Favourite Reads of 2022: Super Normie Edition

[@Ispybooks]

Great video! Razorblade Tears was one of the best books I read this year. Definitely clutch-worthy in it's own suspenseful, heartwarming, page turning way. Happy to see you again and look forward to more of your videos, and who doesn't mind being told what to read? Your devoted fans are still here! Count me in too!

[@ThePoptimist]

Thanks for sticking around between videos! Here's hoping on getting back into the swing of things for 2023!

[@nola1104]

Thank you for sharing this truth...so many of us from different cultures and places experiencing the same thing

[@ThePoptimist]

Thanks for popping by! Nice to start the new year with a fresh slate

[@DeeDeeCatMom]

I listened to the same podcast and remember that reader request for a high calibre 'Dad' book! I got A Gentleman in Moscow for my dad for Christmas because of the Bookriot pod...I also enjoyed Chemistry Lessons, The Galaxy and the Ground Within, The Likeness by Tana French (just gotta get through the first bit of cop talk), Crying in H Mart, and We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu, among others!

[@ThePoptimist]

Jeff does like A Gentleman in Moscow - his recommendation for Noah Hawley's Anthem on that same episode was interesting but didn't quite land as well for me. Still was an absolute wild ride though!

[@peculiaritea]

Damn, what beautiful and inspiring frankness. I've only just started the video, but thank you!

[@ThePoptimist]

Thank you! Hopefully you stuck around long enough to get some bookish recommendations at least!

[@peculiaritea]

@@ThePoptimist I definitely did! I had already read Lessons in Chemistry but I think after this I will give Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow a try! And that film just sounds like a delightful watch as well.. 👌🏻

[@TheYellowcrush]

So happy to see you again! Your videos are always so high caliber, articulate, and thoughtful, so although I have read none of these books and typically am a person who doesn't need to be told what to read and goes against the grain 😂, consider my TBR now properly #influenced by you. Happiest of new years to you and best wishes for another successful reading year ahead!

[@ThePoptimist]

Thank you, and happy to influence you in whatever small way that I can. Hope you enjoy the reads as much as I did!

[@lemonadesocial1939]

I can't help but smile at your humor in this video. It's perfect.

[@ThePoptimist]

That is so sweet of you to say - glad you enjoy the content!

[@alldbooks9165]

“Rambo action with Marilynne Robinson prose” … see, this is why you can always sell me on a book. 🤩

[@shell1338]

I loved Razorblade Years. It was my favorite read of 2022. I can't wait to see the movie adaptation. I have Lessons In Chemistry on my TBR.

[@ThePoptimist]

Such an unexpected surprise for both of these. No expectations going in for either really so they truly had the chance to overdeliver. Great reads

[@ThePinupchick]

So happy to see you back! Adding all of these to my TBR

[@ThePoptimist]

Nice to be back and see all the regular contributors back as well! Happy New Year to you!

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

Lessons in Chemistry is one I want to read. I like the England cover so much more. 😊💙

[@ThePoptimist]

Right! It still leans hard on the colours but feels more in line with the nature of the story itself.

[@jillkolb5496]

Keep creating! I love watching these and I love your recos!

[@ThePoptimist]

You're too kind honestly, hoping '23 is a little less hectic - and we need to dial up #bookclub again

[@jillkolb5496]

@@ThePoptimist I'm here for it!! #down I've also been doing writing retreats. Would love your take on a story concept I'm working on 🙂

[@ThePoptimist]

Jealous! A big reason for picking up Lessons in Chemistry is that it's a debut novel from a 64 year old creative director which gives me hope that I've still got time to cash in my massive KZbin clout and write a passable debut ready for it's TikTok minute of blazing notoriety

[@jillkolb5496]

@@ThePoptimist happy to be a supportive resource! You 100% have time to create!!

[@bretl770]

I always enjoy your insightful and witty videos. Plus, your book recommendations are first rate.

[@ThePoptimist]

Well thank you - appreciate you popping by and saying hi!

[@frannook]

I'm so happy whenever your videos are coming up ☺ Listening to you, I feel both extremely relaxed and challenged to think more critically if that makes any sense, so thank you truly for all that. And happy new year 🤗

[@ThePoptimist]

Happy new year to you too! Happy to be a challenging relaxer, or relaxing challenge - whatever works for you!

[@robyn8221]

Of course I stopped watching another video as soon as yours popped up. What a great video of books I haven’t read yet. I would have not bought Lessons in Chemistry, if not for the numerous recommendations I’ve read. That cover is a turn off, for sure. The Shining Girls sound like the perfect pick for my book club. Happy New Year!🎉

[@ThePoptimist]

Happy New Year to you too! I'm pretty pleased I was able to finish this as fast as I was - I am out of practice - thanks for sticking around long enough to know a new video dropped.

[@angiejones5918]

Your commentary and reflections are worth waiting for, so I hope you can avoid feeling pressured about posting frequently and say "hello" when it's right for you. Happy New Year to you and your family, May 2023 be a treat!

[@ThePoptimist]

I like that, feels more reasonable to simply pop in from time to time to say hello. Hoping with the new year, fully caught up at work and in a better headspace more videos can come. Fingers crossed for 2023

[@lorenpeterson5255]

Great vid always love seeing ur face and hearing ur voice :)

[@ThePoptimist]

Thanks, nice to shake of the cobwebs and provide a wrap up before the year ended!

[@Robert.Sheard]

When I worked for The Motley Fool many years ago, I found the same thing. It's so easy to get sucked into working nonstop. I'm slowly weaning myself from most social media: Facebook gone, Twitter gone. I haven't escaped Instagram or KZbin, but I haven't been making any videos. Falling down the whisky rabbit-hole dominates most of my online time these days. Always great to see a video from you, whenever you feel like doing one.

[@ThePoptimist]

I'm in the same boat, but lately I've even been struggling with Instagram and trying to decide what it should be - in the meantime I totally get the whisky rabbit-hole - though I'm still obsessed with tequila when I can get it with visits to the States. I need to find a Fortaleza tequile next time I'm down!

[@Robert.Sheard]

@@ThePoptimist my older brother in Seattle is a tequila lover, but I haven't really tried it. I'm considering doing a March Malt Madness tournament on my channel for Scotch. My aroma/taste notes: "smells/tastes like whisky."

[@ThePoptimist]

I wish I was better at whisky tasting - I need someone to say "red candy" and then the profile just snaps into place or "grapefruit pith" otherwise I'm at a loss to articulate what I'm tasting. Also I find there's a difference in tasting and really considering a sip vs you impressions after you enjoy a glass or two. Also tequila is awesome

[@Lulubobble]

Gosh I’ve missed your videos! Thanks for the recommendations and the laughs. Happy New Year!

[@ThePoptimist]

It went a little easier than I thought it would - still a few hiccups but hopefully I'll be able to shoot a few more videos soon!

[@nicolagoodwin1907]

Always thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. Thanks for making a reappearance at the end of the year! I’m trying to do a “book buying ban” next year but I’m already tempted to buy Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow….. argh

[@ThePoptimist]

Well technically you can still grab it THIS year and still meet your book buying ban for 2023 ...if you hurry.

[@joanneorrico1761]

I always enjoy your videos; whenever you have time and energy to post, your faithful subscribers, including me, will always be here. I remember you liked Shuggie Bain; did you read Young Mungo? It was equally beautiful and riveting: I might have actually enjoyed it even more than Shuggie. I highly recommend it. Have a happy new year!

[@ThePoptimist]

Always appreciate you chiming in! Have not picked up Young Mungo yet, though I am seeing it everywhere - feels like another late to the party read for me.

[@maryfilippou6667]

I like the way you speak and express yourself; a very relaxing voice. Germany is a great living place. Glad for your daughter' s experience. I bought Zeldin' s book for a daughter as I'd read some chapters and was impressed. I love the cover too . I bought a book yesterday for it's cover, a Henry James I already own.

[@ThePoptimist]

Thank you - I've heard people say I have a relaxing voice but don't personally hear it. Germany was great and she can't wait to revisit it again!

[@1book1review]

Ah I missed your videos, but totally get what you said. One reason for me not working from home anymore is that distance and separation. Living next door to it makes it easy to go in anytime but it's still easier to leave than if at home. Feeling largely lost in what books are "in" these days, slightly disconnected from everything and was surprised how many 2022 books I ended up reading. And your endorcement for Lessons in Chemistry convinced me to finally add it to the list, been dancing around it for quite a while - we have a different cover though, yours would turn me off even more. Happy New Year and another great year of books and hopefully better work life balance.

[@ThePoptimist]

Hoping for that work life balance which I've never struggled with before but finding myself in new roles with new responsibilities and trying to stay above water - but there will always be more work to do whether I extend myself or not. Just trying to stay conscious of it and the break before 2023 is just what I needed for a bit of a mental reset. Thanks and here's to a grand new year!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Hi 👋 David . Always great to see you. I loved Lessons in Chemistry. So many of my best books of 2022 are backlist titles. Demon Copperhead The Poisonwood Bible The Lacuna Young Mungo War Doctor by David Nott Early Morning Riser Oh William! The Innocents by Michael Crummey The Sleep Walkers Guide to Dancing Arsonists City The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida Foster by Claire Keegan ( look out for the film The Quiet Girl) Tresspasses by Louise Kennedy The Trees Take My Hand What Willow Says After The Parade by Lori Ostlund Devotion by Hannah Kent The Colony by Audrey Magee Elena Knows Happy New Year David 🍀👋☘️📚📖📕☕️🤩🤗

[@ThePoptimist]

You really went down a Kingsolver rabbit hole! I highly recommend doing the same for Michael Crummey starting with Sweetland if you enjoyed The Innocents! Happy New Year to you to and to a great year of reading in '23!

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

No idea how I got here but I love your BBC Radio Two voice 👌

[@ThePoptimist]

Glad you managed to find yourself here however that happened!

[@Georgesmomsu]

Happy New Year! Always great to see a video of yours pop up in my feed. I have read all of these except Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. It’s in my pile, but that pile is ridiculous. I just finished SA Cosby’s first book that was just reissued, My Darkest Prayer. It’s rough, you can see how much he has grown as a writer. But its still a great story. A few of my favorites from this year: We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker; Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka; Murder on the Red River by Marcie R Rendon (the whole series is really good, unfortunately not getting any attention). Stay safe up there.

[@ThePoptimist]

Notes on an Execution is starting to pop up in my feeds and may be one of those I need to get to sooner than later. Trying to keep my TBR somewhat reasonable but need to add some sci-fi to the diet soon. Happy New Year to you - here's wishing you a fantastic 2023!

[@reaganwiles_art]

Thanks. Wonderful. Always.

[@ericgeneric135]

Happy New Year! I also loved Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. I was a big fan of Demon Copperhead and Small Things Like These as well.

[@ThePoptimist]

More bookish recommendations to swirl around in my head for the holidays. Haven't set foot in a bookstore this week ...yet. Was thinking I haven't read much sci-fi in the last little while though - but all planning goes out the window once I set foot inside the store.

[@endymionsrage]

Hey, I appreciate you.

[@ThePoptimist]

Well hell, I appreciate you too!

[@LauraRodriguez-Peace]

Excellent recommendations! I loved “Lessons in Chemistry”, as well. (The paperback book version is coming out soon and has a bit better cover.) I enjoyed “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and Tomorrow”, also. 🙂 I have not read Lauren Beukes, sounds interesting! “Razorblade Tears” is still on my shelf…but I will get to it soon. A few for you… Look for “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick, (2022), “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir, (2021) and for something cozy, smart and humorous, the three books written by Richard Osman. “The Thursday Murder Club” series. Adding Non-fiction: I loved, “An Immense World” by Ed Yong, “The Song of the Cell” by Siddhartha Mukherjee, “The Revolutionary-Samuel Adams” by Stacy Schiff, “River of the Gods” by Candice Millard, and “Path Lit by Lightning” by David Maraniss. (All 2022 releases.) Glad to see your list, David. (Happy for you and your wife that your daughter is home. I’ll bet that made it a lovely Christmas for you!)🎄 Looking forward to more of your posts! ☮️🧡📚

[@ThePoptimist]

Glad to hear the paperback will get an update, maybe they weren't expecting too much given that it was a debut. Have finally picked up Siddhartha Mukherjee with his classic Emperor of All Maladies and I should pick up Yong as I relied on a lot of his Covid writing. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@neens1369]

Yes! Please do continue to tell us what to read!

[@ThePoptimist]

Happy to be more direct and tell you what to read next! ...I just need to find the books myself first.

[@arekkrolak6320]

I know nothing of this type of books you read but I read one Lauren Beukes book and it was quite cool

[@ThePoptimist]

She's two for two so far, excited to try more from her in the future - just so many damn other books in the meantime!

[@bbear27777]

Happy new year to you too! I had overlooked Tomorrow and Tomorrow after being burned by the original hype around Ready Player One. However, thoughtful portrayals of videos AND a recommendation by the writer of the Edith Finch game (also a favorite of mine) -- you've convinced me to put it on the TBR!

[@ThePoptimist]

Prepare to be manipulated - though I feel like it'll pander less then Ready Player One. Finch was such a fantastic, atmospheric game!

[@bettyreads222]

TomorrowX3 got me with that emotional punch too, so much so that I had to put it down. Ooh The Shining Girls sounds right up my alley. Some of my favorites this year are What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo, an emotional memoir by a journalist so there's some great research as well as she's trying to figure out what her C-PTSD really means and A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo, a great novel and loosely connected to to Last Night at the Telegraph Club which was my favorite book of last year. Happy new year to you and your fam, always a pleasure when you upload!

[@ThePoptimist]

That was not something I expected at all reading TTT! Settling in with some dedicated reading this week before getting back to the grind for 2023!

[@rf1206]

Happy to see you again! I've missed your videos. Hope you're doing well. Happy new year 🎊🎇

[@ThePoptimist]

Hope you're doing well too! Thanks for dropping in

[@KindaSassy1]

I am so excited that your name popped up on my page.... its been forever since I saw you and heard your book reviews/recommendations. Please.... another video soon?

[@ThePoptimist]

Hoping it's not another quarter before the next video comes out! Let's hope the holidays lets me regroup and catch up. Thanks for sticking around!

[@Kgstar402]

Great to see another video from you and I added all the books to my tbr. Happy New Year!

[@ThePoptimist]

Hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

[@benjamindalusma7772]

I genuinely find your passion superb. I discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I’m happy to hear from you in any capacity. Such insightful content. Thank you for your work =)😊

[@ThePoptimist]

Thank you very much - so nice to say! Appreciate you stopping by

[@kg828]

oh how I've been looking forward to this video!!

[@ThePoptimist]

Thank you, glad to have you here!

[@LS-qq4zc]

So glad to see you back. Missed you!

[@seriela]

Okay. I'm back two hours later, after immediately watching The Storied LIfe. I recovered. Now to order her books.

[@ThePoptimist]

It's a tad manipulative - but I'm not angry. You've been forewarned.

[@RachelB.BookReferences]

I normally can't stand it when KZbinrs ramble, but I love your videos, lol. Also, you made The Shining Girls sound really interesting, so even though it's not something I'd normally pick up, I just might now.

[@ThePoptimist]

I beg your pardon?! Ramble? How dare - just be warned The Shining Girls is pretty darn grisly but the histories of each of the Shining Girls was interesting too. Happy New Year!

[@steph.2.3.5]

I love, love, love your videos. Probably the one time I’ve been happy to sit through the backstory of a recipe post, as you described it. I’d listen to much more of your insights!

[@ThePoptimist]

Thanks, that's awfully nice of you to say! Here's hoping for a bit more video posting regularity in 2023

[@curioushmm9027]

it's always good to see you and will take your recommendations under advisement..happy new year to you too..and hope to see you more often in this new year.

[@ThePoptimist]

Hoping I can recapture some of that creative energy in the new year!

[@angelacraw2907]

A great list thanks. I've got a few on my list, but I've a couple of chunky novels to get through first.

[@ThePoptimist]

Cheers to those chunky novels! I need to ensure there's a few more in my diet for 2023!

[@tonysmith7665]

Happy New Year really enjoy and look forward to your suggestions and approach.

[@ThePoptimist]

Thanks and Happy New Year to you as well!

[@alldbooks9165]

Happy New Year to you! So good to see you. 😀

[@ThePoptimist]

Happy New Year to you as well! Here's to 2023 and another great year of reading!

[@reaganwiles_art]

Any good poetry?

[@ThePoptimist]

I just picked up All the Flowers Kneeling by Paul Tran that I'm still deciphering

[@PipReads]

Great to see you again! Pleasure as always.

[@ThePoptimist]

Lovely to hear from you too! Cheers to the new year

[@myreadinglife8816]

Razorblade Tears topped my list in 2022 as well. Great to see you!

[@ThePoptimist]

It's just made to be adapted! (any fancast preferences?) Happy New Year to you and it's nice to be back!

[@myreadinglife8816]

@@ThePoptimist maybe a young Woody Harrelson in place of Matthew M? But I like Denzel.

[@deeptizaremba3699]

Happy New Year! Delighted to hear your recommendations. Totally get the office situation, the unrelenting engagement…. And so much harder to draw a line under work when working from home. Your reviews widen my bookverse and remind me to engage more widely. A few top books in 2022: If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things by Jon McGregor (nominated for the Booker Prize), TanaFrench’s The Likeness, which has so much to say about identity and courage; Wayfinding, by MR O‘Connor about how First Peoples find their way and how we city dwellers can learn the immense philosophical and neurological science of getting from here to there (non-fiction); and How Much of These Hills Is Gold, by C Pam Zhang - American Gold Rush frontier story with unusual twists and sharp poignances told from an unusual perspective - and a book I might have overlooked without the Poptomist’s encouraging us to widen our views!

[@ThePoptimist]

Thanks for that and for the bookish recommendations - sounds like 2022 was a great year of reading for you!

[@deeptizaremba3699]

@@ThePoptimist Indeed it was, that is what retirement has been good for!

[@TvNetJunkie]

I’m so happy I found this channel

[@ThePoptimist]

Happy to have you here!

[@elyseelee900]

Love your videos!! This one is no exception ❤

[@ThePoptimist]

Too kind - thank you! (Wishing you a great year of reading in 2023!)

[@smittenforfiction]

Which one would you pick if you had to pick just one?

[@ThePoptimist]

Lessons in Chemistry - i'm sure it'll be another case where the movie will never reach the heights and tone of the book like Where'd you Go Bernadette sadly. But still a great read

[@smittenforfiction]

@@ThePoptimist Thanks! I'm making a list for a blog post and TBR for myself...reading my fav booktubers fav books. Looking forward to reading it!

[@jf8559]

Yay! Great to see your recommendations from your year of reading. Just started Lessons in Chemistry and am propelled forward. Completely agree about the cover. Hope to see you again on the ‘Tube soon.

[@ThePoptimist]

Hope you had a great year of reading too! Fingers crossed it won't be months before I find the juice to do another book review.

[@anne-marie339]

I think you summarized something I’ve been noticing but unable to pinpoint - so many choices leads to decision fatigue. It’s easier to jump on whatever’s popular and sometimes that’s fun! And sometimes it means you’re stuck in a rut 😅 Tomorrow x3 is still on my tbr. I’m currently reading I’m glad my mom died and enjoying it (however weird it is to say that with this memoir). I’ve had a lot of favourites this year including Sea of Tranquility, The Break and The Strangers, Leo da Vinci bio, The Gilda Stories, Salvagers trilogy and many others!

[@ThePoptimist]

Enjoyed I'm Glad My Mom Died - but at I had to realize she was writing in the voice of the age she was in - when I started I thought it was way too wide-eyed and sincere but then we got to petulant teen, rebellious young adult and it all started to click. Here's to avoiding ruts in the 2023!