Name: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang book review @bookswithbecs
Uploaded: 2026-09-21T08:17:00-05:00
Duration: 8 min 17 s
Description: The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang book review

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang book review

Books with Becs 2026-09-21 | The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang book review

Recommendations and TBR! #TTR26

Books with Becs 2026-03-17 | Readathon time! I just found out about the Trans Rights Readathon and I'm excited to join!

The main website
transrightsreadathon.carrd.co/#about

Storygraph Challenge
app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/ba8eac72-6aae-46c8-a21a-86f2b2b98037

Shoutout to @bookbinch for putting People Collide on my tbr!!

This Changed How I See the World | We Do Not Part by Han Kang

Books with Becs 2025-12-08 | I talk about my journey reading the latest book by the Nobel Prize in Literature award winner, Han Kang. I now want to read other books by this author

Did James deserve the Pulitzer Prize? My Thoughts on James

Books with Becs 2025-12-01 | My experience reading James by Percival Everett

28 Series Im in the Middle of Reading

Books with Becs 2025-11-24 | I keep starting series, loving them, but not finishing all the books! Let me know which series I should prioritize next year

Moon of the Crusted Snow youtu.be/Ew7MWW7FIac?si=EG-vWl2V5Mwxc8jf&t=479
Silver Under Nightfall review youtu.be/Oayh53O9-HY
A Game of Thrones thoughts youtu.be/ff672gwlVLE
A Clash of Kings vlog youtu.be/ELOpYqLXDbE
Temeraire review youtu.be/Yf23sBEtZ9Q
The Will of the Many review youtu.be/KD0NSb58qIs
The Poppy War vlog youtu.be/kgY3Y1hp_YU

Reading a Book I Know Nothing About | Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco

Books with Becs 2025-11-17 | My journey reading this book, from not remembering anything about it to being surprised at all the twists and turns

You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue

Books with Becs 2025-11-10 | A reading vlog with my thoughts as I read it.

The Fox Page Deep Dive youtu.be/0lg5gbvk9BY

@evastrange
youtu.be/Y-3UA6_Qkv8

Booktube Comeback!! And Reading Plans for Next Year

Books with Becs 2025-10-29 | Let's talk about reading plans for this year and next

Questions

1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

3. Is there a new release you're still waiting for?

4. What are 3 books you want to read before the end of the year?

5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favourite book of the year?

6. Have you already started making reading plans for next year?

Reading Sprint and Trying to Mend Clothes

Books with Becs 2025-10-25 | 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 streamyard.com/pal/d/6511131335852032

Best of the Year!

Books with Becs 2025-09-02 | I filmed this a couple months ago, and just now finished editing. oops.

Shoutouts!
Lady Mair Reads: youtu.be/32M2p20AZxA?si=12BrUXxo9YggTI4-
Page Turners with Katja youtube.com/watch?v=OQ5_OLM5SS8

Books Mentioned:
Clean by Alia Trabucco Zerán
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
We Do Not Part by Han Kang
Are Prisons Obsolete by Angela Y Davis
Fair Play by Katie Barnes
Mainline Mama by Keeonna Harris
Say a Little Prayer by Jenna Voris

my plans for the end of the year | Final Mid Year Freak Out part 13

Books with Becs 2025-08-02 | My plans for the rest of the year!

Books mentioned
The Dance of Shadows by Rogba Payne
the channel doing the buddy read youtube.com/@UCCXNfX7slcs6HGu5dpYFXBA
the review video youtu.be/uLQ3a2GYDic
Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party by Edward Dolnick
Human Acts by Han Kang
You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb
A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

mid year freak out tag part 12

Books with Becs 2025-07-31 | Talking about books that I've added to my collection this year

Mentioned in this video:
Lost Art Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
The Dinosaur Princess by Victor Milán

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?

Im mad this made me cry | mid year freak out part 11

Books with Becs 2025-07-28 | Talking about books that made me cry and books that made me happy as part of my series where I answer questions in the mid year freak out tag

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?

Best Authors Ive Read This Year | Mid Year Freak Out Part 10

Books with Becs 2025-07-27 | Discussing authors I have read for the first time and now want to read everything they have written. So many more books added to the tbr!

Books Mentioned:
James by Percival Everett
Erasure by Percival Everett
The Trees by Percival Everett
Assumption by Percival Everett
So Much Blue by Percival Everett
We Do Not Part by Han Kang
Human Acts by Han Kang
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
The White Book by Han Kang
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
An Accident of Stars by Foz Meadows

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?

I actually liked these? Mid Year Freak Out Part 9

Books with Becs 2025-07-26 | Talking about books that I liked more than I expected

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

These Books Had Potential | Mid Year Freak Out Tag Part 8

Books with Becs 2025-07-25 | Talking about Books I dislike and those that I wished I liked more

00:00 book I dislike
02:18 spoilers
02:55 no more spoilers
03:35 disappointing books

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
And They Were Roommates by Page Powars
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

Most Anticipated Books of the Year | Mid Year Freak Out Part 7

Books with Becs 2025-07-24 | Upcoming book releases in the second half of the year that I am excited about

Books mentioned
Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley
Fate’s Bane by C. L. Clark
A Danger to the Minds of Young Girls by Adam Morgan
Extraordinary Quests for Amateur Witches by Kayla Cottingham

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

New Releases I NEED to read! Mid Year Freak Out Part 6

Books with Becs 2025-07-23 | Here are a handful of the books that came out this year that I really need to read!

Books Mentioned:
The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
Cursebreakers by Madeleine Nakamura
Six Wild Crowns by Holly Race
So Many Stars by Caro De Robertis
Audition by Katie Kitamura
All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall
One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Omar El Akkad

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI
Literature Science Alliance tag: youtube.com/watch?v=OZjJ0hay5-g

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

Best Sequels of the Year! Mid Year Freak Out Part 5

Books with Becs 2025-07-22 | I read 2 sequels this year, one was great the other was not so great

Books Mentioned:
In the Shadow of the Gods by Tobi Ogundiran
review here youtu.be/94eH1yuSwZE?si=WMJ51iCjhFYYR1we
At the Fount of Creation by Tobi Ogundiran
A Strange and Stubborn Endurance by Foz Meadows
All the Hidden Paths by Foz Meadows

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI
Literature Science Alliance tag: youtube.com/watch?v=OZjJ0hay5-g

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

Best Graphic Novels of the Year! Mid Year Freak Out Part 4

Books with Becs 2025-07-21 | I read 2 graphic novels and have 3 more on my immediate tbr

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI
Literature Science Alliance tag: youtube.com/watch?v=OZjJ0hay5-g

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

Best ReReads of the Year! Mid Year Freak Out Part 3

Books with Becs 2025-07-20 | I reread two books this year, one of which I read for the first time this year and also reread this year.

Mair's review of A Strange and Stubborn Endurance youtube.com/watch?v=32M2p20AZxA

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI
Literature Science Alliance tag: youtube.com/watch?v=OZjJ0hay5-g

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

Letting go of expectations

Books with Becs 2025-07-18 | A little catch up on how my reading year has been. I'm doing this tag one question at a time to take the pressure off doing it all at once, which is also reflective of my reading this year

Original tag youtube.com/watch?v=X_Wh0rPGfRg&ab_channel=EarlGreyBooks
Gavin Reads It All tag: youtube.com/watch?v=0Az1_YeVoWI
Literature Science Alliance tag: youtube.com/watch?v=OZjJ0hay5-g

Tag Questions (with my added question)
1. How has your reading year gone so far?
2. What is the best book you've read so far in 2025?
3. What is the best book you've re-read so far in 2025?
4. What is the best manga, comic, or graphic novel you've read so far in 2025?
5. What is the best sequel you've read so far in 2025?
6. What is a new release you haven't read yet but want to?
7. What is your most anticipated book for the second half of the year?
8. What is the worst book you've read so far in 2025?
9. What is your biggest disappointment of the year so far?
10. What is the biggest surprise of the year so far?
11. Who is your favorite new author (new to you or debut)?
12. What book has made you cry so far this year?
13. What is a book that made you happy this year?
14. What is the most beautiful book you've bought this year?
15. What are the books you need to read by the end of the year?
16. What is your favorite video that you've made this year so far?
17. Which video did you think would flop but did well?
18. Any upcoming videos you're excited to make?
19. Any channel goals by the end of the year

if you use this link, I get a free audiobook: https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm620041

4 Science Fiction Books from Around the World - CircumnaviRead Voting

Books with Becs 2025-06-07 | for more chaos, join the discord to discuss these books and more
discord.gg/bNK9EyYY

Most magical libraries in fiction

Books with Becs 2025-05-19 | Some books I love and recommend about books and libraries

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
The Lost Book: the Scroll of Kings by Sarah Prineas

Reading Sprints, or I dont know how to sew

Books with Becs 2025-05-13 | Let's read together

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 streamyard.com/pal/d/6511131335852032

Reading Sprints and Making Dinner

Books with Becs 2025-05-09 | Let's read together

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 streamyard.com/pal/d/6511131335852032

A Million Pages in May Readathon Announcement

Books with Becs 2025-04-27 | You are welcome to join if you read 10 pages of 1000 pages. We have reading sprints, a digital bookshelf, and you can earn a personalized readathon badge!

Join the chaos in discord: discord.gg/k5FHfU69mc

Let’s see how many pages we can read together throughout the month of May.
Can we collectively reach
a million pages?

Buddy read with me? CircumnaviRead voting time!

Books with Becs 2025-04-01 | I'm hosting a buddy read in May for one of these books from around the world! This month focuses on Fantasy books from around the world

00:00 preamble
00:34 The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers
01:17 Odin's Child by Siri Pettersen
02:02 A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos
02:43 Blood of Old Kings by Sung-Il Kim

Join the discussion in discord discord.gg/k5FHfU69mc

Breaking the Cycle - The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Books with Becs 2025-03-11 | Talking about the themes of trauma and the lessons we can learn if we want better societies

The Best Science Fiction Books Ive Read

Books with Becs 2025-03-07 | My favorite scifi books that I would read again! What are some of yours?

Lost Ark Dreaming review youtu.be/X3yKI2Rubvk?si=YyogMKqtJ5Q5a9Ak

Books mentioned in this video:
The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain by Sofia Samatar
Sky without Stars by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
This is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladwell and Amal El-Mohtar
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
Those Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
Do You Dream of Terra Two by Temi Oh
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers

Say A Little Prayer by Jenna Voris spoiler free review

Books with Becs 2025-03-05 | Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is gay. I loved this book so much I finished it in one sitting!

The River Has Roots spoiler free review

Books with Becs 2025-03-04 | My thoughts on The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar. I was really looking forward to this book because I loved This is How You Lose the Time War.

I listened to the audiobook thanks to Libro.fm's librarian listening copy program.

Fantasy and Science Fiction Recommendations

Books with Becs 2025-02-28 | Some of my favorite books in speculative fiction that are written by female authors, to help diversify the tbr

Jonathan Strange vlog youtu.be/DQ3DZuRsceI?si=p66q4nweHX2b-ocF
Ink Blood Sister Scribe review youtu.be/Wmi72p3ZKD0?si=eiRC0iZMgcREsPOH
A Sorceress Comes to Call review youtu.be/Nx98DiAYTY0?si=pQV8N9S0coiUaIvG
Temeraire review youtu.be/Yf23sBEtZ9Q?si=80I0jvmwPICDhpWb

00:00 preable
00:51 Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb
04:16 Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
05:41 Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
07:22 All Systems Red by Martha Wells
09:07 Do You Dream of Terra Two by Temi Oh
12:10 Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
13:45 A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
15:16 A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
16:23 The Practice, the Horizon, and the Chain by Sofia Samatar
18:23 A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
21:24 His Majesty's Dragon (Temeraire) by Naomi Novik
23:11 The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
25:33 The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
27:51 Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee
29:13 in conclusion

Backlist Books I Must Read This Year

Books with Becs 2025-02-15 | My reading plans for this year! Is this too ambitious? We shall see.

Channels mentioned
@CamsCampbellReads
@realmofkidlitcomics
@charlie-read-a-book
@hardysbooks

Talking about nonfiction books I loved youtu.be/EsYVrV7ucgY?si=3DqL6XE8jN7uGlJj
best books of 2024 youtu.be/IlATTZGz5jg?si=CiyMDYH99gh8PjRn

Books mentioned in video:
Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
David Mogo Godhunter by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Son of the Storm by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Savage Legion by Matt Wallace
Blackwater by Michael McDowell
The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar
Mechanize My Hands to War by Erin K. Wagner
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Semiosis by Sue Burke
Planetfall by Emma Newman
Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez
High-Rise by J. G. Ballard
The Calculating Stars by Mary Robinette Kowal
You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue
The Maniac by Benjamín Labatut
The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys
The Revolution of Marina M. by Janet Fitch
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Human Acts by Han Kang
We Do Not Part by Han Kang
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq
Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield
Songs of Irie Asha Ashanti Bromfield
The Corpse Exhibition by Hassan Blasin
At Night All Blood is Black by David Diop
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp
Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
Wild New World by Dan Flores
Coyote America by Dan Flores
American Serengeti by Dan Flores
The Six by Loren Grush
Too Far From Home by Chris Jones
The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs by Steve Brusatte
The Rise and Reign of the Mammals by Steve Brusatte
The Fossil Hunter by Shelley Emling
The Dinosaur Artist by Paige Williams
Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party by Edward Dolnick

00:00 preamble
02:23 fantasy
06:31 science fiction
10:11 historical fiction
13:16 other non speculative books
18:51 nonfiction
23:24 conclusion

CircumnaviRead Voting Time!

Books with Becs 2025-02-03 | 00:00 preamble
01:11 Roadside Picnic by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
01:53 Blindness by José Saramago
02:40 The Way Spring Arrives and Other Stories
03:51 Snow Globe by Soyoung Park

Starting Even More Books! Weekly Update

Books with Becs 2025-01-26 | A reader's tale of trying to read too many books at once.

00:00 preamble
00:49 A Hero Born by Jin Yong
04:10 Clean by Alia Trabucco Zerán
07:20 Fair Play by Katie Barnes
12:30 At the Fount of Creation by Tobi Ogundiran
12:48 what are you reading this week?

ALL THE BOOKS IM READING - WEEKLY WRAP UP

Books with Becs 2025-01-17 | All the books I'm reading this week!

booktubers mentioned
@PageTurnersWithKatja
@timburbagereads

00:00 preamble
00:50 A Hero Born by Jin Yong
02:44 At the Fount of Creation by Toni Ogundiran
04:35 The Lost World of the Dinosaurs by Armin Schmitt
08:09 A History of Dinosaurs in 50 Fossils by Paul M. Barrett
10:32 Clean by Alia Trabucco Zerán
15:21 channel update

Award Show - Best Books of 2024

Books with Becs 2025-01-06 | Welcome to The Book Awards! This is where I talk about all the best books I read in 2024

Channels mentioned
@hardysbooks
@Johanna_reads

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell spoiler discussion youtu.be/Y7ggGZVYwgE?si=B8zRGt29RCzYPy0P

Lost Ark Dreaming review youtu.be/X3yKI2Rubvk?si=m2Y21U1QZZ0memdn
A Clash of Kings vlog youtu.be/ff672gwlVLE?si=8UnLO7fH3AnlvrgX
A Sorceress Comes to Call vlog youtu.be/Nx98DiAYTY0?si=79cv3pHVoTTZavb8
In the Shadow of the Fall review youtu.be/94eH1yuSwZE?si=_pATUeLZ-3R9k5Ic
Dead Cat Tail Assassins vlog youtu.be/_G90puqUYW0?si=pEoFvA_QJCs_LKcm
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell vlog youtu.be/DQ3DZuRsceI?si=hgrlLI8FIERLP2gY
His Majesty's Dragon vlog youtu.be/Yf23sBEtZ9Q?si=Ebc-o4rRuKwKMANO

00:00 welcome
00:41 Best Fantasy
03:00 Best Science Fiction
06:23 Best Non Speculative Fiction
09:42 Best Nonfiction
13:18 Best Plays
15:06 Best Reread
17:12 Best 2024 Releases
19:22 Best Backlist Books
20:53 Best Short Stories
24:48 Best Tomes
27:20 Best Novellas
29:33 Most Underrated
30:46 Most Likely to Reread
31:40 Can't Stop Thinking About
33:25 Book of the Year

Books mentioned in video:
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Do You Dream of Terra-Two? by Temi Oh
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
The Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Escaping Mr. Rochester by L.L. McKinney
Ten Days in a Mad-House by Nellie Bly
Wild New World by Dan Flores
The Mercury 13 by Martha Ackmann
R.U.R by Karel Čapek
Macbeth by Shakespeare
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
The Ones Who Walk Away from Omegas by Ursula K. Le Guin
No One Will Come Back for Us by Premee Mohamed
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
The Practice, The Horizon, The Chain by Sofia Samatar
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran

A Non Reader Explains The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

Books with Becs 2024-12-06 | I haven't read a word of the Stormlight Archives, but I have been around the book internet, so I think I can explain the series. Let's see how much I get right!

Books with Lasting Impact | Back to Browsing Book Tag

Books with Becs 2024-12-02 | Discussing some of the books that have impacted my life.

Thanks @ladymairreads for tagging me in the Back to Browsing Tag!
Lady Mair's video: youtube.com/watch?v=ssCUdK7FXlY&t=140s

And thanks to @RovingReader for creating this tag!
The original tag video youtube.com/watch?v=XRX3tLIie6E

I tag
@PageTurnersWithKatja
@thefairylibrarian3282
@RaeLovesToRead
@timburbagereads

00:00 preamble
01:30 1. Magic of discovery - share a book you found whilst browsing that you may not have discovered otherwise.
04:40 2. Expanding World - share a book that's made you view things from a different perspective or exposed you to new ideas
13:52 3. Open to change - share a book that has changed who you are as a person or altered you day to day habits.
17:38 4. Browse a bookstore, library or a friend's shelves and talk about a book you found.
26:40 5. Tag People!

Books mentioned in video:
Temeraire series by Naomi Novik
No One Will Come Back for Us by Premee Mohamed
Bats in the Library by Brian Lies
The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason
A Few Rules for Predicting the Future by Octavia E. Butler
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Murderbot series by Martha Wells
Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
A Long Way to A Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
Another Place at the Table by Kathy Harrison
Wild New World by Dan Flores
Almost Astronauts by Tanya Lee Stone
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
The Tyranny of Flies by Elaine Vilar Madruga
Too Far From Home by Chris Jones
The Mercury 13 by Martha Ackmann
The Blue, Beautiful World by Karen Lord
Blindness by José Saramago
American Prison by Shane Bauer
Blood in the Water by Heather Ann Thompson
Dear Dad by Jay Jay Patton
You Glow in the Dark by Liliana Colanzi
Broken by Jessica Pryce

Reading Challenge Announcement #CircumnaviRead

Books with Becs 2024-11-28 | Starting in 2025 I will be hosting readalongs for science fiction and fantasy books from around the world! We will be navigating the world through books that we read together. I will also be hosting discussions on this channel and in my discord for each book that we read. We will read 3 fantasy books and 3 science fiction books from a different part of the world next year. You are welcome to join if you read one book, or all six.

Join the discord: discord.gg/k5FHfU69mc

I'm already reading A Hero Born in January with @timburbagereads
Here's all the details: youtu.be/Zo48SJFIgtY?si=DwHBjYzGm-tHPEzS

I was inspired by @PageTurnersWithKatja
Checkout the Reading the Globe challenges
Fiction youtube.com/watch?v=3xzEp5gHE5s
Young Adult youtu.be/s6h6rhv7ui8?si=3cXmkMUEg_gYelkr
Classics youtu.be/ZFmN_dT3dPo?si=ndB0z9oRrcoaYB9s

00:00 how it works
02:39 book options for January
07:05 in conclusion

Predicting the Winners for the Goodreads Choice Awards

Books with Becs 2024-11-26 | Discussing my predictions for the goodreads choice awards, where I pick the books that I think will win each category. Let me know if you think I'm right or wrong!

Great Books, Low Time Commitment

Books with Becs 2024-11-22 | Today I'm talking about books that I have loved that are short. This is a great way to complete your reading challenges, or just enjoy a good story without a long time commitment

Hello Future Me video youtu.be/R_8vrTs_yDg?si=K9lB5-qigg_gBhTv

Lost Ark Dreaming review youtu.be/X3yKI2Rubvk?si=EArRkwQrARR8EJ4R
In The Shadow of the Fall review youtu.be/94eH1yuSwZE?si=6n4KXda549x-Qi4i
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins vlog youtu.be/_G90puqUYW0?si=WxGo9CnXus1VpieN
Ten Days in a Mad House thoughts youtu.be/FCIlToTmKMg?si=p6OV1leM2A2P8tcK

Books Mentioned in Video
Ten Days in a Mad House by Nellie Bly
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Practice, The Horizon, The Chain by Sofia Samatar
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Murderbot series by Martha Wells
Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
Untethered Sky by Fonda Lee
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
The Ice Dragon by George R.R. Martin
Shakespeare audio dramas
A Few Rules for Predicting the Future by Octavia E. Butler

Why didnt these make the nominations? | Fantasy and Science Fiction

Books with Becs 2024-11-14 | Let's discuss the Goodreads Choice Awards! What books should have name the nominations but didn't? Why were some books overlooked?

Lost Ark Dreaming Review youtu.be/X3yKI2Rubvk?si=sKKf7XYOMhrFoPiC
Dead Cat Tail Assassins Vlog youtu.be/_G90puqUYW0?si=F1YIs7s5Biks2mPm
In the Shadow of the Fall review youtu.be/94eH1yuSwZE?si=fPHnhjlMwsmja_sW

Books mentioned in video:
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
The Practice, The Horizon, The Chain by Sofia Samatar
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djeli Clark
Dragon Rider by Taran Matharu
The Silverblood Promise by James Logan
The Daughter's War by Christopher Buehlman
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

Reacting to the Goodreads Choice Award Nominees

Books with Becs 2024-11-12 | Join the discussion:
Discord: discord.gg/JspBDaXrXk
Goodreads: goodreads.com/user/show/38496373-reading-with-rebecca-nicole
Bookstagram: instagram.com/readingwithrebeccanicole
Instagram: instagram.com/mountainsequels

Goodreads Choice Awards Predictions - Fantasy, Scifi, Romantasy, YA Fantasy

Books with Becs 2024-11-11 | All the books that I think will make the Goodreads Choice Awards nominees! This is for the speculative fiction categories

00:00 preamble
01:24 fantasy
12:23 romantasy
14:23 young adult fantasy
16:41 science fiction

A Roller Coaster of Emotions - Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell Reading Vlog

Books with Becs 2024-11-04 | All of my feelings while reading my first Susanna Clarke book. I'm so happy I read this one, and now I need to read everything else Susanna Clarke has written, especially Piranesi!

Thanks so much to Ross and Laura @hardysbooks for hosting this readalong!

Chapter by Chapter breakdown: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtZHE5WNHDs2m-j53Vg0EMpr5KcU9oHJo&si=4AZFsstjdCCvWNiq

Post Buddy Read Discussion: youtu.be/Y7ggGZVYwgE?si=ESdO8Npcyt7wc2uO

Too Little Year Left! | End of the Year Book Tag

Books with Becs 2024-10-29 | Where I talk about my reading plans and all the things bookish for end of the year and reading goals for next year.

Original tag video: youtube.com/watch?v=hHf0O4e2Z6A&ab_channel=ArielBissett

Books Mentioned in video:
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
A Storm of Swords by George RR Martin
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
The Order of Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho
The Wind's Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. Le Guin
The Great Library of Tomorrow by Rosalia Aguilar Solace
The Fury of the Gods by John Gwynne
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh
Queen Hereafter by Isabelle Schuler
Queen Macbeth by Val McDermid
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner
Parable of the Talents by Octavia E. Butler
Invisible Wounds by Jess Ruliffson
Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ryn Estrada, and Ko Hyung-Ju
Homebody by Theo Parish
Human Acts by Han Kang
In Ascension by Martin MacInnes

Questions:
1. Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?
2. Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?
3. Is there a new release you're still waiting for?
4. What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?
5. Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?
6. Have you already started making reading plans for 2018?

00:00 preamble
00:40 my current reads
02:22 dark and cozy autumn vibes
03:01 we love new books!
03:54 crushed by my tbr
07:00 which books am I expecting to like the most?
07:50 plans and goals to read all the books

The Booktube Betrayal Tag

Books with Becs 2024-10-25 | Check out the original tag: youtube.com/watch?v=hhP2-7oaDLc
created by @TheLibraryofAllenxandria and @Johanna_reads

You are now tagged
@ladymairreads
@hardysbooks
@thefairylibrarian3282
@ChloeFrizzle
@WillowTalksBooks
@DanielGreeneReviews
@merphynapierreviews

Lady Macbeth and Feminist Retellings: youtube.com/watch?v=IT_fFYEwIFI
A Clash of Kings vlog: youtu.be/ff672gwlVLE?si=Ueoz7opmsK-unJF3
The Justice of Kings thoughts: youtu.be/Vwq4vrpZgWE?si=_tjbdgvwTsAoUdIz
Lost Ark Dreaming review: youtu.be/X3yKI2Rubvk?si=lK17l1yy4w7_ABe4
Tigana vlog: youtu.be/rxpe7isigUo?si=VWNDUi-HoeLMVFyy

Prompts:
1. Dusted
What book did you relish reading that other people blasted through and dusted you buddy reading

2. Book Stabbing
What is the book that’s been languishing on your TBR for so long because you keep prioritizing other buddy reads before it

3. Review overlord
Name a time you did not want to review or talk about a book because a) someone reviewed it so well first or b) there are already so many reviews/discussions of the book.

4. Sold out
Name a BookTuber who hyped a book so much that it’s no longer available in certain formats.

5. Damaged goods
Name a book you lent out and never got back (or got it back damaged)

6. Stealing the spotlight
Name someone who has gotten all the praise or attention for hyping a book you hyped first.

7. Outlier
Name a book that the masses overhyped or underhyped according to your taste.

8. Slump Starter
Name a book that diminished your desire to read.

9. I told you so!
A book you told people was bad but they read it anyway and didn't like it.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler Review [minor spoilers]

Books with Becs 2024-10-22 | My deep dive thoughts on Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower.

00:00 preamble
00:33 what's this book about
01:56 exploration of empathy
03:53 Lauren's family and growing up
09:33 inspiration for the story
13:24 empathy with animals
15:30 writing evoking emotion
17:30 the religion of Earthseed
25:14 the icky relationship
27:30 concluding thoughts

A Clash of Kings Reading Vlog

Books with Becs 2024-10-15 | I'm reading A Song of Ice and Fire for the first time after binging Game of Thrones a couple years ago. This is my experience reading A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin for the first time

00:00 intro
01:07 interlude
01:25 first update
08:44 interlude
09:17 second update
17:25 interlude
18:13 final update