Hi, I’m currently reading Moby Dick and I can honestly say, hearing you read excerpts from the book, was quite enjoyable. I wouldn’t mind hearing you read the entire book. So far, I am enjoying the book, I’m on chapter 55 right now and got distracted with UA-cam videos. I really am enjoying your channel, thank you. - Maria
I'm a graduate student whose parents are literature Ph.Ds. I remember Moby Dick hanging over my head, too. Especially because my mom and dad liked writers like Charles Dickens and Dostoevsky AND STILL found Moby Dick hard to get through. I finally picked up the book a few weeks ago and finished it a few hours ago. I adored it, including the cetology sections, but I'm one of those people who goes down Wikipedia rabbit holes. I love how you discussed the subject, and I really respect how you acknowledge the value in the parts that weren't really up your alley. Your passion when describing the characters also really does you credit. This is the first video of yours that I've seen, but I can tell how much you love stories just from the way you talk. Its one of my favorite traits in people. Thanks for making this video!
Oh man, Paperback is my absolute comfort channel here on UA-cam! I think it's brilliant how much you go into the things you cover and you can see how much love is put into your videos, huge respect for that! I'm looking forward to the next book reviews!
Totally agree. On all parts. Moby Dick reminded me of The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy. Hear me out. Books couldn’t be more different, apart from how meticulously researched they are. And all that bloody research ends up on the page. So in Moby Dick you learn everything about whaling down to a full chapter about f***ing rope and in Red October, you learn how to drive a soviet nuclear submarine. There’s great stories in there but they’re buried inside technical manuals.
You’re not an idiot! Stop saying that! Listen: I have a master’s degree in literature. I read Moby Dick in high school and a few years ago in a course that I took. I am just as boggled by Moby Dick as you are and millions of other people. It’s an encyclopedic novel, covering all that is whaling. I admire it , as you do, but I’m not a huge fan. Your reactions are very common.😊 What I really love is the literary theories behind the book. Check out Toni Morrison’s take on the book. PS - I LOVE your posh British accent impersonation- on the nose! PPS - something to ponder: what if Melville purposely wrote the minutiae of whaling, etc, to confuse?
You're very kind to say so, Thomas; I appreciate it. Some of what I say about ‘being an idiot’ is a bit tongue-in-cheek, and I’m overplaying it. My sense of humour will always be self-deprecating-it’s a very English thing to talk ourselves down for laughs. But there’s also a part of me, as I’m sure there is in everyone, that wonders, ‘Who am I to question this celebrated piece of art?’ So, in many ways, it’s a defensive posture as well. Additionally, by approaching the review from this angle, even those who love the book might enjoy the video, as I’m making it clear that I’m not claiming to be an authority. Thanks for the comment mate! You're a good bloke.
Though some of the cetalogy is a bit much (especially the chapter labelled "cetalogy"), I thought it gave a fascinating anthropological insight into the world of whaling.
I think that that chapter goes a lot smoother if you read it with a picture chart of the different kinds of whales in their relative sizes. It helps to put it in context. Also the chapter is about cataloguing and the idea that no definition can ever completely (or maybe even vaguely!) describe what something or someone is actually like. It is part of Melville's idea of "the ungraspable phantom of life" as he put it in the first chapter Loomings. I think that the Cetology chapter actually finishes with him saying something like "let me never finish anything, let me never be complete" and his exercise in attempting to categorize the whales is an example of this human imperfection.
My copy of Moby Dick has a wonderful introduction by Clifton Fadiman who pointed out that the book was not really appreciated until about 1900, when people finally figured out that it should be read as myth rather than as a novel. If you keep this in mind the strangeness of the book works - you are working with archetypes, not characters. One thing Fadiman gets wrong is he says Melville has not real sense of humor. I agree with with this review, he has a *great* sense of humor.
This is a great, honest review. I read Moby Dick in 1984...yup. back in the pre-Internet dark ages. And so I found the novel a profoundly disruptive experience as it transported me on many levels into world I knew absolutely nothing about, from maniacal obsession to whaling traditions. I also lived on the coast and...well...I can't say I loved the book but the experience of reading it was rich.
If you liked all the character stuff then I would recommend The Sea Wolf by Jack London. It's similar to Moby Dick but without all the non-fiction. Just a great character study on the absolute force of nature of a sea captain
Just started my second attempt at reading through Moby Dick. Last time i stopped at 'Cetology' but you've inspired me to keep going this time. Loved your rendition of Ahab 👏
Great review. It's my favourite book, along with 1984 and Gulliver's Travels. I struggled with many of the literary and classical allusions when I first read it, although I loved the cetology and other diversions. Now, on re-reads, I'm still forever highlighting words for a goggle search. How an obsessed charismatic leader can manipulate a group into self-destruction. The ultimate cutting off your nose to spite your face. Brexit reminds me very much of Moby Dick.
I subscribed because I think your actually pretty smart...and I know now that you have definitely read at least ONE more book than I. My main reason (beside assumed difficulty) for putting off Melville is that I am such a slow reader that it means I won't be able to read anything else for 4 months at least. However your review has convinced me that the attempt now needs to be made. I guess Cervantes will be needing his turn next. Well done.
One of my favorite poker players describes poker as hours of tedium (study) and boredom (waiting for hands to play) spattered with 5 minutes of terror here and there. That’s the way I feel about MOBY DICK. I think BILLY BUD is the better Melville seafaring tale, not to mention less tedious.
One of the books I am not sure if my brain will be able to digest is James Joyce "Finnegan's Wake" ... and is considered unreadable by many. Do you intend to read and review it?
@@valliyarnl I've timed it perfectly by the sounds of it! Mate, I'm probably just around the corner to you just now. I'm in Dublin drinking a few pints!
I tried reading Moby Dick as a teen and quit really quickly. Now I'm working my way through a list of classics and it's on there. I quite like nautical history books so maybe I'll enjoy it now, but I'm not looking forward to all the whale murder. Looking forward to your thoughts on Blood Meridian. Probably my favourite book. Hopefully that doesn't make me sound like a psychopath. "bloke who sounds like he might be a chimney sweep" made me laugh btw
I read the Marvel illustrated version of Moby Dick. Marvel comics back in 2008 made a few graphic novel adaptations of classic novels and one of them was Moby Dick and Marvel did a GREAT job with it (they hired an artist named Pascal Alixe who is REALLY, REALLY great. Very detailed art, especially for Captain Ahab). Dark Horse comics did their own graphic novel of Moby Dick during 2017, but I did NOT like the art very much due to the inferior art compared to the much better art in the Marvel version. Granted, the writing in the Dark Horse version is arguably better since it takes it's time and feels more cinematic while the Marvel version was moving arguably too quickly (resulting in it feeling a bit rushed at times). Writer Roy Thomas adapted the story for Marvel comics while writer Chris Chaboute adapted the story for Dark Horse comics. In the end, I think reading BOTH Marvel's graphic novel and Darkhorse's graphic novel is a good idea since they both present the story of Moby Dick in their own unique ways.
You did it! I share your perspective on the subject of whaling facts. I would choose to read the abridged version just so I could skip the boring facts.
Id like the trivia-im someone who takes interest in anything usually thats not to do with my work😂 or laws and as long as not too in depth on the get go.
One of the all time great books. I liked the whaling history and science, both the accurate science and the folklore and misconceptions. The philosophical speculations on the other hand were a bit much for me. The meditation on the philosophical and moral implications of the color white is memorable only because it’s was several bridges too far.
I've been considering trying Moby Dick too, and I was starting to get really excited about the idea based on your sheer enthusiasm for the story and characters... until those last few minutes! 😅 Great video though!
@@PaperbackJourneys No apologies necessary! I’m still excited for the story - but maybe I’ll allow myself to skip the cetology sections if I find them dragging too much.
First time watcher, clicked for the title because I thought "this guy will get the struggle." My college writing professor's take was that Melville got a bit lost in the sauce and could've used an editor lol
Love your videos, they are so descriptive and animated. Also, you talk with the same accent as me 👌 Whereabouts in the UK were you raised? We have bets on this! 😂
Hey Carol. I'm so glad you like the videos and yeah I get carried away sometimes 😂. I was born in the Eastend of London and spent a bigger chunk of my life in Essex (Stanford-Le-Hope) near Basildon and Tilbury. I actually clean up my accent a little bit in these videos so everyone can understand me. I usually have quite a heavy cockney accent when speaking to family 😃.
Hi, I’m currently reading Moby Dick and I can honestly say, hearing you read excerpts from the book, was quite enjoyable. I wouldn’t mind hearing you read the entire book. So far, I am enjoying the book, I’m on chapter 55 right now and got distracted with UA-cam videos. I really am enjoying your channel, thank you. - Maria
I'm a graduate student whose parents are literature Ph.Ds. I remember Moby Dick hanging over my head, too. Especially because my mom and dad liked writers like Charles Dickens and Dostoevsky AND STILL found Moby Dick hard to get through. I finally picked up the book a few weeks ago and finished it a few hours ago. I adored it, including the cetology sections, but I'm one of those people who goes down Wikipedia rabbit holes. I love how you discussed the subject, and I really respect how you acknowledge the value in the parts that weren't really up your alley.
Your passion when describing the characters also really does you credit. This is the first video of yours that I've seen, but I can tell how much you love stories just from the way you talk. Its one of my favorite traits in people. Thanks for making this video!
Oh man, Paperback is my absolute comfort channel here on UA-cam! I think it's brilliant how much you go into the things you cover and you can see how much love is put into your videos, huge respect for that! I'm looking forward to the next book reviews!
Totally agree. On all parts.
Moby Dick reminded me of The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy. Hear me out.
Books couldn’t be more different, apart from how meticulously researched they are. And all that bloody research ends up on the page. So in Moby Dick you learn everything about whaling down to a full chapter about f***ing rope and in Red October, you learn how to drive a soviet nuclear submarine.
There’s great stories in there but they’re buried inside technical manuals.
The whaling info wasnt my thing either but those chapters on processing the “sperm” and “cassock.” Wow.
You are by far my favorite book tuber. Just a real person who likes books.
@@ericsechman9921 That's the biggest compliment I could get. Thank you!
Can you prove he's real?
@@ataridcGood question. 🤔
You’re not an idiot! Stop saying that! Listen: I have a master’s degree in literature. I read Moby Dick in high school and a few years ago in a course that I took. I am just as boggled by Moby Dick as you are and millions of other people. It’s an encyclopedic novel, covering all that is whaling. I admire it , as you do, but I’m not a huge fan. Your reactions are very common.😊 What I really love is the literary theories behind the book. Check out Toni Morrison’s take on the book. PS - I LOVE your posh British accent impersonation- on the nose! PPS - something to ponder: what if Melville purposely wrote the minutiae of whaling, etc, to confuse?
If he’s saying he’s an idiot let him say that. He’s trying to get attention if he’s says he’s and idiot let him be a idiot 🤷♂️
You're very kind to say so, Thomas; I appreciate it. Some of what I say about ‘being an idiot’ is a bit tongue-in-cheek, and I’m overplaying it. My sense of humour will always be self-deprecating-it’s a very English thing to talk ourselves down for laughs. But there’s also a part of me, as I’m sure there is in everyone, that wonders, ‘Who am I to question this celebrated piece of art?’ So, in many ways, it’s a defensive posture as well.
Additionally, by approaching the review from this angle, even those who love the book might enjoy the video, as I’m making it clear that I’m not claiming to be an authority.
Thanks for the comment mate! You're a good bloke.
Though some of the cetalogy is a bit much (especially the chapter labelled "cetalogy"), I thought it gave a fascinating anthropological insight into the world of whaling.
I think that that chapter goes a lot smoother if you read it with a picture chart of the different kinds of whales in their relative sizes. It helps to put it in context. Also the chapter is about cataloguing and the idea that no definition can ever completely (or maybe even vaguely!) describe what something or someone is actually like. It is part of Melville's idea of "the ungraspable phantom of life" as he put it in the first chapter Loomings. I think that the Cetology chapter actually finishes with him saying something like "let me never finish anything, let me never be complete" and his exercise in attempting to categorize the whales is an example of this human imperfection.
My copy of Moby Dick has a wonderful introduction by Clifton Fadiman who pointed out that the book was not really appreciated until about 1900, when people finally figured out that it should be read as myth rather than as a novel. If you keep this in mind the strangeness of the book works - you are working with archetypes, not characters.
One thing Fadiman gets wrong is he says Melville has not real sense of humor. I agree with with this review, he has a *great* sense of humor.
Incredible review Jay. I loved the reading out of the book :)
This book completely divided our book club. Most gave up and watched the movie, which is horrible but shorter😂
Oh yeah Marna, it's a heavy one. I can imagine it inspired a lot of conversation in your book club.
commenting real quick, gonna be listening to your videos all night tonight. your reviews and personality never fail to cheer me up. cheers man
This is a great, honest review. I read Moby Dick in 1984...yup. back in the pre-Internet dark ages. And so I found the novel a profoundly disruptive experience as it transported me on many levels into world I knew absolutely nothing about, from maniacal obsession to whaling traditions. I also lived on the coast and...well...I can't say I loved the book but the experience of reading it was rich.
If you liked all the character stuff then I would recommend The Sea Wolf by Jack London. It's similar to Moby Dick but without all the non-fiction. Just a great character study on the absolute force of nature of a sea captain
Just started my second attempt at reading through Moby Dick. Last time i stopped at 'Cetology' but you've inspired me to keep going this time. Loved your rendition of Ahab 👏
Good to see you back, really enjoyed the audio book version of this classic. I just finished assassin's apprentice....🤯 Happy reading to you ☕📖
Thanks mate! I'm still on vacation right now in Dublin but I'll be back to posting twice a week soon. I hope you enjoyed Assassin's Apprentice.
Easily made it into my top 10 books this year. Enjoy Dublin 🍻
I'm about to start Assassin's Apprentice tonight. I'm quite excited! :)
Paperback journeys isn't pregnant yet, but he never fails to deliver
He likes to be pumped with hot dog flavored water.
Great review. It's my favourite book, along with 1984 and Gulliver's Travels.
I struggled with many of the literary and classical allusions when I first read it, although I loved the cetology and other diversions. Now, on re-reads, I'm still forever highlighting words for a goggle search.
How an obsessed charismatic leader can manipulate a group into self-destruction. The ultimate cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Brexit reminds me very much of Moby Dick.
Hang on…I’m trying to get the visual of a monkey operating a fork lift out of my mind. OK, I’m ready. You were saying…
How is this channel not huge already?
I subscribed because I think your actually pretty smart...and I know now that you have definitely read at least ONE more book than I.
My main reason (beside assumed difficulty) for putting off Melville is that I am such a slow reader that it means I won't be able to read anything else for 4 months at least.
However your review has convinced me that the attempt now needs to be made.
I guess Cervantes will be needing his turn next.
Well done.
One of my favorite poker players describes poker as hours of tedium (study) and boredom (waiting for hands to play) spattered with 5 minutes of terror here and there. That’s the way I feel about MOBY DICK. I think BILLY BUD is the better Melville seafaring tale, not to mention less tedious.
Huge respect! If you're looking for book suggestions, I strongly recommend Anna Karenina, it was life-changing
@@noahgreenhouse9913 Thank you. I'll add that to the TBR for sure.
One of the books I am not sure if my brain will be able to digest is James Joyce "Finnegan's Wake" ... and is considered unreadable by many. Do you intend to read and review it?
Epic, Ahab leaves his entrance off for a long time.
OH MY GOD BLOOD MERIDIAN IS NEXT?! LFGGGG
Moby Dick was McCarthys favorite book and there’s a reference to it in BM :)
@@valliyarnl I've timed it perfectly by the sounds of it! Mate, I'm probably just around the corner to you just now. I'm in Dublin drinking a few pints!
@@PaperbackJourneys ‼️‼️‼️ enjoy your time here Jay!
the entire book is a reference, even the writing style is similar
I tried reading Moby Dick as a teen and quit really quickly. Now I'm working my way through a list of classics and it's on there. I quite like nautical history books so maybe I'll enjoy it now, but I'm not looking forward to all the whale murder.
Looking forward to your thoughts on Blood Meridian. Probably my favourite book. Hopefully that doesn't make me sound like a psychopath.
"bloke who sounds like he might be a chimney sweep" made me laugh btw
I also read Moby Dick as a graphic novel.
Oh how cool! I bet that's beautiful. There's such rich imagery in the book.
I read the Marvel illustrated version of Moby Dick. Marvel comics back in 2008 made a few graphic novel adaptations of classic novels and one of them was Moby Dick and Marvel did a GREAT job with it (they hired an artist named Pascal Alixe who is REALLY, REALLY great. Very detailed art, especially for Captain Ahab). Dark Horse comics did their own graphic novel of Moby Dick during 2017, but I did NOT like the art very much due to the inferior art compared to the much better art in the Marvel version. Granted, the writing in the Dark Horse version is arguably better since it takes it's time and feels more cinematic while the Marvel version was moving arguably too quickly (resulting in it feeling a bit rushed at times). Writer Roy Thomas adapted the story for Marvel comics while writer Chris Chaboute adapted the story for Dark Horse comics. In the end, I think reading BOTH Marvel's graphic novel and Darkhorse's graphic novel is a good idea since they both present the story of Moby Dick in their own unique ways.
Clearly you need to record an audio version of Moby Dick.
@@aprilezell3784 haha! Oh how nice are you. I'm actually planning on making A Christmas Carol audiobook and releasing it in December.
Great review!
You did it! I share your perspective on the subject of whaling facts. I would choose to read the abridged version just so I could skip the boring facts.
I am 63% through it and loving it. I am forcing myself to read it slow…
It took me three times over 20 years and being shut down.for Covid to get through it.
Id like the trivia-im someone who takes interest in anything usually thats not to do with my work😂 or laws and as long as not too in depth on the get go.
Great review
So funny....I couldn't finish Moby Dick, but I managed to get through Blood Meridian (with difficulty)
One of the all time great books. I liked the whaling history and science, both the accurate science and the folklore and misconceptions. The philosophical speculations on the other hand were a bit much for me. The meditation on the philosophical and moral implications of the color white is memorable only because it’s was several bridges too far.
I've been considering trying Moby Dick too, and I was starting to get really excited about the idea based on your sheer enthusiasm for the story and characters... until those last few minutes! 😅 Great video though!
Oh I'm sorry to have taken away that enthusiasm. I think there's an abridged version that actually removes much of the cetology.
@@PaperbackJourneys No apologies necessary! I’m still excited for the story - but maybe I’ll allow myself to skip the cetology sections if I find them dragging too much.
First time watcher, clicked for the title because I thought "this guy will get the struggle." My college writing professor's take was that Melville got a bit lost in the sauce and could've used an editor lol
Love your videos, they are so descriptive and animated. Also, you talk with the same accent as me 👌
Whereabouts in the UK were you raised? We have bets on this! 😂
Hey Carol. I'm so glad you like the videos and yeah I get carried away sometimes 😂. I was born in the Eastend of London and spent a bigger chunk of my life in Essex (Stanford-Le-Hope) near Basildon and Tilbury. I actually clean up my accent a little bit in these videos so everyone can understand me. I usually have quite a heavy cockney accent when speaking to family 😃.
I'm reading moby dick and I have a hard time with the religious parts because I have not red the Bible is there anything to help with that
Yeah this book is wicked, there's a lot to it, if you ain't 100% into it, you'll miss loads bruv.
It’s a really great book.
I'm really glad you liked it Karen. I enjoyed half of it a lot 😃
I agree with you completely. I was very disappointed with the book, for the same reason.
I’ve been reading Moby Dick for 50 years 😂. It’s awful 😞
it's not the whale ahab hates but god.
baldness upon your relatives