You may have watched this video earlier this morning! I forgot to turn off the camera audio for the later half and it sounded TERRIBLE. I fixed it and re-uploaded it. Apologies if you comment got deleted!
The Kindle version of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs was on sale around the time of your book haul video, so I grabbed. I'm about 75 pages in, and loving it so far. I'm already considering buying/reading The Rise and Reign of the Mammals. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. ...and read Jurassic Park. It's good.
appreciate your videos!! just the simple format of someone talking about books so genuinely (with good audio and a cool tele in the bg too) is already so entertaining to me
I almost spit my drink out when the second book was The Road. What a pairing! If you want some more McCarthy that isn't such a soul crusher give Suttree a try, I think it's probably my favorite of his. Between Two Fires is fantastic, loved the setting, I want to check out his other fantasy series, Blacktongue Thief.
Yay week 16!!! I've been reading "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" based on your past video and it's just the perfect fluff book I need during a stressful time. Thank you for your wonderful videos, you have such a fun ,goofy, and warm presence that always brightens up my week!
Please read Jurassic Park. I dont think it will be your favorite, but its still incredible. I know you love dinosaurs and this one is drastically different to the movie, in some good and bad ways
My favorite book since college has been East of Eden. I have read hundreds of books since then and after more than a decade, East of Eden is still my favorite book with many rereads in between. Have there been other books that I have read in the recent past that were great? Of course! I would say there are favorites for different years, but I feel sometimes, your favorite can remain the same. So, I'd recommend East of Eden, The Secret History and The Count of Monte Cristo that can be your favorite for this year.
I'm a avid Steinbeck fan and could never make up my mind which was best ; 'Eden' or 'Grapes'. Eden I always enjoyed more but felt Grapes was more important. But I've recently re-read both as an older man and changed my mind (again) Grapes is a towering work. I think Eden runs out've road a bit at the end, but there are still some of the best chapters in all of literature ; especially when Samuel is saying goodbye to Adam (ch 26) Grapes though has me on the brink of breakdown many times ; it's a powerful document. The 'I'll be there' speech...well it's just perfect. I watch Henry Fonda deliver it to Ma, on Utube regularly... They should move the Statue of Liberty and replace it with a statue of Tom Joad ; he's the real conscience of America ; Or he should be...
My fav book has changed multiple times over my reading journey that started around 2020, right now it's probably "Under the Whispering Door" by TJ Klune, I cry every time 😅. It really makes me think about how I view death and the idea of letting go. Some newer books that aren't my favorite but that have stuck in my brain, and I greatly enjoyed, that I think you'd find interesting or fun; "D-Day Girls" by Sarah Rose (non fiction WWII), "7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton, "Trail of Lightning" and "Black Sun" by Rebecca Roanhorse, "Hunger of the Gods" by John Gwynne, "Mirrorland" by Carole Johnstone. The thing about a favorite book is that lots of people think it has to be the 'best' book you've read but it doesn't have to be. I think it's the one that sticks with you, that you think about, that you bonded with, that you feel the draw to go back to. Or it can be the one you think was the most well written book, if that's how you approach reading. "11/22/63" might always be your favorite book despite the possibility there's another book that's 'written better' or has a 'better story'. If anything it will always be one of your first 'favorite book of all time', on your new reading journey. Some people always think their favorite book is the most well written or the best book ever, and it can never be true. No book can be the best book because everyone has different tastes.
I agree with this so much. Everyone’s preferences are different. That being said I seem to have a very similar taste in books and have read quite a bit of a variety of things and 11/22/63 is definitely top 10 material for me and I don’t think that will ever change.
Project Hail Mary is one of my all time favorite books. You think it's one thing but it ends up being this very beautiful other thing. Emotional and will make you think more deeply about the universe. I've been singing it's praises to all who will listen since I read it in 2022 haha.
Same. I finally read it last month and it took me forever because I had to stop every chapter and nerd out about it to my friend who'd already read it 😂 I was just so hyped for everything that was going on. I started recommending it to friends before I'd even finished it. Absolutely amazing 10/10 perfect ending.
@Lan.. There hasn't been a week that's gone by that I haven't thought about this book❤ I hear the audiobook is phenomenal so that's on my TBR this year.
I'm so stoked for it! I was curious about how they'd manage that character in audiobook format. Well, looks like I need to get to it sooner rather than later haha.
Same! I literally won't shut up about this book. I even got my mom to read it, and she never reads sci-fi. A coworker of mine is reading it now because I wouldn't stop talking about it 😂
PLEASE read crime and punishment. I think you will find it to be much more readable than you may think, it’s my favorite book by far and impacted me in a way no other piece of art has. I literally thought about nothing else for weeks after I read it. Also based on what you’ve enjoyed if you are into deep psychological stuff and dark themes you’ll love it. Give it a shot!!!
I'm interested to see where your head is gonna be at after 'Grapes'. It's more than a book; and Steinbeck is more than a mere author. 'Grapes' is as relevant now as it was at the time. They should replace the Statue of Liberty with a statue of Tom Joad ; He is, or should be the social conscience of America. Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962 for a reason.
Swan Song by Robert McCammon. I found your channel this week and have watched all and order far to many books you have recommended. Finished Foster, Small things like these, and late in the day. Keegan is amazing. But dude you have to check out Robert McCammon!!!! Swan Song may beat out The Stand. I agree 11/22/63 one of the best book ever and Kings finest work. Robert McCammon. Read Swan Song first the A Boys Life
If you wanna read historical fiction, I think you should go with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It's nearly a 1000 pages long an epic story. I feel like you'll enjoy that one. If it's your thing you can also try the audiobook.
So for ALL TIME, Favorite books I think it must be read at least twice. My favorite book in A tree grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I have read it many many times since I was 11 and I find something new to love every time. I think you shoukd re read 11-22-63 after a year and see what you arill love and what about you has changed as a reader.
I don’t recall if you’ve read any Robert McCammon, but I know he would slot right into your preferences being the big King fan that you are, particularly “Boy’s Life” and “Swan Song” Also, “Boys in the Valley” by Philip Fracassi was excellent and I think you’d love it considering how fond you are of “The Exorcist” (I am as well) Cheers mate!
First of all, I have been thinking about this for a long time, but your channel warms my heart. The sweet way in which you talk about books, how open you are about the fact that you were not a reader and one day you decided to give it a go, but especially how you understand that this is a process and you learn along the way. You were asking about the fact that your current favourite book might not be your favourite one in the future. (11.22.63 which is still a book I need to read, here it is, standing next to me, judging me while I write this! 🙈 ) I think that, no matter if you end up liking another book more, there is always going to be a special place to the one that started it all, to the one that kept you interested. Keep the great videos!
This is how you lose the time war by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is probably one of my favourite books of all time. Its a beautiful love story told within this weird time war. It focuses more on the romance between the two main characters more than the actual time war itself but the writing style and romance is just too good and its a short book so doesn't take up to much of your time.
My favorite book is already on your list, The Book Thief. I highly recommend pairing it with the nonfiction book by Anders Rydell, The Book Thieves: The Nazi Looting of Europe’s Libraries and the Race to Return a Literary Inheritance. You can also tick off a goal of reading a translated work, if that is on your reading goal list. The author is Swedish.
"THE GOLDFINCH"!!!!.... Yes, its a must read!!! Also: "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese, "Young Mungo" by Douglas Stuart, "Lapvona" by Ottessa Moshfegh - just a few on my all time faves.
T'NAIL lol. I use pepcid and tums, they're always in my bag ready to go if i need. Also mints. Awesome video. Love to hear about the good reads. I bought The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs on Kindle for 2$ just a few days ago and wanna give that a try at some point. I also have The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt which is a super cool read. They just need a Rise and Fall of the Titanic XD I'm excited for the new merch! I wanna get a t-shirt for sure :) I've really been into and wanting to buy nostalgic things again recently. VHS, DVD's, books from when I was younger. Basically just for anything I really enjoy or used to enjoy and I think this has been inspired partly by you and your enjoyment of things so just thank you :)
My top four books I would recommend to you are (in no particular order and all equally life changing for me) 1- "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, 2- "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini, 3- "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver, and 4- "Master and Commander" by Patrick O'Brian. I also would love to know your experience and thoughts on the first couple Patricia Cornwell books (the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series), they are my comfort reads.
I don't think books ever stop becoming your 'favourite book of all time'. The experience will never be diminished by enjoying other books, at a different time in your life when you have a different mindset or are coming to it with different experiences. Of the books you've mentioned, I'd say No Country for Old Men or The Goldfinch have potential to make it onto the 'favourite books of all time' shelves. And Words of Radiance obviously. Like, what a book. Ones you haven't mentioned that I think could have potential...? Maybe Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr Ripley? Maybe some Jonathan Franzen?
It looks like you tear through some serious pages each month! An interesting video idea might be to go over your reading routine. When do you read each day? where? do you take notes or write anything down? how is your retention of the content? etc. Cool vids, keep up the good work!
Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun made me completely re-evaluate what makes a good book. I suppose it's somewhat popular within science-fiction circles with many writers calling it their favorite book, but overall it really doesn't get the recognition it deserves. It's written by the mustached guy on the Pringles wrapper (I kid you not!), for that fact alone the book should be more famous. I honestly think it should be praised among the biggest genre titles (like 1984 or Handmaid's Tale). I think the main reason that it is not is its pulpy covers. And the fact that its brilliance is admittedly incredibly elusive. Let me try to sketch why it's my favorite book. It's written as the autobiography of a ruler that opens in his years of youth when he had been a torturer apprentice at the Citadel. If you are not paying too much attention, it reads mostly like high fantasy. The narrator, Severian, perhaps writes for an audience more familiar with his world, but completely unfamiliar with our world. For instance, the reader may recognize that when talking of the Citadel what he's describing is an abandoned space station. Or (the most famous example) that the guy in armor in an abandoned wasteland is actually Neil Armstrong on the moon. But maybe I should start again. What makes this so so brilliant is not that it's difficult to interpret what's going on. More importantly, it's inviting the reader to draw the most exciting conclusions. Unlike the usual info-dumping of high fantasy, the world is left in this state of ambiguity. In some respects, Severian becomes a Jesus like figure in terms of his powers, but the symbolism is far from being one-dimensional. You have this guy with healing ability whose moral compass was developed in a world where it was normal or even desirable to torture people for information. At times he commits hideous acts, yet there is a great character development that never sees him end up as simply good. It's not even entirely obvious what the main focus of the story is. You learn somewhat early on that there are the big sea creatures perhaps from outer space that give the whole affair a somewhat Lovecraftian undertone. Severian himself is on a different journey. There are resistance fighters and some kind of war. There is the current Autarch (what Severian will become). There are robots, plays, myths from ancient books. There is the narrator with the perfect memory whose hilarious idiocies teach us how perfection can go wrong. Well, it's very difficult to advertise the book. Maybe other than quoting its amazing writing style. Here is a famous example: "We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. When soldiers take their oath they are given a coin, an asimi stamped with the profile of the Autarch. Their acceptance of that coin is their acceptance of the special duties and burdens of military life - they are soldiers from that moment, though they may know nothing of the management of arms. I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious magic. The would-be sorcerer alone has faith in the efficacy of pure knowledge; rational people know that things act of themselves or not at all." There is a podcast called Alzabo Soup that discusses the book chapter by chapter in the course of hundreds of episodes. Honestly, it's as brilliant as the book itself.
I’m currently reading Lonesome Dove thank you for the recommendation, we have very similar reading tastes. 11/22/63-Is also my favorite. Try Wally Lamb please. I am sure you will love it.
Happy you loved The Road! I’d say read No country and then All The Pretty Horses before getting into Blood Meridian, get as acquainted as you can with Cormac’s style then go for his greatest works (BM & Suttree) it’ll help a ton! Happy reading man❤
I've been putting off commenting about a specific story in The Things they Carried so I didn't affect your reading but so glad you singled out that story. It's great.
I’m a newish reader such as yourself and I just finished the goldfinch. I would put it above 11-22-63. Lonesome dove, blood meridian, and wise blood are my top 3 at the moment with the goldfinch coming in a close 4th. Curious to hear your thoughts as it seems we have similar tastes
I love 11.22.63 as well-it’s the only King book I’ve read. I was surprised and blown away by Prophet Song earlier this year-can’t stop thinking about it. And currently reading North Woods and I’ve had the thought that “I’m reading my favorite book for the first time,”-it’s so good.
Lonesome Dove has steadily held my top spot for a long time now, but I love hunting for something that might surpass it (it would be ignorant to think it’s not out there somewhere). That hunt has seen me read 50+ books so far in 2024, and two that really stood out are Chess Story by Stefan Zweig (beautiful NYRB classic that you can read in one sitting), and Five Decembers by James Kestrel (crime fiction, but so much more than that). I wouldn’t necessarily expect either to become your favorite ever book, but they are both fantastic reads that I would recommend to anyone
I don't know if this would surpass your favourite King novel, but I just finished Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and I think that book is very very worth a read. It's Kingsolver's spin on Charles Dickins' David Copperfield, only, in Appalachia--gritty, heartbreaking, funny. Wouldn't necessarily read it directly after The Road or Grapes of Wrath though.
Might I suggest I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb? I’m not an avid reader (but trying) but it’s definitely my favourite book that I’ve read recently. I have The Goldfinch lined up next, and I picked that one because my friend said if I liked IKTMIT I would like Goldfinch. Also there is a REALLY good HBO series based on I Know This Much Is True, definitely check it out!
One of the top reads for me has been Shantaram by Gregory D. Roberts. Some people hate it, others like me love it. Also, Kafka on the Shore by Murakami is one of my top 3 fagourites of all time.
Just finished the John Gwynne 4 book series, the Faithful and the Fallen and this morning read Small Things Like These :) on your recommendation.. now starting Pet Semetary although I don’t usually read horror so wish me luck :)
The road was so good and the writing was well done to the point and I just loved that especially for this book. Also The Grapes of Wrath I haven’t read but I feel I’ve read for the way my brother has explained the who story to me it’s so moving and yes I do plan on reading it I’ve had a copy of it for about a year now. And one more thing about the part of where you were taking about ur book might not being your favorite book cause you have so many more to read even thou you say I love it and it’s ur favorite. I do agree yes there’s going to be even better books out there that you might enjoy but when you have a book that grabs a hold of you especially as in the begging of your reading journey that book love is going to stick with you know matter what. You will always think about it or mention in some way threw out your lifetime and that’s what makes it your number one even thou you may read many others they will top it but nothing come first to that one book love that sucks you in. That’s the way I felt about Lord Of The Flies to this day it’s my number one book. And I’ve read hundreds of books that have been better more exiting and so one but still that book is edged into my head and soul first read it in middle school and I’m way older then you and I still carry that book in my heart. Have several different copies of it too.
I find it very hard to pick a #1 favorite book; there’s a couple that can revolve through that slot based on if I’m thinking about them or not lol. But Blood Meridian-for certain people like myself-is definitely one of those that just instantly jumps into that revolution. Some others would be Catch-22, Middlesex, Jane Eyre, and Gravity’s Rainbow
If you like The Road, I'd recommend you watch Light of my Life, I love that movie, I think you'd enjoy it. I would also like to recommend Pope Joan by Donna W. Cross, it was my favourite book as a teenager and there's a movie and a play and everything (neither of which I've seen) but no one seems to know about or read it anymore, which is a shame. I don't think 11.22. will leave that number one spot anytime soon, that's just the way it is with a treasured favourite. Stephen King is also my favourite author eventhough I know there are a million others out there that write better them him (he has some tropey things that he keeps doing, that I don't like, but that's fine), but I've read him a ton as a teenager and just that joyful feeling of sitting and reading a book on a sunny day after school... he'll always have that special place for me. Apt Pupil is my forever favourite story of his, it's just horrifying.
I strongly recommend One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It is one of the strongest book experiences I've ever had. I think and hope it could be the same for you
My favourite book of all time is Sorcery Of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, it is easily the best fantasy book ever written. The characters, plot and atmosphere were executed perfectly and it's a debut!! I read it in December\January of the 2024, and I cannot stop thinking about the characters and what they're doing, even though it's a fictional story 😭
Have you read Josiah Bancroft, particularly the Books of Babel series? If you haven't tried (starting with Senlin Ascends) you might check it out. I had a hard time getting into the first one at first, but that series really got under my skin (in a good way). I think he's an incredible writer, and this series is a sort of quirky, dark, inventive story with some interesting characters, world-building, etc. I think you might like it. But then, I didn't like either The Secret History or The Goldfinch by Tartt, so maybe I'm not the person you want to take recs from. :)
2066 by Roberto Bolaños. It's a massive undertaking but it might be just the thing you're looking for. Disclaimer, i haven't seen you read any Latin authors yet, so i might be completely off. The book deals with death and violence in a fictional town that is based on Ciudad Juarez. It's also a fragmentary account.
I thought The Road might unseat 11/22/63 for you. If you end up getting into more historical fiction, try Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It's huge, but I tore through it in a few days because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Like, I would think about it all day at work. I've heard a lot of other people who had similar experiences with it.
My book pairings are usually hard to control since it is based on the whims of the library queue, but I think I nailed complete opposite ends of the happy/sad spectrum with A Little Life (so sad, so good, reading on Kindle) and Welcome to Night Vale (so funny and ridiculous, really good on audiobook so far).
I've never read 11/22/63, so I can't speak to that. However, my favorite book ever (so far) is The Son by Philipp Meyer which I think you would enjoy. It's a Western that also deals with some heavy generational type stuff. There was also a series adapted from it, but I personally think the book was much much better. 😅
I don't know if you've read it yet but Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky really took me by surprise and is in my top 3. It's really similar to Stephen king's vibe and since he's your favorite there's a good chance you'd like this too😊
Anybody else have problems reading and not remembering what youve read and have to go back and reread? I really want to read books but damn its a struggle
Please please please please read Beloved by Toni Morrison. It's haunting and very literary. From the first sentence, everything means SOMETHING. I read it in four separate college semesters.
Where the Red Fern Grows has always and will always be my favorite book - but Pillars of the Earth is a close second. I think you would enjoy both based on your taste
Please keep the hair growing for the 300 or until the hat doesnt fit ,just for continuity. I would suggest you read 'The Magic Cottage' by James Herbert. You'll love Rumbo.
@@fraternalcloud3883 That's interesting. It's not an easy read or an easy topic to write about. I couldn't get through it first time round ; I tried it on Audible. I don't know who did the narration but it's a masterpiece ; a totally different thing. The 'Judge Holden' voice acting made the book into something I wanted to listen to rather than a chore. Give that a go ; you won't be disappointed ; there's clips on UA-cam. I'm fond of 'The Road ' too ; they're just vastly different books. Although both bleak as hell. The movie was great I thought, It did the book justice.I They played the two main characters really well, especially the young boy. I've watched it a few times. Nick Cave & Warren Ellis do the soundtrack which is very moving when you realise what the story is about ; it's a beautiful piece of music. Only other ones I've read are 'Pretty Horses' and 'No Country ' which aren't on the same level...well not for me anyway.
You may have watched this video earlier this morning! I forgot to turn off the camera audio for the later half and it sounded TERRIBLE. I fixed it and re-uploaded it. Apologies if you comment got deleted!
The Kindle version of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs was on sale around the time of your book haul video, so I grabbed. I'm about 75 pages in, and loving it so far. I'm already considering buying/reading The Rise and Reign of the Mammals. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.
...and read Jurassic Park. It's good.
appreciate your videos!! just the simple format of someone talking about books so genuinely (with good audio and a cool tele in the bg too) is already so entertaining to me
I almost spit my drink out when the second book was The Road. What a pairing! If you want some more McCarthy that isn't such a soul crusher give Suttree a try, I think it's probably my favorite of his.
Between Two Fires is fantastic, loved the setting, I want to check out his other fantasy series, Blacktongue Thief.
Yay week 16!!! I've been reading "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" based on your past video and it's just the perfect fluff book I need during a stressful time. Thank you for your wonderful videos, you have such a fun ,goofy, and warm presence that always brightens up my week!
Please read Jurassic Park. I dont think it will be your favorite, but its still incredible. I know you love dinosaurs and this one is drastically different to the movie, in some good and bad ways
My favorite book since college has been East of Eden. I have read hundreds of books since then and after more than a decade, East of Eden is still my favorite book with many rereads in between. Have there been other books that I have read in the recent past that were great? Of course! I would say there are favorites for different years, but I feel sometimes, your favorite can remain the same. So, I'd recommend East of Eden, The Secret History and The Count of Monte Cristo that can be your favorite for this year.
I'm a avid Steinbeck fan and could never make up my mind which was best ; 'Eden' or 'Grapes'. Eden I always enjoyed more but felt Grapes was more important.
But I've recently re-read both as an older man and changed my mind (again)
Grapes is a towering work. I think Eden runs out've road a bit at the end, but there are still some of the best chapters in all of literature ; especially when Samuel is saying goodbye to Adam (ch 26) Grapes though has me on the brink of breakdown many times ; it's a powerful document. The 'I'll be there' speech...well it's just perfect.
I watch Henry Fonda deliver it to Ma, on Utube regularly...
They should move the Statue of Liberty and replace it with a statue of Tom Joad ; he's the real conscience of America ; Or he should be...
My favorite book is East of Eden and, knowing your taste in books, I’m sure you’d love it as well:)
After years of being intimidated by it, I finally picked it up recently and couldn't put it down. A book for the ages!
My fav book has changed multiple times over my reading journey that started around 2020, right now it's probably "Under the Whispering Door" by TJ Klune, I cry every time 😅. It really makes me think about how I view death and the idea of letting go.
Some newer books that aren't my favorite but that have stuck in my brain, and I greatly enjoyed, that I think you'd find interesting or fun; "D-Day Girls" by Sarah Rose (non fiction WWII), "7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton, "Trail of Lightning" and "Black Sun" by Rebecca Roanhorse, "Hunger of the Gods" by John Gwynne, "Mirrorland" by Carole Johnstone.
The thing about a favorite book is that lots of people think it has to be the 'best' book you've read but it doesn't have to be. I think it's the one that sticks with you, that you think about, that you bonded with, that you feel the draw to go back to. Or it can be the one you think was the most well written book, if that's how you approach reading. "11/22/63" might always be your favorite book despite the possibility there's another book that's 'written better' or has a 'better story'. If anything it will always be one of your first 'favorite book of all time', on your new reading journey. Some people always think their favorite book is the most well written or the best book ever, and it can never be true. No book can be the best book because everyone has different tastes.
I agree with this so much. Everyone’s preferences are different. That being said I seem to have a very similar taste in books and have read quite a bit of a variety of things and 11/22/63 is definitely top 10 material for me and I don’t think that will ever change.
Project Hail Mary is one of my all time favorite books. You think it's one thing but it ends up being this very beautiful other thing. Emotional and will make you think more deeply about the universe. I've been singing it's praises to all who will listen since I read it in 2022 haha.
Same. I finally read it last month and it took me forever because I had to stop every chapter and nerd out about it to my friend who'd already read it 😂 I was just so hyped for everything that was going on. I started recommending it to friends before I'd even finished it.
Absolutely amazing 10/10 perfect ending.
@Lan.. There hasn't been a week that's gone by that I haven't thought about this book❤ I hear the audiobook is phenomenal so that's on my TBR this year.
@@simplyshanleeh my friend also recommended the audiobook and that how they decided to 'voice' one of the characters was really interesting!
I'm so stoked for it! I was curious about how they'd manage that character in audiobook format. Well, looks like I need to get to it sooner rather than later haha.
Same! I literally won't shut up about this book. I even got my mom to read it, and she never reads sci-fi. A coworker of mine is reading it now because I wouldn't stop talking about it 😂
PLEASE read crime and punishment. I think you will find it to be much more readable than you may think, it’s my favorite book by far and impacted me in a way no other piece of art has. I literally thought about nothing else for weeks after I read it. Also based on what you’ve enjoyed if you are into deep psychological stuff and dark themes you’ll love it. Give it a shot!!!
I'm interested to see where your head is gonna be at after 'Grapes'.
It's more than a book; and Steinbeck is more than a mere author.
'Grapes' is as relevant now as it was at the time. They should replace the Statue of Liberty with a statue of Tom Joad ; He is, or should be the social conscience of America. Steinbeck won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1962 for a reason.
Swan Song by Robert McCammon. I found your channel this week and have watched all and order far to many books you have recommended. Finished Foster, Small things like these, and late in the day. Keegan is amazing. But dude you have to check out Robert McCammon!!!! Swan Song may beat out The Stand. I agree 11/22/63 one of the best book ever and Kings finest work. Robert McCammon. Read Swan Song first the A Boys Life
Boys Life is fantastic! I second this recommendation. 😊
If you wanna read historical fiction, I think you should go with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It's nearly a 1000 pages long an epic story. I feel like you'll enjoy that one. If it's your thing you can also try the audiobook.
How about giving the Outlander series a try (Diana Gabaldon) -- historical fiction, time travel, war, romance, straight awesomeness. 😊
Man, I just wanna give you a bear hug! Is that too weird?!❤❤❤ I love this channel!
I have read many many books in my life and 11/22/63 is still my favorite book of all time
Maybe, Beloved. ( if I'm not mistaken, you haven't read that yet?) Anyway, it'll be interesting to hear which book ousts 1.22.63!
So for ALL TIME, Favorite books I think it must be read at least twice. My favorite book in A tree grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I have read it many many times since I was 11 and I find something new to love every time. I think you shoukd re read 11-22-63 after a year and see what you arill love and what about you has changed as a reader.
The Road is masterful!
Have you read Count of Monte Cristo? That’s one of my all-time favorites.
I don’t recall if you’ve read any Robert McCammon, but I know he would slot right into your preferences being the big King fan that you are, particularly “Boy’s Life” and “Swan Song”
Also, “Boys in the Valley” by Philip Fracassi was excellent and I think you’d love it considering how fond you are of “The Exorcist” (I am as well)
Cheers mate!
I second McCammon. He has some great stuff.
Watership Down is probably my favorite of all time right now, has been for about 4 years now
First of all, I have been thinking about this for a long time, but your channel warms my heart. The sweet way in which you talk about books, how open you are about the fact that you were not a reader and one day you decided to give it a go, but especially how you understand that this is a process and you learn along the way.
You were asking about the fact that your current favourite book might not be your favourite one in the future. (11.22.63 which is still a book I need to read, here it is, standing next to me, judging me while I write this! 🙈 ) I think that, no matter if you end up liking another book more, there is always going to be a special place to the one that started it all, to the one that kept you interested.
Keep the great videos!
Nan King is free for audiobook on Audible. I'm going to check it out.
This is how you lose the time war by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is probably one of my favourite books of all time. Its a beautiful love story told within this weird time war. It focuses more on the romance between the two main characters more than the actual time war itself but the writing style and romance is just too good and its a short book so doesn't take up to much of your time.
My favorite book is already on your list, The Book Thief. I highly recommend pairing it with the nonfiction book by Anders Rydell, The Book Thieves: The Nazi Looting of Europe’s Libraries and the Race to Return a Literary Inheritance. You can also tick off a goal of reading a translated work, if that is on your reading goal list. The author is Swedish.
You should read Tender is the Flesh!!! Oh its totally up your alley!
"THE GOLDFINCH"!!!!.... Yes, its a must read!!! Also: "The Covenant of Water" by Abraham Verghese, "Young Mungo" by Douglas Stuart, "Lapvona" by Ottessa Moshfegh - just a few on my all time faves.
T'NAIL lol. I use pepcid and tums, they're always in my bag ready to go if i need. Also mints.
Awesome video. Love to hear about the good reads. I bought The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs on Kindle for 2$ just a few days ago and wanna give that a try at some point. I also have The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt which is a super cool read. They just need a Rise and Fall of the Titanic XD
I'm excited for the new merch! I wanna get a t-shirt for sure :)
I've really been into and wanting to buy nostalgic things again recently. VHS, DVD's, books from when I was younger. Basically just for anything I really enjoy or used to enjoy and I think this has been inspired partly by you and your enjoyment of things so just thank you :)
My top four books I would recommend to you are (in no particular order and all equally life changing for me) 1- "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, 2- "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini, 3- "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver, and 4- "Master and Commander" by Patrick O'Brian. I also would love to know your experience and thoughts on the first couple Patricia Cornwell books (the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series), they are my comfort reads.
I just got finished with I know this much is true by wally lamb. That book blew my mind! The fastest I've ever read a 900 page book in my life!👌
yeah that one is pretty good
This is the one I would suggest as well!!!!
Maybe give Flannery O'Connor a try- her books are weird but very interesting
Loved 11/22/63 (read it in a day and a half when it came out, couldn’t put it down!) and the goldfinch is my fave book ever… so far
I don't think books ever stop becoming your 'favourite book of all time'. The experience will never be diminished by enjoying other books, at a different time in your life when you have a different mindset or are coming to it with different experiences.
Of the books you've mentioned, I'd say No Country for Old Men or The Goldfinch have potential to make it onto the 'favourite books of all time' shelves. And Words of Radiance obviously. Like, what a book. Ones you haven't mentioned that I think could have potential...? Maybe Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr Ripley? Maybe some Jonathan Franzen?
RE: Your last question: I think you would really enjoy Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. Right now, it might be my favorite of all time. Itching to re-read it.
It looks like you tear through some serious pages each month! An interesting video idea might be to go over your reading routine. When do you read each day? where? do you take notes or write anything down? how is your retention of the content? etc. Cool vids, keep up the good work!
Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun made me completely re-evaluate what makes a good book. I suppose it's somewhat popular within science-fiction circles with many writers calling it their favorite book, but overall it really doesn't get the recognition it deserves. It's written by the mustached guy on the Pringles wrapper (I kid you not!), for that fact alone the book should be more famous.
I honestly think it should be praised among the biggest genre titles (like 1984 or Handmaid's Tale). I think the main reason that it is not is its pulpy covers. And the fact that its brilliance is admittedly incredibly elusive.
Let me try to sketch why it's my favorite book. It's written as the autobiography of a ruler that opens in his years of youth when he had been a torturer apprentice at the Citadel. If you are not paying too much attention, it reads mostly like high fantasy. The narrator, Severian, perhaps writes for an audience more familiar with his world, but completely unfamiliar with our world. For instance, the reader may recognize that when talking of the Citadel what he's describing is an abandoned space station. Or (the most famous example) that the guy in armor in an abandoned wasteland is actually Neil Armstrong on the moon.
But maybe I should start again. What makes this so so brilliant is not that it's difficult to interpret what's going on. More importantly, it's inviting the reader to draw the most exciting conclusions. Unlike the usual info-dumping of high fantasy, the world is left in this state of ambiguity. In some respects, Severian becomes a Jesus like figure in terms of his powers, but the symbolism is far from being one-dimensional. You have this guy with healing ability whose moral compass was developed in a world where it was normal or even desirable to torture people for information. At times he commits hideous acts, yet there is a great character development that never sees him end up as simply good.
It's not even entirely obvious what the main focus of the story is. You learn somewhat early on that there are the big sea creatures perhaps from outer space that give the whole affair a somewhat Lovecraftian undertone. Severian himself is on a different journey. There are resistance fighters and some kind of war. There is the current Autarch (what Severian will become). There are robots, plays, myths from ancient books. There is the narrator with the perfect memory whose hilarious idiocies teach us how perfection can go wrong.
Well, it's very difficult to advertise the book. Maybe other than quoting its amazing writing style. Here is a famous example:
"We believe that we invent symbols. The truth is that they invent us; we are their creatures, shaped by their hard, defining edges. When soldiers take their oath they are given a coin, an asimi stamped with the profile of the Autarch. Their acceptance of that coin is their acceptance of the special duties and burdens of military life - they are soldiers from that moment, though they may know nothing of the management of arms. I did not know that then, but it is a profound mistake to believe that we must know of such things to be influenced by them, and in fact to believe so is to believe in the most debased and superstitious magic. The would-be sorcerer alone has faith in the efficacy of pure knowledge; rational people know that things act of themselves or not at all."
There is a podcast called Alzabo Soup that discusses the book chapter by chapter in the course of hundreds of episodes. Honestly, it's as brilliant as the book itself.
I’m currently reading Lonesome Dove thank you for the recommendation, we have very similar reading tastes. 11/22/63-Is also my favorite. Try Wally Lamb please. I am sure you will love it.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop! Super short can be a weekend read.
about 120 pages into salems lot, so far im not liking it as much as the shining but im hopefull
Happy you loved The Road! I’d say read No country and then All The Pretty Horses before getting into Blood Meridian, get as acquainted as you can with Cormac’s style then go for his greatest works (BM & Suttree) it’ll help a ton! Happy reading man❤
You should definitely watch “The Sunset Limited” with Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson. Great Cormac play. One of my top 5 movies.
I've been putting off commenting about a specific story in The Things they Carried so I didn't affect your reading but so glad you singled out that story. It's great.
I read The Outsiders when I was a teenager. I still think about it.
Right? It's a teenage classic. It really hits you hard when you're about 12 or 13.
I’m a newish reader such as yourself and I just finished the goldfinch. I would put it above 11-22-63. Lonesome dove, blood meridian, and wise blood are my top 3 at the moment with the goldfinch coming in a close 4th. Curious to hear your thoughts as it seems we have similar tastes
Is that Paul Murray’s new book - The Bee Sting tucked back there?
I love 11.22.63 as well-it’s the only King book I’ve read. I was surprised and blown away by Prophet Song earlier this year-can’t stop thinking about it. And currently reading North Woods and I’ve had the thought that “I’m reading my favorite book for the first time,”-it’s so good.
Lonesome Dove has steadily held my top spot for a long time now, but I love hunting for something that might surpass it (it would be ignorant to think it’s not out there somewhere).
That hunt has seen me read 50+ books so far in 2024, and two that really stood out are Chess Story by Stefan Zweig (beautiful NYRB classic that you can read in one sitting), and Five Decembers by James Kestrel (crime fiction, but so much more than that). I wouldn’t necessarily expect either to become your favorite ever book, but they are both fantastic reads that I would recommend to anyone
I bought the dinosaur one because of you. Can't wait
I don't know if this would surpass your favourite King novel, but I just finished Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and I think that book is very very worth a read. It's Kingsolver's spin on Charles Dickins' David Copperfield, only, in Appalachia--gritty, heartbreaking, funny. Wouldn't necessarily read it directly after The Road or Grapes of Wrath though.
Might I suggest I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb? I’m not an avid reader (but trying) but it’s definitely my favourite book that I’ve read recently. I have The Goldfinch lined up next, and I picked that one because my friend said if I liked IKTMIT I would like Goldfinch. Also there is a REALLY good HBO series based on I Know This Much Is True, definitely check it out!
One of the top reads for me has been Shantaram by Gregory D. Roberts. Some people hate it, others like me love it. Also, Kafka on the Shore by Murakami is one of my top 3 fagourites of all time.
Just finished the John Gwynne 4 book series, the Faithful and the Fallen and this morning read Small Things Like These :) on your recommendation.. now starting Pet Semetary although I don’t usually read horror so wish me luck :)
As a long time reader, you are going to have MANY different favorites. Some books will have a special spot in
I LOVE Between Two Fires! Such an amazing story I flew through it and it has become one of my top three novels of all time.
The road was so good and the writing was well done to the point and I just loved that especially for this book. Also The Grapes of Wrath I haven’t read but I feel I’ve read for the way my brother has explained the who story to me it’s so moving and yes I do plan on reading it I’ve had a copy of it for about a year now. And one more thing about the part of where you were taking about ur book might not being your favorite book cause you have so many more to read even thou you say I love it and it’s ur favorite. I do agree yes there’s going to be even better books out there that you might enjoy but when you have a book that grabs a hold of you especially as in the begging of your reading journey that book love is going to stick with you know matter what. You will always think about it or mention in some way threw out your lifetime and that’s what makes it your number one even thou you may read many others they will top it but nothing come first to that one book love that sucks you in. That’s the way I felt about Lord Of The Flies to this day it’s my number one book. And I’ve read hundreds of books that have been better more exiting and so one but still that book is edged into my head and soul first read it in middle school and I’m way older then you and I still carry that book in my heart. Have several different copies of it too.
I find it very hard to pick a #1 favorite book; there’s a couple that can revolve through that slot based on if I’m thinking about them or not lol.
But Blood Meridian-for certain people like myself-is definitely one of those that just instantly jumps into that revolution. Some others would be Catch-22, Middlesex, Jane Eyre, and Gravity’s Rainbow
If you like The Road, I'd recommend you watch Light of my Life, I love that movie, I think you'd enjoy it. I would also like to recommend Pope Joan by Donna W. Cross, it was my favourite book as a teenager and there's a movie and a play and everything (neither of which I've seen) but no one seems to know about or read it anymore, which is a shame.
I don't think 11.22. will leave that number one spot anytime soon, that's just the way it is with a treasured favourite. Stephen King is also my favourite author eventhough I know there are a million others out there that write better them him (he has some tropey things that he keeps doing, that I don't like, but that's fine), but I've read him a ton as a teenager and just that joyful feeling of sitting and reading a book on a sunny day after school... he'll always have that special place for me. Apt Pupil is my forever favourite story of his, it's just horrifying.
The best book of all time... The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. A very close second is Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer.
Swan Song is amazing
i loved the rise and fall of the dinosaurs, so cool and so interesting
I strongly recommend One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It is one of the strongest book experiences I've ever had. I think and hope it could be the same for you
My favourite book of all time is Sorcery Of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson, it is easily the best fantasy book ever written. The characters, plot and atmosphere were executed perfectly and it's a debut!! I read it in December\January of the 2024, and I cannot stop thinking about the characters and what they're doing, even though it's a fictional story 😭
Have you read Josiah Bancroft, particularly the Books of Babel series? If you haven't tried (starting with Senlin Ascends) you might check it out. I had a hard time getting into the first one at first, but that series really got under my skin (in a good way). I think he's an incredible writer, and this series is a sort of quirky, dark, inventive story with some interesting characters, world-building, etc. I think you might like it. But then, I didn't like either The Secret History or The Goldfinch by Tartt, so maybe I'm not the person you want to take recs from. :)
2066 by Roberto Bolaños. It's a massive undertaking but it might be just the thing you're looking for. Disclaimer, i haven't seen you read any Latin authors yet, so i might be completely off. The book deals with death and violence in a fictional town that is based on Ciudad Juarez. It's also a fragmentary account.
The audio book of Between Two Fires is fantastic! I think you’ll love it
Nothing beats 11/22/63
Count of monte cristo!
I thought The Road might unseat 11/22/63 for you.
If you end up getting into more historical fiction, try Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It's huge, but I tore through it in a few days because I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Like, I would think about it all day at work. I've heard a lot of other people who had similar experiences with it.
My book pairings are usually hard to control since it is based on the whims of the library queue, but I think I nailed complete opposite ends of the happy/sad spectrum with A Little Life (so sad, so good, reading on Kindle) and Welcome to Night Vale (so funny and ridiculous, really good on audiobook so far).
I've never read 11/22/63, so I can't speak to that. However, my favorite book ever (so far) is The Son by Philipp Meyer which I think you would enjoy. It's a Western that also deals with some heavy generational type stuff. There was also a series adapted from it, but I personally think the book was much much better. 😅
Love your videos! Taking your advice on what to read.
Between Two Fires was a wild read. Looking forward to a review!
The nightingale is my favorite ever. I wasn't into historical fiction, it made me want to legit write one right after 😂🙏🏼
The Road was so devastating. The ending completely broke me.
I don't know if you've read it yet but Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky really took me by surprise and is in my top 3. It's really similar to Stephen king's vibe and since he's your favorite there's a good chance you'd like this too😊
I just finished Between Two Fires and I think it's my new favorite book, but I haven't read 11/22/63 to compare.
I really like these weekly videos! 300 would be insane
Stranger in Moscow by Amor Towles
My best book is A Brief History of Seven Killings. It's not an easy read but it is 100% worth it. The audio book is great!
I actually finished my favorite book of all time last month! Miracle in the Andes by Nando Parrado! Hard to read at times but so beautiful!
i think you should read jurassic park , i haven't read it but i am hoping you will read it and if you like it i will probably read it by myself too
Anybody else have problems reading and not remembering what youve read and have to go back and reread? I really want to read books but damn its a struggle
Please please please please read Beloved by Toni Morrison. It's haunting and very literary. From the first sentence, everything means SOMETHING. I read it in four separate college semesters.
You got passion. Go on.
Where the Red Fern Grows has always and will always be my favorite book - but Pillars of the Earth is a close second. I think you would enjoy both based on your taste
I think you would like reading the book about Moa Tse Tung
You should try Pynchon!
You should read murakami’s books, I think you would love them
Please keep the hair growing for the 300 or until the hat doesnt fit ,just for continuity. I would suggest you read 'The Magic Cottage' by James Herbert. You'll love Rumbo.
Have you read Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett? That may be one that is a contender.
Give Dune a read!
Nah, 11/22/63 is top 5 for me, but you should read Joe Hill though, some people prefer him over king, which i believe is against the law
You should check out some books by Neil Gaiman!
Love the shirt!
Re McCarthy
'Blood Meridian' is his best work by far. You can't claim to be a McCarthy reader without that one...
I read Blood Meridian and highly disliked it, thought the road was much better.
@@fraternalcloud3883
That's interesting.
It's not an easy read or an easy topic to write about.
I couldn't get through it first time round ; I tried it on Audible.
I don't know who did the narration but it's a masterpiece ; a totally different thing.
The 'Judge Holden' voice acting made the book into something I wanted to listen to rather than a chore. Give that a go ; you won't be disappointed ; there's clips on UA-cam.
I'm fond of 'The Road ' too ; they're just vastly different books.
Although both bleak as hell. The movie was great I thought, It did the book justice.I
They played the two main characters really well, especially the young boy.
I've watched it a few times. Nick Cave & Warren Ellis do the soundtrack which is very moving when you realise what the story is about ; it's a beautiful piece of music.
Only other ones I've read are 'Pretty Horses' and 'No Country ' which aren't on the same level...well not for me anyway.
Have you ever read The Breathing Method by Stephen King it's in Different Seasons really good highly recommend.
Have you read Shogun?
Still loving the videos. Do you have a goodreads acc?