Summer Reads, Summer Plans & A Summer BookTube Break | July 2024

[@smileycindy]

Enjoy your break! You will be missed, but everyone deserves to take a much-needed break once in a while and we'll just appreciate your next video that much more. Happy reading and relaxing, and I look forward to what you have in store for us when you come back! 🌞📔📕📖

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you! I don’t think I’ve taken a proper intentional break since I’ve started here I don’t think… apart from when I’ve been sick. So this will be good for me AND all of you.

[@catholictortillas777]

Olive kitteridge, Olive again, Oh william, Lucy by the Sea, and another... I love the Narrator! Thanks for all uour other suggestions!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not listened to them, and probably won’t cos I struggle with fiction on audio, but have loved the ones I’ve read regardless.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

For the love of all that is holy, take as much time as you need on your BookTube break. It will give us 30-40 extra minutes per week to read.🤣Go bonkers and go bonking!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahahaha. Possibly give you all even more time than that with the length of some of my rambling chats. Hahaha.

[@TKTalksBooks]

Have a lovely break! You are one of a kind! So fun to watch! 😊🎉

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks so much. Looking forward to a break but also looking forward to coming back in due course 😉

[@karenmiddlebrook5069]

"That, to me, was....unexpected" 😂 😂 iconic response to the shark man book 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. Thank you!

[@nathansnook]

i SCREAMMED when i saw the shirt! love it! and ty for reminding me that i used to do seasonal tbr's 😭 this is prompting me to do so.. also i hope you have a good summer off! can't wait to see what you have on the channel when you come back

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwwww thanks lovely. And yes please bring those seasoned seasonal reading vibes back! Glad you enjoyed the tshirt 😜 🎾

[@LydiaLostthePlot]

Have a wonderful break, I will miss your videos but can't wait to see what you read over the summer!

[@SavidgeReads]

Been a lovely if much busier than intended break so far and now it looks like I might have the you know what. Whispers ‘c***d’. So may be a little longer than I first thought. Though might pop back briefly for July wrap ups etc.

[@LydiaLostthePlot]

@@SavidgeReads Oh No!!! well get well soon and make sure you rest up (and of course use it as an excuse to read and binge watch reality tv as is your duty as an ill person)

[@cloudbusting88]

Enjoy your break! We all need one from time to time ❤ A Month in The Country is one of my favourite books! It’s beautiful x

[@SavidgeReads]

Isn’t it just a wonderful, wonderful book! Here’s to a fabulous summer for us all!

[@onourpath]

Wow, A Month in the Country is one of my favorite books ever. You're the only person I've ever found who had read it! What a gorgeous book. 💚

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I’ve seen it around here and there on BookTube. Hopefully will maybe see it a bit more now if people take a fancy to my pitch of it.

[@Nickelini]

I loved it too, and the film is also very good

[@onourpath]

@@Nickelini yes, gorgeously done!

[@onourpath]

@@SavidgeReads it definitely deserves a much, much larger audience!

[@TanyaWestley]

Have a fabulous break and we look forward to seeing you when you're back and feeling refreshed! Great picks for your summer reads too :)

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m hoping it’s going to be a faaaaab summer. I have just had three days off grid, literally and it’s been the best start.

[@TanyaWestley]

@@SavidgeReads I am so pleased to hear that! I have just signed up to your Patron so I can catch up on your content over there while you enjoy a break!

[@barbaralemon4170]

I read Cereus Blooms at Night. 5 enthusiastic stars, just phenomenal!

[@SavidgeReads]

Such a brilliant book! I need to read more of her novels.

[@iamtherealjulia]

You will LOVE Shark Heart! Has a bit of everything you didn't expect. Enjoy your break!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh so many lovely people have loved it. I’m getting all the more excited 🦈 🩶

[@mrsbookworm72]

Shark heart is brilliant quite original 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh this makes me all the more excited for it.

[@shaynemonroeauthor]

I loved Challengers. I wish I'd gotten to see it four times.

[@SavidgeReads]

I think it’s on streaming services now 🎾

[@enidlacob1157]

Go with it Have a summer of whim and enjoy your break I will miss you but understand that a break is needed Happy Summer break

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh I will be off having a lovely whimish time. But back before we both know it I’m sure.

[@lisajacobs2206]

It will be wonderful to enjoy the summer without any pressure. In any case you really don’t need to feel pressure to make videos. As and when you make them, it’s great. Hope your reading goes well

[@SavidgeReads]

I think sometimes you can’t help feel pressure as a creator. You want to keep making. I realised this is the first intentional break I’ve ever taken. It’s quite exciting.

[@louisesavidgemuses4135]

Please take your mummy to Highgate 🫶❤❤❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Let’s see how she behaves. Hahaha.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

@@SavidgeReads Louise behave? Not on your life. But please, please take us along with you to Highgate.

[@onourpath]

Pleeeeeeease take *us* to Highgate!

[@woodlandbunny]

I hope you have a wonderful break, Simon!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!!! Here’s to a wonderful summer for us all!

[@Nickelini]

Fun video. Have an amazing summer, Simon!

[@SavidgeReads]

And to you too!!!!

[@EvieM1]

Happy Summer reading. ☀️

[@SavidgeReads]

@@EvieM1 and to you too!!! ☀️ 📚

[@Sarahsreadingjournal]

Obsessed with the cover of Selamilk 😅 Hope you have an unadulterated summer of reading!

[@SavidgeReads]

Fingers crossed. I’m sooooo ready for it!

[@ilovebillyjoel]

Have an amazing break 🌞📚👍

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks. Here’s to a fabulous summer for us all.

[@user-ff1uz4sy5g]

Have a lovely break ☀️📚📚📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you! Here’s to a fabulous summer for us all.

[@1book1review]

Enjoy your summer break andreading by whim. My whim has led me to a lot of rereads recently. Always a good time guaranteed :D

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha fingers crossed. I’ve had some bumpy whimish reading journeys before. Here’s to a plain sailing whimish summer of bookish delights.

[@mradcaqbdb]

Can’t wait for Babylonia to get here! I ordered the gorgeous Goldsboro Books edition since I also have the Goldsboro edition of Clytemnestra. I adored Clytemnestra completely and I’m so excited to read her next book! Stopped the video after you described Selamlik and went to order it. Sounds fantastic! No idea if this is an “un” book, but I just started The Betrayal of Thomas True by AJ West about molly houses in 1715 London last night and I’m loving it so far. See you after your break. Hope you relax and enjoy! 💜

[@pollyebaker87]

UN-hinged: recently read (listened to) Big Swiss by Jen Beagin. Cast of madcap characters, giving Fleabag energy. Genuinely funny. I know you don't do fiction audiobooks but the deadpan humour is delivered so well by a full cast of narrators. It was a roar.

[@SavidgeReads]

I have Big Swiss so will have to whizz that up the TBR. Thank you soooooo much. I’ll see how I get on with it and report back.

[@juliehughes1258]

Enjoy your time off Simon. I'm going to miss your videos but everyone deserves time off to relax and recharge. Best regards from your California fan! I'm reading Sociopath now on my Kindle (about 70% complete). I'm enjoying it very much and I hope you do, too.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ll be back before you know it Julie 😉

[@JardineraAnge]

Have a gorgeous summer of Strout Simon! I read Olive Kitteridge a couple of months ago and I was so invested in that world that I went straight on to Olive, Again. Strangely, even though I'd watched the series, instead of picturing Frances McDormand as Olive, it was Sarah Lancashire as she is in Julia who always popped into my mind while I was reading.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I wonder who I will picture when I’m reading her? We shall see, I’ll report back in due course. I’ve never pictured Laura Linney as Lucy Barton oddly, even though I saw the one woman stage show posters and everything.

[@wooshell11]

Uncontrollable recommendation: Tangerine by Christine Mangan. Think Ripley in North Africa, but with women.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve read it, think just before it came out. I liked it. 🍊

[@blairalderman5833]

I agree! Challengers is the best film of the year!!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Just sooooooo good 🎾

[@charlottemann5887]

Stargazer by Laurie Petrou is about a dark and twisty friendship which could be likened to challengers I think.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh thank you, I will look this up!

[@javaFlower]

Ah - I have read Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge and Lucy Barton books and enjoyed the characters a great deal! I think you might find their oddities and quirkiness interesting, as well. I am now reading her first novel, "Amy and Isabelle" - so far, so good!

[@SavidgeReads]

I loved all the Lucy Barton books so I’m hoping it’s the same for all the others. I might do Amy and Isabelle and Abide with Me before Olive and the Burgess brothers. We shall see.

[@javaFlower]

@@SavidgeReads Olive and the Burgess Brothers intertwine with Lucy Barton - I don't know if Amy & Isabelle does yet, beyond the town.

[@SavidgeReads]

@@javaFlower I don’t think it possibly does but I kind of want to read her books in order, well the ones I haven’t.

[@katsfieldnotes]

Seven seconds in -- go off with that shirt!!!! Okay, let me settle down

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahahaha. I looooove finding my people! 🎾

[@TamsinS]

Shark Heart is amazing - I read it at the start of the year and wasn’t sure I’d like it but it blew me away! It’s definitely unexpected and unhinged.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooooh. I might start it next. If not definitely soon 🦈 🩶

[@swirlymay]

Have a lovely break, gorgeous!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m really looking forward to it.

[@Raereadswithgrace]

Shark Heart is so fun! 🔥🦈

[@SavidgeReads]

🦈🩶

[@cindyhaiken5644]

Olive Kitteridge is a gem of a book (and the TV series is superb). A summer of Strout sounds amazing. I have a proof copy of the Shafak and am determined to read it very soon! Just got my hands on The Glassmaker. Very excited for it! I have A Month in the Country on tap for a summer reread next month. Loved it so much when I first read it. Amazing clips in this one! Hope everything in London went incredibly well! Have a fantastic time with Flossie at Rhiw Goch!

[@SavidgeReads]

London is tomorrow. Eek. Looking forward to a fun day of lots of bookish frolics though. Will be good. Then the bliss of Rhiw Goch. Can’t wait. There’s some BRILLIANT books coming out. Why oh why do I save them for rainy days, that said I’m not packing Elif or Tracy for Wales as I don’t want them getting wet… there’s a few showers predicted ☔️

[@cindyhaiken5644]

@@SavidgeReads Fingers and toes crossed for London!! So many great books, so little time!

[@cecilialau_]

Enjoy your break, Simon! I hope it’ll be everything summery and light and fun and delicious 🏹 And I wish you the best of times with Strout - and whims as well. Idk why but when you asked for a Challengers-ish book, I thought of Insatiable by Daisy Buchanan (very much fits the sexy, unhinged vibes), and I’d be so curious to hear your thoughts.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve heard Daisy does saucy unhinged books but I’ve not picked one up as yet. Let’s see if one crosses my path at any point. Here’s to a lovely summer for us all!

[@katiechatseyeshadow4394]

Loved shark heart, inhaled it x

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh this is really fab to hear 🦈

[@spexi513]

Read Shark Heart recently and loved it . I don’t like romance so I was apprehensive, but then I realized a love story isn’t the same as a romance.

[@SavidgeReads]

Sounds like it’s a banger 🦈

[@Tristan-L-Space-Books]

Oh my gosh I want to read Selamlik as well. When I saw the author present it on All story's Instagram, it piqued my interest with all the intensity of an untrained phlebotomist.

[@SavidgeReads]

@@Tristan-L-Space-Books not sure about the untrained phlebotomist hahaha but glad it’s hot you intrigued. I’m going to read it very soon.

[@Katesgreenfingers]

A book I absolutely loved and I think hits several of the ‘uns’ is Cecilia by K-Ming Chang

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I bought that at West Kirby Bookshop on the first weekend of Indie Bookshop Week. I shall pop it higher up the TBR.

[@doreene11]

If you haven't watched the series: The Young Pope, The New Pope, and We Are Who We Are, I recommend that you watch them. It's the same vibe as Challengers and set and filmed in Italy, so summery. I'll see ya when I'll see ya, too! Have a wonderful time off this summer!☀️

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ll look them up. Thanks for the recommendations! Here’s to a lovely summer for us all!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

If you get tired of sun. Come to N.Ireland. It has been raining constantly since May. It’s currently 13 degrees , pouring rain and muggy. Great idea for the Elizabeth Strout reading. I loved Olive Kitteridge, Lucy by the sea etc

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. I’m in NI in two weeks.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Will you be in Omagh?

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Five perfect books for summer Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Haworth ( LGBTQI debut)☘️ Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly Tom Lake by Ann Patchett The Coast Road by Alan Murin

[@SavidgeReads]

@@jacquelinemcmenamin8204 nope. Just a quick trip to Belfast.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Unsafe summer books? The In Between by Christos Tsiolkas The God of the Woods by Liz Moore The City of the Living ( set in Rome) Top Secret by Sarina Bowen A Dash of Salt & Pepper

[@jacquelineturner7206]

If you want a tennis vibe, try The Winner by Teddy Wayne. The story of a law student who teaches tennis (and other things) to the rich of Newport (I think). A fun read.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh my goodness, The Winner was the book I had seen on Instagram and couldn’t remember the title of. Thank you soooo much Jacqueline.

[@emma-janelacey5181]

I haven’t seen Challenges (yet!) but the trailer which I just had to go and watch (x4 times at the cinema?! 😂) gave me Double Fault by Lionel Shriver vibes (more tennis though)

[@SavidgeReads]

I don’t mind tennis at all… though I’m not sure I’ll ever read Shriver again. I just can’t seperate the art from the artist. And I’ve met her 🫠

[@melissabee8522]

Maybe I’m too easily startled, but whenever you cut in brief little clips like with this video or the Freak Out video I jump each time the appear and it means that if there are too many of them in then I find those videos nearly unwatchable. I hope that’s not too rude, I’ve been watching you for several years now and really like your book reviews. Especially the prize lists. 💛

[@SavidgeReads]

So sorry to hear that. Mostly people have been loving them. Thank you for letting me know though. They’ve been adding a bit of fun to the editing for me, but they aren’t in every video. I’ll try and keep them out of book hauls and wrap ups. Or maybe it’s a volume thing I could tweak that maybe.

[@Bokmalin1]

Mrs March - Virginia Feito and Teddy - Emily Dunlay ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh yes! Why haven’t I read Mrs March yet? It’s on my shelves and so the right sort of vibes.

[@Bokmalin1]

@@SavidgeReads Happy Reading! 🥰

[@TripleRoux]

🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

[@SavidgeReads]

🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉

[@thegoth_librarian]

Scaffolding by Lauren Elkin could provide the messy relationship vibes. It’s a really thoughtful, literary, kind of heady, kind of sexy (& queer!) novel set in an apartment block over two time periods.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I’ve put myself on a hardback ban for a while, that’s one that I have been looking at longingly. Maybe at some point I will crack. Hahaha. Fab recommendation.

[@LorraineTaylor-Tams]

Unhinged....Earthlings Sayaka Murata...

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I read that and you’re right very unhinged. I really want to read her short story collection Life Ceremony which I’ve heard is quite the ride.

[@kimalawler]

I’m 75% through Babylonia and good lord, it’s a good ‘un!

[@SavidgeReads]

This is what I like to hear 🐆

[@SavidgeReads]

This is what I like to hear 🐆

[@katiesikkes1527]

It makes sense that you want to take a break from KZbin also to avoid comments like this one arguing with you that A Month in the Country *is* a perfect book. 😜

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahahahaha. This comment has really tickled me.

[@carolewatson2113]

Have a lovely channel break, Simon. Unflinching for me is Deborah Spungeon’s memoir And I don’t want to live this life about her daughter Nancy, difficult from birth until she was murdered by Sid Vicious.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh that does sound unflinching.

[@jenniferrosebruce6385]

Hi. Jury still out on that one. I dont believe he murdered her, the book was very good, however Nancy was all kinds of wrong for Sid. Lots of people believe her drug dealer came in and murdered her. Glad you also enjoyed the book, good to see from a mother,s perspective. 😊

[@carolewatson2113]

@@jenniferrosebruce6385 it isn’t really about her death, but her mother’s struggle with her since she was a baby and how she used drugs to blot out her pain. She paint Sid as a fairly pathetic person who she also mothered.

[@MeMyDogAndBooks]

Look forward to your thoughts on Sociopath …

[@SavidgeReads]

Definitely once I’m back as I’m super keen to give it a whirl while I’m off away.

[@MeMyDogAndBooks]

Gutted not to be a tee bestie!! 🫨

[@SavidgeReads]

I know… blocked and reported. Hahahaha. 😉

[@MeMyDogAndBooks]

@@SavidgeReads *cries into my HUGE pillow

[@janepeacock3704]

Have a most enjoyable & restful Summer Simon - obviously I’ll miss you on KZbin 😘 but look forward to your return here & I can catch ya on Instagram 😌 my plans - I must first read some of my long term library loans 🙈 I’ve also requested some potential Booker longlist titles; just found The Weekend by Charlotte Wood in the library yay - I know you like her 🇦🇺 I’m currently enjoying another of your recommendations The Storm We Made (Vanessa Chan) 🥹👏🏻 I’m trying to think of an ‘un-‘ book 🤔😄 will think on ….. TC X

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoy The Weekend. I may just be talking about a Charlotte Wood book when I return in due course. Hope you keep on enjoying The Storm We Made and here’s to a wonderful summer of reading ahead!!!

[@janepeacock3704]

📚🐈 🌞 🚘 🚂 🌊🍹 🧁 ☕️ 🛋️ TC 😘 X

[@emmaselby4836]

I've heard Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt is pretty bonkers...not read it, so don't blame me if it's horrifying! 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I have it on my shelves. 🧠 🪱