the best and worst books of the year ✨ what i read in september ✨ babel, dead romantics, gideon

[@SparklilyCordiale]

Curse it, "Cari thought it was a last book" strikes again!

[@caricanread]

story of my life :')

[@jumisjam]

Girl I finally finished Ballad of Never After and I'm literally devastated rn 😭😭

[@MyLittleCorner4]

18:16 "From what I remember, I don't remember anything." - I felt that

[@crimson_auror]

Stephanie Garber’s books have absolutely gotten better over time. I remember thinking Caraval was just okay, but I kept reading and omg Legendary blew me away.

[@jimena6194]

I always try getting through first books because I find it’s hard to set up a world in just one book, but she rlly did a good job on later books

[@nospoonfulofmayonnaiseforme]

I just finished rereading it tonight and ur so right, I loved caraval but legendary was even better

[@Holly_Reads]

So excited you jumped into The Locked Tomb! I hope you pick Harrow back up sooner rather than later, the payoff that comes is absolutely so worth it. These books also have some of the best reread value once all is revealed, along with the narrative groundwork that Muir lays. It still blows my mind on my third reread of this series. I sincerely hope you enjoy Harrow when it finds you again!

[@caricanread]

planning to finish it on the loooong plane ride home at the end of this month!!

[@yogore]

I finished Gideon and was sort of indifferent, primarily because I had no hope of keeping 20 characters straight in my head. So I opted to immediately start it over, knowing what happens to whom and how. (Which is, quite honestly, the same thing I had to do when I watched Knives Out, for instance.) This time, I'm digging it a LOT more, and getting a better sense of the characters. Also trying to pay attention to the plot and mythology, knowing it matters later. So I wasn't planning to move on to Harrow, but now I know I'll have to. Probably twice.

[@sarahmichelle473]

@@caricanreadoh god, I’ve re-read/listened to the series so many times now and I’m still catching things I missed and still enjoy them as much as the first time

[@marlowilliams4264]

Dead Romantics is one of my favorite books of all time! It is so autumnal and sweet🍁🍂 I bawled in it, it is so special to me.

[@sophiasreads]

I literally had to restrain myself from throwing Ballad of never after across the room when I finished it, my soul felt changed after reading it lol

[@UlrikeScherer]

The Ballad of Never After was so amazing, I can't stop thinking about it and pray we get book 3 a bit sooner than autumn 2023. The wait is going to be agonising! I agree, her writing is just so wonderfully whimsical and magical, and I love the characters so much. Jacks, GAH.

[@nehabahelia9121]

Is once upon a broken heart worth reading? I'm new into fantasy books, have heard a lot of ballard of never after , wanted to read this for quite some time.

[@craftyreads]

Ballad was amazing! The ending was intense and I am still not over it. I honestly don't know what to expect out of book 3 now 🤔

[@caricanread]

I CANT WAIT

[@priyanshi5083]

The only thing i expect from book3 is evajacks kiss😂

[@craftyreads]

@@priyanshi5083 lol true 😂

[@jimena6194]

@@priyanshi5083 same because the amount of yearning for that kiss is gonna pay off

[@layla7844]

harrow the ninth is maybe one of my favourite books ever it's also sooo difficult to get through on first try. I would recommend to anyone that's struggling to go back an reread gideon and then keep going on harrow. there's plot in gideon that u just never see because gideon doesn't see it but on reread after the start of harrow makes more sense. I also think that if ur really struggling go listen to the audio books because they r so so brilliant and help with putting things together!! gideon is a book that masters character voice imo and harrow is a book that MASTERS structure.. the most rereadable book I've ever read!!

[@caricanread]

gah! thank you!! i definitely want to pull through :')

[@kit888]

Loved Gideon and was confused by Harrow too. DNFed Harrow. It was too disjointed. I've read reviews that explain why it is disjointed. Okay, but it is still disjointed. I'm on my library's wait list for Nona.

[@ic2704]

Agreed, 100%!! I almost DNFed it the first time I read it like 70% of the way through, and once I made myself finish, I literally turned right back to the beginning and read it again with absolute DELIGHT this time around. GtN is a hilarious, chaotic, and easily likable book because Gideon is a hilarious, chaotic, and easily likable person. HtN on the other hand is a messy, frustrating, complicated, and ultimately MASTERFUL book because Harrow is a messy, frustrating, complicated, and ultimately masterful person. It's a chore to get through the first time around but SO much fun as a re-read! Gideon stole my heart the first time but Harrow has stuck with me in such a powerful way with every subsequent read!! I recommend letting go of trying to make sense of it or control it and just sort of surrendering to the confusion and trusting that the book is gonna take you somewhere worthwhile. It all comes together in a big way, but you kinda just have to let it wash over you in the meantime!!

[@april5392]

THIS! This is one book that gets better with every single reread. Harrow is one of my favorite books of all time, it's SO dense but god the structure is top tier and there isn't a single wasted word or moment.

[@laurenl1088]

The Locked Tomb Trilogy (Gideon the Ninth & so on) has become my favorite series for how this puzzle piece of a universe works and revolves around characters I just love so much. It’s a difficult read in the best of ways, and I agree with all other comments that even more value will come from re-reads.

[@lindsaykosa8670]

I read Gideon in the beginning of 2021 and I have by trying so hard to get all my book friends to read it because it was instantly my favorite. SOOOO happy Cari read it and loved it and I can't wait for the "oh shit" moment when she gets through Harrow

[@e-linamarie]

GOD yeah, tamsyn muir is probably my favorite author. i’m so glad i had faith in her each book because she cares so much and everything comes out by the end of each book and even MORE

[@alyssar5899]

Harrow is going to be totally baffling until you're like 85% through. Then it'll click and you'll want to go back and reread to really get it.

[@caricanread]

GAH CANT WAIT

[@sarahmichelle473]

@@caricanreadyep, it’s like fight club where you get to the end and go “wait…. WAIT” and then go back to the beginning to catch everything you missed

[@baticeering]

omgg im so happy you liked gideon!!!!!!!!!! the locked tomb is SO GOOD and my comfort series tbh !!

[@suzannemoore404]

I'm so very sorry for your loss! Hoping that all the lovely memories are healing your heartbreak.❤️

[@nikolkuhar8127]

Once upon a broken heart is my fav series ever. I even bought physical books, I never buy physical books cause there is no bookstore in my town, so I had to order it from book depository. Still waiting for it, but after I read it on kindle I was like "I HAVE TO HAVE THAT"

[@chuuueri]

seeing more ppl like gideon the ninth/the locked tomb series is always so heartwarming:’) i swear harrow the ninth makes more sense towards the end it’s definitely worth it

[@f.b.5398]

Thank you so much!! I love your recommendations. You have such an incredible talent with descriptions and details. If you ever write a book yourself I would love to read it ✨

[@erinreads]

SO HAPPY you read GtN!! Gideon is incredible. 5/5. Harrow? Oh my GOD the payoff is SO worth it?? GOD TIER series istg the more i sat on it the more confused i was, but the more i listened to the locked tomb podcast and as i re-read i realized what a GENUIS Tamsyn is! i hardly find books that make me think + give me aha moments but this series is LOADED with them! i hate being able to guess the plot and figure out the plot before the character does (that annoys the HELLL out of me) but with Gideon and Harrow AND Nona nobody knows what’s going on and you don’t either! ITS SO GOOD CARI I LOVE YOU EVEN MORE thank you for reading it and i am SO EXCITED FOR YOU and i am so pumped to see you read Harrow if you decide to!

[@zombabed305]

Ohhh, I can‘t wait for you to continue Harrow. I was so frustrated reading it the first time, but it is so worth it! And reading it the second time (in preparation for Nona) was actually fun because now it all makes sense :D And like Gideon, the blurb of Nona is 1000% accurate. „Nona loves you and you‘re gonna love Nona“. ❤

[@ellieskouros2174]

ahhhh you're making me soo excited for once upon a broken heart 💖 edit: also i'm rereading acowar...you inspired me with your plot recaps lmao

[@caricanread]

bahahah omg good luck with both!

[@Lara_Ameen]

I’m reading AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW (my BOTM pick!) and I’m enjoying it! You read such a wonderful variety of books in September! I’m so impressed. Also, I love that you’re from San Diego! I’m currently living in SoCal (not San Diego). 🥰💜

[@sooniemystic]

Yay 🙌 hi cari we are so lucky we got Cari today. The final gambit sounds amazing, wanna read it right after I finish Deadly Education 😄🖤

[@caricanread]

[@akshita4771]

Your videos are always the highlight of my week

[@caricanread]

:') thank you so much!

[@Showtunediva]

The cliffhanger from the end of The Ballad Of Never After is KILLING me. I can’t wait for A Curse For True Love to come in at the library!

[@Ejacula]

I just started reading Gideon the 9th and it’s amazing! I’m loving it

[@charoraimondogarcia]

If you want a ghost love story read Cementery boys, 10/10. Amazing rep, Percy Jackson vibes, lovely characters

[@caricanread]

I read that last Halloween 😍

[@leenakoponen5156]

Oh I so want to read Thistlefoot and Gideon the Ninth! I recently read Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro, liked it at times, but it was exhausting (could have used some editing imo). Very eerie and gothic atmosphere though, so fits in to the season. Now reading The Midnight Bargain by C. L. Polk, really enjoying it so far. So sorry for your loss, Cari. I lost my Gran many years ago (she was my only grandparent) and still miss her. Sending love and light💜

[@b2ksflyhoney]

Sorry for your loss & thanks for sharing your wrap up with us.

[@shensley-lange7724]

BONA was amazing, but I also assumed it was a duology. So when I got to the end, I was like screaming at this book. Thank god, I researched that there was another book and I calmed it back down, but what an evil evil plot twist. OMG. So evil.

[@rhiannonbegin3205]

I also lost my grandmother in September, my heart goes out to you. I also am absolutely in love with Stephanie Garber’s books and read them completely out of whack in that i read OUABH and TBONA and then read Caraval. Loved your thoughts on it and I’m going nuts waiting for the next one. ❤❤

[@Lia_Lee]

still rooting for grayson even though the series has ended lol..... 😭 sending caring thoughts your way, cari!

[@zennaluna]

Thanks Cari, for the great book ideas! Definitely reading the one you didn't like--i love reading bad books, they're so funny. It's like watching a bad scary movie 😋✨

[@jacsYT]

ah, i can’t wait to read gideon the ninth! i have too many other series to read already 😅

[@athiyamia7579]

I literally wait for your videos to upload. I haven’t yet watched it but I’m commenting just because I’m so happy to see the video pop up in my feed! Please take care of yourself and continue to make these videos. They’re a comfort to me. I rewatch your videos when I want to unwind 😂❤ Edit: the longer videos are amazing! Totally don’t mind them

[@ria3828]

Gideon is freaking amazing and Harrow (the second book) blew my mind. Harrow is a hard read. I had to read the first quarter and then put it down and then reread it. But push through! It is worth it. The payoff is chefs kiss especially if you love Gideon's character. Pro tip: pay attention to the chapter headings related to time. It is a big hint and will help you orient yourself a bit.

[@blueriverg]

The way you described Our Wives Under the Sea is how I felt about This is How you Lose the Time War!

[@FragrenceAtMiracleEd]

Harrow is MUCH better on the reread! Gideon is still better, but after reading Nona, and knowing the end of Harrow, the experience of reading Harrow is greatly improved. First time I read it I skimmed most of it but now I enjoy it

[@narwhalmeggy]

You should read Belladonna! It gives me pretty big Inheritance Games vibes (the familys last name is even Hawthorne lol) except spookier and in a fun victorian mansion!! Also not a standalone but the ending is pretty satisfying anyway.

[@sqmmmie]

oof yeah harrow is tough to get through on the first read but it'll be so worth it by the end!! and once you understand everything that's going on it's a GREAT one to reread

[@erynnm3045]

Ok, I NEED to read Caraval and all the associated books. *sigh* When I finish my current book series maybe... Thanks for the book recs. 🙂

[@ErisOfTartarus]

So OUABH is my favorite ! and now I want to read Caraval hahah thanks Cari !

[@RomanticRosebud]

Violet Made of Thrones sounds interesting, I'm up for morally gray characters sometimes. Once Upon a Broken Heart/Ballad I have to get my hands on that series soon.

[@laurenk5379]

The Westing Game was my favorite book as a kid! If you ever do a video on reading books for younger readers, I would recommend that and Christopher Healy's A Hero's Guide series.

[@proudfootprongs]

although there are some moments in violet made of thorns that made me want to slam my head on a table, i still really loved it. and can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

[@caricanread]

yes!! now that i remember the ending i am very excited hahahha

[@juliakoczor]

shame people stop the shatter me series at the third book as the plot really thickens in book four and it becomes a lot more action packed!!

[@caricanread]

i didnt like the action in the first three so i dont think i'd like more action-heavy ones but glad you liked them!!

[@tonigonzalez1515]

Three Dark Crowns Series! I loved the concept. Wasn't always wild about the delivery, but it kept my attention enough to finish the series. :)

[@vcackermanwrites]

I know I keep saying this, but these book covers are so beautiful.

[@noodlepoodle3582]

I told myself I would watch this video for fun and not add to my TBR because it's long enough as it is..... why do I lie to myself like this 😭

[@SongWitch]

If you liked the main character/humor in Gideon, you should try the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells!

[@mattkean1128]

Sending you hugs Cari 🙏

[@caricanread]

thank you!!

[@aisvarya888]

It's so sad that you didn't like Dead Romantics because it was one of my fav reads of the year. Jus felt like saying maybe you should re-read it some other time and see if you feel the same way abt it.

[@roshiniroshini2888]

I totally agree with this. It is one of a book with solid plot dealing with grief and believing in oneself. I had a great time reading it. Maybe you should read it some other time and give it a try.

[@shrutisingha5372]

Really looking forward to a Cafe reading vlog 😍🥺

[@no_where_land9947]

I loved Thistlefoot! I read it in one day. Highly recommend!

[@Lilakukka]

Thanks for the video! Id love it if you could make a list of fiction books where there are healthy relationships / healthy attachment style between the characters ☺️

[@mayrarara]

I was so surprised to see Kit Webb in the thumbnail! I got that one in a blind date with a book I bought *months* ago

[@faithcole607]

Yeah Harrow was a hard read- but by god that ending. Definitely need to re-read the series before starting Nona

[@danielleoliver1734]

The reason you’re putting down Harrow the Ninth is the reason I’m waiting for the final book to come out before I read Nona the Ninth, I would need to reread to remember all the crazy plot points so I’m waiting to binge the complete series

[@audrey7673]

nona is even more batshit crazy 😂 so so good though! it's even more of being dropped into a situation and given absolutely no context, and you just... never get it! it only comes together in the end. another book that you just have to reread.

[@music_YT2023]

Our Wives Beneath the Sea sounds a great deal like like the protagonist's familial issues in Annihilation, complete with the surreal sci-fi background. Might check that out!

[@Nosaj22201]

Unfortunately I had to cancel BoTM. I signed up when I saw your promotion and ordered a book. It took it 3 months to arrive! The second and third month also. I was off a whole season! I contacted BoTM and asked them to ship priority mail, or directly to my German mailbox and they would not. I asked how come I see youtubers using the service from around the world and if they would ship the same to me and they refused. Now I watch your presentation of their selection and purchase at my bookstore in downtown Stuttgart or another online ordering company. You and 'Emmie Reads' reignited my love for reading. Thanks!

[@etymp4]

harrow will make sense once you're done i promise! probs even better than gideon

[@nandyace153]

Haha I've read that Tessonja Odette book and felt similarly! I've actually read most of the other books in her fairytale retelling series though and I liked them better! My fav so far was the Raven Prince one, the Cinderella inspired story. They're not mind-blowing, but are fun reads! And the world is enjoyable and builds the more you read imo.

[@hellohardbacks4421]

The social media manager comment made me lol because I actually work at a large digital agency and that is literally our entry-level title for new hires right out of college - you hit the nail on the head 😂💀

[@caricanread]

THANK YOU! I knew it couldnt have just been my experience in marketing 😂😂😂

[@jessiebee3423]

I JUST FINISHED THISTLEFOOT AND I GAVE IT 5 STARS!!!! I'M SO EXCITED THAT IT'S ON BOOK OF THE MONTH!!

[@tattooedkittykat]

Ahahahaha I literally bought the audiobook for Thistlefoot last night on the recommendation of another Booktuber! I'm super excited for it! 💖 Also we are getting another book in the Inheritance Games series! It's about the boys now 😏

[@caricanread]

yessss i cant wait to see what they get up to hahahaa

[@maririta8331]

I love your reviews so much

[@donatellazanon411]

Yesssss new books ♥️

[@caricanread]

[@aiva729]

Editing Cari 😂💖

[@meganb6722]

I’m starting Ballad of Never After today. I’m ready to be wreckeddddd 🫡

[@hibaissa8530]

omgg update??

[@samanthamedina962]

I loved the Queer Principles of Kit Web the vibes were immaculate. I've been waiting for the Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes to come in at my library and I am excited. I'm slowly making my way through a Violet made of Thorns at the moment and I'm in one of those places where I want to dnf it but I don't think its the fault of the book (especially since I can really see myself enjoying it at a different time. A temporary DNF if you will) but after hearing your review I think I'm gonna stick it out a bit longer and see if it catches my attention more.

[@Natali-i2e]

as you liked inheritance games you should try reading her other series the naturals. I LOVE IT, it's so good and interesting

[@Rkhfb]

I love your reviews Almost all your book recommendations are amazing… ❤

[@kassywhite5567]

If you are ever in between books again and want a great fantasy author on kindle unlimited, Kate Stradling is your girl. She writes such humorous, intelligent, original stories.

[@therync8207]

Cari Angelou: “I've learned that I will forget what a book said, what happened in it, but I will never forget how it made me feel." Also Melissa Caruso or Danielle L Jensen are some of my favorite authors and I would love to see them hyped more! ❤❤

[@deboramariano]

I’ve just started reading “A deal with the elf king” cause I saw your recommendation in another video. :)

[@ShikiPirs]

Cari, pleeease could you think of a book or a series that has a couple of main characters (who will be together) like Katniss and Peeta from the Hunger Games? OR a couple with the same dynamic of the relationship maybe? I 've just finished the series AND I JUST CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT THEM, SO maybe you give me some advice?

[@lilmeowmeow667]

Omg I feel the same about Ballad, I actually learned something very cool that I didn't pick up first so I'm gonna add it here for you. Spoilers obviously. . . . The timeline of caraval (the last book specifically) and once upon a broken heart actually overlap, in finale, probably 20 ish pages in they actually mention the wedding scene where they are all turned to stone, and mention Evangeline as the sister of the bride who sacrificed herself to save the rest by turning herself to stone. And talking about it as if it has just happened therefore giving us a lil bit of a clearer timeline as to when Evangeline actually first met Jacks - while events of caraval were still taking place. This for me was a huge deal because technically now we can theorize that maybe Jacks's heart strated to beat in response to meeting Eva and not Tella but he got confused.

[@junkosllette]

i had the same theory but it doesn't really make sense when you think about it :(

[@lilmeowmeow667]

@@junkosllettemaybeeeee *really small chance* it does, I want Eva to be his true love all along do bad 😞

[@surpriseitsus9622]

Oh no, are these spoilers?

[@lilmeowmeow667]

@@surpriseitsus9622 I did give a spoilers warning

[@lilmeowmeow667]

@@surpriseitsus9622 technically they are not it's just a theory to a possible timeline

[@Fluffymagicalbunny]

Aw it's too bad you didn't like The Dead Romantics. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for you to read it? I absolutely loved it. 😊

[@rodsitamara]

the way the second inheritance games book, the hawthorne legacy was my fav lmaoo

[@maidharihan8940]

Hi Cari, a book recommendations: The Blood of stars doulogy And Six crimson cranes doulogy by Elizabeth lim. I really liked the the blood of stars doulogy it really reminded me of the socery of thrones. Love you videos.

[@jazz5856]

as someone who grew up on a tiny pnw island i’m both curious and trepidatious about spells for forgetting haha

[@florencezheng5177]

"What's in the west wing" 😂

[@jacsYT]

we get not one, not two but three caris!? nice! 😂

[@caricanread]

bahahhhaa

[@eva-lq3kg]

bro im back here because i read violet made of thorns and it was SO GOOOOOOOOOD

[@soka4457]

Hello cari I have read hawls moving castle 🏰 It is truly different from the movie And I`m currently rewatching the movie 😁thanks for the recommendation. best wishes from Egypt ♥️♥️

[@swirlingsun]

don't worry, the plot of harrow is intentionally confusing and everyone feels that way. the first act is kind of a huge mess the first read, don't expect to understand right away. THAT SAID, the ending is so so incredibly worth it. like the last quarter is when things start to make sense, that piece alone is equally funny as the whole first book. that part alone is maybe one of the best reading experiences i have ever had, no hyperbole

[@ArlinTreaty]

Hahah I love your videos! ❤I find them really funny😂

[@caricanread]

thank you so much :')

[@strykly5462]

A bit late but I love watching you ever since I started getting more into reading this year, I do hope you get to read Olivia Atwater's books - Half a Soul (book 1) and Ten Thousand Stitches (book 2) which are part of the Regency Faerie Tales series. I love them and are my favourite books to date, both I've read this month, and I would just LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your review on them. If you do come about the books on or off cam I hope you enjoy them as much as I do 🥺

[@caricanread]

I talk about half a soul in my july or august wrap up!! so cute!

[@gabrielleduplessis7388]

While I have not read wives under the sea yet, it does give me Fish in Exile vibes because it also explores relationships, grief, and loss.

[@saramm3765]

The Dead Romantics- ugh- heard about this from Darling Desi and bought it. I'm only about 40 pages in and can't stand it. I don't know if I can make it through to the end.

[@sofiasamou]

Also Violet Made of Thorns reminded me a lot of Ella Enchanted.

[@rixanoz]

I can finally say I have read the Cruel Prince+++ books, and I get it now, but that’s just not something you replicate.

[@caricanread]

yeah she really did something :')

[@bangtananxiety]

Yes I'm def reading "Gideon the ninth". I'm on my way!!! Necromancers in space?? Can a book get any better than this?! 🙌🏻😭🔥

[@mnlxlover00]

I've been wanting to read Spells for Forgetting for a long time now... I'm saving it for a rainy day at the end of fall ahah... The vibes sound immaculate with that kind of setting! 🤎

[@caricanread]

oh yes 100%!

[@rixanoz]

Our Wives was just not a good match for me. I ended up using it as a practice book for skimming. Like allowing myself to skim is so difficult and this book helped me justify it 😂

[@danieladamico5485]

Yep, I skimmed it and ended up DNFing it eventually. Beautiful writing, but reeeally boring.

[@Airam57]

Omg, I completely forgot about The Westing Game!

[@katp8625]

I loved the dead romantics rip :(

[@ainincinnamonrolls]

The fact that The Inheritance Games will get a spin-off just gives so much irony

[@alyssahardbarger7973]

Have you read The Scholomance Tiology by Naomi Novik or All of Us Villains duology by Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman?

[@EotuaDawnwalker]

GIDEON!

[@EotuaDawnwalker]

I just finished book three Nona the Ninth last month and yeah these books have stolen my soul and won’t give it back help Actually don’t help Gideon can have my soul she can just take it

[@EotuaDawnwalker]

Ok so based on what you love about Gideon you will love act 5 of Harrow and you will also love book 3

[@ChanuChaptersVlogs]

Hi. Are you on Goodreads? I can’t seem to find you there 😢