Book Review: Stoner by, John Williams
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- Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
- In today's video I'll be reviewing Stoner by, John Williams.
Stoner Written Reviews:
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I’ve heard positive things said about _Stoner_ but never this kind of in depth review from a trusted source, so thank you for doing this.
Thank you! I actually haven’t watched any reviews on this one so, I have no idea what’s out there 🤣
About being discontent or being happy (also from the same book):
“Our entire society is based on discontent. People wanting more and more and more. Being constantly dissatisfied with their homes, their bodies, their décor, their clothes, everything - taking it for granted that that’s the whole point of life. Never to be satisfied. If you are perfectly happy with what you got, especially if what you got isn’t even all that spectacular then you’re dangerous. You’re breaking all the rules. You’re undermining the sacred economy. You’re challenging every assumption that society is built on.” ― Tana French, The Likeness
Why would anyone agree with that? Desire is actually an endless sacred ambition that can be used properly to serve all for the greater good . Desire is a divine thing that keeps life eternally flowing.
This is my first John Williams novel and I can say, as a father of two daughters, it made me cry! Several times. It was the perfect novel in some ways, it possessed a very steady rhythm throughout that kept me engaged. I also want to mention that reading it as a Black person might be a little different than the common interpretation or reading of the novel. There are (minor) Black characters in this book that are treated with, when adjusted for the times of the early and mid-20th century, respect and dignity. Unlike some other novels that were published during that time (think: Flannery O'Conner). I also felt great sympathy, because of the powerful writing style, for a white man - someone who seemingly is born with all privileges, never having to fight for the right to vote, or to be hired at a university. This book makes me put all of the typical ties of identity aside and resonates on a deeper human, existential level. Very grateful to have read this. Excited to read more John Williams. I bought Butcher's Crossing yesterday.
That's such a good point - I think the best stories make us realize that we all have so much more in common than not. Butcher's Crossing is FANTASTIC!!
Alana,
I was first attracted to Stoner from the name on the spine (hint of my misguided youth). I need to re-read it as you did. I identified with Stoner almost as an internal experience. The adverb I attached to my life was "almost", for many of the same reasons ("Make peace with mediocrity, you'll never amount to anything, anyway"). I'm giving away too much here. Moving on. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt out of place for any prolonged period of time. Jhuma Lahiri's, Interpreter of Maladies struck the same chord with me. As far as your review went, I couldn't have said it better myself. Well done.
That's a really good way to describe this book: "Almost." And thank you!
About Stoner being an observer, reminds me of this:
“I had always felt that I was an observer, never a participant; that I was watching from behind a thick glass wall as people went about the business of living--and did it with such ease, with a skill that they took for granted and that I had never known.” ― Tana French, The Likeness
The Likeness just went on my list. Thank you.
Read this whilst on holiday after quitting a 9-5 job that drained me. Exactly what I needed. Feeling energised, refreshed and that life is hopefully a long journey full of different chapters. Stoner is relatable, simple and affirms that normal is totally OK. Thanks for a great review.
Yes, this book is so relatable, it almost hurts haha. Thanks for watching! :)
Incredible description of the book. Thank you
Alana talking about my favourite book, woohoo! I'm glad you gave it another chance in 2021, I usually reread it once a year. Never fails to get me out of a reading slump.
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 I’m glad I gave it another chance too. Right book, wrong time the first time haha
William Faulkner said to read everything. Read to challenge yourself; read trash for joy. He is one of the greats. Actually, when I read him I realized no matter how much I wrote, read and how hard I worked, I'd never write like him. He was born that way. P.S.- My grandparents rented a 2 bedroom apt all their lives. Both survived WWII but my grandma had major PTSD and agoraphobia, so she didn't work despite having a retail certificate (it was a thing back then (before electric cash registers) to know how to count). I have never known two more peaceful, compassionate and loving people in my life. And most of all, I've never known two people who appreciated each other more than my grandparents did. Great review, Alana. It's on my TBR list.
I have yet to read Faulkner 👀 Aw thanks for sharing and thank you!
This.book. It won't leave me no matter how many years have passed since I've read it. I do think it helps to grasp it if you have quite a bit of life experience under you...at least that's my opinion. It is a quiet, devastating read. And yet, it's suffused with life and beauty. Imo, it has all the makings of what moves me most when I read. But even more than everything else I've listed, it's the kind of book I read(and there aren't many) where when I finish it, I actually feel gratitude that I was alive to read it. This is no small thing.
Yes! agreed! There is something that lingers with this one.
I just finished reading this book and I totally agree with your suggestion of reading it when you’re at a particular point in your life. I am at a pivotal point with work, future academic studies and my relationships, so seeing how Stoner lived his life despite so many circumstances that could have broken him touches me deeply.
Yes! It really hits during certain life experiences.
Just finished it this evening, and although truth be told I didn’t feel the story was all that compelling … Maybe even a little depressing, however I thought it was some of the best writing that I have ever read in my life! It was so smooth, and the final scene in the book felt like I was actually there. Simply masterful contemporary literature. PS I loved your review. PSS please don’t get upset with me for saying this, but you really are beautiful as well!
Great thoughts, Alana! Stoner is firmly placed in my favorites too.
Your review helped me realize more of what I loved about it.
Stoner, not just a guy and not just a book. So much more.
Thanks Margot!! And I’m glad!!
you know what i loved tho? i LOVED how kind Stone was throughout.
YES!!!!! He is such a kind character!
When I recommend this book to people, they usually read a quick blurb about it and say it sounds boring. It kinda does, but man, I really loved it. I like your description of the tunnel vision while reading it. Great review and analysis!
Excellent review of one of my favorite books of all time! I read this for the first time in 2021 and again last year. You described the exact reasons why I resonated with it so deeply, and I loved your quote selection. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Augustus. Stoner is still my favorite, but all three-Butcher’s Crossing, Augustus, and Stoner-showcase Williams’s range. Thank you for this!
Thank you Andrea! I really need to get to Augustus soon! maybe I can squeeze it in at some point this year. It's not a long book.
Stoner is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read.
Agreed! :)
I was prompted to read “Stoner” by my former teacher the author John McGahern. In writing the introduction to this NYRB edition his final writing for publication before his passing he explains how the book impacted him as a writer and as a person. Like John I too have been promoting this work to anyone who will listen since he converted me. Thanks for the reminder to reread soon !
haha right!? the premise seems boring but something about it just sucks you right in. Thank you!
Hi Alana!
I watched your video about *Stoner* by John Williams and really enjoyed it. One of the common feelings among readers of this book is how they become fascinated with the characters, especially Stoner, and many feel the urge to read it over and over again.
In my opinion, this book is a celebration of simplicity. It shows how an ordinary, or as you put it, routine life can be endearing.
I also made a video about this book a couple of days ago and posted it on my channel. Although, I’m not sure if you’d be interested in watching it since it’s in a different language.
Anyway, I’m glad that literature can connect people all over the world through shared experiences with a work of art. Even though we’re far apart (like you and me in different parts of the world), we can still share in the same joy.
Wishing you all the best, and I hope every book you read brings you great pleasure.
Best regards,
Mostafa
Thank you!! Yes I agree, it celebrates simplicity and I love these kind of “slice of life” novels.
Agreed! It’s amazing how, thanks to the internet literature can connect people across the world 😊
@@alanaestelle2076 thanks My friend 🌻🙏📚
You've convinced me to move this up on my priority list. If I don't get to it this year, then definitely next year! You're also the one who convinced me to buy it in the first place. 😁
Yaaaaas!!!! I think you'll enjoy this one!
Just finished reading this book. This got me out of my reading slump....amazingly good...can't stop thinking about it..have a feeling it will stay with me for a while...Thanks Alana!😊
I'm glad it helped with your reading slump! :)
I am a reader from china and I really like this book which just describe to us a realistic world that sometimes seems have no meaning and our life seems not so attractive and successful. All my life seems just like a 8x speed movie and I also recall the movie < Once Upon a Time in America>
The heroine seems have many shortcomings just like a miniature of us who fighted so hard and burn our blood through our life tring to be successful, when the last day of my life approch, we may recall all the ebb and the flow: our whole life seems just like a dream including joyfulness, sadness, powerness, glory, defeat.... all these feelings mix together crushing to me at the same moment and I may cry when I even don't know what I am crying for. Is it because of the mercy for myself? for the world? for the girls that I miss? for the things that i ought to do better? for the reluctant to accept my failure? for my lover who i don't want to say goodbye? All these just blow out like a firework and it will bloom like a fairy and then become silent like a tomb forever.
This is beautiful, thanks for sharing! :)
I've only read this and Butcher's Crossing by Williams but they're both incredible and have made him one of my favorite authors. I have to get to Augustus one day
I definitely need to get to Augustus soon!
Great review; loved it!
Thanks, Kurt!
Great timing! I'm about to read this book next so I'll be coming back to watch this once I finish. Super excited :)
yay! :)
I had never heard of this book but thanks to UA-camrs I found it. I agree with you it was a remarkable read. Enjoyed your review.
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!
I double majored in history and sociology as well. Can totally relate to needing a pause from thinking about books. Will def have to pick this one up as I love books that have layers.
haha right!? So much dense reading for those majors. Hope you enjoy it! :)
Great review! I read it last October and loved it too.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Loved it as always
Thank you! I have a review on Butcher’s Crossing that was posted sometime last year.
One of the best things I’ve read. Great review. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it! And thank you!
Amazing review ❤ I’ll pick this one soon, 😀
Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! 🤗
I just can’t imagine you reading fluff. 🤷🏼♀️ Stoner has been on my TBR for a long time. I hope to get to it soon. Great review!
hahahahah Fluff has it's place LOL. Sometimes I read fluff because I know it's going to be ridiculous. Hope you get to read it soon and enjoy it! :)
I share your enthusiasm for this beautiful novel. I gave a copy to my dad and he also loved it. I still need to read Augustus.
I gave my dad a copy as well. I really need to get to Augustus. I’ve heard it’s fantastic. 👀
I find this book to be a masterpiece. Can’t praise it enough. Mesmerizing.
Agreed!!
Would highly recommend Butcher's crossing by the same author (John Williams) if you haven't read it already. Stoner is a 5/5 for me too and Butchers crossing was just shy of it, probably like a 4.75. I think you'd appreciate the style and themes in it, without spoiling anything it's to me about two things: Transcendentalism(It's flaws and pros) and Mankind vs Nature. Butcher's crossing also has that "Moving In slow motion" feel.
I read it last year and loved it. One of my top reads of 2023 :)
Definitely on my TBR
I just read it, and fully agree with you. 100%!
Stoner is like the epitome of Dory's motto "Just keep swimming."
I’ve been saying that to myself a lot lately 🤣
It does stay with you. It's something one should read. But I don't plan on re-reading. I did not like how passive he was. Some of his students see Stoner's brilliance in his classroom. Obviously that wasn't enough in Stoner's life. I get that he wasn't a go-getter. His go-getter friends rush to war, and one does not come back. Perhaps Williams is saying that everything has pluses and minuses. Stoner does fight the deviant student. Why not do the same for his own life? Perhaps that's who Stoner was. I hate myself when I don't do things. Maybe the book is saying that's okay. But Stoner seems like a cautionary tale of what not to do. I know I'm flipping it upside down... but I wonder if Williams also expected few of his readers would be energized by Stoner's inaction? Like Stoner, I'm an introvert, and I studied literature. I'm not even young. But Stoner's life as a fish out of water on a hot day isn't something I want to revisit. Strange how it stays with you, though.
Stoner is definitely a passive character. I think Williams is just highlighting a different type of main character to personality perhaps that just at odds with his surroundings. He’s so … interior.
I just finished this yesterday. I'm not as fond as everyone else, but it's definitely a book that has me thinking.
It does make you think!
the perfect introvert book
it is!
I love books and movies about average people.
So do I!
Is your last name Saldana? (Sorry, you probably get that all the time)
Also, I never take ratings as definitive of a work's worth or quality. I look at them as fluid, so actually it makes sense to me that a rating could change, even drastically change.
Also, your enthusiasm and detail in your review is refreshing. As to average lives I would say, the plant came before the flower, and if you take the flower from the soil, it won't last very long.
Hahaha I do get that all the time 🤣
Same! Ratings really are subjective. Sometimes I think about abandoning them but they do give me a gauge of how I may change with a book over time.
Thank you! And I like that analogy.
I like his Butcher's Crossing better, because in part things happen. And I like things happening. D'you know what I'm saying?
Haha I’m picking up what you’re putting down. This is definitely one of those books where nothing really happens. Butcher’s Crossing is more active.
I've heard so many great things about this book I may put it in my bucket list even though it keeps getting longer and longer haha⚛😀❤
Hope you enjoy it!
I'm going to read this after booktube stops hyping it. 😅
Are they?! lol. I don’t even watch BookTube so I have no clue. 🤣
Yeah the fantasy side I hang in now and then was hyping it all last year. I know it's good/great.
❤
Good video
Thank you!
@@alanaestelle2076 you are very well spoken. Please keep doing what you are doing. You might like the works of Richard Yates, if you have not read anything by him yet
@@drainel9707 thank you and I’ll keep him in mind!
Great book and you are beautiful.
Thank you so much!
I tried to read it but found it sooo boring and had to stop. Made me feel like I am just not smart enough to get it. Maybe I just have a different view on the world than the book wants me to have. I don't think excistance just for the purpose of excistance has any meaning. If we can't contribute to the world becoming a better place, even if it is in a small scale, our excistance is ja waste of resources. But I know many people would disagree with me on this, what is totally fair.
I can see how people can find this book boring because let’s be real … not much happens hahaha. It is a very insular novel.