Rainbow order is SO much fun! I imagine wrap ups are kind of boring for creators. Have to find ways to keep it fun for you too! Thanks for everything you do ❤️ All of your videos are appreciated very much 😊
I don’t think I ever would’ve picked up or even heard about Notes on an Execution without you talking about it, and I just want to say thank you! It’s one of my favorite books of the year!!
Circe is one of those books that I read and was impressed by, but also didn’t necessarily enjoy my experience 100%…UNTIL I let it sit with me for a while and now find myself thinking back on it sooo much.
I spent this entire video adding books to various TBRs and wishlists. I love that you’re reading cozy mysteries more and more now because I want all the diverse cozy mystery recommendations ❤️
"She's from the big city, she's wearing Louboutins" --- my brain momentarily thought we were still talking about the dog, so the image in my mind was 5 stars
Appreciate you so much bestie. I've been feeling so bad about that TBR jar video clip because it almost seems like I implied you were one of the wild besties who left a ridiculous book recommendations just to mess with me LOL, but I know you weren't! Your recommendation was made with such genuine thoughtfulness and your comment was so very kind. Thank you for the rec!!
@@BooksandLala no worries!! The TBR video was so much fun and yes i was scared but i recommended a book you publicly said you didn't want to read😅 i kind feel that Circe chose herself though! She jumped out of the jar herself 🤭🥰
I KNEW you'd like Circe! There are three main types of readers of Madeline Miller. The first type love her writing above all, and hence love both Song of Achilles and Circe. The second love mythology and a compelling love story, and love Song of Achilles more than Circe. And the third love a complex female character study, and love Circe more than Song of Achilles.
This is super insightful. I am confused every time someone loves one and dislikes the other but this makes sense. I love both and Galatea because the writing works for me and all the other elements do too.
I’ve had Circe sitting on my shelves for years because I’m convinced it wouldn’t be my thing but now after hearing you give it five stars I am side eyeing it haha 👀
I agree with everything you said about the It Girl! It wasn’t the most fast paced and thrilling, and sure it was predictable, but it was a solid mystery novel. Ruth Ware also did an incredible job with the setting of Oxford, and I loved it so so much. Perfect for fall. :)
I'm definitely gonna read Notes on an Execution before the end of the year! Also really intrigued by the Cutting Season, I loved All Her Little Secrets
Rainbow order was interesting but I think by star rating would have been helpful to keep mental track throughout and for reference to pick up your top rated later. Love how long this one is!
Oh totally, I think just with filming for 2 hours straight across 20-30 books each time, I have to do *something* to keep my own self entertained throughout. 😮💨 I do do quarterly updates every 3 months where I feature every 4.5-5 star read individually to help with that though, so that is to come this Wednesday if you're interested 💕
Never Let Me Go is my all time favorite book so I’m hurt but also I understand your frustration with it. I think you’ve mentioned Klara and the Sun before but fyi, it has everything you didn’t like about Never Let Me Go turned up to 11. I still love it though haha
Haha, so glad you enjoyed Circe! I would HIGHLY recommend The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec. I think you would like it based not only on your enjoyment of Circe but also Daughter of the Moon Goddess. It's not heavy in plot and I would say it's also a quieter journey for the character - but it's about an exiled witch who ends up being a mother to the three children who help bring about Ragnorok (the end of the world in Norse mythology). You do not need to have previous knowledge of mythology for this one either (but it is enhanced if you know anything about Norse mythology - even if it is based on Marvel movies, haha.)
Thank you for the challenge, Kayla! I already grabbed Small Favors and I sort of hummed and hawwwed about whether that was a good choice, and your review made me feel better about grabbing it. I don’t think I will get to it this month (I put House of Leaves on my TBR for October so I guess that’s my focus!) but I think the vibes will still be good for November. Yay! I’m going to complete a challenge! (Also you look particularly amazing in this video? The hair, makeup, outfit were all *chefs kiss*. My wee bi heart could not keep this information to myself)
Circe is one of my top books of all time. Loved it so much because I love mythology. Those of you who loved Circe should read STONE BLIND by Natalie Haynes. It’s Medusa’s story ♥️
I have a hard time READING Stuart Turtons books. Would 100% recommend using the audio book. Many in my bookclub read along in their print book while listening to the audio book. I just listened to the audio book and found it really enjoyable.
do I already watch all the content you posted talking about these books? yes of course. will I continue to watch you talk about them again at the end of every month? yes of course edit: I do love hearing all your thoughts on the few you don't really share in vlogs too! it makes it a nice mix
This makes me want to jump right into Circe... I've been putting it off because I thought I would have to do research before reading and I didn't feel like it. I'm glad you said that. I skipped through your review so I could go into it blind.
Have you read earthlings by Sayaka Murata? It was the weirdest book I have ever read. kinda horror but not like sci fi at all. It’s about these family members who are so convinced they are aliens they do weird weird things
The Books of the Most Precious Substance was a 5 star for me! I just read it last week and it was right up my street. I have read 2 Sara Gran's and they have both been 5 stars!
Never Let Me Go is my answer for when people ask what my favorite book is. I agree that it's a discussion kind of book. I read it for a very niche class during my undergrad, and your commentary has me wondering if I would love it so much if I'd read it under different circumstances. I do love all of Kazou Ishiguro's other work I've read, though, so maybe I just like him?
I was 100% prepared for you to not like Circe, what a pleasant surprise! So many of these sound interesting, but I think if I were to complete your challenge I would pick up either Nana or Theme Music for sure.
VIDEO IDEA: I have always been in awe of how you can work, take care of your kid and have a life while reading so many books a month. Any tips and tricks you can share?
I read Notes on an Execution because of your video on it. I picked up Jameela Green. And I'm so glad you didn't like Never Let Me Go because I also didn't like it but kinda felt alone in that assessment!
Great Video!, Would you ever consider adding the book titles to your videos? I often want to search a specific book for your review but often can’t find it, unless I recognise it in your thumbnails.
I didn't think Circe was going to be my cup of tea either but after your glowing review, I'm definitely going to give it a read. Definitely want to read The It Girl too. I really enjoyed The Turn of the Key by her ☺
ok so I'm reading circe finally then 😅 that's one of the books that I made my mum buy bc I think she might like it but i also kinda want to read it but trial run it on her first lol,, she read it years ago though and I still haven't so clearly this is my push to do so haha
What would you recommend to someone who has been in a "reading slump" for months? 😔 I'm not an everyday reader and there are periods where I will go months without reading and then maybe read one or two again and back to square one, but I would love to get back into reading
I would have been 100% ok with you not liking Circe (as long as you weren't mean about my cosy baby haha) because, sure, it's slow and nothing much happens and it's not a clear Kayla book... but I ADORE that you loved it! I'm re-reading it this month and this has made me even more excited to get back to this glorious writing 🧡
The song of Achilles did not do it for me at all. And I expected the same thing from Circe, I ended up enjoying it so much more than I thought. Also, Kaikeyi was another book that reminded me of Circe that I enjoyed
Low key did skip ahead to Circe but I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! I feel like people who enjoyed Addie larue would like Circe so it makes sense it worked for you
I really loved Song of Achilles but I read it in high school around the time it came out and I think what made it work for me was that I didn’t actually know the myth. That book kind of spurred a mythology phase for me and now that I’m aware of so many of those stories, I’ve kind of been avoiding western-myth based fiction ever since 😭 I think I just worry that now that I know the stories, I’ll end up having problems with how the characterization is done. I haven’t been interested in reading Circe for that reason but I’ve literally never heard anything even edging on a negative review for it. And considering it’s YOU, recognized for being a lover of hated books and disappointed by loved books, I’m definitely intrigued by the fact that it seems to work for so many kinds of readers
I loved Circe I gave it 4 stars. Never let me go was SOOOOOO boring. I dnf'd it. Both were bookclub picks for my local bookclub. I got a lot of slander for not finishing never let me go. I was sick on the day of the discussion, so I missed out on that, but I think I haven't been bored like that since reading certain classics.
You're better than me, lol, because I DNF'd "Patricia Wants to Cuddle," and I damn near DNF'd "The It Girl" (but I gave it one star). Thanks for sharing another great wrap-up.
Alright I guess I need to rethink Circe. I thought song of Achilles was boring, but I did like the witch’s heart, idk if they have similar vibes but their covers make me think so lol
I just read a book you NEED to read: The Complex by Michael Walters. It reminded me of Leave the World Behind and You've Lost a Lot of Blood and is light sci-fi!
I’m already 2 thirds of the way through The Book of the Most Precious Substance and it’s so weird I love it! I had heard of Sara Gran before and wanted to read Come Closer last year but I freaked myself out and got too scared 😂😂. Maybe I can tackle it this spooky season now that I know her tone.
I got Other Terrors in my Nightworms box and read the introduction and couldn’t get myself to read the rest. The intro was great, but it talked about discrimination in horror, and there was not even a sentence of mention of disabled people. That really bothered me, they have been treated as villains and monsters in horror since horror in our modern sense existed! I thought of the movie Freaks and how it goes back even farther than that. I love so many of the authors in that book, I don’t think the editor meant any harm, I just couldn’t get past how that population was so easily overlooked. It’s not something I wanted to angrily tweet about or leave a comment on Goodreads, so I’m leaving it here. They are such an important part of horror history in every way that introduction explained, the irony was way too much for me to keep going.
I’m only partway through this but I already really need to recommend it to you. It’s got a great writing style. What’s Coming to Me by Francesca Padilla
I knew you would like Circe because I didn’t like it lol. But the things I didn’t like about it are things you tend to love about books. I personally loved the Song of Achilles but Circe wasn’t for me.
Yesss!! All of the Circe fans are running in circles listening to Eye of the Tiger right now 🏃♀💨🎖
Bwahahahaha I love this visual.
Watching the books slowly diminish behind you was so satisfying!!!
Rainbow order is SO much fun! I imagine wrap ups are kind of boring for creators. Have to find ways to keep it fun for you too! Thanks for everything you do ❤️ All of your videos are appreciated very much 😊
I read Circe shortly after a traumatic experience and genuinely feel like it changed my life. So glad you loved it!
I don’t think I ever would’ve picked up or even heard about Notes on an Execution without you talking about it, and I just want to say thank you! It’s one of my favorite books of the year!!
I'm so glad!! 🤗
Biggest relief ever! I couldn't conceive that you didn't like Circe. It's one of my favourite books ever ever ever ❤️
Circe is one of those books that I read and was impressed by, but also didn’t necessarily enjoy my experience 100%…UNTIL I let it sit with me for a while and now find myself thinking back on it sooo much.
Yeah, same. I was like, meh, what’s the big deal? And then… I couldn’t get it out of my head.
I spent this entire video adding books to various TBRs and wishlists. I love that you’re reading cozy mysteries more and more now because I want all the diverse cozy mystery recommendations ❤️
"She's from the big city, she's wearing Louboutins" --- my brain momentarily thought we were still talking about the dog, so the image in my mind was 5 stars
I haven’t had that good of a day, so I’m grateful for the timing of this! I love how candid and cozy these wrap-ups feel 💛
I love how many surprises you’ve had this year! I love when I have low expectations for a book and it ends up as one of my favorites 😊❤
God I'm relieved you liked it!! It's not an easy task recommending anything to Lala, but i had that feeling ☺️
Appreciate you so much bestie. I've been feeling so bad about that TBR jar video clip because it almost seems like I implied you were one of the wild besties who left a ridiculous book recommendations just to mess with me LOL, but I know you weren't! Your recommendation was made with such genuine thoughtfulness and your comment was so very kind. Thank you for the rec!!
@@BooksandLala no worries!! The TBR video was so much fun and yes i was scared but i recommended a book you publicly said you didn't want to read😅 i kind feel that Circe chose herself though! She jumped out of the jar herself 🤭🥰
Yes I did skip ahead for Circe!! Haha you called it.
😏
FIVE STARS for Circe?! I'm so happy for you!!
I KNEW you'd like Circe! There are three main types of readers of Madeline Miller. The first type love her writing above all, and hence love both Song of Achilles and Circe. The second love mythology and a compelling love story, and love Song of Achilles more than Circe. And the third love a complex female character study, and love Circe more than Song of Achilles.
This is spot on 🧐 I love both but am more drawn to character studies so Circe is my fave of the two!
This is super insightful. I am confused every time someone loves one and dislikes the other but this makes sense. I love both and Galatea because the writing works for me and all the other elements do too.
Wow! How you described Circe was seriously amazing. I read it awhile ago and I love it so much more after hearing your description 🥰
Breathed a sign of relief when you said you ended up liking Circe!!!
Wooh for Circe!! 🥳 Also the audiobook is top tier if you feel like a reread. The narrator has the perfect voice for Circe.
I’ve had Circe sitting on my shelves for years because I’m convinced it wouldn’t be my thing but now after hearing you give it five stars I am side eyeing it haha 👀
Do it! Lol. It’s definitely worth the read!
The fact that you liked Circe!! Kayla, I’m SCREAMING!! Yesss!!
I tried with Circe. It was big DNF for me. I’m currently reading the IT girl.
Notes on Execution was 5 stars for me.
I agree with everything you said about the It Girl! It wasn’t the most fast paced and thrilling, and sure it was predictable, but it was a solid mystery novel. Ruth Ware also did an incredible job with the setting of Oxford, and I loved it so so much. Perfect for fall. :)
I'm definitely gonna read Notes on an Execution before the end of the year! Also really intrigued by the Cutting Season, I loved All Her Little Secrets
This video was so much fun! The questions from viewers were a great addition
Rainbow order was interesting but I think by star rating would have been helpful to keep mental track throughout and for reference to pick up your top rated later. Love how long this one is!
Oh totally, I think just with filming for 2 hours straight across 20-30 books each time, I have to do *something* to keep my own self entertained throughout. 😮💨
I do do quarterly updates every 3 months where I feature every 4.5-5 star read individually to help with that though, so that is to come this Wednesday if you're interested 💕
@@BooksandLala totally fair to do it in a way that’s interesting to you! I’ll definitely check out the quarterly update! Thank you!
Never Let Me Go is my all time favorite book so I’m hurt but also I understand your frustration with it. I think you’ve mentioned Klara and the Sun before but fyi, it has everything you didn’t like about Never Let Me Go turned up to 11. I still love it though haha
Haha, so glad you enjoyed Circe! I would HIGHLY recommend The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec. I think you would like it based not only on your enjoyment of Circe but also Daughter of the Moon Goddess. It's not heavy in plot and I would say it's also a quieter journey for the character - but it's about an exiled witch who ends up being a mother to the three children who help bring about Ragnorok (the end of the world in Norse mythology). You do not need to have previous knowledge of mythology for this one either (but it is enhanced if you know anything about Norse mythology - even if it is based on Marvel movies, haha.)
Such a good rec! I didn't love it as much as Circe, but it was such a great read to turn to afterward, to keep that energy around for a bit longer :)
@@mmarieritter216 I loved it a smidge more because I kept picturing Tom Hiddleston whenever Loki was mentioned 🤷♀😂❤
Yes. I agree with The It Girl. It was slow but I enjoyed it beginning to end. Great gothic/academia atmosphere and a fun mystery.
I'm teaching Never Let Me Go at the beginning of next year, so that's an easy selection of what to pick up
Thank you for the challenge, Kayla!
I already grabbed Small Favors and I sort of hummed and hawwwed about whether that was a good choice, and your review made me feel better about grabbing it. I don’t think I will get to it this month (I put House of Leaves on my TBR for October so I guess that’s my focus!) but I think the vibes will still be good for November. Yay! I’m going to complete a challenge!
(Also you look particularly amazing in this video? The hair, makeup, outfit were all *chefs kiss*. My wee bi heart could not keep this information to myself)
“Am I eating my words now on Circe?” CUE AD BREAK WTH
😏
Circe is one of my top books of all time. Loved it so much because I love mythology. Those of you who loved Circe should read STONE BLIND by Natalie Haynes. It’s Medusa’s story ♥️
Yayyy new video!! You’re my fave booktuber 💖💖
I have a hard time READING Stuart Turtons books. Would 100% recommend using the audio book. Many in my bookclub read along in their print book while listening to the audio book. I just listened to the audio book and found it really enjoyable.
do I already watch all the content you posted talking about these books? yes of course. will I continue to watch you talk about them again at the end of every month? yes of course
edit: I do love hearing all your thoughts on the few you don't really share in vlogs too! it makes it a nice mix
i’m currently reading circe and it’s shaping up to be a 5-star for me too! i’m excited about it
Circe is one of my most favorite books of all time but when I tell you I was SHOOK when you gave it 5 stars after not liking tsoa
So shocked you gave Circe 5 stars haha. I loved the ending!!
I’m definitely boosting Circe up on my to read list after this 👀
This makes me want to jump right into Circe... I've been putting it off because I thought I would have to do research before reading and I didn't feel like it. I'm glad you said that. I skipped through your review so I could go into it blind.
Have you read earthlings by Sayaka Murata? It was the weirdest book I have ever read. kinda horror but not like sci fi at all. It’s about these family members who are so convinced they are aliens they do weird weird things
I only read the very beginning of Circe, but I enjoyed it so much so far - glad to see it worked for you :)
I just got the audiobook for Nana based on this! Thanks for the rec. I also really liked The It Girl!
You’ve def sold me on the sex Magic book 😂
The Books of the Most Precious Substance was a 5 star for me! I just read it last week and it was right up my street. I have read 2 Sara Gran's and they have both been 5 stars!
Never Let Me Go is my answer for when people ask what my favorite book is. I agree that it's a discussion kind of book. I read it for a very niche class during my undergrad, and your commentary has me wondering if I would love it so much if I'd read it under different circumstances. I do love all of Kazou Ishiguro's other work I've read, though, so maybe I just like him?
I think that you would love “these impossible things”! It’s one of my favorite books of the year
I was 100% prepared for you to not like Circe, what a pleasant surprise!
So many of these sound interesting, but I think if I were to complete your challenge I would pick up either Nana or Theme Music for sure.
VIDEO IDEA: I have always been in awe of how you can work, take care of your kid and have a life while reading so many books a month. Any tips and tricks you can share?
just got sold on reading The It Girl. ive only seen the book around but never paid attention to what it was about😊
I read Notes on an Execution because of your video on it. I picked up Jameela Green. And I'm so glad you didn't like Never Let Me Go because I also didn't like it but kinda felt alone in that assessment!
Great Video!, Would you ever consider adding the book titles to your videos? I often want to search a specific book for your review but often can’t find it, unless I recognise it in your thumbnails.
I didn't think Circe was going to be my cup of tea either but after your glowing review, I'm definitely going to give it a read. Definitely want to read The It Girl too. I really enjoyed The Turn of the Key by her ☺
Grave reservations sounds like so much fun!
I can't even put into words my joy at you loving Circe.
I enjoyed Circe soo much more than Song Of Achilles.
ok so I'm reading circe finally then 😅 that's one of the books that I made my mum buy bc I think she might like it but i also kinda want to read it but trial run it on her first lol,, she read it years ago though and I still haven't so clearly this is my push to do so haha
My fav books loved by one of my fav booktubers and BAMMMM my life is MADE! Yaaaaay go CIrce!
I love Circe as a book about motherhood more than anything else
Random question: have you read any Chevy Stevens books??
I'm so happy you liked Circe!!
What would you recommend to someone who has been in a "reading slump" for months? 😔 I'm not an everyday reader and there are periods where I will go months without reading and then maybe read one or two again and back to square one, but I would love to get back into reading
Definitely want to get my hands on The Book of Most Precious Substance 👀I am so intrigued
I would have been 100% ok with you not liking Circe (as long as you weren't mean about my cosy baby haha) because, sure, it's slow and nothing much happens and it's not a clear Kayla book... but I ADORE that you loved it! I'm re-reading it this month and this has made me even more excited to get back to this glorious writing 🧡
The song of Achilles did not do it for me at all. And I expected the same thing from Circe, I ended up enjoying it so much more than I thought. Also, Kaikeyi was another book that reminded me of Circe that I enjoyed
I'm happy to hear that! I didn't care for TSOA AT ALL.
My experience of Circe was exactly the same. I’d DNFD The Song of Achilles. So I didn’t expect to like Circe…but I loved it 😍
Low key did skip ahead to Circe but I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! I feel like people who enjoyed Addie larue would like Circe so it makes sense it worked for you
I was fully prepared for you not to like Circe so now I'm pleasantly surprised!!
I really loved Song of Achilles but I read it in high school around the time it came out and I think what made it work for me was that I didn’t actually know the myth. That book kind of spurred a mythology phase for me and now that I’m aware of so many of those stories, I’ve kind of been avoiding western-myth based fiction ever since 😭 I think I just worry that now that I know the stories, I’ll end up having problems with how the characterization is done. I haven’t been interested in reading Circe for that reason but I’ve literally never heard anything even edging on a negative review for it. And considering it’s YOU, recognized for being a lover of hated books and disappointed by loved books, I’m definitely intrigued by the fact that it seems to work for so many kinds of readers
I'm soooo glad you loved Circe by thought Song of Achilles was "meh"😌
I loved Circe I gave it 4 stars. Never let me go was SOOOOOO boring. I dnf'd it. Both were bookclub picks for my local bookclub. I got a lot of slander for not finishing never let me go. I was sick on the day of the discussion, so I missed out on that, but I think I haven't been bored like that since reading certain classics.
I’ve owned Circe for YEARS and haven’t read it. I’ll honestly be so upset with myself if I end up loving it!
I'm so happy you liked Circe! :)
You're better than me, lol, because I DNF'd "Patricia Wants to Cuddle," and I damn near DNF'd "The It Girl" (but I gave it one star). Thanks for sharing another great wrap-up.
Small Favors has been a book I wanted to read since I seen the cover in a bookstore. Will I ever get to it? Maybe.
Alright I guess I need to rethink Circe. I thought song of Achilles was boring, but I did like the witch’s heart, idk if they have similar vibes but their covers make me think so lol
I haven’t read the witch’s heart yet but I’ve seen multiple people say they have the same vibe!
yes i'm watching this in march lol but if you like satire, try Black Buck if you haven't already!
I just read a book you NEED to read: The Complex by Michael Walters. It reminded me of Leave the World Behind and You've Lost a Lot of Blood and is light sci-fi!
I've added The It Girl to my tbr :)
Challenge accepted: I’ve had The It Girl ebook for about a month now, so I feel I should be able to get er done before the end of the year 👍
my GASP when you said circe was five stars lets GOOOOO
the fact that you liked circe more than song of achilles is my villain origin story
I’m already 2 thirds of the way through The Book of the Most Precious Substance and it’s so weird I love it! I had heard of Sara Gran before and wanted to read Come Closer last year but I freaked myself out and got too scared 😂😂. Maybe I can tackle it this spooky season now that I know her tone.
Making love with the land sounds so good! And the cover is beautiful! 😍😍😍❤️📚
Omg Never Let Me Go is one of my favorite books, and I did teach it in an English class! I'm so sad you didn't like it.
I really liked Circe but I think I need to read it again (:
I got Other Terrors in my Nightworms box and read the introduction and couldn’t get myself to read the rest. The intro was great, but it talked about discrimination in horror, and there was not even a sentence of mention of disabled people. That really bothered me, they have been treated as villains and monsters in horror since horror in our modern sense existed! I thought of the movie Freaks and how it goes back even farther than that. I love so many of the authors in that book, I don’t think the editor meant any harm, I just couldn’t get past how that population was so easily overlooked. It’s not something I wanted to angrily tweet about or leave a comment on Goodreads, so I’m leaving it here. They are such an important part of horror history in every way that introduction explained, the irony was way too much for me to keep going.
If you're liking satire right now, I would highly recommend Disorientation by Elaine Hsieh Chou!
If you like Circe I feel like you might like Medusa by Jessie Burton!
I’m only partway through this but I already really need to recommend it to you. It’s got a great writing style. What’s Coming to Me by Francesca Padilla
knew you’d like Circe more than SoA!!
my jaw SNAPPED open when i heard five stars for circe
Hearing your thoughts about Circe compels me to recommend you THE LOVELY WAR. Omgggg pls 😭🥰
Loved Circe!
22 books in a month? My max is 9. How do you read so many? I'd like to know.
I love Greek Mythology, i enjoyed the song of achilles and i hoped i would enjoy Circe too but sadly i didn’t 😓
I knew you would like Circe because I didn’t like it lol. But the things I didn’t like about it are things you tend to love about books. I personally loved the Song of Achilles but Circe wasn’t for me.
Highly recommend reading The Suicide House by Charlie Donlea!!!!
I read circe 2 times ..once in English and the other in Arabic
Interesting. I loved Song of Achilles, thought it was beautiful. Didn't like Circe at ALL, thought it was dull.