I think you ladies also have something special where let’s say you guys read less books, I still want to hear about any podcasts you listen to, maybe a documentary you like, home making, etc. Keep branching out and don’t burn out.
Yesss to StoryGraph! TBH it was an easy switch for me - supporting the evil lord bezos vs supporting a black female owned business. Also I like that StoryGraph feels less ‘competitive’ in the challenge space and has really interesting insights and data for your reading habits
I moved to The StoryGraph earlier this year and I really appreciate its features. When you rate a book, you can specify the book's mood, pace, and focus easily without writing a full review. I personally appreciate the AI that looks at your profile and preferences and tells you whether a book you're looking up is a good fit for you at that moment [or whether it has triggers or themes that might put you off]. Eerily, I also track my reading in a spreadsheet and have a max. reading goal for 2025🌻😅
i’m screaming, i LOVE storygraph and i’ve only ever used that app so i would LOVE you both on there; that’s the best part of this episode for me and im not even done yet
i definitely need maddie’s spreadsheet like girl please be honest with us i’m sooo curious 😭 im only 12 minutes in and loving this episode already. i also have so many things i want to change for 2025 in terms of reading goals and so far, ive agreed with kristen that i also want to focus on one series at a time and taking a breather after to really soak up the world ive been in instead of jumping into new books or series immediately afterwards
@ my reading goal is 70. i’d like to set a goal of 2 classics (i haven’t read any since high school), read 3 non-fictions (i’m still on my first memoir of this year 😅), get my physical tbr to 15 books, and read more books with diverse main characters. what about you??
@@rebekahriley434 ohh they are good. I haven’t read a classic since school and would like to try and read more. I’m mainly a romance reader and want to try to step out of my comfort zone. And my last one is to focus on my social media too, like sharing my reviews ❤️
I love to see your sister relationship it’s beautiful and refreshing to see!!!❤ Ever parents sibling love dream!!! the changes sound great! Seems like you guys are just being authentic which is awesome and part of growth! Being true to yourself while doing what you love is amazing!!! Keep shining beloveds
I’m a recent fable convert and think I’ll fully make the switch for next year! I love how it tracks my reading for the year with a graph and different stats
When you said breaking people up, I thought Homewrecker! You're wrecking the TBR! Also I'm so glad that you're finding a little freedom in the MF family. It brings us so much joy to have a community like this. ❤ My biggest goal for 2025 is to have grace with myself and not pressure to read things at a certain pace or read a certain number. Just bc I'm reading slower or less doesn't mean I'm not having a blast with what I'm reading. 😊
When your hobby becomes the basis of your job, the various pressures that come with that can really mess with balance and enjoyment factors. Putting the rules and intentions into 2025 that you are sound great. Burn out is so so so real. I made a career shift 3 years ago because while I loved the outdoors and science, I was working in a field that was making me hate it what I was previously very passionate and excited about it. 2025 I’m going to try again with my goal of 1 non fiction book a month (I only did 1 this year oops) because there are genuinely good nonfiction and I want to get some deep dives on topics. I also want to go through my tbr because it’s about 130 books and some have been on there for years that I think I’m a different reader now and won’t actually enjoy. So some pruning needs to happen. Here’s to a great 2025 in books! 🎉
Yes yes yes to all of this! I love the pruning idea because it's so easy to feel like the tbr is so long, when in fact there are way fewer books that we are actually stoked about!
I love this time of year when people start posting reading goals videos, especially reflecting on the previous year. Also yes! Join Storygraph! I moved simply because I really wanted to be able to rate books half stars and, even though it was a little adjustment, I never regretted switching. I personally really like the monthly wrap-up and being able to join challenges/buddy reads. Also, since joining there's been so many updates. I follow the creator/developer for her updates on what's coming next, she even does polls to see what people want.
As a follower of your many social media outlets, I would love to have your honest to god opinions. That’s why I follow you guys. From hearing that you rate things differently to keep a certain “standard” or because you are afraid of being “negative” makes me doubt if I can trust what you are saying about the books. I love you guys and I know that if you ever rate a book at a lower star does not equate you being malicious or spreading negativity. As a follower I would like to be able to say “oh, Maddie/Kat liked this book so I know I will like it because we have the same taste in books.” At this current time I feel that I can no longer do that. I will continue to support you guys because I love you guys and your content and I feel that I don’t get a review like you give from anyone else. I hope that going forward you won’t be afraid to be more authentic with your thoughts an opinions.
Hey there! Thanks for this feedback! Appreciate it so much! And off the bat, I am more than happy to share my personal spreadsheet. 😅 it’s not private or secret, so much as just very detailed for my personal use, but if the masses want it they can have it! But more importantly, please know that our ratings and opinions are always honest! But a rating is based on many factors. Is the rating my own experience? Is the rating based on how the books stacks up against similar books? Do I think it does what it’s supposed to do for the readers it wants to reach? I have it written right in my bio on Goodreads that I rate books based on how they compare to other books in the same genre. I do not like history books typically. I don’t like contemporary romance books typically. Or horror, that’s just my own taste. But occasionally I will read one, and then rate it based on that genre. It is still an honest assessment of the quality of the book! And I always write lengthy paragraphs explaining my rating. I promise I am not inflating ratings! I am not adding stars just to be nice or because I am afraid of being negative! I am very passionate about being fair and honest! There are lots of angles to come at ratings from. In my own spreadsheet, I have a column just for my enjoyment of the book based on my taste and preferences, which I use to help me understand my own taste better. That is where I will use lower ratings to help me. I appreciate you telling me that you’d like me to share ratings based on my personal enjoyment, and that is something I am planning to incorporate more in 2025. Typically I am reading books and genres I enjoy the most (fantasy and sci-fi) so my personal enjoyment and more objective insights on the book within its genre align perfectly. I hope that clears the air for you! I take your trust in us very seriously! ❤ -M P.s. Kristen rates on Goodreads strictly on vibes and her enjoyment, so her rating system is already aligned with your preferences. 👍👍
I just love watching y’all’s videos! They just make me smile and laugh! Watching y’all together reminds me of me and my sister and I just enjoy it so much! Y’all are so authentic and this video has motivated me to make my own goals for 2025!
i've recently migrated to fable from goodreads. i really like the prompts when you finish a book that encourage you to give a review. so much less overwhelming to me than the blank space that goodreads provides. you've inspired me to clean up my TBR. its inundated with 15 years of good intentions, and includes every ebook i own. if i spend the time to sort it out, maybe for once i can make a dent in it!
I’m so happy I found you guys! You are so fun to listen to. My love of reading is so big but listening to you both makes me even more excited. It’s so cool because I feel my taste falls somewhere in between the two of you. ❤ I can’t wait to see what 2025 looks like. Also, I love your sisterhood! What a fun & amazing relationship you have.
Just found you guys, but already in love! StoryGraph I implemented in 2024 and was the missing piece of my reading journey. You cannot beat the features and organization it contains. I have converted all my reader friends + family over to it as well. Genuinely, it has made reading more enjoyable.
I stopped rating books in 2024 because I felt like I was aiming for 5stars rather than sitting with a book and looking at what did and didn’t work for me and that was actually a huge relief. I’m still trying to get better but not focusing on a number that’s hard to standardize even within my own rating system and not feeling guilt for giving a low rating took a lot of that pressure off when searching for my next book.
I started a digital reading journal during the first few months of 2024. It was the best! I can honestly say I remember the books I was making mood boards for SO vividly. I dropped off the remainder of the year and I definitely don’t remember the details of most stories as well as the ones I did make mood boards for. Definitely want to try doing a physical journal in 2025 and would love to see Kristin reading journal updates in the new year!
@@emilybecton7985I actually just pulled all my inspiration images from Pinterest and then physically made all my mood boards using Adobe programs - mainly Adobe illustrator. Definitely want to go physical next year though to keep it more organized! 😊
I actually just pulled all my inspiration images off of Pinterest and then put them together as a collage in Adobe Illustrator for each book. Definitely want to try doing it physically though next year to keep it more organized! 😊
I love the idea of a digital reading journal too because if what is holding people *cough* me back is printing everything out haha it can't be used an an excuse ya know!
I’m a Goodreads lover, I’ve been on it for over 15 years and I also don’t really have the problem with it that so many others seem to. I have been trying Storygraph this year and I didn’t care for it. Going to start trying Fable in the new year in tandem with Goodreads.
Maddie, I just joined the Hardcore Literature Bookclub on Patreon this past week because I wanted to prioritize classics as well. The new year hasn't started, but I have already had fun going through the old syllabus and lectures to get a sense of what next year will be like. It's definitely motivating and manageable, and I am so excited to tackle books that I have wanted to read for years while focusing on deep reading rather than speed reading through them. Not sure if this is the book club you mentioned, but if it is, then I think you'll find it really rewarding!!
Omg I loved this! So fun and felt like a little FaceTime. I got a storygraph this year and I love the stats but I feel like there’s tewwww much goin on, and I kind of appreciate how simple Goodreads is (even tho they haven’t updated it in decades 🙄)
I’ve been keeping book journals for about ten years now and I would LOVE to see pictures or have a space in the book club where we can all share pictures of our book journaling! None of my IRL friends do it so I’m always wanting to be able to be excited about it with someone!
Your videos pop up from my RUclips and I just fell in love with you girls ! Love your mindset, your reading habits... You seem so nice and geninuine. It warms my little heart. Glad I have so many more videos of you to watch. ❤
What a great comment to read! We are having THE BEST TIME over here and feel really lucky that we have so many cool people that want to hang out with us on booktube!
I use Fable and I really like it. I don't have bookish friends and the friends I have who read read WILDLY different taste of reads. So Fable has been really fun with bookclubs and I like their platform for tracking and just overall. Ive not heard much about Storygraph
Malice is one of the few books where I was confused about the characters almost the whole time so all my annotations are remember and connecting dots. And I loved it, I had the best reading experience with those annotations because I felt like I got every nuance of every character
This is such a hot tip because when there are so many characters you need to annotate to keep it all clear in your mind! Love that this worked so well for you!
i made the same goal to dial back so i don’t rush. and i saw a lot of people on substack saying the same! interesting that we all are called to that!! also the way kristin looks at maddie is so sweet 🥹
I love this approach so much!! I can be so hard on myself and found setting too many goals just sucked the fun out of reading. I find that consuming booktok can sometimes add to this pressure of feeling like you aren’t doing enough- which I know is ridiculous! I’m going to focus my goals more on engaged reading, I just joined your Patreon!! So reading in a book club is something I’m really excited about. Another goal I’d like to set is to branch out a bit in terms of genre because I’m a HARD mood reader but I think that’s lead to me reading a lot of the same books this year. I love your content and can’t wait to see what’s to come!!!
This year I’ve been rereading a lot of my favorites. And it’s been wonderful. Reread all of Throne of Glass. Hit just as hard as first time and felt like I picked up on so much more.
Storygraph is amazing. I've been using it for 2 years and it has actually made me excited to review books again and to see all my stats. I also don't get as stressed at what other people will think about my reviews on this platform.
I’m kinda the opposite of Maddie in that I have started so many series in the past few years that I’ve never gone back and finished, so my biggest goal for 2025 is to prioritize getting through series I’ve already started instead of starting new ones. I also think I want to overall read less quantity-wise so that I can read some longer, chunkier books, I’ve been missing those lately and I think I’m ready to dive in!
I immersion read while the audio is at 1.85… I agree that on normal speed, it sounds super slow motion😂 Also, thank you ladies for continuously giving us the best content and recommendations!
I feel like I have such similar book taste as Kristen so I am so excited you are leaning into that more!! I can’t wait to hear your recs and reviews this year! Love the high fantasy and worlds but i get caught up with the romance sub plots!
Kristen, please read Geneva Lee. Her vampire urban fantasy/romantasy is amazing!; I wish people were taking about her. Phenomenal world building, amazing characters! And her new tie in fae romantasy is S tier. ❤
I am a new subscriber and love your videos! I really like how you are being realistic with your reading goals. I also really LOVE the idea of watching screen adaptations! I don’t watch much TV/films but I think I could get on board with this too!
I love Fable!! It’s such a fun platform and I like that you can post quotes/thoughts as you go in a way that feels more interactive compared to Goodreads. Plus it’s an easy transfer to take Goodreads over, and I think you can sync your kindle too!
What about “fast pass”, like at amusement parks when you get to skip the lines? Or “Straight to go, collect $200” like the monopoly card when you get to zoom around the board? Also, can I say, you both seem like such good listeners. On the podcast and with each other. You both always look super invested in what the other person has to say. I think that’s such an amazing quality!
Your ideas are so good! It will be hard to just pick one haha We are from a big family so being a good listener and having something interesting to say when you do get a word in is totally a part of us! Thank you 😊
Been a lurker here for a while and love your videos! LOVE that you are thinking about StoryGraph! You can add notes in as you read in a private notes area. Their buddy read/book club features are amazing! And their review page has questions that help with writing a more mindful review (plus quarter and half stars!). It is a lot less chaotic than GR in my opinion - no ads, millions of user updates, etc... I've found my reading experience to be a lot more fun and mindful now that I've been away from GR for a few years! Hope you make the switch and enjoy!
I rebooted my reading habit/hobby in 2024 after 10+ years of trying. My goal was 20 books this year and I'm already at 70 with 4-5 more i should be able to complete before the end of the year. This year was also a TAD too regimented for me! I loved every minute of it (except for 2 short slumps some meh books put me in), but i do hope to free flow more next year, we'll see how it compares!!
Fanro rec: Blood & Ash and Flesh & Fire series by Jennifer Armentrout. We are not talking gorgeous prose but the world is so amazing, such good spice…some of my absolute favorite reads of 2024. The BEST time.
Kristen, you should definitely read The Witch Walker series from Charissa Weaks. This is an ongoing series and my absolute Roman Empire series. If your still in your fantasy romance, read this. Amazing plot, twits, character development, and a beautiful romance. Just go for it !
From Lukov with Love and All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata. When I tell you, she’s the slow burn queen you will not get any spice into the very end.
I’d say the graphics and diverse way of reviewing books with emoji’s and feelings on Fable is so fun! The only thing that StoryGraph does that Fable doesn’t seem to is track the medium (audiobook, vs ebook etc). Hope that helps!
Absolutely love Storygraph. The interface is so much nicer and easy to use. The way it allows you to do reviews is also more thorough and makes it easier to think about your reading experience. Also great analytics.
StoryGraph is amazing!!! I love all the stats and also it’s Black owned which is such a plus for me!! they also are always innovating and adding new features and listening to their users. also you can do half and quarter star ratings
I will follow you girls over to StoryGraph! I’m not sure if I read correctly, but it’s subscription based 🤔 Also, Kristen can’t wait to see your home library 😍🖤 how cozy! & I agree, there’s something about reading with your eyeballs that enhances your experience 🙏🏻
This is my first video I have stumbled upon of both of you and I have to say I really love your sister relationship! I love that you created this channel to share your love and books and differing opinions with the world but also each other. I do recommend if you haven’t read it yet. The Poppy War series by R. F. Kuang. I do not read that much fantasy and I loved it
So glad you found us! Welcome to the party haha we have been thinking about tackling that series for a while now. Is this the sign that we should go for it?!
I am relating soooo much what you are both sharing! I’m trying not to jump immediately to read what everyone is saying is their favorite book (but tbh I get such fomo), trying to slow down and be more intentional with reading what I enjoy, and not setting a reading goal at all this year. Reading started to feel more stressful when I made it too rigid. I use StoryGraph, fable, and goodreads and I’m drawn to StoryGraph because the rating system is much better and I like seeing the stats! Maddie - we need the spreadsheet! Kristen - read the Emily Wilde series, it’s perfect slow chill cozy fantasy
Wait I’m so bad at commenting before I finish something but Kristen I felt the same way about fantasy romance. I love fantasy/sci fi but fantasy romance is my girl and I can’t give her up.
I use the large lined sticky notes and I keep them in my books. I'll just jot down pg 274:"and whatever little quote or like blue tab 2 paragraphs." I also use it to keep track of who is who character wise like for Malice by John Gwynne. I use goodreads for reviews/stars and to keep track of books to read. but I use story graph for the great pie charts and organization. I use them both to keep count of books too.
I don’t use Goodreads anymore. Storygraph is such a good option for tracking. It seem more reading/person forward, but has community options as well. I know people who want to buddy read or book club read seem to prefer Fable. Or if they want to track other media like TV as well. Storygraph makes importing your Goodreads list very easy. I have not done that on Fable because it seems from what I can tell to allow Goodreads imports easily but doesn’t import from places like story graph as much. I don’t know as much about Fable. But moving from Goodreads seems to be a trending more and I’m here for it. It’s so behind the times. As for tracking, I think we should rate it as you would rate it personally. You aren’t as likely to pick up a genre you don’t like as much and I feel like there may be 5 star romance for non romance genre people and If I went to their profile and saw a romance rate 5 or 2 stars and our tastes align generally I can know which one I should pick up if I want to try one. You can always note you are not generally a reader in that genre.
also, by the way! if you branch out, if you prioritise rereading books, if you want to change anything about your review habits or anything like that - it really doesn't impact me at all. I'm just very invested in you guys as people and as creators and I feel like you reflect my tastes and opinions and manage to put to words things I personally cannot. I'd love to have more blogs if you feel like it, hearing about your favorite things of the month - TV, books, anything else - or more reading updates. what I'm trying to say is that at this point I'm here for you, and not for what you do ❤
This is such a lovely message to read 🩷 thank you for being such an uplifter and encourager to us! Truly makes creating content so much fun knowing you guys are having a good time too!
I love Salt and Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher and also, Grimm's Curiosities by the same author was great. They were set in autumn and winter and I read them in their seasons.
Oh my gosh this is such fate! I just saw another person talking about this book and it made me add it to my tbr! Now I feel like I need to read it asap! Thank you!
Just found your channel yesterday and I’m so fucking happy that I did! I love your energy and how insightful and funny you guys are and I’m so happy I found a new book channel to binge! Similarly I’ve been trying to watch more RUclips because TikTok has fried my attention span and it’s so difficult for me to lose myself in book. And please what is that classics patreon you mentioned because I need that in my life. Also an idea for your third book wild card could be “excuse my reach” or “I’m just gonna scooch in right here.” Looking forward to listening to you guys on my way to work byeeee!!
Okay, you two are my book spirit animals! Our taste is so similar. I love the intentionality in your plans for 2025. Kristen: as far as contemporary romance, it’s hard for me to give a book in this genre a five star rating, but I had a stint where I read a lot of it, and there were a select few that stood out. (For reference, my favorite contemporary romance is love and other words)… Part of Your World, Yours Truly, and Just For the Summer (all by Abby Jimenez), Emily Henry’s books, and Out on a Limb… I rated all of these five stars. As far as other genres, The Ember in the Ashes series is so good. It’s not technically romantasy. It’s YA fantasy, but it has a romance subplot. I read it around the time I read TOG and Six of Crows, and it was just as strong! And of course the Magnolia Parks books! Hopefully there are some in this list that you haven’t read!
Kristin if you are craving a Romantasy I would 100% recommend Spark of the Everflame! It is a slow burn so you have to stick with it but I promise it pays off. This book in my opinion has great world building and a good romance in it. So many Easter eggs! I know Maddie read it and rated it 3.5 but hearing your taste difference it might be the read for you! Love hearing the different opinions and my taste leans towards yours! I was also eating up the romance in the Bound and the Broken and wanted moreee!!! 😩 I hope this helps!
It's like you know me so well and I feel very seen! I had this on my tbr for a while and took it off after maddie's rating, but you are so right! Maybe it is for me!
STORY GRAPH YES - black, women owned, not AMAZON. Tons of data graphics and tags. and buddy read functions and a great search function to find random things sometimes when you're in a mood. I love it so much and use it constantly. And you can switch easily.
I would love to have a physical TBR of 10 books as well, (though I’ve got a long way to go! 😅) Maddie I personally love that you shut down the wish list so you’re not accumulating too many extras haha, it makes perfect sense! I’m cancelling my Illumicrate sub for this reason as well as I plan on not adding more books in 2025. My goal is to read strictly from my TBR with the exception of series that I need to continue or a most anticipated release. I too am also planning on reading the Dandelion Dynasty once I finish Realm of the Elderlings, can’t wait for it! Kristen, I second the Chestnut Springs series, you will love it! Elsie Silver is one of my top romance authors. Also, it’s very cool that you’re getting a new library🤘🏼Great video you two! 🖤 PS - Would love to see Maddie’s 2 star ratings spreadsheet 😏🫠😆
Thank you for your experience with the different platforms for book tracking! We will keep you all posted on our thoughts. Hoping your next year is full of great reading!
For a physical reading tracking project, I started a Commonplace Book this year, and it’s been great! It’s really nice to use notecards for tracking; it lets me find patterns and reorganize my notes based around different themes and topics. Also, Kirsten, for winter romance reads, I have two recs, if you want: Hither Page by Cat Sebastian and The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.
I think you should be honest with your ratings on Goodreads and not worry about the books overall rating. Your experience with the book deserves to be represented!
Ok I have (I hope🤞) the PERFECT recs for each of you. Maddie I think you would love Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It’s an epic HF. And there are other books in the series but with different characters, so you could keep Pillars as a stand alone if you wanted. Kristen, I think you would love Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch romance series. Love all of these goals. I feel so inspired 🩷
I’m quite picky with my Romantasy, these are the ones I’d recommend. A dark and drowning tide by Alison Saft (standalone), The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen (series of duologies), Paladin’s Grace by T Kingfisher (interconnected standalones), Divine Rivals (duology). I loved all of these and all were a lot of fun with great love stories.
Savor it by Tarah DeWit, Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam Young, Your Truly by Abby Jimenez are beautiful written romance & light in the spice, Nocticadia Dark academic mystery with some spice & Anathema ( fantasy) by Keri Lake. Quicksilver by Callie Hart just fun fantasy.
You need to read Chestnut Springs! It’s the perfect summer cowboy romance series! Pretty cheesy but fun. Also, Funny Story by Em Hen and The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren were by far the best romances for me this year. 5⭐️
I highly recommend the Soviet adaptation of and then there were none!!! Its so good and theres probs english subs on YT and its ugh SO good and SO eerie
Hi Ladies, I'm loving your channel, I recently discovered you and just subscribed! You guys have such great energy and you read right in my zone, so many favourite books. You mentioned recs for fantasy romance... Well, it's not YA or typical romantasy, but have you read any Juliet Marillier? She is a slower, history fantasy based romance that is just amazing. I would start with Daughter of the Forest, I believe it's a Irish historical setting (I think?). Based on your favorite books, I think this might be a LOVE for you guys.
I think you ladies also have something special where let’s say you guys read less books, I still want to hear about any podcasts you listen to, maybe a documentary you like, home making, etc. Keep branching out and don’t burn out.
Ariel and Raeleen did that this year and it’s been fun listening because their choices are way more intentional.
Yesss to StoryGraph! TBH it was an easy switch for me - supporting the evil lord bezos vs supporting a black female owned business. Also I like that StoryGraph feels less ‘competitive’ in the challenge space and has really interesting insights and data for your reading habits
January 1st can't come fast enough because Storygraph is calling!
I moved to The StoryGraph earlier this year and I really appreciate its features. When you rate a book, you can specify the book's mood, pace, and focus easily without writing a full review. I personally appreciate the AI that looks at your profile and preferences and tells you whether a book you're looking up is a good fit for you at that moment [or whether it has triggers or themes that might put you off].
Eerily, I also track my reading in a spreadsheet and have a max. reading goal for 2025🌻😅
Yay for max reading goals! Thank you for information about StoryGraph as well ❤
i’m screaming, i LOVE storygraph and i’ve only ever used that app so i would LOVE you both on there; that’s the best part of this episode for me and im not even done yet
i definitely need maddie’s spreadsheet like girl please be honest with us i’m sooo curious 😭 im only 12 minutes in and loving this episode already. i also have so many things i want to change for 2025 in terms of reading goals and so far, ive agreed with kristen that i also want to focus on one series at a time and taking a breather after to really soak up the world ive been in instead of jumping into new books or series immediately afterwards
I think we all need a spreadsheet like that 😂 what are some of the things you want to change?
@ my reading goal is 70. i’d like to set a goal of 2 classics (i haven’t read any since high school), read 3 non-fictions (i’m still on my first memoir of this year 😅), get my physical tbr to 15 books, and read more books with diverse main characters. what about you??
@@rebekahriley434 ohh they are good. I haven’t read a classic since school and would like to try and read more. I’m mainly a romance reader and want to try to step out of my comfort zone. And my last one is to focus on my social media too, like sharing my reviews ❤️
I love to see your sister relationship it’s beautiful and refreshing to see!!!❤ Ever parents sibling love dream!!! the changes sound great! Seems like you guys are just being authentic which is awesome and part of growth! Being true to yourself while doing what you love is amazing!!! Keep shining beloveds
Thank you so much! So excited to see the changes this year brings. Love getting to do this together.
I’m a recent fable convert and think I’ll fully make the switch for next year! I love how it tracks my reading for the year with a graph and different stats
Absolutely! They have lots of fun features we love to use!
When you said breaking people up, I thought Homewrecker! You're wrecking the TBR! Also I'm so glad that you're finding a little freedom in the MF family. It brings us so much joy to have a community like this. ❤ My biggest goal for 2025 is to have grace with myself and not pressure to read things at a certain pace or read a certain number. Just bc I'm reading slower or less doesn't mean I'm not having a blast with what I'm reading. 😊
Yes!! So much freedom in letting go of the pressures of reading goals, it is a great feeling!
When your hobby becomes the basis of your job, the various pressures that come with that can really mess with balance and enjoyment factors. Putting the rules and intentions into 2025 that you are sound great. Burn out is so so so real. I made a career shift 3 years ago because while I loved the outdoors and science, I was working in a field that was making me hate it what I was previously very passionate and excited about it.
2025 I’m going to try again with my goal of 1 non fiction book a month (I only did 1 this year oops) because there are genuinely good nonfiction and I want to get some deep dives on topics.
I also want to go through my tbr because it’s about 130 books and some have been on there for years that I think I’m a different reader now and won’t actually enjoy. So some pruning needs to happen.
Here’s to a great 2025 in books! 🎉
Yes yes yes to all of this! I love the pruning idea because it's so easy to feel like the tbr is so long, when in fact there are way fewer books that we are actually stoked about!
I love this time of year when people start posting reading goals videos, especially reflecting on the previous year.
Also yes! Join Storygraph! I moved simply because I really wanted to be able to rate books half stars and, even though it was a little adjustment, I never regretted switching. I personally really like the monthly wrap-up and being able to join challenges/buddy reads.
Also, since joining there's been so many updates. I follow the creator/developer for her updates on what's coming next, she even does polls to see what people want.
This sounds so amazing! Definitely need to look into it further!
As a follower of your many social media outlets, I would love to have your honest to god opinions. That’s why I follow you guys. From hearing that you rate things differently to keep a certain “standard” or because you are afraid of being “negative” makes me doubt if I can trust what you are saying about the books. I love you guys and I know that if you ever rate a book at a lower star does not equate you being malicious or spreading negativity. As a follower I would like to be able to say “oh, Maddie/Kat liked this book so I know I will like it because we have the same taste in books.” At this current time I feel that I can no longer do that. I will continue to support you guys because I love you guys and your content and I feel that I don’t get a review like you give from anyone else. I hope that going forward you won’t be afraid to be more authentic with your thoughts an opinions.
Hey there! Thanks for this feedback! Appreciate it so much! And off the bat, I am more than happy to share my personal spreadsheet. 😅 it’s not private or secret, so much as just very detailed for my personal use, but if the masses want it they can have it!
But more importantly, please know that our ratings and opinions are always honest! But a rating is based on many factors. Is the rating my own experience? Is the rating based on how the books stacks up against similar books? Do I think it does what it’s supposed to do for the readers it wants to reach? I have it written right in my bio on Goodreads that I rate books based on how they compare to other books in the same genre. I do not like history books typically. I don’t like contemporary romance books typically. Or horror, that’s just my own taste. But occasionally I will read one, and then rate it based on that genre. It is still an honest assessment of the quality of the book! And I always write lengthy paragraphs explaining my rating. I promise I am not inflating ratings! I am not adding stars just to be nice or because I am afraid of being negative! I am very passionate about being fair and honest! There are lots of angles to come at ratings from. In my own spreadsheet, I have a column just for my enjoyment of the book based on my taste and preferences, which I use to help me understand my own taste better. That is where I will use lower ratings to help me. I appreciate you telling me that you’d like me to share ratings based on my personal enjoyment, and that is something I am planning to incorporate more in 2025. Typically I am reading books and genres I enjoy the most (fantasy and sci-fi) so my personal enjoyment and more objective insights on the book within its genre align perfectly. I hope that clears the air for you! I take your trust in us very seriously! ❤ -M
P.s. Kristen rates on Goodreads strictly on vibes and her enjoyment, so her rating system is already aligned with your preferences. 👍👍
I just love watching y’all’s videos! They just make me smile and laugh! Watching y’all together reminds me of me and my sister and I just enjoy it so much! Y’all are so authentic and this video has motivated me to make my own goals for 2025!
Sister relationships are our favorite! Thank you for hanging out with us!
i've recently migrated to fable from goodreads. i really like the prompts when you finish a book that encourage you to give a review. so much less overwhelming to me than the blank space that goodreads provides.
you've inspired me to clean up my TBR. its inundated with 15 years of good intentions, and includes every ebook i own. if i spend the time to sort it out, maybe for once i can make a dent in it!
The prompts are so helpful! And yes, the phsyical TBR can feel so daunting sometimes that it's hard to pick something up and actually read.
Reading with the seasons is absolutely my thing. Chestnut Springs is fabulous and so fun, but absolutely feels like summer.
Thank you for agreeing with me because I was feeling summer, but I have not read them yet haha
This is how I pick my tbr list as well
I’m so happy I found you guys! You are so fun to listen to. My love of reading is so big but listening to you both makes me even more excited. It’s so cool because I feel my taste falls somewhere in between the two of you. ❤
I can’t wait to see what 2025 looks like. Also, I love your sisterhood! What a fun & amazing relationship you have.
Thank you! We are so glad you found us!
Just found you guys, but already in love!
StoryGraph I implemented in 2024 and was the missing piece of my reading journey. You cannot beat the features and organization it contains. I have converted all my reader friends + family over to it as well. Genuinely, it has made reading more enjoyable.
Hoping it makes tracking so much more fun this year!
Chestnut Springs is one of my favorite series of the year! I read it in the spring, and it felt very appropriate for that season!
Perfect so I won't have to wait until summer!
I stopped rating books in 2024 because I felt like I was aiming for 5stars rather than sitting with a book and looking at what did and didn’t work for me and that was actually a huge relief. I’m still trying to get better but not focusing on a number that’s hard to standardize even within my own rating system and not feeling guilt for giving a low rating took a lot of that pressure off when searching for my next book.
This is a great intention! It sounds like you are in a reset season and that's a beautiful thing!
I started a digital reading journal during the first few months of 2024. It was the best! I can honestly say I remember the books I was making mood boards for SO vividly. I dropped off the remainder of the year and I definitely don’t remember the details of most stories as well as the ones I did make mood boards for. Definitely want to try doing a physical journal in 2025 and would love to see Kristin reading journal updates in the new year!
What app did you use? ☺️
@@emilybecton7985I actually just pulled all my inspiration images from Pinterest and then physically made all my mood boards using Adobe programs - mainly Adobe illustrator. Definitely want to go physical next year though to keep it more organized! 😊
I actually just pulled all my inspiration images off of Pinterest and then put them together as a collage in Adobe Illustrator for each book. Definitely want to try doing it physically though next year to keep it more organized! 😊
I love the idea of a digital reading journal too because if what is holding people *cough* me back is printing everything out haha it can't be used an an excuse ya know!
PLEASE come over to Fable fully! I love it and it's amazing.
We do use fable for it's bookclub feature and update it about once a month, but haven't started using all the features. Maybe we need to!
I’ve used Fable and StoryGraph, I actually prefer Fable. Especially now that they provide metrics.
Kristen.. The Simple Wild by KA Tucker takes place in Alaska in the winter. Great winter romance ❄️
i always thought this was a summer romance but thank you for this!! i am interested in picking this one up soon
This was going to be my recommendation as well so *bump* lol my favourite author!
Running to get this on hold at my library!!!! Thank you!
Ok we are loving these chill vibes over here 🙌🙌
Only chill vibes for the podcast 🩷
Absolutely LOVE a long video of just the two of you talking about books!
We had so much fun doing this video! Hopefully we will have many more like this!
I’m a Goodreads lover, I’ve been on it for over 15 years and I also don’t really have the problem with it that so many others seem to. I have been trying Storygraph this year and I didn’t care for it. Going to start trying Fable in the new year in tandem with Goodreads.
I also didn’t get on with storygraph it kept deleting what I read and gave up with it after a few weeks ❤
Oh no this would really bum us out!
Maybe we will end up sticking with Goodreads. It does seem like both of us are just craving some change so we will keep you all posted!
One of my goals is to dial back on audiobooks and prioritize physical reading. Even if that does mean reading much less.
We will be right there with you!
Maddie, I just joined the Hardcore Literature Bookclub on Patreon this past week because I wanted to prioritize classics as well. The new year hasn't started, but I have already had fun going through the old syllabus and lectures to get a sense of what next year will be like. It's definitely motivating and manageable, and I am so excited to tackle books that I have wanted to read for years while focusing on deep reading rather than speed reading through them. Not sure if this is the book club you mentioned, but if it is, then I think you'll find it really rewarding!!
Loved reading this comment and hearing your enthusiasm for classics as well!
Just found your channel! I'm excited for the reading ahead in 2025!! Happy Holidays!!!
Welcome to the channel! 2025 is going to be some of our best reading yet. We can feel it! Happy holidays!
Omg I loved this! So fun and felt like a little FaceTime. I got a storygraph this year and I love the stats but I feel like there’s tewwww much goin on, and I kind of appreciate how simple Goodreads is (even tho they haven’t updated it in decades 🙄)
Okay this is very helpful and we will report back after trying it in quarter 1 of 2025!
I love love StoryGraph and I wish I had more people to follow on there!
Love this feedback!
I’ve been keeping book journals for about ten years now and I would LOVE to see pictures or have a space in the book club where we can all share pictures of our book journaling! None of my IRL friends do it so I’m always wanting to be able to be excited about it with someone!
No way! That is amazing! This just inspired me so much more and I would love to see pictures from your book journals 🥰
I feel like you two are the two sides of my perfect reading tastes. hahaha. Thanks for all the amazing recs!
Oh good! Glad we can bring you guys all the variety!
Your videos pop up from my RUclips and I just fell in love with you girls ! Love your mindset, your reading habits... You seem so nice and geninuine. It warms my little heart. Glad I have so many more videos of you to watch. ❤
What a great comment to read! We are having THE BEST TIME over here and feel really lucky that we have so many cool people that want to hang out with us on booktube!
I use Fable and I really like it. I don't have bookish friends and the friends I have who read read WILDLY different taste of reads.
So Fable has been really fun with bookclubs and I like their platform for tracking and just overall.
Ive not heard much about Storygraph
I’ve only just downloaded fabel, what book club are you in on there. I don’t have many bookish friends either and want to diversify my reading ❤
We love the bookclubs on fable! It has been a blast reading with our sisterhood club! Maybe we need to lean more into that platform this year!
I loved this episode so much! Thank you for sharing all your reflections! It inspired me to do something similar going into 2025
We aim to please! Glad this one got your wheels turning!
Malice is one of the few books where I was confused about the characters almost the whole time so all my annotations are remember and connecting dots. And I loved it, I had the best reading experience with those annotations because I felt like I got every nuance of every character
This is such a hot tip because when there are so many characters you need to annotate to keep it all clear in your mind! Love that this worked so well for you!
i made the same goal to dial back so i don’t rush. and i saw a lot of people on substack saying the same! interesting that we all are called to that!! also the way kristin looks at maddie is so sweet 🥹
Maybe we are all moving into a slower season of life?
I love this approach so much!! I can be so hard on myself and found setting too many goals just sucked the fun out of reading. I find that consuming booktok can sometimes add to this pressure of feeling like you aren’t doing enough- which I know is ridiculous! I’m going to focus my goals more on engaged reading, I just joined your Patreon!! So reading in a book club is something I’m really excited about. Another goal I’d like to set is to branch out a bit in terms of genre because I’m a HARD mood reader but I think that’s lead to me reading a lot of the same books this year. I love your content and can’t wait to see what’s to come!!!
So glad you are a part of our family on patreon now! Feels like we are kindred spirits!
Maddie! Please give us all the details about the classics book club for 2025!
Sure! I should have put them in the show notes! His name is Benjamin McEvoy and he is here on RUclips!
41:52 Interrupting Unicorn! 🦄 It’s a rare rec that deserves attention 😂
love the magical element ❤️🔥
We need the spreadsheet. Readers know that a two star book for one could be a five for another! We give grace ❤️ Spill it lol
This was the encouragement we needed to air all our secrets haha glad you guys are into my nerdy spreadsheet though! Feeling loved!
I made the switch to storygraph this year and I love it. Highly recommend.
Really okay! This is what we need to know!
This year I’ve been rereading a lot of my favorites. And it’s been wonderful.
Reread all of Throne of Glass. Hit just as hard as first time and felt like I picked up on so much more.
Rereading is the best! Some stories just need to be revisited.
Yes to Storygraph!! It will give you that hit of sparkle you are looking for.✨
We need all the sparkle ✨
Storygraph is amazing. I've been using it for 2 years and it has actually made me excited to review books again and to see all my stats. I also don't get as stressed at what other people will think about my reviews on this platform.
I'm so happy to hear it's helped you feel more comfortable writing your own honest reviews!
I’m kinda the opposite of Maddie in that I have started so many series in the past few years that I’ve never gone back and finished, so my biggest goal for 2025 is to prioritize getting through series I’ve already started instead of starting new ones. I also think I want to overall read less quantity-wise so that I can read some longer, chunkier books, I’ve been missing those lately and I think I’m ready to dive in!
Sounds like you are going to have a great year and follow in Maddie's footsteps from this year! Love it!
I immersion read while the audio is at 1.85… I agree that on normal speed, it sounds super slow motion😂
Also, thank you ladies for continuously giving us the best content and recommendations!
Finding the perfect speed for your audiobooks is so great because you can enjoy it without it feeling like it's too fast or too slow!
I feel like I have such similar book taste as Kristen so I am so excited you are leaning into that more!! I can’t wait to hear your recs and reviews this year! Love the high fantasy and worlds but i get caught up with the romance sub plots!
We are twins! I am so excited for my 2025 year!
Kristen, please read Geneva Lee. Her vampire urban fantasy/romantasy is amazing!; I wish people were taking about her. Phenomenal world building, amazing characters! And her new tie in fae romantasy is S tier. ❤
Thank you for the rec! I am getting so excited for 2025 reads I have on my list now!!!!
I am a new subscriber and love your videos! I really like how you are being realistic with your reading goals. I also really LOVE the idea of watching screen adaptations! I don’t watch much TV/films but I think I could get on board with this too!
Welcome to the party! It is so much easier to enjoy film when it is an extension of a book you already loved! There are like SO MANY too!
The Spellshop was such a cozy magical read with a romantic subplot that was perfect to read in this season. Definitely worth checking out!
So love reading this because I just added it to my tbr recently!
I love Fable!! It’s such a fun platform and I like that you can post quotes/thoughts as you go in a way that feels more interactive compared to Goodreads. Plus it’s an easy transfer to take Goodreads over, and I think you can sync your kindle too!
Oh we didn't realize you can also sync Fable with your kindle! That would be perfect!
What about “fast pass”, like at amusement parks when you get to skip the lines? Or “Straight to go, collect $200” like the monopoly card when you get to zoom around the board?
Also, can I say, you both seem like such good listeners. On the podcast and with each other. You both always look super invested in what the other person has to say. I think that’s such an amazing quality!
Your ideas are so good! It will be hard to just pick one haha
We are from a big family so being a good listener and having something interesting to say when you do get a word in is totally a part of us! Thank you 😊
Would LOVE you guys on Fable fully especially since your book club is there! Also, Maddie’s spreadsheet? 👀 Would love to seeeeeeeeee
Fable has been so great, and they just keep getting better!
I'm so excited for you to read Six of Crows. 😊
FINALLY!!!!!!!!
Been a lurker here for a while and love your videos! LOVE that you are thinking about StoryGraph! You can add notes in as you read in a private notes area. Their buddy read/book club features are amazing! And their review page has questions that help with writing a more mindful review (plus quarter and half stars!). It is a lot less chaotic than GR in my opinion - no ads, millions of user updates, etc... I've found my reading experience to be a lot more fun and mindful now that I've been away from GR for a few years! Hope you make the switch and enjoy!
What a glowing review for Storygraph! This makes us very excited to try the switch!
I rebooted my reading habit/hobby in 2024 after 10+ years of trying. My goal was 20 books this year and I'm already at 70 with 4-5 more i should be able to complete before the end of the year.
This year was also a TAD too regimented for me! I loved every minute of it (except for 2 short slumps some meh books put me in), but i do hope to free flow more next year, we'll see how it compares!!
This is a great plan and we love the way you are just shifting when you feel like you need to!
You guys give me life!! :)
YAY! So glad. Thanks for watching.
Fanro rec: Blood & Ash and Flesh & Fire series by Jennifer Armentrout. We are not talking gorgeous prose but the world is so amazing, such good spice…some of my absolute favorite reads of 2024. The BEST time.
Maddie read the first few books in Blood and Ash series in 2023. Kristen hasn't ever read!
Kristen, you should definitely read The Witch Walker series from Charissa Weaks. This is an ongoing series and my absolute Roman Empire series. If your still in your fantasy romance, read this. Amazing plot, twits, character development, and a beautiful romance. Just go for it !
It's on the TBR!
From Lukov with Love and All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata. When I tell you, she’s the slow burn queen you will not get any spice into the very end.
The details we needed 🙌🏼
I’d say the graphics and diverse way of reviewing books with emoji’s and feelings on Fable is so fun! The only thing that StoryGraph does that Fable doesn’t seem to is track the medium (audiobook, vs ebook etc). Hope that helps!
Fable is great with all of its graphics! Very fun and cute!
Absolutely love Storygraph. The interface is so much nicer and easy to use. The way it allows you to do reviews is also more thorough and makes it easier to think about your reading experience. Also great analytics.
January 1st can't come fast enough!
StoryGraph is amazing!!! I love all the stats and also it’s Black owned which is such a plus for me!! they also are always innovating and adding new features and listening to their users. also you can do half and quarter star ratings
The half and quarter star ratings is a pretty big sell!
I will follow you girls over to StoryGraph! I’m not sure if I read correctly, but it’s subscription based 🤔
Also, Kristen can’t wait to see your home library 😍🖤 how cozy!
& I agree, there’s something about reading with your eyeballs that enhances your experience 🙏🏻
If only a library could be built in a day haha
I would LOVE to see you both on storygraph!!!
We are excited to play with it!
This is my first video I have stumbled upon of both of you and I have to say I really love your sister relationship! I love that you created this channel to share your love and books and differing opinions with the world but also each other.
I do recommend if you haven’t read it yet. The Poppy War series by R. F. Kuang. I do not read that much fantasy and I loved it
So glad you found us! Welcome to the party haha we have been thinking about tackling that series for a while now. Is this the sign that we should go for it?!
I am relating soooo much what you are both sharing! I’m trying not to jump immediately to read what everyone is saying is their favorite book (but tbh I get such fomo), trying to slow down and be more intentional with reading what I enjoy, and not setting a reading goal at all this year. Reading started to feel more stressful when I made it too rigid.
I use StoryGraph, fable, and goodreads and I’m drawn to StoryGraph because the rating system is much better and I like seeing the stats!
Maddie - we need the spreadsheet!
Kristen - read the Emily Wilde series, it’s perfect slow chill cozy fantasy
Wait I’m so bad at commenting before I finish something but Kristen I felt the same way about fantasy romance. I love fantasy/sci fi but fantasy romance is my girl and I can’t give her up.
I love that we are both such romantic fantasy girls together! It is so much fun to hone our taste and know what is for us and what IS for us you know!
I am part of the sisterhood book club and I would LOVE to do some classic months in the club!!!
Noted! We might just need to make this happen for you all!
The first Mages of the Wheel book is winter vibes!! Solid fantasy/politics and romance
Running to look into this right now!
Kristen I think you would love The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Definitely a cozy fantasy!
I second this!!
Making this book happen for all of you telling me it is for me!
I use the large lined sticky notes and I keep them in my books. I'll just jot down pg 274:"and whatever little quote or like blue tab 2 paragraphs." I also use it to keep track of who is who character wise like for Malice by John Gwynne. I use goodreads for reviews/stars and to keep track of books to read. but I use story graph for the great pie charts and organization. I use them both to keep count of books too.
Okay we LOVE an organization queen! You literally just broke it down so beautifully!
1000% the chestnut springs series! Elsie Silver is my auto buy romance author 💕
Love when people have an auto buy author!!!!!
I don’t use Goodreads anymore. Storygraph is such a good option for tracking. It seem more reading/person forward, but has community options as well. I know people who want to buddy read or book club read seem to prefer Fable. Or if they want to track other media like TV as well. Storygraph makes importing your Goodreads list very easy. I have not done that on Fable because it seems from what I can tell to allow Goodreads imports easily but doesn’t import from places like story graph as much. I don’t know as much about Fable. But moving from Goodreads seems to be a trending more and I’m here for it. It’s so behind the times.
As for tracking, I think we should rate it as you would rate it personally. You aren’t as likely to pick up a genre you don’t like as much and I feel like there may be 5 star romance for non romance genre people and If I went to their profile and saw a romance rate 5 or 2 stars and our tastes align generally I can know which one I should pick up if I want to try one. You can always note you are not generally a reader in that genre.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! Taking notes!
also, by the way! if you branch out, if you prioritise rereading books, if you want to change anything about your review habits or anything like that - it really doesn't impact me at all. I'm just very invested in you guys as people and as creators and I feel like you reflect my tastes and opinions and manage to put to words things I personally cannot. I'd love to have more blogs if you feel like it, hearing about your favorite things of the month - TV, books, anything else - or more reading updates. what I'm trying to say is that at this point I'm here for you, and not for what you do ❤
This is such a lovely message to read 🩷 thank you for being such an uplifter and encourager to us! Truly makes creating content so much fun knowing you guys are having a good time too!
I love Salt and Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher and also, Grimm's Curiosities by the same author was great. They were set in autumn and winter and I read them in their seasons.
These are romantasy, by the way
Amazing! Thank you for the recs!
StoryGraph is the BEST
We are reading to give it a real try!
Here for the nostalgia reads!
yes and yes!
Here's a five-star rec for Kris: Where the Dark Stands Still 😍 it's a cosy romantasy, and the most perfect winter read! I think you'd love it 🥰
Oh my gosh this is such fate! I just saw another person talking about this book and it made me add it to my tbr! Now I feel like I need to read it asap! Thank you!
My favorite books of the year have still been Hollow Heathens & Bone Island by Nicole Fiorina. It’s romantasy & so beautifully written
Here I go to read all about them! Thank you for the recs!
Just found your channel yesterday and I’m so fucking happy that I did! I love your energy and how insightful and funny you guys are and I’m so happy I found a new book channel to binge! Similarly I’ve been trying to watch more RUclips because TikTok has fried my attention span and it’s so difficult for me to lose myself in book. And please what is that classics patreon you mentioned because I need that in my life. Also an idea for your third book wild card could be “excuse my reach” or “I’m just gonna scooch in right here.” Looking forward to listening to you guys on my way to work byeeee!!
Welcome to the sisterhood! Glad you found us 🩷 Benjamin McEvoy is the youtuber doing the Classics patreon!
Okay, you two are my book spirit animals! Our taste is so similar. I love the intentionality in your plans for 2025. Kristen: as far as contemporary romance, it’s hard for me to give a book in this genre a five star rating, but I had a stint where I read a lot of it, and there were a select few that stood out. (For reference, my favorite contemporary romance is love and other words)… Part of Your World, Yours Truly, and Just For the Summer (all by Abby Jimenez), Emily Henry’s books, and Out on a Limb… I rated all of these five stars.
As far as other genres, The Ember in the Ashes series is so good. It’s not technically romantasy. It’s YA fantasy, but it has a romance subplot. I read it around the time I read TOG and Six of Crows, and it was just as strong! And of course the Magnolia Parks books! Hopefully there are some in this list that you haven’t read!
Love and Other Words is my favorite romance too! So WILD! Thank you for these other recs though I need all the good ones I can get!
Kristin if you are craving a Romantasy I would 100% recommend Spark of the Everflame! It is a slow burn so you have to stick with it but I promise it pays off. This book in my opinion has great world building and a good romance in it. So many Easter eggs! I know Maddie read it and rated it 3.5 but hearing your taste difference it might be the read for you! Love hearing the different opinions and my taste leans towards yours! I was also eating up the romance in the Bound and the Broken and wanted moreee!!! 😩 I hope this helps!
It's like you know me so well and I feel very seen! I had this on my tbr for a while and took it off after maddie's rating, but you are so right! Maybe it is for me!
I love Storygraph so much!!
StoryGraph all the way ❤
Good to know! This is the feedback we need!
STORY GRAPH YES - black, women owned, not AMAZON. Tons of data graphics and tags. and buddy read functions and a great search function to find random things sometimes when you're in a mood. I love it so much and use it constantly. And you can switch easily.
Thank you for making us even more excited for Story Graph!
I would love to have a physical TBR of 10 books as well, (though I’ve got a long way to go! 😅) Maddie I personally love that you shut down the wish list so you’re not accumulating too many extras haha, it makes perfect sense! I’m cancelling my Illumicrate sub for this reason as well as I plan on not adding more books in 2025. My goal is to read strictly from my TBR with the exception of series that I need to continue or a most anticipated release. I too am also planning on reading the Dandelion Dynasty once I finish Realm of the Elderlings, can’t wait for it! Kristen, I second the Chestnut Springs series, you will love it! Elsie Silver is one of my top romance authors. Also, it’s very cool that you’re getting a new library🤘🏼Great video you two! 🖤
PS - Would love to see Maddie’s 2 star ratings spreadsheet 😏🫠😆
Cheering you on as you work through your physical tbr! We can do it! 2025 will be our year of more intentional book buying!
Love ‘Pardon Me Pass’ !!!
Thank you for your experience with the different platforms for book tracking! We will keep you all posted on our thoughts.
Hoping your next year is full of great reading!
For a physical reading tracking project, I started a Commonplace Book this year, and it’s been great! It’s really nice to use notecards for tracking; it lets me find patterns and reorganize my notes based around different themes and topics. Also, Kirsten, for winter romance reads, I have two recs, if you want: Hither Page by Cat Sebastian and The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen.
I feel so loved! Thank you for the winter recs!!!!!! 🩷
I think you should be honest with your ratings on Goodreads and not worry about the books overall rating. Your experience with the book deserves to be represented!
Ok I have (I hope🤞) the PERFECT recs for each of you. Maddie I think you would love Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It’s an epic HF. And there are other books in the series but with different characters, so you could keep Pillars as a stand alone if you wanted. Kristen, I think you would love Lyla Sage’s Rebel Blue Ranch romance series. Love all of these goals. I feel so inspired 🩷
The Pillars of the Earth trilogy (I think - been a while since I read those) is so good!
The fact that you were able to give us 2 amazing recs AND you are supporting our goals 👏🏻 You must be our long lost sister :) Thanks queen!
I’m quite picky with my Romantasy, these are the ones I’d recommend. A dark and drowning tide by Alison Saft (standalone), The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L Jensen (series of duologies), Paladin’s Grace by T Kingfisher (interconnected standalones), Divine Rivals (duology). I loved all of these and all were a lot of fun with great love stories.
Thank you for these! I haven't even heard of some of them so here I go to look into them!
Savor it by Tarah DeWit, Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam Young, Your Truly by Abby Jimenez are beautiful written romance & light in the spice, Nocticadia Dark academic mystery with some spice & Anathema ( fantasy) by Keri Lake. Quicksilver by Callie Hart just fun fantasy.
I’m going to have to add a couple of those to my list!
You need to read Chestnut Springs! It’s the perfect summer cowboy romance series! Pretty cheesy but fun. Also, Funny Story by Em Hen and The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren were by far the best romances for me this year. 5⭐️
So many good recs I am adding all of them to my new romantic TBR! 🩷
I highly recommend the Soviet adaptation of and then there were none!!! Its so good and theres probs english subs on YT and its ugh SO good and SO eerie
Okay this is news to us! Thank you!
Kristen yes - please start & share a book journal 🤪
No judgment if it looks like a preschoolers arts and crafts haha
@ girl. So does mine …. At least you’d help me feel better about myself in the process!!
I've read my fair share of romance this year, and I highly recommend The Chesnut Spring Series!!
Also Boys of Tommen series!!
Love! I need all the recs I can get!
Kristen-I loved Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center!
Ohhhhhh I will look into this asap!
Hi Ladies, I'm loving your channel, I recently discovered you and just subscribed! You guys have such great energy and you read right in my zone, so many favourite books.
You mentioned recs for fantasy romance... Well, it's not YA or typical romantasy, but have you read any Juliet Marillier? She is a slower, history fantasy based romance that is just amazing. I would start with Daughter of the Forest, I believe it's a Irish historical setting (I think?). Based on your favorite books, I think this might be a LOVE for you guys.
Thank you for joining us here on our channel! This rec actually sounds amazing! Thank you for sharing it!
Okay I need to know what the Patreon is for the classic readalongs! Please! 😊
Absolutely! It is Benjamin McEvoy's Patreon and he is here on youtube!
I’m pro switching to story graph. I’d also recommend a Goodnotes or something similar for mood boarding digitally!
Love the goodnotes idea, already planning to make a mood board for next year!