The End of the Year Book Tag for 2024

[@1book1review]

As someone who finished Milkman and was waiting for its greatness to show, don't push yourself. I already was not in love with it and then halfway through there was a "twist" (not really, but it changed things for me immensely) and after that it was only downhill. On stress reading cozy books. Currently mostly reading The Spice & Wolf light novels. Even the challenge in each book is so low key it doesn't stress me out. Not something for you probably. But go for cozy as much as you need. it does help.

[@arlissbunny]

I’m right there with you on reading cozy right now. I thought the perfect follow up to the two Kamogawa books is We’ll Prescribe You a Cat. I found it to be soothing and quite clever. I think my favorite in this sub-sub-genre is still probably What You Are Looking For is in the Library. Personally I’m clinging to these books and the Calm app for life. I mean seriously, Nazi generals!!!! *finishes your video, opens Calm app, tries to meditate*

[@starstuffpuff]

I attempted reading Milkman several years ago and I just couldn’t get into it. For some reason, earlier this year I decided to try it again, this time on audio and I am so glad I did. I quickly started realizing how absolutely brilliant it is. All I could think was: “how did I not realize how fantastic this book was the first time around?” (I highly, highly recommend the audio, by the way. The narration is wonderful). The way Anna Burns paints the bigger picture of family life, society, politics, religion, sectarianism, gender roles, etc. all in the context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, not by making the reader feel as if they’re getting a social studies lecture, but by “simply” following the story of the unnamed narrator throughout a few days of her life as she’s trying to navigate this treacherous situation she found herself in is absolutely masterful. It’s also very funny (as someone who adores Derry Girls, reading this as an audiobook was such a treat). I was in awe of it by the time I finished it. It’s now easily one of my favorite books of all time 😉.

[@azu_rikka]

I love The Snow Child- beautiful nature writing, wholesome family dynamics, and a bit of a mystery❤

[@beckyliechty2699]

This election has me so stressed. I can’t bear to think if it goes the wrong way.i too am doing cozy reads. I usually read non fiction but now I am reading some fiction. I hope I will feel better after the election

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope so, too!

[@marciaalbaum2597]

me too

[@johnbarry7874]

I read Martyr a little while back. I loved it. I also love Cilantro though… so 🤔. Take care of yourself Greg. Hope the election stress does not take too much of a toll. 💪

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! Take care of yourself as well.

[@pjreads]

I so want this election to be over while dreading the possible results. Living in AZ doesn't help. Like you I'm reading and rereading the cosiest books and dnfing anything else. Hoping for the best with all my heart.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Fingers crossed!

[@arlissbunny]

Being in a swing state must be SO hard. Hang in there! All of us blue dots in red states are pulling for you.

[@sarahwiltshire5851]

I thought Milkman was a worthy Booker winner - do read if the moment comes. Thanks as always for all of your videos. Your Pulitzer vid was really interesting and you've introduced me to James McBride, Diane Oliver & now The Kamogawa Food Detectives to name just a few this year - thank you! Always enjoy Teddy appearances (of course) and your two-handers with Joel. Sorry you're so stressed with the election and I keep checking in from the UK & sending positive voting vibes for Kamala. I'm reading that there is a lot of getting the vote out going on - so hopefully it will be all okay (and in the weeks after).

[@Ali-AvidReader]

I love your videos so much. Am looking forward to reading The Snow Child and have put the new books by Louise Erdrich and Niall Williams on my ever growing list!

[@LisaKrogman]

I can so relate to the stress of this election. I wish I was someone who could exercise and release stress. Instead, I'm a little drunk on weekends. I tend to go for humor during times of stress. The Search by Michele Huneven. I also loved a little-known Night of the Avenging Blowfish. Published by Algonquin press, which is a favorite small press of mine. The story of a softball game between the CIA and Secret Service. Time: classified, Place: classified. Very funny. It doesn't look like you're a non-fiction reader but Bookshop: A history of the American bookstore by Evan Friss. I loved it, going back to Ben Franklin. Why we love book shops, what is special etc. I loved Year of the Plague by Geraldine Brooks, but totally pales to People of the Book, which was so interesting, creative and lovely.

[@andrew_8582]

I had thought my TBR was impervious to new additions because it's already bulging at the seams, but Night of the Avenging Blowfish is stark-raving mad enough to draw my attention! Thank you for the recommendation, one day in the future I'll probably pop up in Greg's comments with my thoughts. 😂

[@Fangrrrll]

I can’t wait for you to read Martyr! I read it not too long ago and while it’s a bit patchy there were parts of it that just knocked me out. I’m not a big highlighter but I was highlighting like crazy. I’m anxious to hear your thoughts!

[@booksandbags]

I just finished The Mighty Red and loved it. It's my first by her but won't be my last. I'm reading Martyr! now. I like it so far, but I don't love it. It's definitely worth the read.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Louise Erdrich is a fascinating author to explore and get to know.

[@erinh7450]

Were you listening to, or reading Milkman in print? If ever there was a book that you should choose audio over print on, this one is it. Absolute 5+ stars on audio, and even with that review, I realize I might have given up on it in print. (I don't even remember it having chapters, so that's why I was wondering if perhaps you were attempting it with your eyeballs...)

[@sharonhoevel9889]

The Snow Child.... EXCELLENT!

[@onourpath]

I think you're going to be mesmerized by The Snow Child -- it's such a quiet, gorgeous book. As far as Milkman goes, I'd stick to your DNF. None of it gets better, imo, and it's just freaking weird (and not in a good way.) I am so with you about this election. Odds are good that I'll likely have a stroke before I can gnaw off the rest of my arm. So maybe I'll be dead before we know the results. 🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻🙏🏻 While I have a lot of faith in our candidate, and in the new generation of voters, I'm terrified of the results. Fun fact: our wedding anniversary is November 5th, so every 2 years, and especially every 4 years, we forget our anniversary completely, lol. I guess we mostly celebrate it in our shared rabidity for politics. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jaimee-kate]

Love this tag! Thanks for sharing!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for watching!

[@bebebrownsdollhaul6444]

Just love your videos

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much!

[@mradcaqbdb]

I’m happy to say I finally knocked James off my TBR! It’s been haunting me since it came out. That was the big one. I still want to finish the new Evie Wyld that I am firmly and sadly stuck in the middle of. I want to finish a book called The Betrayal of Thomas True, historical fiction about mollies in London by AJ West (a super fun follow on socials). Mr Loverman, which keeps getting pushed aside for other books. I want to read Martyr also, plus Private Rites by Julia Armfield. Your mention of The Snow Child (which sounds really good) reminds me that I have Smilla’s Sense of Snow here waiting to be read. It was a brilliant movie back in the day and would be a perfect winter book. I’m working on my list of books to bring back from London in December. Try to channel Greg’s responsible buyer and not bring back a whole suitcase this time.

[@JanetReading]

Would you consider showing us your reading places? Share your routine?

[@nanimaonovi2528]

DNF. We wouldn't blindly follow a stranger in a strange place but we feel obliged to follow authors off cliffs and down rabbit holes. I embraced the DNF after an author turned her main character into a zombie meat puppet in book 1 to sell book 2. I knew by 25% to put the book down, and now I respect my no when book and blurb don't match.

[@ara_orion]

you know that is the best perspective on DNF, absolutely right!

[@SupposedlyFun]

A good DNF is a magical thing.

[@alexsarchives]

I am always surprised when people advocate never DNFing. 1) I can always come back to it when it strikes my interest again and 2) there are a million books I wanna read and will die before I get the chance to, rough odds are any random book from that pile will be a better fit than the one I'm currently not enjoying.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Both The Snow Child and Martyr! are on my TBR. I love reading Murder mystery & crime fiction from Australia this time of year. I’ve finished Broken River by Chris Hammer.

[@katrianamacmillan]

Until the twist at the end, I loved Martyr! I’d still recommend reading it. Like 80% of the book is good, which is true of most of the books I read, only most of them start slow and end well. Martyr! Does the opposite, but is still very much worth a read IMO

[@SupposedlyFun]

I've heard the ending can be divisive.

[@plikely4865]

I have the same’3’ want to get to before end of year. I bought Louise Erdrich book just for the cover. So that could change. 😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

It is a very striking cover.

[@karenmoore4430]

I am going to read the Snow Child in December. Year of Wonders is really good.

[@Kamsees]

I hear what you said so much about cozy reading. (Spicy cinnamon bun? I wonder what a caramel roll book would be like... 😋). If he who shall not be named gets in, what shall we do, read escapeism for 4 years?! 😲

[@TimeTravelReads]

Thanks for this tag. I'm really not sure what I want to read for the rest of this year or next year.

[@davidnovakreadspoetry]

_The Kamogawa Food Detectives_ keeps enticing me.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I enjoyed both of the books in the series.

[@spexi513]

Awwwwww past Greg had reason to be stressed as was I … future me is disappointed but not surprised 😭 .

[@JentheLibrarianreads]

Can I go totally off-topic and recommend you something cosy to distract you from the election? I don't know if you're much of a boardgame player, but hearing you talk about the election stress and how much you're leaning into cosy things really made me think about a boardgame Mary and I play all the time for its super cosiness. It's called Everdell and it allows you to play as cute woodland creature, and the point is to gather other cute creatures into your village while you prepare for the next season. You can spend hours playing if you want, such a great distraction. [If you're not into boardgames, ignore this 🤣]

[@SupposedlyFun]

That sounds fun! And I assume it’s good for two people? We mostly only do jigsaw puzzles on our own because most games feel like they need a larger group.

[@JentheLibrarianreads]

@@SupposedlyFun it’s a 1 to 4 player. I actually play it by myself sometimes just to relax, but it works really well with two people ☺️

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@JentheLibrarianreads Good to know--thanks!

[@Nina_DP]

Year of Wonders completely fell apart for me at the end. Like, just became a completely different book. People love it, though. Will be very interested in your take if you pick it up.

[@ArtemisFloof]

I have Martyr! on my list too. I wanted to be enthralled by The Snow Child and I feel like I am the target audience, but it fell so flat for me. It might work for you, though, because as I recall, I wanted *more* magic. I can also relate to your Momaday conundrum... I wanted to read March this year, but keep feeling like I need to read Little Women first, and I don't really want to read Little Women. 🙃 I enjoyed Year of Wonders, but not as much as Horse. Year of Wonders is seriously bleak. I am currently combatting election dread with When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill. Sadly, cinnamon buns don't hold my attention well, so I'm trying feminist fantasy...

[@catedee5012]

Are you going to do a video on the best nonfiction books of 2024?

[@SupposedlyFun]

We will!

[@lucia-z3c]

In the USA should have more then two candidates for the presidency. Both of them in, my opinion are wrong. One is a nutter and the other supports terrible atrocity. Some people will give their vote to the first one just because they do not want to let their brothers down. I always like your videos. Thanks