I can't believe I didn't think of Fredrick Backman. She mentions him on the channel ALL the time and I haven't even been watching as many videos this year as usual and I know this.
Seconding this but Merphy let me just warn you that there are deliberate misspellings of words in those books because the protagonist can't read or write. If you're chill with that the books are AMAZING.
I predict Brandon Sardenson, Frederik Backman and Jane Austen. All phenomenal authors. As a side note, I want to say how much I love this channel! Your videos are always entertaining and informative, a rare combo. I love how honest yet polite you are when expressing your opinions. Nowadays so many people on the Internet shamelessly offend writers without a second thought, but you manage to never fall into that category. Your criticism is always constructive and encouraging. We need more people like you in the world.
You introduced me to Backman, so thank you for that! Earlier this year I borrowed Us Against You from the library and fell in love so hard. I have purchased it and Beartown for myself to read whenever I want. I have also read Britt-Mrie was here, and man, I just really adore his characters and style. I might not have started reading him without you, so thank you for helping me discover a favorite author!
Did you read Us Against You first? If so, did you find it difficult? I haven't read Beartown because it's so hard to get it here and I can only get a hold on Us Against You🥀
@@Jasmine-gx8be I didn't find it difficult at all! It's a sequel but independent from the first story, and it introduces the characters very well. I couldn't put the book down at all.
Hooray for Abercrombie! I agree with your assessment of his character work, and it’s great to hear how each of these authors has moved you. Jane Austen is, of course, amazing, and everyone should try at least one of her novels. I love Neil Gaiman too. Thanks for this video!
Because of this video, yesterday I went and bought Fredrick Backman’s “And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer”. I read it last night before bed, it is my first Backman read. It was honestly one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking things I’ve ever read. I had to stop reading for a couple minutes in the last five pages because I couldn’t see thanks to something getting in both of my eyes at the same time lol. I think it is very much worth your time. I plan on reading it again this weekend. If you’ve ever watched a loved one slowly drift away at the hand of Alzheimer’s, this may be a difficult read for you. I have not, and it still was an incredibly emotional journey. One of the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given, I can’t stop thinking about it. Thank you so much for this recommendation. It’s given me a lot to think about.
I wouldn’t let the spoiler of A Man Called Ove keep you from reading the book. I thought most of the plot was pretty predictable, but it’s the WAY the story is written that makes the book so enjoyable.
Honestly the only Fredrick Backman book I've read is A Man Called Ove and I immediately proclaimed him as probably one of my top 10 fave authors. I keeping saying I will read his other books but haven't...yet. I did start Britt-Marie and the long titled one with the grandmother, but didn't finish them.
I get so excited when I see your videos pop up on my homepage. Just a great way to start a day. You have also introduced so many authors to me, I am forever grateful!
I started reading Neil Gaiman (Neverwhere) because you spoke so highly of him in many previous videos, and I LOVED THAT BOOK!! I also have Brandon Sanderson's Way of Kings in my Audible library just waiting to be devoured-also due to your high praises! I've been wanting to get back into fantasy-hadn't read any since the Narnia series when I was a kid-and you've given me a portal-if-you-will back into that genre! So, thank you!
Awesome!! I just read Rebecca this month, LOVED it and am excited to read more of du Maurier eventually! Following the rule of reading more than one work/series, my favorite author would have to be Jennifer Nielsen (I didn’t click with her fantasy stories, but her Ascendance series is INCREDIBLE, one of my favorite series. and her historical fictions are also amazing); I’ll also mention Melanie Dickerson, she wrote several historical fiction duologies about historical/mythological princesses. I haven’t read them in years, should reread them, but I’d still consider them among my favorite books. I wish I had more authors that I love everything they do, but I tend to find one work/series an author does that I love, and either haven’t read their other works yet (plan to read more Jane Austen soon, too!) or their other works haven’t clicked with me. I do hope to read Neil Gaiman soon, and hopefully eventually Frederick Bachmann
This is totally random, but since I collect them I noticed: you have an Iroh from ATLA Funko Pop behind you on your shelf! I have a Zuko to go with him in my collection. Also, neat video! It's always cool to see how your interests and favorites change each year. Thanks for making these!
You seem to really like deep conversations and themes in ur stories so i wanted to Recommend reading the manga Fruits Basket. The art style is very dated but the themes and journey the story presents changes me every time I read it. When I need to cheer myself up I read this, not because it’s funny but because I feel seen. There is someone a person of any age can relate to and as I’ve grown up Ive taken different lessons from it. It’s truly an emotional journey that no other piece of media has come close to touching. The 2019 anime is very accurate to the manga so u could watch it too.
Only one missing was Joe which took over lynch, but everything else was on point. It is funny to see how I have gone into and fell in love with some of these authors (Backman, Sanderson and Joe; also Lynch and others) thanks to you and your channel. Our taste might not always align, but I will always be thankful to you for expanding my options and introduce me to all these worlds and story....and Daniel 😂. You are the best.
I have read Beartown and LOVED it. I have grown up in Texas and can could totally see that story playing out on small town football teams here! I am just about to start A Man Called Ove.
English isn't my first language but your accent is so clear that I can understand everything. ALSO great video , looking forward to your other December specials
I just listened to “and every morning the way home gets longer and longer” it was so beautiful! Thanks so much for introducing me to this wonderful author.
My favorite author of all time is Margaret Atwood. She mainly writes dystopia and speculative fiction but her prose is so brilliant, witty, marvelous, daring, has a tongue-in-cheek feel that I would read anything she writes
I love Gaiman. I'm so glad to see you talk about Daphne du Maurier. I need to go back and reread my favorite and read some that I haven't. I remember loving Jamaica Inn.
For Gaiman, the description I usually fall back on is "modern fairy tales." I think it fits most (maybe all) of his stories pretty well, and gives a prospective reader a fair chance of having the right mindset and expectations from the start. Separately, I really think you'll like Neal Stephenson when/if you get around to reading his books. I look forward to the day you review _Snow Crash,_ or better yet _Cryptonomicon,_ on the channel.
Aw yeah read A Man called Ove! Honestly knowing the ending really doesn't affect the reading of the book itself. I feel like the book is quite predictable anyway but it's written in Backman's beautiful style, with his usual narration on everything that is human and that's what makes it wonderful.
I recently read The Ocean at the End of the Lane per your recommendation in your videos, and I loved it! I totally agree that Gaiman is an incredibly immersive author and It just makes his stories feel so magical. I also watch his Masterclass, and it's incredible. He has a lot of amazing advice for aspiring writers.
Haven't read anywhere near enough books this year, but from what I have Joe Abercrombie is my favourite so far. I usually stick to Fantasy stuff but I just read Beartown by Fredrik Backman after you recommended it so highly, and I loved it! I'm pretty certain that if I get to read any more of his books this year he will be on my list too! Thanks for bringing him to my attention.
Enjoyed this video! As i'm discovering Gaiman, I would be one to watch a more in-depth video on him and the books you have and your thoughts one them. Have a great weekend! :)
Neil Gaiman has written some of the best short stories. Fragile Things, Trigger Warnings and Smoke and Mirrors feature great stories. I saw you have Snow, Glass, Apples. It is an interesting Snow White retelling that features in Smoke and Mirrors and A Study In Emerald is the first story in Fragile Things.
My favorite authors are - Cassandra Clare, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Julie Kagawa, Dan Brown, & Amanda Hocking. From your list I have read Jane Austen (Pride & Prejudice, Emma, & part of Sense & Sensibility) & Neil Gaiman (Sandman & part of American Gods).
Before watching: 1. Fredrick Backmann 2. Brandon Sanderson 3. Robert Jordan 4. Jane Austen 5. Evan Winter 6. J. R. R. Tolkien Edit: Okaay so I got 3 of them right! I have been watching your videos for about a month now, I think this is still pretty good I guess!
Have you ever read 'Good Omens' by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett? Because I'd definitely recommend it if you haven't. I have read it so many times now and it keeps being so funny and clever. The way Gaiman and Pratchett put their writingstyles and ideas together and managed to make a hilarious cult classic that parodies a horror film is amazing.
Daphne du Maurier is one of those authors whose books you have to reread in order to get the full depth of her writing. Oooh called Austen, Sanderson, and Lynch so that's 2/3.
I've only just started watching the channel so I couldn't guess your favourite writers. The only Backman book I've read is, funnily enough, A Man Called Ove (and I've seen the film.) I will add more to my Ridiculous Reading List. My personal favourite authors: Iain M. Banks, Tove Jansson - I'm not sure how old your child is but The Moomin books are brilliant for kids; Haruki Murakami, Dorothy L. Sayers, Michael Moorcock, Arthur Conan-Doyle and Elizabeth Gaskell (if you like Jane Austen you might want to dip your toes into Gaskell if you haven't already. I recommend North and South or Mary Barton as a starting point.) Thanks for the video.
Daphné du Maurier was a great discovery for me this year! It's interesting because the part that moved me the most in Rebecca is the main character's. She's not healthy, definitely not, but I felt for her for having no true intimacy whatsoever with her husband and no guidance from anyone. It's like her husband wanted her to fall into madness by his constant condescension and manipulative discourse. The character work was amazing and, you're absolutely right, her prose matched perfectly what she was trying to do. I also read Pride and Prejudice this year, and I've yet to watch a movie adaptation (but from what I've seen, Colin Firth seems absolutely perfect as Mr Darcy). I really enjoyed it as well, it was beautifully written and the humour and depth of the characters are elements I find quite important in my books. I found Emma, Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility at a used-store recently and I'm planning on reading them whether at the end of this month or at the beginning of January. ^^ I'm very envious of people who can read Abercrombie. I cannot buy books as I will and my library has none of his work. :( But at least they have a few Backman (but not your favourite ones, except for Beartown I think - but the topic's triggering to me, I'm not sure I'd dare to read something like that). There's a Man Called Ove, though! I'll place an hold on it! I'm glad you've had a great reading year, I also read quite a few favourites this year, and two times from authors that are not as well-known. I'm glad I could support them ❤️
Knowing the ending to "A Man Called Ove," in no way will ruin it. The ending is predictable (not in a bad way though, just in a "Oh, followed to its logical conclusion this is how it must end" kind of way) from the beginning. I will be forever indebted to you for talking so much about Backman that I finally picked him up. Now I am trying to get everyone else in my life to read him. My wife is probably very tired of me telling her about him.
Mine are Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, Amish Tripathi, Leigh Bardugo, George RR Martin, Michael Crichton.....and JK Rowling (I re-read Harry Potter and, well, it's good as ever; what she does outside the books is irrelevant).
@@marcosandoval1367 yeah, there's nothing wrong about invalidating the identity of an opressed group and making false claims and spreading baseless alarm which leads to misinform and helps in further discrimination against them.
Fedrick Backman Brandon Sanderson Scott Lynch Joe Abercrombie Jane Austen Ummm.. Peter Pan writer??? I really really want the cookie.. more than Daniel's extra WOK leather bound 😭😂🙏
1.Brandon Sanderson: finished Rhythm of War last weekend. Sweet Moses... 2. Joe Abercrombie: I’ve read the inaugural First Law trilogy, but that character work though... 3. Jim Butcher: I really like Dresden Files. I was on the fence about trying out Urban Fantasy but I love Harry.
Definitely knew Fredrick Bachman would be up top and was pretty sure Brandon Sanderson would be in there somewhere! I still haven’t read any of either of their works, they’re definitely on the list though! Jane Austen and Neil Gaiman are two of my favourite authors too! Have you read Neverwhere? It’s my favourite of Gaiman’s! Thanks for another great video
I read Rebeca because of you and I loved it! I'm also intrigued about Jane Austin, I never really payed attention to her before, but I've seen your reviews and I feel like I could like her books! I'm also starting Mistborn, I never read Sanderson before, so we'll see how it goes, I hope I like his books, I see so many people enjoy them I want to do it as well XD
Neil Gaiman is my favourite author by far and my type of fantasy! American Gods blew me away and Sandman might be my favourite piece of fiction. Where would you go from there for more of his style? Haruki Murakami's dreamlike books like Kafka on the Shore did something similar but they're pretty out there.
Sanderson is probably my favorite author, i love his world building & magic systems. His books read soooo well for me. I can honestly say he keeps me reading.
My favorite List 😊 1. Brandon Sanderson 2. Matt Haig 3.Jane Austin 4. Fredrick Bauchman (I read him because of your reviews 😊 Thank you for introducing me to him.) 5. S.A. Chakraborty
Love sanderson, have read everything he's done, and he did an amazing job on wot which I worried would be left undone, but Steven Erikson is still my favourite, the size and scope of his world is insane, you have to really earn an understanding of the world and each book has a different structure and feel. Would love to hear you review the series!
This year I’ve read: Stephen King...I’ve liked him for almost 20 hrs so...he’s my stand by. Evan Winter...loved Rage, looking forward to Fires Joe Abercrombie...just finished the Blade Itself this week, love his characters SC Gwynn...rise and fall of Comanche history, excellent for lovers of American western history.
I got your number 1 right and second but, couldn’t decide which way round you would put Daphne and Austen! I need to start reading some Backman because you have me excited to read his books.
I agree with Gaiman, Austen and Sanderson. I would recommend Charles Dickens, J R R Tolkien, Oscar Wilde and John Flanagan (The Ranger's Apprentice in particular).
Cornelia Funke will always be one of my favourite authors! I have to admit I'm not a fan of inkheart, but I grew up with C.H.I.X., Dragonrider, Igraine the Brave, the Thief Lord, and Saving Mississippi. Yes, those are all childrens or middle grade books, but she just creates extremely lovable and relatable characters - especially strong girls and women - and has such a great writing style! 🥰
Neil Gaiman is amazing! I just read American Gods for the first time, this week, and one part of that book also gave me a experience like you described. Not necessarily panic, but I was horrified (and was crying, so maybe panic), but I don't want to spoil the scene I'm referring to for people who haven't read the book. (hint: "trunk").
Before seeing the video :Ik for a fact that Bachman will be on this list but will he be number 1??? Yep I think so, and the author of Rebecca probably because ik you also loved another book by her. Sanderson obviously. And I want to say Scott Lynch but he's probably not there cause I think you haven't read any other book by him aside from the gentleman bastrads sequence. Michal Creaton will also be there I think. So there you go. 🤞 After seeing the video: Hey you finished Best served cold! And Creaton wasn't there 😅 well anyway great video
Neil and every time he references Tori Amos. I think they still hold a torch for each other. Plus the fact that Amanda Palmer released a single (after her break up with Neil) of A nightingale Sang In Barkley Square make me go hmmmm (if you’ve seen the tv version of Good Omens you’ll know why).
Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors as well! I completely agree that his writing makes you feel like you know and connect with them. It’s like he really wants his readers to know that he cares about them.
I'm not sure if I could make a favorite authors list that was shorter than say..... a couple dozen? And even then I'd be "Oh, and also...." I love different authors for different reasons. Some authors I love because their writing for it's poetic beauty as much as I do the story they weave. Some authors use words so skillfully, the words disappear and all that's left is is the story. Gaiman somehow manages to do both. He uses simple language and yet sometimes I'm so startled at how perfect a sentence or paragraph is I have to go back and reread it in appreciation. Neil Gaiman would definitely make the top five in any list I'd create.
My bets: - Brandon Sanderson - Fredrik Backman - Scott Lynch - Joe Abercrombie - J.R.R. Tolkien (could be wrong about those last 3 but fairly certain about the first 2 haha)
I am currently reading Neverwhere and really enjoying it! I have read one Jane Austin, one Daphine Du Maurier, and one Fredrick Backman but I hope to read more in 2021. I am a Brandon Sanderson fan! I have read the mistborn trilogy, the skyward (series maybe), way of kings but have full plans of finishing that series in 2021.
Ok didnt get the order but i guessed your number one!😊 so I still feel like i can get that cookie lol.. I'll bake 🍪.. his writing hits home with me too. 💖 someone suggested to me Best serve cold. I read the synopsis n clicked order!! Just sounds fascinating story..
One of these days, I predict Butcher makes the list. If you can get far enough along in the Dresden Files and then the Codex Alera, I don't see how he couldn't be up there. Maybe not top 5, if those become fairly cemented, but definitely up there.
The only Neil Gaimon book i've read is the one you didn't care too much for. I don't remember the name but it was about a kid who lived in a graveyard and was being taken care of by ghosts. I do plan on getting to his other books soon though, probably as soon as i finish re-reading all of John Connolly's Charlie Parker novels. I'm 13/19 the way through.
Sanderson, Gaiman and Austen (the latter being during school for literature). Of them I like Sanderson the most. It's the characters. It's their minds, their depth, their realism. Can't escape his worlds because of them
![My Top 10 Favorite Characters of All Time [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qfJVKUiJgkQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![My Top 10 Favorite Characters of All Time [CC]](/img/tr.png)
![If You Hate My Favorites... Try This [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dxacYfHmGK0/mqdefault.jpg)
There's always one certainty is this channel: the number 1 is Fredrick Backman.
I can't believe I didn't think of Fredrick Backman. She mentions him on the channel ALL the time and I haven't even been watching as many videos this year as usual and I know this.
I can't believe she hasn't read Ove yet though. There aren't many life-changing books out there, but that is 1 on a very short list
I cannot wait to try more of his books! I have read one so far!
And Daphne Du Maurier
My prediction :
Fredrick Backman.
Scott Lynch.
Neil Gaiman.
Jane Austen.
Brandon Sanderson.
Daphne du Maurier.
Woooww. I was so close. If I would have known that I can't choose Scott Lynch then I would have gone for Joe Abercrombie.
You were on it!!!!
@Taryn Watson I knew she would be because Merphy always keeps telling "Daphne is slowly turning into one of my new favorite authors" 😂😂
@@jupianking Yeah!! 😍
Brandon literally shot up my favourite authors list because of Mistborn , which I read because of you , so thank you ! ❤️😄😍
Merphy's law: If you insist on stacking your books in impossibly high piles eventually they will fall over.
Lol, right?
Haha! Agreed!
You should look at Patrick Ness. His chaos walking YA books are amazing! Good vid by the way
Seconding this but Merphy let me just warn you that there are deliberate misspellings of words in those books because the protagonist can't read or write. If you're chill with that the books are AMAZING.
Todd. Todd. Todd. Poop?
I second that statement!
The Chaos Walking books are great but A Monster Calls was the most emotionally devastating book I've ever read.
I'm glad many people love his books! They're so underrated
I'm gonna go make some cookies for myself, not because I got them all right, but because... cookies
Can I have one?
@@merphynapier42 Theoretically, yes. It is possible for you to have a cookie.
@@merphynapier42 of course :))🍪 do you like chocolate chip cookies
I love that you get so passionate when you talk about the books that you love. It’s what makes you one of my fav booktubers
I won't spoil the list for other people but I need to find a cookie.
Here you go 🍪
@@sthirukk Thank you! I love it
@@lostschedule51 thank goodness. I ran out of extra chocolate chocolate chip cookies, so I was worried that you wouldn't like the normal ones.
Why tf is this so wholesome
@@milospollonia1121 And you get a cookie 🍪, and you get a cookie 🍪, everyone gets a cookie 🍪
*Collapses from sugar crush
"Not provided by me but someone out there will give you a cookie" 😄 I love you Merphy! ❤☺
And you get a cookie 🍪:)
Yes! That is great! I had one tonight already, so I am good!
I predict Brandon Sardenson, Frederik Backman and Jane Austen. All phenomenal authors.
As a side note, I want to say how much I love this channel! Your videos are always entertaining and informative, a rare combo. I love how honest yet polite you are when expressing your opinions. Nowadays so many people on the Internet shamelessly offend writers without a second thought, but you manage to never fall into that category. Your criticism is always constructive and encouraging. We need more people like you in the world.
You introduced me to Backman, so thank you for that! Earlier this year I borrowed Us Against You from the library and fell in love so hard. I have purchased it and Beartown for myself to read whenever I want. I have also read Britt-Mrie was here, and man, I just really adore his characters and style.
I might not have started reading him without you, so thank you for helping me discover a favorite author!
Did you read Us Against You first? If so, did you find it difficult? I haven't read Beartown because it's so hard to get it here and I can only get a hold on Us Against You🥀
@@Jasmine-gx8be I didn't find it difficult at all! It's a sequel but independent from the first story, and it introduces the characters very well. I couldn't put the book down at all.
@@saunatonttu93 ahh i see, so there'll be no problem, glad to hear! thank you for the answer, gonna read it anyway then🔥
@@Jasmine-gx8be enjoy!!!! ♡
Hooray for Abercrombie! I agree with your assessment of his character work, and it’s great to hear how each of these authors has moved you. Jane Austen is, of course, amazing, and everyone should try at least one of her novels. I love Neil Gaiman too. Thanks for this video!
Because of this video, yesterday I went and bought Fredrick Backman’s “And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer”. I read it last night before bed, it is my first Backman read.
It was honestly one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking things I’ve ever read. I had to stop reading for a couple minutes in the last five pages because I couldn’t see thanks to something getting in both of my eyes at the same time lol. I think it is very much worth your time. I plan on reading it again this weekend. If you’ve ever watched a loved one slowly drift away at the hand of Alzheimer’s, this may be a difficult read for you. I have not, and it still was an incredibly emotional journey. One of the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever given, I can’t stop thinking about it. Thank you so much for this recommendation. It’s given me a lot to think about.
I wouldn’t let the spoiler of A Man Called Ove keep you from reading the book. I thought most of the plot was pretty predictable, but it’s the WAY the story is written that makes the book so enjoyable.
So would you say it's worth a read even having watched the movie?
Ok the fact that you HAVEN'T READ A Man Called Ove is a crime! I'm dying to hear your thoughts, that book made me sob.
Honestly the only Fredrick Backman book I've read is A Man Called Ove and I immediately proclaimed him as probably one of my top 10 fave authors. I keeping saying I will read his other books but haven't...yet. I did start Britt-Marie and the long titled one with the grandmother, but didn't finish them.
I get so excited when I see your videos pop up on my homepage. Just a great way to start a day. You have also introduced so many authors to me, I am forever grateful!
Love how happy you are when your talking about your favorite Authors.
i started reading Fredrik Backman because of this channel and I am literally obsessed. Thank you so much for introducing me to my favourite author🙏🏻
I started reading Neil Gaiman (Neverwhere) because you spoke so highly of him in many previous videos, and I LOVED THAT BOOK!! I also have Brandon Sanderson's Way of Kings in my Audible library just waiting to be devoured-also due to your high praises! I've been wanting to get back into fantasy-hadn't read any since the Narnia series when I was a kid-and you've given me a portal-if-you-will back into that genre! So, thank you!
Awesome!! I just read Rebecca this month, LOVED it and am excited to read more of du Maurier eventually! Following the rule of reading more than one work/series, my favorite author would have to be Jennifer Nielsen (I didn’t click with her fantasy stories, but her Ascendance series is INCREDIBLE, one of my favorite series. and her historical fictions are also amazing); I’ll also mention Melanie Dickerson, she wrote several historical fiction duologies about historical/mythological princesses. I haven’t read them in years, should reread them, but I’d still consider them among my favorite books.
I wish I had more authors that I love everything they do, but I tend to find one work/series an author does that I love, and either haven’t read their other works yet (plan to read more Jane Austen soon, too!) or their other works haven’t clicked with me. I do hope to read Neil Gaiman soon, and hopefully eventually Frederick Bachmann
This is totally random, but since I collect them I noticed: you have an Iroh from ATLA Funko Pop behind you on your shelf! I have a Zuko to go with him in my collection. Also, neat video! It's always cool to see how your interests and favorites change each year. Thanks for making these!
You seem to really like deep conversations and themes in ur stories so i wanted to Recommend reading the manga Fruits Basket. The art style is very dated but the themes and journey the story presents changes me every time I read it. When I need to cheer myself up I read this, not because it’s funny but because I feel seen. There is someone a person of any age can relate to and as I’ve grown up Ive taken different lessons from it. It’s truly an emotional journey that no other piece of media has come close to touching.
The 2019 anime is very accurate to the manga so u could watch it too.
Only one missing was Joe which took over lynch, but everything else was on point. It is funny to see how I have gone into and fell in love with some of these authors (Backman, Sanderson and Joe; also Lynch and others) thanks to you and your channel. Our taste might not always align, but I will always be thankful to you for expanding my options and introduce me to all these worlds and story....and Daniel 😂. You are the best.
I have read Beartown and LOVED it. I have grown up in Texas and can could totally see that story playing out on small town football teams here! I am just about to start A Man Called Ove.
English isn't my first language but your accent is so clear that I can understand everything. ALSO great video , looking forward to your other December specials
Your enthusiasm and excitement in sharing your list is very contagious and inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
I'm halfway through Sandman (thanks to you and Daniel), and your description of what you like about Niel Gaiman was soooo accurate for me.
I love this!!! Great work. I really like how playful the entire video was. It’s so much fun to watch you talk about things you are passionate about.
I just listened to “and every morning the way home gets longer and longer” it was so beautiful! Thanks so much for introducing me to this wonderful author.
I just want to say I really appreciate that you show the covers of the books in your thumbnail. ❤️
You finished Best Served Cold! The next standalone is my favorite Abercrombie book, can’t wait to hear your opinion!
My favorite author of all time is Margaret Atwood. She mainly writes dystopia and speculative fiction but her prose is so brilliant, witty, marvelous, daring, has a tongue-in-cheek feel that I would read anything she writes
Not my favorite, but very good.
Using your “more than one series/stand alone rule” Joe Abercrombie, Robin Hobb and Brandon Sanderson are easily my faves 😅
Merphy you gotta do a video of how you annotate your books because I selfishly need it!
I love Gaiman. I'm so glad to see you talk about Daphne du Maurier. I need to go back and reread my favorite and read some that I haven't. I remember loving Jamaica Inn.
For Gaiman, the description I usually fall back on is "modern fairy tales." I think it fits most (maybe all) of his stories pretty well, and gives a prospective reader a fair chance of having the right mindset and expectations from the start.
Separately, I really think you'll like Neal Stephenson when/if you get around to reading his books. I look forward to the day you review _Snow Crash,_ or better yet _Cryptonomicon,_ on the channel.
Aw yeah read A Man called Ove! Honestly knowing the ending really doesn't affect the reading of the book itself. I feel like the book is quite predictable anyway but it's written in Backman's beautiful style, with his usual narration on everything that is human and that's what makes it wonderful.
I recently read The Ocean at the End of the Lane per your recommendation in your videos, and I loved it! I totally agree that Gaiman is an incredibly immersive author and It just makes his stories feel so magical. I also watch his Masterclass, and it's incredible. He has a lot of amazing advice for aspiring writers.
Always great to hear you talk about favorites. One day I hope my books will be on this list. That would be my crowning achievement. :D
Haven't read anywhere near enough books this year, but from what I have Joe Abercrombie is my favourite so far. I usually stick to Fantasy stuff but I just read Beartown by Fredrik Backman after you recommended it so highly, and I loved it! I'm pretty certain that if I get to read any more of his books this year he will be on my list too! Thanks for bringing him to my attention.
Enjoyed this video! As i'm discovering Gaiman, I would be one to watch a more in-depth video on him and the books you have and your thoughts one them. Have a great weekend! :)
Neil Gaiman has written some of the best short stories. Fragile Things, Trigger Warnings and Smoke and Mirrors feature great stories. I saw you have Snow, Glass, Apples. It is an interesting Snow White retelling that features in Smoke and Mirrors and A Study In Emerald is the first story in Fragile Things.
I can’t believe you’ve done that😂.I read only SF and Fantasy,but today(thanks to you),I ordered:And every Morning the way home gets longer and longer.
One who’s surprisingly re-emerged for me is Ray Bradbury of all authors. Something Wicked this Way Comes, poetic writing and big spooky
My favorite authors are - Cassandra Clare, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Julie Kagawa, Dan Brown, & Amanda Hocking. From your list I have read Jane Austen (Pride & Prejudice, Emma, & part of Sense & Sensibility) & Neil Gaiman (Sandman & part of American Gods).
Before watching:
1. Fredrick Backmann
2. Brandon Sanderson
3. Robert Jordan
4. Jane Austen
5. Evan Winter
6. J. R. R. Tolkien
Edit: Okaay so I got 3 of them right! I have been watching your videos for about a month now, I think this is still pretty good I guess!
Have you ever read 'Good Omens' by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett? Because I'd definitely recommend it if you haven't. I have read it so many times now and it keeps being so funny and clever. The way Gaiman and Pratchett put their writingstyles and ideas together and managed to make a hilarious cult classic that parodies a horror film is amazing.
Such a great book.
Daphne du Maurier is one of those authors whose books you have to reread in order to get the full depth of her writing.
Oooh called Austen, Sanderson, and Lynch so that's 2/3.
This channel deserves more attention
I've only just started watching the channel so I couldn't guess your favourite writers. The only Backman book I've read is, funnily enough, A Man Called Ove (and I've seen the film.) I will add more to my Ridiculous Reading List. My personal favourite authors: Iain M. Banks, Tove Jansson - I'm not sure how old your child is but The Moomin books are brilliant for kids; Haruki Murakami, Dorothy L. Sayers, Michael Moorcock, Arthur Conan-Doyle and Elizabeth Gaskell (if you like Jane Austen you might want to dip your toes into Gaskell if you haven't already. I recommend North and South or Mary Barton as a starting point.) Thanks for the video.
Daphné du Maurier was a great discovery for me this year! It's interesting because the part that moved me the most in Rebecca is the main character's. She's not healthy, definitely not, but I felt for her for having no true intimacy whatsoever with her husband and no guidance from anyone. It's like her husband wanted her to fall into madness by his constant condescension and manipulative discourse. The character work was amazing and, you're absolutely right, her prose matched perfectly what she was trying to do.
I also read Pride and Prejudice this year, and I've yet to watch a movie adaptation (but from what I've seen, Colin Firth seems absolutely perfect as Mr Darcy). I really enjoyed it as well, it was beautifully written and the humour and depth of the characters are elements I find quite important in my books. I found Emma, Mansfield Park and Sense and Sensibility at a used-store recently and I'm planning on reading them whether at the end of this month or at the beginning of January. ^^
I'm very envious of people who can read Abercrombie. I cannot buy books as I will and my library has none of his work. :( But at least they have a few Backman (but not your favourite ones, except for Beartown I think - but the topic's triggering to me, I'm not sure I'd dare to read something like that). There's a Man Called Ove, though! I'll place an hold on it!
I'm glad you've had a great reading year, I also read quite a few favourites this year, and two times from authors that are not as well-known. I'm glad I could support them ❤️
Knowing the ending to "A Man Called Ove," in no way will ruin it. The ending is predictable (not in a bad way though, just in a "Oh, followed to its logical conclusion this is how it must end" kind of way) from the beginning. I will be forever indebted to you for talking so much about Backman that I finally picked him up. Now I am trying to get everyone else in my life to read him. My wife is probably very tired of me telling her about him.
Mine are Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, Amish Tripathi, Leigh Bardugo, George RR Martin, Michael Crichton.....and JK Rowling (I re-read Harry Potter and, well, it's good as ever; what she does outside the books is irrelevant).
Fair enough
@@marcosandoval1367 that’s very false
@@marcosandoval1367 my god are you a blind follower!
@@marcosandoval1367 yeah, there's nothing wrong about invalidating the identity of an opressed group and making false claims and spreading baseless alarm which leads to misinform and helps in further discrimination against them.
@@marcosandoval1367 even other than that....have you seen the absurdities she's been adding to taint her own work?
Fedrick Backman
Brandon Sanderson
Scott Lynch
Joe Abercrombie
Jane Austen
Ummm.. Peter Pan writer???
I really really want the cookie.. more than Daniel's extra WOK leather bound 😭😂🙏
That's a bold claim
J.M. Barrie wrote Peter Pan.
1.Brandon Sanderson: finished Rhythm of War last weekend. Sweet Moses...
2. Joe Abercrombie: I’ve read the inaugural First Law trilogy, but that character work though...
3. Jim Butcher: I really like Dresden Files. I was on the fence about trying out Urban Fantasy but I love Harry.
Definitely knew Fredrick Bachman would be up top and was pretty sure Brandon Sanderson would be in there somewhere!
I still haven’t read any of either of their works, they’re definitely on the list though!
Jane Austen and Neil Gaiman are two of my favourite authors too! Have you read Neverwhere? It’s my favourite of Gaiman’s!
Thanks for another great video
I read Rebeca because of you and I loved it! I'm also intrigued about Jane Austin, I never really payed attention to her before, but I've seen your reviews and I feel like I could like her books! I'm also starting Mistborn, I never read Sanderson before, so we'll see how it goes, I hope I like his books, I see so many people enjoy them I want to do it as well XD
Austen is an author that feels like they are light but when you reread you see more and more depth to the story, comments on society and characters.
Neil Gaiman is my favourite author by far and my type of fantasy! American Gods blew me away and Sandman might be my favourite piece of fiction. Where would you go from there for more of his style?
Haruki Murakami's dreamlike books like Kafka on the Shore did something similar but they're pretty out there.
I checked out 2 Backman books from the library today. I am excited to experience his writing for the forst time.
Sanderson is probably my favorite author, i love his world building & magic systems. His books read soooo well for me. I can honestly say he keeps me reading.
"every single word he writes matters" what beautiful praise.
My favorite List 😊
1. Brandon Sanderson
2. Matt Haig
3.Jane Austin
4. Fredrick Bauchman (I read him because of your reviews 😊 Thank you for introducing me to him.)
5. S.A. Chakraborty
I read my first Fredrick backman last month and I loved it so much!
My list: Jane Austen, Brandon Sanderson, Fredrik Backman, Neal Shusterman, Marie Lu. Also congrats on getting verified Merph!
Love sanderson, have read everything he's done, and he did an amazing job on wot which I worried would be left undone, but Steven Erikson is still my favourite, the size and scope of his world is insane, you have to really earn an understanding of the world and each book has a different structure and feel. Would love to hear you review the series!
Have you read anything by Khaled Hosseini? I’m curious to know what you think.
This year I’ve read:
Stephen King...I’ve liked him for almost 20 hrs so...he’s my stand by.
Evan Winter...loved Rage, looking forward to Fires
Joe Abercrombie...just finished the Blade Itself this week, love his characters
SC Gwynn...rise and fall of Comanche history, excellent for lovers of American western history.
Stephen King, yes!
I got your number 1 right and second but, couldn’t decide which way round you would put Daphne and Austen! I need to start reading some Backman because you have me excited to read his books.
Read a lot of Daphne Du Maurier back in the 70s and 80s and she was one of my favorite authors at that time.
My faves:
-Stephen King
-Tamora Pierce
-Brandon Sanderson
-Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman
-Brent Weeks
I agree with Gaiman, Austen and Sanderson. I would recommend Charles Dickens, J R R Tolkien, Oscar Wilde and John Flanagan (The Ranger's Apprentice in particular).
Best Served Cold is my favourite Joe Abercrombie book that I've read, and my favourite grim/dark fantasy novel!
I read that before Christmas. It was pretty good!
@@LoyaFrostwind Awesome. It sure is!
With Neil, I feel like he speaks and writes in such a way that I feel like he's a sort of second dad. He seems so gentle, like, I get so emersed.
Cornelia Funke will always be one of my favourite authors! I have to admit I'm not a fan of inkheart, but I grew up with C.H.I.X., Dragonrider, Igraine the Brave, the Thief Lord, and Saving Mississippi. Yes, those are all childrens or middle grade books, but she just creates extremely lovable and relatable characters - especially strong girls and women - and has such a great writing style! 🥰
Neil Gaiman is amazing! I just read American Gods for the first time, this week, and one part of that book also gave me a experience like you described. Not necessarily panic, but I was horrified (and was crying, so maybe panic), but I don't want to spoil the scene I'm referring to for people who haven't read the book. (hint: "trunk").
Before seeing the video :Ik for a fact that Bachman will be on this list but will he be number 1??? Yep I think so, and the author of Rebecca probably because ik you also loved another book by her. Sanderson obviously. And I want to say Scott Lynch but he's probably not there cause I think you haven't read any other book by him aside from the gentleman bastrads sequence. Michal Creaton will also be there I think. So there you go. 🤞
After seeing the video: Hey you finished Best served cold! And Creaton wasn't there 😅 well anyway great video
Neil and every time he references Tori Amos. I think they still hold a torch for each other. Plus the fact that Amanda Palmer released a single (after her break up with Neil) of A nightingale Sang In Barkley Square make me go hmmmm (if you’ve seen the tv version of Good Omens you’ll know why).
I could watch her talk about authors all day!!😂
Ironically im starting Fredrick Backmans Journey with "A man called Ove"..😁
When the biggest book is on top of the stack that loosely rests on Merphy, and you wait for it to topple down. :eyes:
Be great to see a video compare Abercrombie vs Sanderson in terms of their writing styles.
A Man Called Ove is so good. My wife told me to read it and I loved it. I don't think that spoilers will affect your enjoyment that much.
Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite authors as well! I completely agree that his writing makes you feel like you know and connect with them. It’s like he really wants his readers to know that he cares about them.
I'm not sure if I could make a favorite authors list that was shorter than say..... a couple dozen? And even then I'd be "Oh, and also...." I love different authors for different reasons. Some authors I love because their writing for it's poetic beauty as much as I do the story they weave. Some authors use words so skillfully, the words disappear and all that's left is is the story. Gaiman somehow manages to do both. He uses simple language and yet sometimes I'm so startled at how perfect a sentence or paragraph is I have to go back and reread it in appreciation. Neil Gaiman would definitely make the top five in any list I'd create.
I’m reading Mistborn next, which is my first dip into Sanderson. I’m anticipating him becoming one of my favorites!!
My bets:
- Brandon Sanderson
- Fredrik Backman
- Scott Lynch
- Joe Abercrombie
- J.R.R. Tolkien
(could be wrong about those last 3 but fairly certain about the first 2 haha)
Love these authors because you have introduced them all to me! THANK YOU MERPH!
“They are not levitating.” Haha
I am currently reading Neverwhere and really enjoying it! I have read one Jane Austin, one Daphine Du Maurier, and one Fredrick Backman but I hope to read more in 2021. I am a Brandon Sanderson fan! I have read the mistborn trilogy, the skyward (series maybe), way of kings but have full plans of finishing that series in 2021.
You had a good excuse, but I’m pretty sure you were levitating those books at the end. What kind of magic do you posses?
I think i am gonna start the first law after finishing stormlight archive
Ok didnt get the order but i guessed your number one!😊 so I still feel like i can get that cookie lol.. I'll bake 🍪.. his writing hits home with me too. 💖 someone suggested to me Best serve cold. I read the synopsis n clicked order!! Just sounds fascinating story..
I was really anticipating these videos
Love Jane Austen! Still working on reading her completed work, but one of my all-time favorite authors as well.
Love that you included Daphne du Maurier (and Jane Austen) :)
One of these days, I predict Butcher makes the list. If you can get far enough along in the Dresden Files and then the Codex Alera, I don't see how he couldn't be up there. Maybe not top 5, if those become fairly cemented, but definitely up there.
My favs
Marissa Meyer
Brandon Sanderson
Cassandra Claire (shadowhunters forlife)
Rick Riordan
I make sure to read each Cassandra Clare book. I love the Shadowhunters books!
Fredrik Backman !
Edit - I KNEW IT
I want to prioritize this author for next year. Him, Brandon Sanderson and Pierce Brown.
here it is 🍪
My favorites as of right now are Yaa Gyasi, Jesmyn Ward, Rohinton Mistry, Susanna Clarke, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The only Neil Gaimon book i've read is the one you didn't care too much for. I don't remember the name but it was about a kid who lived in a graveyard and was being taken care of by ghosts. I do plan on getting to his other books soon though, probably as soon as i finish re-reading all of John Connolly's Charlie Parker novels. I'm 13/19 the way through.
Sanderson, Gaiman and Austen (the latter being during school for literature). Of them I like Sanderson the most. It's the characters. It's their minds, their depth, their realism. Can't escape his worlds because of them
Mine are China Miéville, Paolo Bacigalupi, ryunosuke akutagawa, haruki murakami and Nnedi Okorafor