thrifting for books, studying & a big hair chop 💫 a vlog

[@stellasreadingagainohno]

hi everyone! i just wanted to share something big. i just quit the healthcare program i was in to pursue a degree in english and art to teach. i’m really excited and i feel like i’m finally doing something right. i remember watching Emmies video about an English major and it just relieved some of the fears I had and helped me take the risk to quit the program I was in. I wanted to share this big change in my life with all your, hopefully this goes good!

[@emmiereads]

:') this is beyond amazing Stella!!! so happy for you

[@dorothyjean]

So proud of you. I know you'll go on to do amazing and beautiful things. Keep believing in yourself. 💗

[@CrispPapa]

So proud of you for making the huge leap in the right direction!! Also ty for sharing I also changed my major and am out of health care, and now I'm actually excited to go to class. Stella I hope you have a lovely career and life 💜

[@dreamywillow8664]

If you’re looking for more books set in a hotel I’d recommend A Gentleman in Moscow ! Basically the entire book takes place in a luxury hotel in 1920-30s Moscow.

[@kristinestocker]

This is the best book I've read in the last decade!

[@rondoflicflac]

Yesss I want Emma to read it so badly!!

[@SingingMagick]

YESSS one of my favorite books

[@ibeam2791]

I'm about to read that one!

[@Squidddd428]

I’ve finally got back into the art of reading, starting off with the Shinning from my man, Stephen King. I’ve always been a huge book worm my whole life but over the past couple of years I found myself barely reading or not even reading at all due to school, work, moving various times, getting involved in relationships that did nothing but drain my energy. But somehow I came across your channel and have been hooked ever since. I’ve made it my goal to read more this year and spend less time on my phone and binge watching shows. Now I’ve finished my third book for 2023 and have started my fourth and fifth novels. (3 of them are Stephen king) I’ve quit watching tv pretty much all together unless I’m folding and putting away laundry I watch an episode of shark tank. I’ve made it my goal to focus on myself and doing things I love. Reading has finally made its way back into my life. I just wanted to say how comforting you YT channel is. It’s like a nice big hug while being swaddled in your favorite sweater or blanket. You give off such cozy vibes and I’ve found your voice to be soothing, like a pilot giving the announcement about to land safely to your destination. I’ve really enjoyed all the content you create and the thought, effort, time, and energy you put into making this. I’m glad I came across your work. Much love from Colorado. 🫶🏻💕

[@jmsl910]

don't read that book alone in your home! it's terrifying

[@Squidddd428]

@@jmsl910 it’s insanely terrifying. I think it’s now my favorite book. I’ve built a whole collection from him just because of the shining lol.

[@svenjaf335]

Love the new hairstyle😍 I recently finished a book which I think would be right up your alley! It's called "Ankomst" (Arrival) by Norwegian writer Gohril Gabrielsen, and it's about a scientist who moves to a remote abandoned fisherman's hut in the north of Norway to study seabird populations. It has gorgeous writng and explores her life in total solitude as she reflects on her life back home, the nature around her and the people who lived in this remote place before she did. I really recommend it!

[@bookstalgic]

There’s just something magical about going thrifting for books. I love not knowing what I will find and wondering who the books belonged to before and if they made an impact of their previous readers 😊. I agree about your beautiful haircut! Totally Amelie vibes ❤ ✨

[@zarahvanderlaan6584]

LOVE your hair, looks so shiny and healthy!

[@ankitdebnath2947]

All my best books are recommended by you. Can't thank you enough for making my reading life easier

[@emmiereads]

So honoured!!!

[@nikolaiquack8548]

Death in Venice is actually a book I really adore. Read it during my later school years (from Germany) and I adored the writing and how he portrays the themes.

[@nannybells]

same, it is terrifying too.

[@ba-gg6jo]

If you ever get the chance check out the film directed by Visconti and starring Dirk Bogarde, a wonderful interpretation of the book. I really enjoyed "Magic Mountain" by the same author.

[@nikolaiquack8548]

@@ba-gg6jo I think I've seen bits of it.

[@FaeryLaume]

I loved Ember and the Ice Dragons. I also loved Fawcett's middle grade The Language of Ghosts and her new adult fantasy Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries. I want to read all her books now.

[@fashionandbeauty07]

Further proves that Emma looks kickass in anything!! 😭😭😭

[@anchalT.]

I just finished reading One Hundred Years Of Solitude and Ahhh what a ride! The mind-boggling family saga! I was feeling that it's a 4 stars until i read the last paragraph and it turned into a 5 stars book. While I was reading the book, it kept reminding me of Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie, with the aspects of family and magical realism. I think you'll love that book 😊 You look refreshing in the new hairstyle! 💕

[@avni8277]

Omg read midnight's children all through the last year and I'm a different person now😭

[@anchalT.]

@@avni8277 haha, it's a wild ride .

[@Oaxara]

Psst, here's my cheapskate hair trick: in terms of the Ouai detox shampoo, if you decide you like the results, but don't want to keep paying a lot of $$$ for the shampoo a dyi apple cider rinse works well. Get a bottle of apple cider vinegar from the grocery store (like $5 or $10), and then dilute 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water in a bottle, massage it into your hair and rinse. Do once every week or 10 days. I saw other people suggesting this on the internet and it works really well for me and is soooooo much cheaper.

[@emmiereads]

ooh such a good tip thank you!!!

[@lucaslobato2154]

No ideia if you've already read it, but the book Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles is set in a hotel for the majority of the story

[@safftrisnahadi117]

would recommend Gentleman in Moscow for your hotel themed readings 💞

[@ПолинаРаспопина-ш3ш]

hi Emma, i don't usually comment, but i recently picked up this novel by a finnish author Malin Kivelä called “Du eller Aldrig” which, if im not wrong, translates to “you or never”, and i thought it would be basically perfect to add to your winter books collection, as well as to read for your around the world challenge! i have also read another book by her called “Hjärtat”/“heart”, which is a short but fascinating read about a mother dealing with the new reality of her hewborn child being diagnosed with heart deficiency. both of these i read in translation to my native language btw! i think she has such an interesting between-the-lines style of writing, you feel what she's telling you rather than see it. it would be lovely to hear your thoughts on her work someday, though i have no idea if there are english translations of her books 🥲

[@anniestrooo]

I just cut my hair off! I haven’t cut any sort of bangs yet so I currently look like Lord Farquad

[@jennellem.1406]

Your hair looks so good!! I buzzed mine off a few months ago and couldn't be happier with it

[@emmiereads]

Ah I bet it looks so cute:’)

[@sophiaisabelle01]

Seems like Emmie has definitely evolved so much. We appreciate how dedicated and committed she is.

[@camscornerbooks]

My girl! That cut is bomb!!! 💣 I did the same thing last year, long hair to chopped at chin and I love mine. Loving yours too!!❤❤❤

[@Vaishnavi_93-i]

When at the end of a tiring day, you open KZbin and there's a new Emma video, posted just half an hour ago, and you start to feel better instantly. ❤️ I've never commented before but may I say, I love your videos so much!!

[@emmiereads]

I'm so glad, and thank you dear!! hope you can rest up

[@Vaishnavi_93-i]

@@emmiereads ❤️❤️❤️

[@melissahouse1296]

Mann's The Magic Mountain is one of my all time favourite books.. such a deep *deep* impression infact i cant wait to eventually re read it. Never read DIVenice but hope u like it. If you dont.. don't write him off completely 😉💚😊

[@Autumn1988]

My favourite face wash (when I don’t want to use a cleansing balm like after wearing makeup) is the Aveeno calming oat cleanser. Great for a quick wash like a regular face soap wash but it’s not drying at all

[@Mapletron]

Emma, wildly unrelated to books but thank you for being one of the few who still masks in public places. This is the height of civil kindness and empathy. (From one lone masked viewer from Alberta)

[@sayhitosyd]

Your hair is adorable! I've never commented, but I love your videos. You inspire me to read more. Thank you!

[@leavesofmaple9860]

Recently read A Gentle Man in Moscow by Amor Towels it’s about a man sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a hotel! It is so charming and wonderful you should give it a read!!!

[@libellulareading8859]

I love the hair!! It's giving very much Amelie vibes!!!

[@CarolynMarieReads]

Wishing I could teleport myself to Toronto! Missing you and Sellers so much 🥲💕

[@emmiereads]

I’ll bring a piece of Seller’s to you👀

[@ChelsMoClark]

Please read A Winters Promise! I so want to know your thoughts ❤ Also, LOVE Love love the new hair cut!

[@ChelsMoClark]

NEW HOTEL BOOK ALERT !! I hope you like it Horror Hotel by Faith McClaren and Victoria Fulton

[@emileconstance5851]

Currently reading Ali Smith's Artful, which is wonderful, and artful--part essay, part confessional/memoir, part love story--looking forward to reading Hotel Story soon (though I'll probably wait to hear your review first). Thomas Mann is a truly great writer: The Magic Mountain and Death in Venice are both essentials. That is one winsome haircut!

[@martasgreatlibrary]

ember and the ice dragons sounds like a wholesome read

[@mathis2]

In the case of you liking Thomas Mann you should probably check out Confessions of Felix Krull and the Magic Mountain. Confessions of Felix Krull is partially set in a hotel and the Magic Mountain in a sanatorium which is a hotel nowadays. I can't understand all the hate Thomas Mann gets. He is great (also a bit too rambly in some parts). Death in Venice is my favourite work of his that I read :)

[@itsalllwright]

I love the new haircut! when you put your sweatshirt on and didn't have to pull your hair out i felt second-hand ease. It looks fantastic and low maintenance in the best way possible.

[@hansbiging1751]

Hi there. I love Thomas Mann a lot! Death in Venice is for sure a good introduction to his work. The Magic Mountain and Buddenbrooks are great!

[@debjmarques]

When you're in your pijamas with a cold nothing is more comforting than these videos. Also, the hair suits you!

[@jfarmerswatermelon6061]

I brought "Buddenbrooks" and "Lotte in Weimar" by Thomas mann years ago my mom loved both so i have high expectations for this author. Definitely going to read his books this year

[@yw1971]

25:51 - Neal Stephenson is a most unique SF writer. Recommend his ambitious 'Baroque Cycle'; 26:03 - Peter Gwyn is considered one of the prominent (adult) Fantasy writers of this decade.

[@halfgodfairy8654]

Ive never read a full novel by Thomas Mann, but I have read excerpts at school. Hes a really famous author here in Germany! His novel "The Buddenbrooks" is also one hes especially known for. From what Ive read and heard about it, it kinda gave me Dickens vibes lol, but i might be wrong about that

[@jen6790]

my jaw DROPPED when i saw the thumbnail, it’s a big change but it looks AMAZING

[@hyemiyah]

the only hotel book that comes to my mind right now is the hotel new hampshire. i really loved that book. also, your hair looks so cute! and i love listening to calcifer yelling in the background at random times ♡

[@AdrianasWonderland]

ember sounds so beautiful and warm... recently i have been feeling very bad about my life and myself and i feel like i need to come back to my inner child again. this books seems like it could help me a little bit

[@maplecrow]

Thomas Wharton (Icefields) has a book with a synopsis that mentions an ecologist and a Hotel in Iceland. I haven’t read it and I’m not sure if the hotel or Iceland are the focal points of the story, but it could be worth checking out. The book is called Every Blade of Grass. Found out about it while trying to find Icefields.

[@randomephemera3268]

Yours is my favorite and most calming vicarious life. Thank you. 😊

[@lizap5018]

If you're interested in how beauty flows into decadence /decay / illness / death...Thomas Mann is the best writer. He's elaborate and playful with language (and some people hate that) but The Magic Mountain and Buddenbrooks are two of his books that I return to constantly. I'll spare you any more evangelizing and just leave a quote from the Magic Mountain here: “And life? Life itself? Was it perhaps only an infection, a sickening of matter? Was that which one might call the original procreation of matter only a disease, a growth produced by morbid stimulation of the immaterial? The first step toward evil, toward desire and death, was taken precisely then, when there took place that first increase in the density of the spiritual, that pathologically luxuriant morbid growth, produced by the irritant of some unknown infiltration; this, in part pleasurable, in part a motion of self-defense, was the primeval stage of matter, the transition from the insubstantial to the substance. This was the Fall.”

[@biancagomez3402]

Be careful with the OUAI shampoo! I had it recommended by someone at Sephora at they told me to use it every time I washed my hair…big NO…my hair got so dry! Went back and another employee told me that it was stripping my hair and to only use it occasionally…wish I had known that from the beginning…😅

[@TiresiasPrufrock]

Thomas Mann is a genius. Lose the people who told you they hated him.

[@eddiefletcher4247]

Do you read Stephen King? How about John Irving? Anything from Ayn Rand? These are my favorite authors. I also have some book suggestions if you are interested.

[@DidiAphra]

My boyfriend recommended Hotel World to me a while ago so it was so cool to hear that you will be reading it!

[@marybria1229]

Hi Emma! Have you read Agatha Christie's, At Bertrams's Hotel? It's one of her Miss Marple mysteries & is quite good. The hotel has been restored to how it was in 1939 & catered to the upper echelon of society. And of course, there is a murder...

[@kimbarbeaureads]

Fun new hair style ❤️ Ember and the Ice Dragons sounds so interesting. I might have to pick it up after I finish Jane Eyre.

[@feelswriter]

Placed a hold on it after watching this 🐈

[@joychalaby]

Love your haircut, Emma! So chic ☺️ Also I've added Ember and the Ice Dragons sounds SO magical, adding it to my tbr. Such a lovely, cosy vlog.

[@kathy2539]

Unfortunately Sephora Australia sells Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood @ $107 AUD, it's truly expensive here. ☹ On another note, your talking about Ember and the Ice Dragons has made me want to read it, also I love the Antarctic setting, too. TBR update.

[@jamesduggan7200]

btw - Instead of Satre's B&N likely you'll enjoy the work his wife is famous for: La Duexieme Sexe (which of course you should read in the original French). In it, she describes ideas that were nearly revolutionary 80 years ago but today are so well-accepted you will no doubt be saying 'yes, of course, that's obvious' as you read it. Personally, I tend to be more a Post-Modernist than a Modernist yet I am currently re-reading La Peste (dans Francaise bien sur), which is of course written by their very close friend, Albert Camus. Enjoy!

[@anapikovnik8151]

Simone de Beauvoir wasn't his wife tho, she actually turned down his proposal :)

[@jamesduggan7200]

@@anapikovnik8151 Ok ok, if you say so. I do make errors sometimes, tho it seems likely at the very least they were common law husband and wife.

[@anapikovnik8151]

@@jamesduggan7200 i didn’t mean to be rude i just know way too much about her. they spent all their lives together but weren’t even lovers for all of it so no they were not married. they did have a pretty interesting open relationship tho

[@jamesduggan7200]

@@anapikovnik8151 no offense taken. I followed a French history course a few years back and the textbook implied they were married, making a big deal about Camus' relationship with de Beauvoir. No doubt you are right that while they committed to a long-term open relationship they never married. Thx.

[@khadiisam26]

Ember and the ice dragons sounds like how to train your dragon to me and those are my favourite movies of all time 😍 definitely want to read it now!

[@lazloandbooks]

Emma, I genuinely love short hair on you. It suits you so well, you look so chic so pretty so classy 😢

[@Meow-Meow501]

Rilke and Pablo Neruda are two of my favorite poets.

[@Ellie-K.the-nerd]

7:29 omg I completely agree with you here，I feel like I just don't have enough light-hearted books when I need them😢

[@abdullahkhalid5271]

27:18 best book in the frame❤️❤️

[@Kyle4k9]

Hi Emma, check out The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving. He’s an American/Canadian writer. The book is quirky, sometimes sad. And it includes a bear character, as far as you know.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Emma, i absolutely love your new haircut! You look gorgeous! So good to go thrifting books with you! You did great choices! Love to you and to Calcifer! 💖📚✨🐈

[@tonibauer8051]

I LOVED Once There Was a War.... I am currently reading David Copperfield and Imperium (Robert Harris)(Library of Allenxandria).. then I am gonna start Conpirata(Lustrum)... I also realize that Ember is an amazing book, but with the strike happening and all that one wont be read by me at the momentI really did NOT like Catcher in the Rye.... love the hair Emmie!!!!.... love from Ohio

[@avni8277]

Omg loved this vlog, and living for the chop! I was hoping to get some recommendations myself from Emma and this wonderful comment section. I'm really looking for books that feature a particular city and the city ends up becoming sort of a character itself. Or just the city being the way it is forms a huge part of why the story is the way it is. Would love some help on this 😊

[@Littlegizmoemmy]

A cute summer read is Palisades Park By Alan Brennert. It's a historical fiction and I loved reading it. Also, love your hair. It's so cute and made me excited for my big chop coming up.

[@danielanorambuenadiaz9183]

Loving the haircut, you look fresh ✨ The other day I was like “I want to read something funny” and I realized that the books that I have, and I haven’t read, are like SAD 😂

[@halfgodfairy8654]

Thank you for this lovely vlog! Your hair looks amazing btw. I wish we had thrift stores like this where i live!! Here, thrift stores mainly sell clothes :(

[@JamanMosil]

Lovely, lovely. Love the book thrifting and I am a bit jealous that I don't have used book shops of that quality near to where I live... Also have you ever read Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun? Just read that one and it's beautiful and wistful and is one that I'm still thinking about days later...

[@wiktoriagrochola3256]

LOVE the new hair 😍 I'm also thinking of chopping mine. Anytime I try to grow it out I regret it, I think I just have too much hair 😂

[@junaidmariya99]

Hairstyle is justified finally! Looking ever lovely and cute!!! 😊 coincidentally I got mine chopped too a day before yesterday!!

[@LadyJenivie]

I'm so happy that you bought Hotel World! I've been meaning to recommend it, especially after finding out about your love for hotels. I loved the book and I'm excited to hear your thoughts on it!

[@LarissaVeloso-Planttubber]

What a coincidence, I've just been to Sellers & Newel last week for the first time. I loved it, I went in for a small concert that they hold sometimes, and ended up going home with 3 books (from Brazill Peru and Chile) =)

[@Cubehead27]

The new hair is very nice 😊 also I read Death in Venice recently and honestly there's a lot I liked about it but it's really hard to ignore the super problematic adult-minor dynamic and it does make it a difficult read

[@andrewmalone2911]

That's an awful big book for something that apparently contains Nothingness within. Sartre is awesome though, he wrote a French film adaptation of The Crucible which is so beautiful, and haunting, and other complimentary adjectives.

[@lunaginebra]

That haircut is giving me huge old Emma’s videos vibes! You look so good! And I looooooved your book-hunting outfit! Those pants!!! ❤ can you do longer vlogs of the places you visit? Canada looks amazing! Also, I’m going to read Death in Venice for my European lit course and I’m so excited to know it’s actually interesting and a good book!

[@abbysands9510]

@9:24 That was pretty funny. I am off to get a massage because I have never gotten one before, and then cut to the next scene, and we see Emmie with shorter hair. It was well-edited; it is what you see in a TV series or film where the main character says she is off to shops and then pops back with a tattoo or a different hair colour lol. Your hair looks beautiful. Ps Did you know there is an interview with the vampire tv series? I only mention this because I know from your videos you are a fan of Interview with the vampire books.

[@LaFille_13]

I want to read The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann. It's been on my TBR for a while now.. Haven't read anything by him but I've heard that he is great and his writing is I guess they called it a symphony, which you can't enjoy by reading just once..

[@ashhunt2016]

23:04 omg you are giving Lofi girl and I am here for it - your videos are so relaxing, Emmie ✨️

[@KellyLS716]

Your hair looks great, that cut looks so good on you!

[@heatherdorsey4770]

I'm a reading Interventionist for students with dyslexia. I read aloud books to my 15 -16 year olds. Do you think Ember would be a good read aloud book?

[@isabelmariamoorealonso666]

The film death in Venice by Luchino Visconti is such an amazing adaption, I would definitely recommend it after you read it💗

[@goreadyreader]

The hair looks incredible it completely fits you and really elongates your neck in a way lol!! I'm going to start Death in venice soon as I'm going to Munich in a week, and I wanted to study Munich authors!

[@martinap5921]

instead of using ouai, i've tried WOW skin science apple cider vinegar shampoo and conditioner, has been rly great for my hair!

[@judithschwarz6615]

Aaah… a headshot for „something“ and annotating the book you plan to incorporate the insight into a possible book of your own?! 😮 I sense something big coming 😅

[@chandralekhavarma2182]

Oh gosh ! Ember and the Ice Dragons sounds soooooo good ! I am feeling things as you’re speaking. Sounds soo good soo good ! 💕

[@jaimeerindy4573]

Love your hair!! I got mine chopped too 😊 and I'm also obsessed with hotels/vacation novels so I love all this content!

[@ReadingNymph]

Love the hair cut ♡ Hotel World sounds really good, love a mystery

[@jamesduggan7200]

Hi Emily, It's good to see you. I love what you've done with your hair and I barely can wait to see how it grows in. Also, your cat, Calcifer, continues to tug at my heartstrings; I hope he continues to grow into your family. I finished the Steinbeck last month but made notes in my Kindle to be prepared for the live show. I see two very difficult books on your list, Death in Venice and Being and Nothingness. If you make it thru them the first time around then good for you! Enjoyed your show, and remain interested in the progress of your first novel. Thx.

[@Tiffany-lo6hc]

Still barely at the beginning but wanted to jump in and comment - earthquake putty for your expensive glass bottle of face wash! Museums/art galleries use it to prevent things from falling over in an earthquake. I bought it explicitly for my boyfriend's dead cat's urn, which is on a narrow ledge that I was worried my leapiest cat would be attracted to.

[@yacrupni]

You should read "A gentleman in Moscow"! It is entirely set in a hotel in the soviet union and it will totally fit your research needs, apart from being an excellent read :)

[@martynaniewiadomska2495]

a hair chop is always a good decision also you look soooo pretty with short hair

[@mollipopification]

yay you went to seekers!! my fav secondhand bookstore in TO. The guy who works there is so nice, and incredibly knowledgeable too. sellers is also great, right around the corner from where i used to live.

[@myangeljin_]

Ohhhh your birthday is really close to mine, I was born in july 23rd !! Also your hair is pretty cute I loved it 💕💕

[@jupitermond2325]

who's hating on Thomas Mann? the one thing I hate by him is because I studied it in school, but everything else is great!

[@Harmosaurus]

Thank you for the upload Emma! I'm starting my Rilke journey this week (picking up at library tomorrow), wish me luck :)

[@Taylor1998taylor]

I love your hair! I cut my hair recently, i got really inspired!

[@LexieMoon321]

You look so adorable with the new hair!

[@emmiereads]

thank you Lexie!!

[@peace345ToTheWorld]

Emma the haircut looks so good on you. it fits your face so well and really fits your vibe

[@amysbookishadventures]

I love thrifting books, and I love your hair.

[@shpriz1]

If you are looking for more books set in a hotel, I highly recommend "Hotel" by Arthur Hailey. It is also a lighter reading, so you'll be hitting two birds with one stone. The book is hilarious.

[@delfinamoyanopicca]

Your short hair gives me super strong Emily Blunt in the Jane Austen book club vibes

[@buse3052]

hi emma, if you wanna read more mariana zapata i would recommend "kulti". i read pretty much every book she published, and still kulti is my favorite. (i think kulti is way more slowburn than lukov though)

[@juliablanks5712]

Love the new ‘do! It looks so cute and suits you perfectly!