new favourite books, epic fantasy & japanese lit 🌟 books i recently read

[@absurdwzrd72]

When the world needed her most she returned

[@veronika4870]

yesss

[@TheBeatlesToday]

I know you have a large American audience, but it made me chuckle that Book of the Month gave you, a Dutch woman in the Netherlands, the promo code TURKEY. 😂

[@saram5659]

And i think she is vegetarian too 😅

[@sporitan]

and that you can't have Book of The Month outside the US haha!

[@pandorra.]

@@sporitan THIS! :D me instantly googling "book of the month finally available in europe"

[@karybooks]

@@sporitan seriously :O I've been wanting to subscribe for many months now, but I'm in Canada. RIP ?

[@tjfmd]

@@karybooks book of the month has been available in Canada for over a year now. it's more expensive here but it is here.

[@djmohabbatt]

ive been avoiding youtube considering it's disappointing algorithm - horrid recommendations and shorts designed by tiktok and instagram's scrolling design principles, trapping us in endless, mind-numbing loops - but i never fail to feel a sense of joy with every notification i receive from your channel. thank you!

[@LappyPotomus]

I hate shorts, I got a browser extension to hide them

[@sangermade]

​@@LappyPotomuswhich one, please?

[@janiabunao]

just a tip! but you can modify your algorithm by clicking "not interested" or "don't recommend channel" on videos or channels you don't like

[@djmohabbatt]

@@LappyPotomus i do the same yet my phone ends up taking its place. it's mostly a me problem but thankfully im past that now.

[@djmohabbatt]

@@janiabunao hey, thank you! i do that often yet somehow something gets on my feed to disrupt all :(

[@zofia4334]

timestamps ✨ • crudo by olivia liang 3:11 • just for the summer by abby jimenez 5:28 • fascism: a graphic guide 8:17 • six scorched roses by carissa broadbent 10:09 • all about love by bell hooks 12:23 • funny story by emily henry 16:09 • the will of the many by james islington 19:42 • the forest brims over by maru ayase 24:46 • the right to sex by amia srinivasan 29:27 also mentioned • the patriarchs by angela saini 33:31 • the bone shard daughter by andrea stewart 33:53

[@fluvius.magnus]

literally just open youtube what a gift!!

[@fluvius.magnus]

opened* :P

[@PAM-404]

oh same my friend

[@ricarda4787]

Same

[@chigangrel]

loving the hair! some of these books are on my tbr, which I'm working through slowly. I'm always impressed and curious about the people who can read like 8 books in a month. I cannot do that at my best, let alone if I'm going through something or work is busy! Just reading anything is an accomplishment. I'm at 83 books of my 75 book goal for the year though, which is my best in a long, long time! Hard to pick a favorite because I'm a generous reviewer and generally good at picking books I know I like, which means I mostly rate 4 and 5 stars lol But there were a few that surprised me with how good they were, after not knowing what to expect: The Dead Cat Tail Assassin's by P Djeli Clark , We Kept Her in the Cellar by WR Gorman, Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson, This Girl's a Killer by Emma C. Wells, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett, Never Whistle at Night, the entire Tales From the Gas Station series... lots of bangers this year! Been on a graphic novel kick lately, particularly cute autumnal comics, and loved Sheets, Garlic and the Vampire, and Seance Tea Party as well!

[@2youstories]

that ghibli merch 😭😭😭 glad you're back!! 🩷

[@morph3e8]

She's back people !!

[@dobetterwithchristian4472]

Im reading all about love and I keep having to take breaks. It's amazing how we dismiss love as a concept and deride it when it truly hold the world together. Makes sense why a lot of it seems to be falling apart.

[@Be-ee-e]

Oh what sorts of love books did you read?

[@purplespringrain5294]

I loved reading Where the Dark Stands Still! I really recommend it if you like your fantasy to be a bit darker (plus the Polish folklore in this was so interesting to read about)

[@Thatonesitcom]

Leonie's hair looks amazing✨✨

[@tayxolly9871]

My favorite book i read in the past month is piranesi! It's motivated me to read the authors other work, Jonathan strange and mr morrel, even if it's like 1000 pages lol

[@kaizen2049]

Welcome back Leo ❤❤❤ we missed you

[@colpodifulmine8464]

With Leonie and Hannah uploading new videos, i am fed🫠🤝🏻🩷

[@MarcelleLeiturasPreguicosas]

I think Just for the Summer is the best Abby Jimenez book so far, I liked the mental struggle aspect for the main gal, and the family stuff going of for the main guy, but if a reader can't connect to the characters I get why they would give a 2 stars. I loved Will of the Many, and despise the first 200 pages are indeed as you said, I ate up that world building and the roots for why the main guy has to go to the school. The ending is so UUUGH I NEED THE NEXT BOOK, and it's been a long time since I got this anxious for a sequel.

[@jasminesotres7985]

Yours truly - Abby Jimendez. Highly recommend. I heard mixed reviews on Just for the summer and glad I read this one instead.

[@Katt_Dubbs]

I LOVE Will of the Many and read it probably when it had less than 10,000 reviews on GoodReads. I agree that it took too long for Vis to get to the University, BUT WHEN HE DID. It was 5/5 stars for me!

[@Ivanna051198]

I’ve been longing for your comments on “The will of the many” and now I’m ready to start reading it ✨

[@dhruvmogha963]

Yay gurl is backkkkkk!?!!! 🎉🎉❤❤and the hair!! Love it ❤❤

[@janveeshekhawat13]

Was rewatching all your videos today and wondered how and where have you been. Your last post was literally 4 weeks ago! Can’t wait to watch it now Lots of love ♥️

[@hayleyemma7953]

Leonie is back!! Im glad you got to enjoy a long break but also selfishly, I'm happy you're back 😂

[@simronparida5144]

Those 200 pages were such bomb, that’s the best thing about the book. Everything was imperative to the broader picture. 😭😭

[@jasminelillis5049]

I recommend the Te of Piglet by Hoffman. He also wrote the Tao of Pooh, but in the sequel, he looks at how Piglet displays the kind of courage for living that is admirable and Daoist in nature.

[@bookum]

Glad to see you back and glad you had a great trip! Yes bell hooks is an amazing writer!

[@chocolateoreo6489]

Aw your hair is so stunning❤ I’m sending you love, no more reading slumps in the foreseeable future, and a cozy fall/winter season (:

[@laradadic908]

So happy you are back! And also when you talked about the reading slump after moving I felt that... I've been the same for past 2 months (basically since I moved too), plus reading some books that just didn't hit didn't help at all.. so jealous of your trip to Japan but im very glad you had a lovely time 🥰❤

[@nathandre3442]

I really enjoy Funny Story not every Emily Henry book work for me but this one was good. I would recommend Mhairi McFarlane books it's one of Emily Henry influences in her writing. McFarlane book are more about friendships and family than romance and not spice.

[@kimiasbooknook]

Ok, that calcifer candle is to die for!! Just for the summer is one of my fave reads this year too, it was one of those books that I didn't expect to enjoy it that much, but I ended up loving it 😊

[@robiu013]

i like the mug matching the sweater

[@user-rh4mu5zm3o]

ahh the way you talk about the books makes it so interisting!!

[@najawin8348]

Ah. So, if the ending of _Will of the Many_ piqued your interest, I'd *highly* recommend Islington's previous series, _Licanius._ (I actually found WotM to be fairly boring until the ending, but it reminded me so much of _Licanius_ that I became very interested in the next book.)

[@Giuliasaintx]

the only notification that i have on is yt because of your videos! so happy to have you back and happy to hear that your trip went well!

[@viviannagy3901]

I literally said "yaaay" out loud when I saw the notification that you posted a new video! Thank you for making my day better ❤

[@taheramaheshafaque2305]

I hope you will post a vlog of your japan trip🎀

[@remem95]

Something to watch while getting my todolist back in order 😊 these are always so cozy

[@artryanrock]

I read Olivia Lang's 'The Lonely City' a couple of months ago. She is really a great non-fiction writer

[@luasganzerla]

nick and jess vibe is really all i need to know to pick up this book

[@bethd8826]

Would love a video from you about your thoughts on audiobooks vs regular books (like your e-reader video) and some audiobook recommendations ❤️

[@angelaaura4113]

One of my favorite books I read this year was A Song of Sin and Salvation, it was so good! It's a romance set in the 80's. It touches on a lot of serious topics in a very spot-on way.

[@bbh0lysh1t]

would love to see bookish vlogs or something from ya leonie ♥️

[@luiiiandmovieee]

I listened to The Bone Shard Daughter audiobook at the end of last year and I absolutely loved it! The fantasy aspect was so original and I especially loved Lin as a character. I think the first one is the best of the trilogy

[@bryce7417]

If you liked Will of the Many, I'd recommend warbreaker. Shorter and there's a little more struggle with some fun political intrigue. Anything sanderson is really fun

[@marina-gb6jz]

When you were describing that Japanese book, I kept thinking about Kobo Abe. He's also a Japanese writer and his books are also really weird but so fun to read. Very philosophical, very abstract and strange, but very much about searching your own individuality and identity. If you're interested in that kind of a thing, I'd suggest "The Woman in the Dunes", "The Box Man" and "The Face of Another"

[@comfort-place]

I finished series The Folk of the Air in october and it was *cheff's kiss*. I read it mostly because of you so big thank you. 🤗❤️❤️

[@whoatemychocolate]

Also, love the new hair color! I was super confused when your video popped up on my recommended page, though 😂 ETA: I also just read Uprooted by Naomi Novik, because it was an employee recommendation at the store and I remembered Leonie talking about it, and I love it!!!

[@catteixeira18]

Welcome back Leonie, we missed you!!

[@NonAnonD]

booktube is saved

[@veronika4870]

She's back! Yes! We missed you ^^

[@emideminerva]

your new haircolour (and haircut) is so beautifulllll, I love ittt

[@VladimirYermolayev]

I never belive ebook can help me, but after buying one from wisdom bookshelf i actually learned great stuff from there

[@gokpop4370]

I'm curious of how you'll feel about The Teller of Small Fortunes, I really liked it, one of the only releases this year that actually catched me

[@vaindesi]

Just wanted to pop in to say glad you liked The Forest Brims Over. I loved it and it's too bad that not enough people have been talking about it. I just hope more of her books get translated, it was a welcome change from the usual trend in Japanese translated literature.

[@misuko1792]

I missed watching these vids. Good to have you back

[@Elitearcherrr]

Welcome backkk! Thank goodness, I needed this. Your hair is AMAZING

[@ARMY_ksoo]

Man!! I really got my hope up that BoTM was now available in Europe 😭 I cry

[@anikab3697]

Love your Book Reviews 🫶🏻 and the different genre you read

[@dragonfly5339]

I would really love a video on reading in a foreign language. English is not my first language, and although I speak English and even study in English, I never enjoyed reading (or watching movies) in English because it felt like a task. What was the journey like for you, and how does it feel to then read in your native language again? I'm really happy you are back ❤

[@michaelsommers2356]

I'm glad you're back. You have been missed.

[@saraluckhardt3927]

Listing patterns of Fascism and actually describing our new gov. * cries in American *😢

[@boyboss3322]

Scandinavian here, I feel sorry for America. But I must say her hints were NOT subtle😭

[@loveboat]

If you actually learn about fascism you'll see that it's nothing like your new government. An anti-censorship government that wants to end corruption and bureaucracy is simply the antithesis to fascism.

[@estefania3090]

Same here in Argentina 🤐

[@loveboat]

Grow up.

[@heyheyginger1712]

Yay new vid! Always love your round ups because you read so broadly. There’s always something that peaks my interest. I thought Just for the Summer was super cute! I let my mum borrow it and she also loved it. You’ve made me want to pick up Funny Story now! I’ve been reading a trashy vampire series….Filth Rich Vampires. It’s S-P-I-C-Y spicy! And it’s definitely not good. But it is FUN! I know you enjoyed Bride by Ali Hazelwood so it may be up your alley of “books you know aren’t gonna be good but are a very fun ride” You do have to commit to reading all four tho as it’s one big story split up. I got the first one, finished it and was like, dammit I need the rest!

[@blanche8384]

loved your video as usual ! my favourite novel i picked up recently is by mieko kawakami , it’s All the lovers in the night. I found it ethereal while being quite depressing and insightful, would definitely recommend ⭐️

[@Tabletopnonsense]

Welcome back 🎉 always look forward to seeing your videos in my subscriptions inbox.

[@NemuiDoraneko]

Speaking of - "Weird, not fitting into society, finding comfort in each other"-romance: I wonder if you'd (or anyone else who feels the same) like "Keeper of enchanted rooms" by C.N. Holmberg. I'd describe it as magic + romance + 1840s + strong female characters + complex feelings ish. I found it randomly and thought it would be easygoing romantasy, but it was much more than that.

[@mariboechat11]

leoni, you should most definitely read “women, race and class” by angela davis! i think you would really like this one

[@jellyphishin7001]

I read Perfume in October because of you, thank you so much for the recommendation, I loved it

[@越智寛]

The good thing about wisdom bookshelf is their main book called smt like inside the mind of elite i think, like wow so many insane secrets

[@terithomas4879]

Funny Story and Book Lovers are my two favorite Emily Henry books also! ❤

[@FATIMA-pe2fz]

just for the summer is my first romance book that i loveeeeddd

[@vincent_2232]

If you love bell hooks or eye opening essays PLEASE read ‘The Will to Change’ by bell hooks. It is hooks at her best it’s an immediate 10/10 and I think it’s by far one of the most thorough, accurate, and timeless analyses on modern masculinity!

[@MyBookHauledLife-Essie]

Japan and BOTM and incredible book reads! Glad you have had these adventures!

[@Jeon_mimikook]

Girls... Imissed your another channel.. I wish you Don't forget it

[@nikanokoi]

You're mentioning that you like romances between two people who don't fit in, so I wanted to recommend Paladin's grace by T Kingfisher, it's exactly that. I thought it was very good!

[@pallavikrishnan8660]

Theerreee....our comfort booktube girlie is back❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@沈正棻]

I would actually recommend, the stuff and secrets i found on wisdom bookshelf i never found anywhere on the internet.

[@Rieboppers]

My husband called The Will of the Many “Harry Potter Hunger Games.” Lol! We both thought it was good but it wasn’t as great as social media made me think it would be.

[@dinoSAUR6969]

If you would like a recommendation, I would definitely suggest the book Don’t Let the Forest in by C. G. Drews. It’s a very dark fantasy and it draws you in so much. I was left staring at a wall after I finished reading it. It has forest monsters and covers themes about mental health that I believe the author wrote beautifully. It was my favorite book I’ve read this year

[@carolinadiez5755]

leonie looove the new hair!! ❤

[@hayleyaguilar8660]

Have you read Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin? It might be my favorite read of the year but I’ve never heard anyone talk about it. I myself just randomly picked it up from a box of books on the street. It’s set in a world where the Axis Powers won WW2 and Germany and Japan have a motorcycle race every year to celebrate. The MFC was experimented on during the war (she’s Jewish) which led to her being able to shape shift and now she’s in the resistance. Her mission is to shift and impersonate one of the girls in the race so she can win, attend the victors ball, and kill Hitler. It’s fast paced and gripping. Couldn’t put it down and I highly recommend it. I feel like more people need to know about this book.

[@JimenaBlack]

I missed your videos so muuuuch! We read All about love back on march in My book club and i really like it, the only thing i didn't agree with was a bunch of the spitirual things because it felt so catholic 😅 but everything else was really good ❤

[@houseofplayboys6413]

lovelovelove the hair!!!

[@anna6995]

Would love to hear your thoughts on Part of Your World! I felt the same about Just for the Summer but Part of Your World remains one of the best romances I've ever read.

[@lounaguez5279]

Omg finnnaaaallly a new post, i was thinking of you just yesterday 😂

[@genowefatrabka2046]

The Bone Shard Dauther is one of best fantasy books that I read in years. Currently I'm reading third book, and it is tense. Author asks very complicated question about power, characters are morally grey... I think this book is very, very underrated.

[@sweetForgiveness]

your hair is perfection 😍😍

[@LightPink]

I read a wizard of eacthsea and it was so good! I also loved book 2 but the third bored we so I stopped 80 pages in. The books weren't written to be a series so that's fine and I still 100% recommend the first one.

[@poppycalliope]

THE BEST video to end my day with 📖💌

[@amysquie]

I am going to buy All About Love on your recommendation! My county library has NO Bell Hooks which is crazy to me, so I'm going to suggest they buy it!

[@Mnfst011]

Anyone else here obsessed with Olivia's Cooper "Manifestation Hacks"? It's like discovering a secret treasure map of manifestation!

[@litera_queen]

One book from japanese lit that I loved and recommend so much is Kappa

[@begumkarahasanoglu1740]

I thought book of the month did not ship internationally?... no?

[@JosephFuller]

I re-read 'Salem's Lot over the Holloween season. I timed it as an interlude between books four and five of the Dark Tower series. I loved it, it was very atmospheric and nearly made me believe in vampires. It also inspired me to pick the pen back up and continue working on my un-fiction short story about a New England vampire epidemic set in 1855 from the perspective of freed and escaped slaves that end up becoming the scapegoats for an outbreak of Consumption, or are the vampires real after-all?

[@viivi4196]

your hair looks so pretty!!

[@evanurse9078]

she's back! love the hair

[@clemoswin]

I'm happy to see you again :)

[@jannekewade-dejong2773]

Totally agree with you on all about love. I almost underlined the whole book lol

[@so-meichi]

Love your hair!!!

[@onlywildthoughts]

i literally uploaded the almost exact same video today, this is absolutely crazy to me somehow 🥹 been loving your videos for 8 years now, leonie, you’re such an inspiration to me 🤍

[@fynnsternis6432]

Ooooh your hair is so cute :)

[@madyleine]

saw your video and went: thank you! haha. Just in time, I'm looking for my current read 😊

[@colinbeeks1267]

Really interesting and excellent book reviews. Thank you 😊 Currently reading Demon Copperhead which is absolutely amazing!