David, Thanks for posting this review! The Overstory is the most perfect novel I have read in years, and I love hearing why other readers enjoyed it. (I am a little bit afraid to go back and read his older novels because I will compare them all to The Overstory, and that seems unfair.)
I don't comment frequently, but I feel the need to chip in and say that I really do love your channel. You bring such a unique perspective and selection to booktube.You also have this really quip but subdued humor that always makes me smile in your commentaries. Your channel just always seems so comforting, if that's not too odd.
I have the actual book - how many trees were killed, I wonder - in my possession, and was already reasonably sure I’d end up liking it (despite not caring all that much for Powers’s earlier Operation Wandering Soul) and, well, this video confirms that neither you or I are (as of yet) out of our tree. 🌲 🌳. Just lovely!
A lot of trees! This is a bit of a chunkster - Thanks for the Soul tip - I'll keep away from that one, thinking Orfeo as a possible next (but I've got so much catching up to do in the meantime as far as 2018 must reads so who knows)
"I swear I can smell the patchouli and body odor from here" 😂 Oh my. I love the way you speak about the books you read. I also enjoy your particular vocal mannerisims-- very crisp, rhythmic, and calming. Ps. It's not your age... I'm 27 and I have difficulty bouncing back from significant schedule changes as well. 😂 I hope to pick up this & something by Mary Oliver soon!
Thanks! People keep telling me I have a calming voice but I just don't hear it. But we all sound different to ourselves I guess. This return to routine is proving a slog - maybe by next week I'll be back into the swing of things, but so far - looongest week ever.
You are such a unique voice on this platform....you’re funny, witty plus you make me think. Btw, I freaking LOVE reviews. I don’t like hauls, TBR’s etc. Reviews, though? Hell yes! You like Mary Oliver, too? Omg. I didn’t think I could like you more! I have Overstory and I’m excited to get to it. Thank you for doing what you do!
Thanks - Mary Oliver is just a great and easy entry into poetry and I realize I love me some nature writing. My lit fic tends to be in cities and inward looking so it's always a pleasant surprise to come across something as unabashedly nature-loving as The Overstory. And thanks for the kind words too - I do enjoy it here and hope to continue!
The book has really changed my perspective on nature and any nonhuman living things, this book is crucial to read at a time like now when the environment is in greatest need of help
What a great start to the year. I'm looking forward to The Overstory, but now you've got me curious to check out his backlist too if The Overstay hits me like I think it will.
Just finished The Overstory! I LOVED it! I was apparently expecting a dry labored read, but the first part of this book was absolutely brilliant. Will say that I found the second part to drag in parts, but the third part reeled me back in. So happy I read this one.
The story around the chestnut tree was a feat and Powers just kept on laying out characters - wrangling them all together proved a bit of an ordeal but still found myself into it for the duration of this brick of a read! Glad you enjoyed!
I just finished reading The Overstory and had to come back and tell you how much I loved it. I shall never look at a tree, any tree in the same way again. And it has given me deeper understanding of our forest folks here in India, who have always been marginalised, who we have been taught to snigger at and look down upon and their way of life, how big Corporations are trying to displace them with the connivance of the local government. People are more aware now, there are protests, but I am cynical, and scared if things will change.... Its always 'development'...
Although a bit of a tree hugger myself, I'm with you on the fact that certain aspects of this book could have bothered me, the talking trees thing for example. However, as you said, the writing is so brilliant and the story and information about trees so fascinating, you just can't help but love it. Happy to see you're sticking around and am now trying to picture you with a man bun 😉!
No man bun here - far too old for that sort of thing, it's ill-advised ponytail and convertible at my age. Powers generates a lot of good will with the character short stories at the beginning. It's just incredible writing, it's a bit of a mess of an ending with some weird threads left dangling but I still loved it.
I hear you about being too old to have my schedule disrupted. I was off for two weeks over Christmas and now I can’t figure out how to work, lol. I’m a treehugger, so this is right in my wheelhouse. I’m even more fascinated by his back catalog. His gorgeous prose is one thing, but his brilliant mind as he weaves science and sociology into story is just wow.
I love how he jumped from a degree in physics to literature and after being a computer programmer for a time, landed on this work of extensive research leading to a compelling story. Sounds like the ideal gig - good thing he's so damn good at it!
The Overstory lead me to your channel - yet another sign of the serendipity of interconnected ness. After an initial “huh, what is Powers up to?” The Overstory completely reeled me in. I seldom read books twice, but this one I read three times and it keeps getting better. As do your reviews. Intelligent, concise, focused and hilarious! You have introduced me to so many new authors, it is like discovering the Biggest library you can think of has extra rooms no one told you about . Thank you. Thank you. Your reviews are encouraging and relevant, and I love this channel.
Great review as always. I am intrigued by this book, its foibles notwithstanding. But I already own his Orfeo, maybe I'll start there. Am intrigued by his intensively researched storytelling style.
Starting this book today. Will edit a response when I finish Edit... I enjoyed the stories of the characters lives. He pulled them together well. Some parts did seem to drag. Not the genre I'm used to reading. It was good but I don't think I would give this one a second read.
Great review! I keep thinking of Lab Girl whenever I hear someone describe this book. I am so sad this novel keeps getting bumped down my TBR because of deadlines. 😭 Soon though. Soon.
I'm with you on this book. I was really surprised at how much I liked it, and it was due almost entirely to the ambition and the quality of execution in the writing rather than the subject of trees themselves, which was just staggering. I did enjoy some strands more than others but overall, deserves all the praise it gets. Also, love a good game of conkers!
The ambition on display was staggering but the writing was what kept me going. That man can turn a phrase and I forgot how much I like me some nature writing.
I watched like 2 reviews and 2 interviews and still didn't know what the hell this book was about. Thank god for your review. I actually want to read this now that i know what this is about other than trees.
Thanks! Let me know what you think of it if you get around to reading it, one of my favorite reads of the year. Additional arboreal reading that's really good is Michael Christie's Greenwood.
Thanks! It certainly got me wishing for another trip to see the California redwoods. Got a chance to visit Muir woods some time ago and it was incredible!
First let me saying I’m glad you’re accepting your age. Now it looks like I’m going to have to accept my youth and bow to recommendations on this book and his back catalogue.
I didn't know trees could communicate with each other. So I guess I am now considering to read a 500 page-novel about trees. 😃 Congrats on 7000 well-deserved subscribers!
Thanks! Feels weird but I appreciate everyone who does subscribe. Not the greatest handsell technique talking about a 500+ page book on trees communicating - but the writing! Good luck!
I had zero interest in this - read the synopsis and decided it's not for me. I watch your review and suddenly my wishlist is a book longer?! Your channel is great, and your reviews are some of the few I actually watch. I hope you keep doing this for a long time.
@@ThePoptimist Good to hear. I'm with you on the "breaking things" bit. Switch things up. I'm just getting started so it's been quite a journey watching you and am sure taking notes.
I missed your reviews! And, yes, The Overstory is phenomenal - one of my favourite books of 2018! Powers’ older books are a bit less accessible in my opinion and a bit more scholarly / technical.
Orfeo is wonderful - and challenging too, filled with classical music theory and biochemistry concepts. Prepare to do a lot of Googling alongside the book. 😀
This one is definitely on my wishlist - I need some modern literary excellence in my life. Going full-on talking trees orother qimmicky routes has a potential for disaster if not backed up by great means of storytelling. Glad to hear this one doesn't fall faulty of that. I do think you've missed an opportunity for giving yourself a proper man-bun in the thumbnail with the magic of Photoshop. It could've been epic, David. Although, Lorax's mustache is good too, I guess.
No one needs to see this guy in a man bun, least of all me. ...what if I liked it? What a disaster. Yeah, this thing could have been way too earnest, and it is at times - but then I'm a sucker for some lyrical nature writing. I'd forgotten how much I like that.
Yay, you're still here :) However, even you will not get me to pick up another Powers. I read the Echo Maker and swore to never fall for his books again, no matter how nice they look and how much praise they get. I remember little of the book but all about how I didn't enjoy reading it.
This should be required reading! Jump on this one - preaching to the converted sure, but Powers has a way of expressing this in truly beautiful language. Hope you get to enjoy this one.
No not the man bun resist. Why do i get the feeling that we actually are repeating the last esposide from the 80 tv series Dinosaurs. When Earl finally tells off his boss. For his greed that has lead to the dinosaurs mass extinction. And his Boss replies Dont you think I know that. But I couldnt resisit my nature. When humanity goes it will something we do. Not a comet not a plague. It will be something small. Oh just for general knowledge the monarch butterfly is dying out.
It'll be some sort of cascade - ice caps melting releasing new viruses into the atmosphere, bee death meaning no more pollination decimating food production, invasive species turning up in our lakes converting the ecosystem. It's just getting tougher out there.
The Overstory really doesn't appeal to me, I just don't dig the conceit, but you have sold me on reading something from his back catalogue, for which i thank you.
My tree lined street has been decimated by millennials who want their yard to look like 1950's suburbia and have cut down all the 60 year old trees to plant saplings.
I simply love how you talk about books. Your voice in booktube is unique, and quite frankly, my favorite out there.
oh man, you're killing me! That's way too nice of you - thank you. (+1 to Everything I Never I Told You)
😭❤️
David, Thanks for posting this review! The Overstory is the most perfect novel I have read in years, and I love hearing why other readers enjoyed it. (I am a little bit afraid to go back and read his older novels because I will compare them all to The Overstory, and that seems unfair.)
I want to try Orfeo next but I've got a lot of 2018 reading I want to catch up on first!
I don't comment frequently, but I feel the need to chip in and say that I really do love your channel. You bring such a unique perspective and selection to booktube.You also have this really quip but subdued humor that always makes me smile in your commentaries. Your channel just always seems so comforting, if that's not too odd.
Not odd at all and I appreciate the sentiment! Thanks for watching and thanks for letting me know!
I have the actual book - how many trees were killed, I wonder - in my possession, and was already reasonably sure I’d end up liking it (despite not caring all that much for Powers’s earlier Operation Wandering Soul) and, well, this video confirms that neither you or I are (as of yet) out of our tree. 🌲 🌳. Just lovely!
A lot of trees! This is a bit of a chunkster - Thanks for the Soul tip - I'll keep away from that one, thinking Orfeo as a possible next (but I've got so much catching up to do in the meantime as far as 2018 must reads so who knows)
Actually, none were killed. He made sure to use recycled paper.
"I swear I can smell the patchouli and body odor from here" 😂 Oh my. I love the way you speak about the books you read. I also enjoy your particular vocal mannerisims-- very crisp, rhythmic, and calming. Ps. It's not your age... I'm 27 and I have difficulty bouncing back from significant schedule changes as well. 😂 I hope to pick up this & something by Mary Oliver soon!
Thanks! People keep telling me I have a calming voice but I just don't hear it. But we all sound different to ourselves I guess. This return to routine is proving a slog - maybe by next week I'll be back into the swing of things, but so far - looongest week ever.
You are such a unique voice on this platform....you’re funny, witty plus you make me think. Btw, I freaking LOVE reviews. I don’t like hauls, TBR’s etc. Reviews, though? Hell yes! You like Mary Oliver, too? Omg. I didn’t think I could like you more! I have Overstory and I’m excited to get to it. Thank you for doing what you do!
Thanks - Mary Oliver is just a great and easy entry into poetry and I realize I love me some nature writing. My lit fic tends to be in cities and inward looking so it's always a pleasant surprise to come across something as unabashedly nature-loving as The Overstory. And thanks for the kind words too - I do enjoy it here and hope to continue!
The book has really changed my perspective on nature and any nonhuman living things, this book is crucial to read at a time like now when the environment is in greatest need of help
I just wasn't expecting that going in at all - but I'm grateful for how impactful Powers managed to make this story for me.
What a great start to the year. I'm looking forward to The Overstory, but now you've got me curious to check out his backlist too if The Overstay hits me like I think it will.
Individual results may vary but I loved this one - hope you do too!
Just finished The Overstory! I LOVED it! I was apparently expecting a dry labored read, but the first part of this book was absolutely brilliant. Will say that I found the second part to drag in parts, but the third part reeled me back in. So happy I read this one.
The story around the chestnut tree was a feat and Powers just kept on laying out characters - wrangling them all together proved a bit of an ordeal but still found myself into it for the duration of this brick of a read! Glad you enjoyed!
Wonderful review of one of my favorite books of 2018. I echo everyone else in saying I’m happy you plan on sticking around!
Hey, just taking as it comes but enjoying it nonetheless. Was such a great read!
I just finished reading The Overstory and had to come back and tell you how much I loved it. I shall never look at a tree, any tree in the same way again. And it has given me deeper understanding of our forest folks here in India, who have always been marginalised, who we have been taught to snigger at and look down upon and their way of life, how big Corporations are trying to displace them with the connivance of the local government. People are more aware now, there are protests, but I am cynical, and scared if things will change.... Its always 'development'...
Thanks for checking in! Just such a great read that somehow got me invested in the trees without too much info-dumping or preaching.
I’ve just bought The Overstory - like you, I’m not expecting it to be my thing - hopefully it will be!
Wishing you luck! It's been so hyped I hope your expectations aren't overly inflated and you can just enjoy it!
Although a bit of a tree hugger myself, I'm with you on the fact that certain aspects of this book could have bothered me, the talking trees thing for example. However, as you said, the writing is so brilliant and the story and information about trees so fascinating, you just can't help but love it. Happy to see you're sticking around and am now trying to picture you with a man bun 😉!
No man bun here - far too old for that sort of thing, it's ill-advised ponytail and convertible at my age. Powers generates a lot of good will with the character short stories at the beginning. It's just incredible writing, it's a bit of a mess of an ending with some weird threads left dangling but I still loved it.
@@@ThePoptimist
I can't stand man buns! Every time I see one, I feel the urge to grab a pair of garden shears and snip it right off.
I hear you about being too old to have my schedule disrupted. I was off for two weeks over Christmas and now I can’t figure out how to work, lol. I’m a treehugger, so this is right in my wheelhouse. I’m even more fascinated by his back catalog. His gorgeous prose is one thing, but his brilliant mind as he weaves science and sociology into story is just wow.
I love how he jumped from a degree in physics to literature and after being a computer programmer for a time, landed on this work of extensive research leading to a compelling story. Sounds like the ideal gig - good thing he's so damn good at it!
The Overstory lead me to your channel - yet another sign of the serendipity of interconnected ness. After an initial “huh, what is Powers up to?” The Overstory completely reeled me in. I seldom read books twice, but this one I read three times and it keeps getting better.
As do your reviews. Intelligent, concise, focused and hilarious! You have introduced me to so many new authors, it is like discovering the Biggest library you can think of has extra rooms no one told you about .
Thank you. Thank you. Your reviews are encouraging and relevant, and I love this channel.
You are effusive in your praise - I like that. Glad to have you here and happy to add to your growing TBR pile. Thanks for dropping a line!
Great review as always. I am intrigued by this book, its foibles notwithstanding. But I already own his Orfeo, maybe I'll start there. Am intrigued by his intensively researched storytelling style.
That's the one that I want to read next - there's already a 450 song Spotify playlist referencing the music in the book. I'm totally here for that!
@@ThePoptimist 450 songs!? Goodness. Now I'm more intrigued than ever!
Starting this book today. Will edit a response when I finish
Edit... I enjoyed the stories of the characters lives. He pulled them together well. Some parts did seem to drag. Not the genre I'm used to reading. It was good but I don't think I would give this one a second read.
Good luck! This thing is a beast
Great review! I keep thinking of Lab Girl whenever I hear someone describe this book. I am so sad this novel keeps getting bumped down my TBR because of deadlines. 😭 Soon though. Soon.
Deadlines! Just the worst - here's hoping you find the time to check this one out. Just makes me want to go back to Muir Woods in California.
I'm with you on this book. I was really surprised at how much I liked it, and it was due almost entirely to the ambition and the quality of execution in the writing rather than the subject of trees themselves, which was just staggering. I did enjoy some strands more than others but overall, deserves all the praise it gets. Also, love a good game of conkers!
The ambition on display was staggering but the writing was what kept me going. That man can turn a phrase and I forgot how much I like me some nature writing.
@@ThePoptimist Agreed. Anyone can have ambition, but pulling it off with such exceptional writing is another matter.
I watched like 2 reviews and 2 interviews and still didn't know what the hell this book was about. Thank god for your review. I actually want to read this now that i know what this is about other than trees.
Thanks! Let me know what you think of it if you get around to reading it, one of my favorite reads of the year. Additional arboreal reading that's really good is Michael Christie's Greenwood.
Oh this sounds interesting! I’m glad you mentioned his backlist. I’m eyeing the one about genetics!
There's a ton there to dig into! Would love to know if you decide to dive into one.
You've given a really good review of Richard's book. I will never look at a tree the same way again. The Overstory was a five star read, for sure.
Thanks! It certainly got me wishing for another trip to see the California redwoods. Got a chance to visit Muir woods some time ago and it was incredible!
First let me saying I’m glad you’re accepting your age. Now it looks like I’m going to have to accept my youth and bow to recommendations on this book and his back catalogue.
Gotta love you some trees - do you still have trees in jersey?
Your videos are so much fun!
Thanks! So nice to hear!
I've heard so many mixed things about this novel in the past year, I really want to get to it myself. It sounds like a book I would really love.
It does get a bit tangled in the end but man, that writing tho
I didn't know trees could communicate with each other. So I guess I am now considering to read a 500 page-novel about trees. 😃 Congrats on 7000 well-deserved subscribers!
Thanks! Feels weird but I appreciate everyone who does subscribe. Not the greatest handsell technique talking about a 500+ page book on trees communicating - but the writing! Good luck!
@@ThePoptimist Thanks! And yes, 7000 sounds a bit intimidating but it's really great too.
I had zero interest in this - read the synopsis and decided it's not for me. I watch your review and suddenly my wishlist is a book longer?! Your channel is great, and your reviews are some of the few I actually watch. I hope you keep doing this for a long time.
You are too kind - thanks! Sorry/not sorry for adding to your growing TBR!
Awwn! Thank you. Love you too. You can't possibly be leaving soon. I just joined the party.
I'll be here for awhile yet, just might try breaking things a bit this year is all.
@@ThePoptimist Good to hear. I'm with you on the "breaking things" bit. Switch things up. I'm just getting started so it's been quite a journey watching you and am sure taking notes.
I missed your reviews! And, yes, The Overstory is phenomenal - one of my favourite books of 2018! Powers’ older books are a bit less accessible in my opinion and a bit more scholarly / technical.
Oooh, that's sad to hear - was hoping to dive into Orfeo but just as well I suppose, got a lot of catching up to do as far as 2018 books. Thanks!
Orfeo is wonderful - and challenging too, filled with classical music theory and biochemistry concepts. Prepare to do a lot of Googling alongside the book. 😀
Ok I wasn't sure if I would like The Overstory but after watching this it's now on my kindle. Gotta save those trees!
LOL - I should have read the ebook too now that I think about it. It's a chunkster of a book!
This one is definitely on my wishlist - I need some modern literary excellence in my life. Going full-on talking trees orother qimmicky routes has a potential for disaster if not backed up by great means of storytelling. Glad to hear this one doesn't fall faulty of that.
I do think you've missed an opportunity for giving yourself a proper man-bun in the thumbnail with the magic of Photoshop. It could've been epic, David. Although, Lorax's mustache is good too, I guess.
No one needs to see this guy in a man bun, least of all me. ...what if I liked it? What a disaster. Yeah, this thing could have been way too earnest, and it is at times - but then I'm a sucker for some lyrical nature writing. I'd forgotten how much I like that.
Yay, you're still here :)
However, even you will not get me to pick up another Powers. I read the Echo Maker and swore to never fall for his books again, no matter how nice they look and how much praise they get. I remember little of the book but all about how I didn't enjoy reading it.
LOL fair warning! I still think I'll try Orfeo cause the writing in this one was ...whoo!
Overstory was the best!! Yes!! Loved it so much.
Love your book reviews 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Thanks! Appreciate that!
That’s a book worth thinking about for me. I’m studying forest management. :)
This should be required reading! Jump on this one - preaching to the converted sure, but Powers has a way of expressing this in truly beautiful language. Hope you get to enjoy this one.
Yes to your reviews, they are the actual best reviews on here.
Thanks! Appreciate it
You have to do what's best for your channel, but I hope you don't stop doing reviews. I'm sure I'm not the only person who likes them.
Thanks! Appreciate the confirmation!
YES, The Overstory love on booktube always makes me so happy inside :)
I hope it keeps getting all the love out there - such a great read!
So much hype about this book. But this is the first review of this book that makes it sound interesting.
Thanks! Hope you get the chance to check it out!
No not the man bun resist. Why do i get the feeling that we actually are repeating the last esposide from the 80 tv series Dinosaurs. When Earl finally tells off his boss. For his greed that has lead to the dinosaurs mass extinction. And his Boss replies Dont you think I know that. But I couldnt resisit my nature. When humanity goes it will something we do. Not a comet not a plague. It will be something small. Oh just for general knowledge the monarch butterfly is dying out.
It'll be some sort of cascade - ice caps melting releasing new viruses into the atmosphere, bee death meaning no more pollination decimating food production, invasive species turning up in our lakes converting the ecosystem. It's just getting tougher out there.
that thumbnail 👌🏼😂
LOL - I'm just not made for ginger facial hair.
The Overstory really doesn't appeal to me, I just don't dig the conceit, but you have sold me on reading something from his back catalogue, for which i thank you.
Cheers! I hope you find something in that extensive back catalogue to love. I'm leaning to Orfeo next but there's so much to choose from.
@@ThePoptimist Orfeo or The Echo Maker appeal
7000 🎉🥃 It would clearly be double that with the man bun. Congrats!
LOL - ain't no one needs to see that subscribers or no! Thanks - it's pretty crazy hitting that milestone!
Hard to hate Richard Powers. He writes like he was born to it. Which he was. Clearly.
Do some ayahuasca before you read this book and you'll never see trees the same again.
Now you're talking!
My tree lined street has been decimated by millennials who want their yard to look like 1950's suburbia and have cut down all the 60 year old trees to plant saplings.
WHAT!? That's crazy - like crazy-crazy. Sigh, I miss our tree
The opposite of undertale