I think the problem with some of extreme horror lit are that authors care more about writing something edgy/shocking and not put the same care in the craft of writing itself.
I feel like that's all that Cows is, it's not horror in the "stay up with the lights on" way it's more like just horrifying to read something so nauseating and unpleasant. Idk, it kinda has almost edgelord vibes, just sort of yucky.
It definitely seems to be overrun with authors that simply want to see just how gross and gory they can make it and couldn't give 2 craps about developing any plot or characters.
That's definitely the biggest 'issue' with the genre. On the other hand, that's also what the genre is, so you could also say that if you don't like shock for shock value, maybe the genre just isn't for you. I don't like most extreme horror for this reason, so I generally just stay away from that genre.
The clips of you reading Cows in the coffee shop I’m dead 😂😂😂 so hilarious. Extreme horror is definitely not for me either! But also ahhh what a cute little coffee shop that was, I love it 🥹 the walk back to your place is also so beautiful!!
Hi, long time viewer first time commenter. Regarding your upstairs hall furniture drama: I think what you're looking for is a sideboard/buffet; it's a long, narrow hutch/cabinet. Ikea sells several, but you should be able to find them at a decent flea market*/swap meet* too. *Apologies if those are VATs (Very American Terms). Swap Meet is kinda like a Boot Sale; a Flea Market is essentially a Bazaar.
Sugar syrup is so easy to make at home! Just put sugar + water on to simmer until it thickens. Next time!! Also I'm so happy, warning people about splatterpunks is my claim to fame now. Don't read Aron Beauregard!!
I simply had to stop what I was doing to enjoy Vlogoween. Since I'm celebrating my Hobbit birthday (33rd) I had plans to rewatch the lord of the rings shire house vlog and read the appendices with your Read with me video. Thank you in advance for the peaceful night I'm about to have.
Ugh! Gavin please please please read Penpal! I know you said you were gonna hold off for now but if you were haunted by the people horror in The Reformatory, you will get major creeps from Penpal! It’s SO good. I read it in one sitting. It’s short but also compulsively readable. I now read it every October because of the creepiness and atmosphere.
A few things, sir… Jealous of the gloomy rain clouds at 1pm weather, need the Halliwell Manor sweater, and I am soooo happy that your thoughts on The Reformatory aligned with mine!! Still one of my favorite books of the year. Oh, and as a professional music director - your choice in music for this vlog *chefs kiss* OkayLoveYaBye
I JUST COSPLAYED MYNE FROM ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM!!!!!! I love the series so much! And I'm watching campfire cooking in another world, it is so cute and relaxing!!!
57:35 I’m sure someone else has told you by now, but you can make your own simple syrup! It’s really easy, all you need is sugar, water, and a pot to boil them in. Plus it’s refrigerator stable so you can make a big batch & use it for individual or bulk drinks(:
If you are looking for a book to scare your pants off, I just read Crypt of the Moon Spider by Nathan Ballingund. It is only 100 pages long, but 100 pages is really enough. Creepy, crawly, and filled with some of the most beautiful writing as a horror novel. Just beware, there are 🕷
Ok I’m gonna suggest something. I hope it’s ok. What about a long shelf above the tv (same length as the entertainment center)for the Titanic? It’s such an interesting piece and I loved the pop of color in your living room.
I agree the UK cover for the eyes are the best part is just terrible. I am still currently reading the reformatory and I am absolutely loving it so far. The writing is so immersive, and the characterisation is so good. As well as the slow build of the horrific supernatural elements, but also the horror of their reality as well? Everyone says cows is disgusting and I will never read it! And you've made me look forward to reading the eyes are the best part. Great vlog :)
I am a person who loves extreme horror and Cows was a heck of a ride for me LOL. I'm shocked you finished it honestly, and especially read most of it in public LOL
I am so glad you enjoyed The Reformatory! It definitely evokes some visceral reactions but it's one of my favorite books, so far, of 2024....Loved your review.
I tried and there is moment with a tongue that unfortunately is engraved in my brain for all eternity. I did find the writing to be ridiculous. You should try Brother by Ania Ahlborn or Night of the prowler by Jon Athan. He had me with writing and gore til towards the end. I laughed so hard
Added The Reformatory to my Want to Read list! I love how the little skeleton in the background looks like he’s listening so intently to what you have to say 💀
21:54 Off topic but I spent sooo long staring at that fruit bowl in the kitchen cos I was 100% sure there was a fried egg in there. I’m like is it a fake egg? Is it for the fruit or something? Nope it’s just the tag from the oranges. 😅
Good job to use up your strawberries but I'm pretty sure best by dates are relatively arbitrary so you dont have to be super faithful to them as long as your food seems good still!
Ugh... You are making me feel guilty about neglecting my own housework... Time to download an audiobook. Good idea! Thanks for the warning about Cows and for the manga recommendation too.
Gavin, I am so jealous of the path by your place! It looks so magical. I would want to walk it every day. I would also be huffing and puffing haha but it would be worth it!! 😍🌳🌲
Love your journey into Isekai anime, those two in particular are really good. Frothing at the mouth for the next seasons. You should try Welcome to demon school! Iruma-kun, if you haven't yet.
Commenting as I watch, so I may edit. The Reformatory is on my TBR because I'm pretty sure it's based upon the real life Florida School for Boys (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_School_for_Boys?wprov=sfla1 ). I live barely an hour away from it, so while I'll know the book will probably pack a punch, especially given just how true it is, I'm always a fan of reading local stuff.
If you check out a Read with Dr B video, she runs a sprint spreadsheet that her and few others work really hard to keep up to date. Thought I'd mention as you were looking for sprints and it might be nice for them times you or a booktube friend isn't sprinting.
For future reference: make your own sugar syrup! X it’s just equal sugar and hot water. When I’m making cocktails I just mix a couple tablespoons of sugar w a bit of building water from the kettle and mix ! X
All I could think when seeing those passages from "Cows" was that someone actually thought that up in their own brain and decided that other people ought to take a peek. Makes me wonder what they are like in real life.
I definitely recommend checkin out Tananarive Due's short story collection "Ghost Summer"! I read it for this year's summerween. Planning on reading The Good House for spooky season :)
Given what I know about Cows, please don't let the internet convince you to read Hogg, by Samuel R. Delany, if you haven't read anything else by him. Or, probably, at all.
I’ve been training and trying to eat healthier this year and someone recommended diet soda and a vanilla core power drink as an alternative to cream and soda and OMG game changer!!!
Use this as the ‘shocked he didn’t film rinsing his dishes’ like button ⬇️
😅The way I was going to ask that in a comment but decided it was a rude question and deleted it. 🙈
*shocked Pikachu face* 😮
“The web’s most horrifying books” *cuts to Gav doing dishes*
Mood
The scariest moment in Gavin Reads It All history
Gav: "His elderly neighbor with dementia is still there. The batteries are about to run out." That's a very accurate metaphor for dementia, Gav. 😂
The bit of you reading cows in the cafe was the highlight lol
I think the problem with some of extreme horror lit are that authors care more about writing something edgy/shocking and not put the same care in the craft of writing itself.
I feel like that's all that Cows is, it's not horror in the "stay up with the lights on" way it's more like just horrifying to read something so nauseating and unpleasant. Idk, it kinda has almost edgelord vibes, just sort of yucky.
It definitely seems to be overrun with authors that simply want to see just how gross and gory they can make it and couldn't give 2 craps about developing any plot or characters.
That's exactly why I don't read it. Very eloquently put!
That's definitely the biggest 'issue' with the genre. On the other hand, that's also what the genre is, so you could also say that if you don't like shock for shock value, maybe the genre just isn't for you. I don't like most extreme horror for this reason, so I generally just stay away from that genre.
I have 100% cooked myself a whole garlic baguette before, and eaten the entire thing by myself, it’s a mood.
Why haven't I ever done this before?! I'm a full grown adult, I should use my grown adult power for things like that, it's such a good idea
I just did that two nights ago, glad to know I am among friends
A full garlic baguette with a hearty tomato soup is an elite dinner for me 🥫
Same here, and I don’t regret a thing 😂
Tobu was not interested in getting down from that shelf, no sir.
I would be scared my cat would launch the titanic over the edge of the banister
The clips of you reading Cows in the coffee shop I’m dead 😂😂😂 so hilarious. Extreme horror is definitely not for me either! But also ahhh what a cute little coffee shop that was, I love it 🥹 the walk back to your place is also so beautiful!!
I was jamming so hard to so many of these songs haha
Uma = “mother” in Korean
Slagatha shouldn’t be so tough on herself. You win some, you lose some.
33:04 I need Read by Zoe to make a come back because I loved her too
Omg I actually paused the video to read those lines in Cows... I cant erase that moment, I need to scrub my brain clean from that 😂
I love how much of this video is just you being a cuddly cat daddy. 🐈⬛🐾🖤🧡🖤🧡
Hi, long time viewer first time commenter.
Regarding your upstairs hall furniture drama: I think what you're looking for is a sideboard/buffet; it's a long, narrow hutch/cabinet. Ikea sells several, but you should be able to find them at a decent flea market*/swap meet* too.
*Apologies if those are VATs (Very American Terms). Swap Meet is kinda like a Boot Sale; a Flea Market is essentially a Bazaar.
Sugar syrup is so easy to make at home! Just put sugar + water on to simmer until it thickens. Next time!!
Also I'm so happy, warning people about splatterpunks is my claim to fame now. Don't read Aron Beauregard!!
Jesus Gavin this music playlist, secondary career “DJ Gavin” 😂
I can't get enough of Ash & Tobu
"She pressed her mouth to his ear and her breath stank" 💀💀💀 get miss girly a tic-tac
I simply had to stop what I was doing to enjoy Vlogoween. Since I'm celebrating my Hobbit birthday (33rd) I had plans to rewatch the lord of the rings shire house vlog and read the appendices with your Read with me video. Thank you in advance for the peaceful night I'm about to have.
The Halliwell shirt was MADE for you. I’m obsessed 😍
You talking to the lil ghosts the same way you talk to Ash and Tobu 🥹
Ugh! Gavin please please please read Penpal! I know you said you were gonna hold off for now but if you were haunted by the people horror in The Reformatory, you will get major creeps from Penpal! It’s SO good. I read it in one sitting. It’s short but also compulsively readable. I now read it every October because of the creepiness and atmosphere.
I second that. Loved Penpal! ❤
I third that!!!!!
I fourth that! It's one of my favorite horror books. The book needs way more hype.
So happy that you loved The Reformatory!!! I listened to it while following along in the book and also gave it 5 stars!!!
A few things, sir… Jealous of the gloomy rain clouds at 1pm weather, need the Halliwell Manor sweater, and I am soooo happy that your thoughts on The Reformatory aligned with mine!! Still one of my favorite books of the year. Oh, and as a professional music director - your choice in music for this vlog *chefs kiss* OkayLoveYaBye
I JUST COSPLAYED MYNE FROM ASCENDANCE OF A BOOKWORM!!!!!! I love the series so much! And I'm watching campfire cooking in another world, it is so cute and relaxing!!!
AAAHHH I bet you looked AMAZING!!
I miss Read by Zoe! She was so lovely and I always enjoyed watching her videos
57:35 I’m sure someone else has told you by now, but you can make your own simple syrup! It’s really easy, all you need is sugar, water, and a pot to boil them in. Plus it’s refrigerator stable so you can make a big batch & use it for individual or bulk drinks(:
If you are looking for a book to scare your pants off, I just read Crypt of the Moon Spider by Nathan Ballingund.
It is only 100 pages long, but 100 pages is really enough.
Creepy, crawly, and filled with some of the most beautiful writing as a horror novel.
Just beware, there are 🕷
Afternoon coffee and a new video from Gavtax, lovely. ☺️
As soon as I saw you hold up Cows, I said run Gavin. Run and never look back.
Ash and Tobu looking down at you through the banister is so cute 🤩
My god, when you showed those sections of Cows, my brain went immediately to "MY EYES! MY EYEEEEEEEESSSSSSSS!" from spongebob.
I enjoy seeing your cats, very cute.
so glad you loved the reformatory, one of my favourite books i've read this year!
Ok I’m gonna suggest something. I hope it’s ok. What about a long shelf above the tv (same length as the entertainment center)for the Titanic? It’s such an interesting piece and I loved the pop of color in your living room.
ash's purrs are getting me through this day
"...every single book I pick up I hope for a five-star." ::picks up Cows:: 🤣
Love the library room! Great decorations
The library looks great! And that walk home is magical 😮
I love your vlogs so much!! Your face when reading that cow book was so funny 😂 and I loved seeing all the Halloween decorations 🥰🎃
Love your videos! You crack me up😆🧡
yay i'm so glad you loved the reformatory! it's one of my favourite books from this year!
I agree the UK cover for the eyes are the best part is just terrible. I am still currently reading the reformatory and I am absolutely loving it so far. The writing is so immersive, and the characterisation is so good. As well as the slow build of the horrific supernatural elements, but also the horror of their reality as well? Everyone says cows is disgusting and I will never read it! And you've made me look forward to reading the eyes are the best part. Great vlog :)
Omg you reminded me of Read by Zoe and now I need to go back and rewatch all her old vids!
I am a person who loves extreme horror and Cows was a heck of a ride for me LOL. I'm shocked you finished it honestly, and especially read most of it in public LOL
Loved!
I am so glad you enjoyed The Reformatory! It definitely evokes some visceral reactions but it's one of my favorite books, so far, of 2024....Loved your review.
The way Gavin’s just fell while reading cows. *adds book to never ever read list*
10:23 Gavin's house: It's such a mess
my house: oh my god! what a violent earthquake you must have suffered😅
Being an Ashley and hearing all the love Ash was getting made me feel warm and fuzzy inside ahaha
I just have to let everyone know that the new version of ‘Salem’s Lot’ will release soon and it looks great!
10:54 I thought that tiktok/reel/whatever was fake, but it seems like you don't actually rinse the soapy dishes with water! 😱
Your cats are so adorable!
I was eyeing that exact hello autumn mug earlier omg
47:17 I COVET THAT FOUNTAIN GAVIN OMG 😭
The final version of the strawberry daiquiri looked so good! 🍓🍸
I tried and there is moment with a tongue that unfortunately is engraved in my brain for all eternity. I did find the writing to be ridiculous.
You should try Brother by Ania Ahlborn or Night of the prowler by Jon Athan. He had me with writing and gore til towards the end. I laughed so hard
Added The Reformatory to my Want to Read list! I love how the little skeleton in the background looks like he’s listening so intently to what you have to say 💀
Readbyzoe was the first booktuber I subbed too! I really hope she’s living her best life
I miss her videos so much. It’s how I discovered booktube too.
I miss Zoe’s videos. I often wonder what she’s up to now
21:54 Off topic but I spent sooo long staring at that fruit bowl in the kitchen cos I was 100% sure there was a fried egg in there. I’m like is it a fake egg? Is it for the fruit or something? Nope it’s just the tag from the oranges. 😅
"crying for their parents. Get over it!" 😂😂😂
Maybe get a bicycle? With bags at the back. I always use it for shopping because walking is a lot with full bags
Good job to use up your strawberries but I'm pretty sure best by dates are relatively arbitrary so you dont have to be super faithful to them as long as your food seems good still!
I read The Reformatory last year and it was one of my best reads of the year!
Gavin! I just bought garlic bread cuz i was craving too!! Def not alone in that lol 32:23
Garlic bread is love, garlic bread is life
Ok the Selling Sunset spread is giving as were the most recent episodes. WILD.
Readying to add books to my tbr because I need more scary books for the spooky season
Where did you get the eyes of the best part cover Ong
It’s the Evernight version of the book 😄
Gavin, I love your videos so much. You do such an amazing job. I love watching you make your strawberry daquries.❤❤❤😂😂😂
*skips the whole vlog so she can see his thoughts about Cows"
Sweet another vlog by Gavin. 😊
The grimace when you were reading cows in public, I’m dead… 😂
Ugh... You are making me feel guilty about neglecting my own housework... Time to download an audiobook. Good idea!
Thanks for the warning about Cows and for the manga recommendation too.
Gavin, I am so jealous of the path by your place! It looks so magical. I would want to walk it every day. I would also be huffing and puffing haha but it would be worth it!!
😍🌳🌲
I’ve only just got back from the metro buying a copy of The reformatory, what amazing timing
Ayeeee I'm just catching up and I see I've made my Gavin video debut 🎉❤
Gonna keep watching now, definitely need to see if you survived
I SAW THE THUMBNAIL AND SAW COWS…. AND I PHYSICALLY DRY HEAVED FOR GAVIN
Love your journey into Isekai anime, those two in particular are really good. Frothing at the mouth for the next seasons. You should try Welcome to demon school! Iruma-kun, if you haven't yet.
Gavin's expressions when he was reading Cows in the shop 😂 and then I paused to read his highlights 😨
Commenting as I watch, so I may edit. The Reformatory is on my TBR because I'm pretty sure it's based upon the real life Florida School for Boys (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_School_for_Boys?wprov=sfla1 ). I live barely an hour away from it, so while I'll know the book will probably pack a punch, especially given just how true it is, I'm always a fan of reading local stuff.
I temporarily DNFd the reformatory, but after finding it in a little free library, I am motivated to continue!
If you check out a Read with Dr B video, she runs a sprint spreadsheet that her and few others work really hard to keep up to date. Thought I'd mention as you were looking for sprints and it might be nice for them times you or a booktube friend isn't sprinting.
sugar syrup is really easy to make yourself!!
Would you ever bring back the Agatha Christie vlogs 🥺 they are some of my favs from you
For future reference: make your own sugar syrup! X it’s just equal sugar and hot water. When I’m making cocktails I just mix a couple tablespoons of sugar w a bit of building water from the kettle and mix ! X
All I could think when seeing those passages from "Cows" was that someone actually thought that up in their own brain and decided that other people ought to take a peek. Makes me wonder what they are like in real life.
I definitely recommend checkin out Tananarive Due's short story collection "Ghost Summer"! I read it for this year's summerween. Planning on reading The Good House for spooky season :)
Don't worry, my dishes and kitchen are messier than yours!
26:20 There is part for pouring why would you do it sideways like that? D:
Cows was definitely an "experience" thats for sure.... lol.
Gavin’s coffee is a process. He’s a regular barista!
Omg I remember the Frozen Daquiri Era
Glad you found a 5 star, and that you're throwing Cows in the bin.
I want those floating candles and the wand lol
Is that a Lego Titanic at 7:10????
Given what I know about Cows, please don't let the internet convince you to read Hogg, by Samuel R. Delany, if you haven't read anything else by him.
Or, probably, at all.
I love long horror books so definitely checking out The reformatory
I’ve been training and trying to eat healthier this year and someone recommended diet soda and a vanilla core power drink as an alternative to cream and soda and OMG game changer!!!
13:00 Are you really going to move the catx box and put furniture there instead? 😱😂 Jk, I think it would look nice.