My Favourite Books of 2022 So Far

[@kendraschaap9017]

So glad I stumbled across this video! You've "forced" me to add several more books to my TBR. Love your taste and your good vibes

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks Kendra. That’s lovely to hear. Sorry for the slow response, I’m still blinking sick.

[@melissafirman1962]

Agree with your take on Nightbitch. That ending was wild. I am reading Mrs Death Misses Death at the moment, thanks to your rave review, and OMG, this may be one of my favorite books of all time. Definitely of 2022, for sure.

[@SavidgeReads]

The ending was a bit much for me BUT that said I still really really liked the book. So pleased you’re living Mrs Death Misses Death.

[@nickyhampson875]

Hi Simon Island of missing trees is my No1 to date. Thank you for bringing this into my world. Very nostalgic for me. I lived in Cyprus for 3 years. My landlord was Greek Cypriot and talked a lot about his experience of the divide. I loved the food descriptions too. As food is such a big part for the Greek Cypriot Community and family gatherings. It made me recall the oranges, homemade feta and luscious dishes left on our doorstep from our lovely landlady. I have read Nightbitch this was a fave too. I have purchased Shit Cassandra Saw. Will be reading this soon. I read The Lamplighters whilst on holiday in Northumberland a few weeks ago. Very atmospheric and apt. I strongly recommend this. I know I have said it before but dip in and dip out of Cursed Bunny. I am debating about when to tackle Tomb of Sand. As it is a chunkster I am prepping for it by reading something light now which is Joan is Okay by Weike Wang. I really want to read her previous Chemistry. Have you read it? Nice one Simon, keep bringing the gems into our literary world. Hope you feel better soon xxx

[@SavidgeReads]

Soooooo pleased you loved The Island of Missing Trees. Hooray. And Nightbitch. Hope you enjoy Shit Cassandra Saw. I would really like to read The Lamplighters at some point.

[@lomazowr1]

Wonderful book chat.Just started The Bread the Devil Kneads.Thanks for all the recommendations 📚🥰

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure as always Rhonda!

[@philnasmith9755]

Thank you. I really enjoyed your video and your evaluations, now looking forward to reading some of these,

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!

[@readingwithavengeance]

I love, love, LOVED The Island of Missing Trees!! I really enjoyed The Bread the Devil Kneads. I’m currently reading The Paper Palace and am enjoying it. This was my first year following the WPF and I thoroughly enjoyed it. ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you are enjoying the Women’s Prize books.

[@kathrynlkeane]

I read Ethan Frome 20+ years ago and I still I think about it from time to time. One of my favorites.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s a corker. I can see why. It’ll stay with me a long time.

[@karonbuxton9979]

My favs 😍so far ; the island of missing trees , lessons in chemistry ; ghost wall by Sarah moss and unsettled ground by Claire fuller both blew me away and made me cry 😢 all beautifully written highly recommended!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I loved Ghost Wall and Unsettled Ground… and bloody ridiculously loved The Island of Missing Trees. I need to get to Lessons in Chemistry soon.

[@hasteyebooks]

Oh someone just recommended Nightbitch to me and I'm kind of excited about it! The Bread the Devil Knead was so good - an interesting window into abuse. Emezi's book is also on my tbr! Oh the Island of Missing Trees topping your list! I ended up loving it because so much of it touched me, but some stuff wasn't working for me. But love Shafak, incredible writer! I think my top 3 books for the year so far are Open Water by Azumah Nelson, Creatures of Passage by Morowa Yejide and Daughter of the Moon Goddess (bit left field here) Sue Lynn Tan. Big recommend!

[@SavidgeReads]

Nightbitch is brilliant. Ending a little much for me but liked it over all. I have mixed feelings about Open Water. I won’t open that can of worms though. Hahaha.

[@SelinaAllinson]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. Violets was INCREDIBLE. Cried also. Such a unique and wonderful book. It will definitely stay with me. It's heartwrenching but not in a depressing way. I found it to be really raw and so beautifully told. Thanks for recommending it ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

Sooooo pleased you loved Violets. It’s such a wonderful, wonderful book.

[@fleurmeneve5780]

Read Island of Missing Trees because of you and I looooved it. Forever counting on you for good reading tastes ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww that’s such a kind thing to say. I’ll keep the recommendations coming I promise.

[@tracydk]

Thank you loved this video the Island of Missing trees is mine too and absolutely bought because of your channel as is most of my more recent purchases. I’ve got at least 6 others on my shelf I just haven’t got to them yet. Another favourite read for me has been The Last Library by Freya Sampson, loved it and also Tales of The City, I’ve still got booked 7-9 to read and can’t wait. Thanks for all the recommendations I do appreciate them.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hooray for The Island of Missing Trees. Tales of the City is one of my favourite series of all time.

[@heatherkirkland9056]

Watching SKY ARTS Book Club tonight !! Good luck Simon 💖

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoyed it.

[@heatherkirkland9056]

Fantastic , next programme Sept ? Will it be on once month or weekly from September?

[@JustJanetAshley]

I just finished The Marriage Portrait and I loved it. Also The Netanyahus...it's surprisingly hilarious. Notes on an Execution and Family of Liars round out my recs but only if you're already read We Were Liars.

[@SavidgeReads]

I loved The Marriage Portrait too. It’s fab isn’t it. I have The Netanyahus on order from the US as I don’t like the cover here. I’ve also Notes on an Execution on my shelves and have read We Were Liars and had forgotten the sequel was out. Exciting.

[@monikamackerness7617]

Watch every video but never comment.Love all your videos,always look forward to add books to my tbr list. My favourite book of the year so far is Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson loved this book. Number2 . Back Where We Were Grown Ups by Anne Tyler.I have read most of her books but this one is the only one that worked for me. Number3. Swag by Elmore Leonard can't believe I have only read this now!

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thank you for commenting. It means a lot. I have Black Cake on my TBR so I’ll have to get to it at some point.

[@jf8559]

So many wonderful and impactful books this year. Just finished The Colony by Audrey Magee and it is in my top reads for sure. Have not read the Island of Missing Trees yet but on my stack because of you and I can’t wait for Stone Blind. Most anticipated read for sure. As for small channels, I have been enjoying Jolene at Bookworm Adventure Girl. Not sure how small she is still but she’s great.

[@SavidgeReads]

Noted on Jolene’s channel. I shall look it up. I have The Colony so I shall have to get to it soon on your say so. Hope you enjoy the Shafak and the Haynes.

[@jenniferfyffe6949]

I'm in a busy work period, which has left me in a reading slump! But I will be travelling soon to the UK, and I am looking forward to three glorious weeks of reading and wondering around book shops. I'm hoping to get a copy of The Bread the Devil Kneads to read while I'm their and I will be taking Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo to read on the plane. One of your recommendations

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh hope you have an amazing time here bookshopping. Stay With Me is sooooo good. Can’t wait for her second novel.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

Love these mid-year favorites! I just started Violets today and so far it’s absolutely stunning. Favorite 3 reads of the year so far are To Paradise (of course), The High House and A Terrible Kindness. But in addition to Violets I’ve also started Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies, which so far is incredible. So excited for Sky Arts Book Club!!!!

[@SavidgeReads]

A Terrible Kindness has been recommended a few times. I’ll have to get to it. And Maps.

[@charliesmusings]

Loved this. My top 3 so far are 1. The First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi 2. Unbury Our Dead with Song by Makoma wa Ngugi 3. Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwayisi I haven’t read any of your books but I have You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty and The Island of Missing Trees on my TBR for August (it’s Women’s month in South Africa). You’ve also convinced me to get The Promise by Damon Galgut so I’ll hopefully read that soon too.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I’ve been wanting to read Butter Honey Pig Bread for aaaaaaages. I must.

[@victoriaclark4913]

Now this is tricky.... three favourite books so far ..... 1. Still Life 2. The Crow Folk by Mark Stay 3. The Maidens

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh an interesting trio. I loooooved Still Life. Haven’t read the other two.

[@Georgesmomsu]

I need to pick up The Promise. It’s been on my nightstand for months. Blue Hour sounds great. Some of my favorites that I’ve read this year are We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh (its the 4th in the series, but I read it first and didn’t have a problem), Murder on the Red River by Marcie R Rendon and I finally read Rebecca!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh what did you make of Rebecca. Tell me all.

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

So many books that I want to read. So far my faves have been Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese, The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah and Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez. 😊💙

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I’ll check those out. The only one I’ve heard of is Kristin Hannah.

[@jillschroeder5553]

My best read so far this year was a surprise - Kiss Myself Goodbye by Ferdinand Mount. Hilarious and shocking true family history - beautifully written.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve not heard of that one. I’ll have to look it up.

[@kirstypritchard2872]

Really loved the paper palace and have the island of missing trees to read. A recent favourite and new author to me was Putney by Sofka Zinovieff 5 star read 🤩⭐️

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh is that meant to be a bit like Lolita. I think I have it on my shelves.

[@kirstypritchard2872]

@@SavidgeReads yes it is and it’s so good 😊

[@carolynmonahan2488]

Loved Island of Missing Trees and Horse.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m really looking forward to Horse. I think I talk about it in my next video.

[@whathannahreads]

I’m also with You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty, although Bolu Babalola’s new book Honey and Spice is also a contender for amazing romance book for me. And then Kindred for just the most exceptional classic. Plus the Daughter of the Moon Goddess which is like… comfort fantasy?

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m nervous of the Babalola as some of her short stories I loved and some I really didn’t so not sure how I would do with a novel from her. But you’re loving it warms me to it more.

[@whathannahreads]

@@SavidgeReads I thought Love in Colour was… fine. I loved two or three of the stories but others didn’t hit. This was fun and compelling and sexy. Think somewhere between Queenie and You Made a Fool but set at uni. It “coheres” (??) I guess and the characters are delightful. The messes are messy but there’s proper room com cheese. It will be a 10 Things I Hate About You kind of adaptation if they get a movie.

[@tanyam6197]

Nightbitch is quite possibly my favourite book of the year so far. I love when you have no idea what’s going to happen next in a book. Very smart writing. Thanks for your recommendation 😊🙏

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it. And enjoyed it so much. I’ve just seen the new paperback edition and I want it!!!!

[@tanyam6197]

@@SavidgeReads 😊 Do you mean the edition with the face? I read the paperback edition with the dog on the cover from the library

[@janepeacock3704]

As always, I enjoyed your video Simon 👍 7 of your choices I’ve written down 🤓 (how to fit them all in ?!) My top 3 so far are - The Book of Form & Emptiness; Great Circle and The House In The Cerulean Sea.

[@SavidgeReads]

Seven is meant to be a lucky number isn’t it? I must read The House in the Cerulean Sea.

[@helenwilson9622]

Not recent publication but a library e book find Purgatory by Tomas Eloy Martinez and In the Skin of the Lion by Michael Ondaatje. A rival to the beautiful writing of The English Patient.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve not read or heard much about those two.

[@kelleysullivan8908]

The Buccaneers by Edith Wharton is one of my favorite books ever!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I’m looking forward to more Wharton.

[@SpringboardThought]

I think I’m around 50/50 with your tastes lol some of them I absolutely loved and others I didn’t think much of, including Island of Missing Trees, which I didn’t like at all. But then did love Nightbitch (Chouette more so though), and Paper Palace totally worked for me. Top 3 for me so far: Memphis, Mercury Pictures Presents, The Colony, probably. Hard to choose though.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. We don’t all have to agree or match on everything, that’s all part of the fun with books.

[@SpringboardThought]

@@SavidgeReads well, yes. In the video you asked how people lined up with you, so I answered. It wasn’t a judgment.

[@SavidgeReads]

@@SpringboardThought I didn’t think it was 😉 I laughed and then responded. I’ll be reading Memphis soon as I’m going to read the Waterstones shortlist.

[@MicheleinPhilly]

Hi Simon, newish subscriber here. I know I'm commenting on a 2 year old post, but I did that very purposely. I used to follow your blog many moons ago and recently stumbled on your channel. If you check your stats and activity, you've probably noticed someone in the last month or so watching a freakish amount of your content in Philadelphia. That would be me. ✋ About 13 months ago, my wife of 20 years passed away rather suddenly and unexpectedly. Needless to say it has been a terrible time. Reading took a backseat to rotting my brain with television. As someone who traditionally reads anywhere from 100-150 books a year, it felt a bit strange and disorienting to abandon my books, but I just couldn't bring myself to concentrate on anything other than series crime fiction, if anything. That's where you come in. Since discovering your channel and watching your videos mildly obsessively, I have rediscovered my love of books. I can't tell you how many books I add to my TBR after each video and I've started devouring books at a rapid clip again. Moreso though, it has felt like having a friend sitting in my living room chatting books with me. I haven't lived alone in over 20 years so I can't emphasize enough how much this has meant to me. Seeing parts of your life with Chris and your mum and your adorable cats and your gorgeous library have been such a balm to my weary soul and have undoubtedly played a big role in my healing. I just wanted to say THANK YOU! I know that you know that you have very many admirers. I just wanted to let you know how lifesaving you have been to this particular admirer. Be well and enjoy the rest of your weekend. - Michele ❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Hi Michele, firstly I am so, so, so sorry for you loss. I am sending my deepest condolences to you. Grief is a strange beast, it has to do what it has to do and there is no time limit on it. I hope things are getting better/easier day by day. I am glad that reading is back in your life and delighted I had a little something to do with that. That is so lovely to hear. Long may it last and THANK YOU for the lovely comment and watching along.

[@karencamer7723]

Another wonderful video. So my five books so far this year are 1. A Terrible Kindness 2. The perfect golden circle 3. The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven 4. Michal the Giant -An African in Greenland 5 An elderly lady us up to no good

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh interesting mix of books.

[@juliettechaplin2685]

This was such a great list, with many authors I love! I am thinking more and more about starting my own booktube channel... But in the meantime, my favourite books this year so far are The Magic Toyshop, by Angela Carter, Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente, and The Ruins of Isis, by Marion Zimmer Bradley.

[@SavidgeReads]

If you want to start a channel you totally should. I would recommend. Don’t put any pressure on yourself though.

[@YourTrueShelf]

I love watching these lists too! Paper palace and the bread the devil knead would certainly be on my list too, I adored them. The island of missing trees was unfortunately not for me. I would also include the wolf den by Elodie Harper, Milkman by Anna Burns and beautiful world where are you by Sally Rooney as a few of my faves so far.

[@SavidgeReads]

No worries, we can’t all love the same books. Ha. I still haven’t read the new Rooney. I must at some point.

[@corinajurcul5663]

That's a great list! I have some of those on my TBR as well! The Island of Missing Trees is definitely among my favourite books of the year too! I can't rank mine haha. I would add Cloud cuckoo land, A history of wild places, Once there were wolves, Nightcrawling, Burial Rites and probably some others but will stop here 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Soooo many people have said I would love Cloud Cuckoo Land.

[@corinajurcul5663]

Hope you love it too, Simon! 😊 Books and what they bring to our lives are an integral part of the story in Cloud Cuckoo Land.

[@Etiam.plants]

I have the Island of Missing Trees book and will be reading it soon. My favorite three books so far Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

[@SavidgeReads]

I hope you enjoy it when you get to it!

[@juliawiseman397]

Read Nives after your recommendation...oh wow..I just loved it...if it was made into a short play who would you cast ... just brilliant..totally ‘unputdownable’ ( this is a real word 🤔😂)

[@SavidgeReads]

I haven’t even read that one yet. Just bought it as it sounded good. Glad to hear that it is.

[@juliawiseman397]

@@SavidgeReads I challenge you to ‘not’ read it in one go. 😂 ..I have passed my copy onto two friends, neither could stop reading it til the end 😊👍 thank you for the recommendation. I have just picked up ‘A Certain Hunger’ .. 🤔 I have no idea how this will go down, I’ll be sure to let you know 😂

[@kbal1451]

Snap! The Island of the missing trees was one of my tops from last year. I rated it higher than The Promise too. But The Promise is quite good, really examined the issues in a fresh way to me. I really need to get to The Paper Palace, just reserved it at my library for the second time, didn't get to it the first time around. A new Madeline Miller! A new Akwaeke Emezi! A new Natalie Hayes! I really want to read those! Great round up Simon! I'm just emerging (I hope) from a terrible reading slump, thanks to (of all things) Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and started on One Sky Day last night. I have been listening to some great audiobooks, I read some terrific books in the beginning of the year but I think the audiobook of The Last Woman in the World by Inga Simpson was a more recent favourite. An apocalyptic road trip along a road I know very well and set in Canberra, Australia where I've lived for decades. One of those books you can imagine being made into a film.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoy all the new books by those authors. Glad you hear you’re emerging from your slump. I must try Inga Simpson. I’ve heard amazing things.

[@sarareads9185]

The island of missing trees, Little Rabbit by Alyssa Songsiridej (which you should definitely read) , Flamingo, The Enchanted by Renee Denfeld which you should also read, the audiobook is amazing) You made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I shall look up Little Rabbit. Thank you. Note - I just did. It’s not out here. Drats.

[@emmavd]

Thank you, Simon!🌷My three top favourites so far: The Wrench by Primo Levi (nothing to do with his time at Auschwitz, a very funny novel instead, written 30 years later😊), And the Birds Rained Down by French-speaking Canadian author Jocelyne Saucier, Still Life by Sarah Winman (followed you advice and thoroughly enjoyed it). Nr 4 and 5 are actually two WP books: The Island of Missing Trees and The Book of Form and Emptiness. I’ve also read and enjoyed The Paper Palace, but it would be further down my personal list too😊📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Still Life! What a book!

[@amesforbooks1343]

Great list and I'm glad you did top 15! Shit Cassandra Saw is going on my TBR 👁👁 Do you think anything can beat The Island of Missing Trees for you this year? My top 3 are: Infinite Country by Patricia Engel, Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield (I think you would love this), and A Short History of Seven Killings by Marlon James. 🧡💛💜

[@SavidgeReads]

I kind of hope a book beats The Island of Missing Trees as I want to read loads more fabulous books. But I also doubt anything will top it. I really want to read the Engel and Armfield.

[@jumanaabbas6503]

I loved Nightbitch! I agree that the end was interesting but not the direction I was hoping for.

[@SavidgeReads]

No. A shame but didn’t dampen my love for the book overall.

[@marymansson2085]

Favorite books so far: Civilizations by Laurent Binet, Chilean Poet by Alejandro Zambra, Thank You, Mr. Nixon by Gish Jen

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh interesting selection.

[@karenehlers2534]

I highly recommend "Light from Uncommon Stars" by Ryka Aoki. So far, my 2022 #1 book. Followed closely by "Cult Classic" by Sloane Crosley and "The Kingdoms of Savannah" by George Dawes Green. I agree with you on "You Made a Fool of Death with your Beauty" - BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh thank you for those recommendations Karen.

[@alisongeddes7512]

Love the video Simon. Top 3 so far for me is The Sun Does Shine Under The Whispering Door The Secrets of Strangers All brilliant but each one different ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh. I know the second one. Who are the authors of the other two.

[@alisongeddes7512]

Under The Whispering Door - TJ Klune The Secrets of Strangers - Charity Norman

[@thepaperdavid]

My top 3 of the year I've read so far: 3. The Parcel by Anosh Irani, 2. Piranesi by Susanna Clark, 1. Elena Knows by Claudio Pineiro. All very different from each other. I suspect you might like The Parcel.

[@SavidgeReads]

Very eclectic mix indeed!! I have read Piranesi and have the other two on my shelves. 😃

[@dianedickson6366]

Oh yes, I forgot I did have the audiobook of The Hail Mary Project which we are all still quoting constantly. It was just a great yarn and one of those that the whole family enjoyed and I love that.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not heard of that one.

[@mradcaqbdb]

Top 3 so far: 1. The Stranding - Kate Sawyer 2. The Trees - Percival Everett 3. Don’t Cry For Me - Daniel Black I don’t think I’ve read any of these! Shocking! I’m very much looking forward to Stoneblind. It’s been preordered for a couple of months now. Blue Hour just shipped, so I should have it in a week or so, but you’ve made me a bit nervous with the comparison to A Little Life. 😬 Still looking forward to it. I must get to Violets and Elif’s book. They’ve both been waiting for awhile.

[@SavidgeReads]

I liked The Stranding a lot. I’ve heard amazing things about The Trees. Hope you enjoy Elif and Alex’s books.

[@TheBookBully]

Always love to see this video from you! I read The Promise last year and was very impressed by the writing and narrative voice of the novel. A well deserved Booker winner! My best book of the year is an essay collection called Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley. It's the most mature and thoughtful collection about trauma I've ever read! I'd love if you'd check out some of my videos. You were a big reason I started booktube in the first place and I think we have a lot of similar taste in books 😌

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thank you! I was so surprised by The Promise. Can’t wait to read more Galgut. I’ve not heard of the Polley, I shall look this up! I do follow your channel I am just a DREADFUL commenter and lurker. I’m wanting to be better at that in the next half of the year.

[@TheBookBully]

@@SavidgeReads I've never said this before, but thank you for lurking 🥹

[@cynthibook]

My top 3 of the year so far : A single thread by Tracy Chevalier American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins The Confession by Jessie Burton

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooh I loved two of those books very much. The middle one I’ve kept away from because of the controversy.

[@mandynott9772]

So far I’ve enjoyed The Brilliant life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons, The Great Circle, Sufferance by Thomas King and The Paper Palace. Many more yet to read on my TBR 🤗📖

[@Georgesmomsu]

Eudora Honeysett was such a great book.

[@SavidgeReads]

Sooooo many books on my tbr too. Isn’t it exciting.

[@kelleysullivan8908]

My favorite books of 2022 so far are Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson, The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James and Book Lovers by Emily Henry.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve not read any of those.

[@cherylynlarking191]

Simon - i read Paper Palace. What did you make of the ending? Did she end her life? Go off with her friend? or walk away from her family? Would love to know what you thought.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. I think the best way to answer this is that every reader needs to make up their own mind about what follows next. Which is something I really like about this book.

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

Hello Simon got interrupted as per usual so will watch later

[@SavidgeReads]

Hiya!

[@ReadingNymph]

I cant wait for Stone Blind, my top three is probably The Virgin Suicides, Emma and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell

[@SavidgeReads]

Stone Blind is sooooooooo good.

[@janethansen9612]

Oh no, 3 is too difficult. Out of thin air...Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield, The Magician by Colm Toibin and Tenderness by Alison McLeod. But I have also been loving a bunch of Aussie lit especially Echolalia by Briohny Doyle, After stories by Larissa Behrendt and 100 days by Alice Pung. Oops that's another 3 isn't it.

[@janethansen9612]

Oh and The Bread the Devil Knead, definitely

[@SavidgeReads]

I would like to read The Magician. I really like Colm Toibin and yet never dash to his new ones and I should. I love Aussie fiction, so another three are well welcome.

[@katecollins2471]

I read the island of missing trees because of you :) My top 3 of the year so far are: 1. For the Love of Men - Liz Plank 2. Yolk - Mary HK Choi (probably not for everyone - but felt so nostalgic for me as a young woman) 3. Euphoria - Lily King (you must read this if you haven't) Also I am reading night crawling right now and WOW.

[@SavidgeReads]

Did you enjoy Island of Missing Trees though. Don’t leave me hanging Kate 😉 I’ve not read any of your top three or current read. I shall have to rectify this.

[@katecollins2471]

@@SavidgeReads oh yes, I loved it! Can I please convince you to try Nightcrawling? I finished it and thought it was incredible

[@gabbyhumphreyshumphreads5420]

SIMON I’M SKINT HOW DARE YOU!!! But it’s okay because Night bitch is my current read, and a couple are on my TBR already. Very much need to buy The Promise and The Bread The Devil Need though! X

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. You’ve just really made me laugh. Hope you enjoyed Nightbitch. The new paperback cover is soooooooo good.

[@annbradley8563]

Top three for me so far this year...Billy Summers by Stephen King Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed and Betty by Tiffany McDaniel...

[@SavidgeReads]

I really, really want to read Betty. I loved her debut.

[@susprime7018]

Hamnet, Silverview and Agent Runing in The Field by LeCarre, enjoyed Camino Winds by Grisham, Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan. A host of others that I have not enjoyed as much.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hamnet is soooooooo good. Her forthcoming one is amazing too.

[@eekabear14]

Here are 3 that I loved and think you will too: A Net for Small Fishes by Lucy Jago, The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven by Nathaniel Ian Miller, and The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer. History, queerness, sci-fi, what's not to love?

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve read Net for Small Fishes liked that a lot.

[@karenkatz5260]

Hi Simon, My 3 favourites so far are The island of missing trees, A tidy ending and Black cake. I also have Paper Palace and The bread the devil knead as my favourites so far. People person is on my bedside table after borrowing it from the library. Bit worried about the Karen character now though 😂😉🤔 Great video, thanks

[@SavidgeReads]

Black Cake is a book I’ve been very keen to get to. Everyone knows I love Joanna Cannon and everyone knows I bloody loved The Island of Missing Trees.

[@Wendy-ib3iy]

I read Island of Missing Trees last year, otherwise it would have made my top 3. That's just as well as I don't know which of my top 3 would have had to make way for it. My top 3 so far: Life after Life, Ariadne and The Rain Heron. Of your list I have read Paper Palace and The Bread the Devil Kneads, because of the Women's Prize, and enjoyed them both but they weren't my Women's Prize favourites. My top 3 from the Women's Prize: Island of Missing Trees, Great Circle and Build Your House Around my Body.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooh I love Life After Life and The Rain Heron and have Ariadne on the TBR.

[@noelroquevinluan7499]

is the medusa book an arc or the actual uk version?

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s the uk proof.

[@gloriathompson423]

do you have a list of these books i can take to library

[@SavidgeReads]

All books should be listed in the description box. Unless I’ve been a naughty sausage and forgotten.

[@gloriathompson423]

@@SavidgeReads lol i guess you forgot. I will relisten with a pen and paper

[@RovingReader]

I'm so excited to watch this! HAHA Karen, I'm about to change my name!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha.

[@lindacarson5429]

Anyone else singing the TOTP's chart countdown music during this video?

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. I wanted to use it… but copyright. Sighs.

[@lynseyb7221]

Tender Is The Flesh, The House In the Cerulean Sea, The One (John Marrs) 👍👍📚📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve not read any of those. I have two on my TBR though.

[@charitykelly6396]

The Plot and the Blackthorn and Grimm series.

[@SavidgeReads]

Not heard of any of those.

[@dianedickson6366]

I really loved People Person so thank you for that recommendation and The Bread the Devil Knead was excellent, in my opinion. Violets - another I probably wouldn’t have read if you hadn’t brought it to my attention. I’ve got a copy of Ethan Frome must give it a read. I’ve got The Promise - I’m looking forward to that. Good Roundup I reckon but stop rubbing your eyes you’ll get wrinkles. I told the hubby that - did he listen - well I shall say no more. One that you recommended but you didn’t choose and I really loved was The Sentence - or maybe you read that last year? I would say that is my favourite book of the year so far.

[@SavidgeReads]

Violets I’ll be recommending forever. I don’t know if the other two will make it to my books of the year at the end… of the year. We will see. I didn’t recommend The Sentence, as I DNF’d it. But I have mentioned it on the channel. I thought it was a bit all over the shop.

[@juditkovacse]

Booktubers: whatpageareyouon ThePoptimist The Bookish Land Lindsey's Book Life Rogan Shannon Top 3 books: The Great Derangement by Amitav Ghosh - Short, about climate change, from a non-white, non-Western-European perspective. Carbide by Andriy Lyubka - Very Eastern-European, and funny. The humor is also very typical of the region. (saying that as someone from there) Paul Takes the Form of A Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor - Queer, sexy, and fun.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve loved The Poptimist for a looooong time. An absolute favourite. I’ll check the other ones out. And I’ll check your top books out too. Paul is one I’m really keen to get to.

[@bookofdust]

Strong Women’s Prize representation. Three top books: Shuggie Bain, Young Mungo and Candy House.

[@SavidgeReads]

It was a longlist I was somewhat underwhelmed by… and yet look how many books from the list are here.

[@bookofdust]

@@SavidgeReads It’s wonderful when surprises like that happen!

[@tuddlesbookclub1089]

Hello my name is Christina and I'm new to your chancel the book I'm reading is demon in my view I think it's a ok book.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve not heard of that. Also welcome to the channel. Hope you enjoy it.

[@suzanneslark1222]

I am really surprised ‘People Person’ features in your top reads for 2022?? I understand it may have appealed to you because of the theme of half siblings but I was completely underwhelmed by this book. Sorry, just my opinion. My favourite reads this year are:- Still Life - Sarah Winman, The Water Dancer - Ta- Nehisi Coates, In the Dream House - Carmen Maria Machado and The Prophets - Robert Jones, Jr. All absolutely brilliant.

[@SavidgeReads]

You can have your opinion. That’s what’s so interesting about books.

[@suzanneslark1222]

@@SavidgeReads absolutely. It’s fascinating what we each take from books. I’ve read so many books you’ve recommended and really value your opinion. I naturally assumed you would feel the same way as I did about this book. Never assume, as they say. Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. You are a very busy man and yet you take the time to read and respond to every comment.

[@cathrineboysen1017]

💜📚🦄💜

[@Abebech6]

Yes Simon, these types of videos are VERY BAD for me too... 💸💸💸💸

[@SavidgeReads]

Oops. Sorry.

[@katrinamuritala3207]

Young mungo house of Babylon and careless

[@SavidgeReads]

I can’t believe I’ve still not read Young Mungo.

[@d.m.3133]

Hi Simon. I dnf’d The Paper Palace. It was hard to read about the disturbing content in detail and I was fearful it would continue to come up. I felt like it was about awful people and why they were awful. I made it to chapter 5. I went into it totally blind so I guess it is my own fault. I do that all the time though and have never accidentally stumbled upon that topic. I’m sorry but you did ask so I am just being honest. 🥹☺️ My top books are: I’ll Be Gone in the Dark - true crime about a serial killer in CA. The Maid by Nina Prose The Love of my Life by Rosie Walsh The Four Winds by Kristen Hannah The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivy

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh The Snow Child. I have a quote on one of the editions of that book. I go into books blind, I wouldn’t blame that or stop doing that. Sometimes books just don’t work for some people and some subject matter can be very difficult to read so don’t say sorry to me. Lol. That’s just books and reading.

[@d.m.3133]

@@SavidgeReads wow, that’s so cool!! I just read your blog about it. I thought it was a new book when I read it this winter! ☺️. How many quotes on books do you have?