hope it continues to be one. Some of my book recs: The Jasad Heir (Fantasy/enemies to lovers, unhinged characters) Hello Stranger (Cute romance) The Dead Romantics (Romance) Divine Rivals (Absolutely loved it) Happy Place (Fav emily henry book so far) Almond (Korean short story, very emotional) Poppy War Series (A lot of pain) Mistborn (First book) Time is a Mother by Ocean Vuong (beautiful/poetry) How To Keep House While Drowning (Interesting view) Foul Lady Fortune (The first Chloe Gong book I really love)

[@amenir3267]

I binge read the Half Bad trilogy by Sally Green and I was completely obsessed! It has amazing characters and interesting inner struggles and dynamics between the characters.

[@Red_Verona]

I think it would be fun to hear a few of your favorite authors these days that you recommend, maybe authors you feel like you can rely on during a slump or has a great collection of books, or are new that you are looking forward to seeing more from! Great video as always btw!☺️

[@sofiasantato]

hi cari! It's currently 1am over here and I can't sleep, this came at the perfect time :)

[@caricanread]

Hope you get to sleep sooooon 🌙

[@julianagarciatoro]

I just hope that Emily wilde’s encyclopaedia of faeries is mentioned because it was such a wonderful book

[@caricanread]

👀🤞👀🤞

[@julianagarciatoro]

I’m assuming it means absolutely yes 😘✨

[@Red_Verona]

Ooh im so glad to hear it is good, i have been on the wait list on libby for so long and the anticipation is building!

[@julianagarciatoro]

@@Red_Veronait’s a very cozy book and the romance it’s just so beautiful, totally worth the wait

[@leenakoponen5156]

@@Red_Verona I had maybe 14 weeks to wait on libby, but it was totally worth it. Hope you enjoy it!

[@secretlyamacat]

I've been feeling so unmotivated in my reading recently but this reminded me I really want to read Burial Rites!!! Gonna try to find a copy of it :)

[@caricanread]

Yeee enjoy!!

[@ingedijk2500]

My favourite books that I've read so far this year are Priory of the orange tree - Samantha Shannon, The Stolen Heir - Holly Black, Gallant - V. E Schwab, Divine Rivals - Rebecca Ross, Dark Rise - C. S. Pacat, Emily Wilde's Encyclopeadia of Faeries - Heather Fawcett The Isles of the Gods - Amie Kaufman, and Once Upon a Broken heart - Stephanie Garber. I'm also currently reading This is how you lose the time war but I'm pretty much just hating it😅

[@allisonhosman3986]

I’ve been really appreciative of your recommendations on this channel. I have read a handful of books that you’ve discussed and they’ve been wonderful!

[@allisonhosman3986]

Also, I hope that StoryGraph sponsors you - I love using the app and I’m on there thanks to your recommendation!

[@caricanread]

Im so glad!!

[@redsands1001]

Had read this is how you lose the time war before the twitter hype but i did get the audiobook for a long drive because of it. Nicely done

[@RacelyReacts]

Omg Am I the only One that I heard a voice at 20:02 ? Also I just finished “The last tale of the flower bride” and I really really liked it. Thanks for the rec!

[@DxityDoo]

Found storygraph last year or so i think? I am in love with the graphs. Seeing all my reading stats makes me excited lol

[@cori24]

I fucking love the locked tomb series and what you said about not know what the hell is going on is so true! But it’s so worth it when you piece it together

[@Sadiehoney]

For Devine rivals I agree not quite grumpy and sunshine but more enemy’s to lovers, although loved the book, currently at the end of the second one and I just adore this series!

[@Marley_est.2009]

This color/sweater suits you sooo well ! ❤

[@caricanread]

Aw thank you!

[@aliwilson4130]

Temeraire is THE dragon series (outside of Dragonriders of Pern) it’s 9 hefty books

[@river7757]

I just finished the Fireborne trilogy and omg cannot thank you enough for recommending it.

[@ginnyluv4601]

i can tell u, my all time favorite book that i’ve read this year is probably “one last stop”, and the “boys of tommen” series. this year has been a good reading year. i read 8 books but i read two of them twice so it says 11 books but not true at all. lol ilyyy ❤

[@caricanread]

👏👏👏

[@inkymint]

crying bc i wasnt expecting to hear bigolas dickolas wolfwood’s tweet referenced in a cari video

[@caricanread]

😂

[@mxmissy]

I recently just finished Legends and Lattes and like, man oh man, it makes me so happy.

[@fathemakhanom2090]

My favourite KZbinr ever - I’m so fussy but I love your videos and recommendations- EVERY TIME - love you! ❤

[@lindaleehall]

I read Burial Rites a few years ago. I loved it and it is still in my head. It’s a beautiful, beautiful book about a terrible event.

[@michellecgb]

Taking this opportunity to take a break from work with Cari 😂❤

[@caricanread]

☺️☺️☺️

[@nicoles195]

Just finished into the drowning deep at your recommendation from my prior video - loved it! It was a nice change up from my typical fantasy/romance reads

[@AmericanaGardens]

I loved Emily Wildes book and can’t wait for the new one!

[@nissasbookcorner]

so far this year i’ve loved Piranesi, The Wall, and Patricia wants to Cuddle :)

[@chrislibrary]

emily wilde stans RISE!!

[@caricanread]

🧚‍♀️🍄🌲🤍✨

[@hannahloftus8385]

top reads so far: the do-over by lynn painter; warcross duology by marie lu; emergency contact by mary hk choi; made in manhattan by lauren layne

[@juliakoczor]

i just finished divine rivals and i loved it!! in the weirdest way it was kind of cosy yet whimsical haha if you have any recs similar to the writing style / vibe of it i would love to know!

[@caricanread]

Still on the lookout 👀

[@trishalahansdah2976]

You should check out Rebecca Ross's other works, River Enchanted and it's sequel Fire Endless. It's the same cosy vibe + Scottish folklore!

[@Sthemingway]

Hope you're having a brilliant time in Europe. Love the rundown of the books you really liked and loved this year so far.

[@caricanread]

Thank you so much!!!

[@stefaniesganga13]

Definitely will be adding some of these to my TBR! If you are looking for a new ya fantasy series, I’d recommend the glass alliance series by Joanna Hathaway. It has well developed political intrigue with romance throughout the series (it’s completed!)

[@caricanread]

Ohhh noted!!

[@lisavanherck5761]

Faves this year have been The Maiden by Kate Foster, The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff, Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo, and Little Gods by Meng Jin

[@natatatrn]

Would love a 'most anticipated books' video especially for series with another book coming out soon.

[@Lillyjoy]

My favorites have been The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea, Heartstopper, The Priory of the Orange Tree, and The Dollmaker of Krakow❤ please read them oh my goodness. Also I love StoryGraph!

[@caricanread]

🤍🤍🤍

[@mjdcs08]

Can’t wait for your UK vlogs🫶🏼

[@faithcaren577]

Loved this video! I always enjoy your recommendations. Have a great time in Europe!

[@caricanread]

Thank you so much! Its nearing the end of the trip and its been amazing!!

[@lott1e]

I havent read any of these books but yk, cari says theyre good so...

[@caricanread]

😂😅

[@theresakemble5973]

Well, my favorite read was actually the Novella for The Serpent and the Wings of Night series. It's 6 Scorched Roses, I read that first before the Serpent and the Wings of Night. So many favorite reads so far (1.) 6 Scorched Roses (2.) The Serpent and the Wings of Night (3.) The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (4) A court of blood and bindings (5) Fourth Wing

[@thaisecairess]

I’ve just added another to my list. Since I found your channel not too long ago my list had increased 😂 but I love it. My faves so far were To Kill a Mockingbird, The midnight library (although I had some concerns), 1984, Vidas Secas (a Brazilian classic) and the non-fiction Africa Is Not A Country. Now I am reading a BR author talking about loneliness and love but I’ll dive into Isabel Allende’s Violeta next week during my vaca ❤

[@meganchatters9966]

I’ve been reading a lot of comics and graphic novels this year since they’re easy to read on my phone during my breaks at work. I really enjoyed Skyward! Also may be entering my nonfiction era with audiobooks 🤓

[@pauieeepau]

I read Harrow the Ninth and kept screaming, "Am I being gaslit???" It was a wild ride for sure. Also, I really need to download storygraph now...

[@toyo.saketoba]

Omg please please read six crimson cranes! I love that book so much i’m kinda rereading it rn bcuz i want to read the 2nd book and i want to visit the world again becuz its been so long since i read it😆😆

[@racheldarby8173]

Video idea: books you’re excited to read/upcoming books

[@soka4457]

Hello cari i would like to thank you for the beautiful videos im from Egypt and your videos have helped me alot to improve my English, i wait for your videos every Friday i wish you good luck 👍

[@caricanread]

Thank you so much 🥹

[@julianavaz8000]

Can’t wait for you to read Six Crimson Cranes, i really liked it! ❤

[@spacemari7498]

idk if i understood it right on the video but the second book of six crimson cranes has been out since last year!!! pleaaaase read it, its sooo cute and i bet youre gonna love it :,)))) i even thought i had read it because you recommended it?? im confused lmao

[@ninalaurenxo]

Requesting a forgot the plot video on Ninth House please!! 😅

[@caricanread]

Requesting one for myself 💀😂😭

[@RachelWest0]

The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman has been one of my favorite reads so far this year.

[@hanovak4700]

Have you ever read the Graceling series (by Kristin Cashore)?

[@caricanread]

I’ve read three of them but am keeping others for a rainy day when i am in a reading slump lol!!

[@Kokolowolf]

Fuck yeah Storygraph hype!! Audiobooks are my go-to way to read and Storygraph is so so so much easier to track my progress. It's amazing. If you ever have the inkling- Big Swiss in Audio was also a trip. There were a whole host of narrators. Wild.

[@caricanread]

😂😂😂 sound amazing

[@Rachel-6016]

I think you would really like a series by T. Kingfisher called (saint’s of steel? can’t remember), but it starts with Paladin’s Grace. Cozy fantasy romance! Super cute, I’m not really a romance reader but this sold me, I loved the characters so much

[@hotpeopleread3203]

Just bought 3 books! Thank you for the recs

[@erinstevens4886]

I'm surprised Yellowface and Serpent and the wings of night weren't on this list since it seemed like you really enjoyed them, but also i get the feeling that none of your 2023 reads have been all-time favourites (mine have been the same) and I'm sorry about that. Hopefully, things will pick up during the other half of the year, they usually do i feel.❤‍🩹

[@kacie5777]

If you love Tamsyn Muir, PLEASE read Floralinda and the Forty Flight Tower! It’s amazing!!!

[@Rwebs]

I have Fireborn on hold with Libby and it’s going to take weeks! You must have started a trend with this book because I put it on hold right after you IG Reel 😅

[@kbookworm3]

I am reading dark water daughter and really enjoying it.

[@teatime3204]

Ok, time to read Sorcery of Thorns. I'm convinced.

[@caricanread]

🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@teatime3204]

@@caricanread omg... i just swept through the whole book. now part of my annual reads.

[@aamina2475]

Please mention the list of books covered in the description! For instance if it's already in my TBR I would be super interested in listening your view on it,

[@Msminutemovie]

They Call Her Sofia by Doris Ladino is great!

[@athenasbibliotheca8099]

Emily Wilde and Fireborne are books I really want to read. I started One for My Enemy and I was liking it well enough, but I just put it down and haven't picked it up again. 😅 I hope your reading has been better since making this video and that your trip is going well!!

[@kassidyklein2634]

I think you may really like Throne of Dark - Villains & Virtues (on kindle unlimited) It's an enemies - to lovers whimsical fantasy series!

[@asyahussain7560]

I think you and your videos are the cure to depression :)

[@KeithAShieldToy]

Big Swiss - absolutely hilarious. Had to DNF Into The Drowning Deep because even though it was so good when a character died I just had to put it down for a break. Will pick it up again because I like the professor and main character. Will definitely read the Gideon the Ninth series! I read Tamsyns novel about the Princess in the tower and found it to be chuckle worthy at times with great writing. I’m just not too sure the characters in Gideon will be for me they seem the edgy type

[@Crusader599]

Hey I was wondering if you could do a review of the underland chronicles by Suzanne Collins, I recently reread the book series and I think they are highly underrated. They are officially for midle-graders, but the series delves into much deeper themes, like war and ptsd. I hope you can maybe do a review on them

[@Marley_est.2009]

A video explaining more in depth Gideo the Ninth would be ❤🎉

[@caricanread]

I need it explained to ME 😂😂😂

[@justebernotaite]

August is bad reading month for me, I DNF so many books and I think I'm in the slump. But my favourites of the year are Fourth Wing, My Dark Vanessa, The Will of the Many, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea and A River Enchanted is by the same author as Divine Rivals and I hope one day you'll read it too, I think it's so underhyped.

[@circlinq]

The weirdest book I've read this month was one involving mpreg and I was too ashamed to put it into my goodreads LMAO but lowkey wanna read the second book 👀

[@fatouseye5994]

Hi, what is the name of that book please ?

[@dkotaalynn]

I hope you are having a wonderful trip!

[@sweetmalissa]

I feel like every book you mentioned (that I also read) was spot on- and I agree 100%!!! So happy to add a few to my tbr that I haven’t heard of thanks to this video, because I feel pretty confident I’ll like them 🎉 (maybe it’s the Cap in me? Lol ♑️)

[@caricanread]

Hahahha yes!!

[@nguyetminh6585]

Hey cari, I’d love to see your opinion on Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation and The Husky And His White Cat Shizun. Both of them are Chinese dammei which I guess you’ve never read this kind of genre before and there’re rarely any westerner’s reviews about them on youtube so It’ll be interesting to hear your thought.

[@IchigoNoShoujo]

I've been following your bookchannel because I've been a fan of your caricakes channel for ages, and thanks to you I've read so many good books! Funny thing is, I don't read YA books (unless they are cute fantasy books like Howl's moving castle or The girl who fell beneath the sea. Do they count as YA?), but all the non-YA books you recommend, I absolutely love. ❤

[@KadandaGeemu]

Hello new subscriber here! Me and my mom loves you cari!!! I found you through your travel vlog to watch with my mom and discover this channel and im obsessed with your videos! I watch you every weekend now with here! Love to have you in my bonding time hehe ❤❤❤ (ps: my mom thinks youre very pretty and smart)

[@asandangobese3571]

Love your videos, I love watching the passion and excitement you have of when explaining the books. Do you read science fiction? If so, do u take recommendations?😅

[@madis6780]

Have you ever read the golden compass? I’m curious your thoughts because it was one of my favorite fantasy books growing up but I know it’s a bit controversial

[@jadefrota1583]

I am always so surprised by how different and oposite our tastes are lol all my favorite books you think are “meh” and i’ve read some books you really liked and I hated them. That’s to show that I really really love you as an youtuber because we like complete oposite books!!! So i’m not here for recs! Just like to hear you’re opinion regardless hahahahah