@@LittleMew133That's not what this quote is about at all. It's about celebrating joy and loving the things that make you happy without being called overly excited in a negative way or people looking down on you for your excitement about small things. It's always easier and seen as "cooler" to just hate things and some people make that their whole personality.
The way you tell your opinion on a book but still explain to us wich public you think would like it without degrading the work 🙌🏻. The vibes of your videos are my favorite you Totally master that !
My thoughts exactly! Regardless of Leonie's opinion on a book, I can always tell if the book is something I'd enjoy. That's a huge superpower when it comes to reviewing art, I think! The first example I think of is Legends and Lattes. I know Leonie didn't like it, but I could tell I would from her description... and I did!
You can tell that Leonie started out as an apprentice at the Booktubers guild in Leiden, learning the trade and developing her skills. She is now Grandmaster 🎨
I've read Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries this week and I'm convinced that you would just love i! It is dark academia, actually the MC is a stoic, kinda standoffish professor (she just prefers her dog's company and research to any human interaction) on a quest to document all species of faeries. She has a rivalry going on with another professor, who's charming and annoying, overall useless, and dead set on befriending her. And it's not your typical grumpy/sunshine trope, because the characters are developed much more beyond that, I was so pleasantly surprised by the subversion of tropes. It's written in a form of a journal and is so vivid and rich on atmospheric descriptions, with plenty of footnotes! Set in a harsh scandinavian landscape, in a small village that eventually warms even coldest hearts. Anyway, hah, look into it if you like!
Just finished my first reread of Jane Eyre yesterday and was strongly reminded of what 5 stars actually looks like😂 A weak 5 vs lingering, all encompassing 5 is a world of a difference.
I recommend Beartown by Fredrik Backman for anyone who wants a book they won’t stop thinking about soon. Great if you like memorable, realistic characters, beautiful writing, and an interesting, but sad, plot. The whole series was five stars for me personally, and don’t get put off because it’s about sports!
Emphatically agree! This was the book that got me out of a huge reading slump. I was so engrossed in it, I missed my bus stop multiple times during the week when I was reading through the last half 😂
Thank you Leonie for expressing something that I also experience - that yearning for a story that makes you want to read it at all times and makes you consumed by reading. Totally chase that feeling of happiness just like you. Loved the vibez too
The last book I read that really stuck with me and I gave 5 stars was As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh. It ripped me to pieces basically 🙂
The more you read the harder it gets to truly love a book. I also have a degree in philology so it's extra hard, because I've spent six years learning about literature and now nothing's good enough. But. There's a writer that I discovered recently and I'm in love with him - Stefan Zweig. The way he writes emotions is just incredible. He has lots of short stories so you can pick any of them. Also "A Maggot" by John Fowles. The way he writes is just perfect for me. If any of you like postmodern literature with all its playfulness, you will probably like it
I was just thinking this morning how it is getting harder and harder for me to find books I like because as I'm getting older (I'm 36), I find I'm getting more and more picky? There's so many things I've seen before, read before, I want a specific feeling, it's hard for books to live up.
Hello, I suggest you try Japanese-translated literature. They focus primarily on domestic life, so the way emotions are captured, are raw and unedited. The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a book I would recommend (I can't stop chuckling at moments). I have also heard Sula by Toni Morrison is brilliant.
I recently read The Winternight trilogy and it was one of those stories that just blew me away with obsession. It was wild because I didn’t even really like it at first, and then it ended up changing my brain chemistry. I love books!
I'm currently reading Circe by Madeline Miller and I absolutely love it. To be fair, I don't have much knowledge about mythology but I can really see this book serving as an entry for me to read more mythology !
loved 22:35 - I like that, as a culture and especially as girls and women, we are moving away from the shame-filled self talk and even talk of others. I agree that it is so easy to be critical, skeptical and cold which I, myself, often am but I'd love to spend more time loving...being a Mr. Bingley in world full of Mr. Darcys (at least in the beginning of P&P lol)
Your videos, however spontaneous their topics may be, have always helped me calm down from my anxiety. The atmosphere of these sort-of book discussions are really cozy and nice while still being entertaining. So thank you.
I reread the Eragon series for the first time since I was a child recently (amazingly without even knowing about the upcoming Murtagh book or disney+ show coming out, how lucky was I!) And I just enjoyed every second of it. I know it's nothing revolution and a lot of people who are very into fantasy don't seem to consider it a very good series but I can't even bring myself to care it's just good fun and I tore through those books like I haven't done in years! For me my reading slump lasted from the time I graduated Highschool until last year when I read those books. Working and paying bills and stressing about being an adult left very little time for something I used to fill all my free time with, and when I tried to read I felt this pressure to read stuff that would be "worth my time" I wanted to read adult books because that's what I was now and I wanted to expand my reading horizons but honestly a lot of adult fiction was either very horny or very depressing and I wasn't personally interested in porn and was already extremely depressed so trying to read crime and punishment felt like a punishment for growing up. I finally said screw it I just want something to bring me some happiness in a world that's too sad and I remembered reading Eragon as a kid and I realized I'd never even read the last book because it wasn't out yet when I read them initially. Best decision I ever made. My mental health isn't fixed now or anything but I just want to tell everyone everywhere that reading what you're "supposed to" is overrated and if YA or romance or cliche fantasy novels are what bring you joy don't waste your energy feeling ashamed and just be glad you know something that can make your life a little happier ❤
I think the best book I've read this year was The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez. It's been a long time since I've read a book that left me feeling so satisfied while sobbing the last few chapters. It's folktale and fantasy and sometimes violent but also a love story. Highly recommend!
You're not the only one. I can't read for more than like 40 minutes by myself in a room, so I usually make my boyfriend get on a video chat to keep me company, and if he's just sitting there doing homework or whatever I instantly read 3x as fast and read for like 4 hours straight. I think why it helps people is because it's nice to still be in the company of others even when you're reading which is a solo thing to do. But doing it with others, or around others makes you feel less alone so it makes things more enjoyable.
Ok so, if you haven’t already, please do yourself a favor and read For the Wolf. It’s got “young girl finding and building her power”, a bit of romance, a bond between people that might not be good. The way whitten writes the world gives vibes of walking through a dark cold forest and finding refuge next to a warm fireplace.. there’s also a large dusty library. It’s so beautifully written, I can’t believe it’s not more popular. Side note: I wouldn’t bother with wuthering heights. I read all the classics thinking it’s what I’m supposed to read, and they will make you want to quit reading altogether. I do recommend looking beyond fantasy though, if you want to find a great book. You might have better luck looking at post modern novels. That era brought a lot of amazing literature into the world
Me too!!! Everyone Ive ever shown ‘Story of Your Life’ to has been blown away, even my non reader friends. Though ‘Hell is the Absence of God’ is my fave of his short stories. Probably my favourite author as well :)
There is something super lonely about sitting alone in your room and reading. I also love when there are people around me, and they're just minding their own bussiness while I'm reading in peace. Hearing them around me while I'm reading makes me calm. :)
I just got back into reading after years of mostly non-fiction reads and I find it quite hard to figure out what I like. I'm 29 now, my peak reading phase was the YA dystopian era 😅 I got back into reading in August and so far I had no 5 star reads yet, but I'm not giving up, I just have to figure out my current taste in books. Booktube is helping a lot in giving several directions, but also just walking through the bookstores.❤
I totally get that feeling. I read through all the genres right now trying to find what I like the most. Mostly I follow Booktubers recommandations. My first 5 star book (since I feel like a grown up 😂) was Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins. So maybe if you are or think you could be into Thrillers with nicely developed Characters who are part of the story and it is not mostly about who did it, but what happens between and in the minds of the characters, you could like that one.
I love those kind of videos by you. It feels just so relaxing to watch this vloggy bookish content, made with so much love. The aesthetics with the candles and colours make it even more cosy. Thank you for making those videos
I loved your thoughts on Slewfoot, I felt much of the same when I read it! I was also totally rooting for the monster romance, so you're not alone there
The last book that gave me this feeling of a total teenage obsession was the re-read of New Moon ❤ It helped me remember why I love stories so much and why I am in love with love (although that may seem toxic to some people, who cares) 🥰
I'm not usually a mystery-reader, but for my local book club recently we read "A Most Agreeable Murder" by Julia Seales, and I was surprised at what a fun reading experience it was. I started reading it early in the day, had nothing really going on that day, and finished the whole book before bed that night. I didn't want to stop. It was vibe-y and funny and I was totally sucked into the plot. I doubt it's the best mystery book ever written, but I had so much fun I loved it. It was a really pleasant surprise.
I also focus a lot better on reading while there's other people around the house, so don't worry Leo you're not the only one! And yes, especially when I visit my parents I can dive down into the book sooo easily. When I am alone, I keep wondering if I shouldn't be doing something more productive instead lol
Arrival is one of my all time favourite movies. I think it’s the fact that the protagonist is so good with language and translation plus the film is mixed with science fiction and also like family and love and the soundtrack is just sooo good. The short story it’s based on made me cry a lot!!
You should read Fortuna Sworn!! Its a faerie based fantasy with a well written female protagonist and its full of trickery, deceit etc. (I think there might be an enemies to lovers romance too but i cant remember for sure)
To answer the question you asked, the last time I felt unapologetically joyous at reading a book was Does it hurt by H D Carlton. It was so freeing and I just really enjoyed it to the fullest. I did kind of discover through that how I can love darker themes in stories and often don't want to care about morality to make up a story. Sometimes it holds you back from really enjoying a story for what it is. Since then I've veered toward more gothic, dark themed books and I found that I was stronger than I had thought.
Leonie I love your videos ~ I’ve had such a stressful week and it’s only Wednesday so I’m glad I got to plop myself down this afternoon to watch this while eating some chocolate 🍫 I also related a lot to the part about reading slumps and generally not feeling like I CANT STOP READING for a book for a long while… Your bit about “loving something too much is uncool” resonated with me. I’m a teacher and multiple times this week I’ve heard children refer to something as “cringe”… which makes me cringe! One of them was only 7, maybe 8? I tried explaining to her about how everyone’s allowed to like what they like and shouldn’t be judged because that makes both you and them feel bad, don’t know if she fully understood but I tried 😂
The best things that have happened in my life happened when I followed what I loved the most. Not what I thought I “should” be doing. I have immense passion for a band and their music, now we’re friendly on a first name basis, they’ve semi-adopted my mom. I love music so even though I graduated from Georgetown, politics made me miserable, so I became a sound engineer right after and I’m loving life. The best things happen when you follow what you love. Don’t be ashamed of it.
I felt the same way abou Slewfoot, the story is simple, the characters are not well developed, but the vibes and the protagonists are so good, and Brom immersed me in the world he created. The last book that made me feel like this is Divine Rivals. I've read in the weekend of the solar eclipse and I'm still thinking about Roman and Iris, and not only because of the cliffhanger, and I am so happy that the second of the duology will come in December.
I felt similarly about Nettle and Bone. My understanding is she wrote the whole story because of the scene where she makes the bone dog was stuck in her mind. I can tell. It was by far the strongest passage and I was getting bored in the back half. Still good but I couldnt give it 5 stars
The way you described the book of sci fi stories you were reading and the fact that you quoted Ursula K Le Guin makes me think you’ll really like The Lathe of Heaven by her. It made me feel exactly the way you described and it was just so clever
I relate so much to the reading by yourself/near other people thing. I can read for hours with my dad while he watches sports, but I get bored way faster by myself.
Perfect timing! I've had such a medicore/blah reading year this year. The Starless Sea was an absolute highlight though. I finally got around to it this year and I'm so annoyed I left it so long! It's been my only 5 star this year
Hey Leonie 🧡 I think you might probably like Weyward by Emilia Hart. The way you talked about Slewfoot, how you described it… that was a really suitable description for Weyward as well. 😊 (but check the TW before reading)
Okay so, I recently finished Juniper and thorn (from your rec) and oh my, it was a fantastic book! I can't even describe it, I just purely loved it for all the fairytale vibes and the writing style. I recently bought another book from the same author as well, A study in drowning and it's currently waiting patiently on my shelf (I know it will be a 5 star already) I am also reading Frankenstein in the meantime and I absolutely love it! (The vibes are just 🤌)
I just finished a cozy Victorian horror novel by Laura Purcell, The Shape of Darkness. It was like that-I couldn’t put it down! Now I’m reading Tyll by Daniel Kehlmamm and it’s the same. Amazing to find two books that enthralling in a row!
I have also not read a 5 star book this year yet. But I have played a video game (Baldur's Gate 3) that got me obsessed and invested in the story as some of my favourite books did, so I count that as a love for a story that I found this year.
Oh I love your videos, they give me so much joy! The last book that impressed me so much and was my five star read, was The house in the cerulean Sea. OMG this one left me speechless. It was something to learn from, something to enjoy and something to cry and laugh at the same time. This was last year, since then I hadn't a five star read 😔 still looking for it.
I think the last book that reminded me why I love reading so much was daisy jones and the six (I read it earlier this year) and it was just such a fun experience and got me out of my reading slump
So one two books that I really enjoyed this year where „I‘m glad my mom died“ and 11/22/2023 by Stephan King (It’s not horror, but actually a really well researched and written time travel story).
im currently reading the raven cycle w a friend and its giving me that joyous obsessive feeling about reading. its making my inner child very happy. i wish that to everyone!!!!!!
I just got up to the niche genre, and that is a good one to have. It is also not as uncommon so you may be able to find more recommendations for it than you might think. Have you read Juniper and Thorn? It is a gothic retelling of a fairytale in which you follow these three sisters who are witches and kept at work by their father. Their finances are at an all time low, and in response the father announces that they will marry. The thing is, the main character is having feelings for this ballet dancer. It is beautifully written, has the atmosphere down, and I loved it deeply. It also may be a good book to read after Nettle and Bone, especially if you feel like something in that direction but not as classical in terms of fantasy. A niche genre that I am into though is earthly gothic and strange girls. If you give me a book in which the main character is seen odd as in changeling odd and the horror being entwined with nature, I am going to be here for it. Honestly, the three books I've read this year that has become favourites has elements of earthly gothic which is fantastic. One being an anthology called Evil Roots: Killer Tales of the Botanical Gothic. I have also found a couple cottagegore lists online and I feel like that word does capture what I am looking for in relation to this.
Leonie you definitely need to read Garron Park! It’s god tier enemies/rivals to still rivals but also lovers❤❤ And when I mean enemies I mean literally fist fights enemies. When they found out they’re falling for each other they’re PISSED about it, I just think it’ll really be your thing!
So glad you're out of your reading slump, Leonie! Seeing your joy and love for these books was truly so heartwarming, and combined with the cozy vibes, it made for a stellar video ♥A book I unapologetically adore and think you'd also like is "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" by Emma Törzs. It's a magical realism book with a book-based magic system, and with incredibly lovable characters and very atmospheric, dynamic writing. It follows two half-sisters who reunite after the death of their father when he is killed by one of the magical books in their library - but the twist is neither sister has ever seen the book, and they have to figure out where it came from and what other secrets may be hidden among their family!
Love (heh) your thoughts about loving and disliking! I always get super excited about things and before I was embarrassed about it. But now I think it’s my best quality! I don’t wanna be ”cool” if that means not getting excited about things.
I'm so happy that you're reading Wuthering Heights! It used to be my favorite book many years ago in middle school and I reread it recently. My opinion had changed about many things but overall I still really like it. :")
The book that made me so excited about reading recently was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. It's funny, has a good balance of plot and character, and I read this 500 page book in under a week I think bc I just had to know what would happen and what the main character would do. It's very accessible sci-fi as well, all the concepts are well thought out but also well explained.
Unpopular opinion maybe but I don’t think that 5 stars book should be perfect all around or books that we are sure we will like for ever (who can say when we will change our mind) but for me it’s more important what I felt while reading that book and how much I loved some aspects of the story. Sometimes this can mean giving 5 star to a book that I see flaws in but I still loved them so much and enjoyed other aspects to the point that it didn’t matter. My latest 5 star was Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the characters and reflections I was making while reading the book + being unable to put it down so in the moment I finished it it was perfect to me. Sometimes I tend to forget some of the books I read (I don’t have a good memory) and probably this will happen to this book as well and maybe if I reread it in a year I might change my mind but I still like to record my immediate response. I don’t know if all this rambling makes sense to anyone else. By the way amazing video ❤
I highly recommend Starling House by Alix E Harrow. Such good gothic, spooky, demon vibes and totally gave me the “i love reading” feeling! Plus an enemies to lovers trope🙌🏻
The last book series I was obsessed with was Heaven Official's Blessing. I just finished the last book yesterday. I wouldn't say it's the perfect book series but I loved it to the point were it got almost uncomfortable because I couldn't think about anything else. XD
I'm only 1 minute into the video and I relate so much. Ive also not had to best of reading years. In fact I think it's my worst one so far. I also haven't had the best mental health year so far. In fact it's also my worst one. And I just thought I lost my ability to enjoy reading. And it's nice to see that I'm not the only one struggling with finding THAT book that makes you FEEL. I'm don't usually comment cuz I'm usually watching late but I'm always watching your videos and thank you for creating such a good vibes every week
your videos are my favourite thing to watch especially in autumn, the vibes you give is just immaculate ! As someone who studied biomedical sciences in nl and who likes to read as well i find you super relatable! thank you for all the beautiful content
that ursula k. le guin quote really resonated with me. I've met people who really haven't understood why I'm so passionate about my fav books, movies and tv shows. I always encourage my friends to tell me about stuff they love and we often recommend things to each other that we think the other person might like, and I just love that! edit: to answer your question at the end, it was a day of fallen night by samantha shannon for me. her two roots of chaos books are just absolutely my style and a day of fallen night was an amazing reading experience, perhaps even better than priory of the orange tree. I had trouble putting the book down and I just wanted to read it all the time!
I recently read Bluets by Maggie Nelson and it has been one of those books that I'd wish would never end. I see it as some sort of meditative poetry and it spoke to my soul. This year I also read Pride & Prejudice for the first time and I can say without any hesitation that it is the book I wish I could read for the first time over and over again. So, so far this year 2 books made it into my favorite books of all time and I'm very happy about that.
The worst kind of person is someone who makes someone feel bad, dumb or stupid for being excited about something.” -Taylor Swift
Except when you're excited about inappropriate things like ... children. Definitely not okay in that case.
THIS. 🙌💜
what
@@LittleMew133That's not what this quote is about at all. It's about celebrating joy and loving the things that make you happy without being called overly excited in a negative way or people looking down on you for your excitement about small things. It's always easier and seen as "cooler" to just hate things and some people make that their whole personality.
what about murderers ☹
The way you tell your opinion on a book but still explain to us wich public you think would like it without degrading the work 🙌🏻. The vibes of your videos are my favorite you Totally master that !
My thoughts exactly! Regardless of Leonie's opinion on a book, I can always tell if the book is something I'd enjoy. That's a huge superpower when it comes to reviewing art, I think! The first example I think of is Legends and Lattes. I know Leonie didn't like it, but I could tell I would from her description... and I did!
she knows how to create vibes
You can tell that Leonie started out as an apprentice at the Booktubers guild in Leiden, learning the trade and developing her skills. She is now Grandmaster 🎨
leonie talking about how she thinks she's gonna love assistant to the villain
me from the future: oh honey you've got a big storm coming
To anyone who absolutely loved The Night Circus I recommend The Toymakers by Robert Dinsdale, it's such a wonderful, bittersweet story!
Yes this is a really good story!!
I absolutly loved it!
I've never seen anyone recommend Robert Dinsdale before! He's one of my favourite authors ❤ Paris By Starlight is one of my all time favourite books 🥰
I've read Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries this week and I'm convinced that you would just love i! It is dark academia, actually the MC is a stoic, kinda standoffish professor (she just prefers her dog's company and research to any human interaction) on a quest to document all species of faeries. She has a rivalry going on with another professor, who's charming and annoying, overall useless, and dead set on befriending her. And it's not your typical grumpy/sunshine trope, because the characters are developed much more beyond that, I was so pleasantly surprised by the subversion of tropes. It's written in a form of a journal and is so vivid and rich on atmospheric descriptions, with plenty of footnotes! Set in a harsh scandinavian landscape, in a small village that eventually warms even coldest hearts. Anyway, hah, look into it if you like!
I second this! I also loved it, and i think she's gonna like alot too
Wait cozy fantasy AND dark academia?? I must read this then
Loved Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries and can't wait for the second book.
It took me until about 25% in to really get hooked but currently enjoying this one, finding myself excited to pick it back up
Loved this one too! I'm all about fae lore and the setting was lovely!
Just finished my first reread of Jane Eyre yesterday and was strongly reminded of what 5 stars actually looks like😂
A weak 5 vs lingering, all encompassing 5 is a world of a difference.
When Leonie reads the starless sea the stars will allign
I recommend Beartown by Fredrik Backman for anyone who wants a book they won’t stop thinking about soon. Great if you like memorable, realistic characters, beautiful writing, and an interesting, but sad, plot. The whole series was five stars for me personally, and don’t get put off because it’s about sports!
Totally agree! I read it at the beginning of the year and it is still in my top books of 2023.
Emphatically agree! This was the book that got me out of a huge reading slump. I was so engrossed in it, I missed my bus stop multiple times during the week when I was reading through the last half 😂
Any book by Backman is an instant 5 stars for me!
Noice. I'm currently reading this
I’ll be reading this soon! Anxious People is one of my favourite books!
Thank you Leonie for expressing something that I also experience - that yearning for a story that makes you want to read it at all times and makes you consumed by reading. Totally chase that feeling of happiness just like you. Loved the vibez too
I've read some great ones recently, but Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver really gave me that unapologetic joy. I could NOT stop talking about it.
The last book I read that really stuck with me and I gave 5 stars was As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh. It ripped me to pieces basically 🙂
you know it's gonna be a cozy day when leonie posts a new video 🫶🏻
For me the book that gave le that feeling of "omg I can't put it down" was The Secret History by Donna Tart! I absolutely loved it
The more you read the harder it gets to truly love a book. I also have a degree in philology so it's extra hard, because I've spent six years learning about literature and now nothing's good enough. But. There's a writer that I discovered recently and I'm in love with him - Stefan Zweig. The way he writes emotions is just incredible. He has lots of short stories so you can pick any of them.
Also "A Maggot" by John Fowles. The way he writes is just perfect for me. If any of you like postmodern literature with all its playfulness, you will probably like it
I was just thinking this morning how it is getting harder and harder for me to find books I like because as I'm getting older (I'm 36), I find I'm getting more and more picky? There's so many things I've seen before, read before, I want a specific feeling, it's hard for books to live up.
Hello, I suggest you try Japanese-translated literature. They focus primarily on domestic life, so the way emotions are captured, are raw and unedited. The Travelling Cat Chronicles is a book I would recommend (I can't stop chuckling at moments). I have also heard Sula by Toni Morrison is brilliant.
I'm glad you are out of your reading slump. The vibes in this video were awesome.
I recently read The Winternight trilogy and it was one of those stories that just blew me away with obsession. It was wild because I didn’t even really like it at first, and then it ended up changing my brain chemistry. I love books!
I loved what you had to say about how a lot of people see emotions related to media
I'm currently reading Circe by Madeline Miller and I absolutely love it. To be fair, I don't have much knowledge about mythology but I can really see this book serving as an entry for me to read more mythology !
it’s such a good book!! my most recent 5 star
Petition for Leonie to direct a movie ❤🤩
loved 22:35 - I like that, as a culture and especially as girls and women, we are moving away from the shame-filled self talk and even talk of others. I agree that it is so easy to be critical, skeptical and cold which I, myself, often am but I'd love to spend more time loving...being a Mr. Bingley in world full of Mr. Darcys (at least in the beginning of P&P lol)
Your videos, however spontaneous their topics may be, have always helped me calm down from my anxiety. The atmosphere of these sort-of book discussions are really cozy and nice while still being entertaining. So thank you.
Slewfoot is one of my favorite books of all time!! So glad you finally read it❤
I reread the Eragon series for the first time since I was a child recently (amazingly without even knowing about the upcoming Murtagh book or disney+ show coming out, how lucky was I!) And I just enjoyed every second of it. I know it's nothing revolution and a lot of people who are very into fantasy don't seem to consider it a very good series but I can't even bring myself to care it's just good fun and I tore through those books like I haven't done in years!
For me my reading slump lasted from the time I graduated Highschool until last year when I read those books. Working and paying bills and stressing about being an adult left very little time for something I used to fill all my free time with, and when I tried to read I felt this pressure to read stuff that would be "worth my time" I wanted to read adult books because that's what I was now and I wanted to expand my reading horizons but honestly a lot of adult fiction was either very horny or very depressing and I wasn't personally interested in porn and was already extremely depressed so trying to read crime and punishment felt like a punishment for growing up.
I finally said screw it I just want something to bring me some happiness in a world that's too sad and I remembered reading Eragon as a kid and I realized I'd never even read the last book because it wasn't out yet when I read them initially. Best decision I ever made. My mental health isn't fixed now or anything but I just want to tell everyone everywhere that reading what you're "supposed to" is overrated and if YA or romance or cliche fantasy novels are what bring you joy don't waste your energy feeling ashamed and just be glad you know something that can make your life a little happier ❤
gosh, there is something about You soooo comforting ☺️
I think the best book I've read this year was The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez. It's been a long time since I've read a book that left me feeling so satisfied while sobbing the last few chapters. It's folktale and fantasy and sometimes violent but also a love story. Highly recommend!
Babel by RF Kuang was the last book to make me feel like that, it's such an unbelievably special book to me I was so sad when it was over !!
I read The Yellowface and i hate it, so now I'm reluctant to pick another RF Kuang
I didn't like Yellowface either but loved Babel @@toliyeptho3313
You're not the only one. I can't read for more than like 40 minutes by myself in a room, so I usually make my boyfriend get on a video chat to keep me company, and if he's just sitting there doing homework or whatever I instantly read 3x as fast and read for like 4 hours straight.
I think why it helps people is because it's nice to still be in the company of others even when you're reading which is a solo thing to do. But doing it with others, or around others makes you feel less alone so it makes things more enjoyable.
Same here, I like reading at the library or in a café or at the park, just being around other people, even strangers, makes it easier to read somehow
Ok so, if you haven’t already, please do yourself a favor and read For the Wolf. It’s got “young girl finding and building her power”, a bit of romance, a bond between people that might not be good. The way whitten writes the world gives vibes of walking through a dark cold forest and finding refuge next to a warm fireplace.. there’s also a large dusty library. It’s so beautifully written, I can’t believe it’s not more popular. Side note: I wouldn’t bother with wuthering heights. I read all the classics thinking it’s what I’m supposed to read, and they will make you want to quit reading altogether. I do recommend looking beyond fantasy though, if you want to find a great book. You might have better luck looking at post modern novels. That era brought a lot of amazing literature into the world
The last books that made me feel like that, getting absorbed in the story so much and just want to keep reading, are the first two books of Mistborn
Ted Chiang is one of my favorite authors and I am on a campaign to make everyone e in my life read his books. I'm so glad you loved it!
Omg we get to study 'story of your life' for lit at school and im so excited
Me too!!! Everyone Ive ever shown ‘Story of Your Life’ to has been blown away, even my non reader friends. Though ‘Hell is the Absence of God’ is my fave of his short stories. Probably my favourite author as well :)
@@AerisNotAerith he'll is the abscense of God is one of my faves! My favorite is probably omphalos from his second collection though
There is something super lonely about sitting alone in your room and reading. I also love when there are people around me, and they're just minding their own bussiness while I'm reading in peace. Hearing them around me while I'm reading makes me calm. :)
I just got back into reading after years of mostly non-fiction reads and I find it quite hard to figure out what I like. I'm 29 now, my peak reading phase was the YA dystopian era 😅 I got back into reading in August and so far I had no 5 star reads yet, but I'm not giving up, I just have to figure out my current taste in books. Booktube is helping a lot in giving several directions, but also just walking through the bookstores.❤
I totally get that feeling. I read through all the genres right now trying to find what I like the most.
Mostly I follow Booktubers recommandations. My first 5 star book (since I feel like a grown up 😂) was Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins. So maybe if you are or think you could be into Thrillers with nicely developed Characters who are part of the story and it is not mostly about who did it, but what happens between and in the minds of the characters, you could like that one.
loved your words on the topic of being excited about something and loving it just for a reason you can't really explain to anyone.
I love those kind of videos by you. It feels just so relaxing to watch this vloggy bookish content, made with so much love. The aesthetics with the candles and colours make it even more cosy. Thank you for making those videos
you can trust in leoni always saving the day
I loved your thoughts on Slewfoot, I felt much of the same when I read it! I was also totally rooting for the monster romance, so you're not alone there
The last book that gave me this feeling of a total teenage obsession was the re-read of New Moon ❤ It helped me remember why I love stories so much and why I am in love with love (although that may seem toxic to some people, who cares) 🥰
I'm not usually a mystery-reader, but for my local book club recently we read "A Most Agreeable Murder" by Julia Seales, and I was surprised at what a fun reading experience it was. I started reading it early in the day, had nothing really going on that day, and finished the whole book before bed that night. I didn't want to stop. It was vibe-y and funny and I was totally sucked into the plot. I doubt it's the best mystery book ever written, but I had so much fun I loved it. It was a really pleasant surprise.
I also focus a lot better on reading while there's other people around the house, so don't worry Leo you're not the only one! And yes, especially when I visit my parents I can dive down into the book sooo easily. When I am alone, I keep wondering if I shouldn't be doing something more productive instead lol
Your discussion about enjoying things was SO good
You should definitely check out Where the dark stands still coming out next year for some cosy fantasy with a girl coming into her power!
Arrival is one of my all time favourite movies. I think it’s the fact that the protagonist is so good with language and translation plus the film is mixed with science fiction and also like family and love and the soundtrack is just sooo good. The short story it’s based on made me cry a lot!!
ahhh that rant about loving things was beautiful
You should read Fortuna Sworn!! Its a faerie based fantasy with a well written female protagonist and its full of trickery, deceit etc. (I think there might be an enemies to lovers romance too but i cant remember for sure)
To answer the question you asked, the last time I felt unapologetically joyous at reading a book was Does it hurt by H D Carlton. It was so freeing and I just really enjoyed it to the fullest. I did kind of discover through that how I can love darker themes in stories and often don't want to care about morality to make up a story. Sometimes it holds you back from really enjoying a story for what it is. Since then I've veered toward more gothic, dark themed books and I found that I was stronger than I had thought.
Leonie I love your videos ~ I’ve had such a stressful week and it’s only Wednesday so I’m glad I got to plop myself down this afternoon to watch this while eating some chocolate 🍫
I also related a lot to the part about reading slumps and generally not feeling like I CANT STOP READING for a book for a long while…
Your bit about “loving something too much is uncool” resonated with me. I’m a teacher and multiple times this week I’ve heard children refer to something as “cringe”… which makes me cringe! One of them was only 7, maybe 8? I tried explaining to her about how everyone’s allowed to like what they like and shouldn’t be judged because that makes both you and them feel bad, don’t know if she fully understood but I tried 😂
The best things that have happened in my life happened when I followed what I loved the most. Not what I thought I “should” be doing.
I have immense passion for a band and their music, now we’re friendly on a first name basis, they’ve semi-adopted my mom.
I love music so even though I graduated from Georgetown, politics made me miserable, so I became a sound engineer right after and I’m loving life.
The best things happen when you follow what you love. Don’t be ashamed of it.
I felt the same way abou Slewfoot, the story is simple, the characters are not well developed, but the vibes and the protagonists are so good, and Brom immersed me in the world he created. The last book that made me feel like this is Divine Rivals. I've read in the weekend of the solar eclipse and I'm still thinking about Roman and Iris, and not only because of the cliffhanger, and I am so happy that the second of the duology will come in December.
I felt similarly about Nettle and Bone. My understanding is she wrote the whole story because of the scene where she makes the bone dog was stuck in her mind. I can tell. It was by far the strongest passage and I was getting bored in the back half. Still good but I couldnt give it 5 stars
The way you described the book of sci fi stories you were reading and the fact that you quoted Ursula K Le Guin makes me think you’ll really like The Lathe of Heaven by her. It made me feel exactly the way you described and it was just so clever
leoni i would LOVE a video on the creepy/cosy fairytale fantasies you've read because its my favourite subgenre of fantasy too!
I relate so much to the reading by yourself/near other people thing. I can read for hours with my dad while he watches sports, but I get bored way faster by myself.
Oh same Ali Hazelwood is very much a back and forth between “oh cute” and “oh no so cringe” 😆
Perfect timing! I've had such a medicore/blah reading year this year. The Starless Sea was an absolute highlight though. I finally got around to it this year and I'm so annoyed I left it so long! It's been my only 5 star this year
Hey Leonie 🧡 I think you might probably like Weyward by Emilia Hart. The way you talked about Slewfoot, how you described it… that was a really suitable description for Weyward as well. 😊 (but check the TW before reading)
Leonie, you are my comfort character! I love your coziness, aesthetic, vibes, excitement, just everything!!
My last 5 star was the midnight library and I will definitely be reading it again! Can not stop thinking about it!
Last book that made me feel that way is for sure Killers of the flower moon. Read it before the film and it just put a spell on me for those 2-3 days
Okay so, I recently finished Juniper and thorn (from your rec) and oh my, it was a fantastic book! I can't even describe it, I just purely loved it for all the fairytale vibes and the writing style. I recently bought another book from the same author as well, A study in drowning and it's currently waiting patiently on my shelf (I know it will be a 5 star already) I am also reading Frankenstein in the meantime and I absolutely love it! (The vibes are just 🤌)
I would love it if you made a video about your rating system, like what makes a three star book or what makes a five star book.
I just finished a cozy Victorian horror novel by Laura Purcell, The Shape of Darkness. It was like that-I couldn’t put it down! Now I’m reading Tyll by Daniel Kehlmamm and it’s the same. Amazing to find two books that enthralling in a row!
If you haven't tried it, The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell is one of my favorites from this year. Very atmospheric and creepy.
@@katherineeaster5799 I love The Silent Companions. Reread earlier this year. It's so creepy
I have also not read a 5 star book this year yet. But I have played a video game (Baldur's Gate 3) that got me obsessed and invested in the story as some of my favourite books did, so I count that as a love for a story that I found this year.
I think Kingfisher shine the brightest in horror genre! Hollow places for example one of the best horror book ever!
Oh I love your videos, they give me so much joy! The last book that impressed me so much and was my five star read, was The house in the cerulean Sea. OMG this one left me speechless. It was something to learn from, something to enjoy and something to cry and laugh at the same time. This was last year, since then I hadn't a five star read 😔 still looking for it.
The moment you showed the illustration in slewfoot, it reminded me of the movie "The Witch"
10:28 idc if its some sort of special technique, cutting bread with an upside down knife makes me physcically aggressive
Great video btw❤
The cinematography of your videos is amazing, so cozy and intimate.
I think the last book that reminded me why I love reading so much was daisy jones and the six (I read it earlier this year) and it was just such a fun experience and got me out of my reading slump
One of the most recent books that has made me feel that I LOVE reading is Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher. I love her stories and how she writes.
Been having a rough couple weeks, and these videos have really helped :) thanks!
So one two books that I really enjoyed this year where „I‘m glad my mom died“ and 11/22/2023 by Stephan King (It’s not horror, but actually a really well researched and written time travel story).
Reading in the vicinity of others is so much easier than reading in isolation. I don’t know why, but I can relate!
im currently reading the raven cycle w a friend and its giving me that joyous obsessive feeling about reading. its making my inner child very happy. i wish that to everyone!!!!!!
I just got up to the niche genre, and that is a good one to have. It is also not as uncommon so you may be able to find more recommendations for it than you might think. Have you read Juniper and Thorn? It is a gothic retelling of a fairytale in which you follow these three sisters who are witches and kept at work by their father. Their finances are at an all time low, and in response the father announces that they will marry. The thing is, the main character is having feelings for this ballet dancer. It is beautifully written, has the atmosphere down, and I loved it deeply. It also may be a good book to read after Nettle and Bone, especially if you feel like something in that direction but not as classical in terms of fantasy. A niche genre that I am into though is earthly gothic and strange girls. If you give me a book in which the main character is seen odd as in changeling odd and the horror being entwined with nature, I am going to be here for it. Honestly, the three books I've read this year that has become favourites has elements of earthly gothic which is fantastic. One being an anthology called Evil Roots: Killer Tales of the Botanical Gothic. I have also found a couple cottagegore lists online and I feel like that word does capture what I am looking for in relation to this.
Leonie you definitely need to read Garron Park! It’s god tier enemies/rivals to still rivals but also lovers❤❤ And when I mean enemies I mean literally fist fights enemies. When they found out they’re falling for each other they’re PISSED about it, I just think it’ll really be your thing!
So glad you're out of your reading slump, Leonie! Seeing your joy and love for these books was truly so heartwarming, and combined with the cozy vibes, it made for a stellar video ♥A book I unapologetically adore and think you'd also like is "Ink Blood Sister Scribe" by Emma Törzs. It's a magical realism book with a book-based magic system, and with incredibly lovable characters and very atmospheric, dynamic writing. It follows two half-sisters who reunite after the death of their father when he is killed by one of the magical books in their library - but the twist is neither sister has ever seen the book, and they have to figure out where it came from and what other secrets may be hidden among their family!
Oh yeah, I loved Ink Blood Sister Scribe also-couldn’t put it down!!
Love (heh) your thoughts about loving and disliking! I always get super excited about things and before I was embarrassed about it. But now I think it’s my best quality! I don’t wanna be ”cool” if that means not getting excited about things.
I'm so happy that you're reading Wuthering Heights! It used to be my favorite book many years ago in middle school and I reread it recently. My opinion had changed about many things but overall I still really like it. :")
Your channel is sooo my favourite to the point I can't watch anything else nowww
The book that made me so excited about reading recently was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. It's funny, has a good balance of plot and character, and I read this 500 page book in under a week I think bc I just had to know what would happen and what the main character would do. It's very accessible sci-fi as well, all the concepts are well thought out but also well explained.
The last book that gave me those feelings: If we were villains 😍 And you have inspired me to rewatch all the hunger games movies 😄
Unpopular opinion maybe but I don’t think that 5 stars book should be perfect all around or books that we are sure we will like for ever (who can say when we will change our mind) but for me it’s more important what I felt while reading that book and how much I loved some aspects of the story. Sometimes this can mean giving 5 star to a book that I see flaws in but I still loved them so much and enjoyed other aspects to the point that it didn’t matter.
My latest 5 star was Yellowface by R.F. Kuang and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the characters and reflections I was making while reading the book + being unable to put it down so in the moment I finished it it was perfect to me. Sometimes I tend to forget some of the books I read (I don’t have a good memory) and probably this will happen to this book as well and maybe if I reread it in a year I might change my mind but I still like to record my immediate response.
I don’t know if all this rambling makes sense to anyone else.
By the way amazing video ❤
I highly recommend Starling House by Alix E Harrow. Such good gothic, spooky, demon vibes and totally gave me the “i love reading” feeling! Plus an enemies to lovers trope🙌🏻
Abolsutely enjoyed this format, felt like a whole journey, watched it through a chunk of work, while taking pauses.
Regarding the reading more when other people are around, it‘s literally the same with me so you‘re not alone
The last book series I was obsessed with was Heaven Official's Blessing. I just finished the last book yesterday. I wouldn't say it's the perfect book series but I loved it to the point were it got almost uncomfortable because I couldn't think about anything else. XD
I read this book too just finished it last week and I couldn’t put it down! I did give it 5 stars because I LOVE Samson and the purity of his soul 💕💕💕
Is it just me, or was Leonie using the backside of her knife to split the pita dough ( 10:30 ) ?
Love the cinematic shots!
Belladonna and Foxglove were fantastic and 5 star reads for me ⭐️
The whole Locked Tomb series so far has rewired my brain and I recommend it greatly.
I'm only 1 minute into the video and I relate so much. Ive also not had to best of reading years. In fact I think it's my worst one so far. I also haven't had the best mental health year so far. In fact it's also my worst one. And I just thought I lost my ability to enjoy reading. And it's nice to see that I'm not the only one struggling with finding THAT book that makes you FEEL. I'm don't usually comment cuz I'm usually watching late but I'm always watching your videos and thank you for creating such a good vibes every week
your videos are my favourite thing to watch especially in autumn, the vibes you give is just immaculate ! As someone who studied biomedical sciences in nl and who likes to read as well i find you super relatable! thank you for all the beautiful content
when you said "spooky but cozy" the first thing that came to my mind was over the garden wall
Really loved what you said about not being 'cool' if you love things too much, totally agree with you! Great video, I've added Slewfoot to my TBR :)
that ursula k. le guin quote really resonated with me. I've met people who really haven't understood why I'm so passionate about my fav books, movies and tv shows. I always encourage my friends to tell me about stuff they love and we often recommend things to each other that we think the other person might like, and I just love that!
edit: to answer your question at the end, it was a day of fallen night by samantha shannon for me. her two roots of chaos books are just absolutely my style and a day of fallen night was an amazing reading experience, perhaps even better than priory of the orange tree. I had trouble putting the book down and I just wanted to read it all the time!
I recently read Bluets by Maggie Nelson and it has been one of those books that I'd wish would never end. I see it as some sort of meditative poetry and it spoke to my soul. This year I also read Pride & Prejudice for the first time and I can say without any hesitation that it is the book I wish I could read for the first time over and over again. So, so far this year 2 books made it into my favorite books of all time and I'm very happy about that.
Unapologetically love Project Hail Mary, specifically the audiobook. I cannot say any more without spoiling but the voice acting is perfect.