North Woods: Best Book of 2023?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- North Woods by Daniel Mason is in contention for my favourite novel of 2023. A true feat of the imagination, this is a virtuoso performance from writer whose catalog I am now going to devour. Hopefully this North Woods book review does it justice. Go see for yourself!
Please note that I was sent the book by the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. Easiest thing I've ever done.
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100% agree with your wonderful review. You did such a great job capturing the book and Mason’s artistry. After the first chapter, I said to myself. Wow. It’s magic. And it is. And he’s a doctor!!! Unreal.
'd like to recommend the Audiobook version of this wonderful book. With the exception of the opening chapter titled "Osgood's Wonder, Being the Reminiscences of an Apple-Man," the narration is excellent. Osgood's accent and enthusiasm is a bit grating. Keep going, don't stop!
I'm currently reading this and it is just phenomenal. I am loving how there is no direct knowledge of what exact time period we are in - he leaves that up to the reader and this is a device that really makes it work. He's able to let the stories go where they will and I am not questioning anything for a second because they are SO compelling. I noticed that Abraham Verghese ( another brilliant author who is also a practicing physician) gave this book a big positive review-blurb, so that helped sell me on reading it. How do these wildly talented and intelligent human beings exist??!. SO happy I picked it up.
Well, it’s the best book I’ve read so far in 2024, I’ll say that; and on a par with the very great “Lincoln in the Bardo”, for me.
Okay, consider me intrigued. You being back on booktube may be the worst thing that ever happened to my TBR.
Just picked this up at my local library book sale. The concept sounds similar to Ulverton by Adam Thorpe. Challenging read but very well done and thought provoking. You should give it a go.
This is a brilliant book on the level of Barbara Kingsolver. I think Mason is explaining how all that we do affects everything around us with devasting consequences to other cultures and peoples, and most importantly, to nature. It is a lesson on awareness - to be aware of your own interpretations of what has happened in a place and what has happened there before your arrival. And to be aware of the fact there is much more that inhabits this earth than humans. Read this. We need to read this. If not for these lessons, then at least for the hilarious description of beetle coitus!
Pure magic.
I hope you keep on doing book reviews. It gives me tips and the way you speak about books and just your personality makes it relaxing and comforting to watch.
I'm so glad to see a review if this one, especially such a positive one! I saw this on a booker longlist eligible list and thought it sounded brilliant but I haven't seen anyone talk about it. You've convinced me to put it on hold at the library!
A book I read with a similar premise is Visitation by Jenny Erpenbeck. It also follows one house and 12 stories but is focused on a house in Germany over 100 years. I remember it being pretty violent but a brilliant look at the changing landscape of a country.
I think this one is a bit more whimsical than the Erpenceck, but I haven’t read them both so don’t quote me on it. Definitely think you’d dig this one, though, Mercy.
FINALLY! Someone who understands and loves the book in the same way I do! 😊 Thank you
"The sheer violence of time" !! I'm sold, Rick (and picked up a copy at my neighborhood bookstore today!)
I really really hope it works as well for you as it did for me 😊 I love when a recommendation works out
My flat is full of boxes and my books are all packed away. I’m still heading out to buy this book today. Thanks, Rick! 💜
I hope the move goes smoothly! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
The way I clicked on this video so fast as I’m currently 90 pages in and keep thinking did I just find my fave book of the year?! How am I going to explain the feelings this book has given to me to everyone else to put this in their hands too!!
Take it from me and just yell IT IS SO GOOD right in their face
@@RickMacDonnell DONE!
Ooh how interesting. I have this one coming from the library. 😊
I just finished and WOW! Thank you for your great review. I have a love for books about houses and the people that inhabit them over a period of time such as a couple of older books/series Sutton Place and the Townhouse. To name just two. Another the title escapes me about a house that begins as the home of a Roman officer in ancient Britain. But this is a first I believe with a setting in the USA. Phenomenal writing. I may revisit it in audio format but reading really allowed me to sink my teeth in it.
On my way to get the book 📖 Thanks a million, Rick! I'm so happy you're posting again 🙏
Have fun!
Rick! I finished “North Woods” about a week ago if that and stumbled upon your fantastic review. I agree with every single word you said. Thank you for posting. I will now check out your other reviews because you obviously have good taste in books 😊
I loved this book!! My fave for 2024 so far. Finally got back to this video to finish watching after finishing the book. I really enjoy your reviews 👍
Thank you, Rick, for the recomendation. Your discription remind me of "Hundred years of solitude". I will add the book to my TBR 😀
Started it today
Done! I ordered the book. Thanks for the hearty glowing recommendation.
Hope you enjoy it!
Me too!
How are you doing mr Rick . Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American TH-cam channels. Iam subscriber to Canadian channel mrs jolene ( bookworm adventure girl ) . We are as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level, improve our English language as well and literature lovers too. I hope ican learn a lot from your knowledge. If you please In the past only travel aboard or looking for books to learn new information. Nowadays TH-cam channels as open universities for every one google is our library. I gathered main theme of book you mentioned and author biography briefly here it’s north woods plot summary about crime reporter unearths mass grave , but finds ancient trees refuse to give up their secrets . Love Ron painter , conman , staking painter , lusty as each one confronts mysteries of north woods , they came to realize that dark . Raucous, beautiful past is very much live . North woods is story of place - yellow house deep in woods of western Massachusetts and its motley succession of occupants , human and otherwise, who leave their mark on property over course of four centuries.
OMG is right. I just finished the first 100 pages. It’s absolutely wonderful!!
Daniel Mason ( born in 1976 ) he is American novelist and physician. He is author of piano tuner , far country . He was raised in California and received b A in biology from Harvard University and later graduated from u csf school medicine. He wrote his first novel piano tuner , while still was medical student, later basis for 2004 opera same name . His second novel far country was published in 2007. His works has been published in 28 countries. He is married to novelist Sara houghtelling . In 2020 mason was recipient of 5 0, 000 dollars Simpson / Joyce carol oates literary prize . He is psychiatrist affiliated with Stanford hospital, teaches literature at Stanford University. Iam so sorry to be little long but reading and writing both are great ways to improve our English as none native speakers. Good luck to you your dearest ones .
My name is khatoon it’s Turkish origin means Nobel lady as princess. And your name sir is German origin means brave ruler .
Well, that went straight to my wish list!
Have I ever steered you wrong? 😉
I saw this book yesterday at the Writer's Block bookstore in Vegas and nearly bought it! Now I need to go get it.
Excellent review. I’m in awe. A brilliant writer!
Great review. I agree with your takes. I love your description of David Mitchell meets Walden. Perfect!
Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏻 thanks for watching!
Do you have a live discussion about your picks?
Great review! I’m reading this now. Loving it.
Great to hear as I was intrigued by this premise but not sure what to expect!
I’m reading it right now and it’s wonderful. A true gem 💎 ❤
Sold! Only 8 weeks until my hold comes in, hah! I tend to enjoy stories that span long time periods but have linked chapters (Cloud Atlas, How High We Go in the Dark, Homegoing, Ship Fever, etc). The the idea of a house being the center pivot sounds really intriguing and different!! Cover pretty good too
I hinted at it with my David Mitchell reference, but you’re bang on with the Cloud Atlas comp. If you like one then I think you like the other. Excited to (eventually) hear your thoughts on it!
I wish I had listened to your review b4 I started reading the book. I’m 2/3 thru and was really trying to catch on to what author was intending. Frustrated, I put it down. Now maybe I’ll pick it back up!
Hopefully second time is the charm! Good luck 👍🏻 👍🏻
I just finished this book last night for a book club I am leaving for in a few minutes. I had made lots of notes but I appreciated your summing it up so concisely! Thank you.
Have a great time 😊
Yay we missed you Rick!
Welp, I’m going to read this one for sure. Your enthusiasm was infectious and a pleasure!
Hope you enjoy it!
Purchasing now!!!
Oh, this sounds really good! I hadn't heard of it until now.
You’re in for a treat 😊
promo sm 😆
Sounds like my kind of book.
I sure hope so, Judy!
My favorite critic at the Washington Post gave this book 5 stars, and now that you have double - endorsed it, how could I go wrong?
You know what you need to do 😉
Rick, this one sounds good but I was wondering if it reads like a modern novel? I find most modern novels to be not very well written...I don't even bother buying them anymore because it seems like they are often preachy!!! about cultural issues and the author's opinions often get in the way of their writing. But you've nearly convinced me to give this one a go. I don't want to read anything that doesn't transport me to another place and time. Ain't got time for that.