Women’s Prize Shortlist Predictions with Mum | April 2022

[@leenanorms]

You're such a comedy duo! This was very cathartic for me as I'm not getting on great with a lot of these and we agreed on a lot. Might pick up the Devil Knead next thanks to your wisdom!

[@grabmeagranny2802]

Creatures of Passage the best by a country mile !

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m really intrigued for your thoughts on The Bread The Devil Knead. I’ve not loved this years longlist as much as the last three or so years but there’s a few gems I am well chuffed I have read.

[@annabelkok3662]

I absolutely loved this video! You guys bounce off of each other so well and it was so fun to watch! You’ve definitely inspired me to give this long list another chance!!

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it. I think it’s a good steady shortlist that’s been revealed.

[@CharlesHeathcote]

I've been looking forward to this video and it didn't disappoint. It felt as though were quite a few more absurd/fantastical books this year than normal.

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes. Agreed. I kind of want those to do best.

[@BookwormAdventureGirl]

I loved everything about this. Love your Mom! Love that you didn’t agree on all of them. I have so many of these on my TBR so I appreciated hearing your thoughts. 😊💙

[@SavidgeReads]

I liked that we didn’t agree either. Adds a bit of spice.

[@helenhickey3479]

Love this video, what I will say is I highly recommend Creatures of Passage on audio, it's narrated by the author and I found it hypnotic, it's my second favourite on my shortlist. The writing is exquisite and it gave me goosebumps like a beautiful song. Thanks for sharing your personal shortlists, I've been so excited for this video 🙂

[@SavidgeReads]

You’re not the only person who has said that it’s amazing on audio, so that sounds like a plan. Though I do struggle with fiction on audio.

[@helenhickey3479]

@@SavidgeReads I can't sit and relax with an audiobook, I have to be on the go so cleaning, cooking, tidying otherwise my brain switches off. I find non fiction much easier to listen to. I'm gutted it didn't make the shortlist 😢

[@jacquimcmahon9316]

Oh gosh you two make me howl! “Oh, ok this is fun” I actually snorted tea out my nose at that… keep doing these wonderful videos please. They are joyous!😂

[@SavidgeReads]

We will when it’s Women’s Prize season well this year and hopefully next year at least.

[@moniqueprins6426]

Haven't watched the whole thing yet but just wanted to say YES! - So glad Louise put Careless on her shortlist. I loved this book and I'm not sure why it's not getting more hype. 😅

[@SavidgeReads]

I think Careless is getting *some* love but I also feel like I’m hearing a lot of people dismissing it as ‘YA’ which is a shame. I will definitely head back to it as Mum loved it so much.

[@bookinwithdebra]

This was such a treat. I really enjoy you both chatting books together. Thank you

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it!

[@YourTrueShelf]

Ahhhhh the end was so fun 😊 Loved hearing your thoughts, as I do every year. I've read 5, dnf'd 1 (flamingo). Currently reading creatures of passage & the circle. Current faves are the paper palace and the bread the devil knead. Haven't read Elif Shafak yet, which I'm sure will be up there!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it. It’s been an interesting list this year. Hope you enjoy the Elif Shafak when you get to it, if you do. Was a bit sad The Paper Palace didn’t get on the list.

[@YourTrueShelf]

@@SavidgeReads I am absolutely gutted about the paper palace!! I'd read over half and only 2 got to the short list 😂 Elif Shafak next. Not sure if I'll read the Louise Erdrich or the Ruth Ozeki yet.

[@readingwithavengeance]

You’re the first Booktuber I’ve seen who’s liked Opal and Nev. I absolutely loved it! Great video 💕

[@SavidgeReads]

I thought the audio book was great.

[@hasteyebooks]

Great video! I like the way you went through all of them, my shortlist is probably halfway between both of yours haha but it has Creatures of Passage in it. Hope you continued reading it, it was a pleasant surprise just how much I loved it!

[@SavidgeReads]

I haven’t continued yet, I am having a prize break for a bit. Ha.

[@aoifedriver9969]

Thanks for doing this together, I look forward to seeing it every year. I don’t have time to Read them all, you have done the hard work for me & now I have a plan of the ones I will read 📚💕

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. We will be back to predict our winners in June.

[@tanyam6197]

I have been looking forward to this. Thank you. I laughed so much at the end.

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it Tanya.

[@librariesandlabradors]

I’m dying at the end 😂😂😂 loved seeing another video from the dynamic duo!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it. Hehehe 😂

[@curriesis3]

You know we LOVE your videos with you Mum. ❤️❤️❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m very glad you do.

[@Naraya1981]

This video was a delight, thank you! :)

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure. Thanks for watching.

[@sarahmoore9429]

Thanks for the video - you're both such a delight to watch. I haven't read any of those yet, but very happy to see two fellow kiwis make the list! Enjoy Italy 🇮🇹

[@SavidgeReads]

Italy was fabulous.

[@kiranreader]

so much fun to watch!!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@carolewatson2113]

Thanks so much for editing this on holiday, love this video every year!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ha. It was actually fun to edit.

[@traceyb2345]

Love the videos with you and your mum, have been waiting for this one. I’ve not read too many. Loved the paper palace and the bread the devil knead. Waiting for the shortlist now xx

[@SavidgeReads]

I like the shortlist. May have swapped a few personally but like it. Now to read it properly.

[@amena7387]

Hello Louise and Simon ! It is such a joy to watch both of you! You make my heart beat for all these beautiful books. My favorite being Elf Shafak, of course 💓

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased we have the same favourite and so pleased you enjoyed this video.

[@Kat_Attack]

Thank you for this; I needed a giggle today. I highly rec'd Louise Erdrich's The Night Watchman. It's a bit of a "chunkster," but every word felt purposeful and just absolutely brilliant.

[@SavidgeReads]

I think I will see how I get on with the rest of The Sentence. I’m keen… ish. I have it already at least.

[@chantsbyo]

Loved this video !!! What special moments in life we can create.

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gillian6530]

You and your mum are adorable together. Thank you for all the insights.

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww pleased you enjoyed it.

[@penelopegough6050]

That was fun. Looking forward to the shortlist. I agree about the The Bread the Devil Knead. It was great.

[@SavidgeReads]

And it made the shortlist. Hooray.

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

I love how different your lists were but also that there were certain books you completely agreed on! I’m glad your mum loved Careless because I did too! I’m currently reading The Sentence and enjoying it so far. It was great to hear about all of the books, as there are quite a few I would still like to read. The ending to this video was priceless! 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

I loved the way we had the similar in differing choices too. And that it was a lovely chat about it. No storming off. Hahaha.

[@reddotreads2693]

Loved this video! I love the way Louise is really the one in control all along!!! Mums know best!!! 😂😂😂 I can’t wait to read this Elif Shafak book and who can resist a talking fig tree?!?! 🤣📚

[@SavidgeReads]

She is in control? What do you mean? It’s a joint video. There’s no battle for control. Hope you enjoy the Fig Tree.

[@reddotreads2693]

@@SavidgeReads haha! Mums are always in control, young Simon! 🤣

[@dianedickson6366]

this was lovely and I was laughing out loud by the end. Simon, rescue your mother - she taught you how to use a spoon. Have a great holiday

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha. I couldn’t rescue her for the comedy value. Lol

[@emmamatthews5680]

I really enjoyed this (I love watching you together!) This year is the first time I have read the full longlist and it has really pushed me towards books I would never normally pick up. I agree with 4 on Simon’s shortlist and 3 on Louise’s - very excited to see which the judges choose!

[@SavidgeReads]

How do you feel about the shortlist? You did better than me. I read some of every book on the longlist but didn’t finish it.

[@emmamatthews5680]

@@SavidgeReads Pleased overall! 4 of my shortlist picks made it on there, though disappointed that The Paper Palace missed out! And surprised that neither This One Sky Day nor Creatures of Passage made it on there - not my favourites but I thought there would be more magical realism in the shortlist!

[@tameraanderson7820]

Love this video......the ending cracked me up!!

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed it!

[@enidlacob1157]

Best treat ever a simlou video. It is wonderful to watch and laugh and be inspired. Just about to read a The Devil you Knead. Thanks 🙏 and love from Cape Town where you have brightened a grey day

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha SimLou.

[@lauracorsi3309]

This was soo much fun!! You guys are so funny together!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@renepierre9074]

What a wholesome ending ;) this was so great, your enthusiasm for The Island of the Missing Tree has made me very keen to read it, sounds like a very me book. And Louise love for Remote Sympathy made me very intrigued as well as it's something that I have recently purchased. I can't help but feel, generally, that there was not as much excitement around the long-list this year, not too sure what it is. For me I think I can't help but compare it to last years, which was a very exciting one!

[@SavidgeReads]

So pleased you enjoyed the video and hope we’ve intrigued you enough to head to those books. Here’s to this wonderful prize, even when the list isn’t my favourite I always find some favourite new books.

[@cherylynlarking191]

Great predictions from both you and your mother. Interesting that your views differ which is to be expected due to age, different life experiences and what you both read. Thanks.

[@SavidgeReads]

I think it’s just that everyone has different tastes even if they are the same ages etc. It would be sooo boring if we all liked the same books. Though we had some similarities.

[@claresutton7199]

Loved this so much, you are both amazing and I was excited to hear what you both thought of the long list, thanks so much for sharing 📚❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

A pleasure, thanks so much for watching.

[@hollyc4624]

Y’all are hysterical. I love your prize list content, always. It is terrific. And I agreed with your take on the lists. I’m so glad that Simon loved Paper Palace, I did too. And I thought the shocking bits were told in a shocking way. As though the character’s trauma then became the reader’s trauma. Interesting way to write it.

[@SavidgeReads]

Sometimes shocking but also sometimes so matter of fact and out of nowhere which shocks the reader and not the character who knows it. I thought when it was done like the latter it was really powerful.

[@GemofBooks]

Loved hearing your thoughts!! Careless and The Bread the Devil Knead are stand outs for me (of the ones I’ve read), though I’ve just started the Shafak and I love it already! Love that you had such different picks!

[@SavidgeReads]

Yeah was nice that mum and my lists weren’t too samey. Possibly the most different since we started doing this together.

[@barbarahelgaker390]

On Louise`s recommendation I bought Remote Sympathy and it is brilliant - so well written - such important themes. On my shortlist too!

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@charlottemolloy]

what a happy 45 minutes! hope you're both having a lovely time in Italy!

[@SavidgeReads]

We had a fab time. We made a video there for my mums channel.

[@pdmstem]

You two are an adorable duo.

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thanks.

[@emmavd]

This video was a joy to watch! Thank you, Simon and Louise!🌷So far I’ve read The Paper Palace, The Sentence and The Island of Missing Trees. I found the third one the best of them and I hope it will be shortlisted. I’m also going to read This One Sky Day and… Still Life📚😊I hope you’re having a great time in Italy☀️

[@SavidgeReads]

Italy was amazing. Back to earth now.

[@emmavd]

@@SavidgeReads Happy to hear you had such a good time, Simon! ☀️In the meantime I’ve read Still Life and you’re absolutely right, it is magnificent and would have deserved to be chosen for the Women’s Prize selection! Next step: re-reading A Room with a View😊📚

[@gilliansawers4593]

😂 love it thanks Simon and Louise. I did notice while reading Build Your House Around My Body the chapters have a different picture for each character and it helped me follow the timeline a bit better. I have a The Paper Palace and One Sky Day on my shelf tbr and may look for a few more once the shortlist is out.

[@SavidgeReads]

I had not spotted the pictures for each character. Thanks for the tip for when I head back. Which I think I will. Maybe. I need a prize break for a bit.

[@valdeane6435]

Loved this as always! Am really hoping to see The Island of Missing Trees and The Bread The Devil Knead on the shortlist.

[@SavidgeReads]

You got those wishes. We both did. In fact we all did.

[@pippin1969]

Love this vlog. Just finished Island of Missing Trees- still processing. The exploration of grief resonated as recently lost my Dad; must agree with you Simon, the parrot made me bit teary 🥲. Will defo be reading more of her work. Heading to Great Circle and Paper Palace

[@SavidgeReads]

Sorry to hear about your loss Victoria.

[@barbarahelgaker390]

Great video, my list is closer to Louise`s but can`t wait for the official list!

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s fine. I’m more than happy for people to be Team Louise. Ha.

[@ReadingwithTatiana]

love the feature with your mum. you guys should host a podcast!

[@SavidgeReads]

Well funny you should mention that. There is a meeting happening about some podcast possibilities.

[@creationspast.janebowell1903]

Ha ha very funny do agree with you on The Bread the Devil Knead. I agree with Simon about Remote Sympathy I ll have another bash at it. Thank you I had a great laugh

[@SavidgeReads]

Here’s hoping.

[@rebecca.reader]

I have been looking forward to this video!! And here it is!! Thank you both, I loved it! So glad you both like The Bread The Devil Knead, I loved it too. Controversially, I really didn't get on with The Island of Missing Trees, which I am so sad about....I think maybe I had hyped it too much in my mind. Also I'm currently reading Salt Lick and it took the first 3rd of the book to get into but I'm loving it now.....there is a point when lots of puzzle pieces fit together....I'll say no more! But I'm hoping it makes the shortlist.

[@SavidgeReads]

Don’t be sad. We can’t all love the same books, would be super boring if we did. It just wasn’t your thing and that’s cool.

[@rebecca.reader]

@@SavidgeReads absolutely!! Thank goodness for diversity.

[@kirstenelizabeth2]

It's really interesting hearing you say that you had problems with the pacing in The Sentence. I felt exactly the same way about the Night Watchman, and that's why I haven't picked up this one. I really enjoyed the Native American Cultural aspects of the Night Watchman and that's probably the only reason why I would pick up The Sentence by her. Love the video!

[@SavidgeReads]

I am going to finish The Sentence at some point. I’m not sure that I will rush to another of hers. Though I do have one on the TBR as I mention. We will see.

[@jenniferfyffe6949]

That was so enjoyable! I had a cuppa, some nice biscuits and laughed along with you both! Louise...I'm with you, I would like to be buried with my favourite books, so I'll have something to pass the time! 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s what I want these videos to be like… like your just hanging out with me mum and some tea and biscuits. The dream.

[@Jennikreads]

Love hear your thoughts on the books! I've read 6 in full and DNFed 1 (Salt Lick after 210 pages). Definitely want to see This One Sky Day and The Bread the Devil Knead on the shortlist. Those two have been my favorites so far.

[@SavidgeReads]

You got half your wishes which is no bad thing. I am a bit sad about This One Sky Day to be fair.

[@annie-mz9956]

Loved the reviews!

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!

[@chloetimms960]

I'd been so looking forward to this and it did not disappoint! You both really made me want to read Flamingo and The Bread The Devil Knead. I haven't read enough to name my shortlist but my favourites are: Sorrow and Bliss, The Paper Palace and Careless.

[@SavidgeReads]

Sorrow and Bliss made it and I am very much looking forward to it. Hope you enjoy The Bread The Devil Knead and Flamingo when you get to them.

[@zara6472]

I enjoyed hearing both your thoughts. I won't be picking many of these up due to trigger warnings, but I always like to hear opinions and plots. I am reading Book of Form and Emptiness and having to take frequent breaks because the content is heavy for me, but I think it's a beautiful book and worth finishing.

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad you’re enjoying The Book of Form and Emptiness.

[@katrinaandallthebooks7993]

I loved this video, I’ve read four and a half (midway through Paper Palace) and my winner so far is The Island of Missing Trees

[@SavidgeReads]

Same. Same. Same. So far.

[@rosew.4778]

Rembrandt lightning -- lovely

[@SavidgeReads]

You what?

[@millysbookshelf2101]

Loved this. I haven't had chance to read many on the list - having to rely on my library and the waiting lists are horrendous - I'm still no.18 for Sorrow and Bliss. Of the one I have read my standouts are This One Sky Day and Salt Lick. I absolutely loved it - and the cows. Sorry, I know you didn't. Agree with you about The Bread The Devil Knead. Am just starting Creatures of Passage.

[@SavidgeReads]

Wow. That’s some waiting list but how brilliant that we have libraries and the option to queue. I say that about rollercoasters too. Ha. Never be sorry if you liked a book someone else didn’t. Nothing wrong with a difference of opinion, well when it’s done in a lovely way. World leaders could learn from us booky folk.

[@sararichards518]

I really enjoyed this video. Since breaking my ankle I haven’t read anything through, I didn’t realise that my brain and ankle were so connected? 😂 I have read a couple on this list but I’ll have to be satisfied with reading the short list and catching up with some of the other novels later this year. I hope you’re enjoying Italy. Love to all of you 🤗

[@sharonmorris6199]

Funny to hear that. I had a big operation on my foot and ankle I had a pile of books ready to read, didn’t read one of them ! Pain in ankles and feet obviously does affect brain 😂

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you’re feeling much better soon Sara and that you’re back to your reading best in no time.

[@mandymann7195]

I totally agree with Simon in describing the Elif Shafak novel as a masterpiece, just so well written and easy to empathise with the characters. But so disappointed Still Life not on the list, my book of the year so far.

[@SavidgeReads]

Still Life was my book of last year. The Island of Missing Trees is my book of this year.

[@amandainoak]

Y'all are the best. ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

Awww thanks Amanda.

[@bookofdust]

Excellent video, thanks to you both and I hope you’re enjoying the Italian sunshine, food and culture. I’ve read only three so far, I’ve been raving about Great Circle since last summer and it was a favorite for the year. I definitely hope it advances, and I highly recommend a video on KZbin at the Free Library of Philadelphia which went up last week where Maggie Shipstead talks about the research and writing of the book. Island of Missing Trees was very good for me until it fell apart at the end, but I think it was a me issue in what my expectations were rather then a book issue. I would be fine with it making the short list. Yesterday I finished Creatures of Passage and was blown away, what a spectacular book in terms of mood, evoking a certain time and place and pulling all these characters, living and dead, into a tightly woven mysterious thrilling story. It’s got to be a top contender for the prize and I hope it’s the book to beat.

[@SavidgeReads]

We have a fab time thank you. I’m looking forward to hearing to both Great Circle and Creatures of Passage again.

[@MsGrittygirl]

Louise you are my favourite book tuber, more please

[@SavidgeReads]

She might not see this here 😉

[@deco168]

I felt the same way about The Exhibitionist and DNF after 30 pages however I just recently got it on audio from the library and am enjoying way more that way. Also I just finished Sorrow and Bliss and struggled with the beginning like Louise but by the end I thought it was brilliant. My fav from the list is The Paper Palace and 2nd would be The Island of Missing Trees (read due to your recommendation).

[@SavidgeReads]

I sadly don’t think I’ll head back to The Exhibitionist. Even on audio. I just hated it. Ha. I will go back to her earlier books though as I loved Almost English and When We Were Bad.

[@Anita-bs3mc]

😂. Thumbnail. Loved this video. ❤️📚📚📚📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahaha glad you enjoyed it.

[@cindyhaiken5644]

Just finished watching and was laughing so hard at the end I literally almost fell off my desk chair. Finally finished all 16 earlier this week. Have to say that I am with you about Still Life. How could it not be on this list? Personal faves include This One Sky Day, Sorrow and Bliss, The Bread the Devil Knead, Flamingo, Creatures of Passage and The Island of Missing Trees. But this is my least favorite longlist in memory, sadly. But this video made it all feel much better!

[@SavidgeReads]

We had a lot of fun making this video, our poor husbands had no idea what was going on. I’m sad This One Sky Day didn’t make the shortlist but I know it’ll be getting love on some bookish tv show soon. Ha. Three of the books you liked are on the list though. Woohoo.

[@monarchgirl62]

Proper just cackled laughing over the last five minutes of this video.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@ann-kathrinmeyenburg7265]

I just laughed out loud! Loved the video👍🏻👍🏻

[@SavidgeReads]

Glad to hear it.

[@mradcaqbdb]

Delightful, as always! ❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

Thank you!

[@kathrynhalton6782]

In my opinion, Careless should definitely be on the shortlist. As should Build Your House Around My Body, and The Sentence. Hated The Paper Palace, ambivalent about both The Island of Missing Trees, and The Final Revival of Opal and Nev. Didn’t finish Great Circle or This One Sky Day - not for me. Reading Sorrow and Bliss now which I struggled with at first but am now enjoying

[@SavidgeReads]

Sounds like it’s been a mixed bag for you.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi, It’s so interesting to hear Different perspectives of the long list than I’ve been hearing on Booktube. I heard someone say sorrow and bliss was the worst book of the year. I read the sentence and I really admired the writing. This was my first time reading Louise Erdrich. She’s an amazing writer but I agree that the beginning was a mess. I almost put it down but glad I didn’t. I’m looking forward to careless the most. I’m glad someone liked the historical fiction about the concentration camp because I haven’t heard anything positive about it. Someone said it was too much like the boy in the striped pajamas which they didn’t like. I’ve never read that book but I usually don’t like Holocaust fiction.I’m also going on vacation so bon voyage and Aloha

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoy Careless when you get to it. I really liked how Mum and I had quite different yet similar opinions on the longlist makes it more interesting I think.

[@susprime7018]

Salt Lick had me at dystopian, I bought it but may not get to it for quite some time. Enjoying Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont and Mrs. Death Misses Death, there is a stretch of difference.

[@SavidgeReads]

Loved Mrs Death Misses Death.

[@katrinamuritala3207]

Really liked careless hope it makes it xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Sadly it didn’t but I think it’s longlisting will get it plenty more readers.

[@beckybleaden]

Loved this video and I'm most excited to read One Sky Day, Island of Missing Trees and Great Circle. Though gutted that Mhairi McFarlane new book and Still Life has been snubbed!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hope you enjoy those three when you get to them. I don’t see it as being snubbed, it just wasn’t to be this time. We can’t all love the same books. I was disappointed but Still Life is doing super well.

[@beckybleaden]

@@SavidgeReads that is a much better way of looking at it!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I just want Great Circle to be shortlisted if not win. 👋🍀☘️📚📖☕️

[@SavidgeReads]

Well you got your shortlist wish.

[@chockycake1]

I’m with your mum on Remote sympathy. Am I the only person in the world who doesn’t get This One Sky Day? I have started it so many times but it just makes no sense at all 😂 Hope you’re all having a great holiday 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

I know there are a few people who don’t get This One Sky Day and that’s fair enough. We can’t all like the same books.

[@suehayward-ault3587]

❤️❤️❤️

[@SavidgeReads]

😍📚

[@jacquiheywood3142]

This is always such a great video. You two have such a cool relationship. LOL re the 'sexual experiences' comment, Simon.

[@SavidgeReads]

Hahahaha. I couldn’t cope.

[@Ginanorth]

OMG I've just started the Paper Palace . I can not put it down. This vlog made me happy 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s a great book that, I really really liked it.

[@somebenfen]

I'm really fascinated how many of the "weird" ones will make the shortlist...

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m hoping a few. Lol.

[@spexi513]

📖 🪱 💚

[@sage2181]

That's not really your mum, right? Because she looks thirty something.

[@SavidgeReads]

That is 100% my mother. Facts. Lol.