my favourite books of 2023 (so far)

[@Ddrhl]

No apologies. Life is different for everyone. It's just lovely seeing your smile!

[@missvictoria62]

Yay, perfect timing, I just sat down with a cup of tea and cross stitch. I heard Rebecca Kuang speaking on the radio a few weeks ago and Yellowface went straight in my TBR list. Hope you’re ok and love that you’ve posted a video. Things I’ve done, I passed my driving test at the grand old age of 37 🥳

[@Emaleighjane]

Congratulations on passing your driving test, I am currently doing my lessons at almost 32 ❤

[@rootingbranches]

I think it's safe to say that all your subscribers are just happy to see you back on the screen whenever you're up for it! I recently read 'I Want To Die But I Want To Eat Tteokbokki' which was incredible.

[@rootingbranches]

Fly Away wasn't as good as Firefly Lane but it's a decent follow up! I would 100% recommend One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle. Lauren Graham narrates the audiobook and it gives big Gilmore Girls vibes.

[@becbec3541]

Lucy, I’m so sorry you’ve both been having a tough time. Obviously I don’t know the circumstances but I really feel you. I absolutely love the idea of books somehow attracting you to them in your time of need, almost like little guardian angels, what a wonderfully comforting notion. I do so hope that you bounce back soon and thank you for your videos, they make me feel better when I’m not quite myself ❤❤❤

[@emmawincote9641]

Oh my goodness I can't explain the excitement of seeing a new Lucy Wood video on my screen 😊

[@lindahuson8451]

I cannot express how happy I am to see you!

[@Emma-vd6zf]

The reference to Mary Kate and Ashley’s magical mystery mall has really made my day. Never forget!

[@user-qu8zs7vs1x]

Welcome back Lucy! Loved this recap, and your videos are always so comforting and cosy. I hope that things get better, you sort of hinted on insta and here that there's been some challenges lately in your life, so I hope things get easier :)

[@tinamarina8983]

So so happy to see this video pop up! I always love your book reviews and will definitely be adding several of these to my (endless) TBR list. I know the feeling of finally feeling capable of being a functioning member of society after a dark time. Sending hugs!

[@jazzaling]

Loved this video, you’re always such a comfort watch 💕 No need to apologise for anything Lucy 🥰 hope you’re okay!

[@danadpt2012]

That just felt like a warm hug. I read a few of those books and loved them. I keep seeing Virgin Suicides in Waterstones I feel I need to read it now. Yellow face was amazing, such good writing I kept rooting for June and them remembering in the next sentence what a monster she is!

[@themoonlightgirl13]

So happy to see you had posted a new vid! Hope you’re taking care of yourself - no judgement here ❤️

[@leahbeth97]

waking up to this has cheered me up no end! what a treat 💜

[@curlykew]

As someone who is also way behind the "pulse" and honestly, without regrets, I'm grateful to hear from backlist books. It seems to be where I live. Welcome to my world. :) Coffee and treats are over by the bookshelf.

[@mabelsmummy6211]

Love your videos, especially book ones! You’ve inspired me to properly get back into reading. I’ve always loved books but my reading became very sporadic in recent years. One of my new year resolutions was to try to read 15 books in 2023 (which I know might not be a lot for some people!) and I’ve just finished book 16 at the halfway point! Will def be adding some of your recommendations to my TBR list! 📚

[@AmyPaynter94]

I saw your insta post earlier, just opened KZbin to watch something with breakfast hoping you may have uploaded nice n early in the day haha, and what do you know “uploaded 2 minutes ago”! I’ve recently got into reading again as an adult, so looking forward to this vid!

[@emilypearce8630]

So happy to see you back on KZbin! ❤❤

[@VegasHermit]

You are the only person that has made, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow sound interesting to me. No one else mentions that it is more friendship based than romance. I will read it now instead off writing it off as planned. Thank you for the very detailed book reviews! Firefly Lane has also grabbed my attention now.

[@TheHollySansTheIvy]

Welcome back! I am listening to Steven Fry's audiobook of Mythos (may or may not to fill the void of the Harry Potter audiobooks) but it's such a wonderful telling of mythology and how it all started. I love it.

[@mariateresa6522]

Yay a Lucy video just in time for my sunday morning with coffee and KZbin. My favourite book of 2023 so far was a book you recommended in an earlier video. Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine. Loved it so much. Just added the Virgin suicides to my list for late summer. I love your book content 🤓

[@unamickq]

I’m so happy to see you back Lucy 😊 no matter how often or rarely your videos appear I will always be happily waiting!! My favourite book of the year so far has been bunny by Mona awad! Will definitely be adding virgin suicides and firefly lane to my tbr!!

[@oliviawilson3453]

Glad to have you back Lucy. Love your videos at the end of a manic week x

[@chooseyourthoughts7692]

Always happy to have a video from you Lucy, whenever YOU feel like it!! I will be here 😊❤

[@merlegro5734]

So happy you uploaded a new video☀️💚 i absolutely love your book videos!!!

[@emsalarslan2098]

Your energy about Clytemnestra has made me pause the video and go away and put a hold on at the library 😂thanks Lucy!

[@shaunessymckay]

I think I can honestly say you've never steered me wrong with your book recommendations, and you are saving me from a reading slump right now 😂 so thank you very much for this ❤

[@zoebrindle7269]

Being that playful puppy is all part of life’s journey 🐶. Sending heartfelt hugs 🤗. Oh my ! Flo is so not camera shy ! She’s simply gorgeous!! Lucy your videos always make me smile ! Thank you 💐

[@diersara]

As I was opening up KZbin I thought to myself, "it would make my day if a new Lucy video was up." Thank you and also, no apologies necessary, pal.

[@Lifeonasofa]

Lovely to see you again ❤ some great recommendations here! Nice to hear about some not so popular reads! Sorry to hear that you’ve had a rocky time, glad some books could be there to help distract a little. Xx

[@Jess-eo1yk]

You’re the sweetest soul and I’m so sorry that you’re struggling. Thank you for another lovely video.

[@jenicat55]

My favourite summer read I re read every year is “weird sisters” Eleanor Brown. Small collage us town. 3 sisters dealing with things including mums illness in different ways. Whole family speaks via Shakespeare qoutes. It’s such great writing as you can feel the sticky humid summer time vibes through the pages.

[@thoughtsofthereader]

Yellowface is one of my faves of the year so far as well. I read it in a day I just couldn’t put it down!! You’ve made me want to pick up Firefly Lane as well😍

[@gilldonne-davis9808]

Lovely to see you Lucy. I completely agree about Firefly lane. Such a beautiful book. I finished it this morning in bed, which I couldn’t get out of because I was so captivated by the story. Needless to say I started the day as a complete wreck. My only regret is that I watched the show before reading the book. As a stand alone show it’s great but now I’ve read the book I would say I’m not sure you should watch as I think you’ll be really disappointed with the amount of changes they make and deviations from the original story. Xx

[@holly-boots]

Great video, lovely to see you again. I laughed so much when you started speaking into Flo's tail - She's such a star!

[@leebitsears]

In regards to good news- I finally left a job that was sucking the life out of me and got a new one! I was in the old job for 5 years so it was a scary choice but I've never been happier now x I have more energy after work and I'm back to reading x

[@xStarzx100]

I am also a 32 year old teenage girl! 😂 What’s everyone else currently reading? I’m reading No One Saw A Thing by Andrea Mara. No spoilers please! 💜

[@rachrocks89]

I read that last month, it was good!

[@nou9902]

I'm sorry you're going through a tough time. I hope life gets better soon!

[@tobiasclay624]

This is the first time I’ve seen any of your videos and I love the passion you show about the books you so clearly love. I think this may be my new favourite booktube channel! Thank you 😊

[@JustReadingwithJazzy]

I like that you’re sharing books that everyone else reviewed earlier, because I haven’t read them and it makes me want to read them/ it reminds me that I have these books on my TBR and gets them more on the top! (And I’m also a slow reader so that’s nice as well lol)

[@RomySews]

Glad you’re back Lucy! Hope things are looking up for you ❤ I’ve read a few great books this year. I really enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Delilah Green Doesn’t Care. Very different but both really easy to get completely immersed in, so I finished them really quickly. I listened to the audiobook of I’m Glad My Mom Died and that was even more haunting, as Jennette has an almost detached sounding voice as she reads, which makes what you’re hearing even more shocking. That with her dry sarcasm really jars with the awful content as you’d expect it to be very emotional, but right til the end it doesn’t feel that way. It makes me wonder how many other child stars went through the same things

[@briannam9298]

The amount of excitement I felt seeing the notification about this video 🥰 My favorite book so far has been Happy Place by Emily Henry! I just devoured this book and loved it. Definitely gonna pick up Virgin Suicides soon, you’ve sold me!

[@jademorris2316]

Happy to see you! 🥰 My good news I went to see Mcfly had such a good time that I’ve booked again to see them in November, love to your thought on the album as a fellow Mcfly girlie

[@hollieslibrary2191]

Loved this video! Perfect to watch while getting ready for the day! I’m currently reading if we were villains which is, so far, my favourite of the year. others I’ve enjoyed have been this is how you lose the time war and the 2nd and 3rd books in the a good girls guide to murder series.

[@sueinns5048]

Perfect accompaniment for my tea and toast breakfast. Lovely to see a video from you. I hope whatever you are going through eases soon xxx

[@jjharten]

So happy to see this video pop up on KZbin! Always love your book recommendations. Sending lots of love, hope you’ll be able to navigate whatever’s happening in your life ❤

[@toniallen7942]

I've been saving this in my subscription box since Sunday so I could get properly cosy and enjoy with a cup of tea and it did not disappoint! ☺️☕ I always love the cosy book videos 📚😍 and it's lovely to see you back! I hope you're doing okay 🥰✨

[@alicehandford7901]

Ahh please can you do a video about all your favourite books you’ve read!! Love that you have them written down on your notes on ya phone 💖

[@hayleyteasdale7896]

Yay, a Lucy video for a Sunday morning! I'm currently reading Paris Hilton's memoir and honestly it is incredible so far, highly recommend it!

[@adeleturner1255]

Always love your videos Lucy. FYI I bought your Jennifer pin in 2020 when I started my Podiatry degree.... And I've just graduated with a 1st!!! Thank you so much for being a great distraction from my studies, and wish me luck in my new career in the NHS 💖🥰💖

[@bonnyhunt5095]

On your recommendation I finally got round to reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I found it relatable on different levels than I think others did, and it was a true slice of life which I really appreciated. It really helped me think more seriously about mental health, including my own, and know when to say that's enough. I am wayyy behind on my reading list. It's funny that at the most darkest times of my life, I've not been able to pick up a book, but as I enter my thirties I've been dipping a toe back into the waters and really enjoying soaking up all the new content from loved authors from around the world. Anyway it's lovely to your face again! I hope you have been ok, we all struggle sometimes with life and even if it seems rubbish right now, it won't be forever. Give Flo a cuddle from me (or if she's like my cats, she'll allow you to give her a cuddle lol) and look after yourself, be gentle to yourself. Speak soon and I hope you are having a good summer so far! *High five*!! (I'm not a hugger haha)

[@VampireHunterC]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Clytemnestra 😍 so glad you liked it as well! I read it along other Greek mythology retellings and I think it was the best one of the bunch at the time. Such great writing And the author is so young, I was surprised! So many other good books to come!

[@mouse72x]

My TBR always fills up after your book videos, always love the recommendations. Yellowface has gone straight to the tip of the list

[@natashamason3328]

Thank you for more book recommendations. I always enjoy your book reviews. Sending hugs xxx

[@lovecreative90]

Oh my god, MaryKate and Ashley Magic Mystery Mall! What a classic 😂 literally talk about this all the time and no one knows what I’m talking about. Great video xx

[@nikkijohnston2891]

Okaaaaay so thats me ordered firefly lane :) chin up thru the hard times lovely, so good to see you x ❤

[@sarabaalla4328]

So happy to see you back on KZbin Lucy! Have missed your videos. I’m current reading Big Swiss which I would really recommend, I am LOVING it!📚✨🥰

[@tinaahern8907]

I can’t believe I’ve read 2 out of your 5 top picks! I just finished Tomorrow x3 and it’s my top read so far this year, and I’m like you-not into video games, but find myself thinking about them more and more since I finished the book. Jeanette McCurdy’s memoir was a favorite of mine as well. I’ve put your other top reads on hold at my library. Wonderful video, especially when Flo’s tail becomes your microphone 😂

[@julieg9847]

My favorite book so far this year is Happy Place by Emily Henry. In this book we not only follow the two main characters but all of their friend group as well. I loved it! I hope you have better days ahead and agree that "coming of age" happens more than once in life, speaking from experience.

[@tamaraellis2733]

So before this video I had a TBR pile of 53 books I’ve now added Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow to it to make 54! I’ve reserved it from my local library as an ebook but it’s not available until March 2024 so clearly a popular title. Every time you do a book video I end up adding another title, last time it was Practical Magic. There is not enough hours in the day for all the books! My book recommendation is The 90’s Flashback series by Kirsty McManus, I read the 3 books in 5 days it was so good! Loads pop culture references to the late 90’s chefs kiss so good

[@KathyDubs]

My favorite book of the year has been Lessons in Chemistry. It's also a 2022 book, but I had to wait forever to get my hands on it, as I'm a library reader, so I'm perpetually on the holds list, haha. Remarkable Bright Creatures was also amazing, had Fredrick Backman vibes.

[@okay_okay_kay]

Don’t apologize!! We’re just happy you’re doing okay (: happy to see ya as always!

[@aiscahill]

It's lovely to see you back again, Lucy. Hopefully life starts to look up a bit soon 💛 I finished RF Kuang's The Poppy War trilogy this year and honestly, they were incredible and so readable. I also loved Foster by Claire Keegan - such a short and wonderful novella that's so nostalgic for me in terms of growing up in the Irish countryside. Also for a lovely warm hug, I loved Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree too. Such a low stakes and beautiful little story 📖

[@rverdaasdonk]

You have nothing to apologize for! Lovely to see you again though 🥰 To share something great that has happened to me recently: me and my boyfriend of 11 years finally bought a house in Utrecht (city in the Netherlands)! 🎉 Which is the most grownup thing ever haha, but as we're 31 and 33, it was about time. Quite a struggle still in this market but after a year of searching, it finally worked out and we can't wait to move in in November! If you have any new homeowner tips, please let me know! Lots of love! ❤

[@TheHollySansTheIvy]

Congrats!! I just love reading people's good news and this is so lovely :)

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

I just love your book videos so much! Thank you!

[@lucyclarke4827]

I was thinking about your book videos earlier in the week! A bit of good news - I got a job teaching at the school I attended as a child. Very excited for it 😅

[@MamaKeir2023]

Great to see you Lucy with books ❤

[@barbidulette]

Hi, and thanks for the video. You made me add 2 more books to my TBR (the others I already read or already added in my TBR). So far this year, my favorite book is "the bandit queens" by Parini Shroff because it made me smile and tear up.

[@amyc4499]

I have missed you! Happy you are back 🎉 I went out the next day after this video and bought Clytemnestra 😍

[@DisNiamh]

No apologies needed! Purchasing a few of these now 😂 Found out this weekend that I got onto an international program at Disney World! So I’ll be working there in the UK Pav in Epcot for a year!

[@JJMedusa]

-- Hi Lucy! I’m so happy to see a new video from you! I’m not into reading so I really know very little about books (especially recent ones), but I just love your personality so much that I watch all of your videos. 😊❤️

[@nitsirkallday9437]

Always love hearing your book recommendations. The one book I've read this year that has stuck with me is The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda. Girl moves to small town with high school best friend. Friend goes missing. Police start questioning if the friend ever existed. So many twists and turns, I couldn't put the book down. Ending is a surprise and I LOVED it. Anyway, love your videos. ❤

[@tiyusu]

Loved this! Thanks for the recommendations. ❤

[@FloN.]

You got me really intrigued in Clytemnestra (seeing as Circe is one of my favorite books). I also need to give R.F. Kuang a go and see if we get on. Two books I really liked this year were Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell and Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (she has me in a chokehold, I enjoy everything she writes), and two books I LOVED were... The Virgin Suicides, ha (just finished it a couple days ago, it has joined the exclusive ranks of my favorite books), and Still Life by Sarah Winman, a character-led story that spans decades and is about found family and love in ALL its forms, cannot recommend it enough (Tin Man by Sarah Winman is also one of my favorites, so I clearly need to read her other works).

[@claire3733]

So happy to see you back with a book video! I hope things are okay and you’re giving yourself grace and lots of Flo snuggles. I just added Yellowface to my TBR- I read Babel last year per your rec! I also read Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow this year and absolutely loved falling in love with the characters even though it ripped my heart out a bit. I would LOVE to know your thoughts on “The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton- it’s a murder mystery but also much more than that

[@kristenmatta8295]

What a great way to start my Sunday ❤ I recently finished Foster by Claire Keegan, super short and simple book but ooh did it pack a punch especially at the end. 10/10 would recommend!

[@sammileung86]

The joy and squuueal I made when I saw your video!! 😊

[@chainbody90]

Definitely watch the tv show once you’ve had a break from the book. It’s an absolutely fantastic watch, and probably in my top 3 programmes ever. I didn’t even realise it was based on a book which I will be reading now!

[@LeaveMeAloneIAmReading]

No need to be sorry, just glad you're back, even for ONE vid!

[@amybritton8109]

My favourite book of the year so far has got to be The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. My friend is Sri Lankan and they recommended it as it's by a Sri Lankan author and tackles their history that is still having repercussions on the country today. We met at uni in England so they've been living miles away from home and it really opened my eyes to their culture and the difficulties their family has been facing. I just felt so much closer to them after the reading the book. But even without the connection, the prose are gorgeously written that it had me tearing up at points.

[@BooksofAmber]

I have been loving Kristin Hannah's books lately! I would also highly recommend The Great Alone and The Four Winds. The Nightingale is of course fantastic as well but as it is her most hyped i like to recommend the other two first 😊😊

[@asmrdreamland200]

Thank you for your suggestion ❤❤❤

[@ElizRice]

Lovely to have a new video! My favorite book of 2023's first half was Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. It was actually a bit hard to read afterward because nothing else compared! My other five stars this year so far: A Tale for the Time Being, The Secret Life of Albert Entwhistle, The Devotion of Suspect X, I'm Glad My Mom Died, Kitchen and Goodbye, Eri.

[@claireyoungx22]

So good to see you Lucy! Would highly recommend the audiobook for I’m Glad My Mom Died as well, it’s narrated by Jennette herself and gutted me

[@turtlegoescanada]

I don't normally comment but I LOVE your book videos (we read so many of the same things! I just read Yellowface too and love a Greek retelling) - thank you! I hope the second half of 2023 will be better for you, but I also must say: Firefly Lane is one of the BEST series I've seen on Netflix in the last year or two. Give it another shot once the book has settled a bit with you. It'll be worth it.

[@rachrocks89]

A nice thing that’s happened… when I can, I’ve decided to get a kindle. Never had one before so I’m excited but have no clue about it 😂

[@amyfoster7182]

I love your book content so much!!!! Couldn't click on this video fast enough!!! ❤❤❤

[@liisua]

I have read 28 books this year. My favourites have been Lessons In Chemistry and Remarkably Bright Creatures. Also any book by TJR I happen to pick up. And Lucy Score Knockemout series 💛 I really wanna read Yellowface now!

[@hollydalton6576]

I loved Remarkably Bright Creatures SO much!!

[@Aimeereeves583]

I love these videos! My faves of the year so far are Betty (probably my fave book ever!!) song of Achilles & Ariadne. So, Clytemnestra is 1000% going to be my next read! X

[@ggeorgiegilbertt]

So happy to see a new video from you! Hope you're doing ok ❤ My favourite book of the year so far is Homecoming by Kate Morton. It's the most gorgeous multi-generational story about love, family and even a cold case 👀 that is set in a rural town in Australia. Clare Foy narrates the audio book and I think that's what really made it for me!

[@aksez2u]

I'm very sorry for whatever difficult things are happening in your life. Don't worry about us. We'll be here whenever you pop up! ❤

[@priscillad.gutierrez1535]

Loved this! Thanks so much, Lucy 😊

[@riinahahko9345]

I always love these book related videos because you have such a wonderful and engaging way of talking about books! For recomendations: The hollow places by T. Kingfisher The memory police by Yōko Ogawa Killers of a certain age by Deanne Raybourn

[@emilyshort3086]

A bit of a book update from me. I gave in and read ACOTAR and absolutely demolished it! Would highly recommend picking up that series again

[@siobhan223]

This was such a lovely cosy video to watch on a Sunday morning. I just finished Yellow Face and that is definitely one of my favourite books of the year so far (alongside Babel which I picked up on your recommendation so thanks for that!). Very excited to read The Poppy War next. I read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah earlier this year and it was fantastic. Very much not a cosy read but very poignant and gave me a lot to think about on parallels between the world now and the plot of the book. I think you might really enjoy Naomi Novik's Schomance Trilogy. A friend recommended it to me earlier in the year and they absolutely consumed my free time while I raced through all of them.

[@sarahsearle9598]

Yay! Have missed you! ❤

[@DepressedHotmess]

The way I would happily listen to you read the back of a crisp packet for hours on end

[@staceydobson7852]

I've just finished FF. Really enjoyed it but my fave read of recent years is another Kristin Hannah- The Nightingale. Omg. I sobbed reading that book. I still think about it on the daily actually. The Four Winds by KH wad also great. Loved Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow also. Thanks for these videos. I really enjoy them x

[@barbarasalinas2186]

This video made my day. My favourite books so far are The Colour Purple, it's so fucking beautiful, and I'm not a epistolary novel gal. Elinor Oliphant is completely fine, finally got the mood to read it because I knew it wasn't rainbows and sunshine, love it, it's so deep and such a emotional journey. And The Shinning, which I started to read 4 times in three years and always stuck in the same chapter (19) so this year I said: I won't read anything else until I finish the shinning, it took me 3 weeks, the longest reading in 15 years. But it is so incredibly good, Stephen King is the master of writing. So now I have three more because yellowface; tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow; and firefly lane are going to my TBR. Thanks for the video ❤️

[@sianlake7223]

Loved this video Lucy! Will be adding Firefly Lane to my list. My fave book so far this year has been Betty by Tiffany McDaniel - the story and characters were absolutely incredible and the writing was like poetry.

[@keepinupwitAbby]

Love these suggestions! Some of them are on my list so, I’m even more excited to read them now :) Also, my favourite book this year is How to be Remembered by Michael Thompson. It’s his debut novel and it’s just so good!