Dude this is your first video?! And you started reading 4 months ago?!?! I wanna be you when I grow up! (im an adult lol) The sheer volume of dense lit you read this year is crazy. I read 5 classics this year and the rest of my reading is pretty modern. I just made a 2025 reading goals video and one of my top goals is to read more classics so this was super inspiring and motivating. New subscriber.
Thank you so much!! I tried my best to throw myself into the deep end (even though it didnt always work out haha). I love that you want to get into more classics, hopefully you pick up some of these that I mentioned in this video, I think theyre all great reads!
Definitely! Its like Wilde would intentionally lull you then grab your attention back with a CRAZY philisophical question -- even more highlighted when Dorian becomes the second coming of Henry's ideology later in the book lol
*All books and timestamps for reference* 2:27 Art of War - Sun Tsu 3:36 The Book of Five Rings - Miyamoto Musashi 5:22 The Analects - Confucius 6:36 The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde 9:33 The Pearl - John Steinbeck 11:01 Of Mice And Men - John Steinbeck 12:24 Discourse on the Method - Descartes 13:15 Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu 14:54 Short Stories - Franz Kafka 16:59 The Republic - Plato 18:49 Frankenstein - Mary Shelley 20:25 Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury 22:10 First and Second Discourses - Rousseau 22:58 Candide - Voltaire 24:09 Ethan Frome - Edith Wharton 25:07 Consolation of Philosophy - Boethius 26:48 Confessions - Rousseau 27:34 The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli 28:51 Siddhartha - Herman Hesse 29:57 The Stranger - Albert Camus 31:14 The Myth of Sisyphus - Albert Camus 33:02 Sentimental Education - Gustave Flaubert 33:47 The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison 35:33 The Bridge of San Luis Rey - Thornton Wilder 36:39 The Rebel - Albert Camus 38:13 The Will to Power - Friedrich Nietzshe 39:19 Notes From The Underground - Fyodor Dostoevsky 42:21 Self-Examination - Soren Kierkegaard 43:29 The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Perkins 45:12 Collected Poems - Langston Hughes 46:04 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath 47:24 Collected Poems, Short Stories - Sylvia Plath 47:55 The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath - Sylvia Plath
Morrrrre. Yo. What? I’m a writer with 2 literature/writing degrees, whatever that means, and I need you to know you are as clear, creative, brilliant and insightful as anyone I’ve ever talked books with. And so self-aware. Like what. Please hold that. And your tastes. New (re)reader HOW?! I’m amazed. More shares please and more power to you. 🙏🏾
this is probably the best most nuanced booktube video i’ve seen in forever and i’m grateful to see you come across my recommended and i hope you continue reading and posting.
I rly recommend Octavia Butler's 'Parable of The Sower' ! - it's heavy but incredible, philosophical and haunting and her characters felt deeply complicated and human to me, it's stuck with me for years I'm looking forwards to reading more now, thank you for sharing
Dante- I don’t know what to say! You just presented the most informative, real and astonishing lecture on many of the most difficult books ever written, books about which scores of critics have written not nearly so clearly and well. In addition to your analytic powers, your memory of what you’ve read is amazing. I am in awe and feel like I could sit down in a cafe with you and talk forever! Many thanks, you have a new suscriber here.
Dude, you HAVE to read the short stories of Jorge Luis Borges!! It’s like the perfect mix of literature and philosophy through myth and detective stories
you DEVOURED. i'm trying to get this energy up in 2025. i love seeing someone like me who is new to reading and just trying to get their sea legs. this is amazing! i wish i was as articulate as you
I am in awe. You started reading 4 months ago, and you started with the analects of Confucius ??? You SHOULD be so proud of yourself, that's seriously impressive. The way you speak about books is so captivating, and I was floored by your pencil drawing vs abstract painting analogy - so accurate! can't wait for future content. (p.s. I love fiona apple)
for four months of reading this is crazyyyy, props to you mate. the picture of dorian gray made me fall in love with classics and back into reading after a year long reading slump
This has to be my favorite book video I’ve watched in a long time, just raw and exactly what I look for when I’m trying to watch some UA-cam I really can’t wait to see more of the content you end up making Side note the comparison to pencil drawings and paintings was actually so nice kafka is my favorite and thinking about the writing in that way makes so much sense
Stop how did I only find your channel now!?!? It is honestly so refreshing to hear someone be so unbiased toward art and not “ranking” art like it so nice to hear it because nowadays it all opinions and barely anyone keeps a open eye and ear for new ideas, for a first video this is amazing keep it up man I admire your style!
So happy to see you on UA-cam now! Your taste and depth in literature is incredible, and you only started reading this year! It’s very impressive. As years pass by, you’ll be able to look back and reflect on the books you’ve read in the past and how your taste will continue to develop over the years. Also, I started reading philosophy this year and I’ve added so many of your recommendations on my tbr! Also, I would recommendation that you read Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, and if you want a challenging yet controversial read, Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawerence. Both are incredible classics and the controversy behind Lady Chatterley’s Lover is intriguing yet insightful, and it tells you a lot about society in the 19th century and how they viewed the institution of marriage and the sexual relations between a man and a woman. Looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings you ♥️
Why did I just read this comment like poetry, youre amazing haha. Thanks for the kind words! I will try to find Father and Sons as well as Lady Chatterley's Lover! I will get back to you on my thoughts -- Lets have a well-read 2025!
Im a year into my journey of falling in love with reading again and the way you express your thoughts on these books makes me so excited to finally take them off my shelf and read them. ty for your immaculate vibes and knowledge !!
hearing you talk is so fascinating. i can’t believe you said you only recently started reading. ur ideas are very solid and also think the most important thing with reading is being open to learning more- rereading and finding new things so many readers don’t rly acknowledge that. best of luck for ur new youtube channel !!
What a breath of fresh air. Had me at Fiona and it just kept getting better. I can’t wait to see you reflect on reading Tolstoy, Hardy, Eliot and Hugo. You’re gonna especially love Hardy, sir. Start with Far From the Madding Crowd, and don’t watch the movie first. If I can be so bold as to recommend any 3 books to a young man coming into great literature and philosophy for the first time, it would be: 1. Death of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy; 2. Stoner by John Williams; 3. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl.
Dante, truly, the way you talk about books and describe them is unlike any other booktuber I've come across. You speak on your experience reading and the content of books in a way that feels like the actual experience of reading. (Rather than the summary that captures its notion.) You talk about the way books worked through you, and/or continue to work through you. Noumena. From the tranquility of the Tao Te Ching and how authors paint in pencil and abstract. You express it in such an enigmatic way that makes me actually want to read philosophy. (Which is not a genre I gravitate towards.) Also..In FOUR MONTHS??? You are an Extraordinary Machine!! I notice and recognize the doubts you have within yourself and where you may be in this moment. Please know it's okay to have these thoughts, AND they do not align with how myself, and other people here who have expressed similar sentiments, see you. May your journey be wonderful, and may peace be upon you!!
As someone who had the classics shoved down their throat at a young age and had to unlearn and relearn how to enjoy classic lit it is genuinely so refreahing to see someone gushing over ancient philosophers like they're modern booktok favorites, it enthuses me and my appreciation of them. So glad you've found value in them, I wish you the best upcoming reading year and hope you continue to make videos!
Kafka was also my first "he gets me" writer! Your enthusiasm is so palpable, I was listening to this more like a podcast while making breakfast and when you would get hype about something I would smile and laugh because your passion is delightful
You had me at Fiona Apple, I immediately knew you had good books and I was not wrong, love your taste! The movies you mentioned, the posters behind you, the other singers… so excited for your future videos and knowing more about your thoughts on all those topics!
I read Sula and The Bluest Eye earlier this year and am currently reading Beloved! Toni Morrison is a master when it comes to language, and in this year alone has already become one of my absolute favorite authors. As you said, she doesn't waste a single sentence. I'm looking forward to hear your thoughts on Beloved when you get to it!:)
she is without a doubt the most technically sound writer i’ve ever read, that’s definitely saying a lot because i love kafka with my whole heart and he’s also up there! she’s on another level, can’t wait to read more of her work
Im so glad the algorithm gave me this video. This is so exciting, I'm started reading more only a couple of years ago, so i still haven't read a lot of classics mentioned here. This makes me more excited, thank you.
your passion for literature as somebody who has only gotten back into reading four months ago is so inspiring and gives me hope that I still have time to find something that i’m this passionate about - I also love sad media and would love a video of sad movie recommendations, I just watched dead poets society and that punched me in the gut and I would love more media that does the same ,,
I’m so happy that i ran into your channel. I hope you keep finding and working on your passions. I also got back to reading couple months ago and seeing people with niche reads like you motivates me so much 🫂💗💕
Thank you!! My posters literally represent my mind haha, my tattoos as well -- just history, paintings, music and all art forms scattered everywhere lol, I love it!
"Started 4 mo ago" BRO. Im impressed. You jumped into it with both feet and that is hella cool. Also adore how you talk about the books knowing you could get more from them but you aren't quite there. Revisiting books and learning more is such a fun journey!
My man, for getting into literature a few months ago, you are doing it right. The best thing about good literature is how they all seem to cross reference each other at some point. Getting into the history and cultural context is key, and so many people miss that. Especially early in the game.
Going to comment as I slowly watch your video (so I apologize ahead of time for the multiple comments!). I read a lot of John Steinbeck this year after reading Of Mice and Men and The Red Pony last year. The Pearl, Cannery Row, The Grapes of Wrath (and Working Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath), The Long Valley, all were incredibly satisfying. Just the way Steinbeck writes... It's no wonder he's a staple of and in the canon of America literature. The Pearl is one of the most thematically rich pieces of literature I've ever read: no line is wasted on superfluous detail. I plan on reading more Steinbeck in 2025, starting with Tortilla Flat.
Nice Dante, I like following youtubers who just started, looking forward to see where your journey is going. Greets from the middle of Europe. Love the video style, hope you stick to it, it looks authentic, youtube is filled with over perfectionized depictions of "the reader", nice to see a normal person talking about books for a change. Peace :)
I’m so glad I clicked through on this! I had no clue what to expect but I’m loving how you really went far and wide on the books you picked up and the topics covered!! I love the way you’re thinking and the passion that comes through clearly. PLEASE SHARE YOUR GOODREADS HANDLE IF YOU USE IT!!
i have a goodreads but i don’t really use it! i’m not a big fan of the 5 star rating structure on book apps! but thank you so much for finding some value in my video!
I love how many times you were talking about something and went “I have a tattoo of this!” That Kafka tattoo is awesome. I’m so excited for your next video - it’s so clear that you are so in love with these books
I love how passionate and the way you explain why you love all those books. It was so cozy, like listening a friend talking to me about his favorite stuff
Yaaas, Sylvia Plath! The Bell Jar is the only novel that literally caused me to spiral into near psychosis as I was reading it, to the point that I had to put it down and was not able to finish it until four years later. I still need to read her poetry and her journals. I didn’t know she had stories! So I have more to look forward to!
the bell jar is just so potent, i understand people when they say that it was too much for them. i’ve never seen anything like it! but yes, she has SO much work to look forward to!
I just started getting into philosophy books too! I'm really glad you liked Ray Bradbury's book and I recommend trying some of his less mainstream books such as October Country, Martian Chronicles, and Dandelion Wine. Those three are so, so good to me. I also recommend 1984 since you mentioned trying to get more into politics, it can help shed light on how media is controlled and reminds me a lot of modern-day North Korea. However, 1984 is a very stiff read, you really have to keep up with all of the vocabulary created within it. Keep up the reading and the videos!
I’m a literature teacher (in French, not English), and it makes me so happy to hear you talk about books so enthusiastically. “La colonie pénitentiaire” is also my favorite Kafka’s short story, and I just chose to teach Frankenstein again for the winter semester (and your appreciation of the book made me glad I did). I feel like we have somewhat similar tastes. Can’t wait to see what you read next!
penal colony is such a good story! i have it tied with the burrow on my second favorite kafka work! i’m jealous of you being a literature teacher, that’s so cool haha
I admire your quest for knowledge and growth, something I myself deal with. I say deal with because although a good quality, it’s so draining! Keep doing your thing!
absolutely in love with your comparison of different writing styles to drawings or abstract art; I've never heard anyone describe it like that and its honestly such a perfect way to describe it my friend
I have not stopped thinking about The Bluest Eye since I read it a few years ago. Beloved will also be my next read from Morrison, I just feel like I need to mentally prepare myself for the inevitable trauma.
i love this. and am feeling inspired to go and pick up my copies of some of the books you’ve mentioned that i’ve been putting off reading, haha! also i love that you’re proud of yourself-so you should be!
Really loved the enthusiasm you have shown for reading and how varied your taste in reading is. I was thinking about you said about the two writing styles that are like "pencil sketches" vs "paintings." It’s what's more commonly known as "window pane" writing versus "stained glass" writing. George Orwell described his style as being like a clear glass window that you look through to see the story happening; the words on the page becoming invisible. The total opposite of this, stained glass writing, is poetic prose with lots of figurative language. Anyway. Please make more book videos.
@@thoughtsofdante Good stuff! After you've been reading for a while, I recommend reading novelist's non-fiction books on how they write. Stephen King's 'On Writing' is really good and a lot of other people like Chuck Palahniuk's 'Consider This.' I think you will get a lot out of having the vocabulary to describe the things in the writing which I can tell that you already feel in your bones. George Orwell's name for his writing style comes from his essay 'Why I Write' which is short and free to read online.
DANTEEE! I’ve been waiting for this day. I’m trying to gravitate away from TikTok but really enjoy your content so seeing you upload on UA-cam made my day. Love that wall of posters, makes a great backdrop for the video. All these books sound wonderful, I have a couple books you mentioned under the Christmas tree right now. I can’t wait. The passion you have for reading / books is everything. Anyways I look forward to more uploads! I’ll be watching all of them for sure. Happy reading! 📚
THANK YOU!! I am just preparing for the inevitable take down of TikTok -- im so happy you find value in my videos haha. (the posters are my prized possessions!)
I’ve always wanted to read the art of war by tzu but after your description of using his method as a tools for everyday life makes me even more excited to read it. There’s always going to be opposing forces, that’s just the balance of life. In order for growth, there must be struggle
highly recommend humes dialogues (specifically oxford world classics edition) he’s one of my personal favourites philosophers i love his stuff about religion and the existence of god the most
I love this video. One can feel your passion for reading and learning ooozing out of the screen. The books you recommended are definitly going on my tbr and i´ll look forward to any new videos of yours
Hi there! I absolutely love the way you talk about literature. You really have a way with words! Also this is a great first video! I subscribed and can’t wait to see more from you!
I love how you talk about books! Philosophy is one of my favorite genres as well and you speak about the topic so masterfully. Please keep making long, rambling bookish videos. ❤
Finally I'm seeing a book review of the type of books I like! Thank you so much. I'm also getting back into reading properly and it's so exciting and wonderful. I'll put some of these on my tbr list. Thanks Dante! ❤
There are so many books in your pile that scare me but I want to read them some time in the future. But for this year, I am proud of myself for finishing War and Peace. Every year I give myself a "big" project
Much respect you you. A Kafka tattoo is wild haha, I love it. Gotta recommend Cormac McCarthy, since you mentioned you enjoyed the more poetic writing of Oscar Wilde, the Bible and philosophy. It might be a bit difficult at first (or not), but stick with it. Oh, and "All the Pretty horses" is the best way to start reading him. Either that or "The Road". Maybe the Road, since you're a christian.
Stoner is amazing! It’s such an effective exploration and depiction of a debatably mundane life. Having read all of John Williams’s works-all four novels-Augustus is my favorite of his, and I adored Stoner. I hope you love Stoner once you finish!
i will 100%! i finished stoner not too long ago, and at first i had it at 4/5 stars, i liked it but it wasn’t mind blowing - but for some reason the book is sticking with me so much, i decided to reread some of the chapters the other day and found a whole new love for it! great read!
love your descriptions on the books! sylvia plath is also my favorite author ever! she's the reason i love classics as well ❤ pls keep doing what you're doing you're so intelligent and passionate!
Brother you are amazing! The Kid Cudi album Man on the Moon 2 was enough to make me subscribe. Top that off with the fact that you have amazing taste in books and have only really begun reading in the past four months. And you’re really into philosophy!!?? I can tell your channel is gonna blow up. I’ll definitely be sharing what you have to offer to close bookish friends of mine. Can’t wait for more content man.
Dude this is your first video?! And you started reading 4 months ago?!?! I wanna be you when I grow up! (im an adult lol) The sheer volume of dense lit you read this year is crazy. I read 5 classics this year and the rest of my reading is pretty modern. I just made a 2025 reading goals video and one of my top goals is to read more classics so this was super inspiring and motivating. New subscriber.
Thank you so much!! I tried my best to throw myself into the deep end (even though it didnt always work out haha). I love that you want to get into more classics, hopefully you pick up some of these that I mentioned in this video, I think theyre all great reads!
mentioning fiona apple a minute into the video had me clicking the subscribe button immediately !!
THANK YOU! haha, Fiona is one of my favorite people to ever live!
@thoughtsofdante LOVE THAT SO VERY MUCH !! Can't wait for you're next videos, i will definitely be watching!!
Hello!
Me too im in!!!
Exactly 🎉
Hearing you say “im super proud of myself” while introducing the video made my heart melt 🥰
“Dorian and Henry would say something crazy that would draw me back in,” is a no. 1 The Picture of Dorian Gray experience
Definitely! Its like Wilde would intentionally lull you then grab your attention back with a CRAZY philisophical question -- even more highlighted when Dorian becomes the second coming of Henry's ideology later in the book lol
*All books and timestamps for reference*
2:27 Art of War - Sun Tsu
3:36 The Book of Five Rings - Miyamoto Musashi
5:22 The Analects - Confucius
6:36 The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
9:33 The Pearl - John Steinbeck
11:01 Of Mice And Men - John Steinbeck
12:24 Discourse on the Method - Descartes
13:15 Tao Te Ching - Lao Tzu
14:54 Short Stories - Franz Kafka
16:59 The Republic - Plato
18:49 Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
20:25 Fahrenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury
22:10 First and Second Discourses - Rousseau
22:58 Candide - Voltaire
24:09 Ethan Frome - Edith Wharton
25:07 Consolation of Philosophy - Boethius
26:48 Confessions - Rousseau
27:34 The Prince - Niccolo Machiavelli
28:51 Siddhartha - Herman Hesse
29:57 The Stranger - Albert Camus
31:14 The Myth of Sisyphus - Albert Camus
33:02 Sentimental Education - Gustave Flaubert
33:47 The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison
35:33 The Bridge of San Luis Rey - Thornton Wilder
36:39 The Rebel - Albert Camus
38:13 The Will to Power - Friedrich Nietzshe
39:19 Notes From The Underground - Fyodor Dostoevsky
42:21 Self-Examination - Soren Kierkegaard
43:29 The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Perkins
45:12 Collected Poems - Langston Hughes
46:04 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
47:24 Collected Poems, Short Stories - Sylvia Plath
47:55 The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath - Sylvia Plath
i love you
❤❤❤
tysm!!
❤❤❤
Much appreciated ❤
Morrrrre. Yo. What? I’m a writer with 2 literature/writing degrees, whatever that means, and I need you to know you are as clear, creative, brilliant and insightful as anyone I’ve ever talked books with. And so self-aware. Like what. Please hold that. And your tastes. New (re)reader HOW?! I’m amazed. More shares please and more power to you. 🙏🏾
P.S. didn’t love Kafka’s Amerika, but Metamorphosis is a forever fave, not boring at all. Amerika lost me. Would be curious what you’d think.
The "I'm ok" after talking about Kafka sent me
the way you talk about books is such a breath of fresh air; I could feel your excitement through the screen. welcome to booktube!
art and movie poster and stack of books, what a vibe, clicked as fast as i could😍
Thank you! haha -- My posters have been like this for a long time, I thought it would be a cool background!
@@thoughtsofdante ☺
It only took me an hour of random strolling to found something worth watching. Finally, the algorithm got it right.
Could've gotten far in a book if you used the same time to read something
There's nothing wrong with searching out discussions on books in addition to reading them yourself. @@kdennis2461
Facts
u got very captivating energy dude. all that passion is felt. this channel finna blow.
all glory to God! thank you for this!
this is probably the best most nuanced booktube video i’ve seen in forever and i’m grateful to see you come across my recommended and i hope you continue reading and posting.
i think you would like James Baldwin! amazing writer, he has both novels and political commentary as well
I rly recommend Octavia Butler's 'Parable of The Sower' ! - it's heavy but incredible, philosophical and haunting and her characters felt deeply complicated and human to me, it's stuck with me for years
I'm looking forwards to reading more now, thank you for sharing
clicked for the aesthetics, stayed for the thoughts. great video!!
Dante- I don’t know what to say! You just presented the most informative, real and astonishing lecture on many of the most difficult books ever written, books about which scores of critics have written not nearly so clearly and well. In addition to your analytic powers, your memory of what you’ve read is amazing. I am in awe and feel like I could sit down in a cafe with you and talk forever! Many thanks, you have a new suscriber here.
Dude, you HAVE to read the short stories of Jorge Luis Borges!! It’s like the perfect mix of literature and philosophy through myth and detective stories
I second this. Borges is a must.
yes absolutely, he is amazing
Great recommendation! Anyone who loves Kafka will love Borges.
you DEVOURED. i'm trying to get this energy up in 2025. i love seeing someone like me who is new to reading and just trying to get their sea legs. this is amazing! i wish i was as articulate as you
I am in awe. You started reading 4 months ago, and you started with the analects of Confucius ??? You SHOULD be so proud of yourself, that's seriously impressive. The way you speak about books is so captivating, and I was floored by your pencil drawing vs abstract painting analogy - so accurate! can't wait for future content. (p.s. I love fiona apple)
for four months of reading this is crazyyyy, props to you mate. the picture of dorian gray made me fall in love with classics and back into reading after a year long reading slump
You are going to LOVE The Brothers Karamazov - absolutely wonderful video. I could listen to you talk for hours
This has to be my favorite book video I’ve watched in a long time, just raw and exactly what I look for when I’m trying to watch some UA-cam I really can’t wait to see more of the content you end up making
Side note the comparison to pencil drawings and paintings was actually so nice kafka is my favorite and thinking about the writing in that way makes so much sense
Stop how did I only find your channel now!?!? It is honestly so refreshing to hear someone be so unbiased toward art and not “ranking” art like it so nice to hear it because nowadays it all opinions and barely anyone keeps a open eye and ear for new ideas, for a first video this is amazing keep it up man I admire your style!
So happy to see you on UA-cam now!
Your taste and depth in literature is incredible, and you only started reading this year! It’s very impressive.
As years pass by, you’ll be able to look back and reflect on the books you’ve read in the past and how your taste will continue to develop over the years.
Also, I started reading philosophy this year and I’ve added so many of your recommendations on my tbr!
Also, I would recommendation that you read Fathers and Sons by Ivan Turgenev, and if you want a challenging yet controversial read, Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawerence.
Both are incredible classics and the controversy behind Lady Chatterley’s Lover is intriguing yet insightful, and it tells you a lot about society in the 19th century and how they viewed the institution of marriage and the sexual relations between a man and a woman.
Looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings you ♥️
Why did I just read this comment like poetry, youre amazing haha. Thanks for the kind words! I will try to find Father and Sons as well as Lady Chatterley's Lover! I will get back to you on my thoughts -- Lets have a well-read 2025!
yayyy we love an 1-hour -yapping-about-books-video !
Definitely need a Record/Music collection vid, this was great!
I could listen to this man talk about books for hours
this is so refreshing, I've been looking for a channel like this 🥰
Welcome to the tube!
youre the goat!!
Im a year into my journey of falling in love with reading again and the way you express your thoughts on these books makes me so excited to finally take them off my shelf and read them. ty for your immaculate vibes and knowledge !!
philosophical, self aware, great taste in books, music, and art. i'm sold. can't wait to see more from you!
thank you so much!
hearing you talk is so fascinating. i can’t believe you said you only recently started reading. ur ideas are very solid and also think the most important thing with reading is being open to learning more- rereading and finding new things so many readers don’t rly acknowledge that. best of luck for ur new youtube channel !!
He just speaks like a smart person.
I love dhow many times you said 'You guys have probably read this before' because I haven't read most of these books💀
Right? I did an English minor and I wouldn’t touch a lot of these. They’re intimidating
What a breath of fresh air. Had me at Fiona and it just kept getting better.
I can’t wait to see you reflect on reading Tolstoy, Hardy, Eliot and Hugo. You’re gonna especially love Hardy, sir. Start with Far From the Madding Crowd, and don’t watch the movie first.
If I can be so bold as to recommend any 3 books to a young man coming into great literature and philosophy for the first time, it would be: 1. Death of Ivan Ilych by Tolstoy; 2. Stoner by John Williams; 3. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl.
Ha, replied too soon. Hope you enjoyed Stoner!
All 3 recommendations are amazing! I'll second them.
thank you so much for the recommendations!! i can’t wait until i read all of these great writers!
The candle on the table is an inferno in the making and I can't wait to tag along you on this 50 mins+ journey!
Watching your video was legit like sitting down and having a conversation. Of course I didn’t get to say anything back 😂 but it was so natural.
Dante, truly, the way you talk about books and describe them is unlike any other booktuber I've come across. You speak on your experience reading and the content of books in a way that feels like the actual experience of reading. (Rather than the summary that captures its notion.) You talk about the way books worked through you, and/or continue to work through you. Noumena. From the tranquility of the Tao Te Ching and how authors paint in pencil and abstract. You express it in such an enigmatic way that makes me actually want to read philosophy. (Which is not a genre I gravitate towards.)
Also..In FOUR MONTHS??? You are an Extraordinary Machine!!
I notice and recognize the doubts you have within yourself and where you may be in this moment. Please know it's okay to have these thoughts, AND they do not align with how myself, and other people here who have expressed similar sentiments, see you.
May your journey be wonderful, and may peace be upon you!!
As someone who had the classics shoved down their throat at a young age and had to unlearn and relearn how to enjoy classic lit it is genuinely so refreahing to see someone gushing over ancient philosophers like they're modern booktok favorites, it enthuses me and my appreciation of them. So glad you've found value in them, I wish you the best upcoming reading year and hope you continue to make videos!
this is like when i start yapping about literature and philosophy when drunk and i am in love with this the way u talk about the books is amazing
Kafka was also my first "he gets me" writer! Your enthusiasm is so palpable, I was listening to this more like a podcast while making breakfast and when you would get hype about something I would smile and laugh because your passion is delightful
i’m glad he read the yellow wallpaper i loved that book in high school
starting out with fiona apple ?!??! immediately subscribing
You had me at Fiona Apple, I immediately knew you had good books and I was not wrong, love your taste! The movies you mentioned, the posters behind you, the other singers… so excited for your future videos and knowing more about your thoughts on all those topics!
love listening to people talk about books, keep up the good work 🤝🏻
I read Sula and The Bluest Eye earlier this year and am currently reading Beloved! Toni Morrison is a master when it comes to language, and in this year alone has already become one of my absolute favorite authors. As you said, she doesn't waste a single sentence. I'm looking forward to hear your thoughts on Beloved when you get to it!:)
she is without a doubt the most technically sound writer i’ve ever read, that’s definitely saying a lot because i love kafka with my whole heart and he’s also up there!
she’s on another level, can’t wait to read more of her work
Im so glad the algorithm gave me this video. This is so exciting, I'm started reading more only a couple of years ago, so i still haven't read a lot of classics mentioned here. This makes me more excited, thank you.
the way you talk about books is captivating. you've got me excited to read in 2025! great video!
I already knew the vibes were going to be immaculate 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽. Liked and subscribed!!
your passion for literature as somebody who has only gotten back into reading four months ago is so inspiring and gives me hope that I still have time to find something that i’m this passionate about - I also love sad media and would love a video of sad movie recommendations, I just watched dead poets society and that punched me in the gut and I would love more media that does the same ,,
I’m so happy that i ran into your channel. I hope you keep finding and working on your passions. I also got back to reading couple months ago and seeing people with niche reads like you motivates me so much 🫂💗💕
Welcome to Booktube and I love your background
Thank you!! My posters literally represent my mind haha, my tattoos as well -- just history, paintings, music and all art forms scattered everywhere lol, I love it!
"Started 4 mo ago" BRO. Im impressed. You jumped into it with both feet and that is hella cool. Also adore how you talk about the books knowing you could get more from them but you aren't quite there. Revisiting books and learning more is such a fun journey!
This is wonderful! I love when people get into reading, or when they rediscover their love for reading ☺️
My man, for getting into literature a few months ago, you are doing it right. The best thing about good literature is how they all seem to cross reference each other at some point. Getting into the history and cultural context is key, and so many people miss that. Especially early in the game.
Going to comment as I slowly watch your video (so I apologize ahead of time for the multiple comments!).
I read a lot of John Steinbeck this year after reading Of Mice and Men and The Red Pony last year. The Pearl, Cannery Row, The Grapes of Wrath (and Working Days: The Journals of The Grapes of Wrath), The Long Valley, all were incredibly satisfying. Just the way Steinbeck writes... It's no wonder he's a staple of and in the canon of America literature. The Pearl is one of the most thematically rich pieces of literature I've ever read: no line is wasted on superfluous detail. I plan on reading more Steinbeck in 2025, starting with Tortilla Flat.
i'm so glad that you're making long-form content, i love your tiktok so much
Nice Dante,
I like following youtubers who just started, looking forward to see where your journey is going. Greets from the middle of Europe.
Love the video style, hope you stick to it, it looks authentic, youtube is filled with over perfectionized depictions of "the reader", nice to see a normal person talking about books for a change.
Peace :)
I’m so glad I clicked through on this! I had no clue what to expect but I’m loving how you really went far and wide on the books you picked up and the topics covered!! I love the way you’re thinking and the passion that comes through clearly. PLEASE SHARE YOUR GOODREADS HANDLE IF YOU USE IT!!
i have a goodreads but i don’t really use it! i’m not a big fan of the 5 star rating structure on book apps! but thank you so much for finding some value in my video!
Love your excitement and choice of books. You are so inspiring.
I finally found the time to watch the video in one sitting, good job man. -Lawince.
I love how many times you were talking about something and went “I have a tattoo of this!” That Kafka tattoo is awesome. I’m so excited for your next video - it’s so clear that you are so in love with these books
I LOVE ART SO MUCH haha, i want a patchwork tattoo theme all over my body with art and history related tattoos!
I love how passionate and the way you explain why you love all those books. It was so cozy, like listening a friend talking to me about his favorite stuff
thank you so much! i feel like that’s a great vibe for an hour long video to give off!
Im only 2 minutes in the video but the way you are so excited to talk about books made me subscribe. Cant wait to see more.
thank you!!
Yaaas, Sylvia Plath! The Bell Jar is the only novel that literally caused me to spiral into near psychosis as I was reading it, to the point that I had to put it down and was not able to finish it until four years later. I still need to read her poetry and her journals. I didn’t know she had stories! So I have more to look forward to!
the bell jar is just so potent, i understand people when they say that it was too much for them. i’ve never seen anything like it!
but yes, she has SO much work to look forward to!
I just started getting into philosophy books too! I'm really glad you liked Ray Bradbury's book and I recommend trying some of his less mainstream books such as October Country, Martian Chronicles, and Dandelion Wine. Those three are so, so good to me. I also recommend 1984 since you mentioned trying to get more into politics, it can help shed light on how media is controlled and reminds me a lot of modern-day North Korea. However, 1984 is a very stiff read, you really have to keep up with all of the vocabulary created within it. Keep up the reading and the videos!
You are just incredible and I’m so excited to finally find a booktuber that focuses on classics instead of romance and fantasy
I’m a literature teacher (in French, not English), and it makes me so happy to hear you talk about books so enthusiastically. “La colonie pénitentiaire” is also my favorite Kafka’s short story, and I just chose to teach Frankenstein again for the winter semester (and your appreciation of the book made me glad I did). I feel like we have somewhat similar tastes. Can’t wait to see what you read next!
penal colony is such a good story! i have it tied with the burrow on my second favorite kafka work!
i’m jealous of you being a literature teacher, that’s so cool haha
I admire your quest for knowledge and growth, something I myself deal with. I say deal with because although a good quality, it’s so draining! Keep doing your thing!
absolutely in love with your comparison of different writing styles to drawings or abstract art; I've never heard anyone describe it like that and its honestly such a perfect way to describe it my friend
thank you sm!!
I have not stopped thinking about The Bluest Eye since I read it a few years ago. Beloved will also be my next read from Morrison, I just feel like I need to mentally prepare myself for the inevitable trauma.
i love this. and am feeling inspired to go and pick up my copies of some of the books you’ve mentioned that i’ve been putting off reading, haha! also i love that you’re proud of yourself-so you should be!
THANK YOU SM!
Dante, your way of expressing your interaction with literature is eye opening.
Really loved the enthusiasm you have shown for reading and how varied your taste in reading is.
I was thinking about you said about the two writing styles that are like "pencil sketches" vs "paintings." It’s what's more commonly known as "window pane" writing versus "stained glass" writing.
George Orwell described his style as being like a clear glass window that you look through to see the story happening; the words on the page becoming invisible.
The total opposite of this, stained glass writing, is poetic prose with lots of figurative language.
Anyway. Please make more book videos.
thank you bro! i’ve never heard of the window pane / stained glass reference - that makes much more sense!
@@thoughtsofdante Good stuff!
After you've been reading for a while, I recommend reading novelist's non-fiction books on how they write. Stephen King's 'On Writing' is really good and a lot of other people like Chuck Palahniuk's 'Consider This.' I think you will get a lot out of having the vocabulary to describe the things in the writing which I can tell that you already feel in your bones.
George Orwell's name for his writing style comes from his essay 'Why I Write' which is short and free to read online.
bro, I love this. i’ve been needing more booktubers. u have excellent music taste!
Your taste is impeccable.
This was an amazing video, a breath of fresh air. PLEASE keep posting.
DANTEEE!
I’ve been waiting for this day. I’m trying to gravitate away from TikTok but really enjoy your content so seeing you upload on UA-cam made my day. Love that wall of posters, makes a great backdrop for the video.
All these books sound wonderful, I have a couple books you mentioned under the Christmas tree right now. I can’t wait.
The passion you have for reading / books is everything.
Anyways I look forward to more uploads! I’ll be watching all of them for sure. Happy reading! 📚
THANK YOU!! I am just preparing for the inevitable take down of TikTok -- im so happy you find value in my videos haha. (the posters are my prized possessions!)
I’ve always wanted to read the art of war by tzu but after your description of using his method as a tools for everyday life makes me even more excited to read it. There’s always going to be opposing forces, that’s just the balance of life. In order for growth, there must be struggle
Love the Caravaggio poster in the back!
highly recommend humes dialogues (specifically oxford world classics edition) he’s one of my personal favourites philosophers i love his stuff about religion and the existence of god the most
I love this video. One can feel your passion for reading and learning ooozing out of the screen. The books you recommended are definitly going on my tbr and i´ll look forward to any new videos of yours
I'm happy to find a fellow black dude like myself on BookTube. Lets be friends already😂 cause I'm hooked. Any other platform where I can follow you?
This is such a good and inspiring video. Cannot wait for you to post more, if you do
You neeed to do a room tour! The background looks fire 🔥
Hi there! I absolutely love the way you talk about literature. You really have a way with words! Also this is a great first video! I subscribed and can’t wait to see more from you!
I love how you talk about books! Philosophy is one of my favorite genres as well and you speak about the topic so masterfully. Please keep making long, rambling bookish videos. ❤
i will try to keep it up! i love that you got some value from it!
Readers know that no one can take away your company only add to it if worthy.
Finally I'm seeing a book review of the type of books I like! Thank you so much. I'm also getting back into reading properly and it's so exciting and wonderful. I'll put some of these on my tbr list. Thanks Dante! ❤
followed as soon as you mentioned dorian gray! nothing compares to what oscar wilde wrote in that book!! great video, keep it up :))
oh my god thank you for making content, i feel like i drift around trying to watch stuff but you put stuff i feel into words, plleeease keep sharing
I LOVE HOUR LONG UA-cam VIdeos AND NOW WE GET TO HAVE THEM by DANTE !! Time to grab a cup of tea and tune in !
I LOVE YOU!
"The book of five rings" sounds like a really cool book. Thanks for the rec!
The art metaphor for writing styles is awesome. Thanks for sharing your reading year!!
There are so many books in your pile that scare me but I want to read them some time in the future. But for this year, I am proud of myself for finishing War and Peace. Every year I give myself a "big" project
WAR AND PEACE?! you’re a soilder!!!
The way you got back into reading is really commendable and you have a unique take and selection of books. Keep up the good work
Much respect you you. A Kafka tattoo is wild haha, I love it. Gotta recommend Cormac McCarthy, since you mentioned you enjoyed the more poetic writing of Oscar Wilde, the Bible and philosophy. It might be a bit difficult at first (or not), but stick with it. Oh, and "All the Pretty horses" is the best way to start reading him. Either that or "The Road". Maybe the Road, since you're a christian.
Stoner is amazing! It’s such an effective exploration and depiction of a debatably mundane life. Having read all of John Williams’s works-all four novels-Augustus is my favorite of his, and I adored Stoner. I hope you love Stoner once you finish!
i will 100%! i finished stoner not too long ago, and at first i had it at 4/5 stars, i liked it but it wasn’t mind blowing - but for some reason the book is sticking with me so much, i decided to reread some of the chapters the other day and found a whole new love for it!
great read!
I LOOOOVE FIONNNNAAAAAA!!! I've barely watched this vid but I'm excited
love your descriptions on the books! sylvia plath is also my favorite author ever! she's the reason i love classics as well ❤ pls keep doing what you're doing you're so intelligent and passionate!
This was so well executed. What a beautiful soul you have. Can’t wait to watch what you create next
thank you so much!
Brother you are amazing! The Kid Cudi album Man on the Moon 2 was enough to make me subscribe. Top that off with the fact that you have amazing taste in books and have only really begun reading in the past four months. And you’re really into philosophy!!?? I can tell your channel is gonna blow up. I’ll definitely be sharing what you have to offer to close bookish friends of mine. Can’t wait for more content man.