I'm a very bored human being who has a holiday tomorrow so: 0:30 books about disease and death 1:09 a romance to obsess about that isn’t poorly written and the female character is awesome 1:54 A book who wants to read fantasy but always gives up 2:26 For the young woman who feels the need to escape to Europe 2:58 A book about current affairs in the form of a page-turner fiction book 3:57 something to read between big books ~ads for book of the month~ 5:29 a book so bizarre you question the sanity of the author 6:09 Strange books that are fun to read 6:47 a book with beautiful descriptions of the sea 7:28 Books for an introvert who relates to Donatello from teenage mutant ninja turtles 7:48 Crazy cat lady vibes 8:07 A book to read on a train ride across ireland 8:44 A book that makes you feel like you’re inside the colour green 9:03 book with folklore vibes 9:30 Books for when you want to feel creatively inspired 9:54 Sunshine on your face, the smell of sunscreen, and sand between your toes 10:02 Something to soother your early 20s I don't know what I am doing chaos 10:32 pop lit that doesn't feel like pop lit 11:28 a book that feels as uncomfortable as putting socks over sandy feet 12:03 Grotesque short stories 12:18 Been in a slump for a long time and need a book to remind you of the joy of reading 13:14 A book to read while worrying about forgetting to water your plants 13:34 Girl in her twenties with mummy issues 14:20 A book that would make harry styles stop his concert to talk to you 14:44 A cozy book about found family 15:15 Want to tear your hair out crying out loud screaming aaasdvebwkkakabagwgvabaggh 16:22 A book from the villain's perspective (an actually horrible person) 16:48 Books to read as a fan of Greek mythology 17:19 Translated queer fiction (to understand how other cultures represent queerness) 17:49 Horny melancholic qay in their early twenties 18:10 A book for someone who collects tote bags and takes pictures of everything everywhere 18:39 A book that will make your enemies bow before you when they see you reading it in class 18:57 A book to pose with on your Tinder profile so you look cool and intriguing 19:21 A book for your book club of women aged 25 to 32 19:53 A book that gives you an insight into the intricacies of human life ~and that's all folks~
@@sundipped i tried hard to do that because jack went through the hardship of trying to pronounce it so i thought might as well type it out to do it justice
Oh my goodness finally a book-recommendation video where I haven’t read ANYTHING. I’m only halfway through, but I’m excited to get some of these! You’re so good at intricately describing these books, thanks Jack!
When you mentioned Alone With You in the Ether it made me remember the beautiful book dedication “for the old you, from the old me” and made me think it’d would be cool to do a video on favourite book dedications or something! There’s lots of funny ones out there too
Jack I can't stress enough how incredible your recommendations are, I am positive now that you could get any person on Earth into reading more. So grateful to have found your channel!
i would love a video on books that remind you of albums!! seeing mary oliver for taylor swift's folklore just left me wanting more recommendations based on music
@@jack_edwards Would love a specifically Taylor Swift version of this too. Your folklore one was so good, I can just imagine what your other recommendations might hold.
Would you ever consider doing a video ranking greek mythology retellings? I would absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts on them, from a fellow retelling lover:)
Really happy to see you're enjoying Baldwin's writing. I'd be interested to see your 'modern classics' recommendations or recommendations based on authors/writing style someone already enjoys
Second this! New hooks or authors for people who love certain authors. Would love to hear recommendations for Haruki murakami lovers as I've never found anything else like his style
For anyone who's interested in exploring mythology outside of the western world, I highly recommend The Immortals of Meluha by Amish. The book is his take on Indian mythology and the world-building alone makes the book absolutely worth it!
I'm just genuinely blow away with how wide read you are and how much you remember and appreciate each and every single one of them. I can barely remember the books I read last year and I would never be able to come up with such great book recommendations. Also none of these books seem to be widely popular and perhaps overlooked, which even attests further to your wide-read-ness (idk what word to use). The world doesn't deserve you Jack xx
As someone obsessed with books (fiction and nonfiction) about disease and death, those are incredible recommendations. I absolutely love both of those books
For the person who wanted to get over their ex boss I suggest you watch German film Im Your Man. There are mentions of a previous relationship with a coworker that the main character hasn’t fully gotten over and there’s a lot of introspection about loneliness (and robots and technology). It’s kinda like ex machina and her but from a female perspective.
i truly have to say jacks videos always make me a bit less worried about everything else going on. it takes my concentration just enough to not have to think about all the things i'm stressing about but i also get to just have a laugh and think about like carelessly reading a book when i'm okay again. i just really appreciate these videos.
Can you please do a recommendation video about books that give Studio Ghibli / Slice of Life vibes ? Would really really love to see your recommendations!
I absolutely looove that you recommended andrej kurkov, I loved that book, everything that happens is so absurd and kind of depressing but it never feels like that way
Another great book for Greek mythology lovers is Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood. It’s a retelling of Trojan war, but mostly centred on Klytemnestra and Helen - the daughters of Sparta. It’s a story about these girls throughout their lives. It follows their childhood experiences, marriage and their struggles with it, motherhood and of course, sisterhood. And even though most of the story they are separated, you can see this invisible connection between them. It’s a wonderful book, kinda short but still, really great to discuss with someone. Hope this helps!
8:03 If you're into this genre, I also highly recommend "the travelling cat chronicles" by Hiro Arikawa. It's a really cute story about a man going on a road trip through Japan to all his old friends because he needs to leave his cat with one of them because he can't take care of it anymore. Everything is told form the perspective of the cat. It's amazing! We get to learn about the dreams, fears and personalities of both all the humans and all their pets and the climax (where will the cat end up?) will also just tear you up at how wholesome it is.
OMG Jack, you don't know how blessed we are with you and this video! As someone who also loved the books you've loved, and didn't like the books you didn't like, your recommendations are a blessing! Keep shining ✨
It's great to hear that two Argentinian female writers, Piñeiro and Mariana Enriquez, were recommended. The video was both delightful and engaging, and I am now subscribed! ♥
I'm interested in 1. Alone with you in the ether by Olivia Blake 2. Hex by Jenni Fagan 3. Bunny by Moni Awad 4. she and her cat 5. Upstream by Mary Oliver 6. One last stop by Casey McQuiston 7. Elena knows by Claudia pinero 8. Boy parts by Eliza Clark 9. Lie with me 10. Happy hour 11.
Thank you SO MUCH for this. I have been looking for book recommendations for a long time now. I used to have a literal library room of well over 5,000 books (which I had read a lot of, but not all - sometimes you go back to those favourites like comfort food) but I was staying with my folks whilst having several surgeries and one day the house burned down and my dad died in the hospital on that same day, and most of them were gone. I’d packed a small bookshelf worth of boxes as I was moving back into the city, but not all of my things were there yet. I’ve made due with what I had (unreads and some favourites), and having my Kindle but I’ve been really wanting to go on a true physical book binge for a while now, since losing my father pulled me out of everything I loved including reading, for a very long time, and getting back into it was hard for me, with the recommendations I was seeing in articles and videos usually being titles I had already read. (I also worked in a bookshop for about a decade, so asking my friends hasn’t really been a good option, since they’re still working on reading huge backlogs of book recommendations from me). Almost every list of books was a “been there, read that, and I don’t need to replace it” kind of deal for me. But in your list here, I’ve only read the ones you mentioned by Tolstoy, Murakami, Du Maurier, and David Sedaris. I’ve read a lot of Stephen Frye’s books, as I adore him, but I have not read Mythos. It was one I had but it was not in one of the boxes that made it during the slow move. I’ve heard of a few of the authors and/or titles before, but have never even gotten a chance to peek into them. I’m sorry if this was a lot of a too much personal information type of comment, but I truly feel excited to read again, and from the brief descriptions you gave for more than 50 titles in about 20 minutes, pretty much all of them are things that I think I will love. It’s a very diverse list that I am excited to dig into. You’ve got a new follower, and I will definitely be checking out more of your channel too for other books that may make it to my growing (and now thankfully much longer list). It may be rather odd to say, but this video truly meant a lot to me, and it really and truly finally fired up the kind of spark for reading that I was looking for. Thank you so much.
Dude I would love a recommendation where it's a romance and we see the relationship develop but we also see the things they do while together. Like the dates, trying each other's hobbies, communicating different issues etc. Idk it has been a minute since I read a book like that
Do these even exist?? I feel like everything is just so insta love or lust and there’s no real idk strangers to friends to lovers that actually feel realistic in any way and aren’t just racing to do a bunch of crazy or exciting shenanigans and drama… there’s just like no wholesome discovering eachother n falling in love slowly tbh n if there is i haven’t been able to find it yet
I can't believe that you remember all of the author names!! I also thought about some books to the request while watching but ı was legit thinking about the author's full name whole the time. Mad respect!!
Wow Jack I'm sure you get this a lot but your enthusiasm for books is just infectious! I don't read as much as I'd like to but when I do I feel so alive and happy. Watching your videos encourages me to read more so thank you for that!
Incredible title: I was just thinking how needed an update for the specific recommendations was today when I was watching your latest video! Thanks, Jack!
I know it might be a reach but I have a feeling that Illicit Affair by Miss Swift might/could have been spired by Lie With Me by Philippe Besson. Firstly, we all know that Taylor was hugely inspire by works of ficction in the writing of folklore and that Taylor not only loves literature but also the french culture and do know at least basic french (but anyway the book was also translated to english in early 2019). Secondly, is insane how the song has some descriptions of almost literal scenes of the book (i.e. the very well described and meaningful longing stares during different phases of their relationship and they even called their meetings “clandestine meetings”!!!!) and describes the exact same feelings that the main character felt. The progression of the song is almost the same as their relationship and the scenery also tends to coincide. As an example: "Take the road less traveled by" and the motorcycle scenes. (I promise there are more but I'll contain myself in order not to spoil anything) Anyways, it might just be my swiftie reader brain trying to tie both universes together but I cannot listen to the song anymore without picturing Philippe and Thomas and wanting to cry.
Love these types of videos! Definitely taking notes aha. Also guys come join the community BOOK CLUB! For April we’re reading ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’! (details on how to join in replies)
Loved this book! "When Breath Becomes Air" is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the search for meaning. Kalanithi's raw honesty and introspective reflections on mortality gripped my heart from the start. His journey from neurosurgeon to terminal patient is marked by profound insights into the human condition. This memoir challenges us to confront our own mortality and embrace the beauty of life. Kalanithi's courage and wisdom will resonate with readers long after the final page.
little late, but: for the bowing enemies recommendation at 18:39, I would HIGHLY recommend Count of Monte Cristo. Again, absolute monster, huge book (it is considered classic lit), but it a story of revenge and romance and picking off your enemies/completely destroying people who have wronged you one by one.
For fantasy that is readable defffffinitely susanna clarke's jonathon strange and mr norell. Not a very appetizing title and admittedly 800 pages long BUT she's the person who wrote piranesi and it's THAT good. I usually hate fantasy with a passion but I absolutely loved this one.
Even if I don't read 1/3 of your recommendations (I'm quite lazy and have ADHD) I really enjoy listening to it. The ones I got to read I really enjoyed. Looking forward to read Alone with you in the ether😊
I am at a stage in my life when I haven't read anything fiction in over 5 years. So many of these recomendations are so intriguing this will probably change very soon! Thank you so much, Jack 😊
Re: book told by a villain, I would recommend the book Villain by Shuichi Yoshida. It centers around a murder investigation, told from various points of view. And one of the points of you is from the suspect himself. Disturbing and deeply psychological, I will never hesitate to recommend this book
For other Irish reads you might enjoy on the train - 1. Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It (Paul Mescal played the brother on stage 😉) 2. After the Silence by Louise O’Neill too. 3. A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa - a really beautiful descriptive piece of work which captures motherhood in Ireland but also dives in Irish history! 4. Anything by Claire Keegan including Foster which is what An Cailin Ciuin is based off of! 5. None of this is serious by Catherine Prasifka - it captures social media in Ireland to a T and the idea of pile ons and bullying too! Very very good 6. Sally Rooney - obviously There’s so much great Irish fiction/non-fiction though so definitely have a look in our bookstores
Personal tbr, feel free to guess the kind of person I am based on the books that intrigued me 1:11 Alone with you in the ether 3:33 Detransition, baby 4:05 Exterios 8:00 She and her cat 8:55 Pure colour 11:36 Tender is the flesh 12:30 Oh William! (Maybe) 14:23 Kafka on the shore 15:30 You’ve reached Sam
If you do this again, PLEASE give me a recommendation that captures the Shakespearean story telling and grandeur of Succession with the killer one liners!
Wow! First of all, thank you for the great recommendations! Second of all, I'm so thrilled that you read, liked, and recommend a book by a Ukrainian author! I'm Ukrainian and it just was nice and heartwarming to see for some reason)
Elena Knows sounds tragic, but it also reminded me about "Esperanza's Box of Saints" by María Amparo Escandón. About a young widow searching for her child that she thinks went missing. It ventures into magical realism but just a little bit, it's a heartwarming journey.
I loved this! You mentioned so many books that I had never heard of before and now absolutely can’t wait to sink into! I hope you do another video like this again. It was so enjoyable and inspiring 😊
Another cat lady recommendation: Cat Chat, by Helene Thornton; an author moves to France, creates a bond with a cat she sees in a window, then meets the man who belongs to the cat, they fall in love, and just more and more cats get added because of course they do. It's really lovely and whimsical and rather silly at times. Lighthearted, autobiographical, very English humour.
I just finished reading "Alone with you in the Ether" and the first thing I did was to come back here to thank you for your recommendation 😊 I have read 3 books that you recommended and all three of them were absolute enjoyment. The reading experience of this book was similar to flocks of ants walking in a single line under the very surface of the skin 🐜🐜 The itch is always same but gains different meanings through the book like pleasure, disturbance, uncertainty and glee. Also as you said, the writing is so beautifully done that I noted some exquisite, of good quality quotes that I'll want to turn back to read them casually. The plot might sound ordinary but the words crafted to tell it definitely turn tables to make it a 5 ⭐️ book. I love books when I am astonished positively by the writer's word choice telling the plot. When I cannot guess the way how the writer will deal with the events and emotions by their words. I love unique metaphors and imagery. The writer did all of them. I am happy reading this book 😊
general recommendation (for jack or anyone): the last true poets of the sea by julia drake. a ya book about mental health, self discovery, romance, and friendship, so gorgeously written, tugged at my heartstrings, absolutely beautiful! can't wait to see what drake writes next!
I really enjoy these videos, slowly but surely gaining my reading habit back by these amazing recommendations. It is a struggle to get these books sometimes cause they are not translated and original is expensive. Imagine my excitement when i saw cursed bunny in the bookstore. It’s a really interesting read, i find myself closing the book when a story ends and just think about what i just read
It's so funny to see Jacks's eras like you can date a video of his with the books he's recommending because he's always so excited about the books he's read recently. So cute, so good
Personally I didnt see Hex as a true fantasy book, it is more of a literary fiction book with some fantasy elements. The way its written and the sort of story it is just doesn’t fit into the genre well enough IMO. Im a big fantasy fan (who also gets impatient easily) so my recommendations would be: For fans of character drama and prefer a modern world story, Vicious by VE Schwab. For fans of books about history and culture, The Adventures of Amina Al Sirafi by SA Chakraborty. For fans of regency romance, Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater For fans who want to experience high fantasy but intimidated by complex worldbuilding and magic systems, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson introduces the world and magic in a really easy to understand way and the book reads easy and fast despite the book size. Plus you do get a full and complete feeling story even if you just read the first book (The Final Empire).
For the beautiful descriptions of the sea nothing as great as Iris Murdoch’s ‘The Sea, The Sea’ and Colm Tóibín’s ‘The Blackwater Lightship’! Your videos are always fun. :)
I'm a very bored human being who has a holiday tomorrow so:
0:30 books about disease and death
1:09 a romance to obsess about that isn’t poorly written and the female character is awesome
1:54 A book who wants to read fantasy but always gives up
2:26 For the young woman who feels the need to escape to Europe
2:58 A book about current affairs in the form of a page-turner fiction book
3:57 something to read between big books
~ads for book of the month~
5:29 a book so bizarre you question the sanity of the author
6:09 Strange books that are fun to read
6:47 a book with beautiful descriptions of the sea
7:28 Books for an introvert who relates to Donatello from teenage mutant ninja turtles
7:48 Crazy cat lady vibes
8:07 A book to read on a train ride across ireland
8:44 A book that makes you feel like you’re inside the colour green
9:03 book with folklore vibes
9:30 Books for when you want to feel creatively inspired
9:54 Sunshine on your face, the smell of sunscreen, and sand between your toes
10:02 Something to soother your early 20s I don't know what I am doing chaos
10:32 pop lit that doesn't feel like pop lit
11:28 a book that feels as uncomfortable as putting socks over sandy feet
12:03 Grotesque short stories
12:18 Been in a slump for a long time and need a book to remind you of the joy of reading
13:14 A book to read while worrying about forgetting to water your plants
13:34 Girl in her twenties with mummy issues
14:20 A book that would make harry styles stop his concert to talk to you
14:44 A cozy book about found family
15:15 Want to tear your hair out crying out loud screaming aaasdvebwkkakabagwgvabaggh
16:22 A book from the villain's perspective (an actually horrible person)
16:48 Books to read as a fan of Greek mythology
17:19 Translated queer fiction (to understand how other cultures represent queerness)
17:49 Horny melancholic qay in their early twenties
18:10 A book for someone who collects tote bags and takes pictures of everything everywhere
18:39 A book that will make your enemies bow before you when they see you reading it in class
18:57 A book to pose with on your Tinder profile so you look cool and intriguing
19:21 A book for your book club of women aged 25 to 32
19:53 A book that gives you an insight into the intricacies of human life
~and that's all folks~
THE GOAT
You're amazing, I hope you know that
this obviously took SO much time, but you taking the time to write out that key smash is above and beyond 👏👏👏
@@sundipped i tried hard to do that because jack went through the hardship of trying to pronounce it so i thought might as well type it out to do it justice
I was searching for this so THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
I trust Jack's book recs more than anyone else suggesting me a good book.
yesyesyesyes agreed. any book jack recommends: *added to the list*
i like how jack says "harry is a huge murakami fan" as if they are best friends who go bookshopping together and exchange books every week
They do wdym
Yeah, he is a big murakami fan. Its a known fact.
Oh my goodness finally a book-recommendation video where I haven’t read ANYTHING. I’m only halfway through, but I’m excited to get some of these! You’re so good at intricately describing these books, thanks Jack!
When you mentioned Alone With You in the Ether it made me remember the beautiful book dedication “for the old you, from the old me” and made me think it’d would be cool to do a video on favourite book dedications or something! There’s lots of funny ones out there too
Jack giving us the greatest gift right here, absolute legend
watching these videos takes me like 5 times as long as the video is because i end up looking every single book on goodreads and adding them to my tbr
hahahahaha
Same 😂
Life hack: just take screenshots and then add all of them in one go later 😅
Jack I can't stress enough how incredible your recommendations are, I am positive now that you could get any person on Earth into reading more. So grateful to have found your channel!
We are being absolutely spoiled lately on both your channels! 😊
What's the name of the other channel?✨
this is my favorite book series that UA-camrs do!! even if I’m not interested in some of the books i just absolutely love hearing about them
We have been FED by Jack recently!!! THANKS JACK FOR THE RECS!!!!
i would love a video on books that remind you of albums!! seeing mary oliver for taylor swift's folklore just left me wanting more recommendations based on music
working on this!
@@jack_edwards will be looking foward to it!! love your videos
@@jack_edwards Would love a specifically Taylor Swift version of this too. Your folklore one was so good, I can just imagine what your other recommendations might hold.
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jolett (Airborne Toxic Event) is amazing. It’s a memoir but it reads like one big song, just lovely to read
Please make this a recurring series!
I will! maybe every other month!
I love this suggestion.
Would you ever consider doing a video ranking greek mythology retellings? I would absolutely LOVE to hear your thoughts on them, from a fellow retelling lover:)
once I’ve read enough of them I’d love to!
Really happy to see you're enjoying Baldwin's writing. I'd be interested to see your 'modern classics' recommendations or recommendations based on authors/writing style someone already enjoys
Second this! New hooks or authors for people who love certain authors. Would love to hear recommendations for Haruki murakami lovers as I've never found anything else like his style
For anyone who's interested in exploring mythology outside of the western world, I highly recommend The Immortals of Meluha by Amish. The book is his take on Indian mythology and the world-building alone makes the book absolutely worth it!
Will be looking for this.
I'm just genuinely blow away with how wide read you are and how much you remember and appreciate each and every single one of them. I can barely remember the books I read last year and I would never be able to come up with such great book recommendations. Also none of these books seem to be widely popular and perhaps overlooked, which even attests further to your wide-read-ness (idk what word to use). The world doesn't deserve you Jack xx
Can we have a “judging my viewers book shelves” please???
Yeeees that would be so much fun!!
Yeeessss
As someone obsessed with books (fiction and nonfiction) about disease and death, those are incredible recommendations. I absolutely love both of those books
For the person who wanted to get over their ex boss I suggest you watch German film Im Your Man. There are mentions of a previous relationship with a coworker that the main character hasn’t fully gotten over and there’s a lot of introspection about loneliness (and robots and technology). It’s kinda like ex machina and her but from a female perspective.
This is such a great idea for a theme and these recommendations do not disappoint! I hope you do this a few times a year!
i truly have to say jacks videos always make me a bit less worried about everything else going on. it takes my concentration just enough to not have to think about all the things i'm stressing about but i also get to just have a laugh and think about like carelessly reading a book when i'm okay again. i just really appreciate these videos.
Can you please do a recommendation video about books that give Studio Ghibli / Slice of Life vibes ? Would really really love to see your recommendations!
the manorism book’s 2:58 cover is so beautiful omg
right!!!!
I absolutely looove that you recommended andrej kurkov, I loved that book, everything that happens is so absurd and kind of depressing but it never feels like that way
Another great book for Greek mythology lovers is Daughters of Sparta by Claire Heywood. It’s a retelling of Trojan war, but mostly centred on Klytemnestra and Helen - the daughters of Sparta. It’s a story about these girls throughout their lives. It follows their childhood experiences, marriage and their struggles with it, motherhood and of course, sisterhood. And even though most of the story they are separated, you can see this invisible connection between them. It’s a wonderful book, kinda short but still, really great to discuss with someone. Hope this helps!
8:03
If you're into this genre, I also highly recommend "the travelling cat chronicles" by Hiro Arikawa. It's a really cute story about a man going on a road trip through Japan to all his old friends because he needs to leave his cat with one of them because he can't take care of it anymore.
Everything is told form the perspective of the cat. It's amazing! We get to learn about the dreams, fears and personalities of both all the humans and all their pets and the climax (where will the cat end up?) will also just tear you up at how wholesome it is.
OMG Jack, you don't know how blessed we are with you and this video! As someone who also loved the books you've loved, and didn't like the books you didn't like, your recommendations are a blessing! Keep shining ✨
It's great to hear that two Argentinian female writers, Piñeiro and Mariana Enriquez, were recommended. The video was both delightful and engaging, and I am now subscribed! ♥
I'm actually surprised how quickly and accurately you came up with some of these
JACK THIS IS THE MOST WONDERFUL CONCEPT. Please do this again and may I request people to give hyper hyper specific situations this time.
I'm interested in
1. Alone with you in the ether by Olivia Blake
2. Hex by Jenni Fagan
3. Bunny by Moni Awad
4. she and her cat
5. Upstream by Mary Oliver
6. One last stop by Casey McQuiston
7. Elena knows by Claudia pinero
8. Boy parts by Eliza Clark
9. Lie with me
10. Happy hour
11.
Thank you SO MUCH for this. I have been looking for book recommendations for a long time now. I used to have a literal library room of well over 5,000 books (which I had read a lot of, but not all - sometimes you go back to those favourites like comfort food) but I was staying with my folks whilst having several surgeries and one day the house burned down and my dad died in the hospital on that same day, and most of them were gone. I’d packed a small bookshelf worth of boxes as I was moving back into the city, but not all of my things were there yet. I’ve made due with what I had (unreads and some favourites), and having my Kindle but I’ve been really wanting to go on a true physical book binge for a while now, since losing my father pulled me out of everything I loved including reading, for a very long time, and getting back into it was hard for me, with the recommendations I was seeing in articles and videos usually being titles I had already read. (I also worked in a bookshop for about a decade, so asking my friends hasn’t really been a good option, since they’re still working on reading huge backlogs of book recommendations from me).
Almost every list of books was a “been there, read that, and I don’t need to replace it” kind of deal for me. But in your list here, I’ve only read the ones you mentioned by Tolstoy, Murakami, Du Maurier, and David Sedaris. I’ve read a lot of Stephen Frye’s books, as I adore him, but I have not read Mythos. It was one I had but it was not in one of the boxes that made it during the slow move. I’ve heard of a few of the authors and/or titles before, but have never even gotten a chance to peek into them.
I’m sorry if this was a lot of a too much personal information type of comment, but I truly feel excited to read again, and from the brief descriptions you gave for more than 50 titles in about 20 minutes, pretty much all of them are things that I think I will love. It’s a very diverse list that I am excited to dig into. You’ve got a new follower, and I will definitely be checking out more of your channel too for other books that may make it to my growing (and now thankfully much longer list). It may be rather odd to say, but this video truly meant a lot to me, and it really and truly finally fired up the kind of spark for reading that I was looking for. Thank you so much.
Dude I would love a recommendation where it's a romance and we see the relationship develop but we also see the things they do while together. Like the dates, trying each other's hobbies, communicating different issues etc. Idk it has been a minute since I read a book like that
Do these even exist?? I feel like everything is just so insta love or lust and there’s no real idk strangers to friends to lovers that actually feel realistic in any way and aren’t just racing to do a bunch of crazy or exciting shenanigans and drama… there’s just like no wholesome discovering eachother n falling in love slowly tbh n if there is i haven’t been able to find it yet
I LOVE the inclusion of argentinian books, they´re all going into my to-read list. As always, thanks for the recommendations!!
I can't believe that you remember all of the author names!! I also thought about some books to the request while watching but ı was legit thinking about the author's full name whole the time. Mad respect!!
please make this into a series - I love this format!
ok I can't believe you literally recommended exactly what I was looking for with talking about hex by jenni fagan lol thank you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow your knowledge of books is so impressive!! Adding all of these to my reading list for sure
Wow Jack I'm sure you get this a lot but your enthusiasm for books is just infectious! I don't read as much as I'd like to but when I do I feel so alive and happy. Watching your videos encourages me to read more so thank you for that!
Incredible title: I was just thinking how needed an update for the specific recommendations was today when I was watching your latest video! Thanks, Jack!
timing*
I really appreciate seeing books from a british and irish perspective! Considering most of the booktubers I watch are from north america
I know it might be a reach but I have a feeling that Illicit Affair by Miss Swift might/could have been spired by Lie With Me by Philippe Besson. Firstly, we all know that Taylor was hugely inspire by works of ficction in the writing of folklore and that Taylor not only loves literature but also the french culture and do know at least basic french (but anyway the book was also translated to english in early 2019). Secondly, is insane how the song has some descriptions of almost literal scenes of the book (i.e. the very well described and meaningful longing stares during different phases of their relationship and they even called their meetings “clandestine meetings”!!!!) and describes the exact same feelings that the main character felt.
The progression of the song is almost the same as their relationship and the scenery also tends to coincide. As an example: "Take the road less traveled by" and the motorcycle scenes. (I promise there are more but I'll contain myself in order not to spoil anything)
Anyways, it might just be my swiftie reader brain trying to tie both universes together but I cannot listen to the song anymore without picturing Philippe and Thomas and wanting to cry.
Jack is on fire we are getting so many videos and I feel grateful 😅❤
Love these types of videos! Definitely taking notes aha. Also guys come join the community BOOK CLUB! For April we’re reading ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’! (details on how to join in replies)
Where are the details bestie
Why do u have all these GORGEOUS hoodies I always end up looking for them on the internet
Also the Iphone cover
aw this one was actually a thrift store find but the phone case is casetify!
When Jack saves a crap Monday by uploading ❤️
i continue to be in awe at your vast book knowledge....
I am: a big nerd
Loved this book! "When Breath Becomes Air" is a poignant exploration of life, death, and the search for meaning. Kalanithi's raw honesty and introspective reflections on mortality gripped my heart from the start. His journey from neurosurgeon to terminal patient is marked by profound insights into the human condition. This memoir challenges us to confront our own mortality and embrace the beauty of life. Kalanithi's courage and wisdom will resonate with readers long after the final page.
This is such great format!!!! More of this!
little late, but: for the bowing enemies recommendation at 18:39, I would HIGHLY recommend Count of Monte Cristo. Again, absolute monster, huge book (it is considered classic lit), but it a story of revenge and romance and picking off your enemies/completely destroying people who have wronged you one by one.
„A cozy book about found family“ THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA
Jack you need to do a vdo bout ur fav YA books and ur views on the classic YA books.
For fantasy that is readable defffffinitely susanna clarke's jonathon strange and mr norell. Not a very appetizing title and admittedly 800 pages long BUT she's the person who wrote piranesi and it's THAT good. I usually hate fantasy with a passion but I absolutely loved this one.
Even if I don't read 1/3 of your recommendations (I'm quite lazy and have ADHD) I really enjoy listening to it. The ones I got to read I really enjoyed. Looking forward to read Alone with you in the ether😊
The fact you recommended Open Water and Our Wives Under the Sea🥹🥹🥹❤️📚two of my favorite books
I am at a stage in my life when I haven't read anything fiction in over 5 years. So many of these recomendations are so intriguing this will probably change very soon! Thank you so much, Jack 😊
Another book with beautiful descriptions of the sea is ‘In Ascension’ by Martin Macinnes!! 🌊💫✨
15:21 yesss youve reached sam made me cry my soul out.
I loved that you recommended Argentinian authors! Our literature is so rich!
I love that you’re in your Tolstoy era
War and Peace is inevitable at this point
I haven’t read nowhere near enough books to recommend as well as you. There are so many books you’ve mentioned that have caught my attention, thanks!
no because when he said "i can't provide free therapy" and watching his videos is just free therapy in general
thankyou jacked wards, sincerely
i loooove this little prompt book recommendation videos, i always end up saving so many of them in the end
I’ll make more! I loved filming this :)
This type of book recommendation has done more for me than any of your other type of rec videos. Would highly suggest this style of video again!!
Great recommendations, would love a part 2!
our wives under the sea hits different now
Re: book told by a villain, I would recommend the book Villain by Shuichi Yoshida. It centers around a murder investigation, told from various points of view. And one of the points of you is from the suspect himself. Disturbing and deeply psychological, I will never hesitate to recommend this book
Do I read? No. Do I have an interest in books? No. Is this my new favourite channel? Yes, 100%
The vibe if your videos is the best, now I am looking for some of this books as always you are super entertaining 😊
I put way too many books on my tbr list, just because of this video. Very unique recommendations, Jack! :D
For other Irish reads you might enjoy on the train -
1. Louise O’Neill’s Asking for It (Paul Mescal played the brother on stage 😉)
2. After the Silence by Louise O’Neill too.
3. A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa - a really beautiful descriptive piece of work which captures motherhood in Ireland but also dives in Irish history!
4. Anything by Claire Keegan including Foster which is what An Cailin Ciuin is based off of!
5. None of this is serious by Catherine Prasifka - it captures social media in Ireland to a T and the idea of pile ons and bullying too! Very very good
6. Sally Rooney - obviously
There’s so much great Irish fiction/non-fiction though so definitely have a look in our bookstores
I rarely watch your videos but always find so many good books when I do lol I love you give us short novels.
Personal tbr, feel free to guess the kind of person I am based on the books that intrigued me
1:11 Alone with you in the ether
3:33 Detransition, baby
4:05 Exterios
8:00 She and her cat
8:55 Pure colour
11:36 Tender is the flesh
12:30 Oh William! (Maybe)
14:23 Kafka on the shore
15:30 You’ve reached Sam
So much content. I’m drowning in content and I love itttt
If you do this again, PLEASE give me a recommendation that captures the Shakespearean story telling and grandeur of Succession with the killer one liners!
Detransition, Baby is one of those books I always recommend-- it's so well-written and relevant :)
Wow! First of all, thank you for the great recommendations! Second of all, I'm so thrilled that you read, liked, and recommend a book by a Ukrainian author! I'm Ukrainian and it just was nice and heartwarming to see for some reason)
Absolutely need a part 2 of this!!
This is great!
I'm reading Kafka on the Shore right now and am blown away by its surrealism and depth. I'd love to see more of these!
Elena Knows sounds tragic, but it also reminded me about "Esperanza's Box of Saints" by María Amparo Escandón. About a young widow searching for her child that she thinks went missing. It ventures into magical realism but just a little bit, it's a heartwarming journey.
I loved this! You mentioned so many books that I had never heard of before and now absolutely can’t wait to sink into! I hope you do another video like this again. It was so enjoyable and inspiring 😊
Another cat lady recommendation: Cat Chat, by Helene Thornton; an author moves to France, creates a bond with a cat she sees in a window, then meets the man who belongs to the cat, they fall in love, and just more and more cats get added because of course they do. It's really lovely and whimsical and rather silly at times. Lighthearted, autobiographical, very English humour.
never change jack, i love watching your videos after a long day❤
I just finished reading "Alone with you in the Ether" and the first thing I did was to come back here to thank you for your recommendation 😊 I have read 3 books that you recommended and all three of them were absolute enjoyment.
The reading experience of this book was similar to flocks of ants walking in a single line under the very surface of the skin 🐜🐜 The itch is always same but gains different meanings through the book like pleasure, disturbance, uncertainty and glee.
Also as you said, the writing is so beautifully done that I noted some exquisite, of good quality quotes that I'll want to turn back to read them casually. The plot might sound ordinary but the words crafted to tell it definitely turn tables to make it a 5 ⭐️ book.
I love books when I am astonished positively by the writer's word choice telling the plot. When I cannot guess the way how the writer will deal with the events and emotions by their words. I love unique metaphors and imagery. The writer did all of them. I am happy reading this book 😊
I love when Emmie does this - so cool to see her inspiring other booktubers too 🥰
This is the best thing I’ve seen on the internet all day 😍😍😍
general recommendation (for jack or anyone): the last true poets of the sea by julia drake. a ya book about mental health, self discovery, romance, and friendship, so gorgeously written, tugged at my heartstrings, absolutely beautiful! can't wait to see what drake writes next!
Omg yes alone with you in the ether is SO good I love it
I really enjoy these videos, slowly but surely gaining my reading habit back by these amazing recommendations. It is a struggle to get these books sometimes cause they are not translated and original is expensive. Imagine my excitement when i saw cursed bunny in the bookstore. It’s a really interesting read, i find myself closing the book when a story ends and just think about what i just read
It's so funny to see Jacks's eras like you can date a video of his with the books he's recommending because he's always so excited about the books he's read recently. So cute, so good
would love to see an updated day/week in the life from you! as a youtuber and someone who reads so much, how many hours a day are you reading??
whoever the hell asked the donatello question i love you
Your brain is just an endless library of books at this point😭
Personally I didnt see Hex as a true fantasy book, it is more of a literary fiction book with some fantasy elements. The way its written and the sort of story it is just doesn’t fit into the genre well enough IMO.
Im a big fantasy fan (who also gets impatient easily) so my recommendations would be:
For fans of character drama and prefer a modern world story, Vicious by VE Schwab.
For fans of books about history and culture, The Adventures of Amina Al Sirafi by SA Chakraborty.
For fans of regency romance, Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
For fans who want to experience high fantasy but intimidated by complex worldbuilding and magic systems, Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson introduces the world and magic in a really easy to understand way and the book reads easy and fast despite the book size. Plus you do get a full and complete feeling story even if you just read the first book (The Final Empire).
For the beautiful descriptions of the sea nothing as great as Iris Murdoch’s ‘The Sea, The Sea’ and Colm Tóibín’s ‘The Blackwater Lightship’! Your videos are always fun. :)
love your specific recommendation videos. please do more of them i always find so many more interesting books.
A lone with toy in the Ether sounds so romantic and amazing can’t wait 😊
Jack, I just hope you know how cool you are and how much joy you bring to all of us with your videos. I needed this today. Thank you!
you’re too kind! sending you lots of love
every time you recommend a book i've already read i feel like i won the lottery lol
great video!! I would love to see you cover more south asian authors as well!