Thank you for articulating “People who need that regular retreat within themselves, to help redefine the world around them, before they’re ready to enter back into the world again” Positively beautiful
I'm reading the first essay on his father's brain following your recommendation and I absolutely love it. I love the sentiment, the writing style, and everything. Please keep recommending!! Thank you so much, William. Also enjoying your work, Fumes. :)
There’s a wonderful short book by anthropologist, Frank Smith, that is the most profound book I’ve read about reading. He studied reading and language all through his career and was an important spokesman for how to promote reading in schools. It’s called Between Hope and Havoc. It’s well written and I think you’ll like it.
I love your saying about one of your favorite novels "It makes me feel a lot more like myself." Yes, I felt very alive and like the most important part of me was resonating while listening to a professor discussing Russian short stories, George Saunders: A Swim in a Pond in the Rain!
I remember reading this years ago when it first came out. Franzen has great prose. And no one does upper-middle-class guilt like him. Like oatmeal with just a little brown sugar and one square of butter, he's utterly consumable.
Interesting, I'll check this collection out. I read more fiction too, but there are some powerful essay writers who really elevate this genre. I think many talented writers have so much focus on their fiction that their nonfiction is overlooked. Although some, like James Baldwin, are the inverse. His work is so good that his fiction is often overlooked.
great vid William. big fan of the corrections and have been eyeing this for a long time. this video may have just convinced me to bite the bullet on it. im very sorry about your family member, best wishes and keep making videos!
I'm a reader, and am currently immersed in David Eggers, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genuis." It's one of the most beautifully written and heart-wrenching books I've read - well, some of it is hysterically irreverent - and each chapter can be read as a short story. Cheers! And thanks for this recommendation.
Excellent video. Your conversational tone kept me engaged and attentive throughout, to the point it felt "rude" to you to peek at my phone during the video lol Despite never having read an essay compilation before, I'm curious to give this one a try thanks to your passionate and insightful recommendation.
I suffer from a severe mental illness and I stopped reading fiction when I was younger (I’m 38 now). I’ve lost the ability to be present and get lost in books. I used to need them EXACTLY why you do: I felt myself there. Now I feel myself NOWHERE.
I’m so sorry you no longer have the escapism that books can bring. When I was really bad, I couldn’t read either, heck, even TV was too much for me! I’m better now and enjoying books again ☺️ I just wondered whether listening to somebody read would help you? Audible? Some voices like Stephen Fry are very soothing. Hugs 🤗
I’ve wanted to read one of his novels for some time, but the length and polarizing reviews have always scared me away. I’d love to see a video reviewing “Freedom”.
The Corrections is one of my favorite novels of all time. Freedom is good as well, a similar sort of family drama. Freedom is probably the easier read, but The Corrections is his masterpiece. His newest Crossroads is good as well, too.
@@DWS205I also read these three books by him, but have different preferences, namely Freedom is a masterpiece, Corrections isn't bad and Crossroads is disappointment
Your words are so relevant. I will pick up this book when I see it. I, like you, read because I need too. It is a lust, a constant thirst, a joy for me, and when I find someone who also feels this way, it makes me happy. Congratulations on such a great channel. Great work and thank you.
Thank you for sharing this ... I have a family situation that is similar and I am glad the algo put your video in front of me ... I enjoy your channel. Thank you for putting this stuff out there.
Thanks for the video. I’ve only become aware with Franzen this year. I’m thinking of giving him a try, and although the essays sound great, I feel like I should sample one of his novels first. Should Corrections be the one, an earlier work, where’s a good place to start?
one of the most liked reviews on goodreads at the same time: Ok, Jonathan Franzen. WE GET IT. You're a martyr for truth and beauty and all that is good because you read books and don't like technology and smoke cigarettes and still use a rotary telephone. You are a superior human being because you don't watch t.v. You could've said that all in one paragraph, but you chose to do it in 300 palpably crotchety, Andy Rooney-esque pages. As Shruti rightly pointed out, it is surprisingly refreshing to read an author who annoys the shit out of you
Loved your review of Franzen's essays here. You are expressive and poignant. I read Franzen's essays in 1996, and your words made me interested to reread it. I still have my original first edition copy.
I've never heard of this author, can't wait to check it out. Will we ever get a Vonnegut breakdown/review? I feel like too much and too little gets made of him and would love to hear your take on something like Breakfast of Champions.
Hi. I have a question, please could you answer me? I’d like to start reading in English but I couldn’t find the book is that good for my level of language!
obviously I don't know what your level of English is but it might help to look at Young Adult literature. There are some great books for teenage readers that would have a slightly more limited vocabulary but would still have a powerful and universal theme. Hope this is helpful and I admire your diving into reading in another language. Speaking of Young Adult books, I read one a few years ago that I loved (and I am definitely not a YOUNG adult!) The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig.
I managed to finish Freedom but I really did not enjoy it. At least Richard Katz was there to provide a few medium sized chuckles; big Dick Katz (katz/cats, get it?) Started The Corrections but I don’t think I made it past the 2nd chapter; I don’t like his characters and I don’t care about what happens to them.
Do you have an Amazon affiliate link for the book? Doesn’t cost us extra for us to buy it because you recommended it. Probably just help you make a little more money so you can keep making great content. 🎉
“ Writing from perspectives other than their own…”. That is now called “cultural appropriation,” and accusations of it are getting great manuscripts from great writers cancelled by publishing houses.
After the printing press took off, people started to read. Common people. And not just the Bible. And everyone was concerned that all this reading would make everyone lazy. Just like the backlash against social media via cellphones today.
Actually I clicked on because the video wasn’t excessively long.
Thank you for articulating “People who need that regular retreat within themselves, to help redefine the world around them, before they’re ready to enter back into the world again”
Positively beautiful
I'm reading the first essay on his father's brain following your recommendation and I absolutely love it. I love the sentiment, the writing style, and everything. Please keep recommending!! Thank you so much, William. Also enjoying your work, Fumes. :)
Omg!!!! This man is beyond stunning!!! I want to put my face next to the arch of his foot!!!!
There’s a wonderful short book by anthropologist, Frank Smith, that is the most profound book I’ve read about reading. He studied reading and language all through his career and was an important spokesman for how to promote reading in schools. It’s called Between Hope and Havoc. It’s well written and I think you’ll like it.
Jonathan Franzen is one of my favourite writers, brilliant!
I've read a fair amount of Franzen, both fiction and not. Enjoyed everything but did feel that the ending of 'Crossroads' was blah.
@@brianchappell4054 yes, absolutely. Still , I am hoping for new book to be released soon🤞🏻
Omg!!!! This man is beyond stunning!!! I want to put my face next to the arch of his foot!!!!
Perhaps the best video I’ve found on my home page all week. Thank you for the recommendation!
I love your saying about one of your favorite novels "It makes me feel a lot more like myself." Yes, I felt very alive and like the most important part of me was resonating while listening to a professor discussing Russian short stories, George Saunders: A Swim in a Pond in the Rain!
Those essays between stories in asiapitr are truly excellent
Omg!!!! This man is beyond stunning!!! I want to put my face next to the arch of his foot!!!!
@@DakotaFord592😊
I remember reading this years ago when it first came out. Franzen has great prose. And no one does upper-middle-class guilt like him. Like oatmeal with just a little brown sugar and one square of butter, he's utterly consumable.
Interesting, I'll check this collection out. I read more fiction too, but there are some powerful essay writers who really elevate this genre. I think many talented writers have so much focus on their fiction that their nonfiction is overlooked. Although some, like James Baldwin, are the inverse. His work is so good that his fiction is often overlooked.
Thanks...I've wanted to read this book for some time. Will try picking it up soon
great vid William. big fan of the corrections and have been eyeing this for a long time. this video may have just convinced me to bite the bullet on it. im very sorry about your family member, best wishes and keep making videos!
🙏🏻❤️
Thanks for the recommendation! Feel like I'll enjoy this one.
Sir you are both well-read and handsome which is lethal congratulations William
You just popped into my feed, I am so luck. I subed, thanks for the recommendation.
I need more videos of you going through Franzen's works! A why you should read Freedom or Crossroads would be fire
I'm a reader, and am currently immersed in David Eggers, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genuis." It's one of the most beautifully written and heart-wrenching books I've read - well, some of it is hysterically irreverent - and each chapter can be read as a short story. Cheers! And thanks for this recommendation.
I loved that book!
@@ricardojmestre Right? 😂
Thanks for the recommendation. I've been meaning to find an essayist akin to David Wallace.
Excellent video. Your conversational tone kept me engaged and attentive throughout, to the point it felt "rude" to you to peek at my phone during the video lol
Despite never having read an essay compilation before, I'm curious to give this one a try thanks to your passionate and insightful recommendation.
You got my subscription. Good video and great book shelf jeez
I suffer from a severe mental illness and I stopped reading fiction when I was younger (I’m 38 now). I’ve lost the ability to be present and get lost in books. I used to need them EXACTLY why you do: I felt myself there. Now I feel myself NOWHERE.
I’m so sorry you no longer have the escapism that books can bring. When I was really bad, I couldn’t read either, heck, even TV was too much for me! I’m better now and enjoying books again ☺️ I just wondered whether listening to somebody read would help you? Audible? Some voices like Stephen Fry are very soothing. Hugs 🤗
@ I’ll try audible books thank you kindly for the suggestion.
Sounds sad, I’m sad a lot, because I’m alone.
I’d like to not be more sad
Thanks for sharing .
I’ve wanted to read one of his novels for some time, but the length and polarizing reviews have always scared me away. I’d love to see a video reviewing “Freedom”.
The Corrections is one of my favorite novels of all time. Freedom is good as well, a similar sort of family drama. Freedom is probably the easier read, but The Corrections is his masterpiece. His newest Crossroads is good as well, too.
Omg!!!! This man is beyond stunning!!! I want to put my face next to the arch of his foot!!!!
@@DWS205I also read these three books by him, but have different preferences, namely Freedom is a masterpiece, Corrections isn't bad and Crossroads is disappointment
Love this video. I just finished Freedom last month. Love hearing your thoughts.
Omg!!!! This man is beyond stunning!!! I want to put my face next to the arch of his foot!!!!
Your words are so relevant. I will pick up this book when I see it. I, like you, read because I need too. It is a lust, a constant thirst, a joy for me, and when I find someone who also feels this way, it makes me happy.
Congratulations on such a great channel. Great work and thank you.
Hey I read this within the last two years and my reaction was similar to yours. All the essays hit home to me.
Sounds like it could be exactly what I need. In particular, “Why bother (writing)?”
I adore “Crossroads” and am anxiously awaiting the next book in the trilogy. Thanks for the video. I will check this one out.
Love this collection! I think the reason Franzen is so polarizing, is that even though he's often correct, he's still a jerk about it lol
You sold me on it. looking forward to diving into this as well as more of your content! Thank you :)
Agree, good book.
Thank you for sharing this ... I have a family situation that is similar and I am glad the algo put your video in front of me ... I enjoy your channel. Thank you for putting this stuff out there.
Appreciate this note. 🙏🏻 I hope you get as much out of that first essay as I did
@ just ordered the book.
Loved your review of the book and I'm picking it up! Thank you!
Thanks for the video. I’ve only become aware with Franzen this year. I’m thinking of giving him a try, and although the essays sound great, I feel like I should sample one of his novels first. Should Corrections be the one, an earlier work, where’s a good place to start?
I’d start with The Corrections or Freedom, either would work well
Essay is my favorite form. I’ll check it out.
Great video! I have a copy so you've completely convinced me to read it soon.
Oh thank you!! I will read!
Definitely going to give this one a try :)
Hope you like it
This makes me think I should give essays, in general, a try. Do you have a top 3 (not counting "How to be Alone")?
James Baldwin, Susan Sontag, Joan Didion, and David Foster Wallace all wrote some excellent essays
@@williampdozierWendell Berry, Edward Abbey. Their novels are excellent as well
An older rec but some really interesting essays in Thank God for the Atom Bomb by Paul Fussell.
Great video. Kindled my interest enough for me to purchase it on Kindle today.
Great video, and I’ve just ordered How To Be Alone on your recommendation via Amazon. Watching you from Brisbane Australia 🇦🇺📚📖 Subscribed! 👍🏼
one of the most liked reviews on goodreads at the same time: Ok, Jonathan Franzen. WE GET IT. You're a martyr for truth and beauty and all that is good because you read books and don't like technology and smoke cigarettes and still use a rotary telephone. You are a superior human being because you don't watch t.v. You could've said that all in one paragraph, but you chose to do it in 300 palpably crotchety, Andy Rooney-esque pages. As Shruti rightly pointed out, it is surprisingly refreshing to read an author who annoys the shit out of you
Thanks for the review. This is going on the list.
Hope you like it!
I’m not much of a reader but The Correction and Freedom are 2 of my favourite novels of all time. Purity was a big let down though
I also found Purity strange, but Crossroads is excellent.
Loved your review of Franzen's essays here. You are expressive and poignant. I read Franzen's essays in 1996, and your words made me interested to reread it. I still have my original first edition copy.
🙏🏻🫶🏻
William. You must read Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan.. enjoy your videos very much mate, thank you.
I read this about 10 years ago and irritated a bunch of people by talking about it too much. Unfortunately his other book of essays doesn't come close
"In this video I'm going to talk about how to be alone..." Dude I already know how! 😆 Great review though, definitely adding the book to my tbr. ❤
I've never heard of this author, can't wait to check it out.
Will we ever get a Vonnegut breakdown/review? I feel like too much and too little gets made of him and would love to hear your take on something like Breakfast of Champions.
I’m a Vonnegut fan. I’ve read all of slaughterhouse five, and one page of breakfast of champions. Will likely make some Vonnegut videos eventually
Hi.
I have a question, please
could you answer me?
I’d like to start reading in English but I couldn’t find the book is that good for my level of language!
obviously I don't know what your level of English is but it might help to look at Young Adult literature. There are some great books for teenage readers that would have a slightly more limited vocabulary but would still have a powerful and universal theme. Hope this is helpful and I admire your diving into reading in another language. Speaking of Young Adult books, I read one a few years ago that I loved (and I am definitely not a YOUNG adult!) The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig.
I’d like to read more essay collections, anyone who sees this that has recommendations I’d be very grateful
Thanks for putting me on to this author…
Do you consider listening to audio books reading…?
Are you a David Foster Wallace fan? Read Infinite Jest? I believe he and Franzen were close friends.
My next video is about Infinite Jest, should come out this week
Awesome!!! Thanks for responding. I appreciate your videos and insights.
I’ll be looking for a copy of this 😊
Interesting that we need an entire book to understand how to be alone.
Ever read David Foster Wallace?
Yep. I’m making a video about Infinite Jest soon 🤫
How many books did you read, 1 or 1.5? 😅
I managed to finish Freedom but I really did not enjoy it. At least Richard Katz was there to provide a few medium sized chuckles; big Dick Katz (katz/cats, get it?) Started The Corrections but I don’t think I made it past the 2nd chapter; I don’t like his characters and I don’t care about what happens to them.
Looks like you are a runner from the books behind you. I see one about the Barkley.
Correct guess 🏃🏻💨
Great video, kid.
Thanks 🙏🏻
I’m a, non-fiction, voracious reader, my children didn’t pick it up from me. I think we born one..
I’d forgotten that I read this…
Do you have an Amazon affiliate link for the book? Doesn’t cost us extra for us to buy it because you recommended it. Probably just help you make a little more money so you can keep making great content. 🎉
Appreciate you! I don’t have affiliate links set up, but the best way to support this channel is to subscribe on Bindery. Link is in the description
“ Writing from perspectives other than their own…”.
That is now called “cultural appropriation,” and accusations of it are getting great manuscripts from great writers cancelled by publishing houses.
After the printing press took off, people started to read. Common people. And not just the Bible. And everyone was concerned that all this reading would make everyone lazy. Just like the backlash against social media via cellphones today.
how now brown cow?
Like your skull planter
Ty ☠️
and you immediately ran to social media to share your thoughts......
How’s your marriage?
Never heard of him.