I think you're going to love "The Remains of the Day"--beautifully written book that has its heartbreaking moments and more (including an ongoing critique of British society/imperialism). In addition, I really, really, really...think you would love Proust's "Swann's Way", book 1 of his novel "In Search of Lost Time." Worth reading all of ISOLT, but "Swann's Way" is the place to start. It's been my all-time favorite novel for quite a long time, and I don't expect it will lose that cherished position. I'll be bold and say that "In Search of Lost Time" is arguably the greatest novel ever penned (though of course these things are somewhat subjective). Other than that, I'd recommend reading anything or everything by Virginia Woolf! Happy reading!
A book that ABSOLUTELY devastated me was “Cutting for Stone” my Abraham Varghese. Beautifully written and you definitely need your tissues! You won’t regret it!
I'm currently reading East of Eden, it's such an interesting reading experience as I find myself feeling all the human emotions possible towards each of the characters!! Some characters make my blood boil, some make me want to hug them... I think Steinbeck is a master storyteller and I'm so glad East of Eden is my introduction to his works!! I would love to read The Pearl as well.
Gee, I didn't think people read Steinbeck any more. I never read him in High School, but heard LOTS of book reports on "Of Mice and Men" and "The Pearl". My spouse and I grew much closer reading (together) "The Grapes of Wrath", and then "Cannery Row". That was 45+ years ago. "East of Eden" is probably his most disturbing book (Cathy, wow, and then there is the Chinese cook, the Caleb and Aaron story, and neighbor Hamilton and the hanging story), but we loved it. However, I've never re-read it. I think "Grapes" is his greatest work, but I grew up near Bakersfield and went to school with many Okie descendants, good people all. So much for remembering..........
I read NLMG many years ago and I think about it on a daily basis. It truly had a lasting effect on me. Ishiguro touched on so many profound themes and you don't even realize the full impact until the end. By then, you're left heartbroken and astounded. So glad you loved it. It's a 💎.
My experience with never let me go… I fully grasped what was happening plot wise but the way he downplays and simplifies emotions doesn’t resonate as well with me as it did you. I find myself asking if his intentions are actually what I think they are because he’s so subtle it can easily float by you or make you feel like you’re silly for reading into it that deep. THAT BEING SAID my husband and I had lengthy debates/conjectures/discussions for days over the logistics of the concepts and environment and what was feasible/realistic and how it resulted in it to begin with etc and THAT was some stimulating bonding time for us!! I would’ve loved more conversation around the outside world once it’s introduced in the book. I get that wasn’t the point though. I would say I liked remains of the day more, the subtlety is a little easier to catch and the movie is equally wonderful, but I don’t think as many people would say they liked it more than never let me go because it’s more slow burn and lower stakes. I will say, he writes a damn good main character/narrator. I’m very attached to Stephens and to Kathy regardless.
It sounds like you had a wonderful reading month, and it's always a pleasure listening to you talk about what you have read recently 😊 Never let me go sounds like a great read so I'm adding it to my list! In March I read a book so terrible that I actually didn't pick up anything else until mid-May lol, it took me a while to get out of my reading slump 😥 So in May I only read 3 books, but thankfully I loved all of them! 🥰 - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, which was fantastic in my opinion. I also read Circe earlier this year, so now I'm just anxiously waiting for her to release a new mythology novel lol (apparently she's working on Persephone now so 🥺🥺 I'm extremely excited!!) - LotR - The Fellowship of the Ring: I was craving some adventure so I ended up picking up this big boy! (As well as One Piece, but that's a whole other mood 🤣) It's crazy how much hiking they do in this book lol, but I enjoyed every part of the ride 😊 I intend to read part 2 this month! - After Dark by Murakami Haruki: I think it was Emma who recommended this book in one of her videos, and as I love Murakami's style I didn't hesitate before picking it up! I read this on a stressful train ride and it put me at peace as it transported me into a quiet night with unexplained things happening behind closed doors, I definitely loved it! It was a short read but definitely worth it 😊 As for June, I have already read 3 books so this month should be busier than the last! Wishing everyone a happy reading month 😊💕
Congratulations to your sister! So many great readings you had, Carolyn! I feel the same about Alice Oseman and i really loved to know Kate DiCamillo. I'm from Brazil and i have never heard about her. Have you ever read Grapes of Wrath, by Steinbeck? It's devastating, i highly recommend it.
So lovely to hear from you again :) I'm thinking of reading East of Eden this summer as well, maybe we'll end up reading it at the same time👀 But wow, Never Let Me Go is now on my urgent tbr!! I've heard so many lovely people say it's beautiful, I can't wait to get to it!! And about that reading slump... Honestly? You could just read the book again! There are no rules! I had this problem with War and Peace recently, actually, where I rewatched the BBC miniseries just couldn't think about reading anything else, so I just started it again and it really helped!! It actually made it possible for me to read a second book at the same time as well whereas before I didn't want to read anything!! Maybe it helps you too :) 💗
I read Ishiguro's "A Pale View of Hills" earlier this year. Instant five star. His words & beautiful storytelling left me stunned after I was done. Like, it makes SENSE why he's a Nobel winner. He's a true wordsmith and master of his craft. Oh, and btw it's historical fiction 😅 so not exactly the same as Never Let Me Go! But I think you'll enjoy it! edit: I understand 100% that inability to convey one's love for a great book! Don't ask me to start talking about Pride and Prejudice, it'll go on for agesss. I'll make time for Never Let Me Go now - it's on my bedside table with a STACK of other book 😅 thanks for the reminder Carolyn!
You make me want to reread Never let me go and figure out what the heck I missed while reading it! 🤣 I did have a very unique experience with it. While reading I was BORED and lost! After finishing it I could not stop thinking about it and suddenly I kept seeing it everywhere! And seeing how I have also let friends astray as we don’t say things and grow apart… that was interesting. I think I will do a reread one day! I feel maybe I want in the right mood maybe while reading it to get the most out of it? Idk. Kinda sucks when that happens.
It doesn't matter whether you figure out this one. The atmosphere is other worldly to a young Yank, and I guess it was a huge hit there when it came out. The pace is rapid-heartbeat and the scenes on the moor make your hair stand up. "Valley of Fear" is just as good and a better mystery.
What a great 24 hr readathon. AWE... Beatrix Potter. I have all of those books. I need to read and re-read them. I might have to pick up Radio Silence. The Reader is one of those rare times that I enjoyed the movie more than the book. It's a powerful story. I still have your book hangover book on my shelf... waiting! 😊💙
A VERY impressive video; your passion oozes from the screen. And of course, thank you for the recommendations. I'll tell you what, I'll promise to read "Never" if you'll read "Cold Mountain". That one will make you cry, too. I've never read anything by Kazuo, but have long heard about him. And "East of Eden" is a true game changer. You'll never look at family dynamics again in the same way. Are you buds with Emmie through TH-cam? I think Emmie is Canadian, whereas I'd guess your accent is American.
There’s not much out there like Never Let Me Go! I also disliked The Buried Giant, it’s probably his worst. But I highly, highly recommend Remains of the Day. Other thoughts, The Virgin Suicides has a pretty similar tone, if you haven’t read it yet. Maybe also The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker, which has the same feel with a speculative twist.
ishiguro is my favorite author, and remains of the day is the best book by him in my opinion! highly recommend reading it while listening to the close reads podcast for it!!
The first book that comes to my mind when I think of books that made me sob is “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness. I can’t remember if any other book made me cry so hard like that one but I now need to try “Never Let Me Go” 😌
Tove Jansson is one of my favourite writers. Not just her Moomin books but her short stories and novels too. There's also a Finnish film, called Tove about her which I recommend.
Man I wish I like never let me go. So many people rave about it but it just didn't do it for me. I think it lacked a tautness and a little dull at points but the plot is genius.
Yas woman you’re not alone!!! Were in the minority together lol I also read “klara and the sun” Im not a fan of the author’s stories or writing. There is a dullness to them. But I respect others feeling completely opposite
I haven't read the book Never Let Me Go yet and so I haven't watched the movie but yeah that cast is fantastic! Andrew Garfield plays Charles in the upcoming Brideshead Revisited adaptation and I'm really looking forward to it overall. Nervous but excited!
For YA like Oseman, I'd recommend Shaun David Hutchison, in particular 'We Are the Ants'. While the plot is wildly divergent from Radio Silence, the vibes are there, that sort of well-defined teen struggle that calls back to your own, situations and problems and an explanation of the human condition specifically at that point in time of being a teenager. Speaking of the human condition, East of Eden is one of my few five star reads ever. It's study of humanity is just so unbelievably good. I loved Never Let Me Go, but dont have recs along those lines, sadly, so instead I'll supply a completely unrelated rec. I have never seen anyone read William Gay on youtube and his writing is just so...so beautiful that you end up highlighting every line. set in the historical deep south his books are all about characters and mood and words unfurling on the page. Not something you can read every day, but so so beautiful and worth it.
After several years it occurred to me that the land east of Eden was Nod, to where Cain was banished according to the Book of Genesis. I think that adds subtle poignancy to the story but perhaps now fewer readers know the Bible it's just another Easter Egg. Glad to hear you're busy, and congratulations to your sister: wishing her many many very happy years.
If you loved "never let me go", you may want to read "Socrates in Love (Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World)" by Japanese author Kyoichi Katayama 🌼
you should read 'me before you' by jo jo moyes 🥺 not because i know what never let me go is about YET! (ofc i'm gonna read it after watching you talk about it so passionately) but because you said you like heartbreaking books and those which make you cry and honestly? same! since me before you was my last book and i gave it 4 stars it's just (smh) ...Read It!
I respect all of you who love Ishiguro, though I am not a fan. I tried reading “never let me go.” Its not for me as far as the story and writing. I did read “Klara and the sun” as well and again disappointed with the story. I did love one part of the book which is when klara watches the couple in the rain. If you loved “klara and the sun” please share with me what made you love that book
I think there are many misogynists who need to read those lines from 'The Broken Wings'. There are many men in the East and West who really need to be enlightened by words like these.
I absolutely loved Broken Wings- Khalil is such a carrier of deep universal wisdom ! You've convinced me to read Never Let Me Go so well!! May was my most productive month yet too: th-cam.com/video/bRjEw0V_oZI/w-d-xo.html BTW You're so beautiful and articulate when you talk about the things you're passionate about! Lovely video, thank you!
just quickly wanted to remind you that Alice Oseman uses she/they pronouns ☺️ and radio silence was the first book I read by them back in 2018 and it's been one of my top favourite books ever since then. her writing is truly like no other YA author out there
In terms of a recommendation,Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien is incredibly moving.Thank you for your lovely portraits,but I hope you take the artistic equivalent of Emma's trek into the heights!🎨🖌️🏔️💮
I think you're going to love "The Remains of the Day"--beautifully written book that has its heartbreaking moments and more (including an ongoing critique of British society/imperialism). In addition, I really, really, really...think you would love Proust's "Swann's Way", book 1 of his novel "In Search of Lost Time." Worth reading all of ISOLT, but "Swann's Way" is the place to start. It's been my all-time favorite novel for quite a long time, and I don't expect it will lose that cherished position. I'll be bold and say that "In Search of Lost Time" is arguably the greatest novel ever penned (though of course these things are somewhat subjective). Other than that, I'd recommend reading anything or everything by Virginia Woolf! Happy reading!
A book that ABSOLUTELY devastated me was “Cutting for Stone” my Abraham Varghese. Beautifully written and you definitely need your tissues! You won’t regret it!
"Book hangover" ... I love it ...
I'm currently reading East of Eden, it's such an interesting reading experience as I find myself feeling all the human emotions possible towards each of the characters!! Some characters make my blood boil, some make me want to hug them... I think Steinbeck is a master storyteller and I'm so glad East of Eden is my introduction to his works!! I would love to read The Pearl as well.
Gee, I didn't think people read Steinbeck any more. I never read him in High School, but heard LOTS of book reports on "Of Mice and Men" and "The Pearl". My spouse and I grew much closer reading (together) "The Grapes of Wrath", and then "Cannery Row". That was 45+ years ago. "East of Eden" is probably his most disturbing book (Cathy, wow, and then there is the Chinese cook, the Caleb and Aaron story, and neighbor Hamilton and the hanging story), but we loved it. However, I've never re-read it. I think "Grapes" is his greatest work, but I grew up near Bakersfield and went to school with many Okie descendants, good people all. So much for remembering..........
I read NLMG many years ago and I think about it on a daily basis. It truly had a lasting effect on me. Ishiguro touched on so many profound themes and you don't even realize the full impact until the end. By then, you're left heartbroken and astounded. So glad you loved it. It's a 💎.
Just finishing Hamnet, but Never Let Me Go is next on my list. Even more excited now!
My experience with never let me go… I fully grasped what was happening plot wise but the way he downplays and simplifies emotions doesn’t resonate as well with me as it did you. I find myself asking if his intentions are actually what I think they are because he’s so subtle it can easily float by you or make you feel like you’re silly for reading into it that deep. THAT BEING SAID my husband and I had lengthy debates/conjectures/discussions for days over the logistics of the concepts and environment and what was feasible/realistic and how it resulted in it to begin with etc and THAT was some stimulating bonding time for us!! I would’ve loved more conversation around the outside world once it’s introduced in the book. I get that wasn’t the point though. I would say I liked remains of the day more, the subtlety is a little easier to catch and the movie is equally wonderful, but I don’t think as many people would say they liked it more than never let me go because it’s more slow burn and lower stakes. I will say, he writes a damn good main character/narrator. I’m very attached to Stephens and to Kathy regardless.
Great video as usual.. Iove Wind in the Willows. 🦔 🐿 🐀
It sounds like you had a wonderful reading month, and it's always a pleasure listening to you talk about what you have read recently 😊 Never let me go sounds like a great read so I'm adding it to my list!
In March I read a book so terrible that I actually didn't pick up anything else until mid-May lol, it took me a while to get out of my reading slump 😥 So in May I only read 3 books, but thankfully I loved all of them! 🥰
- The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, which was fantastic in my opinion. I also read Circe earlier this year, so now I'm just anxiously waiting for her to release a new mythology novel lol (apparently she's working on Persephone now so 🥺🥺 I'm extremely excited!!)
- LotR - The Fellowship of the Ring: I was craving some adventure so I ended up picking up this big boy! (As well as One Piece, but that's a whole other mood 🤣) It's crazy how much hiking they do in this book lol, but I enjoyed every part of the ride 😊 I intend to read part 2 this month!
- After Dark by Murakami Haruki: I think it was Emma who recommended this book in one of her videos, and as I love Murakami's style I didn't hesitate before picking it up! I read this on a stressful train ride and it put me at peace as it transported me into a quiet night with unexplained things happening behind closed doors, I definitely loved it! It was a short read but definitely worth it 😊
As for June, I have already read 3 books so this month should be busier than the last!
Wishing everyone a happy reading month 😊💕
Congratulations to your sister! So many great readings you had, Carolyn! I feel the same about Alice Oseman and i really loved to know Kate DiCamillo. I'm from Brazil and i have never heard about her. Have you ever read Grapes of Wrath, by Steinbeck? It's devastating, i highly recommend it.
I have Broken Wings on my TBR. And I believe Beatrix Potter's children's books are for any age. :) They are so charming
So lovely to hear from you again :) I'm thinking of reading East of Eden this summer as well, maybe we'll end up reading it at the same time👀 But wow, Never Let Me Go is now on my urgent tbr!! I've heard so many lovely people say it's beautiful, I can't wait to get to it!! And about that reading slump... Honestly? You could just read the book again! There are no rules! I had this problem with War and Peace recently, actually, where I rewatched the BBC miniseries just couldn't think about reading anything else, so I just started it again and it really helped!! It actually made it possible for me to read a second book at the same time as well whereas before I didn't want to read anything!! Maybe it helps you too :) 💗
i'm so glad you liked radio silence, my hard work getting you to read it paid off LOL
I read Ishiguro's "A Pale View of Hills" earlier this year. Instant five star. His words & beautiful storytelling left me stunned after I was done. Like, it makes SENSE why he's a Nobel winner. He's a true wordsmith and master of his craft. Oh, and btw it's historical fiction 😅 so not exactly the same as Never Let Me Go! But I think you'll enjoy it!
edit: I understand 100% that inability to convey one's love for a great book! Don't ask me to start talking about Pride and Prejudice, it'll go on for agesss. I'll make time for Never Let Me Go now - it's on my bedside table with a STACK of other book 😅 thanks for the reminder Carolyn!
You make me want to reread Never let me go and figure out what the heck I missed while reading it! 🤣 I did have a very unique experience with it. While reading I was BORED and lost! After finishing it I could not stop thinking about it and suddenly I kept seeing it everywhere! And seeing how I have also let friends astray as we don’t say things and grow apart… that was interesting. I think I will do a reread one day! I feel maybe I want in the right mood maybe while reading it to get the most out of it? Idk. Kinda sucks when that happens.
I’m past the halfway mark of hound of the Baskerville‘s. Great Sherlock Holmes novel, my first!!!!
It doesn't matter whether you figure out this one. The atmosphere is other worldly to a young Yank, and I guess it was a huge hit there when it came out. The pace is rapid-heartbeat and the scenes on the moor make your hair stand up. "Valley of Fear" is just as good and a better mystery.
Added “Never Let Me Go” to my TBR. Your recs are always spot on. Love your channel, glad you’re back! :)
Ok put a hold on Never Let Me Go. I can't wait to read it! 🥰❤️💚
i really want to read the reader! the wind of the willows sounds like suc h a fun book to read
happy you had such a good reading month!
You should definitely read Ishiguro's "Klara and the Sun" that was released last year!! It's incredible... made me cry!
Please read ‘The Remains of the Day’! It’s so quietly heartbreaking
What a great 24 hr readathon. AWE... Beatrix Potter. I have all of those books. I need to read and re-read them. I might have to pick up Radio Silence. The Reader is one of those rare times that I enjoyed the movie more than the book. It's a powerful story. I still have your book hangover book on my shelf... waiting! 😊💙
I have “Never Let Me Go” on my shelf and will definitely pick it up soon now! Thank you for another great video! :)
A VERY impressive video; your passion oozes from the screen. And of course, thank you for the recommendations. I'll tell you what, I'll promise to read "Never" if you'll read "Cold Mountain". That one will make you cry, too. I've never read anything by Kazuo, but have long heard about him. And "East of Eden" is a true game changer. You'll never look at family dynamics again in the same way.
Are you buds with Emmie through TH-cam? I think Emmie is Canadian, whereas I'd guess your accent is American.
I also read Moominland Midwinter this year and I think it's become one of my all time favourite books :) I'm glad you enjoyed it :)
I read Moominland Midwinter last January and although it's a children's book, the story about the Hemulen is so endearing.
There’s not much out there like Never Let Me Go! I also disliked The Buried Giant, it’s probably his worst. But I highly, highly recommend Remains of the Day. Other thoughts, The Virgin Suicides has a pretty similar tone, if you haven’t read it yet. Maybe also The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker, which has the same feel with a speculative twist.
The Mars in Virgo energy is burning!
Finished Don Q and the Phantom of the Opera and a few others. Doing Moby Dick and a Tale of Two Cities.
ishiguro is my favorite author, and remains of the day is the best book by him in my opinion! highly recommend reading it while listening to the close reads podcast for it!!
The first book that comes to my mind when I think of books that made me sob is “A Monster Calls” by Patrick Ness. I can’t remember if any other book made me cry so hard like that one but I now need to try “Never Let Me Go” 😌
Tove Jansson is one of my favourite writers. Not just her Moomin books but her short stories and novels too. There's also a Finnish film, called Tove about her which I recommend.
I just finished My Dark Vanessa and it has me feeling the same way. None of my friends read and I NEED someone to read it so I can can talk about it!!
NLMG is amazing! Read The Remains of the Day if you can…because it’s even better!
Never Let Me Go is fantastic isn't it! so glad you enjoyed ❤️
Man I wish I like never let me go. So many people rave about it but it just didn't do it for me. I think it lacked a tautness and a little dull at points but the plot is genius.
Yas woman you’re not alone!!! Were in the minority together lol I also read “klara and the sun” Im not a fan of the author’s stories or writing. There is a dullness to them. But I respect others feeling completely opposite
I loved Der Vorleser (The Reader) by Schlink!! Great video!
Thank you Carolyn for the last recommendation, im gonna start with "Never let me go" today, just yesterday I finished with "eugene onegin"
I havent read Never Let me Go so i cant give any recommendations but ill add it to my tbr 💕
I haven't read the book Never Let Me Go yet and so I haven't watched the movie but yeah that cast is fantastic! Andrew Garfield plays Charles in the upcoming Brideshead Revisited adaptation and I'm really looking forward to it overall. Nervous but excited!
Hi Carolyn! I just wanna ask, how do you rate the books that you've already read? I love you so much!!
will you do a new bookcase tour? thanks!!
For YA like Oseman, I'd recommend Shaun David Hutchison, in particular 'We Are the Ants'. While the plot is wildly divergent from Radio Silence, the vibes are there, that sort of well-defined teen struggle that calls back to your own, situations and problems and an explanation of the human condition specifically at that point in time of being a teenager.
Speaking of the human condition, East of Eden is one of my few five star reads ever. It's study of humanity is just so unbelievably good.
I loved Never Let Me Go, but dont have recs along those lines, sadly, so instead I'll supply a completely unrelated rec. I have never seen anyone read William Gay on youtube and his writing is just so...so beautiful that you end up highlighting every line. set in the historical deep south his books are all about characters and mood and words unfurling on the page. Not something you can read every day, but so so beautiful and worth it.
After several years it occurred to me that the land east of Eden was Nod, to where Cain was banished according to the Book of Genesis. I think that adds subtle poignancy to the story but perhaps now fewer readers know the Bible it's just another Easter Egg. Glad to hear you're busy, and congratulations to your sister: wishing her many many very happy years.
Hi Hello! Good to see Carolyn back again. Just one request, please make a video on your classics collection.
Regards(≧▽≦)
I really wanna give Never Let me go another shot now, I wasn't too into when I first tried it but I'm almost sold now!!
If you loved "never let me go", you may want to read "Socrates in Love (Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World)" by Japanese author Kyoichi Katayama
🌼
If you want a sad book try LORD OF THE FLIES...I cried so.much I could not re-read...
I finished “The Goldfinch” in May and I gave it four stars! Right now, I have finished two books for June! ❤️
I would suggest to try reading "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo Ishiguro
Maybe you would like " The Bread the Devil Knead" by lisa Allen agostini, "Norwegian Wood" by haruki murakami ..."Earthlings", sayaka murata
Hello from British Columbia Canada
🇨🇦👋👍♥️🌲🧘♀️🌲🚵♀️🌲🎨🖌🎉📷☕📚
you should read 'me before you' by jo jo moyes 🥺 not because i know what never let me go is about YET! (ofc i'm gonna read it after watching you talk about it so passionately) but because you said you like heartbreaking books and those which make you cry and honestly? same! since me before you was my last book and i gave it 4 stars it's just (smh) ...Read It!
I respect all of you who love Ishiguro, though I am not a fan. I tried reading “never let me go.” Its not for me as far as the story and writing. I did read “Klara and the sun” as well and again disappointed with the story. I did love one part of the book which is when klara watches the couple in the rain. If you loved “klara and the sun” please share with me what made you love that book
They love their life so much that it is like a toy that someone threw away. That point made the novel Neveret Me Go even more sad for me.
I truly recommend A Little Life, one of the most heartbreaking books I've ever read. Devastating and beautiful.
I think there are many misogynists who need to read those lines from 'The Broken Wings'. There are many men in the East and West who really need to be enlightened by words like these.
Read 24 hours straight?! You two have stamina, no doubt!
What happened to your beautiful shelves? 🤔 Also, ngl, I miss your reviews of Russian classics. 😞
Hi
I absolutely loved Broken Wings- Khalil is such a carrier of deep universal wisdom !
You've convinced me to read Never Let Me Go so well!!
May was my most productive month yet too: th-cam.com/video/bRjEw0V_oZI/w-d-xo.html
BTW You're so beautiful and articulate when you talk about the things you're passionate about!
Lovely video, thank you!
just quickly wanted to remind you that Alice Oseman uses she/they pronouns ☺️ and radio silence was the first book I read by them back in 2018 and it's been one of my top favourite books ever since then. her writing is truly like no other YA author out there
I take your recommendations very seriously
In terms of a recommendation,Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien is incredibly moving.Thank you for your lovely portraits,but I hope you take the artistic equivalent of Emma's trek into the heights!🎨🖌️🏔️💮