I respect your decision not to read The Song of Achilles, and I won’t write an essay, per se, but I do want to talk about why this book is so special to me (and countless others, I’m sure). This book tells the story, not of a young hero and his lover, but of two teenagers, barely seventeen, trying to hold on to youth and love for as long as they can. The themes, of course, aren’t anything special, and I understand that repetition can get boring, but I believe Madeline Miller’s incredible storytelling erases the repetitiveness. Her words are like poetry, and they genuinely make you believe in the purity of love. I’ve genuinely never had my heart broken so much by a book, and I think that comes from the way Miller is able to write these faraway characters in terms that everyone can understand or relate to. So I think if you have any time, picking it up and reading the first couple of chapters might be cool :)
I wrote a research paper connecting The Song of Achilles’ themes to transgender people’s rights. So it’ll always have a special place in my heart both as a fantastic and favorite read and as a work of great literary value ❤️
If I didn’t like her other book, Circe, would I still enjoy Song of Achilles? I think I would. The biggest problem I had with Circe was that it was so boring.
Jesse's positivity is actually one of the major reasons why i watch his videos. I'm generally a rather negative and cynical person so Jesse's positivity helps me balance out my own negativity lol
@@jessethereader thank u!! ✨ also just saying, you’re absolutely right not wanting to read the time traveler’s wife, I did and thought it was gross and bad hahaha
alright, this isn't an essay but "The Song Of Achilles" is one of my favourite books, so I feel like I ought to try and change your mind about it. While we do follow Patroclus, it's not at all "the two of them trying to track down Helen of Sparta", it's about the Trojan war and them trying everything they can to avoid it because they're both just seventeen and they were supposed to still have time to just be together, without that constant fear of losing one another. It's incredibly sensual and the way it describes love is truly like nothing I've read before. You will be absolutely heartbroken by it but then want to read it again. Those 4.41 stars are really there for a reason. I get that when you see something too often, you can develop a distaste for it - I've had that happen to me much more than once - but if you would just give this book a chance, read the first couple of chapters, you would see why it's got the attention that it has. I honestly think that you would love it, not only because it's beyond beautiful but also because it has some of your favourite tropes like found family and characters trying to get through grief. Thank you for coming to my ted talk
Yes! The Song of Achilles is a wonderful book, and the writing is especially beautiful. Also, it follows their relationship from childhood all the way to their deaths, and while the ending is heartbreaking, as anyone familar with the myths will already know, it also captures their joy growing up together pre-Trojan war. All in all the book is super bittersweet, and yeah the rating is that high for a reason. Edit: In addition to all that, it's also just a great retelling and you really don't need to have any previous knowledge of the mythology to perfectly understand the book as it does an amazing job of truly fleshing out all of the characters.
Unpopular opinion: I bought the Song of Achillies and personally couldn’t get through it. Nobody really told me about the trigger warnings and I’d only heard good things. I wasn’t feeling the amount of rape-y scenes (Don’t worry not between the main pairing, if you’re planning on reading) and as I wasn’t in a good frame of mind it really threw me off. I managed to get half way through and just haven’t been able to pick it up again. I know I shouldn’t have went into it so optimistic when it is literally Greek Mythology and the amount of dodgey stuff that happens is comical at this point, but I wish people hasn’t glossed over the less appealing parts of the book- as I could have read it when in a better frame of mind (: However, I’m glad you guys found such comfort and love through the book!!
@@Bee-ld6qk Oh, yes I can totally see that, and I am sorry you had a hard time with it. Thankfully when I read it I knew what to expect enough that it didn't catch me off-guard, but that being said everyone should absolutely check TWs before reading TSOA!
A Little Life is one of my all time favourites, but I can’t even blame you for not finishing it. Honestly, it was… a lot. I cried for two days straight and would definitively not recommend it to anyone.
I hadn't been reading for years and then I heard my friend Achilles mention how he Named himself after that book, and if that isn't the most resounding praise for a book I don't know what is. So I picked it up and that decision single-handedly cured my half a decade long reading slump.
I recently read and loved A Little Life, but it took me months to get through. The captivating writing style makes me want it to be even longer, so that wasn't the reason, but the heavyness got to me more often than not.
I doubt I’ll ever be tempted to read anything by Sarah J. Maas or Cassandra Clare-I know they’re well-loved, but I have yet to hear anything about any of their books that sparked my interest. 🤷♀️ I think romance can be kind of tricky to get into, especially if you don’t know what tropes you like in the genre. You might want to try something like the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (it’s part romance, part post-apocalyptic paranormal action) if pure romances don’t really appeal. The romance is still an important element, but the characters also spend a lot of time slaying monsters and such.
Okay now the song of Achilles is one of my all time favourites. I'm a Greek mythology nerd so I knew the ending no suprise but yet the book broke me like no other book has ever done to me that's why it's so special to me. I was spoiled about the whole book but yet there I was sobbing so hard on the floor and was depressed for weeks. That's what Madeline's writing style does to you. It's like poetry every single word is so carefully chosen every dialog every sentence will crave in your heart. It's just not about Achilles trynna get back Helen it's so much more. There's so many life lessons inside that book. The easiest 5 star I ever given. It's a book that made me believe in love and the purity of it. I respect your choice not to ever read it but you should know what you are missing out.
The Time Traveler's Wife is my absolute favorite book! I just love the writing and the small little details. I was in the same boat, it sat on my shelf for a good year before I was bored enough to pick it up, and I was so glad that I did! I finished it that night, I was invested so much. Read it!
glad i read tsoa before tiktok crowd jumped in on it. otherwise, would've probably skipped it too lol. and agree with everything else you mentioned. my additional never to read list is everything by sjm, casandra claire, collen hoover, john greene, stephen king.
Your disinterest in romance-focused books is one of the MAJOR reasons I subscribed to your channel and Booksplosion. I have since binge-watched all of your and Booksplosion's videos. Thank you for being authentic and unique.
This is my favorite video of yours so far!!! You feel more rounded out as a person??? Idk if that makes sense or not😅 but I meant it with love💖 please feel like you're able to make negative reviews without apologizing or adding a disclaimer, we are here for you, you give great book content, but honestly if you just posted a video and ranted about life that would be cool too. I know I'm rambling, (I'm running solely on caffeine for the past 72 hours so please for me). I wish you all the love and hugs❤️❤️
Every video you do gives me life and keeps me going you are one the of the best booktubers thank you Jesse for always being you and sharing these videos.
For a good Romance book you should read Outlander!! Its not a YA BUT It is so dang good!! Romance, history, war! Also I would try the audiobook. The narrator does an amazing job with different voices!
Three books I’ll probably never read 1 . A Little Life . I don’t want to read 700+ pages of heartbreak. I would like to read a book that makes me feel like crumpled up piece of paper . But not this one . 2 . A Court of thrones and Roses . I feel no desire to read it 3 . The cruel prince . I just don’t want to read about faeries
In defense of A Little Life, I do think there is actually a good amount of hope in the book, though it does seem to get brushed over in the end with how graphically it’s tragedy is portrayed. Edit: this is not a recommendation for everyone to read it, I personally really loved it but I’m lucky enough that it didn’t severely trigger me and I was able to appreciate every aspect of it.
So I have this issue where I start out reading a popular book series than def it half way. For example, Percy Jackson, throne of glass, shatter me, the 5th wave, The list goes on and on 😂
I've owned it for years and NEVER picked it up. And by years I mean like since it came out. I never even knew what it was about, now I might actually short list it.
@@shellsisacoolpear It's been a LONG time since I read it (I read it when it came out and haven't reread it yet) but I remember really liking it, more than I liked the Time Traveller's Wife for sure! I hope you like it!
I'll never read Serpent and Dove, any of the ACOTAR series or Cassandra Clare books. I'm like you about romance books; I had to warm up to the genre but even then I'm still picky. Funny thing is Talia Hibbert is my go-to because, for the most part, her romantic dynamics are solid and banters top notch. XD
A Little Life is my #1 favorite book and SOA is #2! I totally understand the distaste for A Little Life, but SOA is truly amazing and I urge absolutely everyone to read it because I felt the same way but it was not what I expected at all!
My favorite genre is dystopian/romance. You have to read Fable and its sequel, Namesake. These kinda fall in to that category, but they are SO GOOD! Favorite book ever for sure. It has romance but not to much, and it has betrayal, and secrets, and danger. It's just so good. I dont think you will regret reading it.
I have to admit, I let out an audible gasp when the first book was The Song of Achilles👉👈 I'm from Cyprus so growing up in middle school and highschool I had a mandatory lesson called Knowledge of the Ancient where each year we read and analysed a popular book from the Ancient Greek or Cypriot history and the year we analysed the Illiad was by far my favourite. So going into the Song of Achilles I was a bit sceptical, I had high expectations and I dreaded reading it only to find out it wasn't an accurate represantation of the Illiad. But after reading it I loved it more than I ever thought I could. So maybe give the Illiad a chance and then reconsider wether you want to read The Sing of Achilles or nah...
I just had a complete mental breakdown a few hours ago, like bawling my eyes out in my car in an empty parking lot for 2 hours, and after forcing myself in the shower, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you for being the friendly person I need in my life 💖
I’m so sorry that you haven’t had a good day :( I’m glad you’re feeling better now, and I hope the rest of the week is okay for you💕Remember you’re not alone
Same. I might read The Song of Achilles at some point because I love Circe. But couldn't read An Abundance of Katherines and it is still on my bookshelf.
I’ve tried to read “An Abundance of Katherines” a bunch of times (it came in a box set of John Green books I got as a gift) I was never able to get into it tho I’m also reading “The Song of Achilles” right now and I’m kinda really into it. I had heard a lot of mixed things about it so I wanted to give it a read. I’ve vibing with it but we’ll see i guess lol
Random question: Does anyone know where to buy a Throne of Glass hardback box set? It seems to have just ✨disappeared✨ or cost like £400 (I’m already broke enough as it is bc of books 💀 so no thanks) I’m not sure if and when it’s gonna be available. Any ideas?
Your videos are always so funny and aesthetically pleasing 🖤 (also, An Abundance of Katherines is probably the weakest of John Green’s books overall so I don’t blame you for not wanting to read it lol 😂)
I think you've dodged a bullet with An Abundance of Katherines, I've read most of John Green's books (if not all of them) and I cannot remember much of An Abundance of Katherines. I know my memory isn't great but I usually remember something about books even if it's not the whole plot, so to not remember single thing about it is hinting to me that it might be a bit boring?? haha
I laughed out loud when you said you read it “A Song of Chiles” hahaha. I respect your decision not to read A song of Achilles but also 😩 it’s sooo good A Little Life is on my list of books I’ll never read…..
I'll never read anything by Cassandra Clare. She could be a fine writer. But I've heard so much of the drama surrounding her that I can't get that out of my mind so any books of hers I'm like, nah pass I do want to read The Song of Achilles tho :P
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson is a great bucket list read if you haven’t already read it. More about friendship than romance if I remember correctly!
Don’t blame you for not wanting to read The Time Travelers Wife. I read it twice and dont even remember what it was about except they have a kid who also time travels.
I watched a movie by the same name but I don’t know if it’s based off of the book. I thought it was good (it’s on Netflix (US), if you want to check it out)
I haven't read the vast majority of the books you've pointed out, but I have read Song of Achilles and Get a Life, Chloe Brown. As with most people, I really enjoyed Song of Achilles. I listened to an audiobook version of it while at work, and I think that worked well for me since I was already familiar with the story and didn't have to focus too intently. It's a retelling, so the audiobook version wasn't too much of an investment, but I still got to hear the beautiful way that Madeline Miller wrote it. As for Get a Life, Chloe Brown, I definitely can see why people liked it. There were aspects to it that were really nice to see represented, but it hasn't been my favorite read this year. In fact, I kind of forgot I had read it until you mentioned it on this list. Additionally, I was going to note a few books I have no desire to read, but I can't think of any at the moment (if that tells you how uninterested I am in them).
I agree with all the books PLUS House of Leaves. I tried a bunch of times but no I really can't. I just won't be quick to grab to read a book that I know will tore my heart into a million pieces. Maybe if im feeling too shattered and no one's around me ill read it so i can cry while reading 🤣🤣🤣🤣 And was laughing so hard with that people pressing you by asking 'have you read ..' a lot of times. So relatable.
So I felt the same way about Song of Achilles. It was too much hyped up and I typically don't read book like that, but I finally broke down after the surge on booktok. It was written really well and the relationships were so well written. Co sider this my very short essay
honestly knowing you tried a little life so many times and still didn't finish like... you totally gave it your best shot I feel like no one can be mad about that, even the most hardcore stans
I SUPER feel you on A Little Life, my dude! I too read ending spoilers (the ending plot point section on Wikipedia) and was just like "d@mn, thanks but no thanks"
I loved The Time Traveller's Wife but that was YEARS ago and since then I've fallen in love with Outlander. It was slightly outdated so I get it. Also time travel is tricky sometimes.
Dude I had to give my test but I just checked my notif and saw the title and song of achilles pls bro dont do this your missing soo so much...this book is like the best I am assuring you..
The song of Achilles will now be known as The Song Of Chillies forever more😂😂 that’s it, done. (I will literally think the wrong title every time I look at it) THANKS JESSE!!😂🙃❤️
I read an abundance of katherine's and you didn't miss much. It's like a middle of the road John Green book. I even forgot the ending and i didn't even read it that long ago soooo wouldn't bother.
I have no desire to read anymore Cassandra Clare. I read the first two in the mortal instruments. I thought it was ok but then I heard so many people talk about the other series that I don’t care.
I listened to A Little Life on audible while working on my architectural design work this summer andddd OH BOY was that a mistake. Every night I'd be chucking along on a project then immediately dissociate and/or cry over that book. EVERY. NIGHT. FOR WEEKS?!?!? Still have not finished it either :/ I need a support group to get through it
On my "Not gonna read unless you want to give me a million dollars" list: Big Little Lies, The Handmaid's Tale, the Outlander series, the ACOTAR series (however I'm not completely opposed to the Throne of Glass series)
if you haven't read the song of achillies i really recommend giving it a go i loved it so much my favourite book maybe it could be a video idea reading the song of achillies and giving your opinion on it i can understand if someone says they dont like it once they have read it well i cant because i loved it but don't judge the book before you read it
i tried to read the song of achilles and got 7 chapters in but was ultimately kinda bored by it :( so i completely understand why you don’t wanna read it!! also the fact that it’s so hyped up works against it unfortunately
Hmmm...could I possibly recommend XOXO by Axie Oh for your romance read? It's a love story between a cellist and a Kpop idol set in Seol. I consumed the entire thing in a couple hours and absolutely adored it. And this isn't *really* a romance, I mean there is romance but it isn't the center of the story, but you should read Parachutes by Kelly Yang. Just emotionally prepare yourself, because I didn't, and I was sobbing on the floor at midnight when I finished it.
For the song of Achilles, and A Little Life... I am the same. I have seen the love, the hype, and it just can't make it's way in my direction. The summary doesn't get anything from me, and I run away when I see them. Get A Life, Chloe Brown is another I never realy planned to read. Spicy romance doesn't really work for me. I prefer romance within a different genre, not in the forefront of the story.
So I'm going to be unhauling the time travelers wife because it's the oldest book on my tbr ever and this prompted me to look into reviews and WOW it would not be for me.
it's not sad SAD, more like bittersweet. It does have moments where u feel really bad for the protag but then u rmb they both found n love each other till the end, n that makes up for it. Hope this helps. ("Circe" by d same author is great too.)
You do you, however, An Abundance of Katherine's is my favorite John Green book I have read so far. I haven't read many though so I have no room to talk.
no waaaaayyy The time traveler's wife is my favorite book ever! I read it a thousand times and now it's a HBO series, which I watched the first season a thousand times already! It's amazing! 💕 Since this video is kind of old 🤭, please tell me you gave it a chance, now that the first season of the series is out! The book leaves you feeling all kinds of emotions. The end is incredibly ... (trying to find the right word..) ... (can't find the right word...) ... but the entire book gives you the sense of fulfillment, like... you watch they fall in love and grow their lives together and end their lives together (in a way) (no, it's not actually a spoiler) that you fill you've seen what a real relationship should be like. (Not every part, because it IS fiction (the guy travels through time)) but they stick together even through the bad. For me it is the most complete romantic romance because the book doesn't end at the "happily ever after", it shows the "not so happily ever after". I cried a river and I laughed too. The series adaptation is AMAZING!!! I know a lot of people don't like it because the series is adding a lot of scenes that didn't happen in the book, but I think they are doing a great job at reading in between the lines of the book and bringing the feeling of comedy, tragedy, realness and fiction into it. I also like the movie adaptation. It's very true to the book. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the time traveler's wife!! 🙏 ps. it's the first book I read entirely in English, so that's another reason why I read it so many times...
I will never read the rest of the mortal instruments series and anything else by Casandra Clair or anything else by John Green and anything with romance! also same for the Song of Achilles!
I think it’s interesting that at least three out of your five books I as well will not read. But I will admit I have never heard of that John Green book that you mentioned and I love John Green. But yeah your description about that book sound makes the book sound so boring. So thank you for your input and thoughts on these books Jesse.
Jesse, please read Get a Life Chloe Brown! It has great rep for both illness and a variety of characters of different races. It sounds very romancey - and trust me, I’m not one for romance - but the hate to love trope makes it feel a little bit more special. I think you will really the characters at the forefront of this book.
i can hear ellias screaming in the distance as u say that u will never read song of achilles
Hi Cindy! ❤😊
We stan booktubers commenting on other booktubers’ videos
xD the addiction is really showing~
also a little life
Hi mom
I respect your decision not to read The Song of Achilles, and I won’t write an essay, per se, but I do want to talk about why this book is so special to me (and countless others, I’m sure). This book tells the story, not of a young hero and his lover, but of two teenagers, barely seventeen, trying to hold on to youth and love for as long as they can. The themes, of course, aren’t anything special, and I understand that repetition can get boring, but I believe Madeline Miller’s incredible storytelling erases the repetitiveness. Her words are like poetry, and they genuinely make you believe in the purity of love. I’ve genuinely never had my heart broken so much by a book, and I think that comes from the way Miller is able to write these faraway characters in terms that everyone can understand or relate to. So I think if you have any time, picking it up and reading the first couple of chapters might be cool :)
Yes song of Achilles is my favorite of all time
Style wise, this is maybe the best book ever written
I wrote a research paper connecting The Song of Achilles’ themes to transgender people’s rights. So it’ll always have a special place in my heart both as a fantastic and favorite read and as a work of great literary value ❤️
This comment has convinced me to read this book! ❤️❤️
If I didn’t like her other book, Circe, would I still enjoy Song of Achilles? I think I would. The biggest problem I had with Circe was that it was so boring.
I felt the same way about song of achilles, the summary didn't really draw me in. But it's totally worth giving a try because I absolutely adored it
If it's not your thing, it's just not your thing. That's me with thrillers and most horror and YA contemporaries.
U literally just said wht was on my mind lol. I too don’t really like to read Thrillers and horrors and most YA contemporaries.
I like the comparison of horror and YA contemporary
Lol same!
same! everyone around me is shocked when I say thriller doesn’t work for me... the books aren’t bad, I just never have fun
so I just don’t read haha
Jesse's positivity is actually one of the major reasons why i watch his videos. I'm generally a rather negative and cynical person so Jesse's positivity helps me balance out my own negativity lol
Yeah man, you give off such a negative vibe just with your username - BrilliantCookiebaker.
There are alot of amazing books out there waiting to be read. No time to waste in the ones you dont like, it doesnt matter how popular they are 🤗
I’m like a minute in and I already feel better after a long day. Your videos are always so fun and silly and creatively edited!
🖤 hope you have a much better day moving forward!
@@jessethereader thank u!! ✨ also just saying, you’re absolutely right not wanting to read the time traveler’s wife, I did and thought it was gross and bad hahaha
You run from romance, I run as soon as someone uses the word dystopian. Luckily there are enough good books for all of us!
alright, this isn't an essay but "The Song Of Achilles" is one of my favourite books, so I feel like I ought to try and change your mind about it.
While we do follow Patroclus, it's not at all "the two of them trying to track down Helen of Sparta", it's about the Trojan war and them trying everything they can to avoid it because they're both just seventeen and they were supposed to still have time to just be together, without that constant fear of losing one another.
It's incredibly sensual and the way it describes love is truly like nothing I've read before. You will be absolutely heartbroken by it but then want to read it again. Those 4.41 stars are really there for a reason.
I get that when you see something too often, you can develop a distaste for it - I've had that happen to me much more than once - but if you would just give this book a chance, read the first couple of chapters, you would see why it's got the attention that it has.
I honestly think that you would love it, not only because it's beyond beautiful but also because it has some of your favourite tropes like found family and characters trying to get through grief.
Thank you for coming to my ted talk
DUUUDE I didn't want to read it either because I've seen it everywhere for years but then I don't know I just started it and then 💕magic💕
Yes! The Song of Achilles is a wonderful book, and the writing is especially beautiful.
Also, it follows their relationship from childhood all the way to their deaths, and while the ending is heartbreaking, as anyone familar with the myths will already know, it also captures their joy growing up together pre-Trojan war.
All in all the book is super bittersweet, and yeah the rating is that high for a reason.
Edit: In addition to all that, it's also just a great retelling and you really don't need to have any previous knowledge of the mythology to perfectly understand the book as it does an amazing job of truly fleshing out all of the characters.
Unpopular opinion: I bought the Song of Achillies and personally couldn’t get through it. Nobody really told me about the trigger warnings and I’d only heard good things. I wasn’t feeling the amount of rape-y scenes (Don’t worry not between the main pairing, if you’re planning on reading) and as I wasn’t in a good frame of mind it really threw me off. I managed to get half way through and just haven’t been able to pick it up again. I know I shouldn’t have went into it so optimistic when it is literally Greek Mythology and the amount of dodgey stuff that happens is comical at this point, but I wish people hasn’t glossed over the less appealing parts of the book- as I could have read it when in a better frame of mind (:
However, I’m glad you guys found such comfort and love through the book!!
@@Bee-ld6qk Oh, yes I can totally see that, and I am sorry you had a hard time with it. Thankfully when I read it I knew what to expect enough that it didn't catch me off-guard, but that being said everyone should absolutely check TWs before reading TSOA!
@@Daisy-gd6zi Definitely! I just seemed to have bad luck when it came to reading it. I’m glad you loved it, though!
A Little Life is one of my all time favourites, but I can’t even blame you for not finishing it. Honestly, it was… a lot. I cried for two days straight and would definitively not recommend it to anyone.
I hadn't been reading for years and then I heard my friend Achilles mention how he Named himself after that book, and if that isn't the most resounding praise for a book I don't know what is. So I picked it up and that decision single-handedly cured my half a decade long reading slump.
Who needs room decor when you have books, so instead of an obsession its just creating an aoura
An abundance of Katherines is by far my favorite John Green book and I think it's sad that no one is talking about it
Turtles all the way down hits different though
It's pretty low on my list. If not at the bottom. Might reread it and see if I feel differently.
I agree - love that book
absolutely agree. haven't read it in years though so I wanna reread it but I remember absolutely loving it
I recently read and loved A Little Life, but it took me months to get through. The captivating writing style makes me want it to be even longer, so that wasn't the reason, but the heavyness got to me more often than not.
Popular books I will never read:
1. The Twilight Saga
2. Game of Thrones
3. Hunger Games
You're missing out if you don't read the hunger games trust meee😭
hunger games was good but the other books were mid
The rest are okay at best but believe me u will definitely enjoy hunger games
Hunger Games is very good. If you liked the movies even a little bit, the books are worth it.
Lol everyone in the comments wishes they had a million dollars so you’d read the song of achilles 😭
I doubt I’ll ever be tempted to read anything by Sarah J. Maas or Cassandra Clare-I know they’re well-loved, but I have yet to hear anything about any of their books that sparked my interest. 🤷♀️
I think romance can be kind of tricky to get into, especially if you don’t know what tropes you like in the genre. You might want to try something like the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (it’s part romance, part post-apocalyptic paranormal action) if pure romances don’t really appeal. The romance is still an important element, but the characters also spend a lot of time slaying monsters and such.
Okay now the song of Achilles is one of my all time favourites. I'm a Greek mythology nerd so I knew the ending no suprise but yet the book broke me like no other book has ever done to me that's why it's so special to me. I was spoiled about the whole book but yet there I was sobbing so hard on the floor and was depressed for weeks. That's what Madeline's writing style does to you. It's like poetry every single word is so carefully chosen every dialog every sentence will crave in your heart. It's just not about Achilles trynna get back Helen it's so much more. There's so many life lessons inside that book. The easiest 5 star I ever given. It's a book that made me believe in love and the purity of it. I respect your choice not to ever read it but you should know what you are missing out.
JESSE! Your background and camera set up makes the video quality look amazing! So mystical and whimsical. 💙
The Time Traveler's Wife is my absolute favorite book! I just love the writing and the small little details. I was in the same boat, it sat on my shelf for a good year before I was bored enough to pick it up, and I was so glad that I did! I finished it that night, I was invested so much. Read it!
glad i read tsoa before tiktok crowd jumped in on it. otherwise, would've probably skipped it too lol.
and agree with everything else you mentioned.
my additional never to read list is everything by sjm, casandra claire, collen hoover, john greene, stephen king.
Your disinterest in romance-focused books is one of the MAJOR reasons I subscribed to your channel and Booksplosion. I have since binge-watched all of your and Booksplosion's videos. Thank you for being authentic and unique.
come on jesse with the honestyyy!
This is my favorite video of yours so far!!! You feel more rounded out as a person??? Idk if that makes sense or not😅 but I meant it with love💖 please feel like you're able to make negative reviews without apologizing or adding a disclaimer, we are here for you, you give great book content, but honestly if you just posted a video and ranted about life that would be cool too. I know I'm rambling, (I'm running solely on caffeine for the past 72 hours so please for me). I wish you all the love and hugs❤️❤️
Every video you do gives me life and keeps me going you are one the of the best booktubers thank you Jesse for always being you and sharing these videos.
Your bookshelf is the brownish-pastel, woody, cozy, coffee-like aesthetic AND I LOVE IT😌
For a good Romance book you should read Outlander!! Its not a YA BUT It is so dang good!! Romance, history, war! Also I would try the audiobook. The narrator does an amazing job with different voices!
Three books I’ll probably never read
1 . A Little Life . I don’t want to read 700+ pages of heartbreak. I would like to read a book that makes me feel like crumpled up piece of paper . But not this one .
2 . A Court of thrones and Roses . I feel no desire to read it
3 . The cruel prince . I just don’t want to read about faeries
@@bunstrawb I agree. it's more about character development and trickery. The world is pretty great too. tho again, people have their choices
I’m not that much into faeries either but I enjoyed to cruel prince.
In defense of A Little Life, I do think there is actually a good amount of hope in the book, though it does seem to get brushed over in the end with how graphically it’s tragedy is portrayed.
Edit: this is not a recommendation for everyone to read it, I personally really loved it but I’m lucky enough that it didn’t severely trigger me and I was able to appreciate every aspect of it.
me same with no. 2
@@bunstrawb i only read book one and tcp was severely underwhelming. and agree with op no desire to read the other two.
So I have this issue where I start out reading a popular book series than def it half way. For example, Percy Jackson, throne of glass, shatter me, the 5th wave,
The list goes on and on 😂
Read Audrey Niffenegger's other novel Her Fearful Symmetry. It's about ghosts - and also a pair of twins who inherit a home in London.
I've owned it for years and NEVER picked it up. And by years I mean like since it came out. I never even knew what it was about, now I might actually short list it.
@@shellsisacoolpear It's been a LONG time since I read it (I read it when it came out and haven't reread it yet) but I remember really liking it, more than I liked the Time Traveller's Wife for sure! I hope you like it!
I'll never read Serpent and Dove, any of the ACOTAR series or Cassandra Clare books.
I'm like you about romance books; I had to warm up to the genre but even then I'm still picky. Funny thing is Talia Hibbert is my go-to because, for the most part, her romantic dynamics are solid and banters top notch. XD
Me:I am a picky picky reader
Also me:ohhhhhh beautiful, magnificent luscious cover gimmie
I like these kind of videos because it makes me think about books besides just their hype.
A Little Life is my #1 favorite book and SOA is #2! I totally understand the distaste for A Little Life, but SOA is truly amazing and I urge absolutely everyone to read it because I felt the same way but it was not what I expected at all!
Some good romance recs are The unhoneymooners or Red white and royal blue. They are a bit big but so worth it 👌🏻
My favorite genre is dystopian/romance. You have to read Fable and its sequel, Namesake. These kinda fall in to that category, but they are SO GOOD! Favorite book ever for sure. It has romance but not to much, and it has betrayal, and secrets, and danger. It's just so good. I dont think you will regret reading it.
“Emotional Carwash Situation” I’m totally using that expression
I have to admit, I let out an audible gasp when the first book was The Song of Achilles👉👈 I'm from Cyprus so growing up in middle school and highschool I had a mandatory lesson called Knowledge of the Ancient where each year we read and analysed a popular book from the Ancient Greek or Cypriot history and the year we analysed the Illiad was by far my favourite. So going into the Song of Achilles I was a bit sceptical, I had high expectations and I dreaded reading it only to find out it wasn't an accurate represantation of the Illiad. But after reading it I loved it more than I ever thought I could. So maybe give the Illiad a chance and then reconsider wether you want to read The Sing of Achilles or nah...
Jesse: I was a fetus in 2006
Me who was actually a fetus in 2006: are you sure about that🤨😂
MDJRSDSJDJSJ SAME
Yeah same
@@mugglepuff tf
I just had a complete mental breakdown a few hours ago, like bawling my eyes out in my car in an empty parking lot for 2 hours, and after forcing myself in the shower, this is exactly what I needed. Thank you for being the friendly person I need in my life 💖
I'm glad ur feeling a bit better now
Hope You are better Now💖💖💖
I’m so sorry that you haven’t had a good day :( I’m glad you’re feeling better now, and I hope the rest of the week is okay for you💕Remember you’re not alone
Hugs and healing love 😊
I hope you are doing better now. If you can be compassionate towards yourself you've been through enough shit today ! ♡ lots of love
I love your setup!!🤩🤩
ty!
Same. I might read The Song of Achilles at some point because I love Circe. But couldn't read An Abundance of Katherines and it is still on my bookshelf.
I’ve tried to read “An Abundance of Katherines” a bunch of times
(it came in a box set of John Green books I got as a gift) I was never able to get into it tho
I’m also reading “The Song of Achilles” right now and I’m kinda really into it. I had heard a lot of mixed things about it so I wanted to give it a read. I’ve vibing with it but we’ll see i guess lol
Random question: Does anyone know where to buy a Throne of Glass hardback box set? It seems to have just ✨disappeared✨ or cost like £400 (I’m already broke enough as it is bc of books 💀 so no thanks) I’m not sure if and when it’s gonna be available. Any ideas?
Your videos are always so funny and aesthetically pleasing 🖤 (also, An Abundance of Katherines is probably the weakest of John Green’s books overall so I don’t blame you for not wanting to read it lol 😂)
Okay, I’m saving this to my watch later, but I saw a pixelated TSOA in the thumbnail & that just HURTS
I think you've dodged a bullet with An Abundance of Katherines, I've read most of John Green's books (if not all of them) and I cannot remember much of An Abundance of Katherines. I know my memory isn't great but I usually remember something about books even if it's not the whole plot, so to not remember single thing about it is hinting to me that it might be a bit boring?? haha
For me it would be the shadow hunter chronicles, the acotar series, throne of glass, serpent and dove trilogy 🙊
I laughed out loud when you said you read it “A Song of Chiles” hahaha. I respect your decision not to read A song of Achilles but also 😩 it’s sooo good
A Little Life is on my list of books I’ll never read…..
I'll never read anything by Cassandra Clare. She could be a fine writer. But I've heard so much of the drama surrounding her that I can't get that out of my mind so any books of hers I'm like, nah pass
I do want to read The Song of Achilles tho :P
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson is a great bucket list read if you haven’t already read it. More about friendship than romance if I remember correctly!
Don’t blame you for not wanting to read The Time Travelers Wife. I read it twice and dont even remember what it was about except they have a kid who also time travels.
I watched a movie by the same name but I don’t know if it’s based off of the book. I thought it was good (it’s on Netflix (US), if you want to check it out)
@@cerasabodski4835 it is. The Rachel McAdams/Eric Bana movie.
i feel you with song of achilles, i’ve tried reading it and i just wasn’t feeling it, but i might try it again soon :)
I haven't read the vast majority of the books you've pointed out, but I have read Song of Achilles and Get a Life, Chloe Brown. As with most people, I really enjoyed Song of Achilles. I listened to an audiobook version of it while at work, and I think that worked well for me since I was already familiar with the story and didn't have to focus too intently. It's a retelling, so the audiobook version wasn't too much of an investment, but I still got to hear the beautiful way that Madeline Miller wrote it.
As for Get a Life, Chloe Brown, I definitely can see why people liked it. There were aspects to it that were really nice to see represented, but it hasn't been my favorite read this year. In fact, I kind of forgot I had read it until you mentioned it on this list.
Additionally, I was going to note a few books I have no desire to read, but I can't think of any at the moment (if that tells you how uninterested I am in them).
I will never read Throne of Glass or any of Sara J Mass’s other series. And that’s my hot take for today
1 minute of Jesse bloopers? 🙊 We’ve been blessed! 🙌🏻✨
I agree with all the books PLUS House of Leaves. I tried a bunch of times but no I really can't.
I just won't be quick to grab to read a book that I know will tore my heart into a million pieces. Maybe if im feeling too shattered and no one's around me ill read it so i can cry while reading 🤣🤣🤣🤣
And was laughing so hard with that people pressing you by asking 'have you read ..' a lot of times. So relatable.
if you like books with bucket lists, then you should read The Lucky List by Rachael Lippincott. it's sooo good and i love it so much!!
So I felt the same way about Song of Achilles. It was too much hyped up and I typically don't read book like that, but I finally broke down after the surge on booktok. It was written really well and the relationships were so well written. Co sider this my very short essay
The last time you made a video like this, you mentioned King’s IT and also Les Misérables, you almost broke my heart with those 😭😂
honestly knowing you tried a little life so many times and still didn't finish like... you totally gave it your best shot I feel like no one can be mad about that, even the most hardcore stans
To be fair, John Green himself hates on the "Katherines" book all the time on the Dear Hank and John podcast and considers it a failure.
I started it and I just couldn’t finish it, his writing style is great but the plot was eh
An Abundance of Katherines is the ONLY John Green book I like 😂
i had a bad day today but your video notifications always makes me happy
The whole idea of “Not A Happy Family” kinda reminds me of the Menendez brothers case in the 90s, just from the short synopsis you gave.
9:07 Jesse as John Green: "Who do you think you are?"
Me: "running round leaving scars..."
Collecting your jar of hearts~
The bloopers are all aways me favorite part if the video! They always make me laugh 😅🤣😂😆
Love You Jess!❤
Alright but Song of Achilles? You gotta try it dude, it's pretty good
These videos always brighten my day!
I SUPER feel you on A Little Life, my dude! I too read ending spoilers (the ending plot point section on Wikipedia) and was just like "d@mn, thanks but no thanks"
Its okay Jesse I'm a picky reader too. Thanks for another great video.
I loved The Time Traveller's Wife but that was YEARS ago and since then I've fallen in love with Outlander. It was slightly outdated so I get it. Also time travel is tricky sometimes.
Dude I had to give my test but I just checked my notif and saw the title and song of achilles pls bro dont do this your missing soo so much...this book is like the best I am assuring you..
The song of Achilles will now be known as The Song Of Chillies forever more😂😂 that’s it, done. (I will literally think the wrong title every time I look at it) THANKS JESSE!!😂🙃❤️
I read an abundance of katherine's and you didn't miss much. It's like a middle of the road John Green book. I even forgot the ending and i didn't even read it that long ago soooo wouldn't bother.
I absolutely love this video
I totally understand you don’t want to read The song of Achilles but I feel like you’d love it😂
What makes me happy? A Jesse video!
I am crying because I laughed so much during this video... Jesse keeps making my days with his video's
I have no desire to read anymore Cassandra Clare. I read the first two in the mortal instruments. I thought it was ok but then I heard so many people talk about the other series that I don’t care.
I just want to say The Song of Achilles just got me out of a reading slump and it’s going to be a favourite, 5 stars for sure
I read The Time Travelers Wife ages ago and loved it, but from what I remember, you would totally not like it. Good call.
I listened to A Little Life on audible while working on my architectural design work this summer andddd OH BOY was that a mistake. Every night I'd be chucking along on a project then immediately dissociate and/or cry over that book. EVERY. NIGHT. FOR WEEKS?!?!? Still have not finished it either :/ I need a support group to get through it
I'll never read Normal People by Sally Rooney. It just seems like a boring book that claims to be deep and realistic.
When Jesse uploads the day after your birthday! ☺️ also, should I read A Court of Thorns and Roses or Scythe next?
I'm probably never going to read "Acotar" and "Throne of glass" series 🌚
On my "Not gonna read unless you want to give me a million dollars" list: Big Little Lies, The Handmaid's Tale, the Outlander series, the ACOTAR series (however I'm not completely opposed to the Throne of Glass series)
if you haven't read the song of achillies i really recommend giving it a go i loved it so much my favourite book maybe it could be a video idea reading the song of achillies and giving your opinion on it i can understand if someone says they dont like it once they have read it well i cant because i loved it but don't judge the book before you read it
i tried to read the song of achilles and got 7 chapters in but was ultimately kinda bored by it :( so i completely understand why you don’t wanna read it!! also the fact that it’s so hyped up works against it unfortunately
Hmmm...could I possibly recommend XOXO by Axie Oh for your romance read? It's a love story between a cellist and a Kpop idol set in Seol. I consumed the entire thing in a couple hours and absolutely adored it.
And this isn't *really* a romance, I mean there is romance but it isn't the center of the story, but you should read Parachutes by Kelly Yang. Just emotionally prepare yourself, because I didn't, and I was sobbing on the floor at midnight when I finished it.
For the song of Achilles, and A Little Life... I am the same. I have seen the love, the hype, and it just can't make it's way in my direction. The summary doesn't get anything from me, and I run away when I see them. Get A Life, Chloe Brown is another I never realy planned to read. Spicy romance doesn't really work for me. I prefer romance within a different genre, not in the forefront of the story.
So I'm going to be unhauling the time travelers wife because it's the oldest book on my tbr ever and this prompted me to look into reviews and WOW it would not be for me.
I am curious about the song of Achilles, but I'm afraid of the pain... It seems to be a sad one.
it's not sad SAD, more like bittersweet. It does have moments where u feel really bad for the protag but then u rmb they both found n love each other till the end, n that makes up for it. Hope this helps. ("Circe" by d same author is great too.)
@@TheBlueClover2012 now I feel like reading it, just to know how much bittersweet it is. The problems of being a curious reader 😅
You do you, however, An Abundance of Katherine's is my favorite John Green book I have read so far. I haven't read many though so I have no room to talk.
If you want to read a romance, you could try Act Your Age, Eve Brown. I feel like you might enjoy that book
no waaaaayyy
The time traveler's wife is my favorite book ever! I read it a thousand times and now it's a HBO series, which I watched the first season a thousand times already!
It's amazing! 💕
Since this video is kind of old 🤭, please tell me you gave it a chance, now that the first season of the series is out!
The book leaves you feeling all kinds of emotions. The end is incredibly ... (trying to find the right word..) ... (can't find the right word...) ... but the entire book gives you the sense of fulfillment, like... you watch they fall in love and grow their lives together and end their lives together (in a way) (no, it's not actually a spoiler) that you fill you've seen what a real relationship should be like. (Not every part, because it IS fiction (the guy travels through time)) but they stick together even through the bad.
For me it is the most complete romantic romance because the book doesn't end at the "happily ever after", it shows the "not so happily ever after".
I cried a river and I laughed too.
The series adaptation is AMAZING!!! I know a lot of people don't like it because the series is adding a lot of scenes that didn't happen in the book, but I think they are doing a great job at reading in between the lines of the book and bringing the feeling of comedy, tragedy, realness and fiction into it.
I also like the movie adaptation. It's very true to the book.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE read the time traveler's wife!! 🙏
ps. it's the first book I read entirely in English, so that's another reason why I read it so many times...
I will never read the rest of the mortal instruments series and anything else by Casandra Clair or anything else by John Green and anything with romance! also same for the Song of Achilles!
I think it’s interesting that at least three out of your five books I as well will not read. But I will admit I have never heard of that John Green book that you mentioned and I love John Green. But yeah your description about that book sound makes the book sound so boring. So thank you for your input and thoughts on these books Jesse.
Jesse, please read Get a Life Chloe Brown! It has great rep for both illness and a variety of characters of different races. It sounds very romancey - and trust me, I’m not one for romance - but the hate to love trope makes it feel a little bit more special. I think you will really the characters at the forefront of this book.
the fact that you will never know the absolute perfection of song of achilles makes me cry for you jesse
Personally I will never read or watch the twilight saga! Nothing against it, it just doesn’t peak my interest.