reading BIG BOOKS in 2024 - Game of Tomes bookclub!

Hi friends, ‪@emmiereads‬ and I are reading TOMES in 2024! If you want to join, here are all of the BIG BOOKS we'll be reading!!
Let's read big books together!
Warm wishes,
Carolyn Marie
***You can find all of the books we'll be reading in a list on my Amazon Storefront, incase you want to join in - www.amazon.com...
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***Want to write to me or send something?
Carolyn Castagna
P. O. Box 773
Greenlawn NY 11740
United States
**Please don't feel like you need to send me anything, but if you'd like to I would be honored!!!** :)
***About me -
I'm a freelance illustrator and writer who graduated (in May of 2021) from The Fashion Institute of Technology with my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Illustration and a minor in English/Writing.
My greatest passion in life is combining my three loves: illustrating, writing, and reading!
Happy Reading :)
#booktube #bookclub #reading

[@starswnames]

I know you said you don’t have a discord for the bookclub but having one would be sooo nice! It would be better to have a chat/structured discussion with everyone who’s reading the book!

[@booksinbed]

I'd love to join a discord for this, too!

[@sinichkaaa]

​@@booksinbedI'd like too!!❤

[@carmoalbuquerque]

Read all but 1Q84 and Jonhatan Strange & Mr. Norwell so in the other months I will read the Tomes of Last year

[@mollygilmore1258]

they used to have a discord for this book club in the past, but everyone preferred the podcast style discussions that they both uploaded after the month so they don’t stream it anymore.

[@kurlykaitlyn]

The count of Monte Cristo is the bessstttt!! Read it this year and never got bored! It was honestly one of the easiest classics to read too! 😁❤️ Edmund Dantes is easily one of my favorite literary characters ever

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So happy to hear that!!!

[@dieuraltemorla1658]

This statement goes for me, too. I read it this year and it must be the most well-crafted book I ever laid my hands on.

[@PaulinaReadsss]

Omg! Now I’m excited to read it 😍

[@haerhawk]

I hope to be bookshopping on Christmas eve I hope to get Yevgeny Onegin If I Don't i will certainly be looking for previous game of tomes books for example:catcher in the rye ​@@CarolynMarieReads

[@MrD5914]

I checked out a copy of the Penguin Classics edition a couple months ago from my local library. Not done with it yet but you'll find yourself flying though it and wanting to read more and more each time. The translation makes it very readable too IMO. There's always something happening so you'll never be bored reading it!

[@carolinevs5731]

Really recommend pairing LOTR with the audio books, narrated by Andy Serkis! It’s really amazing how the story and characters come to live through his narration. :)

[@Momo_0_o]

I'm not an audiobook person but hearing that Andy Serkis does the narration really makes me want to listen to it! I'm such a fan of him!

[@deanblanton6804]

The older audiobooks with Rob Inglis are also really good! I recommend listening to a sample, if you can - to see which narrator suits you best

[@luciasafta1619]

I've been putting off Middlemarch for ages. Now I've got a reason to get into it. Yey! 😊

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yes, me too!! So happy to have you join us in reading it!

[@Toughmittens]

I came back to emmies channel because I was searching for people talking about middlemarch. I’m so glad to be here just in time. Seems like the kind of book that is hard to find other people to read along with

[@ekaterini128]

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is incredible. I was always so intimidated by it but ended up reading it in a week over the summer. Can't wait to see what you think of it!

[@emilyreads5207]

I love Little Women and the film adaptations. I watch 5 versions of it during the holidays. It was a favorite of my mom's as well, and she passed away on Christmas Day 2009, so I do it to remember her.

[@dailycarolina.]

I really enjoyed _The Count of Monte Cristo_, it was so engaging and very fast-paced, couldn't put it down hence I read it in less than a month. _The Lord of The Rings_ is one of my absolute favorite books of ALL TIME (Please keep in mind LOTR was always ONE book/one story as Tolkien wanted, despite being sold into three volumes in some editions because of its length and paper scarcity back then ). _Little Women_ was an adorable read for me. I hope all of you find these Tomes very entertaining and become your favorite reads, too !!

[@-8l-924]

💯 - a fun way I’ve heard LOTR described is it’s a novel across six books in three volumes.

[@KK-nz9eq]

Was expecting ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ to appear 😁 You should read it. It is great, one of my favorite books

[@apollonia6656]

Agree 100%

[@bujobyfilo]

That's fantastic! I needed a little help to read The Count of Montecristo and Middlemarch, so that's just perfect. Also I'm so glad we don't need to pay to be part of the club and share our thoughts and hear your reviews, thank you so much for that!

[@carolmerciez9226]

I'm looking forward to the new Tomes plan. These books have been on my TBR so it will motivate me to read them!

[@JessTree]

I’ve been wanting to read The Count of Monte Cristo! I’m taking this as a sign to read it in 2024!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yesss!!

[@alwm94]

Oh it's sooo good! I was intimidated by its size and typically only read modern book but I read this as part of a bookclub and it blew me out of the water! Prolly my fave book of the year. I listened to the audiobook and it was sooo juicy!

[@knapptrapp]

Read it. trust me.

[@agustinamei6691]

I loved The count of Montecristo. Hope you enjoy it ♥

[@MoonFlowerSis]

Do NOT be nervous about the Count of Monte Cristo! I also read the Penguin edition last year and loved it, a wild ride! Edmund Dantes will take his place right beside Don Quixote in your literary heroes hall of fame 🥰

[@shilohpeterson5307]

Literally so excited! Count of Monte Cristo is easily one of the most page turning, suspense-filled classics I've ever read. I think I may have to read all of these with you guys this year! Great selections

[@magda_mf]

I love that! I had the same exact idea that I want to read some big books in 2024 😁 It would be great to follow along with you two! Also I highly recommend The Count of Monte Christo 💕

[@adrienne4028]

I read the Count this year and you will love it. It’s a real page turner so don’t worry about the fact that it’s 1000 pages. Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@pheebs9255]

I think you're going to love Middlemarch! I read it late 2022 and loved it so much that I'm now writing my masters thesis about George Eliot

[@aleksandrrakitin9747]

Wow, what a selection! My parents have Count translated to Russian split up in two tomes and I've read the first one when I was younger, but never finished the whole. This year I bought a stunning illustrated edition of it by Folio Society second-hand and yet haven't touched it. Now I absolutely must read it along with you all! My copy has 1016 pages with readable font which averages to 17 pages a day to complete in 2 months, should be doable.

[@silverplim]

I used to be scared of Monte Cristo but my friend who isn’t even a classics reader gave it 5 stars and said it was really entertaining and fast paced. That made me feel rlly good about it! I think you’ll like it as well since despite its length it’s not super slow or difficult to read.

[@niamh864]

I'm actually currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo so I guess I've got a head start for the bookclub 😅😅 I've got 300 pages left and it is already one of the best books I've ever read, it's absolutely incredible! 🥰 Can't wait to hear your and Emmie's thoughts! ❤️❤️

[@octobergirl3460]

OMG it's here, the video I was waiting for. I was so excited for 2024 game of tombs and I'm happy to see all the books we are going to read. Most of them are in my tbr list and also I wanted to read big books too. So it will be an amazing reading year..😍❤️

[@TK-ux5du]

I'm so excited - I just got an early Christmas present 🎁of 3 books yesterday and one is The Count of Monte Cristo. Perfect timing! I love this idea of switching to one huge book every couple of months. 2024 is going to be a great reading year. 😊 Merry Christmas (to everyone who celebrates) and happy reading. ❣

[@Ygnez]

In light of the tomes: I just started Les Mis. Really enjoying it so far!

[@4ndrewjlm924]

Definitely a must read for me at some point. I love the Penguin Clothbound version.

[@mito_stellar]

I'm sooooo excited!!! I also have war and peace and les miserables on my shelf and haven't read them yet cause they are quiet intimidating but i guess 2024 will be the year for long books and I'm so here for it

[@jennylg6582]

I am so excited! I’ve been wanting to read the count of Monte Cristo for years and I’m taking this as a sign.🎉❤

[@camscornerbooks]

Emma’s channel inspired me to get back into reading in 2022 and my first book was The Count of Monte Cristo. Changed my life. I adored every single page and I was headlong back into reading again. This is my all time favorite book now. It’s phenomenal. ❤ I’m SO excited you’re both going to be reading it. Emma even has the copy I sent her as a thank you 🥰

[@brunamgc]

My favorite time of the year: Game of Tomes announcement 🎉 This year I managed to read some incredible books with you and Emma and you also inspired me to finally read some books that have been on my TBR for years! Thank you guys, happy holidays 🫶🫶

[@bryonyapril8538]

I really thought east of Eden was going to be on this list! I have never read little women so I hope I can read along with you guys for that one ❤

[@kurtfox4944]

Agreed, or Grapes of Wrath

[@martinelanglois3158]

Hi! I feel like I cheated and knew ahead of time (a few minutes) because I just watched Emma's video 😆 I will certainly try to join in this new version of Game of Tomes. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎄🍾📚❤

[@Ozgipsy]

Yes, I’ll have a go. You two have really helped me to be a more sophisticated reader.

[@lisasstitchingandsuch]

I have all but one of these tomes :) I bought 1Q84 when it first came out and it came as three paperback books inside a plastic case - very pretty.

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

I'm so excited for you! Middlemarch was my first tome, now I am no longer intimidated by big books.

[@denisefreitas6727]

I absolutely loved the sellection! Happy holidays and happy readings, darling Carolyn! 💖🎄📚✨

[@thomasscottwilliams6672]

I will reread this as part of the community as I hadn’t journaled the themes and excerpts so I shall join you for middlemafch too. Yay.

[@jeremyweitendorf6723]

I started TCoMC over the summer, and I’m about 300 pages into it. What I’ve read so far has been really good

[@jamesduggan7200]

Thx Carolyn: looking forward to joining you and the Tomes in 2024. Happy New Year!

[@doaadikrallah]

ICB YOU CHOSE THE BOOKS I REALLY WANTED TO READ FOR 2024 AHHHH this is so perfect and i swear even before i started this video i was like i hope they choose montecristo this year AND THEN BOOM first book of the year 😂 so so glad and excited to read them all with you 😭🫶🏽

[@cate7540]

Four of those books are on my bookshelf. I have been wanting to read them for awhile. This will be fun!

[@IggyPuff888]

Just saw Emma’s video earlier. So glad you guys are reading The Count, been on my TBR since…I don’t know when, started it already but never progress beyond 100 pages. Would definitely be participating for the first four months…and let’s see how it goes. THANK YOU GUYS!

[@anitas5817]

I’m excited for all of these. Have read 2. Lord of the Rings about 40 years ago and SO excited for a reread. Strange and Norell was a DNF several years ago- I just couldn’t get into it but hope to appreciate it better on a second go.

[@booksandme397]

Sadly I am goin to miss the first book but going to be part of the book club from middle March Cannot tell how excited I am

[@CarolynMarieReads]

So excited for you to join us in March and April! :)

[@booksandme397]

@@CarolynMarieReads I think you and Emma would take my big book fear away 😂

[@Blondie101010100]

So looking forward to this. I'll definitely be reading along with Middlemarch and Little Women. 🎉 Merry Christmas Carolyn, aways a delight watching your videos ❤

[@seddd4299]

all of them are on my 2024 tbr, so I2m reeeaaallyyy exciting. I'M IN

[@diananwilati6948]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 🎄🎄🎄

[@heatherdubeart]

I loved 1Q84!! Oh my goodness, I didn’t realize how huge it actually was because I read it as an e-book - seeing it in this video is almost shocking! It’s very enjoyable. I love your Game of Tomes book club! Such a fabulous idea, Carolyn Marie! Thanks for all your inspiring videos - you are so awesome and sweet and funny, I adore you! ❤

[@picketfenced5771]

I have never been in any book clubs but I love you & Emma’s channel. And I gotta say, THOSE BOOK CHOICES WERE INCREDIBLE!! These are all books I’m dying to read anyway. And I’ve always wanted to watch the live show!!! SO I AM JOINING, YOU HAVE INSPIRED ME

[@debyik]

I'm so excited for this book club. I LOVE chunky books! I have actually already read 3 of the books and 2 of them are already on my list of books I want to read this year, so this book club is perfect!

[@tarareads23]

I read The Count of Monte Cristo years ago and loved it! Love that it’s your first read of the year with the new format (which I like). I just bought Middlemarch! Never even thought about reading it but I liked the synopsis and sounds like it’s going to be a good one. I wanted to read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell a while ago but after reading The Prestige by Christopher Priest, I lost interest. But now it’s up again knowing y’all will have it part of Game of Times this year. So those two I definitely know I’ll join in.

[@tinarobinson3265]

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is one of my all time favourites. I read it in a week! 💯 recommend!

[@tabithamiscellania]

I read the count of monte cristo earlier this year and I loooooved it. I think it's going to end up being my favorite book of the year, just because it still lives in my heart rent free ❤

[@Tetsujin-28]

Pillars of the Earth (Ken Follett) was my favorite book until I read 1Q84 this year. Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays.

[@ashwinirajgopal]

Started monte cristo today. Definitely excited for the next couple of weeks. 😊

[@Bearica72]

I’m a bit late to start but just got the Count of Monte Cristo! Very excited about the list this year.

[@AllieVDB]

Woo hoo!! 2024 just got a whole lot better already :D

[@kathy2539]

I tried reading Jonathan Strange a few years ago and dnf'd, I 'm looking forward to trying again with a group. Little Women is a book I've read a few times, but have watched films, mini-series of over the years. I love this story so won't have any trouble re-reading this. The Count of Monte Cristo, funny, I've seen the film of this book many times, it starred one of my most favourite people, Richard Chamberlain, but I have never read the novel. Looking forward to doing so this year. It's heading on towards the end of January, so I'm really going to have to get 'Monte Criso' started, if I'm going to finish it!

[@lilalitaa]

maybe consider adding a half way point discussion? it could take place in month one off each reading journey? that way we get more content from you guys (selfish, i know) but it might also add motivation to read and also could make the discussion more in depth? just a thought

[@anitas5817]

I love this idea!!

[@pithygrapefruit]

I own all of these. So exciting!!!!

[@kana7715]

You guys reading both the count of monte cristo and 1q84 (my favorite books ever) is insane!!

[@kailashields9330]

I'm so excited to read all of the books on the list!! I'm so excited to read them with you all!!

[@alexandragutu8652]

This list is amazing! Will those big books in my shelves finally be conquered? I hope so! Can't wait to join this adventure with you all ❤ Also, happy holidays Carolyn! 🥰

[@isoseismic]

I like BIG BOOKS and I cannot lie!!! Yay!😂

[@michelleizoco]

Just started reading Little Women today (Christmas 2023) for exactly that reason! It's such a great story and I haven't read the book in years. Enjoy your tomes! The Count of Monte Cristo is on my TBR for 2024 as well, and I re-read Lord of the Rings every year for a decade, it's so good. Have a great time!

[@ClementOngera]

I read the The Lord of The Rings(the trilogy), in 1997, before the movies were made. I was disappointed by the movies, but I was glad to have read the books, for the books give way more information. It is such a good read. I shall re-read it again.

[@Cubehead27]

Very excited to read some big books with you folks 😊 haven't read Murakami before so that'll be cool, also I am very excited to have yet another excuse to nerd out about Tolkien some more 😂

[@BillHuzz]

I am currently reading Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and have approx 200 pages left. I highly recommend it! I like it so much that I purchased a British Limited Edition #1116/1450 cloth covered, signed and slipcased. GREAT CHOICE!!!

[@PinkZebraReads]

Little Women is my absolute favorite classic!!

[@bethanylaurenreads]

The Count is SO GOOD!!

[@1just_chillin]

i meant to do the book club last year and everything got out of hand for me lol. I'm definitely gonna try to make time this year but at the very least lord of the rings, i will always reread that series, and little women ( i love that copy of it) if nothing else at the very least. This year you have quite a few books from my tbr 4 of the 6!

[@Lyleelou11]

I read 1Q84 earlier this year and it was a WILD ride, I’ll look forward to rereading it :)

[@Momo_0_o]

I read 60 books this year (no audio) and this year I've decided to chop that way down and focus on just some big chonkers that have been sitting on my shelf for too long! I'm so happy to have stumbled onto this video and after reading some comments here, I think I may have to add The Count of Monte Cristo to my list haha. I'll be happy if I can get 5-6 tomes done this year! Happy reading ya'll!

[@charriedeparrie]

The Game of Tomes theme of 2024 is so perfect for my tbr! I've added War and Peace, The pillars of the earth and 2666, wich are al some serious tomes and very intimidating, but knowing you'll also be working through so many pages is strangely motivating 📘

[@aine9285]

Definitely looking forward to joining in with this. Excited I actually have some of the books which I’ve been meaning to get around to reading.

[@dianalong5738]

Looking forward to more great videos by you and Emma in 2024. Some really great reads you have to look forward to. I plan on reading Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell as it's the only one I haven't read and it's been calling from the bookcase. Merry Christmas and Happy holidays and thank you for taking time to share your love of reading with us.

[@joyfreeman9962]

Happy Holidays!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

You too! ✨

[@Riddering616]

I actually gasped when you announced Middlemarch. That novel is a masterpiece.

[@marjoriedybec3450]

I read The Count of Monte Christo this summer. Its worth the time it takes to read it. It took me over three months but I'm not a fast reader. The beginning is incredible. I would recommend cutting the spine into 3 books and creating your own covers where you leave the book naked. Tape it up with a colorful duct tape. it will make reading it so much easier. Middlemarch is one of my favorite books of all time. Here is my clue. Remember that the structure of this book is that it is the examination of a PLACE focusing on three separate stories. They do weave together eventually but I got derailed when the text switches from the first story to the second. So be ready for it. Also pay close attention to the quotes at the start of chapters. The others are all excellent choices, too. Enjoy. And Happy Christmas.

[@zenocrate4040]

A substantial part of my soul is comprised of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, and Middlemarch was initially tough but then utterly engrossing and unforgettable. I recommend reading Eliot’s The Lifted Veil and considering Middlemarch as reflected in that smaller work’s ‘mirror darkly’.

[@MrD5914]

Lord of the Rings! Tolkien's writing will take some getting used to at first especially with Fellowship (The Hobbits singing every 4 pages lol 😅) but once you get past Fellowship, Two Towers and ROTK will be a fun ride!

[@asan1050]

Carolyn Thank you for posting and Merry Christmas.

[@haerhawk]

Commented this on emmie's announcement video as well but I can't wait to join game of tomes 2024 as a booktuber myself

[@Elvispersoon]

The Count of Monte Cristo and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrel have been on my tbr for years, maybe this is the sign to finally pick them up this year🤷‍♀️😌 Also I hope you love the Lord of the Rings. i read it first when I was 9 and fell in love with the story. I reread it late in life and fell in love with Tolkien as an author. The best in fantasy to my opinion. ❤ It is worth to check out his other works as well, such as the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, but he has also done some non-Middle Earth works, such as a translation of Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. I have added some of my own priority tomes to my tbr this year, such as War & Peace, Anna Karenina and Don Quixote❤😊

[@somya537]

what i am gonna do is read 3 books, giving each book 4 months of time so that i can read on my own pace and participate too because there are 3 books that i really wnna read🥰

[@battybibliophile-Clare]

I read The Count of Monte Cristo and Middlemarch in 2023, both are now firm favourite. I also reread Lord of the books this year too. I have read it several tines in my long life.

[@burge2695]

I love murakami! I'm also reading 1q84 in '24

[@andreluissoriano]

I love this! Another push to read those big books.

[@lhieraaparre4064]

I'm ecstatic to see 1q84 in the Game of Tomes. Been wanting to read that again. Wasn't able to finish that monster book because of school responsibilities years ago. But I can recall I enjoyed that book, full of plot twists that were unrealistic. I'm planning to reread that in 2024. ❤️❤️

[@Q-Ball.]

My big book I’m starting in 2024 is À la Recherche du Temps Perdu (In search of lost time) by Proust

[@dianalong5738]

Good for you! I'm doing the third of the Proust books next year.

[@starlasell5698]

I would love to join in March/April. I already own Middlemarch and need to read it! Little Women and Lord of the Rings have been reread books for me!

[@sophieeliot]

Middlemarch is my absolute favourite. I think you're going to love it.

[@louisestgermain6428]

This is great! I already have 5 of the 6 books (just missing CoMC), although my copy of 1Q84 is a beat-up copy I rescued out of the free book bin of our local thrift store and I was going to make a craft out of it instead... but I'll wait until the summer and then make a craft out of it if it turns out I don't like it. (Haven't had good luck with Murakami before...!) The rest were all on my TBR anyway so this is perfect! I've especially had Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell for forever (like, at least 10-15 years!) so it's time I finally got to it! Thanks for putting this together!

[@grff_]

Ooohhh I don't particularly like bookclubs I feel intimidated, but i do own tlotr and i want to read jonathan strange and mr. Norrell so hopefully i can join those months! :)

[@chloelefeufollet]

I have middlemarch on my shelves still waiting 😭 hope it’ll encourage me to pick this book up this year 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@von20808]

I'm still read The Count of Monte Cristo. I got to chapter 55 and started the free audiobook on KZbin. It's a very good book but way too long. I want to finish it. I think the written story is only 1,243 pages long. The rest of the pages are Notes and other things.

[@rchhtt5210]

Yay the Count of Monte Cristo is so entertaining. It’s seriously feels like a fraction of the actual length. Don’t be scared! It’s very readable. Middle March is on my list for next year. Currently reading Little Woman:)

[@antonias_bliss]

Started the count of monte cristo a couple days early and so pleased that so far it seems endlessly quotable. So fun!

[@hectorrobertocontrerasmiranda]

Thank you for curing me of my ridiculous obsession with that edition of Middlemarch* Missed opportunity to put East of Eden on next year's TBR BTW *a novel which I know I'm not gonna like but I still wanted to buy in that edition 'cuz pretty in pictures

[@moodypanda3199]

ahhh!!! i started the count of monte cristo just a few days ago!! 🥰

[@astronomylover3266]

First thing that came to my mind when you said big book is count of Monte cristo 😂

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Best wishes with your reading in 2024.

[@leah_terry]

I'm very excited about this bookclub! I have most of the books already so, why not?!