Not always, this isn’t a ironclad rule. But, we largely take from literature that which we lack or wish for in our real lives. So, with that said. Can we all take a moment to pay solid props to your hubby? Because if you rarely like standard romance novels, I can only assume the lad is rocking it like a boss!
Taylor Gayhart that I can very much appreciate. Literally escapes should help us find joy reprieve from life. Not remind us of its short comings. It is a complex thing literature.
So I am an avid Ghibli fan. Like, Spirited Away is my favourite movie of all time, and I've adored Howl's Moving Castle for years and years. I've seen it a hundred times before I even learned there was a book! Of course, I wanted to read it, but while it has been translated into my language, it probably didn't sell too well here because it was nowhere to be found. I've been searching for the book for years, but to no avail. Then, I finally realized my English was at a level that I could easily read it in English; I got the book, read it, and my god I fell in love. It's wonderful. I'm planning to re-read it soon. One thing I really love is just how different the book and the movie are. They are two standalone pieces of art, each unique and enough of its own thing that I can easily keep loving both without feeling the need to really compare them. But I do have to admit that the book really stole my heart... hehe. It actually reminded me a lot of Terry Pratchett's writing style. The humour, fairy tale-like setting with a twist, the way the magic and logic within the world work... I can't quite explain it, but yes, I do thing it has a bunch in common. (And I adore Pratchett, so) So yeah, that was a tangent, but I second this comment 100%!!
"I'm either super analytical or completely whimsical" You just diagnosed my reading problems 😅 although I think I have a third one, which is wholesomely rom-com romances that know they aren't Jane Austen and don't try to be, so I can read them quickly.
As usual the ad is amazing, but even better is the fact that you have "I'm proud of you!" written on the wall. Is that how you stay so driven and motivated? Everyone, I'm proud of you. Now write it on the wall and see if it helps :p
I think with Animal Farm is so heavily steeped in allegory that the talking animals aren’t really whimsical or magical and that tends to be the trope? I love Animal Farm, too, it’s a very good book.
That's the magic of books! They introduce us to new worlds, bringing us along to explore new vistas. Plus, it's always a joy to find a gem in what you thought was a wasteland!
My bookshelf is mainly epic fantasy, but if you let me bring up The Picture of Dorian Grey. I do not shut up. I also have Pride and Prejudice, and a BUNCH of Shakespeare sprinkled among my favs too. My soft spot for everything and anything Alice in Wonderland too.
I will always watch your ads. They are hilarious and you obviously put a ton of thought into them. 🤣 you’re just so creative about them. How can I not??
I have never really liked Romance at all, but upon Merphy's recommendation I finally read Pride and Prejudice and LOVED it- so while I'm still not a Romance fan, that book in particular is now one of my favorites!
I've read it too and I think there's a reason why we love it more than contemporary ones: Jane Austen's clever (and beautiful) writing and social critique. She had something to say beyond "an exciting romance" (which wasn't that, her characters were interesting and complex). It seems like contemporary romance writers don't have anything deep to say in their books.
Ive started reading the remnant chronicles on your suggestion and I totally get what you mean I did not expect to love it as much as I did but I am super excited to read books two and three!
This is hard for me to think of! Elle tagged me when she did this a few days ago (and the “books I SHOULD have loved” one) & I’m super jazzed to sit down & think about it though!
Animal farm is phenomenal. Every scene in that book just reflect so perfectly some of the things happened in my country. I couldn't believe the year it was written when I first read it.
I love The Remnant chronicles. I read them because of your recommendation and indeed, Lia was so strong. I liked that she was a fighter when it came to politcs not swords
I definitely feel you on the Wayward Children series. I never finish one thinking "oh, this was a really good book", but I'm so in love with the concept that I just keep reading the series whenever a new one comes out. I discovered your channel only recently, and based on some of the things you've said you really love (strong friendships, morally grey characters, people that have great intelligence but lack wisdom, atmospheric descriptions), I think you would really enjoy "If We Were Villians" by M.L. Rio. I highly recommend it and think it would be up your alley.
I read Animal Farm after your five star review, and wow was I shocked, like you I don't read books with talking animals, this is the only book I have read with that trope. The message of this book is so powerful, the message really hit me, especially when I thought about when it was written.
A middle grade series I really liked was Peter and the Starcatchers. It's kind of a prequel to Peter Pan. It shows how they all ended up on the island, how Peter learned to fly, and how mermaids appeared on the island. I re-read it several times growing up, and I always really loved it.
I am pretty certain of middle grade you would like Nevermoor. (Jessica Townsend) . I also loved Frostheart by Jamie Littler. Both recently published ones.
The mention of vampires being tied to sex reminded me of the Directors Commentary on a Hellsing Ultimate installment. One person said that vampires have always been associated with sex, at least as far back as Bram Stoker, and that around the time of Draculas' publication there was a fear that eastern Europeans were a threat to English women.
I feel the same way about the Remnant Chronicles. It has a lot of tropes and clichés, but somehow it's really well done and engaging, and I love the fact that it has different languages and a mythology, since YA fantasy books usually have the laziest worldbuilding possible. Definitely one of the best YA fantasy series. I haven't read "On the Fence", but I checked it out on Goodreads and based on the synopsis I think you might like "My Life Next Door" by Huntley Fitzpatrick. It was a great suprise for me, I usually don't really like romances because I'm not a fan of contemporaries, but that one was so engrossing I read it really fast.
You might like Indexing by Seanan Maguire. It was originally a series of short stories, but she put them together as two novels. It deals with a team of government agents who intervene in "Memetic Incursions" which are events that are superficially similar to fairy tales start to escalate into full-blown versions of fairy tales, which are disastrous for everyone caught up in one. The team consists of a Snow White in abeyance, a Wicked Stepsister that was averted, an inactive Cobbler's Elf, an active Pied Piper, and a perfectly normal man. It really straddles the line between whimsy and serious.
I read a lot of detective mystery and I have one recommendation for Merphy. She should try E.R. Punshon's 1934 book Death Among the Sunbathers which focuses more on the suspects trying to outsmart a detective who is working off page for most of the book rather than on the detective solving it. Plus it's third act that feels more like a thriller than detective fiction. I also think she will enjoy his prose as he generally has witty asides through out his books.
Hey Merphy! Thanks lots for your videos, I find you very fun to watch, but also very inspiring. I hadn't been reading much (if at all) for the past years and I greatly regretted it, but you have inspired me to read again and I have been reading a lot lately ❤️ Thanks! Also, you have inspired me to be a lot more critical of roles portrayed in literature and movies, thanks for that too :) You're awesome
You should do a video on all the Romance novels you *do* like (in addition to these two) and then get recommendations on that for a video!!! I *think* I have some suggestions for you based on watching your videos, and that you love On The Fence (I love that one too), but I need more data!
I'm not a massive romance reader either, and I really want to read On Luna Time, it sounds so fascinating. It's definitely on my TBR. I'm currently reading I Capture the Castle (again based on your recommendation) and I'm loving it so much, I can picture the characters in my mind and I just find myself getting lost in the words. I can't explain why I have connected with it so much as it doesn't fit my preference, but yeah, I can't wait to see how the story develops.
You probably won’t like His Dark Materials then-because of talking animals. But would it help if the animals are actually the person’s soul, but it takes the shape of an animal????
Recently found your content. Enjoying it. 1. Seen your Sanderson love, but haven't seen you mention the reckoners series????? (I couldn't put it down.... And I don't read as often as I should) 2. Animal farm breaks all laws it's great 3. You have triggered a need to rewatch Avatar:TLA. Enjoying all over again!!!
I am reading The Naked Sun by Asimov right now and I freaking love it. I kinda wish he put more impact with the detective elements since I can really get behind that, but I still absolutely love the characters of the book and the world around them! That is why I stay with Asimov and his books I can sit there for days just reading about the huge worlds he creates, the societies among them and the relationships he makes between Android/robots and humans. I live for that stuff!
14:00 If you like Urban Fantasy books, I recommend you Kate Daniels. It has romance, but it is harldy the focus of the series. In the novels, there are vampires which are creepy monsters without conscience or intelligence (they just crave blood) which are used as a tool and controlled by someone else mentally from afar... it's weird to explain, but I love it. Kate Daniels series has such a unique world and mythology
I tried to read to read the Remnant Chronicles but I couldn't get past the first chapter due to all the plot armor for the MC. I've been told that it's worth continuing I'd love to get your guy's opinions.
I’ve only read the first book and I gave it three stars because nothing really happened until the end, but I still liked it. I heard it gets really really good during the second and third books.
@@boredreader2177 That kinda sucks, i don't want to have to wait to read a second and third book for it to pick up. Looks like one i'll probably have to skip I have a huge TBR pile and would rather read a book that'll keep me interested.
Yeah, that's pretty accurate to how I feel about Wayward Children. For amazing fairy tale novellas, have you read either A Pocketful of Crows or The Blue Salt Road by Joanne Harris?
A childhood favorite middle grade of mine is The Kindling by Braden Bell! I'm currently rereading the series for the first time in years, and I was scared to get back into it at first because I was afraid I'd realize it wasn't as good as I thought, but it's better than I was expecting! It's not the greatest series (I honestly find the second book difficult to get through) but the magic system is a really cool concept and the book is just incredibly fun to read.
I usually don't like sci-fi or middle grade book but The Many Worlds of Albie Bright is probably one of my favourite short (150-200 pages) books I've ever read. It also has a really pretty cover which was part of the reason I picked it up. Sorry that this is kinda a long comment
One of the best books I've read that don't fit in with my taste has got to be Ender's Game. I'm not a fan of sci-fi, idk why, I adore fantasy but science fiction just does not appeal to me at all. There's only a handful of sci-fi books and movies I read/watched and loved, and most of the time I'm too discouraged to even start it. But Ender's Game absolutely blew me away. Great writing, keeps you on the edge of your seat, compelling characters that I loved to follow (Ender is a great main character imo), and not to spoil anything, but plot twists that I really didn't see coming, and it was so satisfying. Definitely recommend to check it out if you haven't already! (People say some of the other books in the series are even better, like the Ender's Shadow spinoff(?) series; I personally only read Ender's Game, so I can't attest to that.)
@@nothing23145 I've heard people say this. I'm probably gonna have to read it, heh. Can I read it even though I've only read Ender's Game though? Or is there a book/books that I should read first...? I'm not sure how the series works.
I kind of want to (hesitantly) recommend The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. It's a fantastic horror book, great focus on character relationships, good plot, and the vampire bit isn't really the focus or point of the book as a whole. However, huge trigger warning for gaslighting, and the few times the vampire is caught in the act, it is uncomfortably sexual. So it has some stuff in it I think you'd definitely hate, but it also includes stuff I think you'd definitely love!
Try the book A bridge to a better life by Ava Miles. I just love her romances because she adds some different vibes from just romance, and deals with mental struggles, and builds up the world in a strong way. If you don’t like it it’s whatever, but I don’t like a lot of romance either so I’mma try the ones you like to see how i feel about them lol
For a bit of a different spin on a vampire story I would recommend the Noble Dead series by Barb & J.C. Hendee. Not that there aren't some tropes but they do at least tweak them. The vampires do get violent but it is not in a real sexual way (at least I don't remember any). The first book is titled 'Dhampri', is set in fantasy world and sets up future books well, while having a complete story (in my opinion). I don't want to say much about the story because the less you the better it is on the first read.
I Am Legend worked because Richard Matheson is a great writer and actually did something interesting and turned the vampire story on its head. If you didn't like the Will Smith adaptation, try The Last Man on Earth starring Vincent Price. Classic. There's also The Ωmega Man starring Charlton Heston, which I haven't seen, but come on, Charlton Heston.
A Detective Muder Mystery series I really like is the In Death Series written by JD Robb aka Nora Roberts. What makes the series so enjoyable to me is the relationships to the main character and that the plot usually doesn't take a backseat so the story always feels like it is progressing.
when I started watching this video it had 400+ views, now it had 1.1k... wow! Also, I recently re-watched an older video with that add, it's so funny!🤣
That's why I love booktube so much, it introduces me to a lot of books I would have never picked up on my own. I don't think would have ever read Rebecca, but the way you talked about it in your videos made me very curious and I loved it.
I'm the same, I want to LOVE romance but it's such a vast genre and I don't know what I like or don't or how to even pick it out from the blurb. With fantasy (which I read mostly) I can read the blurb and go "yes this one" or know straight up if it won't suit my tastes. :|
I totally get where you are coming from with Middlegrade, I think I really need to curate what I read in that age range. I typically like super unique story formats and unpredictable plot structures and that is just not something you find in most Middlegrade which makes sense but that means I really need to make sure there is something else there for me.
@@ajg4158 I think the series I am working on now is Percy Jackson cause its my sibs favorite but I do want to try Sal and Gabi Break the Universe cause I did really enjoy Carlos Hernedaz's sci-fi short stories. I just also need to figure out my preferences for this age group so gonna have to just go discovering and I have heard a lot of good things about Keeper of the Lost Cities so I will have to try that out eventually!
You should read the Dream a little dream trilogy by Kerstin Gier, it is a low YA fantasy so not exactly your thing, but I believe you'd love it because it has strong friendships, strong relationships with family, and it is hilarious! It is such a heartwarming story that you'd love!
You should try Sunshine, by Robin McKinley for vampires. It's my fave vampire book, and the violence doesn't read as sexy. Protagonist does have a kind of romance with a very weird, alien feeling vampire, but the romance is not framed in the predatory way that is common in vampire stories.
Hey Merphy, an old teacher of mine from high school has been writing books for years now. I’ve just recently gotten back into reading so I haven’t read any of his books. But if you’re looking for an author to check out, I’d love if I could hear your thoughts on a Gordon Bonnet book! Lock & Key is rated 4/5 on Goodreads! :)
I Am Legend was turned into the film The Omega Man with acting legend Charlton Heston. While I have not yet read the book, I enjoyed that they stayed more true to the source material by keeping the vampires. Good old school horror movie 🎥
For the Seanan McGuire books, I’m the same way as you. I like books almost entirely for fleshed out characters and understanding their psychologies. These books are the opposite because of the world’s itself.
Reading the Peasprout Chen (middle grade) series as an almost 30 year old was stupidly enjoyable, even though it isn’t complete yet. It has a magical academy, political intrigue, strong friendships, strong family relationships, and a martial art that combines figure skating and kung fu.
Hi Merphy! I just realized you never talk about Astrid Lindgren on your channel (in proportion to the fact, that you are not really that into middlegrade), I obviously do not know if you have never read anything by her, but I highly recommend "The Brothers Lionheart", "Mio, my son" and "Ronja, the robbers daughter" - if you're looking for some fun middlegrades as well, anything "Pippi Longstocking" and The "Emil" books are great as well. Lots of love frem Denmark
Since talking animals has been mentioned again, I'll repeat what others said in the previous video: The Little Prince is a fantastic book, and a quick read as well
The Little Prince is an absolute classic, and a book that is worth re-reading once every few years. As your experience and perspective changes, so does the book; you will always find something new in it that you haven't seen before. It's magic, really. It's a wonderful book, and it's one of a kind. ...It might be time for me to pick it up again.. hehe. It's been a few years already.
Unrelated question about writing: what you think is a best way to tell the reader someone is speaking another language? What is the method you would use? Thank you for answering!
No idea on the best way, but, as a reader, I'd say the worst way is to sprinkle bits of the language they're speaking into dialogue. To me that always reads as them actually speaking English and occasionally failing to translate a word.
I don’t read a lot middle grade but that’s because I’m out of the target age range and the stories set in middle grade are usually things that I’m currently not interested in reading about. But to be fair, I think plenty people can think critically about books and still love middle grade. I don’t think it has anything to with someone’s ability to think critically but rather the genres they prefer.
Most the books I have are pretty much all fantasy, except for this one book about a woman with dementia or something along those lines(I'm in the process of moving and haven't read it in a while I wish I remembered what it was called) and it skips to different times in her life as the memories come to her and then fade away while she's left her house and is wandering round town looking for her sister who went missing when she was young, while her family is super worried about her. there's a lot that happens and most of it is sad, and too real for me, which I usually hate... I always say "I prefer fantasy because the real world is too sad and I'd rather spend my free time away from that" but I really do love that little book. When I find it I'll come back and put its name here(if I remember too) 😅😂
Merphy, Please give The Vampire Lestat and The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice another try. I thought these books gives you more an urban fantasy vibe and they are way better than Interview with The Vampire. The vampires in The Vampire Lestat and The Vampire Chronicles were protrayed moral of grey,because they hunts down and feed off criminals (the vampires refers the criminals as evildoers). They aren't rape-y and they always wants to blend with humans. You probably will get known the history of them and there's family relationship with vampires. You probably would like Lestat,because his personality is very similar to Lockes. These books has witches and ghosts in them,too.
Not always, this isn’t a ironclad rule. But, we largely take from literature that which we lack or wish for in our real lives. So, with that said. Can we all take a moment to pay solid props to your hubby? Because if you rarely like standard romance novels, I can only assume the lad is rocking it like a boss!
I’m the opposite, when I was in a bad relationship I hated romance because it just showed me what I was missing.
Taylor Gayhart that I can very much appreciate. Literally escapes should help us find joy reprieve from life. Not remind us of its short comings. It is a complex thing literature.
Lol
Just gonna throw this out there: if you haven't read Howl's Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones, I highly recommend it!
So I am an avid Ghibli fan. Like, Spirited Away is my favourite movie of all time, and I've adored Howl's Moving Castle for years and years. I've seen it a hundred times before I even learned there was a book! Of course, I wanted to read it, but while it has been translated into my language, it probably didn't sell too well here because it was nowhere to be found. I've been searching for the book for years, but to no avail.
Then, I finally realized my English was at a level that I could easily read it in English; I got the book, read it, and my god I fell in love. It's wonderful. I'm planning to re-read it soon. One thing I really love is just how different the book and the movie are. They are two standalone pieces of art, each unique and enough of its own thing that I can easily keep loving both without feeling the need to really compare them.
But I do have to admit that the book really stole my heart... hehe. It actually reminded me a lot of Terry Pratchett's writing style. The humour, fairy tale-like setting with a twist, the way the magic and logic within the world work... I can't quite explain it, but yes, I do thing it has a bunch in common. (And I adore Pratchett, so)
So yeah, that was a tangent, but I second this comment 100%!!
She has I believe.
She's read the book and watched the movie as far as I know.
I just read this book and it’s one of my new all time favorites!
She read Howl's Moving Castle recently. I personally prefer Witch Week, Archer's Goon, Tale of Time City...
"I'm either super analytical or completely whimsical"
You just diagnosed my reading problems 😅 although I think I have a third one, which is wholesomely rom-com romances that know they aren't Jane Austen and don't try to be, so I can read them quickly.
No one’s talking about that SquareSpace ad 😂
@@alexchichester She reused it
Legend of Korra influenced?
@@alexchichester her Transatlantic accent is on point!
@@brittneylmurphy That was my very first thought. She sounds just like the presenter from Korra
just to funny.
As usual the ad is amazing, but even better is the fact that you have "I'm proud of you!" written on the wall. Is that how you stay so driven and motivated?
Everyone, I'm proud of you.
Now write it on the wall and see if it helps :p
I have "I am enough" written on my mirror - that also helps with motivation and wellbeing :)
Animal Farm was a 5 stars. Incredible book. A perfect allegory to the Russian revolution.
I think with Animal Farm is so heavily steeped in allegory that the talking animals aren’t really whimsical or magical and that tends to be the trope?
I love Animal Farm, too, it’s a very good book.
I love yours adds way too much! I always skip them in other creator's videos, but yours are hilarious!
I still watch all your square space ads even though I’ve seen them before because they’re so entertaining and make me laugh everytime😂
Absolutely *love* the War of the Worlds-esque/radio drama ad!
That's the magic of books! They introduce us to new worlds, bringing us along to explore new vistas.
Plus, it's always a joy to find a gem in what you thought was a wasteland!
That should be a famous quote!
@Seth Kok Arguably the best name, really.
I adore your shirt/dress thing! It looks so nice on you and the flower pattern is so pretty.
Merphy never fails on the ads
My bookshelf is mainly epic fantasy, but if you let me bring up The Picture of Dorian Grey. I do not shut up. I also have Pride and Prejudice, and a BUNCH of Shakespeare sprinkled among my favs too. My soft spot for everything and anything Alice in Wonderland too.
I will always watch your ads. They are hilarious and you obviously put a ton of thought into them. 🤣 you’re just so creative about them. How can I not??
Haha that ad!
I've been enjoying the Wayward Children series too. I liked the first book tho.
I have never really liked Romance at all, but upon Merphy's recommendation I finally read Pride and Prejudice and LOVED it- so while I'm still not a Romance fan, that book in particular is now one of my favorites!
I've read it too and I think there's a reason why we love it more than contemporary ones: Jane Austen's clever (and beautiful) writing and social critique. She had something to say beyond "an exciting romance" (which wasn't that, her characters were interesting and complex). It seems like contemporary romance writers don't have anything deep to say in their books.
The squarespace ad is incredible
Ive started reading the remnant chronicles on your suggestion and I totally get what you mean I did not expect to love it as much as I did but I am super excited to read books two and three!
This is hard for me to think of! Elle tagged me when she did this a few days ago (and the “books I SHOULD have loved” one) & I’m super jazzed to sit down & think about it though!
Merphy, you are the only one for me....
Seriously, you are the only booktuber I can stand.
You are the only TH-camr that I actually enjoy watching your ads. Hahahaa this one was amazing!
Animal farm is phenomenal. Every scene in that book just reflect so perfectly some of the things happened in my country. I couldn't believe the year it was written when I first read it.
I love animal farm. And yeah communism is awful lmao
Oh Merphy! I just love when you do a Transatlantic accent for your ads!
I love The Remnant chronicles. I read them because of your recommendation and indeed, Lia was so strong. I liked that she was a fighter when it came to politcs not swords
I definitely feel you on the Wayward Children series. I never finish one thinking "oh, this was a really good book", but I'm so in love with the concept that I just keep reading the series whenever a new one comes out. I discovered your channel only recently, and based on some of the things you've said you really love (strong friendships, morally grey characters, people that have great intelligence but lack wisdom, atmospheric descriptions), I think you would really enjoy "If We Were Villians" by M.L. Rio. I highly recommend it and think it would be up your alley.
I read Animal Farm after your five star review, and wow was I shocked, like you I don't read books with talking animals, this is the only book I have read with that trope. The message of this book is so powerful, the message really hit me, especially when I thought about when it was written.
Honestly just listening to your voice is so satisfying! You've just made my morning
I Am Legend was a surprise to see in the list, i read this book years ago and i absolut loved it!
This was a really enjoyable video. Always great to see varied tastes
My bookshelf: jam packed of high fantasy, bookended by my favourite book of all time, Memoirs of a Geisha 😂
Read that book in high school and it’s still probably my favorite to this day 😁
What is this book about? Sounds interesting
sivakumar thevar a girl growing up in Japan
@@waltcruz1631 that's over simplify it don't yah think.
Kqver I didn’t wanna spoil it lol, it’s no fun if you give away the plot. But I’ll say this it’s definitely worth a read
What a creative and funny add!!! I loooove it😂😂😂
Thank you for making a square space ad I actually enjoyed
A middle grade series I really liked was Peter and the Starcatchers. It's kind of a prequel to Peter Pan. It shows how they all ended up on the island, how Peter learned to fly, and how mermaids appeared on the island. I re-read it several times growing up, and I always really loved it.
I am pretty certain of middle grade you would like Nevermoor. (Jessica Townsend) . I also loved Frostheart by Jamie Littler. Both recently published ones.
I freaking love Nevermoor! I'm waiting for part 3 to come out in August.
The mention of vampires being tied to sex reminded me of the Directors Commentary on a Hellsing Ultimate installment. One person said that vampires have always been associated with sex, at least as far back as Bram Stoker, and that around the time of Draculas' publication there was a fear that eastern Europeans were a threat to English women.
Your promotional segments are the best!
That Squarespace ad was so funny🤣
I feel the same way about the Remnant Chronicles. It has a lot of tropes and clichés, but somehow it's really well done and engaging, and I love the fact that it has different languages and a mythology, since YA fantasy books usually have the laziest worldbuilding possible. Definitely one of the best YA fantasy series.
I haven't read "On the Fence", but I checked it out on Goodreads and based on the synopsis I think you might like "My Life Next Door" by Huntley Fitzpatrick. It was a great suprise for me, I usually don't really like romances because I'm not a fan of contemporaries, but that one was so engrossing I read it really fast.
You might like Indexing by Seanan Maguire. It was originally a series of short stories, but she put them together as two novels. It deals with a team of government agents who intervene in "Memetic Incursions" which are events that are superficially similar to fairy tales start to escalate into full-blown versions of fairy tales, which are disastrous for everyone caught up in one.
The team consists of a Snow White in abeyance, a Wicked Stepsister that was averted, an inactive Cobbler's Elf, an active Pied Piper, and a perfectly normal man. It really straddles the line between whimsy and serious.
First chapter book I ever read was Number the Stars, to this day it’s still in my mind. Great read, I can’t recommend it enough.
I read a lot of detective mystery and I have one recommendation for Merphy. She should try E.R. Punshon's 1934 book Death Among the Sunbathers which focuses more on the suspects trying to outsmart a detective who is working off page for most of the book rather than on the detective solving it. Plus it's third act that feels more like a thriller than detective fiction. I also think she will enjoy his prose as he generally has witty asides through out his books.
Hey Merphy! Thanks lots for your videos, I find you very fun to watch, but also very inspiring. I hadn't been reading much (if at all) for the past years and I greatly regretted it, but you have inspired me to read again and I have been reading a lot lately ❤️ Thanks!
Also, you have inspired me to be a lot more critical of roles portrayed in literature and movies, thanks for that too :) You're awesome
Definitely one of the most fun ad reads I’ve seen in a while!
Idk if this is weird that I'm writing this but you look really beautiful in this video! Your shirt is really flattering and your hair looks amazing.
You should do a video on all the Romance novels you *do* like (in addition to these two) and then get recommendations on that for a video!!! I *think* I have some suggestions for you based on watching your videos, and that you love On The Fence (I love that one too), but I need more data!
I'm not a massive romance reader either, and I really want to read On Luna Time, it sounds so fascinating. It's definitely on my TBR. I'm currently reading I Capture the Castle (again based on your recommendation) and I'm loving it so much, I can picture the characters in my mind and I just find myself getting lost in the words. I can't explain why I have connected with it so much as it doesn't fit my preference, but yeah, I can't wait to see how the story develops.
The ad at the end was everything!
Have you tried Haruki Murakami? Your middle grade talk kind of reminds me of magical realism in some way and Murakami came to mind.
I haven't but I'll look it up!
That's Pewdiepie's favourite author.
@@nikelodeon6852 Well, a broken clock is right every once in a while right?
@@colburn0004 I'm sorry what?..
@@colburn0004 huh w h a t
You probably won’t like His Dark Materials then-because of talking animals. But would it help if the animals are actually the person’s soul, but it takes the shape of an animal????
That book made me love talking animals, because Pan and Lyra's interactions were very interesting
Your sponsored skits are amazing! :)
Recently found your content. Enjoying it.
1. Seen your Sanderson love, but haven't seen you mention the reckoners series????? (I couldn't put it down.... And I don't read as often as I should)
2. Animal farm breaks all laws it's great
3. You have triggered a need to rewatch Avatar:TLA. Enjoying all over again!!!
I am reading The Naked Sun by Asimov right now and I freaking love it. I kinda wish he put more impact with the detective elements since I can really get behind that, but I still absolutely love the characters of the book and the world around them! That is why I stay with Asimov and his books I can sit there for days just reading about the huge worlds he creates, the societies among them and the relationships he makes between Android/robots and humans. I live for that stuff!
14:00 If you like Urban Fantasy books, I recommend you Kate Daniels. It has romance, but it is harldy the focus of the series. In the novels, there are vampires which are creepy monsters without conscience or intelligence (they just crave blood) which are used as a tool and controlled by someone else mentally from afar... it's weird to explain, but I love it. Kate Daniels series has such a unique world and mythology
All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.
I tried to read to read the Remnant Chronicles but I couldn't get past the first chapter due to all the plot armor for the MC. I've been told that it's worth continuing I'd love to get your guy's opinions.
I’ve only read the first book and I gave it three stars because nothing really happened until the end, but I still liked it. I heard it gets really really good during the second and third books.
@@boredreader2177 That kinda sucks, i don't want to have to wait to read a second and third book for it to pick up. Looks like one i'll probably have to skip I have a huge TBR pile and would rather read a book that'll keep me interested.
I’m only on the 3rd chapter of The Blade Itself and I’m already loving Abercrombie’s writing!
Yeah, that's pretty accurate to how I feel about Wayward Children. For amazing fairy tale novellas, have you read either A Pocketful of Crows or The Blue Salt Road by Joanne Harris?
A childhood favorite middle grade of mine is The Kindling by Braden Bell! I'm currently rereading the series for the first time in years, and I was scared to get back into it at first because I was afraid I'd realize it wasn't as good as I thought, but it's better than I was expecting! It's not the greatest series (I honestly find the second book difficult to get through) but the magic system is a really cool concept and the book is just incredibly fun to read.
I usually don't like sci-fi or middle grade book but The Many Worlds of Albie Bright is probably one of my favourite short (150-200 pages) books I've ever read. It also has a really pretty cover which was part of the reason I picked it up. Sorry that this is kinda a long comment
One of the best books I've read that don't fit in with my taste has got to be Ender's Game. I'm not a fan of sci-fi, idk why, I adore fantasy but science fiction just does not appeal to me at all. There's only a handful of sci-fi books and movies I read/watched and loved, and most of the time I'm too discouraged to even start it. But Ender's Game absolutely blew me away. Great writing, keeps you on the edge of your seat, compelling characters that I loved to follow (Ender is a great main character imo), and not to spoil anything, but plot twists that I really didn't see coming, and it was so satisfying. Definitely recommend to check it out if you haven't already!
(People say some of the other books in the series are even better, like the Ender's Shadow spinoff(?) series; I personally only read Ender's Game, so I can't attest to that.)
Ender's Shadow is amazing.
Puts Ender's game on its head and spins.
Best parallel novel I ever read and really did a ton for the series.
@@nothing23145 I've heard people say this. I'm probably gonna have to read it, heh.
Can I read it even though I've only read Ender's Game though? Or is there a book/books that I should read first...? I'm not sure how the series works.
@@efoxkitsune9493
You can read Ender's Shadown only and be fine. Its parallel to Enger's game so you'll understand everything.
@@nothing23145 That's great, thanks!
I don't really care for romance, but, then, I found Outlander. The first four books are solid, after that it becomes hit or miss.
Love Outlander!
Petition for Merphy to start creating ads for TH-cam? I love her Squarespace spots in the videos!!
I kind of want to (hesitantly) recommend The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. It's a fantastic horror book, great focus on character relationships, good plot, and the vampire bit isn't really the focus or point of the book as a whole. However, huge trigger warning for gaslighting, and the few times the vampire is caught in the act, it is uncomfortably sexual. So it has some stuff in it I think you'd definitely hate, but it also includes stuff I think you'd definitely love!
I am the same way with middle grade! My exception is Airborn by Kenneth Oppel. It's so good!
I flew through The Kiss of Deception! Such a good series.
Thank you for the clean content
Try the book A bridge to a better life by Ava Miles. I just love her romances because she adds some different vibes from just romance, and deals with mental struggles, and builds up the world in a strong way. If you don’t like it it’s whatever, but I don’t like a lot of romance either so I’mma try the ones you like to see how i feel about them lol
For a bit of a different spin on a vampire story I would recommend the Noble Dead series by Barb & J.C. Hendee. Not that there aren't some tropes but they do at least tweak them. The vampires do get violent but it is not in a real sexual way (at least I don't remember any). The first book is titled 'Dhampri', is set in fantasy world and sets up future books well, while having a complete story (in my opinion). I don't want to say much about the story because the less you the better it is on the first read.
I Am Legend worked because Richard Matheson is a great writer and actually did something interesting and turned the vampire story on its head. If you didn't like the Will Smith adaptation, try The Last Man on Earth starring Vincent Price. Classic. There's also The Ωmega Man starring Charlton Heston, which I haven't seen, but come on, Charlton Heston.
A Detective Muder Mystery series I really like is the In Death Series written by JD Robb aka Nora Roberts. What makes the series so enjoyable to me is the relationships to the main character and that the plot usually doesn't take a backseat so the story always feels like it is progressing.
Tana French and her novels are about the only detective mystery books which I love. Highly recommend.
The third book, The Bridge of Stones, by Victoria schwab comes out in March 2021.🤗☺
when I started watching this video it had 400+ views, now it had 1.1k... wow!
Also, I recently re-watched an older video with that add, it's so funny!🤣
That's why I love booktube so much, it introduces me to a lot of books I would have never picked up on my own. I don't think would have ever read Rebecca, but the way you talked about it in your videos made me very curious and I loved it.
I'm the same, I want to LOVE romance but it's such a vast genre and I don't know what I like or don't or how to even pick it out from the blurb. With fantasy (which I read mostly) I can read the blurb and go "yes this one" or know straight up if it won't suit my tastes. :|
I totally get where you are coming from with Middlegrade, I think I really need to curate what I read in that age range. I typically like super unique story formats and unpredictable plot structures and that is just not something you find in most Middlegrade which makes sense but that means I really need to make sure there is something else there for me.
Literature Science Alliance maybe try Keeper of the Lost Cities? Idk what ur preferences are but I really love it! And it’s filled with plot twists.
@@ajg4158 I think the series I am working on now is Percy Jackson cause its my sibs favorite but I do want to try Sal and Gabi Break the Universe cause I did really enjoy Carlos Hernedaz's sci-fi short stories. I just also need to figure out my preferences for this age group so gonna have to just go discovering and I have heard a lot of good things about Keeper of the Lost Cities so I will have to try that out eventually!
Literature Science Alliance Percy Jackson is great! I mean I’d understand why someone wouldn’t like it but I love it. I hope you enjoy it!
You should read the Dream a little dream trilogy by Kerstin Gier, it is a low YA fantasy so not exactly your thing, but I believe you'd love it because it has strong friendships, strong relationships with family, and it is hilarious! It is such a heartwarming story that you'd love!
The ad, omg, so perfect
You should try Sunshine, by Robin McKinley for vampires. It's my fave vampire book, and the violence doesn't read as sexy. Protagonist does have a kind of romance with a very weird, alien feeling vampire, but the romance is not framed in the predatory way that is common in vampire stories.
appreciate the ad creativity!
What about the Rats of NIMH? I remember loving that as a kid and I normally dont like talking animals either. I should re read it though.
Hey Merphy, an old teacher of mine from high school has been writing books for years now. I’ve just recently gotten back into reading so I haven’t read any of his books. But if you’re looking for an author to check out, I’d love if I could hear your thoughts on a Gordon Bonnet book! Lock & Key is rated 4/5 on Goodreads! :)
I Am Legend was turned into the film The Omega Man with acting legend Charlton Heston. While I have not yet read the book, I enjoyed that they stayed more true to the source material by keeping the vampires. Good old school horror movie 🎥
It was also filmed as The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price.
LMoE is the closest to the original story of the three imo.
For the Seanan McGuire books, I’m the same way as you. I like books almost entirely for fleshed out characters and understanding their psychologies. These books are the opposite because of the world’s itself.
Not related to the video, but I love your shirt, Merphy. 😍
Thank you!
Have started Lies of Locke Lamora based on yours and Daniel Greene's recommendation
ooo what a cool video idea!
Reading the Peasprout Chen (middle grade) series as an almost 30 year old was stupidly enjoyable, even though it isn’t complete yet.
It has a magical academy, political intrigue, strong friendships, strong family relationships, and a martial art that combines figure skating and kung fu.
Hi Merphy! I just realized you never talk about Astrid Lindgren on your channel (in proportion to the fact, that you are not really that into middlegrade), I obviously do not know if you have never read anything by her, but I highly recommend "The Brothers Lionheart", "Mio, my son" and "Ronja, the robbers daughter" - if you're looking for some fun middlegrades as well, anything "Pippi Longstocking" and The "Emil" books are great as well. Lots of love frem Denmark
Since talking animals has been mentioned again, I'll repeat what others said in the previous video: The Little Prince is a fantastic book, and a quick read as well
The Little Prince is an absolute classic, and a book that is worth re-reading once every few years. As your experience and perspective changes, so does the book; you will always find something new in it that you haven't seen before. It's magic, really. It's a wonderful book, and it's one of a kind.
...It might be time for me to pick it up again.. hehe. It's been a few years already.
Unrelated question about writing: what you think is a best way to tell the reader someone is speaking another language? What is the method you would use? Thank you for answering!
No idea on the best way, but, as a reader, I'd say the worst way is to sprinkle bits of the language they're speaking into dialogue.
To me that always reads as them actually speaking English and occasionally failing to translate a word.
I love that Squarespace ad🤣🤣🤣🤣
I don’t read a lot middle grade but that’s because I’m out of the target age range and the stories set in middle grade are usually things that I’m currently not interested in reading about. But to be fair, I think plenty people can think critically about books and still love middle grade. I don’t think it has anything to with someone’s ability to think critically but rather the genres they prefer.
The ad is so much fun😂
Your squarespace ad was hilarious 😂
Okay, but why did I watch the whole add with joy?
Most the books I have are pretty much all fantasy, except for this one book about a woman with dementia or something along those lines(I'm in the process of moving and haven't read it in a while I wish I remembered what it was called) and it skips to different times in her life as the memories come to her and then fade away while she's left her house and is wandering round town looking for her sister who went missing when she was young, while her family is super worried about her. there's a lot that happens and most of it is sad, and too real for me, which I usually hate... I always say "I prefer fantasy because the real world is too sad and I'd rather spend my free time away from that" but I really do love that little book. When I find it I'll come back and put its name here(if I remember too) 😅😂
Merphy, Please give The Vampire Lestat and The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice another try. I thought these books gives you more an urban fantasy vibe and they are way better than Interview with The Vampire. The vampires in The Vampire Lestat and The Vampire Chronicles were protrayed moral of grey,because they hunts down and feed off criminals (the vampires refers the criminals as evildoers). They aren't rape-y and they always wants to blend with humans. You probably will get known the history of them and there's family relationship with vampires. You probably would like Lestat,because his personality is very similar to Lockes. These books has witches and ghosts in them,too.
You're the prettiest booktuber