The International Booker Prize 2022 Longlist (Reaction)

[@hasteyebooks]

It's such an exciting list!! Love your enthusiasm about the books, writers, translators and publishers :)

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It's been an entire day and I'm still woozy with excitement!

[@Emy-fh1zn]

I love seeing your excitement and passion for books, you could make me read anything with the way you articulate your thoughts!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Omg thank you so much! Wow, that's so kind 💜

[@kiranreader]

your enthusiasm is contagious!! i was so impressed by the list i'm trying to reading all of them before they announce the shortlist!! wish me luck lol

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Very good luck to you! I now have The Books of Jacob ready to go and I'm nervous...

[@kiranreader]

@@WillowTalksBooks thank you! i'm nervous to read too but we can do it!!! u got this :)

[@fayla8127]

this is first video i’ve seen of yours. instantly fell in love with your passion & how you express yourself. thanks for sharing your thoughts & recommendations, can’t wait to watch your other videos too.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoy what I'm putting out there :)

[@TheDigitalArchivist]

Hi Books & Bao, Tiffany Tsao was my lecturer in the English Department at Newcastle University, Australia. While I was working out what English subject I wanted to do that semester In 2011, I remained in Tiffany’s class for six weeks. I really enjoyed her insight and ideas. I am keen to now read her as an author and translator. I always become excited when I see her name in print, and always read the email she sends out of a Friday, called The Circular

[@jyuanc]

I'm so thrilled with this list, and when I saw the list I knew you would be so excited too with so many excellent books you've recommended to us! I'm especially pleased for Anton, how fantastic for him to have two projects on here, I loved Love in the Big City, and will need to get on with Cursed Bunny too.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha you know me well! I'm so happy for Anton, too. He deserves all this success and more!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It's lovely to see your overflowing happiness with this list and these books. 📚💕 You make me so excited to read Cursed Bunny. I really related to Heaven as well - so moving. I'd be so happy if Love in the Big City wins but I still have several more on the list to read. I found Grossman's novel really powerful so would recommend it. Jon Fosse's writing is really fascinating and I'd be keen to hear your take on it, but fair enough if you're not that drawn to it and there's so much other reading to get to. 📚

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I have a very good feeling about Love in the Big City at least making the shortlist but I never do predictions because I suck at them! I'll definitely give Fosse and Grossman a go on your recommendation, though!

[@ShrutiSrivastava12345]

A book is a gift that we can open again and again.📚🎉

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Omg I love that!! Never heard that before but wow yeah that's lovely 💜

[@ShrutiSrivastava12345]

@@WillowTalksBooks thankyou 📚🙏

[@danielleigop7783]

a youtube channel who talks about books and manga this is so rare thank you yt algorithm! i am loving your channel already. im excited to read some of these!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm glad you like what you see!

[@SN23031978]

Your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you 💜

[@Repulsiastorm]

So many added to my TBR and to order for my library! Thanks so much, I'm so excited for these books, their authors, translators, publishers and readers!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yay, I hope you enjoy what you read!

[@ephrussi9765]

I am so happy that I just discovered you. You're completely engaging. You've succeeded in making me want to read many of these outstanding books. Thank you.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's so wonderful to hear, thank you!

[@joydevivre7946]

Hi Willow, your channel was recommended to me by a friend, and I've been bingeing on your videos for the last couple of days. I got to hang out with Norman at the London Book Fair a few days ago, and you're right, he's such a wonderful human being and writer who deserves global recognition. This is the most excited I have been about the International Booker Prize, and I'd really like to thank you for highlighting diverse books from indie publishers in your videos!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm so happy you got to meet and hang with Norman!! He's an angel. Thank you so much for watching my videos 💜

[@joydevivre7946]

@@WillowTalksBooks We raved about ‘Hurricane Season’ and ranted about the literary establishment in our respective countries. We then agreed that he is now a Filipino and made it official by feeding him Jollibee Chickenjoy. :) I’ll keep watching your videos-they make me so happy!

[@adamwan0527]

It's really nice to see your enthusiasm and your love of books in your videos. And huge congrats to the authors and translators who were nominated. I just suffered a huge financial loss, so I'm not able to feel much, but just watching the enthusiasm you exude is enough for me, for what it's worth. Life sure is an unpredictable roller coaster. One moment, I'm happy to finally get two copies of the journal that published my short story, and the next thing I know I'm crumbling and crying my eyes out. It sometimes feels weird, writing out what is basically a diary entry in your comment section, but I end up coming here and writing these depressing things because I feel comfortable here, and because I don't have anyone else to talk to. It just depresses me to scroll through my chats and see none of them with a notification on them. But enough about me-I'm really looking forward to who wins the International Booker this year. Last year's winner kinda disturbed me, as it should, and it is a powerful book. So I'm curious what book will be picked this time.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm so sorry that you're struggling so much, Adam. Feeling alone is the worst thing, I know. Never worry about spilling your heart here. I always read your comments and feel so much empathy for you 💜

[@aliciaguzman]

Yayyyy ! I was waiting for this video. When I saw 3 books from Tilted Axis Press on the longlist I immediately thought of you because you introduced me to them ( and to small presses tbh)

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I did?? Omg that's so lovely, yay!

[@TheTerribleman]

Hi Willow, I've loved your twitter feed (and your videos) - I'm chairing this years International Booker Jury, and it's been a thrilling ride. Kepp up the good work.

[@TheTerribleman]

Oh, and I don't know what will win yet - the last meeting is next Tuesday, May 24th. I'm as excited as you are.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thanks so much for your kind words and your impeccable taste, Frank!

[@MarinaUz]

Ooh you got me so excited about this list! I didn't know most of the books and now I have most of them on my tbr 🥳

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Huzzah! Doing my job 😊💜

[@klc7275]

David Grossman is amazing. I just read Falling Out Of Time this year and I'm planning on reading every single book he's ever written now. So glad to see him on the list.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Oh cool! I keep hearing good things!

[@theapenning8944]

It's really remarkable that with The seven moons of Maali Almeida winning the Booker prize and Tomb of sand winning the International booker prize there are two south asian winners!!

[@tawnyman]

This is the first year that I’ve already read one of the books longlisted (Love in the Big City!!) and have several others on my tbr and I’m so excited! It’s great when we get to find new books from prize lists, but there is something great about seeing your faves recognized!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Completely agree! Last year's list led me to a few new faves but this year's list already has so many faves!

[@pachivanbelle8484]

I feel like 50 % smarter after watching this video lol. Thank you so much for your wisdom.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I’ve never been called wise before lol but I’ll take it, thanks!

[@Nixx0912]

Being Polish, it's warming my heart hearing you talking of Olga Tokarczuk, but also a bit ashamed to admit I have read only one of her books yet. I absolutely loved it, read it in one afternoon so I have no explanation for that. I wonder what's the title in English, it was "Prawiek I inne czasy" in Polish. Wonderful book.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

She's a master storyteller, and Croft is such a talented translator! I really need to get to The Books of Jacob soon...

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

Cursed Bunny was on my radar so now I really need to check it out! I am also interested in Happy Stories, Mostly so will have to look that one up. The only one my library has is the David Grossman so I will give that a go too. I love your enthusiasm 😊📚

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Please let me know how the Grossman book is! I may pick it up soon!

[@josh440]

Happy Stories, Mostly is most definitely worth a read!

[@jenniferlovesbooks]

@@josh440 thank you! I will get myself a copy 😊

[@loukiadams5340]

I thought That when the list was announced, I would not know any of them. Surprisingly, I do recognize most of them all because I have watched all your book reviews! I can say that The 2022 International Booker Longlist is very BookS and Bao!!!!!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha I am honoured!

[@lacamila666]

Ahh every time I see one of your videos I have to add a bunch of books to my TBR, and life is so short...

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Yup, you gotta read the cream of the crop! And I hope I provide that lol

[@enjay5087]

Please don't be intimidated by the size of Tomb of Sand, which I've just finished and loved. There is a lot of white space on the page and the writing is so flowing and beautiful that I just flew through it.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's really good to know! I will really endeavour to read that and Books of Jacob soon!

[@badger-1984]

I'm normally quite indifferent about prizes but this long list is great. So many that already love and several that I'm hoping to read soon. I don't envy the judges having to narrow down a short list and then pick a winner from these books

[@WillowTalksBooks]

This is the one list I always care about, even if I know very few of them. But this is just banger after banger!

[@martynabrewczyk3023]

Thank you for flagging that the longlist is out - I've missed it myself but saw your post yesterday and jumped on the site to check 😄 I'm excited about their choices as well! But I feel the same about long books, unfortunately - I've noticed Olga Tokarczuk's name on the list and was thrilled I'll be able to read one option in original and then I realized it's 900 pages...😑

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I was honestly relieve when I saw that The Books of Jacob actually is t 1200 pages. Under 1000? Maybe, MAYBE I can bring myself to read it? Maybe?

[@martynabrewczyk3023]

@@WillowTalksBooks well, if you do - good luck! 😉 I think if I attempt it, I'd have to get an audiobook. No way I'll read 1200 pages...😬

[@jonnyvanderhorst]

Happy to see you happy

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Omg thank you 💜

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

That Jon Fosse book is quite mind blowing brilliant. I think you need to read the previous books, but I found them very profound and they went to my top ten books ever.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Wow that's a big sell, thank you!

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

I’m excited as well The international Booker is my favorite award. Thanks to your channel I’ve heard of and have read or will read sometime most of these. I think I heard the David Grossman More Than I Love My Life was Based on In Memory of Memory by Maria Stepnova (sorry I Forgotten the Translator) which was a Longlist for the International Booker last year. Also Fiztcarroldo Editions essay. Side note The Books of Jacob was fascinating.

[@seekingmysticism]

Omg.. "I got to interview her recently 😏" fan mode on!!!!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

lol I am both ashamed and not ashamed

[@biblioghoul5589]

okaaaay I kind of just assumed booker picks would be dry lol, so many of these books sound amazing and surprised to see horror/sci-fi!! I will definitely be picking up Happy Stories, Mostly, Cursed Bunny, and After the Sun, but you've convinced me to check out Heaven and Elena Knows. I think I will try Drive Your Plow Over My Bones before committing to BOJ haha.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

These are all excellent ideas! I'm glad you like what you see here!

[@gabekarl82]

i can feel your enthusiasm, i saw the list and I was like, checking them out on GoodReads or online bookstores

[@WillowTalksBooks]

There are so many here that are worth all your time.

[@KDbooks]

HYPE HYPE HYPE HYPE HYPE

[@WillowTalksBooks]

So much hype, so many good books, AHH I could scream!

[@Kuranpu88]

Rooting for Mieko Kawakami!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

If she wins, I'll be thrilled!

[@KiraxxxLawliet]

I'm hoping that they will translate more of Olga Tokarczuk's books. I absolutely love her books too!

[@SM-vr8dz]

It’s a great longlist! I’ve ordered Happy Stories, Mostly. I’m going to read the short story collections alongside BOJ. I also struggle with long books. I just lose interest part way through, but I love Olga’s work, so I’m giving it a go.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you so much for ordering Norman's book! And I feel exactly the same. Don't like long books but love Olga so 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@TK-kf8zc]

The Book of Mother was excellent. A daughter's experience of a highly dramatic, mentally unstable but fascinating (French) mother. True story. I have bought but not yet read the sequel, Rose Desert.

[@panikiczcock2891]

I'm so happy for my girl Mieko

[@panikiczcock2891]

P.S.: I've read B&E finally and it rocked too. In short, step on me Kawakami-san lool

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Hahaha!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

She can do no wrong 💜

[@mohitjain4630]

Lovely list Indeed

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Isn't it just!

[@anetajeziorska8445]

Hello. I enjoyed your video. I want to get into Charco Press - can you recommend where to start (other than the long listed one)?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I can't recommend The Wind That Lays Waste by Selva Almada highly enough. It's my favourite book they've ever published. Here's my written review of it; booksandbao.com/review-the-wind-that-lays-waste-by-selva-almada/

[@ariannelg]

I’m ashamed to admit that I only heard about this Brazilian book (being Brazilian) now that it’s translation made it to this list. It sounds really interesting and kind of reminds me of the vanishing half, although this one was released in 2019 (the original in Portuguese) We don’t talk often about colorism in Brazil even though we might have 2000000 different skin tones

[@charlottemolloy]

I was so excited to see the list this year (and unlike last year, I was already aware of most of them!) and I knew before even watching this video that you'd be so happy about the list! 😂 Personally, I'd already read 2 earlier in the year and I think the main 2 I want to get to first are tomb of sand and books of Jacob... Unfortunately they are also the two longest 😭 so I have my work cut out for me! 😅

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I'm also most exciting to get to the two big'uns which feels very self-destructive lol. I must read Books of Jacob. I must!

[@charlottemolloy]

@@WillowTalksBooks I got BOJ on kindle so I can't psyche myself out seeing the physical size of it in paperback 😂

[@sterrejalou]

Hi! Thanks for your video, enjoyed it a lot and equally hyped for the longlist (: Question - I'm searching for a book on autism which isn't based on stereotypes. Do you happen (or anyone in the comments) to know a book that fits this description?

[@adityagc9107]

Tomb of sand ....❤

[@eyeseebells6000]

My money will be on The Books Of Jacob ❤️❤️ I’m waiting for my copy to arrive and I can hardly wait to read it. It will take me some time, for sure, but I hope it slaps.lol

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Oh yes, time will be taken with that chonk lol

[@simplifylife3304]

Ok you need to start writing yourself. The first two sentences of this video had me hook line and sinker 🤣🤣🤣

[@simplifylife3304]

🙌 Korean short stories… sold!

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Haha I am literally a professional writer but thank you 🙂💜

[@oaoj835]

"phenotypes" is great

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Good to know!

[@Camston]

Hey Willow! I am new to your channel and have been devouring your translation content (and soon all other). I am loving translated work especially japanese at the moment and hoping to move on to other east asian countries and then further into the world! I am also non-binary and so I’m happy to see you on booktube :) on the topic of being non-binary I want to recommend some non-fiction form a non-binary Canadian author (i’m canadian) named Ivan Coyote, they write some of the most beautiful stories about their experiences. I would recommend starting with any of the following: Tomboy Survival Guide, Care Of or Rebent Sinner, and if you enjoy audiobooks it is a perfect way to enjoy these stories because Ivan reads them. ALSO I am curious have you read Before The Coffee Gets Cold ?

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Thank you so much for the author recommendation! I'll be sure to check them out :) I have read Before the Coffee Gets Cold and its sequel. I like them both but I don't love them. Although apparently a quote from me is actually on the back of the North American edition! Which is pretty cool :)

[@mayaf1106]

I highly recommend David Grossman, one of the best from Israel.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

I keep hearing this so I definitely will.

[@yarima13]

Read Cursed Bunny, I’ve never liked reading horror; but this book was such a ride

[@WillowTalksBooks]

Ride is definitely the word!

[@mohitjain4630]

Books of jacob will win, I am sure.

[@WillowTalksBooks]

It feels pretty likely! But since Flights won before, they might want to give it to someone else.

[@derbuchhandel]

Soon E-Books Marketplace Berlin Germany

[@WillowTalksBooks]

That's good innit!