Have you tried The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami? A weird and wonderful masterpiece. I live in Japan for half the year and my house is in the northern mountains. The tranquility of reading out there cannot be expressed in words.
Before you read the Murakami book be warned. There is an extremely graphic torture scene which many years after reading still comes into my head from time to time - and not in a good way.
This is an excellent review, Ash, of an intriguing novella of which I have never heard. Few things can help the human heart and mind develop empathy for our fellow beings like immersing oneself in an extended prose narrative that chronicles the trials and tribulations, and the joys and achievements of well-defined, memorable characters. Reading for pleasure, and to expand one's base of knowledge, is one of the most civilized and rewarding things a Chap can do. As Prospero says in The Tempest, "My library was dukedom large enough."
I read this the other day, I really enjoyed it, I got quite invested in the characters it's a short book, easy read, I'm glad you recommended this, not my usual read but will defo buy no2
"HUMANS NEED FANTASY TO BE HUMAN. TO BE THE PLACE WHERE THE FALLING ANGEL MEETS THE RISING APE". As Death said in one of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels. Death, of course, speaks in capitals...
Lovely summary of a book I enjoyed very much a few months ago. And informative, I had no idea that there was a sequel , I’m off to order it now. Nice jacket by the way 😊
Hi Ash, What a brilliant and inspiring review. If you haven’t done yet, I do highly recommend Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. His books are magic and could bring you a vibe which you might like.
Ash try looking at the book Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley. A place where gentlemen smoke their pipes and cigars gathering in an old book shop. Maybe interesting to you. Enjoy.
Reading is being invited into the imagination, thoughts and emotions of a complete stranger. It enables us to experience the world through someone else.
Great book, Ash! Reading stories about other cultures is a soul-expanding venture and reminds us of our shared humanity. If I may, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride is a GREAT book, as a suggestion for your local book club. It will blow your mind and is a truly unforgettable story. Thanks for all that you do!
Just bought it instantly after I saw your recommendation. I started to read „Notice“ today. It seems, like you said, to be disturbing but good. Thank you for the great tips! 🕐⚙️🍸
Thank you for the recommendation Ash, this is now on my list. I am just finishing up Paradise by Patricia Wolf after your last review, and thoroughly enjoyed reading Close to Home while on vacation (it was certainly gritty, but very well written and reminded me of some aspects of my time living in Glasgow). Many thanks for the recommendations, and thank you for your promotion of reading in general as it has greatly increased the number of books I have read this year.
I’m delighted to hear that sir. Apologies for Notice, it is a bizarre and disturbing read, but I feel it is very important to expose yourself to some difficult material to get well balanced view of life.
Ash, you really need to check out Death by Socialism. It was just published this year, and it is the best I have ever read on the subject. A relevant and robust read.
There are so much better books to read (that would suit the "chap" better) : Hemingway, McCarthy, Proust, Stendhal, Tolstoi, Boulgakov, Dumas and so on....
As stated - variety is a key factor to a well balanced life. I have read many of the books you mentioned and found them dreadful, yet joy can be found in unexpected places. Open your mind to new experiences.
@@TheChapsGuide Who said that I'm not open ? I read huge variety of books from philosophy to science fiction and so on. But maybe if you found "many" classics "dreadful" is because you lack the sensibility and knowledge to appreciate those amazing piece of art. Open your mind to appreciate greatness ;)
@@KlausKokholmPetersen I don't think I do. There is a lot of amazing work to read. The industry of books (idk how to call it) is now more concerned about sells than quality. A lot of amazing writers will not get published because the last "smutt" or "romantasy" will take their place. I don't think that we are in a great time to read writers that come out now. So I'm very happy to read classics, and wait for the amazing writers of our time to have the chance to get out there one day... But I couldnt give you one living writer that is worth reading (Pynchon and maybe DeLillo seems to be the only ones).
Why don't we have a chaps guide book club?
Very well reviewed. I think I'll get a copy. At first glance I thought this was a review of a book store! 😂
Well spoken. Reading is a mark of successful people. Love it. I just ordered the book from Amazon.
Have you tried The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami? A weird and wonderful masterpiece.
I live in Japan for half the year and my house is in the northern mountains. The tranquility of reading out there cannot be expressed in words.
Before you read the Murakami book be warned. There is an extremely graphic torture scene which many years after reading still comes into my head from time to time - and not in a good way.
This is an excellent review, Ash, of an intriguing novella of which I have never heard.
Few things can help the human heart and mind develop empathy for our fellow beings like immersing oneself in an extended prose narrative that chronicles the trials and tribulations, and the joys and achievements of well-defined, memorable characters.
Reading for pleasure, and to expand one's base of knowledge, is one of the most civilized and rewarding things a Chap can do.
As Prospero says in The Tempest, "My library was dukedom large enough."
Interesting stuff. I used to live not far from Jimbocho when I was in Japan. I'll pick a copy of this one up.
Bought the Kindle version right after watching your review, and LOVE IT!
Thanks for the recommendation. It's going on my ever growing 'to-read-list'
I read this the other day, I really enjoyed it, I got quite invested in the characters it's a short book, easy read, I'm glad you recommended this, not my usual read but will defo buy no2
"HUMANS NEED FANTASY TO BE HUMAN. TO BE THE PLACE WHERE THE FALLING ANGEL MEETS THE RISING APE".
As Death said in one of Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.
Death, of course, speaks in capitals...
Great recommendation, in order to be an interesting man you must be interested in many things, being well read is a fantastic way to go about that
Lovely summary of a book I enjoyed very much a few months ago. And informative, I had no idea that there was a sequel , I’m off to order it now. Nice jacket by the way 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Ash, What a brilliant and inspiring review. If you haven’t done yet, I do highly recommend Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. His books are magic and could bring you a vibe which you might like.
I'll check it out!
Ash try looking at the book Haunted Bookshop by Christopher Morley. A place where gentlemen smoke their pipes and cigars gathering in an old book shop. Maybe interesting to you. Enjoy.
Thank you for the tip.
Reading is being invited into the imagination, thoughts and emotions of a complete stranger. It enables us to experience the world through someone else.
Thank You for the Video 😀
Great book, Ash! Reading stories about other cultures is a soul-expanding venture and reminds us of our shared humanity. If I may, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride is a GREAT book, as a suggestion for your local book club. It will blow your mind and is a truly unforgettable story. Thanks for all that you do!
Thanks for the tip.
Oh yes! It was also on the list of Obama’s booklist❤
Interesting idea. Although my to read pile is overwhelming at the moment. Cheers Ron
I enjoy these rewiews .
Sounds interesting. I'll be checking out the book.
Just bought it instantly after I saw your recommendation. I started to read „Notice“ today. It seems, like you said, to be disturbing but good. Thank you for the great tips! 🕐⚙️🍸
Hope you enjoy it!
@@TheChapsGuide Thank you, Ash!
Thank you for the recommendation Ash, this is now on my list. I am just finishing up Paradise by Patricia Wolf after your last review, and thoroughly enjoyed reading Close to Home while on vacation (it was certainly gritty, but very well written and reminded me of some aspects of my time living in Glasgow). Many thanks for the recommendations, and thank you for your promotion of reading in general as it has greatly increased the number of books I have read this year.
I’m delighted to hear that sir. Apologies for Notice, it is a bizarre and disturbing read, but I feel it is very important to expose yourself to some difficult material to get well balanced view of life.
Well that looks interesting, Ill have to pick it up.
Ash, you really need to check out Death by Socialism. It was just published this year, and it is the best I have ever read on the subject. A relevant and robust read.
Try The Excitements by C J Wray ,Ash.Very amusing novel.😊
I am currently reading: Sea Stories - My Life in Special Operations by Admiral William McRaven.
I enjoyed that book. Very inspiring and a truly magnificent chap.
Is that a stogie off to the side?
Is there a cigar to your left on the silver plate on the yellow book?
Yes sir - It will feature in tomorrow's video.
@@TheChapsGuide As an occasional cigar smoker I look forward to it.
I would recommend The Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L'Amour.
I yet yet to have the pleasure of that book sir.
Thanks
Guys is it ok if I read the sequel first?
Where's the straw hat? Worried about sunburn, will recommend the book.
There are so much better books to read (that would suit the "chap" better) : Hemingway, McCarthy, Proust, Stendhal, Tolstoi, Boulgakov, Dumas and so on....
As stated - variety is a key factor to a well balanced life. I have read many of the books you mentioned and found them dreadful, yet joy can be found in unexpected places. Open your mind to new experiences.
@@TheChapsGuide Who said that I'm not open ? I read huge variety of books from philosophy to science fiction and so on. But maybe if you found "many" classics "dreadful" is because you lack the sensibility and knowledge to appreciate those amazing piece of art. Open your mind to appreciate greatness ;)
Nothing wrong with reading classics, but you're missing out on a lot of great newer and contemporary litterature.
@@KlausKokholmPetersen I don't think I do. There is a lot of amazing work to read.
The industry of books (idk how to call it) is now more concerned about sells than quality. A lot of amazing writers will not get published because the last "smutt" or "romantasy" will take their place.
I don't think that we are in a great time to read writers that come out now.
So I'm very happy to read classics, and wait for the amazing writers of our time to have the chance to get out there one day... But I couldnt give you one living writer that is worth reading (Pynchon and maybe DeLillo seems to be the only ones).