Reading Catch-up || 8 Book Reviews
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- Опубліковано 18 вер 2024
- Not as many books as you might think, given how long it's been since I did one of these chats. Please enjoy the video!
THE BOOKS:
Mystery at Deer Hill by Virginia Frances Voight
Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters
The Langoliers by Stephen King
Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley
Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Where Are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark
Enjoyed your book reviews. I always come away from them ordering a book or two that I would not have read, which is fun. I also agree with the comment that I really enjoy your reading for example the Yellow Wallpaper. I continue to look forward to your great work.
I enjoy these book videos as much as I enjoy your videos on film. Haven't read any of these books, although I did read Slaughterhouse five a very long time ago and I remember it being very strange.
I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks, Aaron!
@@Weiselberry Hey miss Weiselberry, have you seen The Courier? I just watched it on Prime and have to say it's my movie of the year so far.
@@aarontroy3 No, I haven't heard anything about that one.
Slaughterhouse Five was my first Vonnegut. I felt almost the same about that one as you did about Cats Cradle. It is a little confusing. There's a linear storyline there...but because the protagonist is "unstuck in time," its all out of order. Its like he wrote a linear story, cut it up into a thousand pieces, shook those pieces up in a mason jar, dumped them out and started randomly taping them back together. By the end, you understand the sequence. It was a wild ride, and had its ups and downs, but at the end I found I'd actually enjoyed it overall.
Yeah, I've read a lot of Kings writing and Langoliers was not one of my favorites. His books do tend to start strong, slog in the middle and fizzle at the end. Sometimes I wonder why I keep reading his books because I feel the same way about so many of them. Every now and then he knocks it out of the park. I recently finished Billy Summers and thought it was his best work since 11/22/63. There was some pretty violent sexual content, and a bit of the TDS thats peppered his work the last few years, but overall it was excellent. The Langoliers though...I think I gave it a 3 or 4 out of 10. Interesting idea, silly execution. Also, couldn't un-hear Craig Pinchots "scaring the little giRRRL?!?" Line when I read it in the novella. Made it hard for me to take the rest of the story too seriously, lol.
Always fun to hear your thoughts about what you've been reading. Thanks for the review!
Yay, some Edgar Rice Burroughs, a writer that I generally don’t think is very good, while somehow still being one of my favorites! I think it’s the sense of adventure and world-building that really appeals to me.
I agree that the first Tarzan book is better than the second one, but I still really liked the second one. Jane is rare among Burroughs females in being not a childish idiot, and actually able to fend for herself to a large extent. “Tarzan’s Quest,” one of the better of the later novels, involves Jane having to lead people through the jungle on her own, who don’t put much stake in following a woman, despite her repeatedly showing herself to be more intelligent and more capable than they are. It’s very satisfying to see them end up being put in their place.
What you mention about other female characters in the second book immediately falling for Tarzan is more the standard for Burroughs. Many of his stories feature the same discovery-of-a-lost-civilization aspect of the second book as well, although usually with two sides at war with each other and Tarzan having to rescue someone from one side. The quality of the series varies wildly from book to book, with some other (particularly dumb and lazy) recurring elements including Tarzan losing his memory, or there being another person who looks exactly like Tarzan, and the two of them being mistaken for each other. Overall, his Mars series is much better at maintaining a level of creativity and engagement, although the female characters are generally very irritating…now that I think about it, the male characters sometimes are too, with John Carter in particular being a character that is presented as an enviable hero, while at the same time being a bloodthirsty psychopath, and kind of an idiot. And of course, all the female characters immediately fall in love with him. I would recommend trying those out, and maybe even “Gullivar of Mars,” by Edwin L. Albert, which served as inspiration for the Burroughs Mars books, while itself being at least partially inspired by “The Time Machine.” It starts out slow, but picks up about a third of the way in, with some really memorable sequences and ideas, and is definitely a book that I wish had led to a series of its own.
As for “The Langoliers,” I remember quite liking it, and thinking it was one of Stephen King’s best stories (who I would say I am sort of a reluctant fan of, in that I like just enough of his stuff to keep reading more). It’s certainly the best of the four novellas in “Four Past Midnight.” And I also remember liking the miniseries, which I agree was surprisingly similar to the book. I do agree, however, that the Langoliers themselves could have used some more thought, which is typically what I say for King creations.
Great reviews as always.
Thank you!
My Mom loves Mary Higgins Clark! Glad you enjoyed Where are the Children. She probably wouldn't put Clark up there with her inner circle of favorite mystery writers (Victoria Holt, Dorothy Eden, Mary Stuart, Barbara Michaels, Phyllis Whitney) but likely just a notch below.
I thought Barbara Michaels' novel, Be Buried in the Rain, was very good.
@@4Topwood I know my mother really enjoyed it.
I like it when Jerome reviews movies but I love it when she reads
I'm glad you enjoy the book-related content!
@@Weiselberry yes I am! Because of this content, I’m back to reading books! Thank you Jerome
Glad you enjoyed Tarzan. It's been a long time since I read it and I should probably give it another go. Never read Return of Tarzan, or any of the other sequels, but sooner or later I'll get around to it. Thanks once again for your insights.
I just learnt a new word :-) I haven't worked out how to say it yet.
It's been a while since i read Slaughterhouse Five but it is a great novel. I have a few others of his as well. He has a unique style which may take a little getting used to but I really enjoy. I think you pretty much nailed it: wacky, funny, sad, confusing, strange. That's Vonnegut. If you accept that then you will love Slaughterhouse Five.
I look forward to giving it a try!
Always love your reviews.
Thank you!
Wow, we've come full circle. I discovered your channel when you reviewed the Winds of War/War & Remembrance miniseries, left a huge comment talking about the books and the similarities and differences between them and the movies...and now you're reading the books. :) I'm glad you liked the first one. It's my favorite of the two. I still think that Wouk was under editorial pressure with the second book with how quickly he wraps everything. I just had a feeling that his original manuscript probably had 100 more pages and an editor told him to revise and lose them. Anyway, looking forward to the video where you talk about both books. I still remember certain passages...they're written so well.
Hm, when a book is already over one thousand pages long, I don't think it makes that much of a difference to include another hundred to wrap things up! I'm finding that War and Remembrance requires more effort, partly because of the rough subject matter (which I'm dreading the closer it gets, even though I know what happens). Also the relationship drama, but while on the one hand I wish there wasn't so much of that, it does provide a welcome mental break from the heavier material. I'm about a fifth of the way through, so the review probably won't be out for at least a month, but I'm glad you're looking forward to it. :)
@@Weiselberry I think what made the relationship stuff more palatable for me was that he went into the psyche of the characters a lot more, and that really kept me interested. I enjoyed all the inner monologues that informed why the characters were acting the way they were. As for that rough portion, from what I remember it's handled with great care. Some of the best passages in the book concern that portion. But I also remember that it comes later in the book then I remember in the show. Unless I'm misremembering, when it came up in the book I remember saying to myself "Wow, This is later in the story than I expected. Is he going to have enough time to wrap everything up?" He does, but for me it felt like he was positively zooming by to hurdle toward the ending, which stood in stark contrast to the rest of the book where he was going into copious detail. There are some episodes and vignettes in the book that don't show up in the mini series, but by and large it's quite close. I remember being slightly disappointed because one of the reasons I decided to read the book was to get more detail on the ending. And it's almost as if he had an editor tell him "wrap this up in 25 pages". I don't know the exact page count since I read the book on a Kindle, but that's what it felt like.
Even if your review takes a month, I am looking forward to it because I want to see what you specifically like and dislike and where we disagree. That will be interesting. And also, how many of the show actors are you seeing in your head when you're reading... Because for me, while I started out thinking of how Wouk described them, the longer I read, The more they just became the actors on the show. 😂
I give you tremendous credit for taking on Tarzan and Wouk. As for a certain other book --- "SCARING THE LITTLE GIRL!?!?!?!" Yeah, I can see how that could be a problem. So many people out there taking on movies and music, and some of them are good, but your love of books is also greatly appreciated, Rome. Owl be seeing you.
Ah, thanks! And YES, that is the very line I had in mind. :D
Slaughterhouse-Five is a classic but can be a challenge. I recommend reading it.
If you thought Cat's Cradle was somewhat flip about armageddon, wait'll you get a load of Slaughterhouse-Five! Suffering, despair, blazing infernos, and the narrator regards it all and says...."So it goes." But I do adore Vonnegut. Give "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater" a spin sometime - uproariously funny and a bit less pessimistic.
Gee, something to look forward to! :D Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for this fun reading catch up! 🙆♀️
You're welcome! :)
Fifteen seconds in and I'm already having fun! Oh mercy, you read YA novels, too? Wonderful!
Not so often these days, but every now and then one catches my fancy! Glad you enjoyed this! :)
The Sirens Of Titan is really my fave Vonnegut. I guess I can't resist the Tralfamadorians and the cronosynclasticinfundibulum . I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks
Your enthusiasm for books is infectious! It's making me want to read more. :D
The Tarzan books might be Burrough's most famous novels, but I think the first few Mars books, the Moon books, and those to the Earth's Core are better. The Tarzan books vary in quality, with no set pattern as to which are better---earlier or later. Still, to me, some are very pleasant time fillers. Better than some of the Vonnegut stuff I've read...
I have the Mars books on my TBR. I'm so looking forward to reading them.
@@pamelatarajcak5634 I think you would enjoy the first few Mars books; fast-paced, exciting, and well-written. The last few in the series are a different matter---more like rough sketches of books planned. Not so good...
Hey, Jerome! Slaughterhouse five is not at all confusing. Well, compared to cat's cradle anyhow. Glenn Gould played the piano for the movie adaptation of slaughterhouse, which I keep meaning to watch. Still enjoying your videos! Now I want to go read another Vonnegut soon.
Thanks for the encouragement to check it out, Lois! :)
Fun fact: Sean Connery played Bad Guy Number Three in the 1959 film "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure".
Great video! I've actually just finished writing my first novel, which I'm going to send to a publisher at some point in the near future. I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to send it to you, though! :)
Hey, congratulations on getting your book completed! Ha, I'm afraid I have a strict policy as far as that goes, but good luck on your publishing quest!
@@Weiselberry Thank you :)
Great review,I wish I had time to read more,I try to do a couple books a month,and cannibalism is always an option Lol😛
Haha, thanks! A couple books a month is a good schedule!
,, like with any TV viewer of the 70s n 80s, Johnny Weissmuller films from the 30s were easily found, but I don't know if you've seen the slightly later Greystoke: the Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984),, w/ Christopher Lambert n Andie MacDowell, it's not bad, which is unusual and has a fair amount of crevats and coachhorses,, also there is track 12 from PJ Harvey's second album Rid of Me (1993) entitled,, Me Jane [02:43] it's pretty noisy ,, track 10 Man-size, though is played before, in track 6 as a sextet for strings,, kinda like punk for Laura Jesson 😏🏆💐 x
Have you read any of Burroughs' Barsoom series ?
Ah ! The Langoliers (miniseries) --- very memorable.
Whenever I see 'Mary Higgins Clark' I think 'TV Movie' :)
No, I haven't read any other books by Burroughs.
Read more Vonnegut!!!!!!!!!!!
The ending to the first Tarzan book surprised me. Thought it would've gone differently.
Exactly. Not what I was prepared for at all.
@@Weiselberry I did like that it was way less racist than I worried it would be, given the era it was written.
I echo your thoughts about Stephen King. When I was young I proudly asserted that King belonged among the giants, but over time I grew progressively less enamored of his literary style and eventually reversed my opinion of him entirely. I would argue there are many better horror writers out there, both living and otherwise.
Can you give some recommendations?
@@sunshineseaandvitamind8620 If you like a good scary ghost story, I strongly recommend Jonathan Aycliffe. He writes what you might call contemporary Gothics and he's extremely good at it. I also like Ted Dekker, William Johnstone, Graham Masteron, and Robert McCammon, among others.
@@Paladin12572 thanks so much for the recommendations! I will check those authors out.
Nice video :)
Thanks!
Have you seen Greystoke: The legend of Tarzan (1984), stars Christopher Lambert. It's the best version of Tarzan I have seen. (Apolgies if you have seen it)
No, I haven't.
@@Weiselberry here is a link to the original trailer, it's not the best quality but you get the idea: ua-cam.com/video/vhidWw1yWR8/v-deo.html
Damn I think I read 8 pages this week - you’re reading 8 books! Btw have you read the novella Who Goes There by John W. Campbell?
There have been some weeks where I managed to read just a few pages too. :) I did muddle my way through Who Goes There? a few years ago. I admit I found its dry, clinical style a bit of a challenge.
@@Weiselberry Cool - I can see that.
That's good place to stop reading the Tarzan books. Like all Burroughs series, it becomes progressively sillier, to the point where it's like listening to a boy making up adventures with his action figures. Just read the synopsis of "Tarzan and the Ant Men," which is even more ridiculous that its title would suggest.
So I took your advice and had a good chuckle at two things: 1) the ant men's absurdly long and complicated names, and 2) the fact that they temporarily shrink Tarzan by bonking him on the head! Honestly, I'm not sure that this doesn't make the book sound *more* enticing.
@@Weiselberry One friend of mine claims that some of the books come down to "Jane is missing and Tarzan has to find her, but then Tarzan is missing and Jane has to find him." Sounds to me like they needed mobile phones.
Jerome, have you ever considered the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, especially Sherlock Holmes? At least those have some kind of substance to them. The books you commented on are frothy!!
I've read some Sherlock Holmes, but I prefer other detectives.
Have you read all these books? I have, and I wouldn't describe any of them (even the ones I was more critical of) as devoid of substance, and a few of them are the very opposite of "frothy." What's wrong with reading lighter books in between heavy stuff like A Tale of Two Cities and The Winds of War, anyway? Or just seeking something fun to distract from the struggles of real life for a little while? Let people read whatever they want to read.
@@Weiselberry ok, sister, I understand; but I’m someone who was brought up on the Classics. To each his own!!
Do you film on a vintage camera?