The Booker Prize 2024 shortlist reaction

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I swear it was a total coincidence I uncovered that 6th envelope last! 😅 I made a vlog about going to the official Booker shortlist party this evening for my online bookclub and you can view it here: www.patreon.com/TheLonesomeReaderBookClub

[@readandre-read]

I'm shocked that My Friends isn't on the shortlist. That one and James are among my best of the year. Your excitement was fun to watch!

[@arcticships]

My Friends isn't in the shortlist... It broke my heart.😭 I love this book so so much.

[@annmyhre]

Agree, miss it too. But to me it is still a great discovery.

[@annetteholman2999]

The absence of MY FRIENDS is devastating. It was superior to the other 4 I read and the 2 I didn't finish. I am not going to read any more as I'm very disappointed with the taste and values of the committee.

[@angelicaaltaf]

💯 Such a poignant book on so many levels

[@cecilialau_]

I love that you do it this way with the envelopes, it’s honestly so sweet to watch your pure and excited reaction and how invested you are in it ☺️☺️ I am reading My Friends next and I am sure I’ll be in the group of ppl who wanted it to be shortlisted but we all know that it’s not possible to be objective when “judging” a book and a different group of judges could have gone a completely different way. Which I know you’ve addressed as well. Also am just so so keen to read The Safekeep (!!)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Haha, thank you! 😊I hope you love "My Friends" as much as I did. And I'm sure you'll enjoy "The Safekeep" - it's ace!

[@doreene11]

You are the best Eric! I love your reaction to these awards :)))) Never change that, you are very entertaining and your enthusiasm and the way you talk about books without spoilers, make you one of the best booktubers there is, in my opinion 💙

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you so much! 🤗📚

[@virginiaanderson8875]

God love your husband and I loved your face when ‘MY friend” wasn’t on the list- I haven’t read yet, but intend to with the wonderful things I have heard about it -

[@marygiuliano1891]

I just ❤ your genuine excitement!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😊📚

[@chrisgreene3908]

Wow! I’m stunned that My Friends is not on the list. I loved it. My favorite book was Enlightenment by Sarah Perry, but I’m not surprised it didn’t make the short list. I loved the audible. Looking forward to reading Orbital, and am rooting for James as the ultimate winner.

[@lorrainefoord7384]

Thanx so much Eric. I loved My Friends, James and Stoneyard Devotional. A bit sad My Friends didn't make it, as I had thought either that or James for the win. One thing I keep thinking now is, as good as James is, is it really worthy of a win when the actual story was already created in Huck Finn? It makes me a bit conflicted, as I really really loved it. Maybe I'm now leaning to Stoneyard Devotional - I so enjoyed my time with that, recalling times past - being a fellow aussie. I guess I also now need to read Creation Lake, Orbital, Safekeep and Held????

[@the_snicklefritz]

Swap Orbital for My Friends and I think the list is fantastic 😅

[@TKTalksBooks]

Exactly my thoughts

[@AaronWilkins-w8e]

Agreed.

[@annetteholman2999]

Very disappointing that MY FRIENDS is not on the short list. I am not going to read any more. I an devastated.😰

[@sofilologa]

Your reaction to Held was shared by everybody!! I haven't read My Friends, but I really thought it was going to be in the shortlist. Hoping for Percival Everett to win!! Thank you for sharing your genuine reaction with us! :)

[@eyesonindie]

Wow! Yours is the first shortlist reaction I watched, before I looked up the shortlist at all, so your excitement was my excitement! (Even though I haven't read a single one of these, I love to experience the longlist and shortlist through your videos!)

[@PaulaJaramillo26]

Your reaction is priceless! I had so much fun watching this video ❤

[@hasteyebooks]

I LOVE to watch real-time reactions to prizes haha the enthusiasm and affront are always so vivid 😆 I've only read 2 from the longlist so far: James and Orbital. Loved them both and glad to see them both on the shortlist!

[@cindyhaiken5644]

I think all Booker watchers were stunned when they realized that My Friends has not been shortlisted. I’m also pretty surprised not to see Playground there. It’s a shortlist that is going to divide opinion but maybe that is always the case. I think the judges have overall done a very good job.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes!

[@randallowen9350]

Oh my goodness dear friend... Held ..... I am amazed by this work of art. It is beautiful. I will be very disappointed if it does not win the Booker Prizs 2024. I can't stop thinking about it. Love and peace x

[@angelagoodwin2105]

I was waiting for your reaction to Held being on the shortlist-you didn't disappoint! Thanks for this inspiring video though, I am going to reread SYD on the strength of your comments

[@bookish.bulletin]

I loved the idea of the colourful envelopes and your reactions to each title on the shortlist 😂

[@jeleonardi07]

I highly recommend trying Held as an audiobook. I agree the first section was a little bit tricky, but listening to the beautiful language (and amazing narration) made it easier, and the book changes a lot as the story progresses. I almost stopped 1/4 of the way in but it ended up being one of my favorite booker reads so far (behind James!) - the interconnectedness of the story was really moving.

[@caseywagner9484]

This was such a fun way to present the list! 😂

[@noronavarra2844]

So terribly happy to see that the great Stone yard devotional has made to the shortlist!😊❤❤❤

[@PabloReyesVelasco]

😂😂😂 I had the same reaction as you with that last one. With these 6 I would bet for Stone Yard Devotional, but my favourites are Orbital and James and I'm happy for them 🎉

[@bianquita1]

I can't believe My Friends didn't make the shortlist! I'm yet to see a favorable review for Held. I'm about to start Orbital.

[@inaguddle3050]

Your reaction to the last envelope was GOLD!

[@annewoodborne1254]

Huge fan of Anne Michaels. Her lyrical prose is a great joy.

[@starstuffpuff]

I couldn't believe My Friends wasn't shortlisted, but Held, one of my dnfs, was... Very happy The Safekeep and Orbital made it onto the list. We all knew James would be on there (might have to read it again, it was just ok for me). I'm really excited to read Stone Yard Devotional (it sounds more and more like a book I will love), I'm intrigued by Creation Lake. I was surprised Playground didn't get shortlisted either.

[@CharlieBrookReads]

I always love how your husband does the envelopes so we get to see your immediate reaction. Lots of fun!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks Charlie! I’m lucky he tolerates my antics. 😊

[@leolamoon11]

I’ve read James(did reread the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn beforehand), Safe Keep and Orbital. Deep respect and love for these novels. Have Stone Yard Devotional waiting in the wings-so excited about this book after many wonderful reviews. Currently reading Enlightenment…Will definitely read all books from shortlist and several more from the longlist. Thank you so much for the exciting reveal! Many impressive books on these lists!❤

[@penelopegough6050]

So excited to see Charlotte Wood there.

[@vkce23]

Great video Eric! Love your reaction videos. 😀

[@leeh4343]

Very happy to see Stone Yard Devotional make it on the shortlist 🎉😊

[@gastondeveaux3783]

I love your channel! Most of these books I've never heard of, but I want to read most of them.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you!

[@cjprince1]

Ooh - I've read James and I already had Orbital in my bag to read on the plane en route to Scotland in a couple weeks.

[@thelefthandedreader6632]

I loved the real time reveal format. Especially because as I’m watching this, I don’t know either! Yes, James!

[@SelinaAllinson]

I can't believe 'Held' was last to make an appearance in the reveal, your reaction was the same as mine 😂 Still gutted about 'My Friends' but very happy to see Creation Lake, James, Stone Yard Devotional and The Safe Keep up there!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I know! 😅 The Fates teased me to the very end.

[@SelinaAllinson]

@@EricKarlAnderson I know!!🫣 Not all endings come with a Demon Copperhead saviour, as in the Women's Prize last to be revealed scenario, not this time around anyway 😂

[@stevenwitt1812]

Love your book reviews and your take on the Booker Prize long and short lists! James is still my favorite book of the year so far. I'm reading Orbital next. Looking forward to your future comments and reviews!! Thank you.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy Orbital.

[@janeshuttleworth5563]

Disappointed about My Friends. Beautiful story & writing. Loved it. I am part way through both Held & Creation Lake. Decided I would only persevere if on the shortlist. Now have 2 books I am not enjoying to finish! Fine with others on the list especially SYD & Orbital

[@Neil457]

Good to see them put a combination of short and long books on there. I’ve got Orbital on my Kindle as I found the premise (aka blurb) intriguing, I’m also interested in seeing the writing style

[@anges_book_chatter]

I am in tune with the judges this year. I am surprised My Friends and Playground not listed. I have not read Held, but enjoyed all the other shortlisted books. I would be surprised if James doesn’t win.

[@enidlacob1157]

Thank you so much I loved this your enthusiasm is so catchy I am also sad My friends didn’t make it Kindest regards and thanks from Cape Town I am so grateful to you You need to visit South Africa

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you! I’d love to visit South Africa one day.

[@janethansen9612]

There’s no pressure to get Playground now though I will read it at some stage. Very happy to see an Aussie book shortlisted!

[@Sanchordia]

Oh, dear. I'm sad for Colin Barrett. I think you need to be Irish to fully appreciate how good that book is.

[@BookishAdventuresInWellbeing]

My first thought when I saw the short list was ‘Will Eric Karl Anderson be ok?!’ 😂

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😅😭

[@Noahhttps]

Hope James takes it home ❤️

[@cholatse3062]

I've read the short list. I acknowledge that James is a great book and will probably win. However, The Safe Keep is one of the best books I've ever read and I loved Stoneyard Devotional. I did not like Creation Lake and really do not understand why it's on the list. Orbital is beautifully written and full of insights I will keep close for the rest of my life. Held is a challenge, but one worth taking. My ranking is: The Safekeep, Stoneyard Devotional, James, Orbital, Held, Creation Lake.

[@mahivivt]

That was fun to watch, I had similar reactions as well 😅

[@chambersstevens3135]

Wonderful video!

[@speedracer2841]

There is a pattern developing here: The novel you have least liked makes the shortlist. It has been Held this year; it was Study for Obedience last year. Keep it in mind for next year. It has been the most disappointing Booker year for me. I just love how your husband engages in your passion. Hold on to him.

[@TKTalksBooks]

I got 4 out of six correct. Devastated about My Friends!! It was the best novel on the longlist (by far) in my opinion 😢

[@dunkbiscuit]

The safe keep. Wanted to love it - but felt it was just a bit obvious. Not going to lie, would be disappointed if it won. James and orbital for me, I've got stone yard devotional at the library, just on wait.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

My Friends not making the shortlist is crazy to me. The two I haven’t read Creation Lake Held I can’t see myself reading either at the moment. I’ve watched reviews of both and none are positive. Both highly likely to be DNFD.

[@jamesduggan7200]

Yesterday, I finished reading Portrait of a Lady. Certainly it was the best thing I've read this year, so that's good. A couple of weeks ago I listened on Audible to The Year of Magical Thinking, which I enjoyed, and now I'm listening to her White Album collection of essays. I think I'll need to get James at some point, though I thought maybe I should read Twain first, as you suggest. Thx - enjoyed.

[@TerryJ950]

Just wanted to say I loved James so much and didn’t read Twain first. It definitely stands on its own. Read it if you want to, but if you don’t, it’s a great read either way.

[@jamesduggan7200]

@@TerryJ950 Thx very much; likely I'll find time to get one later this week :)

[@quillber]

you are so adorable i cant

[@ashleylamont7687]

Laughed at your reaction to Held 😊 Surely James is the one to beat? And off topic, but Stone Yard I think has the best cover (on the hardback at least, the paperback not so good - why can't they keep the same covers!)

[@TKTalksBooks]

I’m happy with the list overall

[@Jack-xi8ji]

I haven't read any of the six yet, but from the descriptions alone I suspect the Orbital might well be crowned the winner.

[@booksandbags]

I’m in the minority, but I’m happy with the shortlist (I haven’t read Creation Lake). I enjoyed all of the finalists. I’m sad for the My Friends fans.

[@chrisgsharp4630]

My friends really should have been on the shortlist - Orbital was amazing

[@marygiuliano1891]

The minute I heard outer space I put down the book. Did you find that it mattered or influenced your enjoyment of the book?

[@spexi513]

😭 Wandering Stars but very happy w the rest

[@grandcosmo]

I'm rooting for Held because that is the only one on the list that I liked. I thought James was just OK and was actually one of his lesser books among those I read. Orbital I thought was too long - 100 pages would have kept me more engaged. Creation Lake was actively bad and I loved Brandon Taylor's evisceration of it in the London Review of Books. The others I haven't read.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

I avoided the news so I could hear the shortlist from the backs of th magic envelopes.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😁📚🤗

[@Sanchordia]

It seriously only seems like yesterday since I watched your Booker Prize 2023 shortlist reaction... WHERE does the time go?

[@KatyaOrlova-jp1gy]

Curious that most of the shortlisted books were written by women, and the only criticism I heard about My Friends is that it doesn't really have a female perspective. Maybe that was the reason it wasn't chosen in the end? I'm happy with the shortlist, that's mostly all the books I wanted to read from the longlist (though I would love to swap Held for Headshot).

[@user-ny1wo1vp9r]

A little disappointed there are no non Western authors on this list. I haven't read My Friends, but judging by the comments about it, I wish it had made it.

[@alanscheer2137]

I’m reading Held right now and I hate it I think it’s more of a challenge to write a book with a through line plot rather than skipping from stone to stone. If I had any gumption I would throw it away. So many books to waste on such vagueness.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Having just watched the announcement, I’m confused by a great book being ignored and two books that have had bad reviews are included.

[@scottboyd3838]

I find other than James this Shortlist is quite shocking in its choices

[@scottboyd3838]

And Orbital, I did enjoy that, didn't think it would get Shortlisted, but am happy for that one too, along with James

[@nadiadixon5805]

you got 3 out of six..

[@emmavd]

My Friends😢

[@noronavarra2844]

Last night I finished I. Matar’s book and, to be honest, it was disappointing to me: it purely referred to the Lybian male patriarchal society at all levels. 😮

[@angelicaaltaf]

How did My Friends not make it? I loved the writing and the story was beautifully relayed to the reader. Disappointed

[@karenbrouard697]

Disappointed My Friends didn't make it