One of the most horrific things that keeps popping into my mind again and again (speaking of this) as I watch your videos is how tragically few subscribers you have. I love your channel and more people ought to as well.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate such kind and supportive words. I am endlessly amazed and grateful that there’s even an audience that watches me in the first place!
I need to hear you talk this long lol. New to the channel and it's absolutely amazing. I have fallen in love with all the recommendations from your videos. Thank you so much for what you do. I love that you take so long to talk to us. Love love love the channel
Woah, I had a copy of The Stranger call out to me in the way you described when I'd found it at a random yard sale. I felt like I found it at a time that I needed to as well.
I subscribed to your channel earlier today. I have viewed three videos so far. I am loss for words. I want to say thank you. Thank you for turning me on to works I never considered. After viewing these videos I purchased: Pedro Paramo, Pascal's The Divine Child, Blonde Roots, Wuthering Heights, Assata, Stoner, Kindred, Waiting for the Barbarians, and lastly Brothers and Keepers.
So happy to hear this! I’m overjoyed to hear you’ve found value in my videos, and it’s helped you discover new literature you’ll hopefully enjoy! It’s comments like this that make this whole thing worth it. Thank you so much for the support and your beautiful words!
So thrilled you live White Noise as much as I do. I had to list ten favorites for the introduction of my creative writing thesis-which, as you know, isn’t an easy task!-and White Noise made the cut.
By the way, Haunting of Hill House almost made my list, too, but We Have Always Lived in the Castle ultimately won out. Incidentally, I also love Pedro Paramo-what a wonderful and singular novel! You certainly have similar sensibilities as I do.
Hello, Nathan! Yes, White Noise is truly a unique reading experience (What is it? Funny? Tragic? Exaggerated? Monstrous? All?). I’d say We Have Always Lived in the Castle is also a masterpiece by Jackson, definitely, but Hill House just moved me in a way few books have. If you like Pedro Páramo, you are automatically a friend of mine and you have all my respect!
It’s very obvious how much you love reading and how much these stories mean to you. That feeling that you’re getting whenever you talk about these books, that near-sadness, is what sometimes keeps me from picking up a book. I face a deep sadness when a story ends that can sometimes be hard to deal with.
The Haunting of Hill House is that novel that really sets apart horror lovers: There are those who are annoyed by its uneventfulness, and those who can appreciate how disquieting the wires running beneath the surface are. I appreciate that you’re part of the latter, John! Glow in the dark? May I ask who published it? That sounds awesome! Thank you so much for watching!
I learned that one in Toastmasters. 😎 (lmao Toastmasters is this help group where they give you tips on public speaking. I attended a few meetings and they tell you one of the most effective ways to give a good speech is to be LACONIC. My hour-long videos might mean that I learned NOTHING.💀)
Great list man, you've got some strong entries! My favourite book and my first i ever read will be Salem's Lot, this got me into reading and what got me into King
‘Salem’s Lot is a great book. One of King’s best for sure. It always feels wrong or mean to say, lol, but I really do think he wrote his best work decades ago. :( then again, I haven’t given his newer works that much of a try. I’m always open to recommendations! I heard Duma Key was decent. I hated Dr. Sleep :/
@@PlaguedbyVisions Yeah im a huge fan of old King but there are some new ones that are pretty good. The one i read recently is the Outsider and i really enjoyed it
The Long Walk is also I think my favorite book by Stephen King. The brutality of it just guts me! It's one of those rare reading experiences where I literally had a nightmare one night as a result of reading it. As you seem to read a lot of writers of color, I'm curious - have you read Paul Beatty and/or Jesmyn Ward? As a viewer request: I'd love to hear you recommend some short story collections in a future video. I'm sure you have probably read some great collections. I've only read a few, but I think one of my all time favorites is Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson. Even if you don't read the entire collection, read the first story, Hands. I just bought the Kindle edition of Pedro Páramo after your recommendation. I have about 3 or 4 books to read before I can get to it though, but there was no way I was going to pass up such a strong recommendation from a person who I've grown to trust for his taste in literature. (Still need to get to reading White Noise sometime this year too) Anyway, thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable video, Juan!
Seamus, so nice to see you here in the comments again! Thank you for your kind words, as always, and your well thought out comments. I will be making a short story collection recommendation for sure! Someone else asked for one. Paul Beatty: I have read The White Boy Shuffle in the past and I thought it was fantastic. I can see his deep influence in black American and Canadian postmodernism for sure (reminded me of great writers like Percival Everett and Dany LaFerriere, and even the filmmaking style of Spike Lee). I have never read the works of Jesmyn Ward. Would you recommend? I have never read Winesburg, Ohio, but if you’re giving Pedro Paramo a try I shall reciprocate! I assure you, you will not regret reading it. Thanks again for your lovely words!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Can't recommend Jesmyn Ward high enough. The only thing that's hard to decide is whether to recommend Sing, Unburied, Sing, or, Salvage the Bones. The woman is an incredible talent who has won the National Book Award twice! I'm currently reading The White Boy Shuffle. I read The Sellout last year and loved it so decided to try his debut novel. Can't believe how much I've laughed so far. Paul Beatty's writing is so outrageously absurd. And I hope you'll enjoy Winesburg, Ohio.
Thank you so much for this vid! You're right when you mention that a favorites list can be surprising, because your favorite titles will not always be the 'types' you normally go for in entertainment. I myself was surprised when a good third of my own favorites were children's or young adult lit and a few in hard fantasy, which are genres i barely ever explore. Wild, huh?
Yeah, I have always said, horror and disturbing fiction are not my favorite thing to read, which surprises people, yet I do think it makes for the most interesting discussions!
I am so excited that you picked Wuthering Heights - that is my favourite book of all time. I can never get over the brutality of the characters, and I've read that book probably about 5 times now. Brideshead Revisited is another favourite. The Haunting of Hill House is one that I love and continually reread. I find I identify so much with the character of Eleanor (hmm maybe I shouldn't admit that..) I read Stoner last year, in one sitting, and then I went back through and reread all of the scenes with his daughter and just cried my eyes out. I don't think I ever have read a book like that where I felt that everything that was happening to the main character was happening to ME. What a great video dude! I'll be checking out the other books on your list for sure!!
About Kindred and the many genres it straddles, I read it in grad school in a trauma studies class in which it was explored as a trauma narrative. It definitely offered up plenty of discussion about that particular topic/field of analysis.
Kindred is definitely singular in the sociopolitical and emotional heft in carries. A slave narrative, a sci-fi epic, a story of trauma, as you said, and also a strange exploration of romance, familial bonds, alternate histories. Truly a masterpiece!
Haha, well, cheers to that! I think you’ll find that I desperately need to make a video of my favorite genre fiction books. That list would be endless!
This was wonderful! I’ve only read 4 on your list so far. The problem I had coming up with a list was books I had read the year before was trying to push out old loves. And then I was thinking I really need to re-read some of these favorites to make sure they still are. I also noticed that some of my favorites are not the best written but they speak to me & I have a emotional reaction to them. Yea, on being smoke free. It’s been 12 years for me but I’m quite a bit older than you. Dellio is all over Booktube right now but I have yet to read him. Well now I’m going to have to read Stoner & Assata & so many others. Kindred has been sitting on my shelf. The long walk is so good. I read it as a teen also but my first King was The Dark Half at 14. Thank you for making this list!
Thank you so much for watching, Summer! I agree that a lot of these picks are of books I read many years ago. Sometimes, rereading a book reveals an entirely different story than what you previously experienced! Yeah, I don’t miss smoking at all, so I guess I’m doing well! Agree with you on The Long Walk. Amazing work. I’ve never read The Dark Tower series, but perhaps I should! Again, thank you for watching and your lovely comment!
It’s definitely a polarizing book! I honestly thought it was a blast. Many people are put off by its cruelty and constant brooding, but I guess to me those are just the marks of an instant classic, lol!
@@PlaguedbyVisions my problem was that I read Jane Eyre first, I think. I fell hopelessly in love with Jane at first sight and was chasing that character identification high when I picked up the other Brontës. If I go in expecting to hate everyone I might like it better!
@@horrorandinconvenience5036 Oh please give it another try. Wuthering Heights is not a "happy" book. Cathy and Heathcliff are horrible people but it truly is one of those books that when you finish, it'll stay with you forever.
When you said The Long Walk was your pick for favorite King story, I said out loud, "Oh, god, I love that story!" It's so good. Harrowing to follow the protagonist until the end and know that he got exactly what everyone who walks gets. Makes me shiver. I also have it as part of a Bachman collected Omnibus which includes Rage as the first story. That one is no longer in print but if anyone has a chance to read it, I highly recommend it. I always think of it when shootings happen, and while it doesn't excuse in any way the actions of the shooter, it reminds you that this person is a human who is most likely in some kind of pain. Great video and I like the long ones. Oh, and Cathy and Heathcliff deserved each other. That was the exact thought I had when I finished Wuthering Heights. I loved the story but hated the characters with a passion. Exactly how I felt as I finished was that Cathy and Heathcliff were two of the most awful people ever depicted in fiction and they got what they deserved and they deserved each other. I will never understand the appeal of Heathcliff as the brooding hero nor Cathy as the liberated heroine. They were awful to everyone around them and particularly awful to each other. I'm afraid my tastes run much more to another Bronte sister, Charlotte, and Jane Eyre, which would have to find a place on my list of top 15.
Rage is a powerful work, and I completely understand why King has left it out of print (I mentioned it briefly in my "Can a Book Kill You?" video). It is powerful, socially relevant stuff, but definitely cannot survive in today's climate, and King might just be trying to save himself the press hassle. Wuthering Heights is an incredible study on human flaws, in my opinion. I think that's why I love it. Such hurt, mercurial, spiritually derelict characters inhabit it. It is a world that I am strongly drawn to, for some reason, lol. Believe it or not, I have never read Jane Eyre. Maybe one day.
I’m right there with you with being late on the book lover boat. I didn’t like to read until maybe 5th grade thanks to Madeline L’Engle and then animorphs. Gothic might be my favorite too especially if there’s a haunted house involved. Great content and great video!
Thank you so much for watching! I’m so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying the content. Yes, it took me a while to get into reading (a lot of traumatic relationships to language when you grow up as bilingual lol), but now literature’s THE greatest part of my life. Never read Animorphs, but I always saw the books passed around among classmates like contraband hahaha. Same for Goosebumps, and later on, the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld.
I've only read a few of these, so I've got a list going of new things to try! When you said Wuthering Heights, I almost yelled! I love that book, but it seems so many people read it expecting romance, when it's really more of a gothic revenge tale. They are so miserable together and truly do deserve each other. The last paragraph of the book always brings a tear to my eye. Some of my favorites are: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, The Book Theif by Markus Zusak, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier, and East of Eden by Steinbeck...
Likewise, I have not read any of your list except East of Eden. Looks like we have our work cut out for ourselves! Wuthering Heights is absolutely flirting more with horror than with romance. Such a twisted, psychologically tormenting tale. Naturally, I love it so much.
Thank you for watching! I’m glad my mentions have piqued your interest! Pedro Páramo is amazing. It’s a very short read, too. I hope you find it valuable!
just came across your channel, love your eclectic taste & insightful personality! your review of wuthering heights in particular has made that book seem more exciting to me than ever before, haha. Added a few of your choices to my tbr list, and look forward to watching more of your recommendations.
Hey, Chris, thank you so much for watching and commenting! Yes, this list id VERY different from the kind of literature I usually cover on here lol, but it’s the fun of literature: How varied and expansive it is. I hope you give Wuthering Heights another chance!
You’re videos are awesome, you’re awesome. I am happy to see your channel develop and grow. Oh and thank you for so many interesting book recommendations !
City of Night is utterly gorgeous! Helped me a lot when I was coming out. Love seeing Baldwin, Fanon and Shakur on your list (and Angela Y. Davis on your shelf in an earlier video).
Great vid. excellent books, John William´s stoner is one of my favourites too. I think his other two novels are also outstanding. I´m mexican so couldn´t agree more about Pedro Paramo. congrats on your channel.
Shamefully I haven't read ANY of these books. I've been meaning to read City of Night by John Rechy for the longest time, along with Wuthering Heights.
That’s the beauty of booktube. I also haven’t read many of the works you’ve talked about, but they all sound so interesting and I can feel my horizons expanding. Still waiting for my copy of High-Life in the mail. There’s many delays due to weather. 😢
Along the lines of Brothers & Keepers and tales of activism- curious if you’ve read Leonard Peltier’s Prison Writings: My Life is My Sundance? Quick and easy read but very important with beautiful, poetic writing of the Indigenous experience from glimpses of pre-colonization to the American Indian Movement up to modern(ish) times as he is still currently in prison. Also big props for the Fanon rec!!
Loved this video!! Would you consider doing a video about your favorite short story collections? I really enjoy reading short stories, especially scary/spooky ones 🖤👻
If you ever come across The Fall by Camus, maybe give it a try, I read it as a teenager and it's one of my all time favorites 😊 Thank you, it's always a delight to receive a notification from your channel 🦋
I have a confession to make: I have read everything that was published from Camus 😅 except his diaries and letters. I agree that The Fall is great. One of his more spiritually uplifting works. It is a nice fold to the philosophy and circumstances of The Stranger. Thank you for watching!
I was watching this, thinking “I have to recommend The Long Walk to him” and when you chose it, I got teary eyed. This is *such* an important book. I could talk about it forever. I can understand why you might say it read as more young adult, though I disagree (at least at this time). What I see here that is different from King’s other works is his singular focus. Unlike some of his other novels where he introduces us to a ton of characters, sometimes the whole damn town or even more (I’m looking at you Tommyknockers and Needful Things), he sticks with the group of boys. Instead of wandering off into the minds of the families and friends of the boys, he keeps you on the same road as them. Whether this was a simple choice or a very pointed choice, I have no idea. But I think it was pivotal. You are with the boys. Your heart is racing as they struggle to tie their shoe laces just in time. You see the boys come to the realization that They Major isn’t a hero, he’s a villain, nationalist propaganda that tricked some of them into being there. You’re there at the harrowing, poignant end. I can understand if someone might think the writing is a little more simple than his other work, but it’s passionate and angry and King had something to say, and he said it well. It’s a book I think all high schoolers (and older) should read. Kids (and adults) need to be aware of the messaging being pushed at them and to learn to think critically about it, lest they become a disposable piece in a corrupt, manipulative system.
Just now watching this. I LOVE The Haunting of Hill House. Such a smart, compelling, and beautifully written story. I first read it in my late teens and I didn't fully understand it at the time but after rereading it last year I really fell in love with it. I did have a couple of minor complains with it, such as Dr. Montague's wife, her character was slightly annoying and a little "extra"... and I wished the other characters other than Eleanor would have experienced and reacted a little more to the supernatural stuff instead of alluding to straight psychological horror. Other than those minor complaints though, it really is the perfect haunted house story. It will forever be one of my favorite stories of all time, also.
Yes, it is magnificent. I went a little more in depth on it in another video of mine. I think Montague’s wife was just meant to be comedic relief. I actually found her to be quite hilarious as this farcical voice who really throws the entire “paranormal investigation” out for a spin. I also think she’s meant to make us doubt everything Montague has been explaining up to that point. I actually found the novel quite depressing and tormenting BECAUSE no one else seems to believe Eleanor. God, Jackson was so merciless with her. Some of her actions were so embarrassing, so desperate. It is truly a masterpiece on horrific character studies. Both Eleanor and the House existing as characters, and as analogous-brilliant stuff.
@@PlaguedbyVisions I enjoyed the slight comedic relief we got with the... housekeeper/maid... (I forget her name) and the witty observations the trio made about her. To me personally, the wife's behavior and "comedic relief" was just a little too much and removed a little of the tension from the story. But I do agree about Eleanor experiencing things on her own added to the story in that way. I'll look for your other video on this book!
So, I watched the Netflix TV adaptation of Hill House. I thought it was okay but not anything near what it was hyped to be. I haven't read the book but I assume it to have a lot more to it than the show did. I have some interest in the book, but not enough to go and buy it. My interest is increased more by your review, but if I didn't find the show too special I want to know if it warrants reading the book in my case. I also remember reading The Lottery in highschool and not really liking it. Not really sure if that factors in much, since they are very different books.
Yes! It wasn’t until later that I learned it was the inspiration for “K***ing an Arab” (censoring it because you never know with UA-cam). I can really see what a big inspiration it was for Robert Smith’s lyrics.
Yeah, I had no idea when I first heard that single... punk period songs sometimes having provocative lyrics and so on... then a few years later in French I suddenly go 'Aaaah, that's it!'. We had quite a cool French teacher tho, he gave us La Peste also
@@bertsbooks2505 both are amazing works. The Plague might be a little too... real for now, but back when I read his works in high school my teenage brain was blown away. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to be able to read them in French!
This is one of my favourite videos in your channel! I love making tops not because of frivolity, or merely for showing-off. I think tops are a way to review the things that have formed you, that construct your identity, a way of treasure those influences. I think with tops you can recognize every single facet of yourself, your context and, in a way, get to know some of the infinite ways the world works. So... I've been thinking on my top 15 thanks to this video... may I have the pleasure to share it here? ^^ They are (in order): 1. SONG OF SOLOMON (Toni Morrison) - the same feeling you have for Pedro Páramo... I have it for this one 🥲🥰 2. Tie: ADA OR ARDOR/ PALE FIRE (Vladimir Nabokov) 3. THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (J. R. R. Tolkien) 4. BLOOD MERIDIAN (Cormac McCarthy) 5. GRAVITY'S RAINBOW (Thomas Pynchon) 6. 2666 (Roberto Bolaño) 7. FATELESNESS (Imre Kertész) 8. LIFE AND FATE (Vasily Grossman) 9. THE FACT OF A BODY (Alex Marzano-Lesnevich) 10. LORD OF THE FLIES (William Golding) 11. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL TIMES (Elfriede Jelinek) 12. WHITE TEETH (Zadie Smith) 13. THE DEVIL OF NANKING (Mo Hayder) 14. THE THOUGHT GANG (Tibor Fischer) 15. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (Emily Brönte)
Thank you so much! I still chuckle at how my voice gave out by the end of this. 😂 I think the raw footage was something like 2 hours. But yes, there’s just so much that a book can evoke, and one struggles to put into words a meaning that is so personal. I’m glad to hear you could appreciate this video, and, for the umpteenth time, thank you so much for all of your support and your kind words, Alger! There’s a few on your list I haven’t read. I’ll have to add them on Goodreads. Thanks for sharing these titles that mean so much to you!
Who is your favorite author? You should make a video of a list of books by your favorite author! I jump around a lot and don't usually read books by the same author but I have been wanting to but I can't pick what author.
Hey! Thank you for your comment. Honestly, a video on my favorite author would be very succinct: Juan Rulfo. He only wrote two books, one a novel, which I talk about here, and the other a super short story collection. Upon being questioned why he didn’t write more, he reportedly answered, “I don’t have to.” Absolute boss, and a genius of prose.
You SOB!!! 😂 I’ve been compiling an Amazon list from your disturbing books series. I was about to pull the trigger on the list for episode one. Then I reopen UA-cam and this is staring me in the face! Welp.let’s go for broke!
Disregard!! I already have the list! LOL!!! To be fair I have MS and it makes it hard to remember stuff. I’m gonna abuse that excuse for all it’s worth! Hahahahaahha. But yes. I can’t wait for “Gerald” to bring these back! 😜😜😜
By all means, feel free to stop at any time! 😂 Appreciate the support, and I’m glad this wasn’t a bigger burden to bear after all. I hope you enjoy what you get!
@@PlaguedbyVisions actually and I truly mean this. Your book choices are made up of a lot of books I already had in my Amazon lists. And a few that I’m extremely grateful you turned me on to. And this part ain’t me blowing smoke, you are by far my favorite booktuber. And I respect your recommendations. So yeah man…I’m going for broke! Because to have a shelf filled with great books is my goal. And I don’t think you suggested a shit one yet. ALTHOUGH! I see you have a copy of Night Film. Yeah……bury that book deep in a landfill! Hahahahaa!
@@bunnymr.k7079 This comment honestly made my day, my friend (or night-I keep weird hours). Thank you so much for such kind and encouraging words. Sometimes, it’s easy to lose sight of why I even bother making videos, but folks like you always pull me right back. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the recommendations, and I’m excited to hear what you think of these books that are so near and dear to my heart. Thank you also for your entertaining and amazing personality over on Instagram. To a great, new friendship! 🥂 Also, I thought Night Film was okay. I never used the website while reading it, though-that DOES sound like a horrid reading experience. 🤣
Love love love kindred! I read it in a multicultural literature class and it blew me away! I was in love with how it didn’t let itself stay into any genre. That first page was just so shocking making you think “oh we’re really in it now”! So beautiful and disturbing. Edit: you said the long walk is your favorite King. I haven’t read it yet but my favorite King is Elevation. I read it during a time where I myself was rapidly loosing weight due to trauma. It’s a lighthearted magical realism non-horror entry in his Castle Rock series. Very short, it’s a novella. It is about a man in Castle Rock who is losing weight rapidly despite not looking any different at all. A lesbian couple has moved in with two big dogs and a fusion restaurant. As this is Maine most folk in Castle Rock aren’t too happy. It deals with bigotry and friendship and what allies can do to uplift folks in the queer community. Very beautiful very silly made me sob my eyes out 11/10.
I admit, I have not read much newer King, because the books I did try were disappointments. However, with such an enthusiastic recommendation, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for this one!
Have you ever written Lexicon by Max Barry? Well lauded Sci fi about the magic and power of language. Read it 10 years ago and still can't stop thinking about it
If you dug Lexicon, you may dig Snowcrash. There's A similar theme re: language and power. My favorite Max Barry novel was Jennifer Government, about a world where people take the surnames of corporations and literal corporate warfare. His first, Syrup, is a fun satire on edgy advertising.
That’s the Selby, Jr. I haven’t read! I’ve read the Room, the Demon, and Last Exit to Brooklyn and loved them, so I can imagine this one would be much different!
Hey Juan. The Kindle edition I bought of Pedro Paramo ended up being in Spanish. I don't understand Spanish. Can't seem to find a Kindle copy in an English translation and can't find an affordable used paper back version in an English translation, so, I'm sorry to say, I won't be reading Pedro Paramo in the immediate future.
I’m sorry to hear that, Seamus! That’s a bummer that you’re not able to find an English edition. I’ve seen a couple on ebay, but I’m not sure about your location and how mailing is working out in your region. I was able to find this pdf, but I’m not sure if the translation is reputable. I’ll leave it in the description just in case!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Wow, thank you so much! I'll give it a try. However, now I've started on two books, so it looks like it might again be a bit before I can get to it! Thank you for going to the effort of finding that PDF! I really appreciate it, Juan!
Such a great list! Would love to hear your favourite short story collections tho! I've been trying not to read too many long books so I don't put off my college work (I just picked up Revenge by Yoko Ogowa and have been really enjoying it so far d:) but short stories aren't what I normally reach for, so I would love some more recommendations if you get the time (:
Only one book of fiction to the desert island? Georges Perec, Life - A User's Manual . . . it's the only book I've come across that I can, have, and will, re-read infinitely
I have not read this particular work, though I know of it, but I certainly relate to that emotional bond with a text. It’s truly beautiful to share such intimacy with fiction!
Easy. Moby Dick. Arabia Felix. Hadrian VII/Quest For Corvo. Largesse of The Sea maiden. Last Night At The Lobster. The Ten Thousand Things (Dermout). Anna Kerinina. Ham on Rye. Post Office. Memoirs (Victor Serge). Son of the Morning Star.
Dude, one thing I don't want, don't seek, is a fucking "identity." My pop of the top top of the pop top five jive: 1- Watt (Samuel Beckett) 2- Ulysses (James Joyce) 3- Pimp (Iceberg Slim) 4- In Cold Blood (Truman Capote) 4.5- The Invisible Man (Harlan Elisson) 4.6- 紅樓夢 （曹雪芹) 4.7 Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss- inventor of decodeable readers)... Seriously Bro, didn't see much overlap. Did read a bit of THe Lighthouse and MRS. Dalloway though, Peeeceace out Whittteeboyeee.
The Plague is a googol times better than The Stranger. Have you read Satantango? I haven't read it. It's a difficult read. The writer doesn't paragragh. The movie that was based on it is a difficult watch. Most people who watch the movie, watch it in segments.
Hell yeah! Those three thinkers (ooh, the alliteration) shaped my mind the most in college I think. Also, Eldridge Cleaver, but for completely different reasons haha.
One of the most horrific things that keeps popping into my mind again and again (speaking of this) as I watch your videos is how tragically few subscribers you have. I love your channel and more people ought to as well.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate such kind and supportive words. I am endlessly amazed and grateful that there’s even an audience that watches me in the first place!
There's something so soothing about your voice!!! Love it all!!!
Oh ny God. When I’m editing it sounds like nails on a chalkboard 😖
But I’m glad to hear this! Thank you! ❤️
Thanks Juan Valencia, you have sold me on Pedro Paramo I will definitely read it. All strength to you.
I assure you, you will not be disappointed. It may well be the best that Mexico has to offer. Thank you for watching!
Yeah, after that speech, I supposed we can’t not try Pedro Paramo 😊
@@BookBlather I hope you enjoy it if you end up reading it, Dave! 🐕🐩🦮
I'd love to see a vid of your favorite short-story collections.
This has been requested so many times! I need to just get up and do it.
that akira poster? taste.
Culture 🤌🏽
Lol thanks! I’m planning a little video on my manga collection so stay tuned!
@@PlaguedbyVisions hell yeah!
The manga and the film are so damn great-nothing quite like it, and wow, the craftsmanship.
I need to hear you talk this long lol. New to the channel and it's absolutely amazing. I have fallen in love with all the recommendations from your videos. Thank you so much for what you do. I love that you take so long to talk to us. Love love love the channel
Thank you so much, Lauren! I truly appreciate your support. ❤️
Woah, I had a copy of The Stranger call out to me in the way you described when I'd found it at a random yard sale. I felt like I found it at a time that I needed to as well.
That book is magic!
Enjoy your video and love to watching videos of talking about books 😊my favorite of all time is 1984.
I subscribed to your channel earlier today. I have viewed three videos so far.
I am loss for words.
I want to say thank you.
Thank you for turning me on to works I never considered.
After viewing these videos I purchased: Pedro Paramo, Pascal's The Divine Child, Blonde Roots, Wuthering Heights, Assata, Stoner, Kindred, Waiting for the Barbarians, and lastly Brothers and Keepers.
So happy to hear this! I’m overjoyed to hear you’ve found value in my videos, and it’s helped you discover new literature you’ll hopefully enjoy! It’s comments like this that make this whole thing worth it. Thank you so much for the support and your beautiful words!
So thrilled you live White Noise as much as I do. I had to list ten favorites for the introduction of my creative writing thesis-which, as you know, isn’t an easy task!-and White Noise made the cut.
By the way, Haunting of Hill House almost made my list, too, but We Have Always Lived in the Castle ultimately won out. Incidentally, I also love Pedro Paramo-what a wonderful and singular novel! You certainly have similar sensibilities as I do.
Hello, Nathan! Yes, White Noise is truly a unique reading experience (What is it? Funny? Tragic? Exaggerated? Monstrous? All?). I’d say We Have Always Lived in the Castle is also a masterpiece by Jackson, definitely, but Hill House just moved me in a way few books have.
If you like Pedro Páramo, you are automatically a friend of mine and you have all my respect!
Many thanks, a few that I’ve never heard of before. Keep it up please…
It is so difficult to chose favourites.
Agreed, it’s a tall order trying to compile a list like this. Thank you so much for watching!
It’s very obvious how much you love reading and how much these stories mean to you. That feeling that you’re getting whenever you talk about these books, that near-sadness, is what sometimes keeps me from picking up a book. I face a deep sadness when a story ends that can sometimes be hard to deal with.
Yes the bookshelf tour is coming!!!!
THIS WEEK FOR SURE!
The Haunting of Hill House is one of my favorite books. I've got a really neat glow in the dark hardcover edition.
This was an excellent video.
The Haunting of Hill House is that novel that really sets apart horror lovers: There are those who are annoyed by its uneventfulness, and those who can appreciate how disquieting the wires running beneath the surface are. I appreciate that you’re part of the latter, John!
Glow in the dark? May I ask who published it? That sounds awesome!
Thank you so much for watching!
@@PlaguedbyVisions The publisher is Penguin Books under the Penguin Classics logo.
Wow... Laconic!!! I'm learning new words because of your videos
I learned that one in Toastmasters. 😎 (lmao Toastmasters is this help group where they give you tips on public speaking. I attended a few meetings and they tell you one of the most effective ways to give a good speech is to be LACONIC. My hour-long videos might mean that I learned NOTHING.💀)
Great list man, you've got some strong entries! My favourite book and my first i ever read will be Salem's Lot, this got me into reading and what got me into King
‘Salem’s Lot is a great book. One of King’s best for sure. It always feels wrong or mean to say, lol, but I really do think he wrote his best work decades ago. :( then again, I haven’t given his newer works that much of a try. I’m always open to recommendations! I heard Duma Key was decent. I hated Dr. Sleep :/
@@PlaguedbyVisions Yeah im a huge fan of old King but there are some new ones that are pretty good. The one i read recently is the Outsider and i really enjoyed it
The Long Walk is also I think my favorite book by Stephen King. The brutality of it just guts me! It's one of those rare reading experiences where I literally had a nightmare one night as a result of reading it.
As you seem to read a lot of writers of color, I'm curious - have you read Paul Beatty and/or Jesmyn Ward?
As a viewer request: I'd love to hear you recommend some short story collections in a future video. I'm sure you have probably read some great collections. I've only read a few, but I think one of my all time favorites is Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson. Even if you don't read the entire collection, read the first story, Hands.
I just bought the Kindle edition of Pedro Páramo after your recommendation. I have about 3 or 4 books to read before I can get to it though, but there was no way I was going to pass up such a strong recommendation from a person who I've grown to trust for his taste in literature. (Still need to get to reading White Noise sometime this year too)
Anyway, thank you for another thoroughly enjoyable video, Juan!
Seamus, so nice to see you here in the comments again! Thank you for your kind words, as always, and your well thought out comments. I will be making a short story collection recommendation for sure! Someone else asked for one.
Paul Beatty: I have read The White Boy Shuffle in the past and I thought it was fantastic. I can see his deep influence in black American and Canadian postmodernism for sure (reminded me of great writers like Percival Everett and Dany LaFerriere, and even the filmmaking style of Spike Lee). I have never read the works of Jesmyn Ward. Would you recommend?
I have never read Winesburg, Ohio, but if you’re giving Pedro Paramo a try I shall reciprocate! I assure you, you will not regret reading it.
Thanks again for your lovely words!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Can't recommend Jesmyn Ward high enough. The only thing that's hard to decide is whether to recommend Sing, Unburied, Sing, or, Salvage the Bones. The woman is an incredible talent who has won the National Book Award twice!
I'm currently reading The White Boy Shuffle. I read The Sellout last year and loved it so decided to try his debut novel. Can't believe how much I've laughed so far. Paul Beatty's writing is so outrageously absurd.
And I hope you'll enjoy Winesburg, Ohio.
Thank you so much for this vid! You're right when you mention that a favorites list can be surprising, because your favorite titles will not always be the 'types' you normally go for in entertainment. I myself was surprised when a good third of my own favorites were children's or young adult lit and a few in hard fantasy, which are genres i barely ever explore. Wild, huh?
Yeah, I have always said, horror and disturbing fiction are not my favorite thing to read, which surprises people, yet I do think it makes for the most interesting discussions!
I am so excited that you picked Wuthering Heights - that is my favourite book of all time. I can never get over the brutality of the characters, and I've read that book probably about 5 times now. Brideshead Revisited is another favourite. The Haunting of Hill House is one that I love and continually reread. I find I identify so much with the character of Eleanor (hmm maybe I shouldn't admit that..) I read Stoner last year, in one sitting, and then I went back through and reread all of the scenes with his daughter and just cried my eyes out. I don't think I ever have read a book like that where I felt that everything that was happening to the main character was happening to ME.
What a great video dude! I'll be checking out the other books on your list for sure!!
Excellent choices. You deserve way more than 10k subs. Can’t wait to see you get there.
I’m honestly dumbfounded I have 10K subscribers! This niche is not something you make numbers from haha.
About Kindred and the many genres it straddles, I read it in grad school in a trauma studies class in which it was explored as a trauma narrative. It definitely offered up plenty of discussion about that particular topic/field of analysis.
Kindred is definitely singular in the sociopolitical and emotional heft in carries. A slave narrative, a sci-fi epic, a story of trauma, as you said, and also a strange exploration of romance, familial bonds, alternate histories. Truly a masterpiece!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Apparently, the graphic novel adaptation is great as well!
Fascinating list, Juan. I’ve read 3 of these (did did better than I did in your best short story collections video!).
Haha, well, cheers to that! I think you’ll find that I desperately need to make a video of my favorite genre fiction books. That list would be endless!
@@PlaguedbyVisions oh damn yes!
Juan, I just received my copy of Pedro Paramo and I am waiting for Kindred from my library. Hope all is well with you, take care, Mags.
Hope you enjoy it!
This list is amazing. Thanks for sharing 🌀🏴☠️
Thank YOU for watching! ❤️
This was wonderful! I’ve only read 4 on your list so far. The problem I had coming up with a list was books I had read the year before was trying to push out old loves. And then I was thinking I really need to re-read some of these favorites to make sure they still are. I also noticed that some of my favorites are not the best written but they speak to me & I have a emotional reaction to them. Yea, on being smoke free. It’s been 12 years for me but I’m quite a bit older than you. Dellio is all over Booktube right now but I have yet to read him. Well now I’m going to have to read Stoner & Assata & so many others. Kindred has been sitting on my shelf. The long walk is so good. I read it as a teen also but my first King was The Dark Half at 14. Thank you for making this list!
Thank you so much for watching, Summer! I agree that a lot of these picks are of books I read many years ago. Sometimes, rereading a book reveals an entirely different story than what you previously experienced!
Yeah, I don’t miss smoking at all, so I guess I’m doing well! Agree with you on The Long Walk. Amazing work. I’ve never read The Dark Tower series, but perhaps I should!
Again, thank you for watching and your lovely comment!
I've always hated Wuthering Heights (never able to get through it) but this video makes me want to give it another chance!
It’s definitely a polarizing book! I honestly thought it was a blast. Many people are put off by its cruelty and constant brooding, but I guess to me those are just the marks of an instant classic, lol!
@@PlaguedbyVisions my problem was that I read Jane Eyre first, I think. I fell hopelessly in love with Jane at first sight and was chasing that character identification high when I picked up the other Brontës. If I go in expecting to hate everyone I might like it better!
@@horrorandinconvenience5036 Oh please give it another try. Wuthering Heights is not a "happy" book. Cathy and Heathcliff are horrible people but it truly is one of those books that when you finish, it'll stay with you forever.
Hope you have read it. There is an Audiobook on UA-cam.
When you said The Long Walk was your pick for favorite King story, I said out loud, "Oh, god, I love that story!" It's so good. Harrowing to follow the protagonist until the end and know that he got exactly what everyone who walks gets. Makes me shiver. I also have it as part of a Bachman collected Omnibus which includes Rage as the first story. That one is no longer in print but if anyone has a chance to read it, I highly recommend it. I always think of it when shootings happen, and while it doesn't excuse in any way the actions of the shooter, it reminds you that this person is a human who is most likely in some kind of pain.
Great video and I like the long ones.
Oh, and Cathy and Heathcliff deserved each other. That was the exact thought I had when I finished Wuthering Heights. I loved the story but hated the characters with a passion. Exactly how I felt as I finished was that Cathy and Heathcliff were two of the most awful people ever depicted in fiction and they got what they deserved and they deserved each other. I will never understand the appeal of Heathcliff as the brooding hero nor Cathy as the liberated heroine. They were awful to everyone around them and particularly awful to each other. I'm afraid my tastes run much more to another Bronte sister, Charlotte, and Jane Eyre, which would have to find a place on my list of top 15.
Rage is a powerful work, and I completely understand why King has left it out of print (I mentioned it briefly in my "Can a Book Kill You?" video). It is powerful, socially relevant stuff, but definitely cannot survive in today's climate, and King might just be trying to save himself the press hassle.
Wuthering Heights is an incredible study on human flaws, in my opinion. I think that's why I love it. Such hurt, mercurial, spiritually derelict characters inhabit it. It is a world that I am strongly drawn to, for some reason, lol. Believe it or not, I have never read Jane Eyre. Maybe one day.
I’m right there with you with being late on the book lover boat. I didn’t like to read until maybe 5th grade thanks to Madeline L’Engle and then animorphs.
Gothic might be my favorite too especially if there’s a haunted house involved. Great content and great video!
Thank you so much for watching! I’m so happy to hear you’ve been enjoying the content. Yes, it took me a while to get into reading (a lot of traumatic relationships to language when you grow up as bilingual lol), but now literature’s THE greatest part of my life. Never read Animorphs, but I always saw the books passed around among classmates like contraband hahaha. Same for Goosebumps, and later on, the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld.
@@PlaguedbyVisions goosebumps were sometimes fun. Although thanks to RL Stone I now hate yard gnomes lol
I've only read a few of these, so I've got a list going of new things to try! When you said Wuthering Heights, I almost yelled! I love that book, but it seems so many people read it expecting romance, when it's really more of a gothic revenge tale. They are so miserable together and truly do deserve each other. The last paragraph of the book always brings a tear to my eye.
Some of my favorites are: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, The Book Theif by Markus Zusak, All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier, and East of Eden by Steinbeck...
Likewise, I have not read any of your list except East of Eden. Looks like we have our work cut out for ourselves! Wuthering Heights is absolutely flirting more with horror than with romance. Such a twisted, psychologically tormenting tale. Naturally, I love it so much.
Love all these video Juan!
Thank you so much!
Alright, I just ordered Pedro Parama. Third book I’ve bought on your recommendations.
Thank you for watching! I’m glad my mentions have piqued your interest! Pedro Páramo is amazing. It’s a very short read, too. I hope you find it valuable!
just came across your channel, love your eclectic taste & insightful personality! your review of wuthering heights in particular has made that book seem more exciting to me than ever before, haha. Added a few of your choices to my tbr list, and look forward to watching more of your recommendations.
Hey, Chris, thank you so much for watching and commenting! Yes, this list id VERY different from the kind of literature I usually cover on here lol, but it’s the fun of literature: How varied and expansive it is. I hope you give Wuthering Heights another chance!
@@PlaguedbyVisions i definitely will!
You’re videos are awesome, you’re awesome. I am happy to see your channel develop and grow. Oh and thank you for so many interesting book recommendations !
You are awesome as well! Thank you so much for watching! I’m happy you’ve been enjoying the content. I truly, truly appreciate it!
City of Night is utterly gorgeous! Helped me a lot when I was coming out. Love seeing Baldwin, Fanon and Shakur on your list (and Angela Y. Davis on your shelf in an earlier video).
I've just discovered your channel and I LOVE it! Your reviews are so good! Thank you!
Thank you so much! Glad to hear you’ve enjoyed the content!
Great vid. excellent books, John William´s stoner is one of my favourites too. I think his other two novels are also outstanding. I´m mexican so couldn´t agree more about Pedro Paramo. congrats on your channel.
Thank you so much! Stoner is a classic. It’s such a treat when you feel like a book is addressing you directly.
“Todos somos hijos de Pedro Páramo.”
Shamefully I haven't read ANY of these books. I've been meaning to read City of Night by John Rechy for the longest time, along with Wuthering Heights.
That’s the beauty of booktube. I also haven’t read many of the works you’ve talked about, but they all sound so interesting and I can feel my horizons expanding. Still waiting for my copy of High-Life in the mail. There’s many delays due to weather. 😢
I just recently found your channel and absolutely love it!!! Keep it up 👍🏽
Thank you so much for watching! Glad to hear you are enjoying my content. :)
Along the lines of Brothers & Keepers and tales of activism- curious if you’ve read Leonard Peltier’s Prison Writings: My Life is My Sundance? Quick and easy read but very important with beautiful, poetic writing of the Indigenous experience from glimpses of pre-colonization to the American Indian Movement up to modern(ish) times as he is still currently in prison. Also big props for the Fanon rec!!
Loved this video!! Would you consider doing a video about your favorite short story collections? I really enjoy reading short stories, especially scary/spooky ones 🖤👻
This video idea’s been on my mind for a while. I’m still brainstorming, but it WILL happen!
If you ever come across The Fall by Camus, maybe give it a try, I read it as a teenager and it's one of my all time favorites 😊 Thank you, it's always a delight to receive a notification from your channel 🦋
I have a confession to make: I have read everything that was published from Camus 😅 except his diaries and letters. I agree that The Fall is great. One of his more spiritually uplifting works. It is a nice fold to the philosophy and circumstances of The Stranger.
Thank you for watching!
Wonderful video, thank you.
Thank YOU for watching!
I was watching this, thinking “I have to recommend The Long Walk to him” and when you chose it, I got teary eyed.
This is *such* an important book. I could talk about it forever.
I can understand why you might say it read as more young adult, though I disagree (at least at this time). What I see here that is different from King’s other works is his singular focus. Unlike some of his other novels where he introduces us to a ton of characters, sometimes the whole damn town or even more (I’m looking at you Tommyknockers and Needful Things), he sticks with the group of boys.
Instead of wandering off into the minds of the families and friends of the boys, he keeps you on the same road as them. Whether this was a simple choice or a very pointed choice, I have no idea. But I think it was pivotal. You are with the boys. Your heart is racing as they struggle to tie their shoe laces just in time. You see the boys come to the realization that They Major isn’t a hero, he’s a villain, nationalist propaganda that tricked some of them into being there. You’re there at the harrowing, poignant end.
I can understand if someone might think the writing is a little more simple than his other work, but it’s passionate and angry and King had something to say, and he said it well.
It’s a book I think all high schoolers (and older) should read. Kids (and adults) need to be aware of the messaging being pushed at them and to learn to think critically about it, lest they become a disposable piece in a corrupt, manipulative system.
My favourite book is Wuthering Heights (such an apt title). Totally agree with your synopsis.
Just now watching this. I LOVE The Haunting of Hill House. Such a smart, compelling, and beautifully written story. I first read it in my late teens and I didn't fully understand it at the time but after rereading it last year I really fell in love with it. I did have a couple of minor complains with it, such as Dr. Montague's wife, her character was slightly annoying and a little "extra"... and I wished the other characters other than Eleanor would have experienced and reacted a little more to the supernatural stuff instead of alluding to straight psychological horror. Other than those minor complaints though, it really is the perfect haunted house story. It will forever be one of my favorite stories of all time, also.
Yes, it is magnificent. I went a little more in depth on it in another video of mine. I think Montague’s wife was just meant to be comedic relief. I actually found her to be quite hilarious as this farcical voice who really throws the entire “paranormal investigation” out for a spin. I also think she’s meant to make us doubt everything Montague has been explaining up to that point.
I actually found the novel quite depressing and tormenting BECAUSE no one else seems to believe Eleanor. God, Jackson was so merciless with her. Some of her actions were so embarrassing, so desperate. It is truly a masterpiece on horrific character studies. Both Eleanor and the House existing as characters, and as analogous-brilliant stuff.
@@PlaguedbyVisions I enjoyed the slight comedic relief we got with the... housekeeper/maid... (I forget her name) and the witty observations the trio made about her. To me personally, the wife's behavior and "comedic relief" was just a little too much and removed a little of the tension from the story. But I do agree about Eleanor experiencing things on her own added to the story in that way. I'll look for your other video on this book!
Yes, how on earth to choose a favorite? So many great books!💕
This was difficult, but I was amazed, because I think I did a pretty decent job!
@@PlaguedbyVisions as always, you did an excellent job! Kudos
So, I watched the Netflix TV adaptation of Hill House. I thought it was okay but not anything near what it was hyped to be. I haven't read the book but I assume it to have a lot more to it than the show did. I have some interest in the book, but not enough to go and buy it. My interest is increased more by your review, but if I didn't find the show too special I want to know if it warrants reading the book in my case.
I also remember reading The Lottery in highschool and not really liking it. Not really sure if that factors in much, since they are very different books.
The show is completely different from the novel. I absolutely recommend it as an entirely separate entity!
Thank you for your reviews
We did that Camus in French class at school - which worked for me as I was a massive Cure fan at that age
Yes! It wasn’t until later that I learned it was the inspiration for “K***ing an Arab” (censoring it because you never know with UA-cam). I can really see what a big inspiration it was for Robert Smith’s lyrics.
Yeah, I had no idea when I first heard that single... punk period songs sometimes having provocative lyrics and so on... then a few years later in French I suddenly go 'Aaaah, that's it!'. We had quite a cool French teacher tho, he gave us La Peste also
@@bertsbooks2505 both are amazing works. The Plague might be a little too... real for now, but back when I read his works in high school my teenage brain was blown away. I can only imagine how amazing it would be to be able to read them in French!
I could handle them in French then, not so easy now!
Brilliant choices
Amen!!!
"What's your favorite book" might be one of the MOST HARDEST question along with what's your favorite movie. lol
I’m glad to finally have made this video. If someone else asks me that I can just be like, “please see attached.”
This is one of my favourite videos in your channel! I love making tops not because of frivolity, or merely for showing-off. I think tops are a way to review the things that have formed you, that construct your identity, a way of treasure those influences. I think with tops you can recognize every single facet of yourself, your context and, in a way, get to know some of the infinite ways the world works. So... I've been thinking on my top 15 thanks to this video... may I have the pleasure to share it here? ^^ They are (in order):
1. SONG OF SOLOMON (Toni Morrison) - the same feeling you have for Pedro Páramo... I have it for this one 🥲🥰
2. Tie: ADA OR ARDOR/ PALE FIRE (Vladimir Nabokov)
3. THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (J. R. R. Tolkien)
4. BLOOD MERIDIAN (Cormac McCarthy)
5. GRAVITY'S RAINBOW (Thomas Pynchon)
6. 2666 (Roberto Bolaño)
7. FATELESNESS (Imre Kertész)
8. LIFE AND FATE (Vasily Grossman)
9. THE FACT OF A BODY (Alex Marzano-Lesnevich)
10. LORD OF THE FLIES (William Golding)
11. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL TIMES (Elfriede Jelinek)
12. WHITE TEETH (Zadie Smith)
13. THE DEVIL OF NANKING (Mo Hayder)
14. THE THOUGHT GANG (Tibor Fischer)
15. WUTHERING HEIGHTS (Emily Brönte)
Thank you so much! I still chuckle at how my voice gave out by the end of this. 😂 I think the raw footage was something like 2 hours. But yes, there’s just so much that a book can evoke, and one struggles to put into words a meaning that is so personal. I’m glad to hear you could appreciate this video, and, for the umpteenth time, thank you so much for all of your support and your kind words, Alger! There’s a few on your list I haven’t read. I’ll have to add them on Goodreads. Thanks for sharing these titles that mean so much to you!
THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER WONDERFUL VIDEO!!! We have the same taste in books. 🥰💖
Thank you once more for watching!
Who is your favorite author? You should make a video of a list of books by your favorite author! I jump around a lot and don't usually read books by the same author but I have been wanting to but I can't pick what author.
Hey! Thank you for your comment. Honestly, a video on my favorite author would be very succinct: Juan Rulfo. He only wrote two books, one a novel, which I talk about here, and the other a super short story collection. Upon being questioned why he didn’t write more, he reportedly answered, “I don’t have to.” Absolute boss, and a genius of prose.
You SOB!!! 😂 I’ve been compiling an Amazon list from your disturbing books series. I was about to pull the trigger on the list for episode one. Then I reopen UA-cam and this is staring me in the face! Welp.let’s go for broke!
Disregard!! I already have the list! LOL!!! To be fair I have MS and it makes it hard to remember stuff. I’m gonna abuse that excuse for all it’s worth! Hahahahaahha. But yes. I can’t wait for “Gerald” to bring these back! 😜😜😜
By all means, feel free to stop at any time! 😂 Appreciate the support, and I’m glad this wasn’t a bigger burden to bear after all. I hope you enjoy what you get!
@@PlaguedbyVisions actually and I truly mean this. Your book choices are made up of a lot of books I already had in my Amazon lists. And a few that I’m extremely grateful you turned me on to. And this part ain’t me blowing smoke, you are by far my favorite booktuber. And I respect your recommendations. So yeah man…I’m going for broke! Because to have a shelf filled with great books is my goal. And I don’t think you suggested a shit one yet. ALTHOUGH! I see you have a copy of Night Film. Yeah……bury that book deep in a landfill! Hahahahaa!
@@bunnymr.k7079 This comment honestly made my day, my friend (or night-I keep weird hours). Thank you so much for such kind and encouraging words. Sometimes, it’s easy to lose sight of why I even bother making videos, but folks like you always pull me right back. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed the recommendations, and I’m excited to hear what you think of these books that are so near and dear to my heart. Thank you also for your entertaining and amazing personality over on Instagram.
To a great, new friendship! 🥂
Also, I thought Night Film was okay. I never used the website while reading it, though-that DOES sound like a horrid reading experience. 🤣
I remember reading Wuthering Heights in HS. Took me forever, but I enjoyed it.
It is a very trying and convoluted book! Glad you enjoyed it in the end!
Love love love kindred! I read it in a multicultural literature class and it blew me away! I was in love with how it didn’t let itself stay into any genre. That first page was just so shocking making you think “oh we’re really in it now”! So beautiful and disturbing.
Edit: you said the long walk is your favorite King. I haven’t read it yet but my favorite King is Elevation. I read it during a time where I myself was rapidly loosing weight due to trauma. It’s a lighthearted magical realism non-horror entry in his Castle Rock series. Very short, it’s a novella. It is about a man in Castle Rock who is losing weight rapidly despite not looking any different at all. A lesbian couple has moved in with two big dogs and a fusion restaurant. As this is Maine most folk in Castle Rock aren’t too happy. It deals with bigotry and friendship and what allies can do to uplift folks in the queer community. Very beautiful very silly made me sob my eyes out 11/10.
I admit, I have not read much newer King, because the books I did try were disappointments. However, with such an enthusiastic recommendation, I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for this one!
Have you ever written Lexicon by Max Barry? Well lauded Sci fi about the magic and power of language. Read it 10 years ago and still can't stop thinking about it
Never heard of this book! What kind of literature is it (strange, disturbing, mind-bending, uplifting)?
If you dug Lexicon, you may dig Snowcrash. There's A similar theme re: language and power. My favorite Max Barry novel was Jennifer Government, about a world where people take the surnames of corporations and literal corporate warfare. His first, Syrup, is a fun satire on edgy advertising.
My favorite book would be requiem for a dream by Hubert Selby Jr , it impacted and haunted me for a long time .
What do you think of it ?
That’s the Selby, Jr. I haven’t read! I’ve read the Room, the Demon, and Last Exit to Brooklyn and loved them, so I can imagine this one would be much different!
Hello again lol love these videos plz keep up the good work
Will try! 😅 thank you for watching!
Long walk is my all time favorite Stephen King/Bachman books.
Same! Truly one of his masterpieces.
Lol that was silly cute.. 😂 The epiphany the book matching your shirt reaction.
I haven’t worn that shirt since for any of my videos out of shame 😂
@@PlaguedbyVisions lmaooooo. That’s hilarious, lol. Cute.
Hey Juan. The Kindle edition I bought of Pedro Paramo ended up being in Spanish. I don't understand Spanish. Can't seem to find a Kindle copy in an English translation and can't find an affordable used paper back version in an English translation, so, I'm sorry to say, I won't be reading Pedro Paramo in the immediate future.
I’m sorry to hear that, Seamus! That’s a bummer that you’re not able to find an English edition. I’ve seen a couple on ebay, but I’m not sure about your location and how mailing is working out in your region. I was able to find this pdf, but I’m not sure if the translation is reputable. I’ll leave it in the description just in case!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Wow, thank you so much! I'll give it a try. However, now I've started on two books, so it looks like it might again be a bit before I can get to it! Thank you for going to the effort of finding that PDF! I really appreciate it, Juan!
Such a great list! Would love to hear your favourite short story collections tho! I've been trying not to read too many long books so I don't put off my college work (I just picked up Revenge by Yoko Ogowa and have been really enjoying it so far d:) but short stories aren't what I normally reach for, so I would love some more recommendations if you get the time (:
Thank you for watching! I do think short story collections merit a video of their own so I will definitely be putting that out there sometime soon. 👍🏽
@@PlaguedbyVisions good to hear! I'm looking forward to it
juan where did you get the cap? i can't find it online and want -- gracias
TV Dad :)
Only one book of fiction to the desert island?
Georges Perec, Life - A User's Manual . . . it's the only book I've come across that I can, have, and will, re-read infinitely
I have not read this particular work, though I know of it, but I certainly relate to that emotional bond with a text. It’s truly beautiful to share such intimacy with fiction!
The Long Walk was definitely a 5 out of 5 for me!!!
It is unforgettable!
Easy. Moby Dick. Arabia Felix. Hadrian VII/Quest For Corvo. Largesse of The Sea maiden. Last Night At The Lobster. The Ten Thousand Things (Dermout). Anna Kerinina. Ham on Rye. Post Office. Memoirs (Victor Serge). Son of the Morning Star.
Stoner, hell yes! Can't believe I missed that one.
I just read Moby-Dick for the first time ever this year, and it may be a new favorite of mine!
albert camus, i have to susbcribe now you clever bastard
Camus was one of the best! Such a tragic life he led.
Dude, one thing I don't want, don't seek, is a fucking "identity." My pop of the top top of the pop top five jive: 1- Watt (Samuel Beckett) 2- Ulysses (James Joyce) 3- Pimp (Iceberg Slim) 4- In Cold Blood (Truman Capote) 4.5- The Invisible Man (Harlan Elisson) 4.6- 紅樓夢 （曹雪芹) 4.7 Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Seuss- inventor of decodeable readers)... Seriously Bro, didn't see much overlap. Did read a bit of THe Lighthouse and MRS. Dalloway though, Peeeceace out Whittteeboyeee.
😂 Definitely, we all get very different things out of literature! I do like Samuel Beckett and Iceberg Slim!
The Plague is a googol times better than The Stranger. Have you read Satantango? I haven't read it. It's a difficult read. The writer doesn't paragragh. The movie that was based on it is a difficult watch. Most people who watch the movie, watch it in segments.
Have not read Satantango, but it is duly noted after reading your incredible praise for it!
Fanon, Baldwin, Assata Shakur. I will buy you a beer any day my brother
Hell yeah! Those three thinkers (ooh, the alliteration) shaped my mind the most in college I think. Also, Eldridge Cleaver, but for completely different reasons haha.
The Stranger is on my fave list too! I read it as a senior in high school and it made me have my first existential crisis. 🥲
I read it as a sophomore, I believe, and I felt SEEN! It was incredible. A truly unforgettable experience.