reading (more) BIG BOOKS in 2025 - Game of Tomes bookclub schedule!

[@emmiereads]

BIG BOOK TIME🎉

[@joelharris4399]

Big, sweet and juicy

[@joelharris4399]

El grande!🎉

[@martinelanglois3158]

So... you picked a book with mountains that is a good winter read. Really not surprised. 😄 💙❄ Now I'll watch your video. 😀

[@nickele]

I love the idea of spending three months with each book instead of just two, that sounds a lot more manageable and enjoyable! It's even more perfect because The Magic Mountain, The Silmarillion, and Babel are already on my TBR shelf tapping their little feet waiting for me to pick them up :) And I've been eyeing East of Eden for a while now as well, so I'm very excited for Game of Tomes 2025! 🥳

[@jamesduggan7200]

I cannot lie, I like big books and you know why. I like big books that make me cry and I like big books that hurt my eyes.

[@CherryBlossomXX93]

Loving the new timescales! I read a few with you last year, but couldn’t keep up with all of them alongside my own reading & work etc. so I will defo join the club on fable and read all 4 with you this year. Excited!! ❤

[@bookswithcoffees_]

Yes!! So excited to be reading again with you in 2025 🥰

[@MajestyHammond]

Also, I think the longer time frame will work well for me, as well, as I have several other clubs/reading I’m excited to do!! So excited for all of these! I read “The Silmarillion” last year, and it is literally the most epic thing ever. *Hastens over to Fable to update my TBR*

[@Dumballa]

I'm so glad you two have figured a way to keep Game of Tomes going. Awesome pics for the upcoming year!

[@VellichorLand]

East of Eden has been on my tbr for so long, and I can’t wait to finally get into it! I also just finished reading Babel, and it was so great I’ll probably reread it with you next year!

[@deborahracette9755]

I loved Babel! Never thought it would be for me, but picked it up anyway because of the hype. I enjoy words, languages, definitions so this was for sure my cup of tea!

[@irisrijntje5694]

Omg I read the first 100 Pages of the magic Mountain and East of Eden, but havent been able to continue eventhough I really enjoyed it. Excited to continue reading with you guys!!

[@creativemantlemusic9305]

Thank you for this video! I could listen to your voice endlessly! I meant to read along in 2024 but got somewhat sidetracked. I am going to read East of Eden and Babel with you guys, but I'm going to do Lord of the Rings and It (Stephen King) as my other BIG books. TLOTR has been on my TBR forever, so 2025 is the time! Happy New Year and let's go!

[@jmsl_910]

you won't regret it!

[@Courtney6]

I’m currently reading East of Eden. I’m only on chapter 5 but I want to read it slowly over the next few weeks to start the new year. Enjoying the beginning!

[@geraldinegranger9186]

I will be reading East of Eden alongside you. I too have high expectations!

[@LyndseyThackston]

East of Eden is amazing, you will love it.

[@Giovanni-t5e]

Hi Carolyn! Thank you for another wonderful video❤ I hope you don’t mind me making this video request. Can we pretty please get a “What I got for Christmas” video?

[@circleofleaves2676]

That's a gorgeous copy of East of Eden. I love the illustration on the front. I love the cover design. I love that it's french flaps.

[@naf8242]

Truly a beautiful copy with deckled edges. I found mine at Goodwill last year and it was in brand new condition. I haven’t finished it yet but I adore the author’s writing style. It’s like listening to a grandfather narrating a real-life story.

[@Blondie101010100]

Happy Holidays Carolyn. Delighted to see EAST OF EDEN ❤ 🎉 I'm currently re-reading it, one of my favs. Can't wait for both your opinions. Looking forward to the other books too ❤

[@MajestyHammond]

I joined Fable to be part of the Well-read book club, and I LOVE it - both the club and the app!! 🎉🎉🎉 I’m the same, it’s my new favorite for all things bookish, and honestly, app-ish.

[@womenwotreads]

I just got the Silmarillian for Christmas from my husband . It would be lovely to read with others. I also own Babel but have been a little intimidated by it so I'm happy to wait till the end of the year to read it with you 😄

[@rachitgupta1819]

As I was about to exit youtube, two notifications popped up from two of my most favourite KZbinrs, Emmie and Carolyn🥹🥰 I'm so so happy to read with you guys! I'm really excited for east of eden and babel. And a very very happy new year, Carolyn❤️✨

[@ravensandblots]

The silmarillion has a FANTASTIC audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis and it absolutely brilliant- highly recommend to give more depth!

[@CatherineLambert-fz7pd]

I can't unhear "I like big books and I cannot lie".

[@denisefreitas6727]

Love the books chosen! Can't wait to join you and Emma in these readings! 😊

[@subtlefire7256]

I really need to give The Magic Mountain another shot. I started reading it a while ago, and did really like it, but ended up getting stuck and eventually DNFed it. I think it simply wasn't the right time. I am SO excited for you to finally read East of Eden haha. It's a big favourite of mine and I can't wait to hear your thoughts. I hope you'll really enjoy it after so long. 😄

[@kathrinholweger8743]

I have read the Magic Mountain in the original (and my native) language German. Unfortunately, I really didn’t understand it. I think I mostly struggled to understand what exactly the book is trying to achieve. I might just have needed some more research before going into that one. East of Eden I really really enjoyed after having had mixed feelings about Grapes of Wrath. Babel should have been a safe 5 star, but I was surprisingly disappointed by the writing style and how the narrative was driven, but I seem to be much in the minority about that. Very curious how you’ll feel about those books.

[@CorallieBuchanan]

I tried reading babel this year, it’s quite dry in places. I actually DNFed it. I may try again when the book comes around at the end of the year with you guys.

[@tarastreasure]

I started Babbel almost two years ago and at some point had a 3 months break from it 😅 I just could not go on with it. Did finish it eventually. But it is a bit slow, well until after the middle of it... Doesn't really keep you hooked until the last quarter. I'm not a big fan of fantasy, anyway. I guess others can (and did) enjoy it more.

[@Lenaandthepages]

I’m so excited! I just joined the club on Fable! I read all of the books for this past year except for the Count of Monte Cristo and have read along in years past as well but haven’t actively participated in discussions! Thank you for always creating such beautifully curated reading lists! 🫶

[@capturedbyannamarie]

Definitely will be doing East of Eden, it’s already on my list to read.❤

[@MarcelaAgraf]

East of Eden YAAAAY

[@haleythewhitaker]

yessssssss the Silmarillion!!!! I am so happy y'all are doing this🤩😭🥰 I'm not that concerned for you and Emma, but be warned this book is notorious for being almost impossible to read on the first try!

[@erissylvain]

Also, "rings of power" have no rights on this book! They only have the rights for the appendices that are in LOTR, so nothing about Sauron or anything in that series is properly taken from The Sirmarillion. Lastly, the book is not in "storytelling" form... is not a "precuel" per-se, so I hope no one picks it up expecting the style of book of the lord of the rings.

[@junibacken729]

I love your picks! Unfortunately I read them both this year, but I’m really excited to hear your thoughts and might even reread the Silmarillion.

[@stargaryen2611]

Omg East of Eden is such a joy to read.

[@joelharris4399]

I've been buying a generous amount of nonfiction books lately, partly to prep up for the deluge of mis- and disinformation expected like the Red Sea next year. I try to haul an eclectic selection, so right now I am reading Erik Angner's 'How Economics Can Save The World' (2023) that advocates economics as a viable, evidence-based tool to solve contemporary problems with the goal of promoting general social welfare along the moral principle of egalitarianism. It is surprisingly optimistic amid the wave of doom-gloom prognostications. TBR: Sarah Wild's, 'Human Origins: A Short History (2023) and 'The Science of Why We Exist: A History of the Universe from the Big Bang to Consciousness' (2024) 🔥 🌞 Exciting stuff

[@sylvie-pf8vd]

You should add Jorden Peterson to your list! Might help you have a more optimistic/critical perspective of the future . Maybe ?

[@joelharris4399]

@sylvie-pf8vd Jordan Peterson? Interesting suggestion🙃

[@saulebdalin4809]

Overall big or not they are all books. Happy reading.

[@asan1050]

Carolyn Marie Thank you very much!

[@picketfenced5771]

I might join in for east of Eden and babel! :)

[@verucasalt4535]

You're so brave! I tried a few times to read the Silamrillion and couldn't get through it. Good luck!

[@Justfactsnofiction-ql2fj]

Nail game is strong! 💅🏻

[@martinelanglois3158]

Sorry my comment is not on books but I have to say I love your nails.💅 Wishing you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year !🎉🥂

[@kriskringlereads]

I’ll definetely join you in 2025!! 🤩 Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors, along with Tolkien 🥰 I’m sooo excited!! 🥳

[@neshkavirdure8289]

😃Wonderful Big Books for 2025😃😊, Especially For The Silmarillion😁😁😁📚Sooo Looking Forward to It😊👍👍

[@Laura-n1d1o]

The silmarillion and babel was on my list of books next year anyways awesome

[@vmr26]

I just kneeeeew one of them was going to be East of Eden haha, i actually just read it in November and became a favorite I'll see if I re-read with you guys 🤭

[@myhandle321]

Here is my big book list - In search of Lost time by Proust, Gormenghast Trilogy, The Tale of Genji. Behave by Sapolsky.

[@BillyWhaler]

East of Eden is a great read. If time limited, Michelle Kwan also skated to the brilliant EoE soundtrack in an iconic performance. A shorter story but ya know.

[@ChanyeolsHaneul]

I'm sorry to disappoint you but rings of powers is a fanfic. It isn't anything at all like the sillmarillion. character wise, plot wise. is more, everyone that loves Tolkien hates that series, cause they destroyed Galadriel character, and Sauron...and Everyone really.

[@fluentinsilence_]

agreed. can't believe what they've done to Tolkiens characters, stories, timeline... it's criminal.

[@kalee.miller]

Yes! 👏🏽 Watching season one was worse than watching a train wreck and I don’t know if I will ever watch season two. I have no desire and I don’t want to give it any view counts.

[@ba-gg6jo]

Sillmarillion is not the easiest book to transfer to the screen but Rings of Power failed miserably. There are some books that should not be transferred to the screen.

[@erissylvain]

@ba-gg6jo because it's exactly the opposite. They don't own the rights of Sirmarillion. They can not use anything of that book, storywise, or even character names! People are really confused about that, rings of power is not based on the Sirmarillion at all, or they will get sued. It is only based on the appendices from LOTR and the hobbit. So, like the first comment said, it is just a fanfic.

[@ba-gg6jo]

@@erissylvain Cheers for the clarification, so just trading off the name. Have a good New Year.

[@nur-e-diphamuttaqi]

Thank you Book of Tomes.... I have finished this year not in the same order as you...Middlemarch and Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell... I am finishing off this year with Babel by KF Kuang. As you both are literature and linguistic and translation students, you will LOVE IT. I can't wait to explore Thomas Mann and Victor Hugo next year. Happy New Year to you both. Love you guys soooo much. Hugs from an Bengali Aussie girl living in Bangladesh.

[@h31918]

Omg! I am so excited for the big books:) by the way will the bookmarks be restocked?:) I would love to get some but I guess most of them are sold out:( love your sweater! May I ask you where it is from:) watching your videos are always a joy!! Thank you so very much always!!! Happy New Year🎉❤

[@grff_]

I guess I'll have to reread Babel next year with you guys!!! So excited to see what you think!

[@biatheway3342]

you have no idea how much the magic mountain connects with what you said about taking your time with a book as if you're one of the characters. I usually read my books pretty fast and decided to spend 6 months with this one because time is such a big deal in it.

[@humorousvideos._.]

I will be reading the Brothers Karamazov next year!!❤❤

[@tinagarcia3571]

I can't wait to see what you guys think of East of Eden, I just finished it and had no one to talk to about it.😊

[@thJune-ze7dn]

Is there a particular translation of The Magic Mountain you guys were thinking of using? I know I have a copy of The Magic Mountain buried somewhere in my book piles, but I can get hold of a different one if there is a precise translation you guys will be using. And I loooooove both East of Eden and The Silmarillion! I struggled with The Silmarillion at first just because there's no comfortable three act structure to get lost in and the archaic language provides some of the estrangement and distance that epic poetry does, but now it's become my Tolkien of choice and personal favourite. I really hope it's not too overwhelming and you're able to stick with it! The first story that really clicked with me was Beren and Luthien, and now it's become a book I return to a lot.

[@LibrariesandLattes]

Can’t wait for East of Eden and Babel, those have both been on my TBR for a while! And I think quarterly is a great way to approach it 😊

[@jasonmd1420]

Looking to join for the first time this year! Not a big reader but hoping this will push me into finishing the books. Nothing like a bit of healthy peer pressure. List looks great, but would not be better to alternate between classic lit and fantasy? Never read much fantasy, so I think I may end up skipping the end of year if The Silmarillion isn't to my taste - might need a palate cleanser!

[@productivitymodeon]

I might have to join you in April, maybe even from the start lol even tho I've never heard of the first book🥰❤️

[@carenome1]

When you read the Silmarillion, keep a paper and pen to track the geneology.

[@Marymooau]

Im currently reading War and Peace. It’s the biggest book I’ve read yet. I have read Les Miserables a few times too. :-)

[@thaliafernandez1378]

Im so happy for the three months change 😁. Also please I would love if you would make a video about each of these because last year we didn’t get the video for Middlemarch or for the October/ November book.

[@ba-gg6jo]

Titus Groan, what a character and what a trilogy!

[@johnthomas1686]

HOORAY!!!!! East of Eden. . . FINALLY! You'll finish it faster than three months. Can't wait to hear what you think of it.

[@ritabilal2531]

finallyyyyy I'm soooooo excited!!!!

[@CoreenMontagna]

I’m usually intimidated by big books, but as I met my 2024 reading goals early December, I decided to finally tackle Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke. Figured it was the perfect time, as I wouldn’t get frustrated that I was just reading one book for like three weeks straight. I paced myself to just 5% (reading on Kindle) per day, and have exactly 15% left!

[@myhandle321]

I read Magic Mountain and I I took 7 months to finish this book, while my plan was to finish in 34 days if not in 43 days. Hahaa ..

[@mikaelabrockel]

thank god for 3 months instead of 2 haha I really struggled

[@rich_in_paradise]

Happy for you to finally read East of Eden 🤣

[@livros_damarcia]

Wow I love big books🤎😊📚

[@hmm6411]

I am so glad we get to read East of Eden! I can't believe a Tolkien book is the shortest!

[@hmm6411]

Oh yes, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

[@maddy-zzz]

omg Babel will destroy you I can't wait until your vlog reflecting on it 😂 its so good

[@poemasmeusminhasleituras8640]

The Silmarillion 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

[@272attwell]

Babel started off so promising…I actually really enjoyed the first third of the book but then it kind of began to read differently….I feel the last third of the book lacked detail and seemed rather rushed. The end impression was…what could have been a great book ended up as a mediocre offering.

[@averyforeman5208]

I agree. She is such a wonderful writer but I was really frustrated that she was over explaining the themes to the audience and didn’t trust us to pick up on any nuance. It really took me out of the last half

[@gabrielagarzon6566]

YESSSS ❤

[@sde078]

So excited for you guys to read Babel! It is definitely amazing

[@emilyreads5207]

It made the top of my worst books of the year when it came out. I feel like Babel people either love or hate. Sadly, it did not work for me and I wanted to like it.

[@lsu1222]

Frances Burney's books are very big and influenced Jane Austen novels ❤

[@DudaKleinchannel]

I'm dying to read Little Women since Whitney from Whitty Novels started reading it. I downloaded Fable and found out that you guys are reading it right now... is it a sign? Haha

[@pialikaushik5437]

Hi Dear. How do I join the game of tomes

[@Abdalrahman3ly]

There are a book named The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History it's a big one

[@KonniBel]

Babel

[@Shannoneg602]

EAST OF EDEN WOOHOOOOO

[@zinaberger8211]

I have babel

[@ghouling1111]

Correction- the Silmarillion is not a prequel. It is a book written by the Elves within middle Earth based on their history. Huge note- The rings of power is not Tolkien. Most Tolkien fans I included hate the rings of power as it’s deeply disrespectful to Tolkien and his work. You can find many videos on KZbin breaking down how bad the rings of power is.

[@myhandle321]

In the middle you may not like East of Eden when it was all about Kathy. I DNFed.

[@ame1861]

Rings of Power Sauron has nothing to do with the Tolkien Sauron, fyi. 0.

[@stargaryen2611]

Rf Kuang is not a writer I would go for. The Poppy War left a bad taste for me. It was such a good concept and she did talk about many issues but her writing and developing is bland. She bring issues she resolves the next chapter. I started babel and dropped it maybe because of my issues from TPW but I do want to give it another chance

[@andrewesquibel9614]

The Silmarillion is not a readable book. I love it. And I love Lord of the Rings. But don't go into the Silmarillion thinking that you're going to "have a good time." It's not that kind of book.