We just have to vote! This election is so crazy it has been stressing me out. I am needing a little cinnamon bun reading myself. Thank you so much for what you do I do enjoy your channel.love Teddy! He is so adorable . Love when Joel joins you
Dude something I've noticed about people who are all for reading nothing but serious proper literature or whatever is that they're all soooo miserable😅 like maybe a cinnamon bun romance would stop you from feeling the need to yell at a stranger on the Internet about his reading preferences, just a thought 😮
I've been following you from the beginning and I think this was one of my favorite videos of yours! Yes! Read what you want and hold those feel good books up high! No one but you gets to decide your reading life. Thank you for always being thoughtful and kind, Greg!
Teddy is so appropriately named. He looks just like a Teddy bear. Interesting books and great discussion! I'm not much into romance reads but that one sound intriguing. I also love a compulsive read. I've just finished James by Percival Everett and I've just been given The Trees which I'll have to try to read before this years Booker list is released. Happy Reading!
Greg, thank you for all the love and RF you put into your channel. I love keeping up with you and Joel and Teddy. Because of you I read The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. Oh my! Thank you, thank you! Thank you also for reminding people to vote. I’m writing postcards to people urging them to register and vote to save our democracy. I’m getting that t-shirt!
It’s funny how you were getting negative comments about your negative review of Night Watch. One of my friends on goodreads just gave it one star and the only thing they said was “No.” 😅 You are not alone!
Thanks for the. Video. Since it has been some time since I rear Hillbilly Elegy, I didn't connect the author with Trump's VP pick. After listening to the podcast that you recommended, my entire viewpoint of this book has altered. Wow, the scales have fallen from my eyes. Thanks Greg!!
In my experience literary snobs have not read any other books, especially genre books, to really know how they also deal with similar topics that lit fic does. I nticed in my own reading how I look for themes and comments on the human condition more in my lit fic than any other genres I read. Or rather I am sometimes surprised how many things happen in a short SFF book that needs a trauma handling in a big literary book. It's so easy to dismiss the content if the package doesn't match our expectations. I wish I was immune to the expectations and allow myself to just dive into the fluffy frivolous books more sometimes, instead of always feeling bad for not keeping up with the lit fic books on my wish list and booktube. Thanks for the reminder.
Can’t wait to read Sandwich, especially after your review. Sandwich is also the name of a town on Cape Cod, so there’s another level to think about. Enjoy your podcast. You’ve certainly added to my TBR list!!
Reading Indigo by Beverly Jenkins, a historical romance, was highly educational about the lived experience of people involved with the underground railroad and other details of the way people, especially Black people lived at the time. For instance, people sweetening their coffee with maple or molasses because they didn't want to use sugar that came from slave-owning plantations. And it was far more interesting an emotional to read than a history book--so it stuck with me.
Hi Greg! Sandwich is also on my list to read this summer. Abby Jimenez writes romance but it’s always full of real life matters. That’s why I love her so much. Glad you liked it!
Teddy 💙💙 I recently read Just For The Summer as well. You got way more out of it than I. Love when a book touches us and teaches us something. Definitely read whatever you want!! 😊💙
Yay, you finally got a hardback of The Shipping News. The Coast Road is one I'm excited to get to soon. I love the cover so much. I have not heard of Amongst Women but now I want to go back and watch that video.
Hi Greg, in New Zealand our library's use the term contempory fiction as it doesn't have the same judgemental bias. Great channel I always enjoy watching you and your family when they join you. Thanks for all your hard wok.
I’m so glad you enjoyed Sandwich. It seems to be very much the book of the summer in my Bookstagram circles. I liked it a lot. I agree about no book shame. I’m having a hard time focusing lately so I am steering into thrillers when I get stuck in a reading rut. There will be time for weightier books when my mind is clearer.
I just started watching your videos and really like your way. I feel a kinship and will keep watching. P.S. Don’t worry we are going to be fine. It is going to be nerve racking for several months but have to believe we are going to be fine.
Thank you for sharing your view on books being a jumping off point for other feelings! I also hate when people hate on what other people read. Romances and cinnamon bun books have also helped me understand the world. Your story with your foster son is heartwarming. Read what you want to read!!!
I enjoy your reviews and we share similar opinions as well as a bookselling history with Borders and B&N. I just wanted to tell you your review of "The Nightwatch" was spot on. I'm mortified to have to include it in my personal Pulitzer collection.
I just ordered Amongst Women and The Coast Road last night! Looking forward to both, and now I have to order Sandwich as well! I freaking hate book shaming! I've read everything from really bad fan fiction to the ancient Greeks. The point is to read, so what's there to shame? I can only think of one author I would steer folks away from, but not if they wanted to read that author! My thinking is that reading one book usually leads to reading another book, and another, and so on. Tastes change, and people are interested in all sorts of things. They are reading -- that's the win! 💚
So happy to hear you say this about not pigeon holing types of books. There are so many great books that get missed because of this. I read Just for the Summer from a recommend online. Loved it! I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. Really love your channel. Thanks for the wider view💚
Ah - The Shipping News! One of my all time favourite books, I reread it every few years. I read Hillbilly Elegy when it first appeared, and I thought it was a great read about someone who managed to pull himself out of a really terrible childhood. I wonder how much of the current criticism is politically motivated? As a South African I have no (direct) skin in the crazy American Politics Hunger Games (no wonder you are stressed!) so I will listen to the recommended podcast on that book with interest. Thanks for another enjoyable video.
Love your channel. You read what you want, when you want to. I have a particularly stressful job and dont always want to read something considered more highbrow, instead preferring an "easy" and enjoyable read which some feel have no literary credit. Too much snobbery about reading choices. The profit from popular best sellers is what helps publishers support the less profitable "highbrow" literary works. Ultimately all reading is good for you whatever group you sit with. The pomposity of some folks is so annoying. Love, love, love your channel ❤❤❤❤❤❤
So much content this week!❤️❤️❤️ Jen’s video on library hauls was interesting. I’ve watched many TikToks of librarians discussing the excessive cost of ebooks and audiobooks for libraries (they are more like a lease or software license, with limited numbers of rentals). I’m much more thoughtful about borrowing and renewing audiobooks now that I realize the costs to our libraries. Many states are trying to make licensing the same as for physical books but the publishing companies lobby hard against this. Such an unfair burden on our libraries resources.
Go and Vote! If you don't vote your complaints about anything you don't like that is and will be happening in your country are pointless, and no amount of YT, Twitter, Tik Tok or Istagram posts/videos will change anything. Your vote counts!
Oh 24 weeks wait for Sandwich! Reading shame’s reverse, something I’ve been guilty of, is judging other people for reading lightweight, ‘cinnamon bun” books! We all need a break, especially now. I couldn’t watch that convention!
Hi Greg I have just started Small Joys based on your recommendation and i have just reserved Sandwich from my library but there are 30 people in front of me. Thanks Greg
Hi Greg, i’ve been a creative on book tube for four years in August. I’ve never had a negative comment. But I don’t have a lot of subscribers so there’s that. I enjoy your channel and your courage and speaking out about issues important to you and others. I do mostly library hauls because I can’t afford to buy new releases more than once a year, plus I love my library so much I do anything to support them. I’m sorry you got negative comments about Nightwatch, I’m sure it’s not the kind of book I would read, but I want to check out your video about it. Aloha friend.
Thanks for your honest talk...The Coast road is on my to buy list...Ive just finished 'orchestra of minorities ' by Chigozie Obioma...a great writer, his book has been on my books shelf since it came out in 2019! I've just bought his new one 'the road to the country'. He has a great writing style. All the best from hot Italy...😊
Hi Greg, i’ve been a creator on book tube for four years in August. I’ve never had a negative comment. But I don’t have a lot of subscribers so there’s that. I enjoy your channel and your courage and speaking out about issues important to you and others. I do mostly library hauls because I can’t afford to buy new releases more than once a year, plus I love my library so much I do anything to support them. I’m sorry you got negative comments about Nightwatch, I’m sure it’s not the kind of book I would read, but I want to check out your video about it. Also, I get so much personal growth out of mysteries. And some people don’t understand that Aloha friend.
I loved Sandwich and I loved The Coast Road! I’m struggling a bit with choosing a new book. I received The Silence In Between by Josie Ferguson (on Waterstones excellent debut fiction prize short list) and I’ve got a couple of great books out from the library, Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon and Not A River by Selva Almada (Int’l Booker shortlist), but I can’t seem to pick one and get started, so I end up going back to audiobooks. Which is fine, I guess. I’m just a bit annoyed that I still haven’t read James or Martyr and I have these other books that I really want to read too. It’s like work is dragging me down and it feels like I don’t have enough time to read. Oy. Oh well. I did just finish listening to a fabulous Ruth Ware thriller on audio, which I’ve read before but makes me happy. Maybe that is enough. I wore my I Respectfully Dissent (respectfully has a line drawn through it) t-shirt when I went to the vet yesterday and one of the staff gave me a quiet thumbs up. I guess they can’t really get into political discussions with clients, so I appreciated her approval. I keep thinking maybe an induced coma until right after the election might be the way to go. 😬
Just for the Summer touched my heart too. I think it will be in my top books of the year. I loved that children were part of the story and the banter was very good too.
I don't think I had quite realized how emotionally ready I was for representation of foster children in fiction, but I sure was. What a beautiful book!
Read Hillbilly Elegy when it first came out and it’s basically the myth of a young man pulling himself up by the bootstraps and climbing out of poverty and a loser family. But the self made man is a myth. It’s what Trump believes he is. I was appalled by the self righteous evil some of his family members were guilty of, like the dad killing the neighbors dog out of spite. Of course that would be what I most remember about this book because I’m a dog person. It just seems someone should have thrown a fit about JD’s dad’s evil act. And it should have been JD Vance. I as a kid knew the difference between right and wrong and that animals should be treated with respect. And I didn’t get the sense this was a big deal to JD Vance. Red flag to me about his character.
SF, don’t listen to the commenters who insult or call names. Do what you do and keep doing it. (P.S. I don’t agree with everything you say either-what a sad boring life it would be if we had to agree with everybody else)
The cover of your copy of Sandwich is much better than the UK version. I read The Coast Road earlier this month (5 stars from me) immediately followed by Donal Ryan's All We Shall Know - which I gave 5 stars plus as I thought it was exceptional. And read whatever you want, especially if it gives you joy, and DNF with abandon! Kind regards from Cornwall, UK
I've noticed a lot of discussion on Book Tube about what constitutes literary fiction, and the consensus seems to be that literary fiction is character driven, while genre fiction is plot driven. No judgment there, just a distinction. I like Martin Scorsese's observation that "plot is interesting once, while story is interesting over and over again."
Personally, I find those distinctions to be blurry at best. A lot of romance novels, in particular, are character-driven. I would even say that MOST romance novels are character-driven. Science fiction can be the same (the first book that came to mind is the Murderbot series). And literary fiction can be plot driven.
I love romance books that are much more than romance. I’ve learned things from historical romance that I didn’t know. Lots of contemporary romance deals with issues like Self confidence Spousal abuse Stalking Coercive control Seeing yourself in a character, situation, relationships; helps to sort out messes in your own head. I’ve read some great ones lately Leading Man by Justin Myers Just For The Summer 🤩 A Dash of Salt & Pepper 🤩 Top Secret It’s only 14 degrees here but humidity is 93%. I’m currently listening to The Coast Road The In Between The Night Alphabet Wellness
I just found the, “If Books Could Kill” podcast and have been bingeing the episodes. That were absolutely right about, “Hillbilly Elegy” it still shocks me how lauded that book was.
It's such a good podcast. Michael Hobbes also hosts Maintenance Phase, which is another favorite of mine--and he used to host You're Wrong About, which I love.
I love that so many people are reading and sharing what they read. I’ve discovered new authors and some great reads. I agree that people should read what they want and what they like. Just as no one should be shamed for reading “cinnamon bun” books, no one should be shamed for not wanting to read them.
Greg, have you read Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese? He was an indigenous author from Canada. This title is a tale of a complicated father-son relationship. I think you might find this one interesting.
ahh. I thought Sandwich referred to the Town of Sandwich on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We Burn Daylight sounds very interesting. (Branch Davidian after David Koresh) It has been a slow reading period for a multitude of reasons. I need to remember this is not a competition and that life happens and can interrupt my reading life. Nice to see you and Teddy in a quick visit on your walk. Stay cool. It is starting to cool down a bit in the Northeast which is a welcome relief. Be well ❤
That's so interesting! 'Sandwich' the title fits the town, the role of custom sandwich fixer and Rocky's place in the 'Sandwich Generation' as a carer for elders and children. I love layers of complexity. Onto the TBR it goes.
Well I've clearly never been to Cape Cod because I had no idead that there's a town called Sandwich. I don't think the town they stay in is ever named, but that would make a lot of sense. Another layer!
I enjoyed Sandwich so much! Great video...I'm interested in all the other books you discussed as well. BTW...It's hard for me to believe that people criticize you for reading "too much" romance this year. I mean... whatever gives you joy is great! I really like your approach to reading Scott Momaday with the historical context of LaFarge. Unrelated but did you know that Deesha Philyaw and Kiese Laymon are doing a podcast called "Reckon: True Stories"? It looks like it focuses on nonfiction , but I know you love *The Secret Lives of Church Ladies* so maybe it would be interesting for you. :)
Here’s my first thing I mainly read translated fiction can be mystery, science fiction, “ literary “ doesn’t really matter. Now my next first thing is (haha) what a lot of people call literary fiction, I call popular fiction doesn’t matter the genre it’s what all the people read or want to hear about and your opinion should some how match. I enjoy your channel for your thoughts ideas as well as Joels’. My last first thing ( not to be negative). Maybe stop calling it cinnamon buns just read this book and enjoyed or not and why. Not once that I recall when talking about Demon Copperhead did you say I just finished a literary fiction book like you identify a cinnamon bun book. Hope that makes sense and a personal attack. Thanks for all you do.
At 71, I’m thankful to hear a negative review…too many books! Too little time! I’m glad to hear your review of Abby Jimenez’s book. It is one I would have never picked up, but now I will pick it up and give it a chance. I’m reading Glorious Exploits by Freida Lennon…you might like it?
I hadn't looked very closely at Glorious Exploits because I don't know much about Greek drama, but I've seen a handful of positive comments now. Maybe it's worth a closer look!
I got it at a bookstore called Shop at Matter in Denver two years ago. It was an older shirt at that point, so I'm not sure if they still have anything like it.
I read Hillbilly Elegy (and a bunch of other books) trying to understand the voters that elected Donald Trump in 2016 and thought the book made no sense at all in trying understand why people feel that they do... and now things are even crazier.
I hope you enjoy The Coast Road as much as I did. I wonder if you came across Kala by Colin Walsh when you were in Ireland? I've also just read Colm Toibin's Long Island, and heard him speak at a recent book festival - he's quite wonderful as a speaker as well as an incredible writer.
Although I loved "Just for the Summer", I thought Sandwich was just ok. I didn’t care for Rocky. She was a complete mess. And her daughter was way too mature for a 20 year old. It was a fast read though. I'm currently reading Gilead by Marianne Robinson. Not sure about it yet, but hoping it picks up.
I’m pleased to hear that so far, you’re enjoying “The Coast Road.” I think the storytelling is top notch. Have you read “The Queen of Dirt Island” by Donal Ryan? It’s the story of four generations of Irish women, from the 1980s to the present day, and it’s another great Irish novel, in my opinion. It’s “compulsively readable” rather than “unputdownable.”😁
I was holding out to read Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan first, but my local used bookshop had a copy of All We Shall Know. And now you're recommending another one--so I will read a Donal Ryan book at some point (hopefully soon), but now I'm in a Colm Tóibín situation where I have a lot of options for where to start. A good problem to have!
@@SupposedlyFun Based on how much I liked "The Queen of Dirt Island," I now want to read Donal Ryan's entire oeuvre. A Colm Tóibín situation is a good problem to have, indeed!
Love the Teddy cameos. I'm really interested in Sandwich. My stepfather actually remarked to me recently "Now you're in the middle of the sandwich" referring to being between a newly adult child and parents with aging issues. Really all of your current reads sound good!
So, the only thing I knew about Vance was that he had written some populist book, but I thought it was I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, either way atrocious books. After watching longer edit: I’m still going to shame people for reading Beer in Hell, irregardless, sorry.
We just have to vote! This election is so crazy it has been stressing me out.
I am needing a little cinnamon bun reading myself. Thank you so much for what you do I do enjoy your channel.love Teddy! He is so adorable . Love when Joel joins you
Dude something I've noticed about people who are all for reading nothing but serious proper literature or whatever is that they're all soooo miserable😅 like maybe a cinnamon bun romance would stop you from feeling the need to yell at a stranger on the Internet about his reading preferences, just a thought 😮
😂 😂
I've been following you from the beginning and I think this was one of my favorite videos of yours! Yes! Read what you want and hold those feel good books up high! No one but you gets to decide your reading life. Thank you for always being thoughtful and kind, Greg!
Teddy is so appropriately named. He looks just like a Teddy bear. Interesting books and great discussion! I'm not much into romance reads but that one sound intriguing. I also love a compulsive read.
I've just finished James by Percival Everett and I've just been given The Trees which I'll have to try to read before this years Booker list is released.
Happy Reading!
Thanks! You made me think about book snobbery in a new way.
Thank you!
Greg, thank you for all the love and RF you put into your channel. I love keeping up with you and Joel and Teddy. Because of you I read The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. Oh my! Thank you, thank you!
Thank you also for reminding people to vote. I’m writing postcards to people urging them to register and vote to save our democracy. I’m getting that t-shirt!
Yay for Abby Jimemez! I have really loved all the books I've read by her.
You've gotten me pumped for Sandwich. It seems so good!
It’s funny how you were getting negative comments about your negative review of Night Watch. One of my friends on goodreads just gave it one star and the only thing they said was “No.” 😅 You are not alone!
It's good to know that at least! 😂
Thanks for the. Video. Since it has been some time since I rear Hillbilly Elegy, I didn't connect the author with Trump's VP pick. After listening to the podcast that you recommended, my entire viewpoint of this book has altered. Wow, the scales have fallen from my eyes. Thanks Greg!!
In my experience literary snobs have not read any other books, especially genre books, to really know how they also deal with similar topics that lit fic does. I nticed in my own reading how I look for themes and comments on the human condition more in my lit fic than any other genres I read. Or rather I am sometimes surprised how many things happen in a short SFF book that needs a trauma handling in a big literary book. It's so easy to dismiss the content if the package doesn't match our expectations. I wish I was immune to the expectations and allow myself to just dive into the fluffy frivolous books more sometimes, instead of always feeling bad for not keeping up with the lit fic books on my wish list and booktube. Thanks for the reminder.
Keep up the amazing work and thank you for your presence on UA-cam!!!😊
😃I second that!
Thank you so much!
Can’t wait to read Sandwich, especially after your review. Sandwich is also the name of a town on Cape Cod, so there’s another level to think about. Enjoy your podcast. You’ve certainly added to my TBR list!!
Yes, I didn't know about the name of the town! Oops!
Reading Indigo by Beverly Jenkins, a historical romance, was highly educational about the lived experience of people involved with the underground railroad and other details of the way people, especially Black people lived at the time. For instance, people sweetening their coffee with maple or molasses because they didn't want to use sugar that came from slave-owning plantations.
And it was far more interesting an emotional to read than a history book--so it stuck with me.
Hi Greg! Sandwich is also on my list to read this summer. Abby Jimenez writes romance but it’s always full of real life matters. That’s why I love her so much. Glad you liked it!
I'm so glad I discovered Jimenez! I hope you enjoy Sandwich.
Teddy 💙💙
I recently read Just For The Summer as well. You got way more out of it than I. Love when a book touches us and teaches us something. Definitely read whatever you want!! 😊💙
It is always interesting how people respond differently to books.
Yay, you finally got a hardback of The Shipping News. The Coast Road is one I'm excited to get to soon. I love the cover so much. I have not heard of Amongst Women but now I want to go back and watch that video.
Hi Greg, in New Zealand our library's use the term contempory fiction as it doesn't have the same judgemental bias. Great channel I always enjoy watching you and your family when they join you. Thanks for all your hard wok.
Love when you show Teddy!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Sandwich. It seems to be very much the book of the summer in my Bookstagram circles. I liked it a lot.
I agree about no book shame. I’m having a hard time focusing lately so I am steering into thrillers when I get stuck in a reading rut. There will be time for weightier books when my mind is clearer.
It's amazing how Sandwich seemed to pop up out of nowhere. And that's the way to do it! Little breaks help me keep reading heavy books.
Library looks fantastic. Happy reading.
Thanks--happy reading to you as well!
I just started watching your videos and really like your way. I feel a kinship and will keep watching. P.S. Don’t worry we are going to be fine. It is going to be nerve racking for several months but have to believe we are going to be fine.
I hope so! Thank you for the kind words.
Wonderfully said ! Be True to your reading you! The book Sandwich has now got my attention.
I hope you like it if you pick it up!
Oh my gosh, it's almost silly how excited I am for you that you finally got a hardcover copy of Shipping News. I audibly gasped 😂
I was so excited!
Thank you for sharing your view on books being a jumping off point for other feelings! I also hate when people hate on what other people read. Romances and cinnamon bun books have also helped me understand the world. Your story with your foster son is heartwarming. Read what you want to read!!!
Thank you! I appreciate all that.
I enjoy your reviews and we share similar opinions as well as a bookselling history with Borders and B&N. I just wanted to tell you your review of "The Nightwatch" was spot on. I'm mortified to have to include it in my personal Pulitzer collection.
I just ordered Amongst Women and The Coast Road last night! Looking forward to both, and now I have to order Sandwich as well!
I freaking hate book shaming! I've read everything from really bad fan fiction to the ancient Greeks. The point is to read, so what's there to shame? I can only think of one author I would steer folks away from, but not if they wanted to read that author! My thinking is that reading one book usually leads to reading another book, and another, and so on. Tastes change, and people are interested in all sorts of things. They are reading -- that's the win! 💚
So happy to hear you say this about not pigeon holing types of books. There are so many great books that get missed because of this. I read Just for the Summer from a recommend online. Loved it! I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. Really love your channel. Thanks for the wider view💚
Ah - The Shipping News! One of my all time favourite books, I reread it every few years.
I read Hillbilly Elegy when it first appeared, and I thought it was a great read about someone who managed to pull himself out of a really terrible childhood. I wonder how much of the current criticism is politically motivated? As a South African I have no (direct) skin in the crazy American Politics Hunger Games (no wonder you are stressed!) so I will listen to the recommended podcast on that book with interest.
Thanks for another enjoyable video.
People just like being superior and giving unasked advice. Any type of world exploration through books should be appreciated. Thank you for the video!
Thanks!
Love your channel. You read what you want, when you want to. I have a particularly stressful job and dont always want to read something considered more highbrow, instead preferring an "easy" and enjoyable read which some feel have no literary credit. Too much snobbery about reading choices. The profit from popular best sellers is what helps publishers support the less profitable "highbrow" literary works. Ultimately all reading is good for you whatever group you sit with. The pomposity of some folks is so annoying. Love, love, love your channel ❤❤❤❤❤❤
So much content this week!❤️❤️❤️
Jen’s video on library hauls was interesting. I’ve watched many TikToks of librarians discussing the excessive cost of ebooks and audiobooks for libraries (they are more like a lease or software license, with limited numbers of rentals). I’m much more thoughtful about borrowing and renewing audiobooks now that I realize the costs to our libraries. Many states are trying to make licensing the same as for physical books but the publishing companies lobby hard against this. Such an unfair burden on our libraries resources.
Go and Vote! If you don't vote your complaints about anything you don't like that is and will be happening in your country are pointless, and no amount of YT, Twitter, Tik Tok or Istagram posts/videos will change anything. Your vote counts!
Oh 24 weeks wait for Sandwich!
Reading shame’s reverse, something I’ve been guilty of, is judging other people for reading lightweight, ‘cinnamon bun” books! We all need a break, especially now. I couldn’t watch that convention!
Highly recommend Abby Jimenez books. I think you’ll enjoy her collection. Thanks for the insight - NO GUILTY reads!!! 🙏🏼🙌💯
Amen! I’m excited to read more of her work.
Hi Greg I have just started Small Joys based on your recommendation and i have just reserved Sandwich from my library but there are 30 people in front of me. Thanks Greg
I hope you like Small Joys!
Hi Greg, i’ve been a creative on book tube for four years in August. I’ve never had a negative comment. But I don’t have a lot of subscribers so there’s that. I enjoy your channel and your courage and speaking out about issues important to you and others.
I do mostly library hauls because I can’t afford to buy new releases more than once a year, plus I love my library so much I do anything to support them. I’m sorry you got negative comments about Nightwatch, I’m sure it’s not the kind of book I would read, but I want to check out your video about it. Aloha friend.
Thanks for your honest talk...The Coast road is on my to buy list...Ive just finished 'orchestra of minorities ' by Chigozie Obioma...a great writer, his book has been on my books shelf since it came out in 2019! I've just bought his new one 'the road to the country'. He has a great writing style. All the best from hot Italy...😊
I've been meaning to try Obioma and haven't yet. Cheers from hot Montana!
Hi Greg, i’ve been a creator on book tube for four years in August. I’ve never had a negative comment. But I don’t have a lot of subscribers so there’s that. I enjoy your channel and your courage and speaking out about issues important to you and others.
I do mostly library hauls because I can’t afford to buy new releases more than once a year, plus I love my library so much I do anything to support them. I’m sorry you got negative comments about Nightwatch, I’m sure it’s not the kind of book I would read, but I want to check out your video about it. Also, I get so much personal growth out of mysteries. And some people don’t understand that Aloha friend.
I just finished African classic Things Fall Apart (4.5 stars) and have started Tom Lake !!
I loved Sandwich and I loved The Coast Road! I’m struggling a bit with choosing a new book. I received The Silence In Between by Josie Ferguson (on Waterstones excellent debut fiction prize short list) and I’ve got a couple of great books out from the library, Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon and Not A River by Selva Almada (Int’l Booker shortlist), but I can’t seem to pick one and get started, so I end up going back to audiobooks. Which is fine, I guess. I’m just a bit annoyed that I still haven’t read James or Martyr and I have these other books that I really want to read too. It’s like work is dragging me down and it feels like I don’t have enough time to read. Oy. Oh well. I did just finish listening to a fabulous Ruth Ware thriller on audio, which I’ve read before but makes me happy. Maybe that is enough.
I wore my I Respectfully Dissent (respectfully has a line drawn through it) t-shirt when I went to the vet yesterday and one of the staff gave me a quiet thumbs up. I guess they can’t really get into political discussions with clients, so I appreciated her approval. I keep thinking maybe an induced coma until right after the election might be the way to go. 😬
Sandwich is also a town in Cape Cod :)
New to your channel! Teddy is adorable 🥰
Thank you! He really is a cutie.
Just for the Summer touched my heart too. I think it will be in my top books of the year. I loved that children were part of the story and the banter was very good too.
I don't think I had quite realized how emotionally ready I was for representation of foster children in fiction, but I sure was. What a beautiful book!
Read Hillbilly Elegy when it first came out and it’s basically the myth of a young man pulling himself up by the bootstraps and climbing out of poverty and a loser family. But the self made man is a myth. It’s what Trump believes he is. I was appalled by the self righteous evil some of his family members were guilty of, like the dad killing the neighbors dog out of spite. Of course that would be what I most remember about this book because I’m a dog person. It just seems someone should have thrown a fit about JD’s dad’s evil act. And it should have been JD Vance.
I as a kid knew the difference between right and wrong and that animals should be treated with respect. And I didn’t get the sense this was a big deal to JD Vance. Red flag to me about his character.
SF, don’t listen to the commenters who insult or call names. Do what you do and keep doing it. (P.S. I don’t agree with everything you say either-what a sad boring life it would be if we had to agree with everybody else)
Love your shirt!
The cover of your copy of Sandwich is much better than the UK version. I read The Coast Road earlier this month (5 stars from me) immediately followed by Donal Ryan's All We Shall Know - which I gave 5 stars plus as I thought it was exceptional. And read whatever you want, especially if it gives you joy, and DNF with abandon! Kind regards from Cornwall, UK
I've noticed a lot of discussion on Book Tube about what constitutes literary fiction, and the consensus seems to be that literary fiction is character driven, while genre fiction is plot driven. No judgment there, just a distinction. I like Martin Scorsese's observation that "plot is interesting once, while story is interesting over and over again."
Personally, I find those distinctions to be blurry at best. A lot of romance novels, in particular, are character-driven. I would even say that MOST romance novels are character-driven. Science fiction can be the same (the first book that came to mind is the Murderbot series). And literary fiction can be plot driven.
thanks for the voting link. double checked my status. gtg!
Thanks for checking!
I love romance books that are much more than romance. I’ve learned things from historical romance that I didn’t know. Lots of contemporary romance deals with issues like
Self confidence
Spousal abuse
Stalking
Coercive control
Seeing yourself in a character, situation, relationships; helps to sort out messes in your own head. I’ve read some great ones lately
Leading Man by Justin Myers
Just For The Summer 🤩
A Dash of Salt & Pepper 🤩
Top Secret
It’s only 14 degrees here but humidity is 93%.
I’m currently listening to
The Coast Road
The In Between
The Night Alphabet
Wellness
Amen to all that!
I just found the, “If Books Could Kill” podcast and have been bingeing the episodes. That were absolutely right about, “Hillbilly Elegy” it still shocks me how lauded that book was.
It's such a good podcast. Michael Hobbes also hosts Maintenance Phase, which is another favorite of mine--and he used to host You're Wrong About, which I love.
Phoenix area since May 5: lowest 106, highest 117, 38 days 110 or higher. 😰
Thanks for the great book recommendations.
Oof, that's hot! Stay cool!
I love that so many people are reading and sharing what they read. I’ve discovered new authors and some great reads.
I agree that people should read what they want and what they like. Just as no one should be shamed for reading “cinnamon bun” books, no one should be shamed for not wanting to read them.
Amen! Read them or don't read them--ultimately, people should read what they want.
Greg, have you read Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese? He was an indigenous author from Canada. This title is a tale of a complicated father-son relationship.
I think you might find this one interesting.
I haven't read that one. Thanks for the recommendation.
Not quite as hot here as it is where you are, but my Saint Bernard hates summer, so we have been doing LOTS of car rides.
ahh. I thought Sandwich referred to the Town of Sandwich on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We Burn Daylight sounds very interesting. (Branch Davidian after David Koresh) It has been a slow reading period for a multitude of reasons. I need to remember this is not a competition and that life happens and can interrupt my reading life. Nice to see you and Teddy in a quick visit on your walk. Stay cool. It is starting to cool down a bit in the Northeast which is a welcome relief. Be well ❤
That's so interesting! 'Sandwich' the title fits the town, the role of custom sandwich fixer and Rocky's place in the 'Sandwich Generation' as a carer for elders and children. I love layers of complexity. Onto the TBR it goes.
@@nanimaonovi2528 I know! I will request from the library as my purchased have surpassed my ability to keep up!!!
Well I've clearly never been to Cape Cod because I had no idead that there's a town called Sandwich. I don't think the town they stay in is ever named, but that would make a lot of sense. Another layer!
Me too!
I enjoyed Sandwich so much! Great video...I'm interested in all the other books you discussed as well. BTW...It's hard for me to believe that people criticize you for reading "too much" romance this year. I mean... whatever gives you joy is great! I really like your approach to reading Scott Momaday with the historical context of LaFarge. Unrelated but did you know that Deesha Philyaw and Kiese Laymon are doing a podcast called "Reckon: True Stories"? It looks like it focuses on nonfiction , but I know you love *The Secret Lives of Church Ladies* so maybe it would be interesting for you. :)
I did not know that Philyaw and Laymon are doing a podcast! Thanks for letting me know.
FWIW, Sandwich is also the name of a town on Cape Cod. 😊
I was unaware until people started pointing that out in comments. Oh well!
Family, Family by Laurie Frankle is a great book about adoption. Not the foster care system, but really good!
That's good to know--thanks!
Here’s my first thing I mainly read translated fiction can be mystery, science fiction, “ literary “ doesn’t really matter. Now my next first thing is (haha) what a lot of people call literary fiction, I call popular fiction doesn’t matter the genre it’s what all the people read or want to hear about and your opinion should some how match. I enjoy your channel for your thoughts ideas as well as Joels’. My last first thing ( not to be negative). Maybe stop calling it cinnamon buns just read this book and enjoyed or not and why. Not once that I recall when talking about Demon Copperhead did you say I just finished a literary fiction book like you identify a cinnamon bun book. Hope that makes sense and a personal attack. Thanks for all you do.
At 71, I’m thankful to hear a negative review…too many books! Too little time! I’m glad to hear your review of Abby Jimenez’s book. It is one I would have never picked up, but now I will pick it up and give it a chance. I’m reading Glorious Exploits by Freida Lennon…you might like it?
I hadn't looked very closely at Glorious Exploits because I don't know much about Greek drama, but I've seen a handful of positive comments now. Maybe it's worth a closer look!
Thank you for the nice video ❤
I loved The Coast Road, recommend it to everyone who will listen! 👋👋👋
👏Yay!
Glasgow Boys by a Margaret McDonald has amazing foster care rep ❤
Thanks for the recommendation! I just looked Glasgow Boys up and it sounds great.
Hey, Greg. Where did you get the tshirt?
I got it at a bookstore called Shop at Matter in Denver two years ago. It was an older shirt at that point, so I'm not sure if they still have anything like it.
I read Hillbilly Elegy (and a bunch of other books) trying to understand the voters that elected Donald Trump in 2016 and thought the book made no sense at all in trying understand why people feel that they do... and now things are even crazier.
What a wild ride that book has had in culture.
I hope you enjoy The Coast Road as much as I did. I wonder if you came across Kala by Colin Walsh when you were in Ireland? I've also just read Colm Toibin's Long Island, and heard him speak at a recent book festival - he's quite wonderful as a speaker as well as an incredible writer.
I don't remember running into Kala. I'll have to look it up!
Although I loved "Just for the Summer", I thought Sandwich was just ok. I didn’t care for Rocky. She was a complete mess. And her daughter was way too mature for a 20 year old. It was a fast read though. I'm currently reading Gilead by Marianne Robinson. Not sure about it yet, but hoping it picks up.
❤ Hi Teddy! Hot here in NC, my dogs are restless as well!
It's so hard to keep them active in this weather. I keep telling myself it will be fall soon.
I’m pleased to hear that so far, you’re enjoying “The Coast Road.” I think the storytelling is top notch. Have you read “The Queen of Dirt Island” by Donal Ryan? It’s the story of four generations of Irish women, from the 1980s to the present day, and it’s another great Irish novel, in my opinion. It’s “compulsively readable” rather than “unputdownable.”😁
I was holding out to read Strange Flowers by Donal Ryan first, but my local used bookshop had a copy of All We Shall Know. And now you're recommending another one--so I will read a Donal Ryan book at some point (hopefully soon), but now I'm in a Colm Tóibín situation where I have a lot of options for where to start. A good problem to have!
@@SupposedlyFun Based on how much I liked "The Queen of Dirt Island," I now want to read Donal Ryan's entire oeuvre. A Colm Tóibín situation is a good problem to have, indeed!
Love the Teddy cameos. I'm really interested in Sandwich. My stepfather actually remarked to me recently "Now you're in the middle of the sandwich" referring to being between a newly adult child and parents with aging issues. Really all of your current reads sound good!
I've been on a reading roll!
So, the only thing I knew about Vance was that he had written some populist book, but I thought it was I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, either way atrocious books.
After watching longer edit: I’m still going to shame people for reading Beer in Hell, irregardless, sorry.
😂 😂
Vote! Even if you normally vote red you must vote blue.
Absolutely love your romance journey, I completely agree with everything you say. I love the genre just as much as I love litfic!
I've been getting so much out of romance books lately. It's been a fun ride!
Do you have a kindle. Please get one they are fun