RECOMMENDING BOOKS BASED ON BOOKS I DID NOT LIKE.

[@gracefalvey7206]

I finished All The Bright Places this afternoon and personally I really enjoyed it! I agree with what you said about the discussion of mental illness not as forward as I would have preferred but I felt it really resonated with some of the experiences that I have gone through with people I used to be close to. The portrayal of Finch's mental illness was uncannily similar to someone I know and they way people avoided and darted around the subject of mental illness and suicide reflected the way my own community has sometimes dealt with the situation. I agree that it is not the book for everyone and you definitely have a lot more experience and knowledge about mental health representation, but I just wanted to say that I personally really really enjoyed it and I think people curious about it should consider picking it up! Great video Emma! :)

[@AwkwardBookworm]

I never heard of Definitions of Indefinable Things but I'm definitely intrigued now!

[@ikjotbhangu2988]

i loved all the bright places so much , definitely my top 10

[@makaelynelise1427]

I definitely differ with your view on All The Bright Places because Violet doesn’t save Finch in the end. His “good times” was simply a manic episode.

[@aliceb978]

Exactly.

[@jaimiebenson1803]

I liked All The Bright Places but I do understand where you’re coming from 💙

[@brooklynnnnereads]

Great video Emma and done in a respectful way still for the books you did not like. Well done! 😊

[@beepboop9976]

Your outfit/look is giving me new york 1920's vibes and i like it

[@lowqualityk5816]

Definitions of Indefinable Things is now at the top of my TBR💛 When you read a passage from the book, I immediately thought "Yup, time to go book hunting now."

[@mrs.booklover8313]

typohugs omg yes I'm so currently love reading it!

[@IShouldReadThat]

Totally agree on Caraval. I got swept up in the hype and there was no way it was going to live up to my expectations. 10/10 for suggesting Daughter of the Burning City instead!

[@rope9568]

I love all the bright places with all my heart so thank you for the Definitions of Indefinable Things recommandation :)

[@readingwithkylie]

I remember really enjoying All the Bright Things, but I read it so long ago when I hadn't read a lot of mental health books, so I felt like it was relatable. I am curious about whether or not I would still enjoy it if I were to reread it. Maybe I would see more of the problematic aspects now that I've found other books that I can relate to better.

[@jasminel_1454]

Yeah, same. I read it almost three years ago, when my knowledge on mental health/illnesses was very minimal. Honestly, now I don't think I'd like it as much anymore

[@elizabethd7478]

I just love how you truly never come off biased or how even when you don’t like a book, you make sure to never just trash it. You understand that everyone has different tastes. And I truly love that

[@chelseahui3902]

I had never heard of Definitions of Indefinable Things but it definitely sounds like something that I would LOVE! i love how creative and unique the premise of this vidoe was

[@mrs.booklover8313]

fromchelsea I'm reading it right now! And I'm telling you to get it ❤❤. I'm four days in and I'm already finished half the book

[@brewsbinds7975]

So glad you brought up All the Bright Places compared to Definitions of Indefinable Things in this vid. I DNFd ATBP, but recently just bought the latter because of your mental health recs video. I’m really excited about reading it since your review on it was so positive.

[@Nora-mi6ug]

All the Bright Places absolutely KILLED ME but I love it

[@isabellelovesbooks]

Nora S samee I remember finishing it, and was in denial of finch’s death. Can’t wait to see the film tho, hopefully it’ll be as good as the book was

[@chickenfoot2423]

Isabelle Burton the film looks awful :/

[@jessicaallen973]

I COMPLETELY agree about All the Bright Places, I didn’t understand why everyone was obsessed with it because everything about how it dealt with MH really sat funny with me!

[@chickenfoot2423]

i think its because it resonated with the people who have had mh issues in the past..it may not have been super ‘informative’ about the issues, but the way they were portrayed and the emotion it was written with really made you invested, particularly as it perfectly describes your thought processes at some dark points with your mh

[@Chelsieschapters]

I've had All the Bright Places on my shelf for a while and have never been compelled to pick it up. Your description of Definitions of Indefinable things has me intrigued! Definitely gonna have to buy that. Love your hair in this btw 😍

[@paclaire2449]

chelsies chapters I'm exactly the same! I've had it on my shelf for AGES but have never really had any reason to read it, and after hearing Emma talk about it, I don't think I ever will 😂

[@margaretoconnor675]

I liked the book even though I agreed with most of what she said

[@sisi2654]

As a child of an alcoholic and an alateen (an ACTUAL twelve step program) twelve steps to normal gets a little bit on my nerves. I looked at it in BNN, and I don't appreciate how 12 step programs don't seem to have anything to do with the plot. The author seemed to use it just in the title (I could be wrong I haven't read it), and it trigger me some. I was hoping it would have the main character going through alateen or alanon, but it didn't seem to have that and it just got on my nerves, sorry for the rant

[@tacobella6474]

Idk, I really liked Caraval, and I feel like the magic system being all over the place was meant to increase the confusion of the main character as well as establish another layer of mystery to the already mysterious Caraval. Scarlett had never been there before, therefore she would not understand the magic system and wouldn't be able to describe it in a cohesive manner. Also, it is mentioned that Caraval is VERY old and, therefore, the magic system in it would be as well. Not exactly knowing how the magic works is another facet of mystery for the reader and the protagonist to figure out. That's how I read it, at least.

[@jana-rs8fg]

Bellamv _ agreed. I loved Caraval

[@haarii951]

You talking about a Study in Charlotte make me want to read it more!! Love this new concept, very different, definitely needed.😊

[@haarii951]

I may have actually went out and ordered the published books right after watching this!

[@PatrickBooks]

i really want to read definitions of indefinable things... i remember you mentioning it a while ago in one of your videos and i really want to get to it! also i just loved this video and i thought it was way more positive rather than dragging out any book

[@user-pi3hd2bt3f]

Books i really loved and i completly reccomand All the Bright Places My heart and other black holes The cost of all things I was Here Holding up the Univers

[@chickenfoot2423]

did you by any chance see zoellas old book club videos? ive read most of the books in your list that i got from her videos years ago!

[@santanasg8445]

great concept of the video! Dude, you NEED to read the Stocker & Holmes series, it's about Sherlock Holmes' niece and Bram Stocker's sister, solving crimes in a paranormal setting (and time travel), the books are sosososo good, and I feel it's so underrated!

[@karo2702]

You are the QUEEN of recommending books and spread awareness about important topics. Seriously, before I find this wonderful channel I wasn't aware of how important is to talk about mental illness, complex family relationships and inclusive representation of many communities Thank you so much!!! 💞😘👑🙌

[@kirsty8958]

I really loved the idea of recommending books based on books you don’t like as so often I love the idea of a book rather than the execution and this is a good way to find books that have the concept you were after but are executed perhaps more closely to what you originally imagined

[@AbCadab]

GIRL i love your bandanna/headband!!

[@LittleMissEvreythin]

Loved the video and how you put a positive spin on talking about books you didn't like. Definitely want to see this format of video again.

[@princessbunny5429]

You put so much work into your videos!! And I swear with every book you recommended I went to my Goodreads tab and added it to my TBR !! I am definitely going to check out How To Make A Wish after I finish my current book!!

[@gracedreamsofsushi]

Hi! This is my first time watching one of your videos and it’s awesome! I love it! I’m super jealous of your necklace and the entire shelf of Cassandra Clare books behind you - i love her so much and feel like she’s so under-appreciated! I haven’t read quite a lot of the books in your video - I’ve avoided all the bright places for exactly the reason you gave - but i did read caraval. I liked it, but I didn’t think it lived up to all the hype. I fell in love with the aesthetic of the story but the plot and characters left something to be desired. The cover is so pretty though!

[@aissataamadou]

I loved this video and I admire how constructively you critique books

[@bookish.j3669]

I've had Defintions of Indefinable Things on my TBR since before it came out but forgot what it was about. Now I'm definitely going to be buying it after my book buying ban is up!

[@robbinb6659]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the book All the Bright Places, as someone who struggles with mental illness, I felt the exact same way about it. It was nice to hear that someone else had the same opinions about this book, I am definitely going to consider reading A Study in Charlotte, thanks for the recommendations, love your channel :)

[@ilsenleon2378]

I love this concept of the video and even though you didn’t like the books you said it all in a very respectful way. All the Bright Places is one of my favorite books but you helped me see some problematic things going on in the book and you present some very good points! Also I have The Amateurs and A Study in Charlotte but I’m definitely going to read A Study in Charlotte first as my friend keeps raving about it! A book that I would recommend based on a book that I didn’t like (which would be The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh) is The Star Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi! I feel like they both kinda have the same feel and they both have magical elements but I feel like The Star Touched Queen is better executed with the magic, characters, romance, and setting. The Wrath and the Dawn just was trudging and the characters are kinda problematic in my opinion. But The Star Touched Queen is a great alternative if you want an Asian fantasy mixed with Indian mythology!

[@melinterrupted9691]

black on black on black on black; I love your outfit/accessories! also, great video! I'm tempted to do my own rendition of this. thanks for the inspiration!

[@SWINDISATHEORIES]

Such a great video idea because there's such a massive spectrum between books that you'd like to use as kindling and book plots that had promise and pressure. Question unrelated to the video: How do u decide when to buy physical copies of a book and when to buy ebooks? I'd like to build my personal library back up and participate in bookish challenges, but I'm traveling overseas and have to buy ebooks :(

[@SWINDISATHEORIES]

Thanks for responding! That's great advice :)

[@kenziek1802]

I'm pretty sure All the Bright Places was inspired by a relationship the author had with a boy back when she was in high school. I think it's mentioned in the author's note at the end?

[@jenna7862]

Definitions of indefinable things in such a cool title!

[@beabookworm]

BTW, Brittany Cavallaro wrote a poetry collection called Girl King, which was amaze-balls 🙌🏻! I still have to read A Study in Charlotte though - I’ve heard nothing but good things.

[@SincerelyTahiry]

This video was so interesting! I definitely have to pick up Definitions of Indefinable Things. I cannot believe I've never heard of it. I noticed that lack of character development and the nature of romances in books play a big part in your overall enjoyment, so I was wondering if you have a video on your fave YA couples/ fave protagonists and if not I would love to hear your thoughts

[@mrs.booklover8313]

Sincerely Tahiry I'm reading Definitions Of Indefinable things! I totally love it so if you have time check it out ❤❤

[@SincerelyTahiry]

im glad ur enjoying it!! Its definitely on my TBR

[@ysabellelaxamana]

Definitions of Indefinable Things sound so beautiful and interesting. Going to add it on my TBR now!!

[@renee_3364]

Thank you so much for the great recommendations again. I feel the same about All the bright places, in the sense that I barely remember the story, but I mostly remember my hatred towards it. I had never heard of The definition of indefinable things, but you have me interested in it. Caraval was one of my most disappointing reads of recent years. Daughter of the burning city has been on my TBR since it came out, but has been bumped up a few places after hearing you speak about it

[@Jazzonic]

I loved the format of this video. I actually like when you point out things you didn't like about books I like. It makes me agree with you when I think about it even if I don't want to or have to change my opinion. (Caraval in this case)

[@soumilimitra4566]

I actually want to riot u for h8ing all the bright places ...but okay... But ..i wud say.. When i was depressed, for a amount of tym i couldnt define myself ..and thats y i loved the book..about its solid truth and no crap

[@Luv2smile157]

im loving this headband look on you!

[@jaedyn225]

you looked really pretty in this, and the way you speak about books has improved so much since i started watching you (way back when)

[@mrs.booklover8313]

Currently reading Defintions of Indefinable things and I have to say I'm in love. I've read All The Bright Places and I didn't like it one bit but this book is so good ❤❤

[@rebeccahicks1623]

When Caraval showed up I gasped but then again... now I have a book that is slightly similar that I may love just as much! Didn't even think of the magic system and I now see you're right

[@birtes1825]

I don't know if it fits here but I'd recommend Brandon Sanderson's books, especially from the cosmere, because there is always mental health representation in his fantasy books.

[@emmaberger3748]

I read Shadow Girl by Patricia Morrison when I was like 14 and I really enjoyed it. It was also about a (young) girl with an alcoholic father, and it kind of takes you through her foster journey. It’s also very atmospheric, I was really sad while reading it the whole time, it had a very specific lonely vibe. I really enjoyed it though. I mean it’s stuck with me, even if it might be meant for a younger audience

[@aideeng8259]

This was such a creative twist on the 'if you like this you'll like this' type of video!

[@yeahyeah5254]

Hey Emma, hope you’re well! You started reading a passage and I thought it would be a very interesting video to see you read out your favourite passages of the books you have loved!

[@HollandInspired]

I was nervous to read a Study in Charlotte cause I didn't want it to be too cheesy but you've got me wanting to read it asap !

[@krisnicoleb]

Great video as always emma, I'll have to think about books I didn't like and books that I did which touch on similar issues or plot.

[@alyssaj5438]

i LOVED daughter of the burning city, i wish there were more books in the same setting haha

[@nikkimirhosseyni9535]

Omg.... I wish I looked as cute in a head wrap as you do! I actually really appreciate this video. I often like the ideas behind books and so I suffer through a bad book because the idea is cool, so having alternative books is great! I wouldn't mind more installments of this type of video 😁😁😁😁

[@emmanicole2995]

I really enjoyed this video! It was different yet still very emmmabooks. I now have a list of books to get because all of the ones you recommended sound AMAZING and I need them all!!

[@alysamorley3570]

I gave up on Sara Shepard long ago. I just can't, unfortunately... 🙁

[@cloverkpop]

This is a super cool idea! I would love to see more in the future 😁

[@lovisaherou5964]

Intresting video. Suprised that you didn't like Caraval. Since so many seem to love it. Me included. One of my favorite reads so far this year (live in Sweden. So it wasn't released until february march this year.). Defently a series I'm going to conntinue. But other then that, great video. Since you did it in a respectful, polite way. Not throwing some shade.

[@SarahAhmed5470]

I love how you did your hair today and I love the idea 💕

[@spaceelfsimmer]

I wouldn’t say I dislike Throne of Glass, but I definitely don’t love it the way I used to. Instead, I’d recommend Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers. Both feature assassins and badass protagonists, but Grave Mercy takes place in medieval Europe, specifically on an island convent where nuns train young girls to be assassins for the patron saint of death. There’s a slow-burn romance, royal drama and political intrigue, and a bunch of girl power and girl friendships. It’s my favorite book! (And series haha)

[@CarolinaRodriguez-ce4xp]

I just recently read How not to disappear by Clare Furniss and I really enjoy it. It's almost like you said for one of the books you talked about, how you expect a simple summer read contemporary love story but instead you get way more than that. I don't know, I just thought that maybe you would like that book as well, plus I am very interested as to what your opinion would be on that book. 😊

[@fragrantpages1024]

I always feel bad when I hear AtBP getting negative reviews because my best friend and I buddy read it together and we absolutely LOVED it (she even made me a cup and saucer set based off the book and I love it so much) but after hearing how it doesn't represent mental illness well it makes me feel bad that I loved it so much :/

[@chickenfoot2423]

it was destined to be a tragedy in the end though, it wasnt really made with tying their mental health issues into a neat little bow in mind.

[@stabbywraith]

ok this is a great way of recommending books and definitions of indefinable things sounds like the kind of story i've been looking for in all these books like all the bright places because I HATE THIS EXCLUSIVE DEPENDENCY BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS?!?!?

[@mrs.booklover8313]

Nushu Mauroof Omg yes I so agree on All The Bright Places. I'm reading Definations Of Indefinable Things and I so love it. Check it out if you have time ❤❤

[@bookellenic1327]

I liked what you said in reference to The Amateurs, a book can have elements you don't appreciate but at the same time you can enjoy it for other reasons, no guilty pleasure, just an enjoyable read! Since you mentioned A Study in Charlotte, I was wondering, have you read Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's original Sherlock works? Sherlock is one of my favourite fictional characters and I'm always interested in similar recs! I got How To Make A Wish on kindle, based on the description I would suggest Skylarks by Karen Gregory, just please read it, I think you'll appreciate it!

[@theawkwardbookworm4984]

Definitions of Indefinable Things, and Daughter of the Burning City both sound really intresting!

[@alexandrabisch7489]

I really loved this type of video! You should do more of them!!

[@vespera.52]

Is there one for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe? I know you said that you didn’t like the book all that much, and I’m curious to see if there was a better book that was executed better than this one. Love you channel! Keep up the great work!

[@ZarriahRose]

I loved this video idea!!! 😍 So many recommendations I hadn’t heard of too!! Always makes my TBR so happy to grow ❤️☺️👏🏻

[@macayla3183]

The third book in the Charlotte Holmes series is so much better than the second! The second was a little rough for me and I felt it was a bit muddled, but when I read the third one I actually liked it better than the first one! Really looking forward to the fourth one

[@ananyanarayanan5173]

I read Caraval and really loved it. do you think I could enjoy daughter of the burning city too?

[@sonjaschrauwen69]

Ananya Narayanan Yes!!!! I love them both!

[@aoifeoregan8628]

Love your channel so much!!! Your recommendations are amazing, definitely going to be getting 'A Study in Charlotte' and a load more you recommend today! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thanks, your channel is my favourite and love all videos ☺️

[@ruebee4334]

I love Caraval, but I completely agree that a lot of the magic aspects of the book were messy and all over the place. I think the reason I loved Caraval so much is because of Carnival/Circus fantasy theme that I love so much. I can rarely find books that have that sort of theme so if anyone has any recommendations other than The Night Circus and Daughter of the Burning City, it would be awesome!

[@beccadoingstuff]

I had the same problems with Caraval! I also wish that they wouldn’t have elaborated on WHY things happened or HOW, and just let the magical elements create its own mystery.

[@beccadoingstuff]

One example of this is Furthermore, it was whimsical and magical just because it was, it didn’t get bogged down in the logistics

[@nonfictionfeminist]

I know this is an older video, but HEY I HAVE THAT SAME HEADBAND! Love it

[@bat5092]

This is a really creative video idea! I love the idea so much!

[@brittanylarson9466]

I honestly totally expected you to choose The Naturals for the first book.

[@annasolveighansen7931]

All the bright places is a book about bipolar disorder... Not just depression! I hate that you compare it to a book that has nothing to do with bipolar disorder!!

[@whydoilivehuh6708]

All the Bright places has both, not JUST bipolar disorder, hence why she is recommending the other book . From what I understood they both have the depression in common.

[@SincerelyBreana]

Your headband is super cute!

[@777shanae]

emma, you're the best and that's all

[@josiebobi]

i was fine with caraval and wanted to get legendary but now i prolly have to get back to it and reread to see if i really like it 😂

[@RebeccaBooks]

I completely agree about Caraval! I really didn’t like it even though I was really hoping I would 😭 I want to read Daughter of the Burning City now because I’d like to read something similar to Caraval but also something I can enjoy more😂

[@tranquilreader6649]

There is a set of books that I can think of where I wasn't the hugest fan of the one and preferred the other: I preferred 'Moondance' by Diane Chandler over 'Saving Abby' by Steena Holmes. Both of these books deal with IVF. I felt that 'Moondance' dealt with the subject a bit better than 'Saving Abby' did.

[@abookishlair]

Always loving your suggestions! That head band is awesome 😎

[@Nana-tn9we]

I don't really like Caraval but I like it's sequel Legendary. It has a thicker and a more complex plot that's so thrilling to read.

[@analisalanderos3921]

Love this video idea 😍 thanks for the recs, Emma!

[@duckthurgood3651]

This is such a cool video idea, great job!!!

[@DJ-xq1vw]

If I am remembering correctly, you did a promotional video about Sara Shepard’s books. If you would’ve known then that the books were not so good would you have still promoted them?

[@justinebarci1171]

If you like YA thrillers like A study in Charlotte from a teens POV, definitely recommend the Young gifted and dead duology.

[@livnoe6431]

Ahhh I looooved A Study in Charlotte and I totally agree with everything you said!

[@jiungz]

i love your bookcases omg!

[@princepeterwolf]

SUCH A CLEVER CONCEPT! LOVED IT

[@romaiqbal4408]

I loved this video as it recommends books that are similar to other books that could have underwhelmed some reads but had amazing plots. By the way your hair was maxing in this video.

[@raghadradi8840]

I just finished the sun is also a star..and I really liked it, however,I'm now confused which to get all the bright places or everything,everything?

[@chickenfoot2423]

get both! they’re both amazing

[@PriyJ212]

This was such an amazing idea for a video and I loved watching it! I read All The Bright Places 2 years ago and I didn't like it much - something about how Jennifer Niven had written about mental health issues had completely rubbed me the wrong way, and when you were explaining how you felt that the two characters had been built around mental health symptoms as opposed to having characters with their own personalities who dealt with mental health issues, I realized that this was why I didn't like the book. I found it really hard to connect to the characters as well, they felt a little distant to me. But I really enjoyed your video and I'll definitely be checking out some of the books you've recommended!

[@katelynlamprey7222]

This is completely random but your hair looks so good!!

[@HollowMoonReads]

I really enjoyed this video! Awesome discussion :)

[@nicole38568]

its been awhile since i commented in any of your videos. I have been suffering with a reading slump. Anyways...this is such a great video. I have all of the books you have recommend in my ebook reader. I may pick up one of them soon

[@SometimesRainie]

waw i like this idea for a video HAHA definitely will want to check these books out because *clear throat* i have to give these books a chance. but Follow Me doesn’t exactly sound like a book that will intrigued me though. A Study In Charlotte’s book cover is so pretty!!!!!!!💓💓

[@SometimesRainie]

BTW I LOVE YOU EMMA!!!have a good day ahead xx

[@ABisdoingjustfine]

"If you don't like this, you might like this" is a novel way to recommend books. Lovely work, Emma. :)