I haven't sat down and read a book for fun in almost five years. Pachinko was sort of my "gateway" back into reading. The writing style isn't pretentious, the characters are lovable and flawed... I just loved it. So beautiful and real.
big novels are my absolute fave. I love being able to spend a really long time inside a storyworld. Yeeeeees Kavalier & Clay 😍 such perfection. Meg Wolitzer's books sound right up my alley! Thanks for bringing her to my attention, I'm going to have to go grab some of her novels this weekend 😁 great video, Russell.
Loved your list. Please DO read Pachinko.....it is one of my favorites & read about 15 to 20 books monthly. I think you will find as you read it, however, that some parts of your review were not exactly accurate as far as the story line. The young girl who is pregnant .... her boyfriend does not refuse to marry her...it is more that he cannot, for reasons you quickly find out at start of the book. Also, the "syphillitic" ? comment I do not recall happening to any character I can recall, (pardon me if my memory is wrong on this) although major illness does enter the story. Please read this wonderful book; it is well worth the time. I am thinking you have finished it by now. Again, thanks for your great recommendations!
I read pachinko when it just came out , I highly recommend it Ink and paper is the best book blog I have come across so far and I’m a bilingual reader... Thank for all the recommended books
I can't wait to read Pachinko! I've had it for a while now and just need to find the right time. I'm having a hard time getting into any of the books I've tried lately. Re: Kavalier and Clay, I've heard a lot of people say how good it is but I've never been compelled to read it until now. You have a way of making every book you review sound so damn good! I'm definitely going to give K&C a try!
I haven't read any of these novels but that's why I like watching your videos because you always recommend books I've never even heard of before. Another great big book is The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber! Is reads like a great classic!
OH, RUSSELL, you HAVE to read Pachinko. It's THE book that I've touted most in the last year. You ought to go with me to either the Hachette Book Brunch or to BEA. We would have so much fun. I got that book at Hachette last year, so my copy is signed.
I need to get to it. I have it and it stares at me. I am going to try to go to a book event of some sort next year. Lets hope. I have met Min Jin Lee and she is just so so so lovely.
I hope you don't mind comments on older videos. I so enjoyed your spiel on The Interestings! I loved it so much too, and feel it' alive and fresh in my consciousness after listening to you. I still haven't read anything else by Wolitzer but I need to. King's Men was one I studied in grad school, so I don't remember enjoying it in the way that I do when I read for pleasure. I should reread it! If you've already read Pachinko since this video was made or whenever you get around to it, I hope you love it. I sure did!
Russel- Pachinko is also on my list. Have you read The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia? Love to know what you think. I adored it. May be my top read this year so far. It’s a chunkster too!
Russell great video as always. I cannot wait to get stuck into Pachinko. I'm just annoyed that the UK cover is hideous lol. I must agree with you about Roxane Gay - she is an inspiration. I am waiting on her book Hunger to arrive in the post as we speak. Also I wanted to say that another long book that I read that has haunted me (in a good way) ever since I read it last year is A Little Life. I know it's a controversial one and usually divides opinion but I had to mention it as it has remained in my mind and I often find myself thinking about Jude et al. What do you think? Thank you again for your wonderful recs. Love from London xxx
I absolutely do not understand why Pachinko has not been all over the bestseller lists. It's easily the best book I've read in 2017 and I've been reading a lot of front list this year.
I always appreciate your reviews Russell. Thank you for the recommendations. I have added most of them to my TBR! I got Pachinko through Book of the Month and it is sitting on my shelf staring at me balefully, wondering why I haven't picked it up yet. Thanks for the push!
Pachinko is on my library wait list. I appreciate your thoughts on it. Maybe I can read it in August also. I have read The Interestings and quite enjoyed it.
I just ordered Any Human Heart and I too STILL haven't read Pachinko!! Thanks for ALWAYS recommending the best books Russell!! By the way, I read Pobby and Dingan. I really enjoyed it, but I didn't want it to end!! Did you mention in your video that that author took his life? I also read The Shawl yesterday. Both books broke my heart!! (in a good way)....I am hoping to do a quick video on these this weekend...As always, GREAT video!
oh my goodness - I am so glad you loved them. Such heartbreakers in such good ways. I cannot wait to hear what you think. I am so glad you got another one from this list. LOL.
So glad to hear you mention Any Human Heart, Russell! I adored that book. I have had The Interestings on my shelf for ages - must get round to it very soon! Great video as always.
I'm so scared of long books, so thank you for this. Just what I needed!! I love The Art of Fielding too and had totally forgotten about it!! Thanks for hanging out with me during this video 💚
I always feel guilty when I watch your videos because inevitably the books you rave about are ones I have had on my shelf for months and keep slipping though the cracks haha. The Art of Fielding has been on my TBR for a while now. I think it sounds amazing!
Oh no! I never want you to feel guilty. don't do that. The Art of Fielding will surprise you - I think you will like it from what I know of your reading.
Hi there! I was a college student back in the 70's. I was familiar with All the Kings MeN but never got around to reading it. I'm going to pick up a copy of that one and Michael Chabon's book. My life has slowed down now that I'm older and I can take time to enjoy all 400 + pages 😊. Happy reading!
Just discovered your channel; thank you for such great content and recommendations! (Super cool to see the Europa Editions to the right on your shelf...I love that publisher and how it supports great translation!)
And my TBR pile grows! I have The Interestings on my shelf right now. Stephanie at That's What She Read also adores that book! Very eager to read The Amazing Adventures now!!! Thanks Russell!!
I am such a huge college sports fan so it is great to hear that you are a fellow sports fan in the bookish world! Also, I own Pachinko but have yet to read it because I am also guilty at times of putting off longer books. I live in Japan, so the book's topic and themes really appeal to me and I must get around to it soon and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and met the author. Thanks for the great video and recommendations as always!
College sports all the way !! My house does not love them, so I have to sneak them in. LOL. I think Pachinko is going to be amazing. I hope you and I get to is soon.
I need to read more Meg Wolitzer too! I was completely taken over by the characters in The Interestings. I don't know why I haven't picked up other Wolitzer novels. Pachinko is on my TBR pile. It's one I've been wanting to read since it came out. The cover is so lovely!
I LOVED Kavalier and Clay! I remember finishing it quickly and then trying to convince all my friends to read it so we could talk about it. It was also the first time I'd heard of the Golem, and it sent me down a Jewish folklore rabbit hole for a bit. Thanks for sharing!
I just bought The Interestings a few weeks ago so good to see it on your list. I am still planning my August reads so I'll add it to my pile based on your recommendation.
Hi, Rusell, Have read all except the William Boyd, which I will check out. Interestingly, when "The Art Of Fielding" first came out, I thought it had to do with the author Henry Fielding. But it was terrific, and I am not a sports guy. But it was exceptional.
Oh I am so glad to hear that. It is really a great book. I know big books can take some time - but the pay off! Thank you for checking back in with me. That makes me so happy.
I had a similar experience with Pachinko in that it arrived on a Saturday, I read it through the evening and then finished it in one sitting the next day. I find it such a brilliant book and would like to hear your thoughts. I may seek out these books as I haven't heard of a few of them, thanks for the recommendations.
I felt Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" was engrossing, even if I didn't necessarily agree with her philosophy. The whole book sort of spirals into crazy town at the end in scenarios you least expect, so I would recommend it. These other books look great, thank you for recommending.
I have not read Rand since high school. Not a book I have every wanted to go back to. But I recall how people were obsessed with her work when I was younger.
Love this vid - I just downloaded The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer from audible - been meaning to read it for ages and you have made me move it up the (long, long) list! :)
i'm with you 100% on" kavalier & clay"..also love, love, his "the yiddish policemen's union" just about as much...read and also liked "art of fielding" but "the interestings" didn't do it for me...after hearing high recommendations of "any human heart" on the readers i've it awaiting reading and someday maybe "all the king's men" not so sure..but do want to read Pachinco..it's funny you mention roxanne gay as i was rather disturbed recently when steve donoghue citing a blurb by roxanne gay said something dismissive like she doesn't read many novels. finally may i recomment one of my all time favorites of recent years..adam johnson's "the orphan master's son"..oh and elizabeth gilbert's "signature of all things" and also i'm enjoying listening to you on the reader's just now...
Roxane Gay is one of my reading gurus. She only really talks about things she is passionate about. I follow her a lot and also see her in person often. I think you will like Any Human Heart - and it is a quick long read.
I really enjoy these recommendation videos! Kavalier and Clay has been staring at me from my bookshelf for quite some time - I need to read it soon. All the king's men and Pachinko sound fascinating. I've heard of both previously but don't own them yet.
I have read Min Jin Lee's book - Free Food For Millionaires. That book was close to 600 pages I think and I was able to read it in one day. Min Jin books are very fast paced, action packed and dialogue driven and extremely straight forward so although long, they don't require the readers to slow down.
Art of Fielding was OK for me. I’ll admit I sort of got lost in it about 200 pages in and then got distracted by something else. I never felt the pull to go back to it, but maybe I’ll not write it off just yet. Odd second comment... I feel like a novel you may enjoy is “Balzac and the Little Seamstress “... just a thought
Kavalier and Clay is one of my favourites if not my favourite book, it broke my heart, made me laugh, and I think of it so regularly since I've read it. My copy is destroyed, covered in coffee spills and rain (I couldn't stop reading!) and I love the version you have, going to see if I can track it down here in South Africa.
I am so glad to hear it. It is an amazing novel. I think that people should have to read it! Book Depository is your friend - free world wide shipping.
I'm always hesitant to read big books, because of the time commitment. Which is dumb, it's not like I haven't followed numerous series. One of my favorites of all time though us Donna Tartt's The Secret History, and I believe that is just shy if 600 pages. Also, John Steinbeck's East of Eden (I love Steinbeck. Almost anything by him is a win.) I own The Interestings, I keep meaning to read it. The premise sounds so good.
I totally get it. A big book can take the entire month if you are not careful. I adored both The Secret History and East of Eden - I love Steinbeck too - have you been to his museum in Salinas, CA? If not, it is worth the trip.
Hi Russell! I just came across a Dutch book which has very recently been translated and published in English. It's called "The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old". It's about an old man, Hendrik Groen, who lives in a care home. I think it's definitely something you would really enjoy! Also, great video! Adding some new books to my wishlist :)
Hating myself for still not reading a Michael Chabon book ugh! I promise it's happening soon! Also, I read The Interestings about a year ago and... I was very disappointed. Not the worst book but more like a three star for me sadly. Last but not least, you need to read The Goldfinch! You knew it was coming ;) hahaha I'll bug you until you read it haha another great video Russell !
Roxane Gay will be at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC in September. I hope to meet her. I have written down each of your books. Thanks. I have quite a few big books to get through myself.
It has been years since I read All the King's Men, but I remember loving it. Willie Stark, like Huey Long, becomes the Governor of Louisiana. And I think House of Cards is an actual novel that inspired the British adaptation. I read Kavalier and Clay shortly after it came out. I largely enjoyed it. I read Pachinko recently. It is very good, though Lee loses focus towards the end. She isn't as invested in later generations of the family.
Roxane Gay said the same thing about Pachinko - but she said it was still worth it. All the Kings Men is one of those books that everyone should read but likely has not heard of. It makes me sad.
All the King's Men was required reading here in Louisiana! The shadow of Huey Long is long and difficult to get out from under here. I would definitely recommend it. Have you read a The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert? It's another long, engrossing novel that follows one woman's life in 1800s US. The two long novels on my TBR (that aren't sci-fi/fantasy) are City on Fire and The Luminaries.
I have not ... I have tried to read Gilbert and just have not gotten on with her. I will look into Signature tough. I read about 1/4 of City of Fire and just found it to be over hyped. Maybe if I come back to it. McBride stresses me out - some writers I think are too smart for me. But it is on myself as well.
Ink and Paper Blog I never read Eat, Pray, Love, but I had heard an NPR review of Signature that intrigued me. I particularly love books that focus on intelligent women who live in time periods that don't recognize their achievements. Alma is a great character to follow through a lifetime.
Here it is in December 2019 and I just found your channel and watched this one and the short novels slump and I wrote all of them down. Your descriptions and reasons to read them are right on target. I've read Kavalier, Disgraced, All the kings men (there was a movie in the 40's and Broderick Crawford won the Oscar for best actor and it also won best movie in 1949 I think,) 84 Charing Cross and Art of Fielding. So whatever else you recommend I will read. You have a great accessible way of presenting and so I subscribed. Sorry so late.
My two recent long novels that I got lost in are The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton's Booker prize winning novel, and Confessions, by Jaume Cabre. Both are REALLY big, but incredibly immersive.
At its simplest, it's about a man looking back over a life that includes some of the key periods in European history. The style, however, may put people off, but I raced through its 700+ pages. To be honest, I think you have to be a dedicated reader to stick with it, but It has got great ratings in Goodreads, and is one of my favourite books of recent years.
I've been meaning to read All the Kings Men for so long (decades!) & for some reason I never did. But you looked at me so persuasively (well, not me personally but you know what I mean) that I will run to the used bookstore tomorrow! (Because you liked the timely/politcal aspect of the story: have you read any Sinclair Lewis (Babbit / Elmer Gantry)? If not, I think you might enjoy him). And I am so happy you want to try more Weg Wolitzer, I think she is fantastic. Do you know which book of her you might pick up next?
Oh, I think you would love it Britta! You should read it. I have not read that Sinclair Lewis - but I did read --- oh what is that one--- I cannot recall. I will pick those up though - they should be everywhere. I am not sure where to start with Meg - any recommendations?
Re Meg: I really liked Belzhar (also because I love Plath's Bell Jar that plays an important role in the book), but if you are not into a little bit of magical realism, this might not be the book for you. Then, maybe: The Position.
Britta Böhler & Russell, you both are bringing up some incredible books. Babbitt and Elmer Gantry I read both twice before. They are just fantastic and I can't say enough about them. I couldn't get into Arrowsmith or I think the other one is Main Street(?). I expected a little more of The Interestings but I adored her book The Wife. It's about feminism, marriage, writing, life. And It's much more than just the twist that people often bring up. Yes, Wolitzer is a fantastic writer and I think you'd love The Wife. It's probably less than half the page length of The Interestings.
They all sound great. The only one i have is Pachinko but i havent read it yet. I just started reading Roxanne Gays memoir and now i definitely want to read fiction by her which one should i read next??
I agree The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is one of the best books I have read in years. Chabon's prose is so beautiful I would re-read chapters just to experience it again. I loved it so much I read the other eight novels by Chabon and enjoyed every one of them and the beautiful prose especially Moonglow. I wish he would write more novels but it seems he has "retired?". Don't care for his short stories.
[Chabon enthusiasm ON] Ah, Michael Chabon... Sorry, can't help blablaing aobut him. You are getting a lot of enthusiastic comments on him and I am whole heartedly joining the mass! :D I remember when the Yiddish Policemen Union was published and I read it, it was one of those fantastic moments in a reader's life that happens only a very few times: you are discovering an outstanding author earlier in his carrier, who eventually becomes part of the canon for sure, and also, one of your all time favs, no matter what. Since then I have read evertything by him and to be honest I am 100% sure he is one of the best contemporary American writers. He has company in this title - DFW, Diaz, Pynchon, Roth - but he has a sure place in the group. I am happy I am not alone with this opinion (Mattia - his excellent youtube is The Bookchemist - is actually writing his PhD partly on Chabon, if I am not mistaken)! I am also very proud that way back then, I was probably the first person introduced the Hungarian readers to Chabon (and he is also another author that you can't hear too much in Booktube - so kudos to you!) [Chabon enthusiasm OFF]
I haven't read any of these, my life is too full of other stuff to have the time to devote to big books. I'm too slow a reader and it just spoils the experience so I'm saving the ones I really want to read for my retirement (sadly quite some time away still, but the books will wait...)
Any Human Heart is brilliant, and I would recommend it to anyone, but ultimately, there is only one author besides Shakespeare....Proust. Shakespeare is off in the quintessence all by himself, but for the rest, there can only be Proust. Read Shakespeare and read Proust, and you have read all there is to read ever. Just my two cents for whatever it is worth.
Damn it Russell! Another great video! I have wanted to get Pachinko for a while now! Currently I am reading 4321 by Paul Auster...weighs in at 866 pages (chunkster) it's good, but I can only take it at small intervals...very interesting premise! Check it out!
I can't believe all the mediocre recommendations I had to suffer through to find you! My TBR just grew significantly. In terms of a few chunky reads; I am enthralled at the 3/4 mark of The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish. Wow spanish inquisition impact on Judaism, set between then and present day. Doozy but totally accessible. Poisonwood bible ? I always hesitate to recommend. I love love love, but also lived in DR Congo for years, so whereas I felt the book brought DRC to life and was a very apt description, not sure if it resonates the same way for others. One last, the dove keepers! Alice Hoffman goodie. Siege of Masada, shared narration through the female archetypes of the time if they had had a voice in history-witch, widow and whore I wanna say? A gem.
Oh Huey P. Long! Horrid! Honey They are still getting away with that crap in Louisiana. 😒 There's one you should check out if you haven't already read it called The Power of One by Bryce Courteney. Great read about apartheid in South Africa and boxing through the eyes of Peekay a young British boy.
I love All The King's Men. I think it is very relevant to what's going on under Trump. I also loved Kalivar and Clay. Chabon is a great writer. I want to read The Interestings but I gave it away when I moved😣
Isn't it amazing how literature can still hold power so many years later. The library can solve your Interestings problem - and they need our support so much
I think you will love Pachinko. It really does envelop a person. I can see how The Art of Fielding is not for everyone. Kavalier and Clay is in my top 10 favorites.
Ink and Paper Blog You're welcome.the novels you mentioned sound interesting. I love House of Cards and have a copy of All the King`s Men so I`ll give it a try. East of Eden is a long novel that I really love.
@@InkandPaperBlog don't be! You'll be glad you picked it up. The people are fascinating, it's very atmospheric and altogether quite an experience. I would feel like I was coming out of a meditation everytime I would put it down to return to work. It's immersive.
I follow your channel everyday, but you never talk about Spanish fiction. I recommend you, Patria by Fernando Aramburu. It has been translated to the English language. I would like to know your opinion. Thank you very much.
Do you mean fiction from Spain or fiction translated from Spanish? I know I have talked about a lot of books translated from Spanish - but I think you are right I have not read anything from Spain in ages. Thank you for the recommendation.
I haven't sat down and read a book for fun in almost five years. Pachinko was sort of my "gateway" back into reading. The writing style isn't pretentious, the characters are lovable and flawed... I just loved it. So beautiful and real.
Wasn't Pachinko great. I still think about that book all the time. She is an amazing person too.
big novels are my absolute fave. I love being able to spend a really long time inside a storyworld. Yeeeeees Kavalier & Clay 😍 such perfection. Meg Wolitzer's books sound right up my alley! Thanks for bringing her to my attention, I'm going to have to go grab some of her novels this weekend 😁 great video, Russell.
Loved your list. Please DO read Pachinko.....it is one of my favorites & read about 15 to 20 books monthly. I think you will find as you read it, however, that some parts of your review were not exactly accurate as far as the story line. The young girl who is pregnant .... her boyfriend does not refuse to marry her...it is more that he cannot, for reasons you quickly find out at start of the book. Also, the "syphillitic" ? comment I do not recall happening to any character I can recall, (pardon me if my memory is wrong on this) although major illness does enter the story. Please read this wonderful book; it is well worth the time. I am thinking you have finished it by now. Again, thanks for your great recommendations!
Yep,. I thought Isak (the minister) suffered from TB, not syphilis.
Pachinko is a fantastic read! Hope you enjoy it.
I cannot wait- it is right around the corner.
@Sceptro I loved it. It is such an amazing book. I have read both of her novels and they are both 100% worth your time.
I just read Pachinko thanks to your recommendation. Absolutely loved it and learned a lot I didn't know about Japanese and Korean history. Thanks!
Pachinko is one of the best books I've ever read, and I've read a lot of books.
ᎶᏒᎪᏟᎬ please explain the plot of it
Well, I have just finished reading Pachinko. It is a brilliant read which made me feel nostalgic and made me break into tears also.
Pachinko, what an extraordinary book, enjoyed every single page of it.
I read pachinko when it just came out , I highly recommend it
Ink and paper is the best book blog I have come across so far and I’m a bilingual reader...
Thank for all the recommended books
I can't wait to read Pachinko! I've had it for a while now and just need to find the right time. I'm having a hard time getting into any of the books I've tried lately. Re: Kavalier and Clay, I've heard a lot of people say how good it is but I've never been compelled to read it until now. You have a way of making every book you review sound so damn good! I'm definitely going to give K&C a try!
Get it from the library just in case! I think Pachinko needs to be on everyones August read list LOL.
Too late! I BOUGHT it months ago, lol!
All the King's Men has been on my TBR maybe the longest than any other book. Your mention is a sign maybe I should get to it.
It is a sign!!!! Cannot wait to hear what you think
I haven't read any of these novels but that's why I like watching your videos because you always recommend books I've never even heard of before. Another great big book is The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber! Is reads like a great classic!
OH, RUSSELL, you HAVE to read Pachinko. It's THE book that I've touted most in the last year. You ought to go with me to either the Hachette Book Brunch or to BEA. We would have so much fun. I got that book at Hachette last year, so my copy is signed.
I need to get to it. I have it and it stares at me. I am going to try to go to a book event of some sort next year. Lets hope. I have met Min Jin Lee and she is just so so so lovely.
I hope you don't mind comments on older videos. I so enjoyed your spiel on The Interestings! I loved it so much too, and feel it' alive and fresh in my consciousness after listening to you. I still haven't read anything else by Wolitzer but I need to.
King's Men was one I studied in grad school, so I don't remember enjoying it in the way that I do when I read for pleasure. I should reread it!
If you've already read Pachinko since this video was made or whenever you get around to it, I hope you love it. I sure did!
Pachinko and The Interesting, are my favorite books!
Russel- Pachinko is also on my list. Have you read The Murmur of Bees by Sofía Segovia? Love to know what you think. I adored it. May be my top read this year so far. It’s a chunkster too!
I loved Pachinko... So I hope you do too. I have not read The Murmur of Bees yet - but I have it on my TBR>
Russell great video as always.
I cannot wait to get stuck into Pachinko. I'm just annoyed that the UK cover is hideous lol.
I must agree with you about Roxane Gay - she is an inspiration. I am waiting on her book Hunger to arrive in the post as we speak.
Also I wanted to say that another long book that I read that has haunted me (in a good way) ever since I read it last year is A Little Life. I know it's a controversial one and usually divides opinion but I had to mention it as it has remained in my mind and I often find myself thinking about Jude et al. What do you think?
Thank you again for your wonderful recs. Love from London xxx
I absolutely do not understand why Pachinko has not been all over the bestseller lists. It's easily the best book I've read in 2017 and I've been reading a lot of front list this year.
I don't get it either. I think it may surprise us at National Book Award time.
Barter Hordes what is the plot of it?
I loved Pachinko. This was from David at The Poptimist's recommendation. It was fantastic. These all sound great.
I always appreciate your reviews Russell. Thank you for the recommendations. I have added most of them to my TBR! I got Pachinko through Book of the Month and it is sitting on my shelf staring at me balefully, wondering why I haven't picked it up yet. Thanks for the push!
We should both do it in August! I believe in us! Thank you for watching.
Pachinko is on my library wait list. I appreciate your thoughts on it. Maybe I can read it in August also. I have read The Interestings and quite enjoyed it.
I hope you get to read it in August as well! I think you will like The Interestings. Cannot wait to hear what you think.
I just ordered Any Human Heart and I too STILL haven't read Pachinko!! Thanks for ALWAYS recommending the best books Russell!! By the way, I read Pobby and Dingan. I really enjoyed it, but I didn't want it to end!! Did you mention in your video that that author took his life? I also read The Shawl yesterday. Both books broke my heart!! (in a good way)....I am hoping to do a quick video on these this weekend...As always, GREAT video!
oh my goodness - I am so glad you loved them. Such heartbreakers in such good ways. I cannot wait to hear what you think. I am so glad you got another one from this list. LOL.
AND! I also read Here Comes The Sun which I gave 5 stars as well! SOOOO good!!!
Did you know they made a movie from Pobby and Dingan??? I am watching it RIGHT now!!! It's called OPAL DREAM!!
Oh my goodness you will have to tell me how it is. And Here comes the Sun is amazing. You have been reading up a storm
So glad to hear you mention Any Human Heart, Russell! I adored that book. I have had The Interestings on my shelf for ages - must get round to it very soon! Great video as always.
I canot wait to hear what you think of the Intererestings. Any Human Heart is a book more people need to get their hands on!
I'm so scared of long books, so thank you for this. Just what I needed!! I love The Art of Fielding too and had totally forgotten about it!! Thanks for hanging out with me during this video 💚
I, too, LOVE The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay❣️Your list really piques my interest....I'm not sure if I should thank you or groan...
If you groan only do it while carrying around all of these heavy books :-) I think Cavalier and Clay is his masterpiece.
I always feel guilty when I watch your videos because inevitably the books you rave about are ones I have had on my shelf for months and keep slipping though the cracks haha. The Art of Fielding has been on my TBR for a while now. I think it sounds amazing!
Oh no! I never want you to feel guilty. don't do that. The Art of Fielding will surprise you - I think you will like it from what I know of your reading.
Just discovered your channel…subscribed. Love your reading nook and thoughtful suggestions!
Thank you so much for watching. I am so glad you like what you have found!
Hi there! I was a college student back in the 70's. I was familiar with All the Kings MeN but never got around to reading it. I'm going to pick up a copy of that one and Michael Chabon's book. My life has slowed down now that I'm older and I can take time to enjoy all 400 + pages 😊. Happy reading!
I hinny recommend them both. I cannot wait to hear what you think. All the Kings Men is so good. And Chabon's will change your reading life. So, good.
Just discovered your channel; thank you for such great content and recommendations! (Super cool to see the Europa Editions to the right on your shelf...I love that publisher and how it supports great translation!)
Thank you so much for coming over. I adore Europa - I have not read a bad book from them - ever. I just read Ties and it was fantastic.
And my TBR pile grows! I have The Interestings on my shelf right now. Stephanie at That's What She Read also adores that book! Very eager to read The Amazing Adventures now!!! Thanks Russell!!
I cannot wait to hear what you think of Amazing. The Interestings is so worth a visit - promise.
I am such a huge college sports fan so it is great to hear that you are a fellow sports fan in the bookish world! Also, I own Pachinko but have yet to read it because I am also guilty at times of putting off longer books. I live in Japan, so the book's topic and themes really appeal to me and I must get around to it soon and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it and met the author. Thanks for the great video and recommendations as always!
College sports all the way !! My house does not love them, so I have to sneak them in. LOL. I think Pachinko is going to be amazing. I hope you and I get to is soon.
Russell, prior to Sean Penn there was Broderick Crawford. I love your broadcasts. Keep up the good work.
Oh that is right. I have actually heard that the first once is better than the second movie version. Thank you so much for watching :-)
I need to read more Meg Wolitzer too! I was completely taken over by the characters in The Interestings. I don't know why I haven't picked up other Wolitzer novels. Pachinko is on my TBR pile. It's one I've been wanting to read since it came out. The cover is so lovely!
Pachinko is amazing. I met the author. She is wonderful and signed my book. I could not put it down.
Amazing. Min Jin is a lovely human being. I cannot wait for her next book to come out.
I LOVED Kavalier and Clay! I remember finishing it quickly and then trying to convince all my friends to read it so we could talk about it.
It was also the first time I'd heard of the Golem, and it sent me down a Jewish folklore rabbit hole for a bit.
Thanks for sharing!
Kavalier and Clay all the way! I think about it all the time.
YESS!! The Art of Fielding! I am so happy to hear anyone talk about that book - it is one of my favourites of recent years :)
Right. It is so good and so well written. I adore it. More people need to read it.
I love long books. Added 'The Interestings' and 'Any Human Heart' to my TBR. Thanks for the recommends.
Of course. I hope you love both of them. They are great.
I just bought The Interestings a few weeks ago so good to see it on your list. I am still planning my August reads so I'll add it to my pile based on your recommendation.
I think you will really like it I don't think that it a hard read. I cannot wait to hear what you think.
Hi, Rusell, Have read all except the William Boyd, which I will check out. Interestingly, when "The Art Of Fielding" first came out, I thought it had to do with the author Henry Fielding. But it was terrific, and I am not a sports guy. But it was exceptional.
I think you will like Boyd. He seems up your alley. That is too funny about Fielding. I am not a sports person either and really enjoyed it.
Just finished Any Human Heart. Took me a long time, but I really loved it!
Oh I am so glad to hear that. It is really a great book. I know big books can take some time - but the pay off! Thank you for checking back in with me. That makes me so happy.
@@InkandPaperBlog Big books are quicker to read on Kindle
I had a similar experience with Pachinko in that it arrived on a Saturday, I read it through the evening and then finished it in one sitting the next day. I find it such a brilliant book and would like to hear your thoughts. I may seek out these books as I haven't heard of a few of them, thanks for the recommendations.
Oh good! I am so excited for it. I will read it in August. Need to do it.
You always have the best recommendation lists!
I am glad you think so LOL
I felt Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" was engrossing, even if I didn't necessarily agree with her philosophy. The whole book sort of spirals into crazy town at the end in scenarios you least expect, so I would recommend it.
These other books look great, thank you for recommending.
I have not read Rand since high school. Not a book I have every wanted to go back to. But I recall how people were obsessed with her work when I was younger.
I'm slowly doing a Meg Wolitzer backlist reading project on my channel, and I definitely recommend it!
subscribed. I am on it :-)
How has it taken me this long to find you and subscribe to your channel? I can't wait to watch more of your videos!! ❤️❤️❤️
I don't know ;-) But I am so glad you found me! I cannot wait to hear what you think about all the videos. I hope you like them.
I loved All the Kings Men! Thanks for reminding me about it. I read it a really long time ago. I would like to do a reread.
Oh do read it! I think it is so so good.let me know what you think.
Fabulous recommendations! I’m going to read the Chabon book for sure. Thanks!!
Love this vid - I just downloaded The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer from audible - been meaning to read it for ages and you have made me move it up the (long, long) list! :)
oh i hope you love it. this video is my most watched video - should I do another? tell me what you think when you are done.
i'm with you 100% on" kavalier & clay"..also love, love, his "the yiddish policemen's union" just about as much...read and also liked "art of fielding" but "the interestings" didn't do it for me...after hearing high recommendations of "any human heart" on the readers i've it awaiting reading and someday maybe "all the king's men" not so sure..but do want to read Pachinco..it's funny you mention roxanne gay as i was rather disturbed recently when steve donoghue citing a blurb by roxanne gay said something dismissive like she doesn't read many novels.
finally may i recomment one of my all time favorites of recent years..adam johnson's "the orphan master's son"..oh and elizabeth gilbert's "signature of all things"
and also i'm enjoying listening to you on the reader's just now...
Roxane Gay is one of my reading gurus. She only really talks about things she is passionate about. I follow her a lot and also see her in person often. I think you will like Any Human Heart - and it is a quick long read.
i look forward to it..after i finish the two maisie dobbs mysteries i've scheduled first!
The Art of Fielding! One of my all-time faves! Any Human Heart....wonderful story, beautiful writing.
I totally agree. I have not read it in so long.
I really enjoy these recommendation videos! Kavalier and Clay has been staring at me from my bookshelf for quite some time - I need to read it soon. All the king's men and Pachinko sound fascinating. I've heard of both previously but don't own them yet.
Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay has been on my TBR for a while.
I will definitely need to get to it soon rather than later !
Oh, you so so so so do. It is amazing. Let me know what you think.
I have read Min Jin Lee's book - Free Food For Millionaires. That book was close to 600 pages I think and I was able to read it in one day. Min Jin books are very fast paced, action packed and dialogue driven and extremely straight forward so although long, they don't require the readers to slow down.
I have Free Food For Millionaires on myself. as well. I think all her books sound amazing. I need to get to it soon. Thank you for the push.
Art of Fielding was OK for me. I’ll admit I sort of got lost in it about 200 pages in and then got distracted by something else. I never felt the pull to go back to it, but maybe I’ll not write it off just yet. Odd second comment... I feel like a novel you may enjoy is “Balzac and the Little Seamstress “... just a thought
Novella
Kavalier and Clay is one of my favourites if not my favourite book, it broke my heart, made me laugh, and I think of it so regularly since I've read it. My copy is destroyed, covered in coffee spills and rain (I couldn't stop reading!) and I love the version you have, going to see if I can track it down here in South Africa.
I am so glad to hear it. It is an amazing novel. I think that people should have to read it! Book Depository is your friend - free world wide shipping.
I'm always hesitant to read big books, because of the time commitment. Which is dumb, it's not like I haven't followed numerous series. One of my favorites of all time though us Donna Tartt's The Secret History, and I believe that is just shy if 600 pages. Also, John Steinbeck's East of Eden (I love Steinbeck. Almost anything by him is a win.) I own The Interestings, I keep meaning to read it. The premise sounds so good.
I totally get it. A big book can take the entire month if you are not careful. I adored both The Secret History and East of Eden - I love Steinbeck too - have you been to his museum in Salinas, CA? If not, it is worth the trip.
Hi Russell! I just came across a Dutch book which has very recently been translated and published in English. It's called "The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 years old". It's about an old man, Hendrik Groen, who lives in a care home. I think it's definitely something you would really enjoy!
Also, great video! Adding some new books to my wishlist :)
I have been told about this book - and I clearly need it! It sounds so like me. Thank you for reminding me.
No problem! I know there's a second book out in Dutch, but I don't know when that one will be translated..
Hating myself for still not reading a Michael Chabon book ugh! I promise it's happening soon! Also, I read The Interestings about a year ago and... I was very disappointed. Not the worst book but more like a three star for me sadly. Last but not least, you need to read The Goldfinch! You knew it was coming ;) hahaha I'll bug you until you read it haha another great video Russell !
Roxane Gay will be at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC in September. I hope to meet her. I have written down each of your books. Thanks. I have quite a few big books to get through myself.
I love love love her. I think I am going to do an entire video about her. if you get to meet her, she is so warm and lovely.
It has been years since I read All the King's Men, but I remember loving it. Willie Stark, like Huey Long, becomes the Governor of Louisiana. And I think House of Cards is an actual novel that inspired the British adaptation.
I read Kavalier and Clay shortly after it came out. I largely enjoyed it.
I read Pachinko recently. It is very good, though Lee loses focus towards the end. She isn't as invested in later generations of the family.
Roxane Gay said the same thing about Pachinko - but she said it was still worth it. All the Kings Men is one of those books that everyone should read but likely has not heard of. It makes me sad.
Indeed. It is a shame.
Pachinko is worth it, but I gave it a high three, almost four star rating.
All the King's Men was required reading here in Louisiana! The shadow of Huey Long is long and difficult to get out from under here. I would definitely recommend it. Have you read a The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert? It's another long, engrossing novel that follows one woman's life in 1800s US. The two long novels on my TBR (that aren't sci-fi/fantasy) are City on Fire and The Luminaries.
I have not ... I have tried to read Gilbert and just have not gotten on with her. I will look into Signature tough. I read about 1/4 of City of Fire and just found it to be over hyped. Maybe if I come back to it. McBride stresses me out - some writers I think are too smart for me. But it is on myself as well.
Ink and Paper Blog I never read Eat, Pray, Love, but I had heard an NPR review of Signature that intrigued me. I particularly love books that focus on intelligent women who live in time periods that don't recognize their achievements. Alma is a great character to follow through a lifetime.
Thankyou for this review, I love your channel Russell
Awe thank you so much!
I reviewed Pachinko for NetGalley. Hope you enjoy it xx
I am so excited about it. I am really looking forward to it.
Here it is in December 2019 and I just found your channel and watched this one and the short novels slump and I wrote all of them down. Your descriptions and reasons to read them are right on target. I've read Kavalier, Disgraced, All the kings men (there was a movie in the 40's and Broderick Crawford won the Oscar for best actor and it also won best movie in 1949 I think,) 84 Charing Cross and Art of Fielding. So whatever else you recommend I will read. You have a great accessible way of presenting and so I subscribed. Sorry so late.
Welcome!!! I am so glad you are liking what you have found. No apologizes needed. I hope you continue to find me a fountain of bookish knowledge. :-)
I read Kavalier and Clay and I loved it. I want to read Pachinko and the Art of Fielding.
I love Roxane Gay as well! This was an awesome video! I will definitely be checking out some out these books especially Pachinko.
+MegTheMaven isn’t she amazing! I want to be her friend so bad! I think you will Love Pachinko! I did an entire Roxane Gay video!! Love her
I'm a new subscriber and I'm so glad I found you!
Welcome Monica! Thank you so much for watching. Hope you like what you find.
Love Any Human Heart! The New Confessions is another good (and long) book by Boyd, in a similar style, charting the whole life of the main character.
I will check it out. I need to read more Boyd. I really loved Any Human Heart.
Very fresh recommendations. Thanks:)
Any Human Heart is one of my all-time favorites. I've read it a number of times and it gets me right in the, well, heart. :)
YES! It is so good. I want more people to read it.
My two recent long novels that I got lost in are The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton's Booker prize winning novel, and Confessions, by Jaume Cabre. Both are REALLY big, but incredibly immersive.
I think Catton is too smart for me. I have not heard of Confessions. What is it about.
At its simplest, it's about a man looking back over a life that includes some of the key periods in European history. The style, however, may put people off, but I raced through its 700+ pages. To be honest, I think you have to be a dedicated reader to stick with it, but It has got great ratings in Goodreads, and is one of my favourite books of recent years.
I've been meaning to read All the Kings Men for so long (decades!) & for some reason I never did. But you looked at me so persuasively (well, not me personally but you know what I mean) that I will run to the used bookstore tomorrow! (Because you liked the timely/politcal aspect of the story: have you read any Sinclair Lewis (Babbit / Elmer Gantry)? If not, I think you might enjoy him). And I am so happy you want to try more Weg Wolitzer, I think she is fantastic. Do you know which book of her you might pick up next?
Oh, I think you would love it Britta! You should read it. I have not read that Sinclair Lewis - but I did read --- oh what is that one--- I cannot recall. I will pick those up though - they should be everywhere. I am not sure where to start with Meg - any recommendations?
Re Meg: I really liked Belzhar (also because I love Plath's Bell Jar that plays an important role in the book), but if you are not into a little bit of magical realism, this might not be the book for you. Then, maybe: The Position.
I think I have Belzhar on my shelf I will have to check. I am going to try to hop into a used bookstore and check The Position out. Thank you :-)
Britta Böhler & Russell, you both are bringing up some incredible books. Babbitt and Elmer Gantry I read both twice before. They are just fantastic and I can't say enough about them. I couldn't get into Arrowsmith or I think the other one is Main Street(?). I expected a little more of The Interestings but I adored her book The Wife. It's about feminism, marriage, writing, life. And It's much more than just the twist that people often bring up. Yes, Wolitzer is a fantastic writer and I think you'd love The Wife. It's probably less than half the page length of The Interestings.
Thank you!!
They all sound great. The only one i have is Pachinko but i havent read it yet. I just started reading Roxanne Gays memoir and now i definitely want to read fiction by her which one should i read next??
I agree The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is one of the best books I have read in years. Chabon's prose is so beautiful I would re-read chapters just to experience it again. I loved it so much I read the other eight novels by Chabon and enjoyed every one of them and the beautiful prose especially Moonglow. I wish he would write more novels but it seems he has "retired?". Don't care for his short stories.
totally agree about this book. thank you for watching this oldie but goodie . This is my most watched video.
Kavalier and Clay is breathtaking.
Agreed 100%
[Chabon enthusiasm ON] Ah, Michael Chabon... Sorry, can't help blablaing aobut him. You are getting a lot of enthusiastic comments on him and I am whole heartedly joining the mass! :D I remember when the Yiddish Policemen Union was published and I read it, it was one of those fantastic moments in a reader's life that happens only a very few times: you are discovering an outstanding author earlier in his carrier, who eventually becomes part of the canon for sure, and also, one of your all time favs, no matter what. Since then I have read evertything by him and to be honest I am 100% sure he is one of the best contemporary American writers. He has company in this title - DFW, Diaz, Pynchon, Roth - but he has a sure place in the group. I am happy I am not alone with this opinion (Mattia - his excellent youtube is The Bookchemist - is actually writing his PhD partly on Chabon, if I am not mistaken)! I am also very proud that way back then, I was probably the first person introduced the Hungarian readers to Chabon (and he is also another author that you can't hear too much in Booktube - so kudos to you!) [Chabon enthusiasm OFF]
I have Moonglow on my shelf and want to read it soon. I think he is so very good. You have me so excited.
I have read all the books he mentions except "Any Human Heart." Must read it!
Oh, you must. It is so good.
I haven't read any of these, my life is too full of other stuff to have the time to devote to big books. I'm too slow a reader and it just spoils the experience so I'm saving the ones I really want to read for my retirement (sadly quite some time away still, but the books will wait...)
LOl... I get that. Big books can take so much time.
Any Human Heart is brilliant, and I would recommend it to anyone, but ultimately, there is only one author besides Shakespeare....Proust. Shakespeare is off in the quintessence all by himself, but for the rest, there can only be Proust. Read Shakespeare and read Proust, and you have read all there is to read ever. Just my two cents for whatever it is worth.
"Kaliver" and Clay
Damn it Russell! Another great video! I have wanted to get Pachinko for a while now! Currently I am reading 4321 by Paul Auster...weighs in at 866 pages (chunkster) it's good, but I can only take it at small intervals...very interesting premise! Check it out!
I adore Paul Auster but am a little overwhelmed by the new one. I think I will wait for paperback. Though it just made the Booker Long list.
You should read 2666 by Roberto Bolaño. It’s challenging, difficult, expansive but it’s worth it.
I can't believe all the mediocre recommendations I had to suffer through to find you! My TBR just grew significantly. In terms of a few chunky reads; I am enthralled at the 3/4 mark of The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish. Wow spanish inquisition impact on Judaism, set between then and present day. Doozy but totally accessible. Poisonwood bible ? I always hesitate to recommend. I love love love, but also lived in DR Congo for years, so whereas I felt the book brought DRC to life and was a very apt description, not sure if it resonates the same way for others.
One last, the dove keepers! Alice Hoffman goodie. Siege of Masada, shared narration through the female archetypes of the time if they had had a voice in history-witch, widow and whore I wanna say? A gem.
I am so glad you found me too - LOL.
I have watched the movie All the King's Men. It is great.
I have heard it is a great movie. I have not seen it. But the book… goodness.
Oh Huey P. Long! Horrid! Honey They are still getting away with that crap in Louisiana. 😒 There's one you should check out if you haven't already read it called The Power of One by Bryce Courteney. Great read about apartheid in South Africa and boxing through the eyes of Peekay a young British boy.
+Brown Girl Reading I adore The Power of One! Haven't read it in years but what a powerful book!!
Yes I discovered it while I was living in Cairo from a German friend who kept raving about it. LOVE is all I have to say!
Brown Girl Reading The Power of One is one of my favorite books... if you haven't listened to it yet, you should. The narrator is fantastic.
Didn't Isak the pastor/preacher suffer from tuberculosis? I don't remember him as syphilitic.
I love All The King's Men. I think it is very relevant to what's going on under Trump. I also loved Kalivar and Clay. Chabon is a great writer. I want to read The Interestings but I gave it away when I moved😣
Isn't it amazing how literature can still hold power so many years later. The library can solve your Interestings problem - and they need our support so much
Love Kavalier and Clay. Know I'm in the minority but found nothing to like in Art of Fielding and DNF 1/4 thru. Pachinko sounds interesting.
I think you will love Pachinko. It really does envelop a person. I can see how The Art of Fielding is not for everyone. Kavalier and Clay is in my top 10 favorites.
Oh how I loved Any Human Heart! And the series based on it is awesome too, check it out if you haven't already!
I didn't even know there is a series! What!! I will look for it ASAP.
The Interestings sounds fascinating...
I think you will like it - give it a whirl. The good thing is the it is old enough to get from a library just in case you don't like it.
Ink and Paper Blog Will do thank you x
Ooooo i love love love all the kings men
It is an amazing book
I love your videos❤❤
oh thank you so much - thank you for watching.
Ink and Paper Blog You're welcome.the novels you mentioned sound interesting. I love House of Cards and have a copy of All the King`s Men so I`ll give it a try. East of Eden is a long novel that I really love.
I haven't read East of Eden in ages, but ai do love it so. I love Steinbeck himself. Tell me what you think of All the Kings Men.
The luminaries is a big book you could get lost in too.
I am so scared of that book!
@@InkandPaperBlog don't be! You'll be glad you picked it up. The people are fascinating, it's very atmospheric and altogether quite an experience. I would feel like I was coming out of a meditation everytime I would put it down to return to work. It's immersive.
Ink and Paper Blog me too!!
I follow your channel everyday, but you never talk about Spanish fiction. I recommend you, Patria by Fernando Aramburu. It has been translated to the English language. I would like to know your opinion. Thank you very much.
Do you mean fiction from Spain or fiction translated from Spanish? I know I have talked about a lot of books translated from Spanish - but I think you are right I have not read anything from Spain in ages. Thank you for the recommendation.
The translation it's Homeland by Aramburu. The real life overtakes fiction.
Thanks.
Title👌🏽
OMG Roxanne Gay's "Hunger" and "An Untamed State", both so good.
Oh my goodness you are so right! I think I am going to do an entire Roxane Gay video this weekend. I adore her.