to be or not TBR? five books i read recently

[@beckidraven226]

I hope you are doing well Lucy? I am really struggling right now and your videos especially your book videos really help me and I tend to re watch them for comfort. Looking forward to your next video. Would love a book video of course or something home related Xx

[@dieSterbendeGiraffe]

I love the way you talk about books!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahh thanks so much, that's very lovely :)

[@GreenDayRule150]

I've just finished Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree. It's a fantasy story about an orc named Viv who opens a coffee shop in a place where no one knows what coffee even is and all the friends she meets along the way. It's the most wholesome book I think I've ever read! There's no heavy world building to it, which is what I find daunting about reading fantasy. It's just a really good time! Hiiiiiighly reccomend it!! 😁

[@Gryffindame]

I want to read this soooo bad!

[@GreenDayRule150]

@@Gryffindame it's so good!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Erm well this simply sounds WONDERFUL

[@GreenDayRule150]

@Lucy Wood it is! There are also recipes to the baked goods in the back 😍😍😍

[@Emaleighjane]

Swiftly added to my TBR, thank you 🥰

[@km692]

Oops, started watching this without my glasses on and definitely spent the first minute or so thinking that was Flo poised to jump off your bookshelves behind you!

[@sweetForgiveness]

😄😄😄

[@LucyJaneWood]

Looool she definitely does not have that much poise or control, she'd bring the whole shelf down

[@kayleighdimmock1309]

What a description of Circe 😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 “Drag Race All Stars of Mythology” 😂

[@LucyJaneWood]

AM I WRONG? 🥲

[@gryt.andersen8710]

Know your audience. A 12th century Abbey full of nuns was all I needed to hear for me to open my Kindle and find it immediately. Also, I love how much book content you have been putting out lately ☺️

[@danadpt2012]

Me too!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

😂😂😂 I should have remembered you're all weirdos like me

[@jesscaemily291]

Haha same. Instantly sold after the first sentence 😂

[@EdithMiss]

The Silent Patient is good but I guessed the twist nearly halfway through so like The Maidens you might feel the same about it tbh!

[@sweetForgiveness]

Agree

[@cherylcampbell1229]

I agree! I'm not quite sure what the hype on The Silent Patient is. There are definitely better thrillers.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ooooh interesting, maybe I'll give that one a miss then

[@Gryffindame]

I'll never stop recommending under the whispering door by tj klune. I cried for hours after and I absolutely loved it ❤️ house on the Cerulean sea was also like a warm hug to read ❤️❤️

[@GreenDayRule150]

I have both of those, but I haven't gotten around to them yet!

[@fionaj5819]

I loved House on the Cerulean Sea. Will have to get Under the Whispering Door. Fx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Okay these are both going on the list immediately

[@jesscaemily291]

Under the Whispering Door made me SOB but in a way that felt really good afterwards.

[@maddyy9816]

YES I’ve barely heard anyone talk about Under The Whispering Door!! It’s so funny and charming but also deals with grief in a really poignant way. 10/10 for sure 🥰

[@eleanortaylor3494]

The silent patient is fantastic, one of my favourite books and certainly my favourite thriller. What I would give to be able to read it for the first time again!

[@LucyJaneWood]

People seem to either love it or hate it! I'm officially intrigued 🧐

[@ambssampz5757]

Loving your content so much! I've not read a whole lot over the past few years, for various reasons, but watching your reviews has inspired me so much - I'm aiming for maybe 5 books in 2023 now 🙈 Thank youuu :)

[@LucyJaneWood]

That's great to hear! No pressure, just read when it feels right 😊

[@catshawforpresident]

Please never stop making these videos, they’re so enjoyable and helpful (: can deffo recommend The Silent patient!

[@laurenx8987]

Hi Lucy, I woke up feeling really low after a stressful weekend. As soon as I started watching this video for a bit of escapism your sense of humour put a huge smile on my face! I hope the blue jumper is salvageable 😂 xx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahhh Im sorry you had a crap weekend! Here's to a better week, the only way is up 🥰

[@louisacoote2337]

I loved Circe, it was excellent!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Up there with the best of the best!

[@erindouglas01]

I love these videos. Circe is so underrated to compared to song of Achilles!!

[@theautisticacademic5927]

I found the silent patient quite similar to your review of this one! Not gripping at all and just obvious from so early on!

[@LucyJaneWood]

A few people have said this, I think I'll give it a miss in that case 🥲

[@xxcazxxmxx]

The Silent Patient was a good read, but I found it much the same as you did with The Maidens and I guessed the plot really early on

[@LucyJaneWood]

Always kinda disappointing when that happens

[@zarabannerman665]

Was literally lieing in my bed going right time to get up get on with day. Nope Lucy uploaded time to get cozy again 😂😂

[@LucyJaneWood]

Any excuse to remain under the duvet if you ask me

[@OnefortheBooks]

Circe was absolutely one of my favorite reads of 2022! I can't wait to pick up Song of Achilles for the first time later this year. 🥰

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ohhhh you are in for such a treat

[@belindabarbour382]

Get the tissues ready for Song of Achilles. I loved Circe too!

[@what3v3rs]

So happy to see another book vid! 💜

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thank so much for stopping by to watch 😊

[@nidhivaidya6485]

My friends and I found a cat in a mall parking lot and named her Circe after the book :)

[@ANA-il6js85]

Unpopular opinion, i liked Circe more then SOA. I loved the writting and the whole island atmosphere, the characters and all the stories about them. It made me wanna move to small island alone 🤣

[@lornasheerin2525]

I bought the idol when it came out still need to read it. The joys of mummy life and just being knackered to read a book

[@ladeda00]

I also agree about the maidens I was like “huh” hahaha (still had me a bit shook tho ngl, but I’m probably a bit dense 😅hahaha) BUT THE SILENT PATIENT HAD ME SHAKEN TO MY CORE actually in disbelief and sat there for an hour after like 😮what just happened hahaha A MUST READ

[@LucyJaneWood]

Okay this was the encouragement I needed!

[@beckys8857]

I'm with you on the love for Lex Croucher's books, so excited for 2 more from them this year! My current top recommendations are All the Young Men by Ruth Coker Burks and Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

[@LucyJaneWood]

Me too! Counting down for their next releases 😊

[@natashamason3328]

I always love your book videos. I’m getting quite a list going now 😊 Good luck with the jumper x

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha thank you! Jumper was saved 😇

[@JenniferClark-po3bx]

Loved your video! I am putting Matrix on my TBR. After 16 years of Catholic school, I think this is right up my alley. I'm looking forward to it.

[@emilysmith2784]

Matrix and Cerse sound very good. Added to my TBR. If you like female forward historical fiction. Nothing beats Earths Children. Ayla is a human raised by Neanderthals during the ice age. It’s a story of trying to make yourself fit into a society that doesn’t come naturally to you. It’s about family, love and independence. It’s a lovely coming of age story with a very different setting.

[@MiddayMagick]

I just finished Angelika Frankenstein makes her match by Sally Thorne and I was so in love with it.

[@Ddrhl]

Good morning from the Bay Area of CA! Currently slogging through Thoreau's Walden. Wow. I see why no one ever has said to me "You have GOT to read this!"

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha life's too short, move on to something you love!

[@sbayles5593]

Thank you for listing your books in the description. The books I read in January were The Woman in the Library (good but weak ending), The Invited (really good and ghosts are involved) and The Queen of Tearling (beginning of fantasy series that kept me enthralled). I am currently reading How Far the Light Reaches (non-fiction), A Glimmer of Death (cozy mystery), and The Rose Code (historical fiction). I’m enjoying all three of these. And, by the way, I read Circe several years ago and loved it. Listening to you makes me want to read it again.

[@LucyJaneWood]

No worries! This sounds like a creepy selection haha 😊

[@KathyDubs]

I'm with you on The Maidens, I didn't love it. The Silent Patient is a bit better but not by much. I actually am a psychologist as well, so whenever I read books with a therapist as a lead I have high hopes. Alex's books are hardly accurate when it comes to therapist presentation, unfortunately. I'm currently reading As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow - you might like it! Also, if you haven't tried any of Fredrik Backman's books yet, you also might enjoy his humor and writing. He's my favorite adult fiction writer.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thank you! I will take a look at both 😊

[@amyc4499]

Love these videos, thank you!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahh that makes me so happy 🥰

[@melleme89]

10/10 title on the video!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Hahaha my proudest creation to date

[@allthingslivanne]

Added Circle to my library hold list! Sounds soooo good!!! 🎉

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahhh it's such a gem! Hope you enjoy ☺

[@Lifeonasofa]

A nice range there! Being dyslexic and struggling with lyrical, descriptive writing, I was hesitant about Circe. But i found the audiobook reader was THE PERFECT Circe and agree that it’s a beautiful book, defo stuck with me. I didn’t find The Silent Patient mind blowing, but an enjoyable thriller considering I guessed what was happening early on. I’ve got infamous on my kindle tbr and I’m now adding Matrix and Idol to my list 🙈

[@LucyJaneWood]

I always forget about audiobooks! They are such gamechangers x

[@fionaj5819]

I recommend Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim (if you like a bit of light fantasy), Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (because TJR) and Cat Lady by Dawn O'Porter (a really moving light read about someone who chooses to live on her own terms). Fingers crossed for the jumper! Glad you retrospectively added Circe, one of my top reads last year too. Fx

[@LucyJaneWood]

Really enjoyed Carrie Soto! That will probably be in my next book video x

[@Intothesunset89]

I’ve read Circe and A Song of Achilles and I’m bummed that those are the only two Madeline Miller novels published at the moment. Her writing lends itself beautifully to mythology retellings.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ahhh me too! Hungry for more, last I heard we had a Persephone on the way...

[@lits3212]

Running to buy Matrix. Seriously. You explained so well I am very excited to read this book!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oh it's wonderfullllll, I hope you love it!

[@jocummings3202]

I finished Circe last night!!! Thought it was incredible. Didn't rip my heart out like Song of Achilles but I was thankful. Also I read Infamous on my honeymoon in sweltering Lisbon so it was a weird juxtaposition to be transported to the cold dark Lake District.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha no one needs to go through Song of Achilles level heartbreak with anything else 🥲

[@lisajohanssoncarne6354]

If you haven’t read it already, I can highly recommend “girl, woman, other” by Bernardine Evaristo. Each chapters covers different black women and nbs and their lives in Britain, and how they are tied together. Great read! Wonderful characters and story ☺️

[@journalwithdolly]

I had to DNF it: I found it so boring 🫠🤣 Maybe I need to give it another go

[@aaliyahthomas3961]

I really recommend the book True Crime Story by Joseph Knox. I picked it up in Waterstones on a whim and it is a thriller written in such a clever way. The author inserts himself as a character in the book as a journalist so it feels like its a real life event, think the realism that you get with Taylor Jenkins Reid😊

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oh that sounds ace! Thanks for the rec :)

[@courtney_pjones]

Silent Patient was amazing, definitely give it a go if you’re debating it!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thanks! Gonna grab it next time I want a thriller x

[@ACuppaBookswithAriel]

Circe is such a beautiful book.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Agreed! Some stunning stuff x

[@louisacoote2337]

The Silent Patient was an excellent read. It gave me shivers up/down my spine!

[@LucyJaneWood]

I'm definitely gonna have to give that one a chance!

[@kirstypritchard2872]

I’ve read the silent patient and the maidens, was disappointed with the maidens and characters from the silent patient were mentioned in the maidens so I’m wondering if there will be another book to tie in 😮

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oh that's cool, I didn't realise it was a universe cross over!

[@tasha3529]

I definitely felt the same after reading The Maidens, felt it was underwhelming and disappointing, and I LOVED The Silent Patient! It’s definitely worth giving it a read ☺️

[@LucyJaneWood]

So weird how the same author can be so hit and miss!

[@debbieoraw994]

I adore Circe. Ariadne is also very good. I am going to highly recommend the book Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead. Its magnificent.

[@LucyJaneWood]

I loved Ariadne too! Thank you, I'll take a look 😊

[@sweetForgiveness]

Idol is on my TBR list since you mentioned it for the first time. I already thought it sounded super interesting but now i really need to read it

[@LucyJaneWood]

It's definitely worth a read, really fascinating stuff

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh Idol sounds great. There seems to be a wave of great books about social media. Would recommend I’m A Fan by Sheena Patel, if you’ve not read it. Circe is incredible, mythology all stars really tickled me. I need to read Infamous… and Reputation. Ta duck!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Most welcome my friend 😊

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

All I can say is that I am really hoping that your light blue jumper survives the coffee ☕️ love you and your amazing channel please stay safe and enjoy your reading 📖 prayers and thoughts for you and your family love your Aussie friend John 💙💙

[@LucyJaneWood]

Thankn you! 😊

[@johnsaxongitno4life588]

@@LucyJaneWood no worries 😉 your welcome 🙏 hope your jumper is okay 👌

[@allie1914]

I love your book videos so much I haven’t read the maidens but I was v disappointed with the silent patient definitely overhyped imo Ive had infamous for so long and need to actually read it - I enjoyed reputation so know I’ll enjoy it haha

[@fiballs1]

Circe was staring at me in the library but i had just completed a song of achilles , wasnt sure but i think i will pick it up next time im in , live next door which is handy , iv picked up atlas six this week , lovely video as per from lovely lucy

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha definitely grab it next time! Living next door to a library is an absolute dream x

[@Intothesunset89]

Im reading The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Ardern and it’s not at all what I was expecting, but I’m loving it. Weirdly gives me Fleabag and Hunchback of Notre Dame (more so the latter) vibes?

[@LucyJaneWood]

Well that sounds like a DELIGHTFUL combination

[@redstar1976]

12th century nuns? Yup, I'm definitely here for that. I like the sound of Idol as well; I'm a sucker for a 'Whose truth is, y'know, true?' type of book. I've just finished The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton. I did enjoy it but it's a very long read with a very slow start. That's a deliberate structural decision by the author, for various reasons which I won't go on about here, but it did make the first couple of hundred pages harder work than I'd have liked.

[@Charlotte-Victorias]

Definitely need to read the Silent Patient. I absolutely devoured it but wasn’t as fond of the maidens

[@LucyJaneWood]

It's definitely going on my list, I'm intrigued...

[@cherylcampbell1229]

IMO The Silent Patient was meh. Super predictable. Not really sure why it's so popular. Maybe it's because I normally read Karen Slaughter and not many thrillers stack up lol

[@LucyJaneWood]

Hahaha I can imagine that everything else seems very weedy in comparison

[@MissTwilightHater]

Don't waste your time on silent patient, I agree about their writing

[@LucyJaneWood]

Interesting! It definitely won't be a priority read for me haha

[@HattieHillard]

Omg Lucy, I was also soo disappointed with 'The Maidens', I didn't like 'The Silent Patient' either so I think Michaelides' writing style just isn't for me... BUT, if you're looking for that mystery and intrigue surrounding secret societies at a prestigious university, I implore you to pick up 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo - It's set at Yale will definitely scratch that itch that The Maidens failed to! I loved it!

[@LucyJaneWood]

This one is sooo high on my list! Really looking forward to getting around to it, sounds right up my street x

[@Curraaaan]

I’ve got to stop watching these videos because my TBR pile just keeps growing! 😂

[@LucyJaneWood]

Nothing wrong with that 😇

[@zoesaunders4017]

I was also disappointed with The Maidens but the Silent Patient is one of the best thrillers I’ve ever read!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Now that is a glowing review!

[@ItsEmzo]

I have been meaning to read Circe since it came out! It became a running joke at my work that I hadn't read it yet even though I studied classics so I am determined to read it this year!!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha I can imagine that you would want to read ANYTHING but mythology retellings if you're already studying classics x

[@ItsEmzo]

@Lucy Wood honestly! But now I've graduated maybe its time haha x

[@niia33]

I just read The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna and it was extremely adorable and heartwarming. Alternatively, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia was amazingly horrifying in all the best ways and very much keeps you on your toes. Would highly recommend both!

[@LucyJaneWood]

This one is on my list and I'm really looking forward to it! 😊

[@sianmarylouise]

Silent patient is much better than the maidens! Highly recommend!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Excellent, thank you!

[@LindsK23]

I found The Silent Patient disappointing too sadly.

[@essentiallyann2650]

The Silent Patient was better than Maidens, but I'm glad I read both. Please do another mid-size style video, your book videos make my TBR pile too high 😂😂😂😂. (Doctor, mum and marathon runner here LOL).

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha there's lots more midsize style stuff over on my Instagram which might be more up your street!

[@sarahsearle9598]

Thanks for keeping me entertained while I washed the dishes! Off to download Infamous methinks!

[@sarahsearle9598]

12 hours later and I'm 7 chapters in on audio book. I am gripped!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Ohhhh excellent! So glad you're enjoying it 😊

[@sarahsearle9598]

Ah Lucy! I can't stop thinking about the characters! I say next to a colleague at work today (who is very much a close friend) and I started thinking about rose...and placing my head on her shoulder...argh! Haha

[@kirstymcwilliam1385]

If you were to make a podcast where you just describe in details each book you read and all your thoughts etc, I would not only pay money to listen but would likely enjoy it more than reading books on my own

[@ThatGingerNerd]

I need help!!! When I was in my teens I read so much, all the time!! Now almost 34, really bad adhd and autism I can’t anymore… I’ll listen to audiobooks (read Harry Potter) before I go to sleep because it calms my anxiety. But how do I get back to reading again??? Please help me someone ❤️

[@upsidedown9412]

Hi Lucy, I’d recommend Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. It’s set in 1950s Mexico, a young woman goes to visit her cousin at her cousin’s new husbands family home in the mountains, after her cousin sends a mysterious letter saying her husband is trying to poison her. Very gothic, spooky and sexy, I loved it!

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oh that sounds awesome!

[@bg4945]

I loved the Silent Patient, but did not care for The Maidens.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Interesting! Really seems to be dividing people down the middle haha

[@danadpt2012]

Don’t read the silent patient, I think it will let you down like this one did. I didn’t love it, I guessed half way through it was okay just not amazing.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Haha the comments about this book are hilariously hit and miss 😂

[@mindmuddleart2819]

Still watching your video but will need to give Cerci a go, I read Medusa by Jessie Burton and could not put it down

[@LucyJaneWood]

Oooh I'll have to check that out :)

[@liacarlotti3400]

I'll have to add Circe to my tbr for sure! Also, I'm sorry if you mentioned this before but, where is the cat statue on your bookshelf from?

[@LucyJaneWood]

It was an ebay find! I love it 😊

[@jesscaemily291]

If anyone's looking for another Dark Academia style book I enjoyed The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood. Blurb below. Bright, bookish Oscar Lowe has grown to love the quiet routine of his life as a care assistant at a Cambridge nursing home, until the fateful day when he is lured into King's College chapel by the otherworldly sound of an organ. There he meets and falls in love with Iris Bellwether and her privileged, eccentric clique, led by her brother Eden. A troubled but charismatic music prodigy, Eden convinces his sister and their friends to participate in a series of disturbing experiments. However, as the line between genius and madness begins to blur, Oscar fears that danger could await them all ...

[@sinati421]

I remember replying to your insta story when you started reading the maidens, saying that it was a disappointing read after the silent patient which I quite enjoyed! When the killer was revealed I I just thought "oh, so it really was that obvious?", the whole thing felt very underwhelming unfortunately :/

[@LucyJaneWood]

Right there with ya!

[@samhill7869]

How do you have so much time to read! I love reading but one book takes me 3-4 months!😂

[@LucyJaneWood]

I don't really watch TV or KZbin anymore, so it's my main hobby really x

[@fleur1492]

You already had me at Lauren Groff, but nuns and female relationships outside of patriarchal norms?? This sounds like the perfect book for me!

[@bjulalula9537]

Cool, this is the first time that i have already read a book you recommend. Two to be correct. And Matrix and Song of Achille are good. But the last one isn't as good as Circe and the first one left me with an overall bad feeling

[@LucyJaneWood]

Awesome! Although an overall bad feeling is not ideal 🥲

[@bjulalula9537]

@@LucyJaneWood wuhuuuuu she answers. World, look, Lucy answered to mere peasant. Also: die younread "the Strange case of the Alchemist's daughter"? It is very weird, but i thought you might like it, while reading it. Secret community, myth and mystery, strong women and an gothic feel

[@bjulalula9537]

Die younread = did you read

[@ellysheppard3072]

Good GRIEF, I truly hated The Maidens and for a long time I felt like I was the only one. Poor writing, gaping plot holes, completely unlikely situations, sloppy ending, etc.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Right there with you! I gave it 3 stars but that was probably generous 🥲

[@kirsteengarden3833]

I’m in the minority but I absolutely hated the silent patient. No redeeming qualities for me, so will be interested to hear your opinion if you do decide to read it.

[@LucyJaneWood]

Interesting! Definitely seems to be dividing opinion...

[@vikkielora]

1:12 Fff thy gift have

[@rachelspencer9456]

🧡📚🧡📚🧡📚🧡

[@LucyJaneWood]

🥰🥰🥰

[@AlioH89]

I'm in a minority but I couldn't get in to Circe

[@LucyJaneWood]

No book is for everyone!

[@AlioH89]

@@LucyJaneWood Indeed. And every book is for someone.

[@claire3733]

After hearing your thoughts on The Maidens I feel compelled to copy and paste my Goodreads review. SPOILER ALERT!!! “Who ends a book by suddenly revealing a pedophilic relationship as the main plot twist? There's a lot to unpack there, that the author did NOT. This book just made me feel icky. The protagonist is stalked by two men and, at least in the case with Henry, it doesn't seem to be justified by the plot? Like what was the purpose of that? Also what the fuck is Michaelides' deal with Freud. Perhaps if you are writing not one, but TWO, books about psychotherapists you should refrain from basing your entire psycholoqical interpretation on Freud. There's a big emphasis on family relations and dvnamics in this book and it just felt hollow and misguided.”

[@LucyJaneWood]

Certainly not wrong 🥲 Justice for the word 'icky' which should be used more often x