It’s always the highlight of my day to hear you grill books😂 the worst of the year for me was Babel… *runs* I fear that may be sacrilegious as everyone seems to love that book but my God! I prayed for it to end. Typical cut out mediocre stock characters; some acting as 21st century mouth pieces when they’re supposed to be in 1800’s Oxford, no realistically morally grey character in sight and the tendency to explain every small detail ruined what was supposed to be my favourite book of the year. Shame.
I had one DNF in 2023, and I almost never dnf a book. Hollow Kingdom, by Kira Jane Buxton, was one my sister sent me, and hyped up a lot. It was a zombie book from the prespective of a crow, and while she found it clever and fun, for me it was just unnecessarily gross and boring. I didn't dnf Don Quixote, and I am sure I'll revisit it again eventually, but that was another book I read in 2023 that did nothing for me. I was sligtly engaged in the book up to where Don Quixote's friends/neighbors start destroying his books, which got me mad and siding with Don Quixote, but then it lost my interest and never really appealed to me again either way.
In terms of fantasy, have you tried/considered The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence? I haven't been here for long - found you through the Sanderson video and stuck around because, even tho something isnt for you, i like your insights -, so i'm not sure uf you've been recommended it or not.
I'd recommend giving An artist of the floating world by Kazuo Ishiguro a try. Much the same ideas as The remains of the day; what separates it over The remains of the day though is that it's actually an enjoyable read. Remains of the day halfway sent me to sleep.
Have you tried the Outlander series? It is a historical fiction, fantasy mashup with some non-sappy romance. As a fellow psych I am interested in your take. It is one of my favs. Not boring and one of her companion series - Lord John books - follow a gay man in late 18th century thru England, Jamaica, Revolutionary USA. No fantasy in those but so good.
As a non-American I feel there are times where you read something and think "oh this isn't for me, this is for Americans" I had that feeling strongly with the sample of Legends and Lattes and didn't buy it. It's not a negative thing if an American writer is writing to the concerns of an American audience. It just makes it very uninteresting to read from my point of view.
I think the Handmaid's Tale is a book if it's time as it was published in 1985 and was one of the first to predict the near state of US women now that Roe v Wade is reversed. I can't imagine there are better books on this subject written before 1985. This all makes me curious to see your best book list unless it's all niche fantasy or Broadway. 😊
I recommend She who became the sun/ He who drowned the world if you like flawed characters and bit of gore. Personally Im looking forward to Fonda Lee's book in the new year😊 Recommend The Buried Gaint from Ishiguro. I have a feeling you will like it.
I think it’s fascinating that people can finish books they hate, lol. Like how do you guys do it?
MASOCHISM
It’s always the highlight of my day to hear you grill books😂 the worst of the year for me was Babel… *runs* I fear that may be sacrilegious as everyone seems to love that book but my God! I prayed for it to end. Typical cut out mediocre stock characters; some acting as 21st century mouth pieces when they’re supposed to be in 1800’s Oxford, no realistically morally grey character in sight and the tendency to explain every small detail ruined what was supposed to be my favourite book of the year. Shame.
I had one DNF in 2023, and I almost never dnf a book. Hollow Kingdom, by Kira Jane Buxton, was one my sister sent me, and hyped up a lot. It was a zombie book from the prespective of a crow, and while she found it clever and fun, for me it was just unnecessarily gross and boring. I didn't dnf Don Quixote, and I am sure I'll revisit it again eventually, but that was another book I read in 2023 that did nothing for me. I was sligtly engaged in the book up to where Don Quixote's friends/neighbors start destroying his books, which got me mad and siding with Don Quixote, but then it lost my interest and never really appealed to me again either way.
In terms of fantasy, have you tried/considered The Gentlemen Bastard Sequence? I haven't been here for long - found you through the Sanderson video and stuck around because, even tho something isnt for you, i like your insights -, so i'm not sure uf you've been recommended it or not.
I'd recommend giving An artist of the floating world by Kazuo Ishiguro a try. Much the same ideas as The remains of the day; what separates it over The remains of the day though is that it's actually an enjoyable read. Remains of the day halfway sent me to sleep.
Have you tried the Outlander series? It is a historical fiction, fantasy mashup with some non-sappy romance. As a fellow psych I am interested in your take. It is one of my favs. Not boring and one of her companion series - Lord John books - follow a gay man in late 18th century thru England, Jamaica, Revolutionary USA. No fantasy in those but so good.
I love Martin's writing style, it's his inability to finish books that annoys me.🙂
As a non-American I feel there are times where you read something and think "oh this isn't for me, this is for Americans" I had that feeling strongly with the sample of Legends and Lattes and didn't buy it. It's not a negative thing if an American writer is writing to the concerns of an American audience. It just makes it very uninteresting to read from my point of view.
Well said! Both Sanderson and Martin are WAY too OVERRATED!
I think the Handmaid's Tale is a book if it's time as it was published in 1985 and was one of the first to predict the near state of US women now that Roe v Wade is reversed. I can't imagine there are better books on this subject written before 1985. This all makes me curious to see your best book list unless it's all niche fantasy or Broadway. 😊
JUST YOU WAIT!
Juan, you need to read Sun Eater by Christopher Ruocchio! The best Sci Fantasy ever! Book 1 is the worst and I loved it!
I should definitely get a copy!!!!
Worst book I had read the truth about harry quebert affairs and fifty fifty
I love this tradition I hope it will continue in 2024 but if not then oh well.
The Handmaid's Tale?! WHAT?!!!
I KNOW!
I recommend She who became the sun/ He who drowned the world if you like flawed characters and bit of gore.
Personally Im looking forward to Fonda Lee's book in the new year😊
Recommend The Buried Gaint from Ishiguro. I have a feeling you will like it.
Very interesting to hear reviews from a psychoanalyst