I so enjoy your vlogs! Your comments are inciteful, your personality is charming and your home is gorgeous. I'm a cat lover and am totally charmed by the ever-fluffy Zeus. As a school teacher, I understand your lack of desire to read after a long day. Everyone goes through slumps. I just ride out the waves and read voraciously when I can. Thanks for sharing your book journey!
So glad I am not the only one bored stiff by Summer Wives. I just finished it today, it took me literally all summer. I was determined to get through because I hate not reading a book until the end but I stuck with it. Not great, like you said, highly predictable. I love all your reviews, and how you cover so many book reviews in one video. Well done. I have read a few on your list and agree with many of your reviews.
Master and Margarita is one of my all-time favorites! I highly recommend it. It does have some magical realism or fantastical elements in it, but it might be the kind you like. I'm also in a bit of a reading slump, but they just happen sometimes. A good book will surely arrive in the near future!
aquaviolin07 Thanks! I actually read Master & Margarita some years ago and found it hugely intriguing, even though I’m not sure I understood all of it 🤣 I plan on rereading it - in this gorgeous edition 🙂
You’re back! I’m so happy! Also so thrilled that there’s so much Karin Slaughter on your shelves now. I really loved Pieces of Her as well! Curious about the twist you wanted to see but didn’t...welcome back!!!
Hello Helene, lovely to see you back. I am so happy you are enjoying Karin Slaughter. I have been a fan of hers for years and read everything she publishes. May I recommend starting reading her books from the very beginning with Blindsighted. Lots of love x
I'm so glad you're back Helene! I finished the poppy war but like you, just didn't enjoy it. I usually feel compelled to finish a series once I begin but I think the poppy war will be one that I let lie.
Hi Helene 👋🏻 always love your reading vlogs! So happy you've discovered Karin Slaughter, I really recommend her Grant County series (which was the first thing she wrote) but you must start at the first book, Blindsighted because things happen further on in the series which are SO huge, it needs to be read in order. 🤗 Looking forward to your thoughts on Pretty Girls!
Great to see you again, Helene! A pleasure to see your new books and hear your comments on your reading. I've been reading books from the library. I just finished "The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn and it was a fast, engrossing read; an outstanding first novel. Five stars from me. Next was "The Hoarder", a little confusing but good twists and turns of plot; interesting characters and intriguing settings, vivid descriptions. I give it four stars. I then started "The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle", read just under 100 pages and as original and well-written as it is, I found the book negative and depressing and wasn't interested. Back to the library for that one. Next up: "The Silent Companions".---Though you have a channel, please don't feel you HAVE to read for it. I want people to read not out of obligation but for enjoyment and enrichment. Nothing wrong with not making a video if you haven't felt like reading. Or maybe make a video in which you talk about books you've read in the past or about different genres or topics such as censorship or authors whose lives interest you---or make a video about Zeus! Watching your videos gives so much enjoyment and I want for you to have enjoyment in making them when you want to make them and when it's convenient for you to make them.
Andrew Brendan You’re right, Andrew! I think I’ve read enough books over the past 5 years to go back and make videos about those, in case my current reading slows down 🙂 Great to hear from you again, as well! 👍
Please never feel pressured to read just for our benefit... we would appreciate any of the items you want to share with us as well. Lifestyle videos are always interesting!! Happy September
Hi Helene! I read Manhattan Beach a few months ago and really enjoyed it, so that one I would recommend. I can understand how you could get a bit burned out on Anne Tyler. The next time you’re in the mood for a family drama, I would suggest The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. I’ve been meaning to read The Master and Margarita for quite some time, but that beautiful addition makes me want to order it immediately! Give my regards to Zeus, please!
Welcome back again Helene , I really miss you Yes , I feel the way you feel about wanting to read a book , but tend to not .. it's weird for me can't figure it out why !
Even tho I stay away from disturbing crime novels you’ve got me interested in Karin Slaughter so I’ve decided to start with a short story. I noticed, on GoodReads, a prequel you might be interested in called “Good Daughter .5” - Hmm. How can a bookstore sell a book before it’s official release date? - I agree with your review of Book of Essie, it was a bit of a disappointment. - Now what topping were on your pizza? Can’t believe you ate it without sharing. Haha! 🍕 - Best of luck for a great fall school session! 🚌 📚 ✏️
Oh my goodness, Sharp Objects was on my September reading list and now I'm not so sure. I hate animal torture and depressing books. I'm often triggered into depression and have a difficult time digging out of those feelings. 😕
At about the 14:20 min mark you are watching a snowfall? scene on your ipad it seems. Would you mind telling me what app that is? It looked really beautiful. Thank you!
Thank you! I searched for it and I think I found it. It's called: "Waking up in Hogsmeade Village - Harry Potter Ambience" if anyone else is interested. :)
Did you have a few days of meetings and trainings before the kids started? We always have 1.5 days of work prior to the kids coming back plus everyone puts in extra time on their own to get their rooms ready/decorated.
I just recently read The Mars Room, I really enjoyed it. It does have a bit of Orange is the new Black vibes, but the book I think keeps things much more realistic. I don’t see it being shortlisted for the MB18, but I think the overall message of the book is rrally good and resonated a lot with me, personally I think that’s the author’s strength. I would suggest you give it a go, it reads super quickly. On another note, I’ll give Karin Slaighter a go based on your recommendation!
Love your videos. I know what you mean about being in a reading slump, today I have started 4 books and put them all aside nothing seems to spark an interest
I loved The Hoarder 💕You're going to have to create a special shelf for Karen Slaughter. I'm awaiting The Witch Elm ( Tana French), The House of Lies (Ian Rankin), Lethal White ( Robert Gailbraith)
Good evening Helena hope you well and family....it been long time since u post video tought you got Married and gone for honeymoon...welcome back....looking Cute...
I’m looking forward to your thoughts on The Overstory by Richard Powers. I’ve read The EchoMaker, his most lauded novel, and found his writing dry and lacking wit. He’s almost scientific in the way he writes, and I started another book of his and found it the same style, and aborted it after two chapters. Maybe he’s added more humanity, more emotion in recent novels. His writing is the antithesis of the sparkling wit of David Foster Wallace, for instance in his first novel, The Broom Of The System, written while he was a graduate student at his New England alma mater, Amherst College.
Please read Snap by Belinda Bauer. It's been nominated for the manbookers long list. But it's really amazing. It's a literary mystery and I think you'll really enjoy it.
I gave The Pretty Girls 5 stars. I want to read Pieces of Her, hopefully real soon. I had the same type of problem as you have had with The Poppy War with one of Stephen King's books called Bag of Bones. It started out really good but it morphed into a totally different book about halfway through and I had to stop reading it. Love that bookmark! Hint but not a spoiler: watch Sharp Objects, but watch the final credits because there is more of the show that you will miss if you don't.
Nice vlog Helene. The Mars Room: I read this and I think it was an average book. Just OK Everything Under: An amazing story, however, I will say it is not for all readers. I know some readers will be uncomfortable reading certain parts of this book. Overstory: Is on my TBR for September, I hope it is good. Those Virago modern classic editions are amazing. I got them all from bookdepository
I so enjoy your vlogs! Your comments are inciteful, your personality is charming and your home is gorgeous. I'm a cat lover and am totally charmed by the ever-fluffy Zeus. As a school teacher, I understand your lack of desire to read after a long day. Everyone goes through slumps. I just ride out the waves and read voraciously when I can. Thanks for sharing your book journey!
So glad I am not the only one bored stiff by Summer Wives. I just finished it today, it took me literally all summer. I was determined to get through because I hate not reading a book until the end but I stuck with it. Not great, like you said, highly predictable. I love all your reviews, and how you cover so many book reviews in one video. Well done. I have read a few on your list and agree with many of your reviews.
I love that you matched your bookmark to your book. I try and pick a good match too.
I am on a Karin Slaughter binge too! I loved every book I have read so far! Cop town is great!
Happy to see you and Zeus back! Thank you for the vlog. Whenever I don't feel like reading, I just embrace it and work on other things.
Master and Margarita is one of my all-time favorites! I highly recommend it. It does have some magical realism or fantastical elements in it, but it might be the kind you like.
I'm also in a bit of a reading slump, but they just happen sometimes. A good book will surely arrive in the near future!
aquaviolin07 Thanks! I actually read Master & Margarita some years ago and found it hugely intriguing, even though I’m not sure I understood all of it 🤣 I plan on rereading it - in this gorgeous edition 🙂
Ah. Then I hope you enjoy the re-read, and in that edition, no less!
You’re back! I’m so happy! Also so thrilled that there’s so much Karin Slaughter on your shelves now. I really loved Pieces of Her as well! Curious about the twist you wanted to see but didn’t...welcome back!!!
Yes I think I skipped over the pig scene in Sharp Objects. Love that book so much but I hate any animal violence
Hello Helene, lovely to see you back. I am so happy you are enjoying Karin Slaughter. I have been a fan of hers for years and read everything she publishes. May I recommend starting reading her books from the very beginning with Blindsighted. Lots of love x
Great reading vlog as always, I can't get enough of these videos of yours :) and I always hope that one day you might film an apartment tour 🙈
I'm so glad you're back Helene! I finished the poppy war but like you, just didn't enjoy it. I usually feel compelled to finish a series once I begin but I think the poppy war will be one that I let lie.
Hi Helene 👋🏻 always love your reading vlogs! So happy you've discovered Karin Slaughter, I really recommend her Grant County series (which was the first thing she wrote) but you must start at the first book, Blindsighted because things happen further on in the series which are SO huge, it needs to be read in order. 🤗 Looking forward to your thoughts on Pretty Girls!
Great to see you again, Helene! A pleasure to see your new books and hear your comments on your reading. I've been reading books from the library. I just finished "The Woman in the Window" by A.J. Finn and it was a fast, engrossing read; an outstanding first novel. Five stars from me. Next was "The Hoarder", a little confusing but good twists and turns of plot; interesting characters and intriguing settings, vivid descriptions. I give it four stars. I then started "The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle", read just under 100 pages and as original and well-written as it is, I found the book negative and depressing and wasn't interested. Back to the library for that one. Next up: "The Silent Companions".---Though you have a channel, please don't feel you HAVE to read for it. I want people to read not out of obligation but for enjoyment and enrichment. Nothing wrong with not making a video if you haven't felt like reading. Or maybe make a video in which you talk about books you've read in the past or about different genres or topics such as censorship or authors whose lives interest you---or make a video about Zeus! Watching your videos gives so much enjoyment and I want for you to have enjoyment in making them when you want to make them and when it's convenient for you to make them.
Andrew Brendan You’re right, Andrew! I think I’ve read enough books over the past 5 years to go back and make videos about those, in case my current reading slows down 🙂 Great to hear from you again, as well! 👍
Please never feel pressured to read just for our benefit... we would appreciate any of the items you want to share with us as well. Lifestyle videos are always interesting!! Happy September
So pleased you're back ❤️ I really want to pick up Karin Slaughter this Autumn as she's an author I've heard so many fantastic things about xx ❤️
Hi Helene. I really enjoy all your videos. Your voice is kind of mesmerizing lol. But keep reading and reviewing I promise to keep watching xoxo
Hi Helene! I read Manhattan Beach a few months ago and really enjoyed it, so that one I would recommend. I can understand how you could get a bit burned out on Anne Tyler. The next time you’re in the mood for a family drama, I would suggest The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher. I’ve been meaning to read The Master and Margarita for quite some time, but that beautiful addition makes me want to order it immediately! Give my regards to Zeus, please!
You just kickstarted my Gillian Flynn reading binge
That edition of "The Master and Margarita" is Fantastic - I immediately went online and bought a copy.
Örn Leifsson same!
Yay! 🙋♀️
Welcome back again Helene ,
I really miss you
Yes , I feel the way you feel about wanting to read a book , but tend to not .. it's weird for me can't figure it out why !
I loved Manhattan Beach so so much!!! I read it as a galley and blogged about it. LOVE!!!
Awesome! It's one that I'm definitely looking forward to :)
Even tho I stay away from disturbing crime novels you’ve got me interested in Karin Slaughter so I’ve decided to start with a short story. I noticed, on GoodReads, a prequel you might be interested in called “Good Daughter .5” - Hmm. How can a bookstore sell a book before it’s official release date? - I agree with your review of Book of Essie, it was a bit of a disappointment. - Now what topping were on your pizza? Can’t believe you ate it without sharing. Haha! 🍕 - Best of luck for a great fall school session! 🚌 📚 ✏️
Oh my goodness, Sharp Objects was on my September reading list and now I'm not so sure. I hate animal torture and depressing books. I'm often triggered into depression and have a difficult time digging out of those feelings. 😕
Missed your videos. I loved Pretty Girls as well.
Thanks for making my weekend much better! Your vlog was the saviour! ;)
So pleased that you are back
At about the 14:20 min mark you are watching a snowfall? scene on your ipad it seems. Would you mind telling me what app that is? It looked really beautiful. Thank you!
heyltslori Yes! I actually can’t remember what the channel was, but try searching for ambiance videos 🙂
Thank you! I searched for it and I think I found it. It's called: "Waking up in Hogsmeade Village - Harry Potter Ambience" if anyone else is interested. :)
I recomend Spoonbenders by Daryl Gregory, a bizarre mix between science fictión and familiar drama, but it's wonderful.
Did you have a few days of meetings and trainings before the kids started? We always have 1.5 days of work prior to the kids coming back plus everyone puts in extra time on their own to get their rooms ready/decorated.
Karen Evans Yes, exactly! A few days for meetings and preparation for glasses 🙂👍
I just recently read The Mars Room, I really enjoyed it. It does have a bit of Orange is the new Black vibes, but the book I think keeps things much more realistic. I don’t see it being shortlisted for the MB18, but I think the overall message of the book is rrally good and resonated a lot with me, personally I think that’s the author’s strength. I would suggest you give it a go, it reads super quickly. On another note, I’ll give Karin Slaighter a go based on your recommendation!
I miss you so much, I hope all is well with you and your family and sweet cat !
Love your videos. I know what you mean about being in a reading slump, today I have started 4 books and put them all aside nothing seems to spark an interest
I loved The Hoarder 💕You're going to have to create a special shelf for Karen Slaughter. I'm awaiting The Witch Elm ( Tana French), The House of Lies (Ian Rankin), Lethal White ( Robert Gailbraith)
oooohh, I just pre-ordered The Witch Elm two days ago. I am so excited! Tana French's books are some of my very favorites!
Good evening Helena hope you well and family....it been long time since u post video tought you got Married and gone for honeymoon...welcome back....looking Cute...
I’m looking forward to your thoughts on The Overstory by Richard Powers. I’ve read The EchoMaker, his most lauded novel, and found his writing dry and lacking wit. He’s almost scientific in the way he writes, and I started another book of his and found it the same style, and aborted it after two chapters. Maybe he’s added more humanity, more emotion in recent novels. His writing is the antithesis of the sparkling wit of David Foster Wallace, for instance in his first novel, The Broom Of The System, written while he was a graduate student at his New England alma mater, Amherst College.
Please read Snap by Belinda Bauer. It's been nominated for the manbookers long list. But it's really amazing. It's a literary mystery and I think you'll really enjoy it.
I gave The Pretty Girls 5 stars. I want to read Pieces of Her, hopefully real soon. I had the same type of problem as you have had with The Poppy War with one of Stephen King's books called Bag of Bones. It started out really good but it morphed into a totally different book about halfway through and I had to stop reading it. Love that bookmark! Hint but not a spoiler: watch Sharp Objects, but watch the final credits because there is more of the show that you will miss if you don't.
Elizabeth Vermuth Is that the final credits for each episode or the final credits for the very last episode? 🙃
Sorry, the very last episode.
O! Love Anne Tyler, me ... Hmm, how do you feel about Jonathan Franzen? Keep up the Great Work!
Good to see you back :)
Nice vlog Helene.
The Mars Room: I read this and I think it was an average book. Just OK
Everything Under: An amazing story, however, I will say it is not for all readers. I know some readers will be uncomfortable reading certain parts of this book.
Overstory: Is on my TBR for September, I hope it is good.
Those Virago modern classic editions are amazing. I got them all from bookdepository
100% agree with you on The Poppy War! I lost interest after the story changed. I didn't finish it 😒
long time no hear...
Hi Helene, I miss you and your videos soo much, and Zues as well!! :) How are you? :)
You are not just a bibliophile, you are also a curator!
☺😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Beautiful
Cute cat
Hi nice to see you 😻😻😻
You too! :)