TOP BOOKS OF 2020 + READING YEAR REFLECTION (+ MINI UPDATE!) | sunbeamsjess

[@inavitale3223]

Mom reader tips for you, Jess & other lovely new parents: in the early months, read whatever you want to aloud to your baby! They love your voice! You’re exposing them to a huge amount of words, which is amazing for development. Take advantage of the time before they get picky and won’t let you decide the book anymore. Starting the practice of reading aloud all the time makes your child love reading so much more. I remember reading a load of books recommended by you in 2018/2019 when my little one was small. I also recommend e-books - my daughter would only stay asleep in my arms and I spent hours passing the time reading books on my phone. Much love! You and Zach will be fine.

[@keikilani_bgibson]

This feels like my literature professor decided to have class in the classical library at uni. So relaxing and a good list of books I haven’t heard of yet or in a while.

[@mariam-kx4zw]

i love this comment. captures my response to this video so well

[@AcidandRain]

omg i haven't been on your channel in ages and you're pregnant! im soso happy for you jess i used to watch your channel religious during your uni days and you've grown and blossomed beautifully. wish you nothing but the best xx

[@angelbracamontes9182]

Certainly the best and most waited book recommendation of the year ! Best wishes to you and your baby 💫

[@josepha133]

"Have not been reading that much" ... read 120 books ... 🙃 Don’t be so hard on yourself Jess! 😘

[@laurencebonneville2487]

As a new mom, I’ve found that ebooks work the best! I can read with one hand while baby is napping in my arms or while feeding. Audiobooks are also amazing for walks with the pram :)

[@ericajoy3321]

Such good advice! I also loved reading out loud to my baby when he was little. I just read whatever I wanted and he loved listening to my voice.

[@rae_of_sunlight]

That library barn is 😍 😍 😍 Happy to see another video from you!

[@tiffanymoton704]

I am SO HAPPY!!! every morning I check youtube to see if you’ve posted, no joke. thank you for taking the time and energy to make this for us and know that it is appreciated!!

[@musiclistner94]

Would love to see more of the library barn!

[@stephanieaguayo3051]

I feel an immediate need to go book shopping after all of your videos.

[@emmalouise88]

I actually kind of needed to hear about your dissatisfaction with reading new & hyped books because I've kind of fallen down that rabbit hole myself in the last few months. I mean there's obviously nothing wrong with expanding what you read, but I've definitely read more books that I've not enjoyed simply because I didn't want to miss out on the conversations that were happening, and I think I need to take a step back from that. Thank you for the push 😂💓

[@juliaf2614]

I needed this too, I feel so let down by so many books I read last year because I was trawling the book club groups and instagrams and the book charts. I’m ready to return to books that I want to read myself!

[@jellyghostt]

I had my first baby in 2020. I found ebooks on my phone super helpful to keep my reading up. Overall it really slowed up for me for the first few months, but it does get easier.

[@lese91]

I missed the pregnancy announcement and am totally shocked and thrilled about your baby! Congratulations and I hope the remainder of your pregnancy and labor/delivery are smooth and easy.

[@theroseshoes]

I'm just over halfway through The Eighth Life (For Brilka) by Nino Haratischvili and it is fantastic. 934 pages long and totally absorbing, following multiple generations of one family across about a hundred years. It has taught me a lot about the history of Georgia, Russia and the Soviet Union generally. If you want a new big read to get stuck into, go for that!

[@sarahlal4092]

Jess! I would love to hear your recommendations of other booktubers. I struggle to find others that I connect with as much as you 🥺

[@amyg8176]

I’m not Jess but I really love noelle Gallagher!

[@teaandcakee]

Would you ever consider becoming a lecturer? You would make a fab teacher!

[@jessk7240]

Literary retreats at the farm?! I’d pay (though I’d be the granny of any group I think 😳😁)

[@jazzgirlie]

would love to see which books you're most looking forward to reading this year!!

[@vagabongo]

I've read 100 books last year, slowest month is January, books are a journey into freedom, you are creating your own world

[@pfjmcd]

Re finding reading time, 100% recommend having a book going on the Kindle app on your phone! I started doing this recently and it has really helped to stop scrolling and get extra reading time in each day :)

[@InGhostlyCompany]

Wow, what a beautiful setting. I spy Sarah Waters! It is so lovely you managed to keep your Aunt's library. My reading goal of 2021 is to allow myself to reread books. Last year I tried pushing myself to read all my unread books, and wouldn't let myself read old ones and it just stressed me out!

[@Sara-ti7he]

I'm so happy to see you doing well. Anytime I hear news from the UK I think of you, your baby and your family. I gave birth a little before the pandemic and have been raising my son in lockdown(he's 1 now!), so I especially feel close to you. Stay safe x Sending you love

[@leabhairagustae7279]

I have similar reading goals! I read ~180 books in 2020 and I didn't love that many of them. I want to prioritise quality over quantity this year.

[@LS-lo8ks]

I clicked out of another Jess video to watch this one! Happy to see you're well! 🤗

[@salehomme9898]

If you liked Proust and his prose about time, its perception and how to convert it in writing, I can only recommend you Claude Simon (the best of the best is The Acacia and The Flanders Road). His prose is much more experimental than Proust and his work is beautiful and moving in so many ways. I loved working on these novels for my research paper and hope you will like them ! I wish you all the best, take care !

[@jadebridge8987]

This made me feel so warm and calm. Love your round ups!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

My dream is now to have my own library barn! 🥰 Loved this long chatty catch up and talk about your favourite books! 📚 I want to get into the Southern Reach trilogy. And I'm so happy you connected so strongly to Underland, Ducks Newburyport and Love & Other Thought Experiments - even if you had some reservations about Ellmann's novel. I interviewed Sophie Ward on my channel if you haven't seen it and want to check it out as it's so interesting hearing her thought process behind writing the story.

[@mayte2598]

I'm so excited! Been in a bit of a reading slump lately, excited to hear your recommendations!

[@juliabessa8019]

i'm in love with your channel, you're so charismatic and your voice is super soothing, I love your recommendations and have added most of them to my wishlist, also your piercings!!!! so so cool!!

[@amandawallace6306]

I immediately added all of these to my TBR ! Love your videos

[@linoooh]

Kindles are the best for reading during late night feeds, early night feeds, when they nap on you, when you can't nap, etc. It's perfect because the lighting isn't as strong as a phone. Good luck Jess, so excited for you

[@CassieLuellman]

I have three kids and in my experience reading on your phone is the way to go! It is the perfect way to help get through night feedings. I also suggest reading "easier" books that are easy to put down and pick up again. Most of my reading when I had newborns was at night but you will figure out what works best for you!

[@conniec3867]

biggest tip for reading as a mom: kindle! you can hold it with one hand and read in the dark, too.

[@EmmaShute]

I have been wanting to sink my teeth into a series or trilogy! Now I have a few excellent recommendations ❤️❤️❤️ thanks so much!

[@kb-ih7ni]

You’re the only booktuber I’ve seen who’s read Vita Nostra! Also one of my surprise favorites from last year. I ALSO listened to it and have yet to read it “physically” (might use an ebook because it’s not sold anywhere in my country i crei). One of the most underrated dark academia book imo I have to say, I was never really into the books you’ve read since I started watching your channel when you were still in uni, I was more into scifi and high fantasy (BrandoSando, OSC, Kuang, those things), which don’t seem your type for the most part. But recently my brain has gotten a bit saturated with everything, and I’m curious about your lists of bests. Lots of things to read this year coming from your recommendations! Also planning on reading more classics, and your comments on Dickens made me more excited. Much love from the Philippines and good luck on your pregnancy!

[@oliviaquinn5945]

the reading on your phone tip is so so good when you're busy and want to read more! i find that if i always have a book on the go on my phone, i am able to sneak in a little 10 minute session here and there and crack out maybe an extra book each month!

[@FajrA88]

Absolutely love the way you chat about books .. definitely going to give some of these a try. I have 2 children under 6 and I recommend keeping a book or two in whatever feeding kit you plan to have .. so you can read while feeding the baby / while pumping etc.

[@mimad57]

I just gave birth to our second bub and have been reading a chapter a day. The few minutes I get to myself, I jump in and read a few pages. Short and sweet bursts 🙂

[@ninagordin7397]

Are you still doing a baby Q and A video? x

[@helenaarevalo]

What helped me to read more as a new (single) mum was watching your videos. You motivated me and I’m so grateful for that, because it wasn’t an easy year. Having said that, I don’t think I read a line for the first couple of months 😂 After that, I’d go for a walk when it was time for her to nap and stop in a café to read a little. She always napped much longer in the pram, so I really made the most of it. They nap like 6 times a day at the beginning, so dedicating one nap to reading felt quite easy.

[@jayweasley]

Was just seeing that you hadn’t posted in a while and was hoping everything was good health and family wise! So I’m glad to hear that u were just taking some time off! Really love and appreciate the long book video today, it was truly a delight!!! So many relatable goals for this year- not having a baby but am trying to read more slowly/read longer books, read more books by authors I already love (such as Toni Morrison, Jeff Vandermeer (loved all of southern reach and borne) Jane Austen and Octavia butler! Also hoping to start some NK Jemisin, Ursula K Leguin and Yoko Agawe who I already know I love. I read lonesome dove at the end of this year and it really changed my perspective on finishing books and the whimsy and joy of longer books. I recently bought ducks newburyport and if I’m feeling bold I will try that one out this year! I am hoping to at least get Les Miserables off my TBR🤞🏼

[@jazzgirlie]

are there any "booktubers" that you watch/follow on ig? love your bookish content the most and would love to find more booktubers with your taste in books.

[@orangeelliot]

I’d love to know what book tubers she watched too!

[@kikimekiki1]

Hena Bryan aka Bookish Babe is great! Jess also watches her and I think mentioned her a while ago or maybe it was insta x

[@alwayscold448]

I love Booksbyleynes :) Jess mentioned her in a post in June !

[@ginafercho4581]

Eric Karl Anderson reads similar books as Jess.

[@ohyojordo]

I follow but_i_thought and literaryrunner on IG - they're the only book related content I follow on IG (in addition to jess, obvs) and they have great taste/recommendations!

[@aiela]

I’m not usually one to comment but your book videos have been one of the (few) great things about my year and this was a wonderful cherry on top! Thank you for the amazing content and for all the great recommendations 💕

[@linatrina]

Feel so loved watching your videos, you emanate such positive and loving energy. I truly feel we are friends and im so glad to follow your journey. Much love to you jessie

[@isabellahambley5666]

I've missed your videos, thank you for inspiring me to read all the time!

[@natascha2831]

Oooh big book chat!! Dead excited!! Glad to see you back and hope you had a fab break

[@morganblalock873]

I cannot WAIT to read Meeting the Universe Halfway! Thanks for the recommendation.

[@ronjakh]

Perfect timing for this video! I’m actually ill with covid, but I not as ill as a lot of people, so I need reading tips 🙏🏻

[@alliasn3384]

Not a Mum, but a busy grad student (yes I know it doesn’t compare) but maybe ebooks and especially audiobooks! Definitely keeps me off the endless scroll and helps me feel mentally engaged (with something other than coursework)

[@demirodriguez66]

this is the first time i’ve been so early !!!! you look amazing and i’m wishing the best for you, your family, and your baby ✨🤍🤍🤍

[@AkaHeiwa]

Lovely to see you again! Thank you for the video :)

[@ClaireHawkins]

Love this!! I recently posted a video going through the 100 books I read in 2020. It was certainly the year for lots and lots of books!!

[@rdotrobot]

Do you have a video where you talk about when you read / how you incorporate reading into your day to day life?

[@SynthesizedEvolution]

Ah just what I needed this evening! I’ll definitely check out the Southern Reach trilogy as it sounds like something I would enjoy. I hope you and your family are well 😌

[@OlaLidia]

love love love your book videos

[@readasadodo845]

I always love your reviews - you're just so eloquent! You've definitely made me want to give Ducks, Newburyport another go. Can't wait for the next one :)

[@maymadison3620]

Have you ever thought of pursuing a writing career? Do you have an idea for a book that you're willing to create? Really interested to know whether being an avid reader has ever enticed you to become a writer as well.

[@ViriditasCollective]

Jess I would love to see you do a longer “lecture” style video on the Southern Reach Trilogy. I saw the movie back in 2019 and loved it but had no idea it was based on or inspired by a book until you talked about them earlier this year. Seeing how much you loved them I picked them up but I feel like a lot of the themes and details you must have loved about these books went over my head. I did not end up enjoying them as much as I anticipated and ended up rating them something like 4, 3, and 4 stars respectively. I really want to hear some of your analysis and patterns, themes, etc you picked up on in this series! I think these books will make their way into university literature classes in the years to come, but until then I’d love to hear what you got out of them (:

[@asunnybooknook]

I adored Lent and definitely agree that more people would enjoy it than who currently does! Starlings by Jo Walton is wonderful omg, the short stories, poems, and plays are amazing. I would love to know your takeaways from the South Beach trilogy because my brain Is a bit too small to comprehend that hahahah. I enjoyed vita nostra as well, glad to see it on this list! white is for witching seems really interesting, ill have to check it out. I absolutely loved girl woman other as well and totally agree with your takeaways !!

[@ginafercho4581]

I love your long chatty book videos. Thank you for sharing with us :)

[@shouqable]

I thought the new house library was finished I was so excited for you haha this is pretty special too, your late aunt books I mean. Happy New Year Jess

[@peggingmothman]

Love the library barn! Reminds me of my Great Grandma's library/study which I loved as a child. I aspire to have my own library/study like her one day! 😍

[@5963sap]

thank you for always making these videos!!

[@followmeto26and2]

I have been literally stalking your channel for days for a new video! it's been so long! lol thank you so much for this beauty because you never fail to brighten everyone's day!

[@she5139]

not a mother, but reading on my phone helps me get through books even when im not in the mood to read so its def a good idea to help you keep reading while taking care of your baby. also audiobooks!

[@bartlebyberlinberlin275]

I am a new mum of a baby girl myself and I absolutely loved The Mother Knot, by Jane Lazarre. Congratulations and happy 2021! :)

[@ma_niz]

I started Wolf Hall last night, and it's the first book you started with! If you love Tudor history and Cromwell, try the Shardlake Series by CJ Sansom. The first book in that series is Dissolution, it's all mystery, intrigue, and politics

[@selxp2870]

I always look forward to your book videos Jess stay safe 💕

[@sophiebowerman3301]

I had a baby In September 2020 and I found I get time to read at bed time, often on my phone as it’s easier in the dark obviously! And also at the weekend when my partner is home and I have a bit more time to chill x

[@nikkiponcsak]

I didn't know I needed a library barn until now 😍

[@KristanShuford]

Reading on your phone is way easier for the first bit of motherhood, makes it easier to pick up and read wherever, especially if your babe is asleep in your arms. But around 5-6 months I switched back to paper books cause my little one kept trying to snatch my phone out of my hand

[@CoralineLTB]

Are you going to do q&a you announced on instagram? 😊

[@hannahhaarmann7082]

Really enjoyed this

[@LizzyViolet09]

This is a wonderful video thank you! Please could you do a video or maybe a quick reply as to how you find time to read so many books? I balance my time between working full time and a part time post-grad degree and have time to read on my commute. Please let me know your tips and tricks xxx

[@laurasalminen3443]

So excited to watch this!!! Xx

[@ellenarentsen]

Maybe are audiobooks a solution to keep reading in the busy months? And an e reader is maybe more managable?? You look great!!

[@booksandpizza]

My tips to read with a baby would be: audiobooks when you’re doing something else, ebooks on the phone definitely when you’re breastfeeding and I also could squeeze a real book sometimes when breastfeeding as well...and also I kept a book in every room and just read whenever I could even if it was for just 5 minutes ♥️ you’ll find your groove soon enough ✨

[@eriatexoplanet]

Loooove the book content you put up!

[@mariasolep4412]

Omg u are backk!!! I missed u so muchh so excited for this💕

[@lucialogiudice3806]

I am so excited to watch this jess💜💜💜

[@susottiful]

Great, great, great video! Thank you very much!

[@shannonball8485]

Jess! I noticed on Goodreads that Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is marked as "want to read" for you. I'm currently reading it because it's my dads favorite book and he sells it eeeeeevery time I see him. I know you are interested in the American west and like longer books so i'm so curious to see what you'd think of it! Currently i'm really enjoying it

[@sloanvlogs5207]

As a mom of two (two and 4 months), the phone is the way to go! And yes sometimes trying to get the baby to go to sleep and breastfeeding I read on my phone. Don’t feel bad if you’re not motivated to read at first. All babies are different. My first kid didn’t let me do ANYTHING. My second kid, I’ve read way more. But phone is key when you only have one hand. Also GET A BABY CARRIER. it’s a life savior. I walk around the house with him carried while he naps and scroll TikTok or read or work.

[@ididthisforjmarbles]

thanks so much for the video, it brightened my day. i think you’ll be such a cool mom!

[@lyndad.2701]

Hi Jessie. I'm glad to see that you are well. I absolutely love your videos. Take care! (PS: I just ordered Vita Nostra and Lent ;) )

[@erin.g.w]

where do you send your film to get developed? been wondering where is best to send mine to!

[@racheljane5701]

Hi! My little baby is 2 months and I've found I have lots of time during feeding and naps when he naps on my chest (which is quite a lot) . I would say kindle and kindle app on the phone. I'm still enjoying the same types of books that I did before ☺️ xxx

[@georgiajackson17]

Love your videos jess - thanks so much for this! I wondered what you meant when you referenced Margret Atwood and The Testaments re. booker 2019? Not a fan of the book or Atwood generally? Just curious your opinion :) PS just started Wolf Hall and can see why you love it so much!! xx

[@melody91778]

Yay, worth the wait!

[@katiikatinka]

Lovely thumbnail Jessie, all the best from Germany xoxo ❣️

[@morganashett8951]

Audiobooks are an amazing idea too!

[@adillaafiani6921]

Been waiting for it!!!!!

[@ProspectivePlans]

I’m adding all of these books to my reading list, thanks for sharing.💫 Keep rising to be who you want to be! 💫 #keeprising #risingtobe #aswerise #riser

[@jacquelinemanning1322]

I love your book reviews so much! It would be cool to see a video dedicated to Ursula LeGuin :)

[@GirlMadeofWords]

YOUR BOOKSHELVES I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

[@Halsning]

Me writing them all down and placing an order - as soon as I finish the five ones I've got on my nightstand, of course 😅

[@NatalieBrookes90]

There’s *sew* many embroidery books 😏😏

[@samanthapratt5331]

Hi! Where do you send your film off to? My usual film developing place has shut down, but I'm always scared to send it off in the post incase it gets lost/ruined!

[@raniamahmoud3165]

Really loved this video :) ♥

[@salemalisalee]

First few months you will have time to read , but as the baby grows , it will leave you with less free time . My goal this year is 12 . And I have read 0 out of those 12 so far .

[@mariaineslibrarium7690]

The best video!!!! Missed you ♥️📚