The Great Literary Rabbit Hole
The NEW Candy Reading Challenge 2026!
updated
Have you ever felt unable to participate in current conversations about literary prize lists? Is buying new release prize books out of budget or inaccessible in some way? Do you wish you could be a part of the fun but feel you can’t be? I did for a while until I decided to take those lemons and make lemonade and my new literary prize was born…. THE CANDYS!
Inspired by the amazing content around The Booker Prize I am joining in with my thrifted and second hand Booker prize books. I’ve been shopping for this moment for an entire year now and today is the day I present you with the books I’ve found over those 12 months …a long list of 32 books!
YOU ARE THE JUDGES!
Please in the comments section name the books you think I should read! Every mention is one vote! Books with the most mentions will make up my 6 book shortlist that I will read and announce the winner from on the 10th November to coincide with the real Booker Prize winner announcement.
So come at me with your judgements. Take part in the second hand bookers THE CANDYS! Name 1 or more books you’ve loved, or would just like to see me read from the list below!
Also share this video with others to encourage lots of votes. Every great literary prize needs some hype after all!
Thank you to these channels mentioned for your amazing prize list coverage and the many many more I didn’t mention too… I love watching you… please come vote too!
@benreadsgood
@Shellyish
@EricKarlAnderson
@LydLoves
@SavidgeReads
@louisesavidgemuses4135
@BobTheBookerer
@SupposedlyFun
@GunpowderFictionPlot
@CharlieBrookReads
Here are the books to chose from
1: The Sea The Sea
2: Hotel Du Lac
3: The Handmaids Tale
4: Knowledge Of Angels
5: The Blind Assassin
6: Atonement
7: Fingersmith
8: Life Of Pi
9: Brick Lane
10: Johnathon Strange and Mr Norrel
11: Cloud Atlas
12: A Short History Of Tractors in Ukrainian
13: The Accidental
14: Never Let Me Go
15: The Night Watch
16: Mister Pip
17: The Gathering
18: The Little Stranger
19: The Children’s Book
20: Wolf Hall
21: The Slap
22: The Luminaries
23: The Narrow Rd To The Deep North
24: A Spool Of Blue Thread
25: A Brief History Of 7 Killings
26: Swing Time
27: Normal People
28: 10 Minutes 38 Seconds In The Strange World
29: The Testements
30: Small Things Like These by Clair Keegan WHICH I FORGOT TO Show!
31: The 7 Moons Of Malli Almedia
Thanks everybody! Have fun!
#bookerprize #bookerprize2025 #thecandys #bookprize #secondhandbooks #thriftedbooks #longlist #shortlisted
Keep me company as I classify some great novels and organise two entire bookcases and many bookshelves.
#organisemybooks #bookshelves #bookcasereorganisation #classics #classicbookcollection #myentirebookcollection
I share classic books from Charles dickens to the brontes, I share witchy fiction and more contemporary fiction and try and work out if it’s all been worth it. I talk about the booktube community and sharing reading too.
Channels mentioned and all those links to everything….
The Candy Reading Challenge 2025
My reading challenge is found here on storygraph app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/3739a65e-e17a-4229-9798-3252f339d0f1
If you don’t have storygraph then don’t worry you can join in here and all the prompts are given in this video
The original introductory video went up on my other channel here youtu.be/s1d5l0b7_HU?si=78YEzl_JXZIkkQup before I even had a booktube channel
The Read Good Challenge 2025
Ben’s read good challenge is here also on storygraph app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/b9e80f78-e8d0-464e-b460-c2e1034dc707
His YouTube channel is here @benreadsgood and his video introducing the challenge is here youtu.be/sl6NEuMRXF4?si=Q4sVSTnFDXR6YPNR
For the #HardyReadalong visit Jen here ….@JentheLibrarianreads
Readalong announcement video youtu.be/FVRuE8hjBFI?si=7980XtCTyvrPApTI
Thank you to Ben and Jen for having such a positive influence on my reading this year xxx
#reading #readingchallenge #readingprompts #arereadingchallengesworthit #joininginonbooktube #myreadingjourney #sixmonthreadingcatchup
It’s certainly made me want to shop my shelves, watch my book consumerism, read those books and explore my bookshelves more.
I share fiction, non fiction, graphic novels, book series, fantasy books, middle grade books, biographies and more in this video. I love having these book chats with the book community so please do add your thoughts in the comments box.
The original video is here youtu.be/Z5zF-e3bNG4?si=WCYPCtossdewRU4K by Rainier @Rainierbooks I’m so sorry but I think I called your channel an incorrect name in the video. In this tag the aim is to share 10 books you’ve owned for more than a year and havn’t touched. I did take a few liberties with the tag so do forgive me.
I was tagged by Alan over at @AlansReads and his video is here youtu.be/VkC_Cja9RDc?si=wqVhQjldICUZpwMP thank you Alan
I will tag
@Bookishtravels
@Shellyish
@spreadbookjoy
@LaurikaBretherton
@NicoleACottageWitch
@SecondThoughtsAboutTheMission
@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan
@apoetreadstowrite
@AngelasBookcase
@benreadsgood
@JentheLibrarianreads
@BookishDadReads
@LaurenAndTheBooks
And anybody else I’ve missed who wants to take part. Can’t wait to see what you share ❤️
#readyourshelves #whyyouarentreading #reading #notreading #bookshelf #books
Buying second hand books feels like treasure hunting to me. Even in a boiling heatwave I will still buy books. Will this be summer reading? Possibly or they will go on the ever growing tbr list in my home library. So join me for my July Book haul.
#bookhaul #secondhandbooks #books
On my bookshelf and bookcase today there are diy literature degree books for non-fiction study of fairytales. A fairy tale timeline covering book history. There are retellings and anthologies such as Hans Christian Anderson, The Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault fairy tales and more! There are fairy tales for kids and adults alike and feminist fairy tales and poetry. Also Fairy tales from around the world.
if you love fantasy reading and myth, folklore or magical books then this is the shelf for you. So come explore my bookshelf with me. And if you have any book oranisation ideas or favourite books in this genre then do tell in the comments section.
#bookcollection #bookshelf #bookcase #homelibrary #bookorganisation
The hardy readalong is hosted by Jen @JentheLibrarianreads
Jane austen july is hosted by
@katiejlumsden @SpinstersLibrary @BlatantlyBookish
The read goid challenge is hosted by @benreadsgood
#booktbr #readingoverwhelm #thehardyreadalong #janeaustenjuly #readingchallenge
My other videos mentioned
Hamnet video here youtu.be/VtVykudmVT8?si=wRX6rJuYeYB12UC9
The Elizabeth Gaskell adventure to Burford finding scenes from Lois the Witch here youtu.be/nedaPZBrTpk?si=7UXCHtohmB0ynV2A
The Stratford upon avon book haul here youtu.be/Ic7hMcGIyAE?si=jbd7f59wLp28lC1g
The diy literature degree video here youtu.be/z9v46zb0pfQ?si=7YsdtFUPgOEZ88l4
Other Channels mentioned
Julie @Bookishtravels and her abbey video here youtu.be/HZDxLqF_4Hk?si=FK-jzQrdTKd4UPXA
Hosts of Jane Austen July
@katiejlumsden
@SpinstersLibrary
@BlatantlyBookish
Host of the Hardy Readalong
@JentheLibrarianreads
Host of Anne Brontë Readathon
@Claire_Fenby
Music used is 'Amberlight' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY
#bookhappys #readingwrapup #shakespeare #thomashardy #readingclassics
For more information to help you plan to visit here are the websites
For Duant Books visit here dauntbooks.co.uk
For the Sherlock holmes museum visit here sherlock-holmes.co.uk
The Waterstones we visited waterstones.com/bookshops/trafalgar-square
To visit Julie at Bookish Travels go here youtube.com/@Bookishtravels?si=LENKyof5VEdUmUnN
Music used is 'Amberlight' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY
#booktourism #bookshop #sherlockholmes #londonbookshops #booktubemeetup
#JaneAustenJuly details…
The hosts……
Marissa @BlatantlyBookish
Claudia @SpinstersLibrary
Katie @katiejlumsden
Discord server: https://discord.gg/egJ...
Goodreads group: https://tinyurl.com/y7...
The Challenges
1. Read one of Jane Austen’s main six novels
2. Read something by Jane Austen that is not one of her main six novels
3. Read a non-fiction work about Jane Austen or her time
4. Read a retelling of a Jane Austen book OR a work of historical fiction set in Jane Austen’s time
5. Read a book by a contemporary of Jane Austen (i.e., published between 1775–1817)
6. Watch a direct screen adaptation of a Jane Austen book
7. Watch a modern screen adaptation/retelling of a Jane Austen book
Readalong/Watchalong Schedule
Emma, 2 chaps a day from 1 to 26 July, 3 chaps on 27 July
Emma 2020 film, watch at some point in July
#books #janeaustenjuly #janeausten #prideandprejudice #emma #janeaustenjuly2025
#readingclassics #readathon #readingchallenge #booktube #reading
Videos mentioned :
My Hamnet video is here youtu.be/VtVykudmVT8?si=33_3CbPDezA2fOUq
My diy literature degree playlist is here youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn2ECVItSJsv1qHikBocyJmgairc0yz6b&si=g_f_offiPPtIm1pS
#stratforduponavon #bookhaul #classics #shakespeare #nonfiction #feministtheory #womeninwriting
Videos mentioned
My first DIY Literature degree video youtu.be/HwzDXZoh74w?si=2GaNm4atrEJoYcrA
Other channels mentioned
Kate over @caits_corner here youtube.com/@caits_corner?si=JlvpqPY0NP9C6TnL
Katy over @katiejlumsden here youtube.com/@katiejlumsden?si=3xs-gxHt6X2fjMa8
Jen’s Hardy readalong @JentheLibrarianreads here
youtu.be/FVRuE8hjBFI?si=8pTy3LNBrpp5aBC_
Emma @emmiereads here youtube.com/@emmiereads?si=_d3TUJNTc_vnTBeE
#englishliterature #studyenglish #literaturedegree #diyliteraturedegree #readinglist #degreereadinglists #whatireadonanenglishdegree #bookrecommendations #selfstudy #studyresources #studywithme
Here are the prompts
1. BBQ Time:
Pick a favorite author, they are inviting you to a BBQ to announce their newest work. What do you hope they are announcing? What are you bringing to share?
2. Road Trip:
Pick a real world setting from a recent (or not so recent) read, where would that road trip take you?
3. Camping:
Do you rough it? Say, tent and a sleeping bag. Or do you require amenities. Will you read more than usual?
4. Festivals:
You're attending a Booktube festival where dressing as your one of your favorite literary character is the only requirement, who do you go dressed as and why?
5. Slice of Life:
What is something others may consider simple or mundane but is something you can't see a summer without?
6. Scary Story:
Which author would you invite to go camping with you knowing you would want to hear the scariest story they can tell around the camp fire?
7. First Love/Summer Crush:
A romantic interest during the summer months often leads to a bittersweet ending or a lasting impact. Which do you prefer to read? How does the age of the characters affect this opinion?
8. Nostalgia:
What book or books imbibe you with an overwhelming sense of summer nostalgia? (They don't necessarily have to take place during summer, but provide a strong attachment to summer somehow.)
9. Summer Stories:
What is a book (or books) you would recommend where the summer time is the primary focus?
Don’t forget to tag your Booktube friends!
#booktube #booktubecommunity #tagtuesday
The original video is here youtu.be/gsfH80d0Apo?si=EuGHpux0ipZz29_9 by Duane @TheReadingRoom1972
Thank you to Alan @AlansReads for tagging me to see his video click here youtu.be/GAAsd5i-02g?si=6IMiX2zxXjWjrW_A
Other videos mentioned
Finding Hamnet and sharing all the settings of Maggie o Farrell’s book is here youtu.be/VtVykudmVT8?si=3Jc46KeVmVmBDXLi
My video at Barford on a Gaskell adventure is here youtu.be/nedaPZBrTpk?si=tM4BMCD2b_v-JCFP
My dandelion field video is here youtu.be/SMjGXi9dXyE?si=szcR-8mE03KPHpq5
If you are interested in my gardening videos all my other channel there are entire playlists of garden diaries over at Candy Soul and Soil found here youtube.com/@CandySoulAndSoil?si=4yApzkikOaJHPFGx
I’m tagging anybody watching this and a few names
@LaurikaBretherton
@Bookishtravels
@Claire_Fenby
@JentheLibrarianreads
@spreadbookjoy
@Shellyish
@SecondThoughtsAboutTheMission
@NicoleACottageWitch
@CarolynMarieReads
@emmiereads
@booksfrommybookshelf
@jensreadinglife
@BeyondBooks-wt5il
@BooksDoThingsToMe
@TheReadingRetriever
@apoetreadstowrite
@booksimnotreading
@OliviasCatastrophe
@BookishAdventuresInWellbeing
@SueJacksonDE
#books #summerbooks #booktube #literature
Today I am sharing my historical fiction read which is the amazing “Lois The Witch” by Elizabeth Gaskell. This is a novella set in the Salem Witch Trials.
Not only am I bringing you my review of the book but also taking you on a literary adventure following the footsteps not only of Lois but also Elizabeth Gaskell herself.
I hope you enjoy.
Thank you to Katie for all you have shared on booktube and the continued inspiration. Happy ten years. To visit @katiejlumsden click here youtube.com/@katiejlumsden?si=JBTi9hk0tmCAUloV
Music is by Scott Buckley
'What We Don't Say' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
#booktube #readathon #TenYearsOfBooksAndThings #elizabethgaskell #bookreview #loisthewitch #witchy #witchfiction #witchybooks #englishliterature #classics #historicalfiction #salem #salemwitchtrials #victorianliterature #bookadventure #barford
Other channels mentioned
Laurika @LaurikaBretherton
Ben @benreadsgood
#summerbooks #summerreads #bookshelf #bookshelftour #bookcase #seasonalbooks #seasonalbookshelf #tbr #tbrjar
Music is by Scott Buckley
'Shoulders Of Giants' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
#bookreview #hamnet #maggieofarrell #annhathaway #shakespeare #stratforduponavon #reading #readaloud #books #booktube #bookrecommendations #hamnetbookreview
Channels mentioned
For the #HardyReadalong visit @JentheLibrarianreads here ….
Readalong announcement video youtu.be/FVRuE8hjBFI?si=7980XtCTyvrPApTI
Desperate remedies video youtu.be/MX6AlTCTF6I?si=SXMLaC0hHX0G1yGS
Free patron for the Hardy Readalong challenge here
patreon.com/jenthelibrarian?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan&utm_content=join_link
For the #TheOtherBronteSister readalong visit @Claire_Fenby here……
Announcement video youtu.be/6GvF0Noph7A?si=aPStGuKC7_T5YDRF
For Katie’s #TenYearsOfBooksAndThings Readathon visit @katiejlumsden here youtu.be/XGbcVziFwd0?si=MmX2AqnkI3sKnx3D
Also mentioned ……Jane Austen July 2025 videos!
Thank you Katie, Claudia and Marissa for organising this I’m looking forward to joining in next month with my first ever one!
@katiejlumsden youtu.be/LtgvSM6FxOI?si=Vy-axa6CpxVNrNLn
@SpinstersLibrary youtu.be/PQ2xYH19jmI?si=zOC6MJo7-ej-iQhx
@BlatantlyBookish youtu.be/4cgET_ejCVo?si=Y2sUldrCu73vqz8E
#booktubetbr #booktube #readalong #janeaustenjuly #janeaustenjuly2025 #literature #diyliteraturedegree #junetbr #books #reading #readingchallenge #thomashardy #hardyreadalong #victorianliterature #tenyearsofbooksandthingsreadalong #TheOtherBronteSisterReadathon
Other channels mentioned
Julie @Bookishtravels
#mayreading #readingchallenge #readingbooks #readingwrapup #dickens #hamnet #ataleoftwocities #annebronte
#bookchat #bookcollection #bookhaul #secondhandbooks #classics
Other channel mentioned
@katiejlumsden the amazing Katie over at books and things youtube.com/@katiejlumsden?si=JQpNaufFJJP_4CVE
#englishliterature #studyenglish #literaturedegree #diyliteraturedegree #readinglist #degreereadinglists #whatireadonanenglishdegree #bookrecommendations #selfstudy #studyresources #studywithme #reading #readingclassics #classics #classicliterature #victorianliterature #victorians #charlesdickens #thebrontes #wilkiecollins #bramstoker #dracula #booktube
What ways do you make friends in the community? #booktube
Channels mentioned …
Julie’s channels are here youtube.com/@Bookishtravels?si=t03wT9YIO0eT5xc6
youtube.com/@Operationglowupuk?si=mDcykPBuudwLmFrL
Laurika’s channel is here youtube.com/@LaurikaBretherton?si=rzWbKUd3u3tXzI2m
Here is the reading book order…
Jun: Desperate Remedies
Jul: Under the Greenwood Tree
Aug: A Pair of Blue Eyes
Sep: Far from the Madding Crowd
Oct: The Hand of Ethelberta
Nov: The Return of the Native
Dec: The Trumpet-Major
Jan: A Laodicean
Feb: Two on a Tower
Mar: The Mayor of Casterbridge
Apr: The Woodlanders
May: Tess of the d’Urbervilles
Jun: The Well-Beloved
Jul: Jude the Obscure
To find out more visit Jen @JentheLibrarianreads here youtu.be/FVRuE8hjBFI?si=jWz2iH739MrAjjEJ
The free patreon page for the readalong is here patreon.com/jenthelibrarian?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan
Other channels mentioned. Katie over @katiejlumsden books and things.
Katie’s Dickins readalong is here youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw2Mjecd2B-N78cDOsDuTK0FoVu9z_CVs&si=inV1Gi7LTVEyQrW5
#bookhaul #thomashardy #charlesdickens #victorianliterature #readalong #thomashardyreadalong #bookchallenge #booktube #bookcollection
As a doll collector I’ve experienced this and wanted to talk about it as I share a book I read during #picturethis2025
I loved this tag! A tag to encourage us to read picture books at any age, again another activity normally reserved for children but that can offer an adult so much.
Thank you to the hosts of #picturethis2025
The hosts of this challenge were Shelly @Shellyish and her introductory video is here youtu.be/9vqztw29zDE?si=bdjcBEpu39FYLO1E
And also Jack @spreadbookjoy whose introductory video is here youtu.be/k3xS9pco5XY?si=s_tUI-fSdX5wmr9y
If you would like to take part in this discussion then please tag me so I know. Either chat about it or if you want to use some prompts ill provide some here
1: show me something you love, not books, that you love but have been shamed for.
2: why do you love it?
3: what does it bring to your adult life?
4: have you ever been shamed for reading outside of your age band?
5: did you join in #picturethis2025?
6: if yes, shout out your videos, if no do you read picture books ever?
#booktube #books #picturebooks #booktag #booktubetrolls #booktubedrama #booktubehate
Other channels mentioned ….
@tristanandtheclassics6538
@caits_corner
#aprilreading #readingchallenge #readingbooks #readingwrapup #dickens #bleakhouse #alismith #raisinghare #picturebooks
1.Spring Chicks: Name a book that made you feel warm and fuzzy
2.April Showers: a book that is set near, in or on the water. Or that has the word "water" in the title.
3.Spring Break: Talk about a time you took a break from reading and why.
4.Swallows home-coming: a book or an author you always go back to for comfort.
5.Blooms: a book that started slowly but blossomed to be one of your favorite reads
6.Eggs in a Basket: 3 books you want to read this Spring
7.Green Pastures: A classic that never gets old
8.Pollen: A book or author you’re allergic to
BONUS: Equinox. Find 2 books on your shelf that have the exact same number of pages and talk briefly about them.
Tag others to spread some Spring joy
This tag was made by
@Uncommon_Reader youtu.be/LUo-KJyrJFk?si=O9RexlK4ApzZf7hN
And
@BeyondBooks-wt5il youtu.be/0JH1Kb9e2ek?si=XXb_f09diAPoGxKk
Thank you Phillip @apoetreadstowrite for tagging me …. His video is here youtu.be/ELMbrA7_lhw?si=mfyqXgpxzGh15daq
#booktube #bookvr #booktag #springbooks #seasonalbooks #bookcollection #bookcommunity
If you want to take part in this conversation you can use the hashtag #TBRFunOrNotAnd tag me so I know you did a video. If you wanted to use prompts around this conversation here are a few to consider.
1: How many books are currently or normally on your Tbr?
2: How do you chose tbr books and have you ever gamified your tbr, e.g. prompt jars, tbr games?
3: Do you have reading areas of focus to chose books for? If yes how many?
4: Does a tbr help you focus?
5: Do you suffer from the book noise of a Tbr?
6: Do you give your tbr a time limit and does a tbr make you stress about reading quick enough?
7: Do you have “rebellion syndrome” not wanting to read a book because you put it on your tbr and now feel you have to read it?
8: Do you keep books on your tbr until they are read or swap the tbr around regularly?
9: have you ever “killed a book” by having it on your tbr too long?
10: Do you have a tick list for your tbr to tick off books as you read them?
11: what one change do you think would help your tbr be more fun?
12: final conclusion…..TBR’S fun or not? And tag people
I’m tagging just a few but please if not tagged here consider yourself tagged ❤️
@Bookishtravels
@SecondThoughtsAboutTheMission
@thebaileygrind
@Uncommon_Reader
@NicoleACottageWitch
@TheReadingRetriever
@leandrathetbrzero
@apoetreadstowrite
@BookChatWithPat8668
@SpinstersLibrary
@ToReadersItMayConcern
@Sarah_Coller
@Shellyish
@GemofBooks
@LaurenAndTheBooks
@leandrathetbrzero
@booksimnotreading
@CoynieReads
@StephLoves
@katiejlumsden
@BooksUnbound
@spreadbookjoy
@booksimnotreading
@KateyOneMoreTime
@Cobaltdragon
@LaurikaBretherton
Other channels mentioned
Ben @benreadsgood
Leandra @leandrathetbrzero
#booktubetbr #tbr #books #bookchat #reading #booktag #booktubetag #booktubecommunity
Elaine shares the following prompts in order to select books ….
Prompt 1 - The Hobbit - Smaug loved gold and shiny things. What book or series you enjoyed features gold, shiny items or has a shiny cover?
Prompt 2 - Dancing with Dragons - Dragons and cats go together - do you have cats? A favourite book or series that features cats?
Prompt 3 - Dragonology - What crafts or hobbies do you enjoy? Do you have books about crafts and hobbies?
Prompt 4 - Dragon Art - Do you have a favourite artist? Books featuring artists? Answers can be about any type of artists (musicians, authors, painters etc)
Prompt 5 - How to Live with Dragons - Do you cover buy and what are your favourite colours? What book or series did you enjoy that features dragons?
Prompt 6 - Star Magic - Do you have a favourite constellation? A favourite astronomy book?
Prompt 7 - Chinese Horoscope - Book about astrology or astronomy? Book or series that features the movement of stars and planets?
Prompt 8 - tag others
@NicoleACottageWitch
@thebaileygrind
@SecondThoughtsAboutTheMission
@Bookishtravels
@papermoontarot4219
@Cobaltdragon
@PeruseProject
@JamesRuchala
@Sara-Reads
@Uncommon_Reader
@GloriaZThompson
@leandrathetbrzero
@TheReadingRetriever
If you are interested in seeing my deck collection video based on this tag then please click here youtu.be/4tg6jvMwA3A?si=AEmH7yzxOlH0Que7
#booktag #booksanddragons #dragons #dragonsbooks #bookrecommendations #mybooks
#thedragonbooktag
What are you reading in May?
Other channels mentioned
Nancy @papermoontarot4219 youtube.com/@papermoontarot4219?si=fiKc7pWYDODaHKrP
Ben @benreadsgood youtube.com/@benreadsgood?si=h9_9RDBk5suM2T73
#reading #booktubetbr #bookcollection #books #readingchallenge #readgoodchallenge #thecandyreadingchallenge2025 #readingtbr #pileofpossibilities #bookrecommendations #classics #victorianliterature
The prompts and paintings are here
1. PAINTING: Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog - Caspar David Friedrich: A book that focuses/explores solitude
2. PAINTING: Cherubs by Raphael: A book with supernatural protagonists
3. PAINTING: Moscow by Kandinsky: A book set in the future (sci-fi or dystopic)
4. PAINTING: The Cradle di Berthe Morisot: A book with a special bond between mother and daughter/son
5. PAINTING: The Swing by Renoir: A book that reminds you of your childhood
6. PAINTING: American Gothic by Wood Grant: A book set in a rural area
7. PAINTING: Self Portrait of Artemisia Gentileschi: a book with a female protagonist ahead of her time, a pioneer
8.BONUS: What's your favorite painting (or art)? Create a prompt to match your art with a book title.
Don't forget to tag other art lovers
@thebaileygrind
@SecondThoughtsAboutTheMission
@Bookishtravels
@spreadbookjoy
@Shellyish
@katiejlumsden
@AlexaDonne
@booksimnotreading
@LaurikaBretherton
@liviacraftsandbooks
@ChantelReadsAllDay
@EricKarlAnderson
@Claire_Fenby
@benreadsgood
@katehowereads
@NicoleACottageWitch
@TheReadingRetriever
The #BooksandArt tag was started by Daniela @Uncommon_Reader
To see the original video click here youtu.be/g2KCFH8yAiY?si=1P0fB5exCjp3qvEx
To watch Phillips response @apoetreadstowrite then click here youtu.be/lr9CTjq2tCs?si=eW05zwx1uqoX-zd4
#booktube #bookvr #bookcollection #booksandart #artbooks #thebooksandarttag #books #bookrecommendations #reading
This includes books focusing on
Literary theory
Analysis of texts
Critical thinking
Essay writing
Literary terms
Victorian history and literature
Gothic literature study
Reading itself
What a novel is
How to read
I hope it’s useful for anybody undertaking a similar #diyliteraturedegree.
I will be bringing videos reviewing these resources as I read and work with them.
Thanks for watching
Candy ❤️
#diyliteraturedegree #selfstudy #studyenglish #literaturedegree #literature #literatureselfstudy #literaturestudyresources #studyresources #studymotivation #criticalthinking #criticalthinkingbooks #essaywriting #literaryterms #literarytheory #literarytheorybooks #textanalysis #textanalysisbooks #victorianliterature #gothicliterature
Book collection looks like and answer the final prompt 11.
Here are the prompts
1. Why did you start this channel?
2. What are some fun and unique things you can bring to booktube?
3. What are you most excited for about this new channel?
4. When did you start reading?
5. Why do you love reading?
6. What book or series got you into reading?
7. What questions would you ask your favourite booktubers?
8. What do you think will be the hardest challenges of starting your booktube channel?
9. Where do you read?
10. What kind of books do you like to read?
11. What does your book collection look like?
I’m sorry but I have no idea where this tag originated even though I’ve searched. Let me know if you do so I can link the og.
#booktube #booktubenewbie #booktubecommunity #booktubenewbietag #hellobooktube #myreading #books #reading #bookcollection #bookshelf #bookcase #bookstorage
Here are the prompts
1. Why did you start this channel?
2. What are some fun and unique things you can bring to booktube?
3. What are you most excited for about this new channel?
4. When did you start reading?
5. Why do you love reading?
6. What book or series got you into reading?
7. What questions would you ask your favourite booktubers?
8. What do you think will be the hardest challenges of starting your booktube channel?
9. Where do you read?
10. What kind of books do you like to read?
11. What does your book collection look like?
I’m sorry but I have no idea where this tag originated even though I’ve searched. Let me know if you do so I can link the og.
Other channels mentioned
For GothLitNovember visit
Rachel here @SecondThoughtsAboutTheMission youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj2WxMao2ZFx1aTxoUlAT2SPOsTLjYK4o&si=_dJvLLVsnaBUWS67
And Bailey @thebaileygrind here youtube.com/playlist?list=PLx0jBNlGOkwDqR7QVRdClw7VEkyU-H8ND&si=tNG6MqWnA6xia6AN
Visit Julie @Bookishtravels here youtube.com/@Bookishtravels?si=lHI6NmJB1G9eBcQA
My reading adventure videos on my other channel are here youtu.be/FNl_Mb1Xsqk?si=UEfOT6Z7u-kDWxE0
And here youtu.be/N72IsRmCDJQ?si=Puds7VDpXtjz4T_s
#booktube #booktubenewbie #booktubecommunity #booktubenewbietag #hellobooktube #myreading #books #reading
1: Alice
2: Cats
3: Mystery
4: Giant
5: Blue
6: Dark
With an additional challenge of deep diving into an illustrator
The hosts of this challenge are Shelly @Shellyish and her introductory video is here youtu.be/9vqztw29zDE?si=bdjcBEpu39FYLO1E
And also Jack @spreadbookjoy whose introductory video is here youtu.be/k3xS9pco5XY?si=s_tUI-fSdX5wmr9y
This year Picture This is in honour of Alice who sadly passed away recently and whose channel is here @AliceandtheGiantBookshelf
Alice loved picture this and here are sone videos of Alice taking part
youtu.be/bC8PAMncfdo?si=P0pT-bJ2y8aBOWXU
youtu.be/qByy61GQ-aY?si=hPqdZxC8Cp-i9Tdg
youtu.be/0d7kHY6RDyo?si=2N-Om-_kHGEphkQY
#books #picturethis2025 #picturebooks #childrensliterature #readathon #readingchallenge #readingprompts #aprilreading #readinglist#tbr #readingpileofpossibilities
#readingwrapup #marchreading #charlesdickens #davidcopperfield #bleakhouse #shakespeare #shakespearesonnets #victorianliterature #readingchallenge #readathon #readingprompts #barbarawaker #womansprizefornonfiction #agentzo #prizefiction
Channels mentioned
Benjamin Mcevoys channel @BenjaminMcEvoy is here youtube.com/@BenjaminMcEvoy?si=1hp-ST0xsy2B_pcg
His Oxford education video is here youtu.be/a1Q2JwcT9UM?si=m-zFwY3lWvAmpTdO
Cait’s channel @caits_corner is here youtube.com/@caits_corner?si=J2wiK2OY9RxuLyFR
Her two videos sharing reading lists are here youtu.be/4q_FpekWrIk?si=EEh1ka5zTteY4T5I
And here youtu.be/VbHwmsOC8dw?si=9wedztJ45zAgJaR0
Cait’s also has a lot of MA videos too!
Claire Fenby Warrens @Claire_Fenby channel is here youtube.com/@Claire_Fenby?si=pWIzH1lr4BqUwi9g
Her playlist for her university studies containing 27 videos is here youtube.com/playlist?list=PL123F5E3lljy-1P2kq2KzHDvQqb2FjFgG&si=kFlZXzvptLVYsTiL
Emma @emmiereads whose channel is here youtube.com/@emmiereads?si=PwaF1gyWBq7FFWSn
Her videos giving reading lists are here youtu.be/sAnlu3f3grk?si=v71NryECPC_ADH-G
youtu.be/gzeDQDbJMAU?si=ifI6Hi7PNulZ5PAu
youtu.be/-Y0XGK2TS4A?si=nXar19w7aT6Gn5Nt
And here
youtu.be/1IbamK-0MRs?si=cIVvPnSdCh_fJ8Br
My deepest gratitude to these YouTubers for sharing all this information ❤️
Other resources (i will add to these as i find them so do come back again)
The open university website presents a number of options for studying English literature this link will take you to the BA in English literature that you can expand and explore but do check all the options open.ac.uk/courses/english/degrees/ba-english-literature-q66
Sheffield university shares a year 1 reading list and preparatory reading list here sheffield.ac.uk/english/undergraduate/why-study-english/reading-suggestions/english-literature-reading-suggestions
Balliol college at Oxford shares a year 1 reading list covering Victorian, modern, old and early Middle English reading balliol.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/english-reading-list
New college at Oxford also share their year 1 reading list covering modern, Victorian and old English new.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2022-06/2022%20Fresher%20Reading%20List%20-%20English_0.pdf
The course outline at Cambridge university undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/english-ba-hons
Bristol university has a summer reading list to prepare for your degree start here bristol.ac.uk/english/study/reading-suggestions
Brighton university lets you see examples of modules brighton.ac.uk/courses/study/english-literature-ba-hons.aspx?_gl=1*10x0ukh*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwzMi_BhACEiwAX4YZUDOpazyfSk5G2U8XHokzp5GpZEv698cfacUNLeU1OSIngJCwjOG_hxoCUfEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&gbraid=0AAAAAo5Sav7_5D2yDqN0_FgdjBRMeZobO
Lincoln university also aloews you to view some resources lincoln.ox.ac.uk/undergraduate-freshers-hub/reading-lists/english-language-and-literature-reading-list
#englishliterature #studyenglish #literaturedegree #diyliteraturedegree #readinglist #degreereadinglists #whatireadonanenglishdegree #bookrecommendations #selfstudy #studyresources #studywithme
Other Readathons mentioned is #picturethis2025 hosted by Jack @spreadbookjoy to see her introduction video for this tag click here youtu.be/k3xS9pco5XY?si=u3IO_kVrB_Tr9Dq_
It’s also hosted by Shelly @Shellyish to see her introduction video click here youtu.be/9vqztw29zDE?si=banewDVntwgeqH-Y
Here is a link to Alice who I bought books in tribute too and whose channel still remains a joy youtube.com/@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf?si=EoxKPu23FRyPPvPK
Music used 'The Long Dark' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au
#booktube #books #charlesdickens #readingchallenge #readathon #24hourreadathon #readingvlog #bleakhouse #witchybooks
This links to my reading challenge #thecandyreadingchallenge2025
The video introducing the challenge is here youtu.be/s1d5l0b7_HU?si=Ib8zWub4QfpVa44j
The challenge is here on storygraph app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/3739a65e-e17a-4229-9798-3252f339d0f1
If you don’t have storygraph then still join in here
I also talk about my reading for #thereadgoodchallenge over @benreadsgood
The Read Good Challenge 2025
Ben’s read good challenge is here also on storygraph app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/b9e80f78-e8d0-464e-b460-c2e1034dc707
His YouTube channel is here and his video introducing the challenge is here youtu.be/sl6NEuMRXF4?si=Q4sVSTnFDXR6YPNR
#booktube #booktubenewbie #books #reading #readingchallenge #literature #diyliteraturedegree #literaturedegree #selfstudy #shakespeare #victorianliterature #charlesdickens #readingprompts


