a chaotic and shady spring wrap up | books & tv shows

Hiiii everyone 👋🏾
I'm back with my April and May wrap up video, and things get a little shady. 👀 May was by far the worst reading month for me as the slump completely took over. 😭
What do you think? Was I too harsh? 🤷🏾‍♀️🙈
Speak to you in the next one!
BOOKS MENTIONED 📖
WEIRD F**** - LYNNE TILLMAN
WELLNESS - NATHAN HILL
MY BELLY - HILDE OSTBY
GHOSTS - DOLLY ALDERTON
SOMEONE YOU TRUST - RACHEL RYAN
HAPPY PLACE - EMILY HENRY
AFTER I DO - TAYLOR JENKINS REID
PUSH - SAPPHIRE
TV SHOWS/FILMS MENTIONED 📺
BABY REINDEER - NETFLIX
CLEANING UP - NETFLIX/ITV
QUIET ON SET | THE DARK SIDE OF KIDS TV - DISCOVERY
ASHLEY MADISON | SEX, LIES AND SCANDAL
FORREST GUMP - NETFLIX
SCOOP - NETFLIX
UNLOCKED | A JAIL EXPERIMENT
The Death Of The First Trans Reality TV Star: Exposed | Miriam: Death Of A Reality Star | Channel 4
• The Death Of The First...
Music is from Epidemic Sound
✨Goodreads: / nickellesnook
💌 Contact me here: [e-mail]
#booktube #wrapup #bookchat #listenable #blackbooktuber #booktubers

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh the teaser at the start. He’s here for it. Sorry you’ve had such a slumpy bumpy month or two. Here’s to a summer of stunners. Ps. Wearing a (fabulous) jumper in May here in the UK, is so 2024. Ppps. I have the same response to ITV dramas, always think they’ll be awful. Haha.

[@dawnlizreads]

I tend to like ITV dramas because they're awful - for the same reason, I like Silent Witness. No brain is required to watch etc.

[@NickellesNook]

Haha thank you! ❤ gosh I really need it you know, reading hasn’t been fun atm. I know?!? 😂What on earth is going on with the weather 😂 Yeah they certainly don’t have a great rep do they 😅

[@NickellesNook]

⁠@@dawnlizreadshaha yes I like them for this reason! They require like 2% brain power 😂

[@TheBeatlesToday]

Your point on Dolly Alderton’s characters is spot on. I’m so tired of reading novels about privileged white women in their 30s acting super immature. If a book like that is supposed to be satirical, then fine, but I’ve read so many novels recently where their immaturity is supposed to be relatable - and it’s really not! It makes me ask, who actually behaves like this?? 😂

[@NickellesNook]

Haha I’m glad someone else agrees! The immaturity is insane 😂 Yeah I just think she’s unable to pivot from this type of character. I still want to give her a chance as I do like her, but I want something different you know?

[@meikusje]

I feel like everyone has been in a slump this month! In April I read twelve books, so far in May I've read six, and only two of them I really enjoyed (The Great Gatsby and Nothing to See Here). And I soft DNF so many! Picked them up, started reading, couldn't get into it, put them down, picked up new book, repeat cycle. Feeling like standing in front of a fully stocked fridge yet 'there's nothing to eat' 😅 it happens sometimes! I just ride the wave until I feel like reading again. Sometimes a reread of a favorite can help, or stepping out of my comfort zone and challenging myself. But sometimes, and this is one of those times, I just need a break from reading and do other stuff for a bit. Cut yourself some slack, if nothing is vibing with you, maybe your brain is telling you something.

[@floraandfable]

I really like that you also shared tv shows that you watched, I wouldn’t mind if you would do that more often 💖 I think Taylor Jenkins Reid is a good example of not always being the best from the beginning, and to not give up because you learn with time. Right now her books are really amazing, and that she improved !

[@NickellesNook]

Ahh thank you! I do watch quite a lot of TV so I thought it was fitting to include in the wrap up. ☺️ Absolutely, I completely agree. She’s certainly honed in on her craft and I think she’s a fantastic author. 💕

[@YourTrueShelf]

Oh no, such a shame you had so many disappointing books!! Not surprised you're in a slump! If you have audible, my recommendation is to listen to one of the Cara Bastone free ones - they are so good and I promise they'll make you feel better! "Who loooooves orange soda?!" - I hope nothing bad happened to Keenan and Kel! 💔 Love forrest gump 🥰 Xx

[@UpgradedTroglodyte]

I have been in the same slump (a life slump really). People have suggested rereading old 5 stars/comfort books, reading something ridiculous, going back to middle grade books, switching to audio only (maybe with a narrator you love). I think you are being direct and honest which I love. Not reading for a while is OKAY. Doesn’t change your identity as a reader or lover of literature!

[@NickellesNook]

Wow this is top notch advice, I didn’t think about rereading a previous 5 star or comfort book. These are all good ideas, thank you. ☺️ Sorry that you’ve been in a slump, a life slump feels very real for a lot of us right now, so I completely get it. 😞 I hope today is a better day for you.

[@jacksonlover121]

Very happy to see another upload! I totally feel you on the reading slump - I haven’t read a decent book since the beginning of the year and it’s put me in a major reading slump! Trying to force myself to read but just not enjoying anything :(

[@dawnlizreads]

Sometimes, I think slumps happens because there's genuinely nothing worth reading. You go into Waterstones etc and they seem to have 20 versions of the same thing. Really difficult to find something original to read. That said would recommend looking at Britsh Library collection of female authors. They tend to be about £2.99 on Kindle. I'd recommend Sally on the rocks.

[@NickellesNook]

My sympathies are with you my friend! I think sometimes it’s best to take a break and then just come back to it later on. I can tell I’m in a slump as I walked passed the book shop on the weekend and didn’t even want to go in and browse. Very unlike me and it made me so sad. 😭

[@NickellesNook]

⁠@@dawnlizreadsthis is very well put!!! ☺️

[@deannacunningham583]

Forrest Gump is one of my favorite Tom Hanks movies. I also loved Castaway. I love just how honest you are! ❤

[@NickellesNook]

It’s so good! Ahh Castaway is on my list as I’ve heard it’s amazing as well. Splash and Big are some of my faves from him 🥰 Proper comfort movies. 🍿 🥰

[@deannacunningham583]

@@NickellesNook If you get the chance watch The Money Pit. It's very early Tom Hanks. It's great!

[@DEBateBooks]

Omg the feeling when you’re in a slump is so scary!!! Apparently rereads of your favs can help which I’m gonna try the next time in a slump. LOVED Taina but yeah quiet on set was such a hard watch, to think as a kid you’d watch those shows and think those actors had the best/most fun lives ever. Loved baby reindeer and the Ashley Madison documentary was sooo scandalous, I used to watch Sam and Nia when I was younger too so it was sooo wild seeing that story line 👀

[@NickellesNook]

I know! I even walked passed Waterstones on the weekend and didn’t even want to go in and have a browse. Such good advice, I would have never have thought to reread something. I think I may try that. 💛 Thank you ✨ Ohh I know! I really looked up to all of those actors and thought “you’re literally living my dream” but it was revealed to be a nightmare! No way?!?!?!? I never even heard of them before, I bet you were shoook seeing them come out like that! 😭

[@theheleneway8945]

Uhhh I love that new intro(where it says spring wrap up) well done!!🫶

[@NickellesNook]

Aww thank you 💖 I thought I’d change things up 😅🙈

[@sophiesmith793]

This was such a fun watch 😄 also - if you loved book lovers you’re going to LOVE funny story. Definitely up there as one of Emily Henrys best. 💫

[@NickellesNook]

Ahh really?! This makes me so excited!! I’m hoping it’ll get me out of the slump as it’s something familiar and comforting 🥰 Thanks for your kind comment btw xx

[@chancecarer5234]

Yes! Baby Reindeer was great and very thought-provoking. I read the book Push and watched the movie Precious based on the book. These two stories are heartbreaking, disturbing, and extremely triggering.

[@NickellesNook]

It was top tier for me, absolutely loved it! Oh wow, you’re brave for finishing the book. I love the movie, but the book is 🤯 I had to sit that one out. 😂 I agree with you, incredibly disturbing.

[@mangoliys]

my comfort booktuber posted !!!! missed your videos nickelle, hope you’re doing well.

[@NickellesNook]

Aww this is so sweet, thank you!! Apart from the slump I’m doing okay, I hope you’re alright?

[@mangoliys]

@@NickellesNooki’m good thank you, sorry for the late reply !

[@abbyburns3127]

I've been loving the TV series "Trying". It feels reminiscent of an Emily Henry book in the way it balance humor, tough topics, and feels a little unpredictable (in a nice way?). I binged the first two seasons so here's to hoping the next two are as good.

[@NickellesNook]

Ooooh I’ve never heard of that before but I’ll look it up, I’m always looking for a new TV series to start. Thanks for recommending ☺️

[@onourpath]

I had a 4-year dry spell, so you're doing ok! Keep in mind that these books might not be good for right now, but maybe later. I loved sassy Nickelle today -- more please! LOL 😂🤣😂🤣

[@NickellesNook]

4 YEARS?! Oh my goodness me!!!! 😂What was the first book you read after 4 years? I’m intrigued!! Haha if I’m still in a slump she’ll definitely be back for the next wrap up 😂😂

[@onourpath]

@NickellesNook Haha! It was horrible! The first book that got me back was One By One by Ruth Ware, and although that book was just ok for me, I am a big fan of hers. However, the next one, Red White and Royal Blue, by Casey McQuiston, was a 5 star book for me -- and I was off!

[@whatraereads]

Absolutely love this Nickelle! Loved seeing your favourites and your editing was really popping in this 👏 the *sips tea* was killing me too 😂 Highly recommend Emily Henry’s Funny Story for a sweet lighthearted read. And I’m currently read Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors which I think you’d love ❤

[@NickellesNook]

Awwwwwwwww thank you so much! 😂 I tried to be diplomatic ☕️🫖😂 Oh I will most likely be reading that next, I can’t believe you managed to snag it for £9! I’m so pleased you’re enjoying Blue Sisters, defo can’t wait to read it, hopefully I’ll get to it next month too. 💕

[@Immvi]

❤ Love your book choices, they are very similar to mine. I was disappointed with Good Material from Alderton unfortunately, too. I'm now really excited to read (my old writing teacher's debut 🌼) the Safekeep!! She's the best writer of deeply sexy and intelligent characters so definitely a recommendation, I think!

[@shannonmoreau2531]

Loved loved loved Happy Place-I also picked that one up after a DNF. Just finished Baby Reindeer this weekend, had to watch it in chunks over three weeks because it’s so intense but it’s so good.

[@BigBahookie]

Enjoying you experimenting with more edits / intros! Love the video as always 💕

[@eileen6612]

Really enjoyable video Nickelle - 💫 thank you 💫 I completely agree with your review of Ghosts, I had high hopes but was very disappointed - that said i did read Good Material and would recommend it. I've added Wellness to my TBR 📚 Fingers crossed for a slump-free June, but i did appreciate the pivot to TV recs📺

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much for watching! ☺️ Oh I’m glad it wasn’t just me, I was expecting more and it just didn’t deliver. I’m glad you enjoyed Good Material though, I think I’ll read that one next from her as I like the idea of reading a break up from a guys perspective. ☺️ Haha thank you 😅

[@snava2106]

Don’t be so harsh with yourself, some months are just not meant for getting a lot of reading done. Anyway, loved the video as always! ☺️

[@nissasbookcorner]

your sweater is soo cute omg. great video :))

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much!! 💓

[@julietareads]

I haven’t read Ghosts, but from other Dolly Alderton books I totally get what you are saying about it feeling privileged, and it’s a hard feeling to explain bc it’s not like she’s “showing off” necessarily but it still feels a bit weird

[@NickellesNook]

Yes bang on! Perfectly put! I’m wanting to read Good Material from her next, but I’ll be disappointed if it’s another privileged MC again as I’d be interested to see what other types of characters she can write about. ☺️

[@mollyjaybooks]

Crime And Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky (writing from memory so spelling is probs incorrect) was my Wellness. It took me 1-2 months to finish!! I found the way it was written really pretentious but I actually enjoyed the story! I hope your slump ends! X

[@NickellesNook]

Haha it’s so funny how it works out, at least it was worth it pushing through to get a great outcome. Thank you ☺️ xx

[@LaurenIozzi]

I felt exactly the same way as you with Ghosts by Dolly Alderton!

[@chocolateoreo6489]

I adore your accent and your honesty (:

[@moony-_-.]

Are we the same person?? I have been going through the most horrific slump for 3 months now it’s been awful! 😭 it seems like once you get that first 2 star it’s all downhill from there 😂 As for shows I’ve been obsessed with sci-fi/book adaptations lately I recently finished Silo on Apple TV which was incredible the definition of well made sci-fi and when the writers understand and appreciated the source material, also watching Dark Matter another sci-fi book adaptation, Interview with the Vampire which is a classic incredible writing and screen play I’m rambling now but have you watch Abbot Elementary it’s so good! looking forward to June I’m slowly but surely dragging myself out of this slump

[@Norman834]

This was a really fun engaging wrap up. I'm struggling through Ghosts for the same reasons, is it worth finishing?

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you v much 🥰 I feel your pain my friend. Hmmm, tbh knowing what I know now, I would have DNFd rather than pushing through. But it’s entirely up to you ofc

[@chocolateoreo6489]

I’m sending you love❤❤❤

[@NickellesNook]

Awwww, thank you!!!! You’re always so sweet. Sending love back to you too! 🥰

[@chocolateoreo6489]

@@NickellesNook Aw of course love! It’s true! And Aw thank you🫶🫶

[@lauravdartel]

Babes this look 😍 2 reads a month is so relatable! Also finished baby reindeer what a show… so brave and reflective. 🩵

[@poetrybysuhashani__]

got my earl grey ready ☕

[@EvieM1]

❤

[@Shesh452]

Hey!! Love your nail polish. What brand is it and is it gel or just nail polish? Thanks in advance ❤

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you! Yes it’s from Essie, from their expressie range so it dries super quick. The shade is called ‘with destiny’ 💓

[@moomin7414]

Love the new intro and where did you get that sweater?🩷🩷

[@NickellesNook]

Thank you so much! 💕 It’s from the Ragged Priest and I got it in the sale. 🥰

[@claraclarke8642]

I just finished Ghosts and really disliked it as well. Currently trying to get out of a slump from it 😭 it was so disappointing!!

[@NickellesNook]

Right?! So disappointing indeed! 😣 Hopefully you’ll find something to get you out of a slump.

[@thejenmath]

Crossing my fingers your reading slump ends soon! They're the worst.

[@NickellesNook]

Awww thank you!! I know! It’s so disheartening sometimes. 😩

[@moomin7414]

This channel is really my comfort channel.🩷 Can’t get enough of your videos. And also reading two books is good! There are months where I’m dragging myself through one book😩

[@NickellesNook]

Awww this is cute, thank you. 🥰 I totally feel you!!! It can be a slog can’t it 😂

[@AwkwardBookworm]

I have still never read an Emily Henry book 😩

[@NickellesNook]

Ahhh!!! That’s okay, there’s no rush! I hope you like her books if/when you do read one 💖

[@artandbooks5850]

Did you knit your sweater?

[@NickellesNook]

Ahh I wish!!! 😊 It’s from the Ragged Priest 💖

[@nicolesherman8974]

I want to get into Emily Henry.. lol.

[@mangoliys]

book lovers catapulted me into being an emily henry fan in summer of 2022. last year i read beach read and didn’t like it as much (gave it 3 ⭐️) . this summer, i plan on reading the big three i have left (pwmov, happy place and funny story). i think the best way to get into her books is to read which ever really intrigues you from the synopsis. her writing is so engaging and realistic and d i feel like the first book of hers you read will likely be your favourite.

[@NickellesNook]

Defo start with Book Lovers! ☺️☀️📖

[@NickellesNook]

⁠​⁠@@mangoliyscompletely agree!!! Yes I haven’t heard great things about beach read so I may skip that one. I know she’s a very hyped up author, but I really do enjoy your books and writing style! Instant comfort 💖