I am happy that you finished the Second Apocalypse and that you liked it. It is such a controversial but masterfully written series. So many great concepts. It is very difficult to realise them all while reading. The Bakker forums and subredfit were a revelation for me. The subtlety, the connections, the theories and meta implications are numerous and fascinating. Mind blowing. I actually could not appreciate anything in the genre for months after finishing the series. And years now it is still my absolute measure. I still find it very difficult to appreciate fiction because Bakker set my standards. Not even Malazan which I have dnf three times at various volumes through the ages or other famous series. My first cure 5-6 months after finishing the Unholy Consult was rereading the series. That was a phenomenal ride. Knowing what happens and how it connects made the rereading a truly revelatory experience. Like the deciphering of a scriptural codex. Sentences from the very first paragraphs took a whole new meaning. It is insane how well thought and crafted is this series. I cannot wait for your discussions
Bakker is one of the most brilliant writers in fantasy. I can understand its controversy, but I still think it's on another level than most series. I'm sure a reread would reveal so much that I missed, and I'm excited to unpack the last two books with Philip! Thanks!
Hearing you talk about Bakker's work gets me so intrigued to read it! It seems like such a unique and special reading experience. Thanks for sharing my video with Janny 😊 she is so full of wisdom!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts if you pick The Second Apocalypse series! I loved your discussion with Janny and your DDF with Philip! So glad you started your channel, Jake! 😊
Excited to read the “Aspect Emperor” series next year! “Meditations” is a nice introduction to Stoicism, I am myself planning to read a collection of Seneca (Stoic and tutor of Nero) early next year, maybe even January! Cheers and skål! 😄
Now that I’ve gotten acquainted with a tiny dose of Stoicism, I keep seeing Seneca come up in my recommendations. Maybe I’ll check that out as well! Cheers, MacScarfield!
I haven't read any of the books but I am already sold on Bakker. I will be reading him at some point. I've been reading Earthsea but I am definitely going to try Le Guin's sci-fi soon. Loved the video and your thoughts on the books.
I’m not quite finished with The Great Ordeal, but at the moment I can’t imagine wanting to jump straight into The Unholy Consult without taking a break to scrub my brain of some of the bleakness after wallowing in it throughout the book. 😂 But perhaps Bakker will surprise me, or I’ll surprise myself. Either way, I’m excited to chat with you soon, Johanna!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy 🤣🤣🤣 I can certainly imagine you needing to take a nice, long book-scrub break between those two books. I’m excited and nervous to hear your thoughts, Philip!
Convenience Store Woman sounds very intriguing. Also, I'm perplexed and awed at your ability to read Second Apocalypse and not get dragged down emotionally from the bleak and brutal world that it's set in. I'll definitely be watching you and Philip get into the details of Great Ordeal.
Thank you, Ben! Convenience Store Woman manages to capture some important, relevant themes while maintaining an up-beat, funny tone. It's easy to read, entertaining and endearing. I hope you enjoy it!
Awesome video! Cant wait to get to Bakker someday soon, every video you or Philip chat about it has me wanting to say TBR be damned 😂 Loved Dawn as well! RL Stine was the first author I fell in love with as a kid. So cool!
Oh my gosh! That’s awesome you were also an R.L. Stine fan as a kid! I’m excited to hear your Bakker thoughts as well as your thoughts on all the other awesome books you have planned!
I really can't wait for your TGO discussion with Dr. Chase. Many didn't see TUC's events coming, but the "what?!" moment had metaphysical factors that could be traced all the way back to Book 1. When I re-read the series for the first time my mind was blown. Bakker truly is a genius.
Although I know I've forgotten lots of details from the Prince of Nothing, I believe you! I was watching some of Gregory Sadler's Prince of Nothing lectures, and I couldn't believe how many details he brought up that correspond to Aspect-Emperor! Thank you, Slay! ❤️
Thanks, Johanna! Definitely going to check out The Word for World is Forest and move Dawn up the TBR. Loved Kindred and liked the first Earthseed book. Highly recommend Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia Butler. It’s a collection of short stories. Couple of Hugo winners and a Nebula winner in there. Each story has an afterword by Butler for more insight. There’s also an essay at the end that takes you through her journey of becoming a writer.
When I finished The Unholy Consult, I slammed the book down and jumped out of my chair and paced back and forth nonstop for about 20mins in shocked that Bakker had the cojones to end the series in that fashion. But the highlight of the book for me was the Proyas Achamian reunion. It was so emotional. The Great Ordeal and The Unholy Consult are a split book so it only makes sense to jump on The Unholy Consult after finishing The Great Ordeal since in reality it's The Great Ordeal's third act. I've struggled for years now to read epic fantasy after finishing The Second Apocalypse. It is the apotheosis of epic fantasy for me, because nothing I've read since has been remotely as impactful. I'm just hoping George finally finishes The Winds of Winter because ASOIAF is the only thing out in contemporary fantasy that I rate as highly. I picked up Dawn over a year ago but haven't found the time to read it but it and the rest of the Lillith's Brood books are a priority on my tbr for 2025. I hope to add some Leguin too. Looking forward to your discussions with Philip on the final two books of TSA. I hope it doesn't get too dark for him. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I can understand that reaction and feeling about the series. It makes many other fantasy series seem a bit trite in comparison. I went through such an emotional whirlwind reading the series. I'm nervous Philip is going to struggle with where it lands. I hope you enjoy Dawn in 2025! Happy reading, Andrew!
Great video. I'm reading "The warrior prophet" and I'm impressed by Bakker writing. I loved "The Word for world is Forest" and "Dawn", and also, all the Xenogenesis Trilogy. I'll look for "Convenience Store Woman". Thank you.
@@callinicobo5991 Thank you! The Warrior Prophet was my favorite in the trilogy. Thanks for letting me know about the other Xenogenesis books! Happy reading!
So glad you enjoyed Convenience Store Woman! Dust of Dreams is next up for me in my Malazan journey so hearing you say I'll want to read them back to back has me nervoussss lol
Thank you so much for recommending the book, Ben! Dust of Dreams is INTENSE. No epilogue to that book or prologue to The Crippled God. I'm excited you'll be finishing the series soon!
Parable of the Sower really is engrossing. Butler has a way of affecting the reader and making the story feel real. She pairs nicely with Le Guin too. As always, I love your variety 🙌
Thank you, Matt! You're kind feedback about the variety is very encouraging, since it's not always a win for the algorithm. 😅 I love reading widely! I agree about Butler, and it was a nice pairing!
Hi Johanna. I've read a portion of Meditations and was pleased by it. I intend to return to it and complete my reading. Dawn is part of my TBR. I'm currently halfway through the new Haruki Murakami novel, The City and Its Uncertain Walls, which is a bit slow, but fascinating. Happy reading!
Thank you, Curt! Smart to take Meditations slow and pick it up in installments. I found that to be the best approach. Enjoy Dawn and The City and Its Uncertain Walls!
If someone called my personal diaries 'pretty good' a thousand or so years later, I would be satisfied haha...its unfortunate how Meditations gets discussed now with certain groups of people who may interpret it in the wrong way, but I agree, Meditations has some great nuggets of wisdom throughout.
@@joshramirez7 I’ve been watching some of the Daily Stoic’s videos, and he seemed to get so much more out it than I did. That said, Meditations did make me feel embarrassed by the state of my past diaries. Haha!
Hi Johanna. Thank YOU for the shout out! You’re a comparison of Ice and The Word for World is very interesting! I had not thought of it; but yes, there is quite an overlap when it comes to the themes explored. One thing to add regarding Leguin‘s book; it was inspired in part by her negative reaction to the Vietnam war. And yes, like you and Whitney, I really enjoyed Dawn. Speaking of Whitney. Thank you for pairing us together in the Why Read episode. We’ve become good friends, did a great buddy read and video together lol. Thanks. ❤️
I also listened to NLR's interview with Janny Wurts, and it was incredibly inspiring. Convenience Store Woman sounds really good and something I need to get to next year. I know you loved Perdido Street Station from Discord, but I'm still very excited to hear you talk about it in a video! It's such a phenomenal book. I actually read it last December and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.
That was a great interview! Janny Wurts has no shortage of wisdom to impart! Convenience Store Woman was a wonderful, light read with some very relevant themes. I hope you like it! Perdido Street Station was a masterpiece! 💜💜
I haven't read Left Hand of Darkness, but I'm going to guess her sci-fi might not be your thing. If you try again, I recommend Word for World is Forest!
🔥 🔥 ❤ - loved hearing your thoughts on these books esp on word for world :) 🌎 Aww i’m so glad I convinced you to pickup Dawn! My purpose is now complete….. 😊no rush on these rest of series. I would rather u pickup parable of sower :)
Johanna, I can't lie to you, I read Malazan all the way to halfway through The Crippled God, and I stopped. I read Second Apocalypse all the way to end of The Great Ordeal, and I stopped. Now I'm forced to reread both so I can finish them fully! I have no idea why I let myself do it. Life must have come knocking. Maybe there was some Malazan fatigue. Either way, I start Dust of Dreams in the new year. 🙂
Oh my goodness! I did that with Lord of the Rings the first time. I read all the way until the beginning of Return of the King and stopped. I hope you find both endings satisfying!
I remember Brittany really loving The Word for World is Forest, but it had totally fallen off my radar again. Glad you enjoyed it, those themes sound super interesting! Also heeeeck yes for Murata. I loved Earthlings and really need to get to CSW. Great reviews as always 🥰
Thank you, Esmay! Brittany and I usually align when it comes to sci-fi! It's so good, and it's so short. You could probably finish it in a sitting. I just learned that it had some inspiration from the Vietnam War though it's excellent even not knowing that. Convenience Store Woman was so good that I immediately put a Libby hold on Earthlings! 😊💜
@@Johanna_reads Oooh that adds a whole new layer of impact to it! Definitely going to check it out! And hope you enjoy Earthlings when you get to it. It's so weird, but so good 🤩
Dawn (and the Xenogenesis trilogy as a whole) was my introduction to Octavia E. Butler's works, and her series are similar in that they stand alone as each their own stories in the series with a overarching timeline and world. I call them generational stories even though they are not always, well, following the same lineage. I need to read Fledgling and the Patternmaster series, then I'll have read all of Butler's works. I can't wait for her biography to be published next year! I still think about Convenience Store Woman even though I read it in January of this year. There was a such a catharsis in reading it. So I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I just picked up the two “Parable…” books from the “Earthseed” duology for my Library, so I went for the ‘most people’ option too! Can’t recall if I mentioned already but where I have the first Bakker trilogy on my shelves, a friend at work has actually started reading them. It’s unusual that we overlap books, partly because he’s super picky. I may have already mentioned that I fancied prioritising “The Darkness That Comes Before” so we could compare notes.
I hope you like The Darkness That Comes Before! It's not a series I can widely recommend. I'll be excited if you enjoy it, I hope you'll forgive me if you don't. 😅
Completely agree on needing to jump right into UC. Once Bakker is in your head, hard to get him out and think about something else. It is the only book I just had to step away from after the scene you referenced. Will see how Philip's more delicate constitution holds up. Listened to Varsha's discussion and I missed a lot as I was focused on the action. But it is interesting that it is the female characters take center stage. And it does have the best final line of any book I have read. But didn't immediately know it as I didn't realize there were 200 pages of appendicies.
Great video Johanna! I agree that Meditations is one of those books that deserves to be slowly digested. I’m excited to eventually try the Hanish cycle.
Can't wait to hear more of your thoughts on Bakker's Second Apocalypse in its entirety, though one thing I came to realize is that while The Unholy Consult completes The aspect emperor cycle The Second Apocalypse as a whole is not yet finished. I do truly hope Bakker finds the time, inspiration and resources to deliver us the rest of what is my second favorite series of all time.
@@Johanna_reads He spoke about a No-God Duology to round things out but there has been no signs of that being worked on since The Unholy Consult was released. Some have theorized he was dropped by his publisher, no idea if that's true and it may just have to do with his non-authorial life and responsibilities. If it is true then the interest yourself and other Booktubers have been giving to his work can only increase the chances of him writing again.
@@Johanna_reads Here's what Bakker's brother said in his blog a couple years ago - "As for the future of the series, I've heard him say two things, over the years, about how the Second Apocalypse should end: One was that there would be a third trilogy outlining the blow by blow of 'you know who's' rise. I know outlines exist for such a story, but just outlines. The other is that the story is finished. That 'The Unholy Consult', is a fitting way to end a sprawling epic about the death of meaning. For my part, I can't help but to think that this massive story was where Scott's creative life began and, it would surprise me if, after his real life trials are complete, he doesn't return to it, before the end. Like a favourite old coat - warm and comfortable - and smelling of sulfur"
@@t.hussain921 I wonder what the real life trials are? I've seen this quote before too and it's interesting that his brother speaking for him is the closest we get to him speaking for himself. Is he working as a professor these days I wonder?
Great reviews ! I really want to start my Le Guin journey next year. Idk where to start. I might pick up The Word For World is Forest. I Now. I did read Parable of the Sower but sadly did not continue. Ill also need to pick up book two before moving on to her other works. Hearing you describe Convenience Store Woman made me realize I need to re-read it !!! its so good.
Thank you, Alicia! I feel like I can widely recommend The Word For World is Forest. I can honestly say that I’m blown away with Butler and Le Guin for their efficiency in packing so much into a short page-count. Happy reading!
I think The Word for World is Forest is much more of a direct criticism of the Vietnam war specifically. There's a native people who live in a jungle environment who are bombarded with 'fire jelly' - a clear stand-in for napalm. Need to read Dawn because it sounds great!
How interesting! I shoud’ve taken into account the historical context. Dawn is an excellent first contact story, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much! 😊
Sounds like a great month of reading! If you want to continue enraging Allen then the next reads should be Ulysses by Joyce and anything by Dickens. Haha 😂 Also that scene from the RL Stine book is eerily similar to a scene from The Counselor by Cormac McCarthy.
Hahaha! I promise I didn't just do it to enrage Allen, but his rants did make me more curious. 😂 I just looked up the Counselor, and it was published several years after The Face, so maybe McCarthy read some YA Horror. 😂
I gotta read Convenience Store Woman! Been wanting to dig into Japanese literature for a while now. As for R.L. Stine…his published decided to make “changes in his books in 2017 to “modernize” them….without his permission. They didn’t even let him know about it, he only recently discovered what they did. Just so you know.
Wow! I had no idea! 😳 The copy I have is a couple of decades old. I wish I had held onto my other original Fear Street books. They all probably have cringy moments, but they still have nostalgic, vintage charm for me. I hope you enjoy Convenience Store Woman!
On LeGuin, have you read The Lathe of Heaven yet? Her best standalone by far. On Butler, I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Adulthood Rights. My favorite book of hers by far. Simply the best exploration of mixed identinty in science fiction of that era.
I just started my malazan journey, I read book one recently and it was so cool! Really different from all the books I’ve been reading recently ahah it took me abit to get acclimated but once I was nearing the end I couldn’t put it down!
ive also been reading xenogenesis! i got it from my library in an omnibus so i went straight on from dawn to the second, adulthood rites. i really recommend it! its even better than dawn and im very excited to read the third, imago as well!
I did a buddy read with Whitney and Bart, and through general chit chat they have definitely convinced me to raise Dawn up the tbr. I’m hoping to get to it next year. Especially as I really liked Earthseed which I read last month. I also need to read more Le Guin. I just reread The Left Hand of Darkness with my bookclub and really loved it. Sounds like you had a great month :)
Yay for completing the Second Apocalypse and "enjoying" your time with it! I use quotes just because with the content you have described I am not sure that is the correct word to use xD
The Word for World is Forest ❤ Second Apocalypse is a wild, disturbing thought provoking experience. While I've always been a skeptic of religion and spirituality (and cynical of the organisations and institutions), books like these that examine it on a personal and worldwide level is some of my favourite content to read about. Only books i read in November were Tad Williams' To Green Angel Tower and Janny Wurts' Warhost of Vastmark which was my book of the month. NGL, I can see you being very underwhelmed by Memory Sorrow & Thorn.
Uh oh... Philip is now going to do the Booktube Betrayal Tag! 😂 You need to do the Meditations video with Allen haha. It sounds like November was great - I hope December is great for you too!
I've read the first 6 stories in the recent bind-up editions. I wasn't as crazy about the last one of those I read, but I've enjoyed most and plan to continue at some point!
I have read the word for world is forest and it was good. Now about Dawn. I would recommend anyone who wants to read Octavia Butler to watch Whitney's video about her and her books. It's at Secret Sauce of Storycraft. Whitney put me on the short story Blood child by Butler and it changed my perspective on authors and reading. So much was put in that tiny story at so many levels. It's just shocking. Dawn follows on that path where you can put yourself in the protagonist's shoes. It is amazing.
@Johanna_reads yes, I just wanted to second that opinion and I'm so glad you like that book. Nothing I've read quite matches the sense of helplessness the Dawn is put into. It's disturbingly good. Great video Johanna
Interesting to hear your thoughts about Unholy Consult, and I am glad that you really loved it. Unfortunately, I cannot share your love, as to me it was a two star read, and clearly the worst of all the seven books of the series. Already Great Ordeal was a step down from the earlier excellence of especially White-Luck Warrior, but this was such a fall from grace. All, of course, only in my totally honest opinion. The Word for World Is Forest is a really good book, but in my ranking, it is still clearly behind Dispossessed, Lathe of Heaven and Left Hand of Darkness. God, LeGuin is such a good sci-fi author!
@@toinenosoite3173 White-Luck Warrior is my favorite in the series as well, and I can understand disappointed feelings about books 4 and 5. That said, I was hooked throughout Aspect-Emperor. I slightly prefer The Dispossessed over The Word for World is Forest, but I can more easily recommend the latter. I might try to fit Lathe of Heaven into my December reading plans!
@@Johanna_reads That is an interesting question, i.e. which book would I recommend first. Don't know if it would be Word, though, as it is, in a way, as or even more political than Dispossessed, and you could say that about most of her books. Myself, I would probably recommend Left Hand first, or Lathe of Heaven, a book not really focused on politics, at all. PS. I have to amend my earlier staement, i.e. Le Guin is not just an incredible sci-fi author, but simply a great author!
@@toinenosoite3173 I haven't yet read Left Hand of Darkness (I'm reading it in February), and Lathe might be next for me, so I might change the order. Thanks!
I am happy that you finished the Second Apocalypse and that you liked it. It is such a controversial but masterfully written series. So many great concepts. It is very difficult to realise them all while reading.
The Bakker forums and subredfit were a revelation for me. The subtlety, the connections, the theories and meta implications are numerous and fascinating. Mind blowing.
I actually could not appreciate anything in the genre for months after finishing the series. And years now it is still my absolute measure. I still find it very difficult to appreciate fiction because Bakker set my standards. Not even Malazan which I have dnf three times at various volumes through the ages or other famous series.
My first cure 5-6 months after finishing the Unholy Consult was rereading the series. That was a phenomenal ride. Knowing what happens and how it connects made the rereading a truly revelatory experience. Like the deciphering of a scriptural codex. Sentences from the very first paragraphs took a whole new meaning. It is insane how well thought and crafted is this series.
I cannot wait for your discussions
Bakker is one of the most brilliant writers in fantasy. I can understand its controversy, but I still think it's on another level than most series. I'm sure a reread would reveal so much that I missed, and I'm excited to unpack the last two books with Philip! Thanks!
Hearing you talk about Bakker's work gets me so intrigued to read it! It seems like such a unique and special reading experience.
Thanks for sharing my video with Janny 😊 she is so full of wisdom!!
I can’t wait to hear your thoughts if you pick The Second Apocalypse series! I loved your discussion with Janny and your DDF with Philip! So glad you started your channel, Jake! 😊
I remember reading The Word for World is Forest over three decades ago. Loved it, so I need to read it again. Thanks for the video 🙏
Thank you so much! I just learned that it had some inspiration from the Vietnam War. I hope you enjoy the reread experience! 😊
Excited to read the “Aspect Emperor” series next year!
“Meditations” is a nice introduction to Stoicism, I am myself planning to read a collection of Seneca (Stoic and tutor of Nero) early next year, maybe even January!
Cheers and skål! 😄
Now that I’ve gotten acquainted with a tiny dose of Stoicism, I keep seeing Seneca come up in my recommendations. Maybe I’ll check that out as well! Cheers, MacScarfield!
I haven't read any of the books but I am already sold on Bakker. I will be reading him at some point. I've been reading Earthsea but I am definitely going to try Le Guin's sci-fi soon. Loved the video and your thoughts on the books.
I'm excited and nervous to hear your thoughts on Bakker! 😅 Thank you, Kathi! ❤️
I’m not quite finished with The Great Ordeal, but at the moment I can’t imagine wanting to jump straight into The Unholy Consult without taking a break to scrub my brain of some of the bleakness after wallowing in it throughout the book. 😂 But perhaps Bakker will surprise me, or I’ll surprise myself. Either way, I’m excited to chat with you soon, Johanna!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy 🤣🤣🤣 I can certainly imagine you needing to take a nice, long book-scrub break between those two books. I’m excited and nervous to hear your thoughts, Philip!
Convenience Store Woman sounds very intriguing. Also, I'm perplexed and awed at your ability to read Second Apocalypse and not get dragged down emotionally from the bleak and brutal world that it's set in. I'll definitely be watching you and Philip get into the details of Great Ordeal.
It managed to succeed in some parts, but there was so much that just fascinated me. I don't know. Maybe I'm strange. 😅
What a cool month! You have me particularly intrigued by Convenience Store Woman, which sounds both fun and deep.
Thank you, Ben! Convenience Store Woman manages to capture some important, relevant themes while maintaining an up-beat, funny tone. It's easy to read, entertaining and endearing. I hope you enjoy it!
Awesome video! Cant wait to get to Bakker someday soon, every video you or Philip chat about it has me wanting to say TBR be damned 😂 Loved Dawn as well! RL Stine was the first author I fell in love with as a kid. So cool!
Oh my gosh! That’s awesome you were also an R.L. Stine fan as a kid! I’m excited to hear your Bakker thoughts as well as your thoughts on all the other awesome books you have planned!
I really can't wait for your TGO discussion with Dr. Chase. Many didn't see TUC's events coming, but the "what?!" moment had metaphysical factors that could be traced all the way back to Book 1. When I re-read the series for the first time my mind was blown. Bakker truly is a genius.
Although I know I've forgotten lots of details from the Prince of Nothing, I believe you! I was watching some of Gregory Sadler's Prince of Nothing lectures, and I couldn't believe how many details he brought up that correspond to Aspect-Emperor! Thank you, Slay! ❤️
Thanks, Johanna! Definitely going to check out The Word for World is Forest and move Dawn up the TBR. Loved Kindred and liked the first Earthseed book.
Highly recommend Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia Butler. It’s a collection of short stories. Couple of Hugo winners and a Nebula winner in there. Each story has an afterword by Butler for more insight. There’s also an essay at the end that takes you through her journey of becoming a writer.
Thank you! I will push Bloodchild up the TBR! I know Whitney has recommended that as well. Happy reading!
Great video as always 😊 I loved Dawn too and have Word for World is Forest on my shelf. Intrigued by Convenience Shop Girl…
Thank you, Veronique! I bet you would enjoy Convenience Store Woman, and I would love to hear your thoughts on either book. Hooray for Dawn! 😊
When I finished The Unholy Consult, I slammed the book down and jumped out of my chair and paced back and forth nonstop for about 20mins in shocked that Bakker had the cojones to end the series in that fashion. But the highlight of the book for me was the Proyas Achamian reunion. It was so emotional.
The Great Ordeal and The Unholy Consult are a split book so it only makes sense to jump on The Unholy Consult after finishing The Great Ordeal since in reality it's The Great Ordeal's third act.
I've struggled for years now to read epic fantasy after finishing The Second Apocalypse. It is the apotheosis of epic fantasy for me, because nothing I've read since has been remotely as impactful. I'm just hoping George finally finishes The Winds of Winter because ASOIAF is the only thing out in contemporary fantasy that I rate as highly.
I picked up Dawn over a year ago but haven't found the time to read it but it and the rest of the Lillith's Brood books are a priority on my tbr for 2025. I hope to add some Leguin too.
Looking forward to your discussions with Philip on the final two books of TSA. I hope it doesn't get too dark for him.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I can understand that reaction and feeling about the series. It makes many other fantasy series seem a bit trite in comparison. I went through such an emotional whirlwind reading the series. I'm nervous Philip is going to struggle with where it lands.
I hope you enjoy Dawn in 2025! Happy reading, Andrew!
Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on Perdido Street Station!
@@Grantimusss I can’t wait to share my thoughts about it! I’ll give away that I think it deserves so much more attention!
Great video. I'm reading "The warrior prophet" and I'm impressed by Bakker writing. I loved "The Word for world is Forest" and "Dawn", and also, all the Xenogenesis Trilogy. I'll look for "Convenience Store Woman". Thank you.
@@callinicobo5991 Thank you! The Warrior Prophet was my favorite in the trilogy. Thanks for letting me know about the other Xenogenesis books! Happy reading!
I read Word for World is Forest a couple of years ago and loved it. The villain, the army guy POV, is so loathsome!
Yes! Davidson is awful! I'm so happy you loved it!
So glad you enjoyed Convenience Store Woman! Dust of Dreams is next up for me in my Malazan journey so hearing you say I'll want to read them back to back has me nervoussss lol
Thank you so much for recommending the book, Ben! Dust of Dreams is INTENSE. No epilogue to that book or prologue to The Crippled God. I'm excited you'll be finishing the series soon!
@@Johanna_reads I'm even more filled with terror and excitement now lol
Parable of the Sower really is engrossing. Butler has a way of affecting the reader and making the story feel real. She pairs nicely with Le Guin too.
As always, I love your variety 🙌
Thank you, Matt! You're kind feedback about the variety is very encouraging, since it's not always a win for the algorithm. 😅 I love reading widely! I agree about Butler, and it was a nice pairing!
Hi Johanna. I've read a portion of Meditations and was pleased by it. I intend to return to it and complete my reading. Dawn is part of my TBR. I'm currently halfway through the new Haruki Murakami novel, The City and Its Uncertain Walls, which is a bit slow, but fascinating. Happy reading!
Thank you, Curt! Smart to take Meditations slow and pick it up in installments. I found that to be the best approach. Enjoy Dawn and The City and Its Uncertain Walls!
If someone called my personal diaries 'pretty good' a thousand or so years later, I would be satisfied haha...its unfortunate how Meditations gets discussed now with certain groups of people who may interpret it in the wrong way, but I agree, Meditations has some great nuggets of wisdom throughout.
@@joshramirez7 I’ve been watching some of the Daily Stoic’s videos, and he seemed to get so much more out it than I did. That said, Meditations did make me feel embarrassed by the state of my past diaries. Haha!
When I finished the last book in the Second Apocalypse, I was... I was actually very confused haha. I'll be looking forward to your discussion.
You're not alone! I still have some questions about that ending, and I'm excited to unpack it with Philip. Thanks!
Hi Johanna. Thank YOU for the shout out!
You’re a comparison of Ice and The Word for World is very interesting! I had not thought of it; but yes, there is quite an overlap when it comes to the themes explored. One thing to add regarding Leguin‘s book; it was inspired in part by her negative reaction to the Vietnam war.
And yes, like you and Whitney, I really enjoyed Dawn.
Speaking of Whitney. Thank you for pairing us together in the Why Read episode. We’ve become good friends, did a great buddy read and video together lol.
Thanks. ❤️
Thank you, Bart! I'm so happy you and Whitney have become buddy read friends! I had a lovely time chatting with you two on "Why Read?" 💜
I also listened to NLR's interview with Janny Wurts, and it was incredibly inspiring.
Convenience Store Woman sounds really good and something I need to get to next year.
I know you loved Perdido Street Station from Discord, but I'm still very excited to hear you talk about it in a video! It's such a phenomenal book. I actually read it last December and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since.
That was a great interview! Janny Wurts has no shortage of wisdom to impart!
Convenience Store Woman was a wonderful, light read with some very relevant themes. I hope you like it!
Perdido Street Station was a masterpiece! 💜💜
@Johanna_reads I couldn't agree more!! Masterpiece is the correct word to describe PSS. 🥳
I really need to get in gear with Second Apocalypse! I'm so hesitant to try more of LeGuin's SciFi after how much I hated Left Hand of Darkness
I haven't read Left Hand of Darkness, but I'm going to guess her sci-fi might not be your thing. If you try again, I recommend Word for World is Forest!
🔥 🔥 ❤ - loved hearing your thoughts on these books esp on word for world :) 🌎
Aww i’m so glad I convinced you to pickup Dawn! My purpose is now complete….. 😊no rush on these rest of series. I would rather u pickup parable of sower :)
Those were homerun recommedations, Whitney! I look forward to talking about more Octavia Butler with you! 💜
Johanna, I can't lie to you, I read Malazan all the way to halfway through The Crippled God, and I stopped. I read Second Apocalypse all the way to end of The Great Ordeal, and I stopped.
Now I'm forced to reread both so I can finish them fully! I have no idea why I let myself do it. Life must have come knocking. Maybe there was some Malazan fatigue. Either way, I start Dust of Dreams in the new year. 🙂
Oh my goodness! I did that with Lord of the Rings the first time. I read all the way until the beginning of Return of the King and stopped. I hope you find both endings satisfying!
I remember Brittany really loving The Word for World is Forest, but it had totally fallen off my radar again. Glad you enjoyed it, those themes sound super interesting! Also heeeeck yes for Murata. I loved Earthlings and really need to get to CSW. Great reviews as always 🥰
Thank you, Esmay! Brittany and I usually align when it comes to sci-fi! It's so good, and it's so short. You could probably finish it in a sitting. I just learned that it had some inspiration from the Vietnam War though it's excellent even not knowing that. Convenience Store Woman was so good that I immediately put a Libby hold on Earthlings! 😊💜
@@Johanna_reads Oooh that adds a whole new layer of impact to it! Definitely going to check it out!
And hope you enjoy Earthlings when you get to it. It's so weird, but so good 🤩
Haven't read this Le Guin's yet, thanks for the review. Looking forward to your commentary on Meditations. Great video
Thank you! I need to a lot of organization if I do a Meditations video. 😅
Dawn (and the Xenogenesis trilogy as a whole) was my introduction to Octavia E. Butler's works, and her series are similar in that they stand alone as each their own stories in the series with a overarching timeline and world. I call them generational stories even though they are not always, well, following the same lineage. I need to read Fledgling and the Patternmaster series, then I'll have read all of Butler's works. I can't wait for her biography to be published next year!
I still think about Convenience Store Woman even though I read it in January of this year. There was a such a catharsis in reading it. So I'm glad you enjoyed it!
That's an awesome start to her works! I didn't know about the biography being published next year! Convenience Store woman was so good! 💜💜
❤📚📚❤️
My sister and I are buddy reading Kindred in February. 😊
I added Convenience Store Woman to my list. Thank you.
Kindred is such a powerful, incredible book! Wonderful choice for a buddy read, and I hope you enjoy Convenience Store Woman! Thank you! 😊
@Johanna_reads Thank you! I'm sure I'll enjoy both books. 🤗
I just picked up the two “Parable…” books from the “Earthseed” duology for my Library, so I went for the ‘most people’ option too!
Can’t recall if I mentioned already but where I have the first Bakker trilogy on my shelves, a friend at work has actually started reading them. It’s unusual that we overlap books, partly because he’s super picky. I may have already mentioned that I fancied prioritising “The Darkness That Comes Before” so we could compare notes.
I hope you like The Darkness That Comes Before! It's not a series I can widely recommend. I'll be excited if you enjoy it, I hope you'll forgive me if you don't. 😅
Completely agree on needing to jump right into UC. Once Bakker is in your head, hard to get him out and think about something else.
It is the only book I just had to step away from after the scene you referenced. Will see how Philip's more delicate constitution holds up.
Listened to Varsha's discussion and I missed a lot as I was focused on the action. But it is interesting that it is the female characters take center stage.
And it does have the best final line of any book I have read. But didn't immediately know it as I didn't realize there were 200 pages of appendicies.
I haven’t watched Varsha’s discussions. I loved how the female characters taking stage! Longest appendicies ever, right?
Great video Johanna! I agree that Meditations is one of those books that deserves to be slowly digested. I’m excited to eventually try the Hanish cycle.
@@BookishChas Meditations really does invite a meditative mindset. It was interesting to read. I hope you enjoy the Hainish Cycle!
Can't wait to hear more of your thoughts on Bakker's Second Apocalypse in its entirety, though one thing I came to realize is that while The Unholy Consult completes The aspect emperor cycle The Second Apocalypse as a whole is not yet finished. I do truly hope Bakker finds the time, inspiration and resources to deliver us the rest of what is my second favorite series of all time.
Oh really? Thanks for letting me know! I guess my thumbnail is false advertisement. I'd love to pick up a follow-up series. We need him to continue!
@@Johanna_reads He spoke about a No-God Duology to round things out but there has been no signs of that being worked on since The Unholy Consult was released. Some have theorized he was dropped by his publisher, no idea if that's true and it may just have to do with his non-authorial life and responsibilities. If it is true then the interest yourself and other Booktubers have been giving to his work can only increase the chances of him writing again.
@@Johanna_reads
Here's what Bakker's brother said in his blog a couple years ago -
"As for the future of the series, I've heard him say two things, over the years, about how the Second Apocalypse should end:
One was that there would be a third trilogy outlining the blow by blow of 'you know who's' rise. I know outlines exist for such a story, but just outlines.
The other is that the story is finished. That 'The Unholy Consult', is a fitting way to end a sprawling epic about the death of meaning.
For my part, I can't help but to think that this massive story was where Scott's creative life began and, it would surprise me if, after his real life trials are complete, he doesn't return to it, before the end.
Like a favourite old coat - warm and comfortable - and smelling of sulfur"
@@t.hussain921 I wonder what the real life trials are? I've seen this quote before too and it's interesting that his brother speaking for him is the closest we get to him speaking for himself. Is he working as a professor these days I wonder?
I really need to read some Butler and Le Guin. Two huge holes in my reading. Awesome month!
I highly recommend Octavia Butler's Kindred followed by The Word for World is Forest by Le Guin! Thanks, Tom! 🧡
Great reviews ! I really want to start my Le Guin journey next year. Idk where to start. I might pick up The Word For World is Forest. I Now. I did read Parable of the Sower but sadly did not continue. Ill also need to pick up book two before moving on to her other works. Hearing you describe Convenience Store Woman made me realize I need to re-read it !!! its so good.
Thank you, Alicia! I feel like I can widely recommend The Word For World is Forest. I can honestly say that I’m blown away with Butler and Le Guin for their efficiency in packing so much into a short page-count. Happy reading!
I think The Word for World is Forest is much more of a direct criticism of the Vietnam war specifically. There's a native people who live in a jungle environment who are bombarded with 'fire jelly' - a clear stand-in for napalm. Need to read Dawn because it sounds great!
How interesting! I shoud’ve taken into account the historical context. Dawn is an excellent first contact story, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thank you so much! 😊
Sounds like a great month of reading! If you want to continue enraging Allen then the next reads should be Ulysses by Joyce and anything by Dickens. Haha 😂
Also that scene from the RL Stine book is eerily similar to a scene from The Counselor by Cormac McCarthy.
Hahaha! I promise I didn't just do it to enrage Allen, but his rants did make me more curious. 😂 I just looked up the Counselor, and it was published several years after The Face, so maybe McCarthy read some YA Horror. 😂
@ hahah. That’s actually really funny.
I gotta read Convenience Store Woman! Been wanting to dig into Japanese literature for a while now. As for R.L. Stine…his published decided to make “changes in his books in 2017 to “modernize” them….without his permission. They didn’t even let him know about it, he only recently discovered what they did. Just so you know.
Wow! I had no idea! 😳 The copy I have is a couple of decades old. I wish I had held onto my other original Fear Street books. They all probably have cringy moments, but they still have nostalgic, vintage charm for me. I hope you enjoy Convenience Store Woman!
On LeGuin, have you read The Lathe of Heaven yet? Her best standalone by far.
On Butler, I'm looking forward to your thoughts on Adulthood Rights. My favorite book of hers by far. Simply the best exploration of mixed identinty in science fiction of that era.
I own The Lathe of Heaven and might insert it into my December reading plans if time allows. I’m glad you loved Adulthood Rights! Thank you!
I just started my malazan journey, I read book one recently and it was so cool! Really different from all the books I’ve been reading recently ahah it took me abit to get acclimated but once I was nearing the end I couldn’t put it down!
I’m so excited to hear you’ve started Malazan and are enjoying it so far!
ive also been reading xenogenesis! i got it from my library in an omnibus so i went straight on from dawn to the second, adulthood rites. i really recommend it! its even better than dawn and im very excited to read the third, imago as well!
Wow! That's very encouraging to hear! Thank you!
I did a buddy read with Whitney and Bart, and through general chit chat they have definitely convinced me to raise Dawn up the tbr. I’m hoping to get to it next year. Especially as I really liked Earthseed which I read last month. I also need to read more Le Guin. I just reread The Left Hand of Darkness with my bookclub and really loved it. Sounds like you had a great month :)
Guess you don't need my encouragement then 😉. I'm reading Left Hand of Darkness in February and really looking forward to it! Thanks!
@Johanna_reads It's always good to hear more affirmations! Great, I hope you enjoy it :)
I really need to get to Butler soon. Had her scifi vampire novel Fledgling on my shelf too long. 😳Just never found the right moment to pick it up.
@@Zivilin I’m intrigued by the premise of Fledgling, but it sounds really disturbing! I hope you enjoy it!
@Johanna_reads Vampire stories does seem to have a theme of that. «Let the right one in» also was really bleak.
Yay for completing the Second Apocalypse and "enjoying" your time with it! I use quotes just because with the content you have described I am not sure that is the correct word to use xD
That is absolutely the correct word! It's fascinating but so grim. 😅 Thank you, Rodger!
The Word for World is Forest ❤ Second Apocalypse is a wild, disturbing thought provoking experience. While I've always been a skeptic of religion and spirituality (and cynical of the organisations and institutions), books like these that examine it on a personal and worldwide level is some of my favourite content to read about.
Only books i read in November were Tad Williams' To Green Angel Tower and Janny Wurts' Warhost of Vastmark which was my book of the month. NGL, I can see you being very underwhelmed by Memory Sorrow & Thorn.
Hooray for Le Guin and Bakker! I'm so glad you enjoyed Warhost of Vastmark! That's my favorite Wars of Light and Shadow book so far!
@@Johanna_reads Wars of Light and Shadow will definitely become my priority Fantasy now that I'm almost finished Realm of the Elderlings
Uh oh... Philip is now going to do the Booktube Betrayal Tag! 😂 You need to do the Meditations video with Allen haha. It sounds like November was great - I hope December is great for you too!
I was a betrayer 😅, but to be fair, I could pull an Allen-card and say he's been prioritizing a lot of other buddy reads. 😁 Thank you, Josh!
@@Johanna_reads Allen always finding the angles! LMAO
do you plan to read elric by michael moorcock?
I've read the first 6 stories in the recent bind-up editions. I wasn't as crazy about the last one of those I read, but I've enjoyed most and plan to continue at some point!
You gonna read “The Book of the New Sun”? 🤔 by Gene
I'm so sad I didn't start this year! I have it on my 2025 list!
I have read the word for world is forest and it was good. Now about Dawn. I would recommend anyone who wants to read Octavia Butler to watch Whitney's video about her and her books. It's at Secret Sauce of Storycraft. Whitney put me on the short story Blood child by Butler and it changed my perspective on authors and reading. So much was put in that tiny story at so many levels. It's just shocking. Dawn follows on that path where you can put yourself in the protagonist's shoes. It is amazing.
Yup, I shouted out Whitney, her channel, and that Octavia Butler video. I agree about Dawn!
@Johanna_reads yes, I just wanted to second that opinion and I'm so glad you like that book. Nothing I've read quite matches the sense of helplessness the Dawn is put into. It's disturbingly good. Great video Johanna
Interesting to hear your thoughts about Unholy Consult, and I am glad that you really loved it. Unfortunately, I cannot share your love, as to me it was a two star read, and clearly the worst of all the seven books of the series. Already Great Ordeal was a step down from the earlier excellence of especially White-Luck Warrior, but this was such a fall from grace. All, of course, only in my totally honest opinion.
The Word for World Is Forest is a really good book, but in my ranking, it is still clearly behind Dispossessed, Lathe of Heaven and Left Hand of Darkness. God, LeGuin is such a good sci-fi author!
@@toinenosoite3173 White-Luck Warrior is my favorite in the series as well, and I can understand disappointed feelings about books 4 and 5. That said, I was hooked throughout Aspect-Emperor. I slightly prefer The Dispossessed over The Word for World is Forest, but I can more easily recommend the latter. I might try to fit Lathe of Heaven into my December reading plans!
@@Johanna_reads That is an interesting question, i.e. which book would I recommend first. Don't know if it would be Word, though, as it is, in a way, as or even more political than Dispossessed, and you could say that about most of her books.
Myself, I would probably recommend Left Hand first, or Lathe of Heaven, a book not really focused on politics, at all.
PS. I have to amend my earlier staement, i.e. Le Guin is not just an incredible sci-fi author, but simply a great author!
@@toinenosoite3173 I haven't yet read Left Hand of Darkness (I'm reading it in February), and Lathe might be next for me, so I might change the order. Thanks!
@@Johanna_reads Both are great books so have fun with them!
The second apocalypse was a big disappointment for me.
@@drawyrral That’s too bad it was a disappointment for you. I hope you find some other fantasy series to enjoy!
@@Johanna_reads It has been difficult to find something I like after reading Malazan. The new books I've read just don't measure up.
@ Malazan Book of the Fallen gave me the longest book hangover I’ve ever had!