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/shop/carolynma...
My Social Media: CarolynMarieReads
***My Etsy shop - www.etsy.com/shop/CarolynMari...
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***Art/Book Instagram - / carolynmariereads
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***Business inquiries: [e-mail]
***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.

[@paureads8141]

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!

[@neonoires]

I love this because I am trying to actually read less books in 2024... not because I am falling out of love with reading but because I want to read more quality books instead of just trying to do a huge reading challenge number. I want to spend more time with my books so a nice chonker would hold my attention and let me be part of their world for longer. I absolutely loved 1Q84, I would love to read it again.

[@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.

[@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!

[@Not_convinced]

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

[@mediumjohnsilver]

Anecdote about _1Q84._ Years ago, I was walking through Georgetown (DC) and stopped at the public library. I browsed the shelves and pulled out _1Q84._ I had never read Murakami, but was immediately pulled in by the first chapter, from the fascinating situation, and from the fact that I remembered the piece of music mentioned - I had bought an LP of _Sinfonietta_ back in college. From the library, I headed right over to the big used bookstore at Dupont Circle and bought the book. I loved the book.

[@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.

[@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%

[@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!

[@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.

[@eleanoreve406]

so excited for this, especially the count of monte cristo ! a fable bookclub could be a good idea for everyone to chat about the books

[@MarisaAndChew]

Have you and Emma considered doing this on Fable and then also doing the KZbin wrap up? I love the sense of community on fable reading the same book at others with different areas of discussion etc to keep you motivated! It's free too!

[@emilyb1560]

I recently found out about this book club and am so excited to join. Would anyone be interested in buddy reading and/or virtual meet ups to chat about the books? I love listening to others talk about books, but I'm terrible at chatroom discussions (my thoughts are way slower than the feed 😂). So excited to read or reread these!!! Except Little Women...I've tried twice to read it and haven't succeeded yet. This will be the year!

[@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!

[@jeans4108]

I’ve read all these (except the Murakami)and they are all fantastic 😁. You’re in for a great year! I read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell in 2023 and I think it’s my favorite book this year. ❤

[@haleythewhitaker]

such a good list!! so excited🎉❤ lotr is kind of the best book ever written

[@agustinamei6691]

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

[@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.

[@MoonFlower447]

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 🥰

[@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! 🎄

[@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 💕

[@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

[@aubreyholt279]

I LOVE that you chose two non-classics! What a fun variety and I will absolutely be joining for some of these books ❤

[@cinnamonteeth]

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.

[@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.

[@s00005]

Noway!! I have at least three of these on my next year tbr, and I’m happy to read them with you both!

[@averyforeman5208]

I love middlemarch!! And someone just gifted me Jonathan strange and Mr norell. This is perfect!

[@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

[@emmiereads]

Let’s goooooooo

[@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.

[@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’.

[@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! ❤️❤️

[@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.🎉❤

[@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

[@Ninaofthe90s]

by the way...a German translation is always longer than an english translation. So in Germany the edition I own of "The count of monte cristo" has 1400 pages! Middlemarch has 1200 😂 so yeah...1000 pages...that's actually pretty common in Germany. 😄

[@pickering746]

The Count of Monte Cristo is brilliant, read it earlier this year - Penguin Black Spine. It was also my first introduction to classic literature 👍😎

[@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.

[@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 🎄🍾📚❤

[@ba-gg6jo]

My measure of a big tome is anything over 800 pages. Grossman is well worth trying. good luck to everyone and have a great festive holiday.

[@Ozgipsy]

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

[@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!

[@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. ❣

[@shinyswondrouslibrary]

aahh I'm excitedd

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Yay!

[@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 🥰

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

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

[@antonias_bliss]

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

[@GilbertHorn1]

Since you have an interest in JUmbos, consider: The Mysteries of Paris - Eugene Sue - (Penguin) one volume 1,380 pages; The Mysteries of London - George W.M. Reynolds - (Valancourt) - two volumes - 2,316 pages. Lots of fun.

[@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.

[@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

[@tinarobinson3265]

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

[@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..😍❤️

[@duyguacar2504]

I read little women this year but not good wifes I dont have the one by susanne clark. However i have the other 4 books which makes me so excited. Especially 1q84 oh my gosh as a huge murakami fan i have read 16 books of him and i was waiting for the right time to read 1q84. I guess that is it🎉 it sounds amazing.

[@ofglittersandblood3397]

so excited for this!! im french and can't wait to read the original version of monte cristo but it's so much longer in french it's like 1800-2000 pages help

[@christinaalvarez332]

Woo hoo!! I'll definitely join for LOTR, Jonathan Strange, and Little Woman. 🥳🥳🥳

[@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.

[@cate7540]

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

[@lillycluff8641]

IM SO EXCITED!!

[@baskinthestory]

I only just found out about this and am just starting the Count of Monte Cristo as had it down as one of the 10 classics I wanted to read in 2024! So I'm very very excited about this Hang on.....Middlemarch is in my list too AND Little Women! Woohoo! Looks like I'm sticking with you guys throughout the year! Lord of the Rings is one of my absolute favourites so I may well be tempted to re-read it when you get to it

[@alyssaguevarra8687]

Merry Christmas Carolyn Marie! ❤

[@leezirkle7840]

Cannot wait!

[@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 😭🫶🏽

[@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 🫶🫶

[@jmsl_910]

you inspired me to read AK this year. i'm SO GLAD i did. ty for making this video. now to choose which big book to choose!! you are the best!

[@itsrox9339]

Very exciting!!

[@seddd4299]

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

[@brittanyallemanayers3447]

Great book picks! I can't wait!

[@leah.terry-knit_spin_read]

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

[@asan1050]

Carolyn Thank you for posting and Merry Christmas.

[@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!

[@WeWiLLRefuse]

Middlemarch is fantastic! I just read that for my 19th Century lit class, this past semester. I highly recommend!

[@erinjandacreative]

Such great picks! So excited for 2024!

[@Sophia-mc6nk]

Omg so many of the big books on my physical tbr are on here so I'll definitely join in!

[@jamesduggan7200]

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

[@denisefreitas6727]

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

[@andreluissoriano]

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

[@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! 🥰

[@ReadingIDEAS.-uz9xk]

Best wishes with your reading in 2024.

[@barbaramanickas6580]

I’m so excited!! Most of these books were already on my TBR !!

[@rich_in_paradise]

I like big Books and I cannot lie...

[@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.

[@pithygrapefruit]

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

[@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 ❤

[@sde078]

when you were building up to 1Q84 i thought you were going to say The Stand!! i got so disappointed until i remembered that i’ve been wanting to read 1Q84

[@diananwilati6948]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 🎄🎄🎄

[@PinkZebraReads]

Little Women is my absolute favorite classic!!

[@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 ❤

[@bookshelfofmahi]

i will join you guys for may and june reading cause I am waiting to read these for years :)))

[@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.

[@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

[@creativemantlemusic9305]

Oh, and Merry Christmas!!

[@verucasalt4535]

I definitely will be reading 1Q84 along with you guys. Can't wait!

[@burge2695]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@capturedbyannamarie]

Awesome! Most of those books I planned to read this year anyways! Yay

[@kailashields9330]

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

[@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! ❤