Friday Reads: It's Definitely Hope
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ย. 2024
- That feeling I thought I had a few weeks ago? It's definitely hope. All that, plus the reading I've done this week. Expand for more information. 👇
Links 💻
Register to Vote (Or Check Your Registration Status): vote.gov/
Further Viewing 🎥
Library and Bookshelf Tour 2024: • Library and Bookshelf ...
Books That Should Be Movies: • Books That Should Be A...
Book Haul Revisit for August: • Book Haul Revisit for ...
My Booker Longlist Reaction: • Booker Prize Longlist ...
Last Friday Reads: • Friday Reads: A Near D...
Jump to the Friday Reads: 15:12
Titles Mentioned 📚
This Is Happiness, Niall Williams: bookshop.org/a...
Never Let Me Go, Kazoo Ishiguro: bookshop.org/a...
Somewhere Beyond the Sea, TJ Klune: bookshop.org/a...
The House in the Cerulean Sea, TJ Klune: bookshop.org/a...
The Friday Afternoon Club, Griffin Dunne: bookshop.org/a...
Enlightenment, Sarah Perry: bookshop.org/a...
Orbital, Samantha Harvey: bookshop.org/a...
My Affiliate Page on Bookshop: bookshop.org/s...
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Email: supposedlyfungreg-at-gmail.com
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Thank you for using your platform to encourage people to participate in our current events. It has been a very long time since I've been so inspired. Kamala's speech was amazing. It's wonderful to see and feel the joy she has. Intelligent, accomplished and well spoken, with heart and spirit.
It’s your channel. If you want to talk about politics, please do so. It’s part of who we are. It doesn’t make sense to me why people are supposed to limit themselves on social media to only one niche. I’m not “only here for the books.” I like the personality that peeks through when people talk about other things.
As a woman with a daughter, daughter in law, 2 granddaughters and a gay best friend this election is forefront in my life every day!
Amen!
I like what you said about if you don’t want to hear about politics it may be a sign of privilege in your life because I very much agree that politics is life. The decisions being made will affect real people.
It’s so true!
I will say, for me, this feels bigger in a way than 2008. As a woman, this is SO LONG in coming, and after the gutwrenching pain of 2016, I am so hungry for this moment to happen, and especially since I love Harris and think she will be a terrific president. Plus, while Obama was of course incredibly historic, the backlash to that against racial equality has been terrifying. So Harris's victory would be a victory over that backlash and also over the deeply ingrained misogyny that was part of what kept Clinton from winning. And yes, I am feeling hopeful. The energy, the enthusiasm, the donations, the work being done...it all feels hopeful. I am always realistic, but I try to be optimistic, and for me, optimism doesn't mean that you think something will definitely happen, it means you think it can happen and you are going to do everything you can to make it happen. (2000 was also my first election (I'm 44) and yeah...that was not the best intro to voting!!!)
If I explain my childhood to my son (36)…It’s like I’m telling him about Victorian times. We didn’t get electricity or get connected to mains water until I was a teenager. Growing up in rural Ireland in the 60s & 70s was like a completely different country. That’s why This Is Happiness was like reading about a life I once knew.
Makes sense, although since the book plays off of nostalgia I could also see how it would appeal to someone who lived through that.
Kamala, Such hope! When we fight we win! I have never wanted a candidate to win as much as I want Kamala to win. We need to vote blue in our states as well. I just checked and I'm a registered Democrat. I preordered Somewhere Beyond the Sea, so will get it the day it's released. Glad you're feeling better.
Thanks. I'm halfway through Somewhere Beyond the Sea and really liking it so far.
I grew up in the late 60s and 70s in a small island in the Azores in the middle of the Atlantic. Growing up gay was a nightmare. Coming to America has allowed me to be who I am. The 80s were not easy, but I have been with my husband for 32 years and we married 11 years ago. As a teenager, I never thought it would be possible. I am blessed!
I wholeheartedly agree with you that if a person thinks the news doesn't concern them, it generally means that they can't see it because of privilege. You formulated that so well. I'm not American, but I follow the elections and the politics closely and am also feeling hopeful after the turn of events regarding who the candidate is that's representing the Democrats now. Take care of yourself, I can only imagine the stress and anxiety with so much on the line. ❤
I'm in a walking group in DC, and today we decided to end our Saturday walk at the Library of Congress book festival. I wish I had planned for that, because I would have liked to see or meet authors like Viet Thanh Nguyen, Emily Wilson, and Casey McQuiston, but I was so tired after the 10-mile walk and the place was SO crowded I left after a leisurely walk-around. But the fact that so many people were in one place because of books made me smile.
I almost DNF'd The Safekeep because I have to return it soon, but I got to the end of Part II, so now I know what my Sunday priority is (finish that book!).
Becket was an Oscar best picture nominee, so I watched it only because it's part of my five-year journey of watching all the (available) Oscar best picture nominees. Last night I reached 97% with three months to go (woo hoo). I know what you mean about those long epics. Those movies (I think Cleopatra was the worst in this sense) broke the studio budgets, which presaged the low-budget films of the late 1960s and early 1970s (some gems there, but mostly nonsense). It took the blockbuster and then the franchise to rescue the studios. We'll see what they do now, but I realized just this morning I have not seen or wanted to see any 2024 release since Dune II. Bad sign.
I remember my first election (1980). I was going to college and made arrangements to be back in my New England home town to savor the voting day experience. To get your ballot you stated your name, and the clerk yelled out your name before she handed it to you. When you turned in your ballot to be cranked into the box, that person read the name on the ballot sleeve and yelled out your name again. Gotta love those small town methods of voter ID, in those times and places where you knew your neighbors.
Back to books, I put holds on the upcoming releases from Louise Erdrich and Haruki Murakami. I hope you have a chance to discuss those in a future. Good health to you!
Keep doing exactly what you do. I love your passion for politics and respect of all communities as much as I love your book discussions. Thank you for all you do, it makes a difference. ❤
You know, sometimes I think I take for granted the fact that I live in a very literary town (10+ bookstores within a 15 minute drive plus a very big university). I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to go to literary events nearly every day. It really does drive me to read more books and follow more authors than I normally would. In the next month, I'll be seeing Danzy Senna, Marie Helene Bertino, and Zadie Smith at events in town.
Also, I appreciate your political activism. I live in a swing state (Michigan), so elections like this always feel heightened here. But I'm hopeful we'll be voting blue this November!
I’m so jealous of all the events you’re going to be able to attend! And fingers crossed for Michigan in November!
Hi from Puerto Rico. I didn't know you were political but bravo. You have an immense audition. But, I don't know how the voting process is in the US but we have to be very careful with the people that are elected for the House of Representative and the Senate both federal and state government. Remember the government is divided in 3 parts and the one that makes the law is them. They are able to just stop the government from working by not approving laws.
My daughter works at a pro choice clinic. Because of the Supreme court decision they get people from so many different states. And the clinics are afraid to make decisions for their employees (pay rates, etc) because of the election. Thank you, Elba Sosa
Looking forward to the National Book Award lists. I always find two or three interesting reads there. Always appreciate your thoughts. Keep on shining the light. ❤️🤩
The NBA definitely always has interesting picks. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for speaking up. Politics affect our lives whether we think it does or not and it isn't lost on me that this channel is about books when books are being banned and removed from bookshelves as we speak. Keep doing you.
Thank you for the support.
Politics are in everything we talk about, read and do. You can talk about whatever you want on your channel!
Orbital is fantastic! Beautiful, lyrical and meditative.
“This is Happiness” began with the opening line, “It had stopped raining.” That opening line (at least in the eBook edition) was the only sentence on that first page. Considering that Ireland is known for rain, that opening line with its following white space really grabbed my attention. This was a book that made me wish I was an index card user.😀
It’s the same way in the book. It really grabs your attention!
Loved THIS IS HAPPINESS. I found the last half even better than the first
I only have fifty pages left at this point. Home stretch!
We’re not going back! We’re not going back! Please vote
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I *knew* you'd get on with This is Happiness. Hope your health continues to improve. Take care.
Thank you!
I saw This is Happiness few days ago and I bought it without hesitation as I'm a fan of books about Ireland. And about politics I would say (as Ukrainian) you are more than right - if you aren't interested in politics, politics will be interested in you... That's truth of life.
That is a very true saying! I hope you like This is Happiness.
"You can't separate politics from your life." ⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟✴✴✴⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟⭐🌟
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I've read Orbital and, while some parts were a slog, I implore you to read one particular section (skip parts if necessary, it's not that linear): in the UK paperback edition it's p.73-75 (roughly halfway through?) starting "Before long, for all of them, a desire takes hold" to the end of the chapter: "a planet contorted and shaped by want." The style is grandiose, but I feel it's warranted, given the subject matter. Don't give up on the book without reading that, pls 🙏
❤ Your Hollywood info & discussion interests me. Perhaps in your "spare time" you could start a Hollywood History vlog! Be well
Maybe someday! I sometimes think about doing more movie videos, but I feel like it would have to be a separate channel and I don't want to take that on right now.
This Is Happiness was amazing! I loved it - the language. O wow!
I only have eighty pages left!
You are right to talk about politics, it impacts every aspect of our lives, and people who think it doesn't have a very naive outlook on life. I am glad you are enjoying your books, I will add both to my TBR. I am currently reading Time of the Flies by Claudia Pinero for Women in Translation Month.
I've still only read Elena Knows by Pineiro and I would like to read more of her work.
@@SupposedlyFun She is a great writer. I am 150 pages in Time of the Flies and love it so far.
If you buy a book second hand and then go forth to promote it on the internet I think the author would consider the missing 10 cents well spent. I'm reading 'The Charioteer' by Mary Renault. I dimly remembered you recommending it so I picked it up from the Library. Might be my favourite book of the year so thank you!
That’s a good way of thinking about used books. Thanks! I still haven’t read Renault and someday will need to fix that.
@@SupposedlyFun I don't mind being mistaken, it's a book for you for sure!
I’ve definitely talked about her because she’s on my list, so it’s possible I mentioned The Charioteer before.
It’s very important to register to vote and if you think you are registered, make sure you are!!!! If you want to register voters become a deputy voter registar…
I just finished There There and started Clear by Carys Davies…
Am I right that you have voter registration deadlines in the USA? In other words, you can’t just decide at the last minute that you’re going to register. Greg, if I’m right, this is something I think is worth mentioning in an upcoming video so that folks don’t miss out in making their voices heard.
👏 👏 👏 enjoy There There and Clear!
Yes, I believe the deadline changes in each state. In some states, you may be able to register same day but republicans are challenging that. Will mention it! Thanks.
It is so nice to be feeling hopeful this election season! ❤
It is! What a relief. I just hope it all ends well.
Thank you Greg I’ve been so excited and watching the convention that I’m super behind on books. I love that you address the current climate. ❤
Thank you for the support.
I’ve had This Is Happiness on my unread shelves for quite a while now, and I think you just gave me the push I needed to finally read it :). I loved The House In the Cerulean Sea (Under the Whispering Door not so much) and I’m really looking forward to the sequel. I really liked Orbital. As a science buff, I love finding literary works merging fiction with science, (especially astronomy) because sci-fi is definitely not for me.
Glad you are on the mend.
I really hope you don’t stop speaking out about the election. It’s far too important to ignore and you have a platform where you can reach many people every week.
I’m so jealous you guys have early access to Somewhere Beyond the Sea. It’s my most anticipated book this fall.
I have had a strange reading week. I finished 3 books and each of them were very good yet my overall feeling was meh. I think I’ll probably reread them all when the DNC hangover fades.
The DNC hangover is real. I was looking for speech clips last night and had to keep reminding myself that it was over. 🤣😂
Definitely won’t stop talking about the election! It’s far too important.
Missed seeing the IG posts on your health issues, Greg, but glad to hear you are doing OK.
Agreed that this election feels like 2008. (And I understand full well the jolting feeling when, as you said about your therapist, people don't remember certain milestones.)
The DNC was incredible. Fired up and ready to go!
I've never understood the notion that people feel politics can be separate from...well, anything.
Have you read History of the Rain by Niall Williams? (Apologies if I missed a video if you did.) It's also set in Faha and the way you describe Williams' prose and meandering, I think you might like it. I need to read more of his work.
No short vids eh? 😂 A heads up in case anyone else here lives overseas. You have to re-register every year! They don’t make it easy, especially here where the postal service is non-functional. But they let me screen shoot forms this time so improved. I’ve been registered since way back in the 70s and always vote.
I should have This Is Happiness soon. I got the audiobook of Tis(McCourt) as he narrates it!
I don't think you can separate life either for similar reasons to yourself because I am disabled.
It would be so difficult to separate life into compartments that don't interact with each other.
Your channel, your choice, and with a time stamp listeners have a choice too, so I can't see the issue. Politics has never been so scary, I understood your worry obviously, mine is fear over relationships with other countries, seriously frightening. Loved Obama and have enjoyed listening to Renegades.
** Book talk - reading Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra ( not your thing) loving it, but....brought The Betrayal of Thomas True and wonder if you would enjoy this book immensely!
I hadn't heard of Betrayal of Thomas True. I'll look it up! Thanks for the recommendation.
There were so many solid speeches at the convention. My favorite was Michelle Obama and Kamala but Pete was great, too. I'm currently reading Forbidden Notebook and Kiss of the Spider Woman (with @bookofdust). I have two Bookers out from the library to get to - Wild Houses and My Friends.
I still have Forbidden Notebook on my list to get to. Someday!
Just finished Wild Houses which I thought was fine though nothing outstanding, and just started Enlightenment. I thought Orbital was lovely, don't go in expecting a plot though. It seems weird to me that you have to re register to vote. Here when you turn 18 you register on the electoral roll and from thereon voting is compulsory, if you don't vote you can get fined. You don't have to register for any particular party, you can change your mind even at the time of voting.
BLUE WAVE 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊 🌊
I also lived pinella
Best books read in August
Amy & Isabelle by Elizabeth Strout
My Friends by Hisham Matar
The Alternatives by Caoilinn Hughes
Wild Houses by Colin Barrett
The Coast Road by Alan Murrin
I did read The Safekeep but it was a 3/4 star book for me.
A book recommendation for Joel
How To Get Away With Marriage by Britney Hart
Loved AMY AND ISABELLE!
Thanks for the recommendation!
I got two pages into Orbital before I knew it wasn't going to be for me. It was a very quick no, so I'm interested to see how you respond to it.
It will definitely be interesting to see how the reading of it goes!
Although I’m delighted at the possibility of USA having its first female President…Anthony Blinken has been to the Middle East 11/12 times since October 2023 & there’s still no ceasefire.
Yes, but there are also reports that Trump is working with Netanyahu to prevent a ceasefire since that wouldn't benefit him.
Glad everything is ok with you. I’ve not been feeling well myself recently, but my appointment with my new primary care doctor is finally coming up. After the doctor I had been with for like 35 years retired last December, it’s been nearly impossible to find a new one. If I get an appointment, it’s months and months away and the local primary care office in my town had two doctors quit within the same month. I had to make do with urgent care and my allergy doctor while I was waiting. I finally got an appointment with a doctor off the island. Hope I like her.
I mostly “watched” the DNC using clips folks posted on Twitter. I hate speechifying. It kinda makes me crazy. But this way, I get the best of the speeches without losing my mind. I loved what I saw of Pete’s speech. I really hope I live long enough to vote for Pete for president and see him elected. But first! I will, god willing, get to see the first woman president elected. I love Kamala. And Tim. It’s just that the election is SOOO far away but so close at the same time. I wish it was next week. Or even next month.
Oh, and I just adored the extended, never-ending applause for Elizabeth Warren! She is definitely one of my heroes. As are Hillary and Michelle, who were brilliant. I’ve got Michelle’s “one of those black jobs” quote as my pinned tweet right now. And I’ve always known Obama had great comic timing, but who would have guessed he could pull off a sight gag so perfectly. 🤣🤣🤣 JOY is the word!!!
I read a brilliant book this week that had been recommended by one of the women at my local indie, Nightwatching by debut author Tracy Sierra. It takes place in winter ✔️, in a big old house ✔️, in New England ✔️, is creepy as hell ✔️, and actually made me scream and slam the book shut at one point because OMG! Just a perfect book. Can’t wait to see what she does next!
I picked up Joshua Jones’s Local Fires, a short story collection, next. It was recommended by Simon, but I think I might have heard you talk about it too? I’ve just gotten started, but I like it so far.
I’ve got sooooo many books coming out at the end of August and during September that I am super excited about!
P.S. Almost forgot. I checked my copy of Orbital, which I got last December in London, and it’s only 135 pages. The font is a bit small, but not too bad. So much shorter than the US version!
Oh, my gosh, Nightwatching sounds fantastic! On the wishlist it goes, thanks!
@@onourpath Enjoy! I loved it!
It's been hard for hospitals to hold onto doctors since 2020, so it's so hard to keep care consistent and on schedule. I'm glad you have an appointment coming up!
I hadn't heard of Nightwatching, so I'll have to look out for it! I don't think I had heard of Joshua Jones's Local Fires either, so I'll have to look that one up as well.
It will be interesting to see how I get on with Orbital given that a lot of people seem to have been unable to finish it--even with the short page count. We'll see!
I've also gotten a few comments saying I shouldn't talk politics on my channel (not that I do that very much, but I also believe that reading is political and I can't separate them), but I've also noticed that those comments come from people who have never commented before. At some point in the near future, I'm going to do a little experiment and give a video a political sounding title and then NOT talk about anything political and then see if the comments still come....
I loved BECKET when I saw it as it is based on a great play. It has importance today. Becket is a man who's entire life is changed when he does a minor act to please his king but cost him his life. The king says a few words not thinking and it cost him his best friend. In my life, I am full of worry about the current election but a minor change of changing who is running for president might result in stopping a horrible result. Life is what the play implies, change can happen anyplace, anytime with unforeseen results.
I might have liked Becket more had it been shorter and had it leaned less hard into the notion that Becket is 'saved' (before his martyrdom, of course) by religion.
On the lighter side, I had no idea that TVs from the fifties and sixties were homicidal. Mine just sits on the TV stand with a blank look on its screen most of the time, except during the news and the DNC.
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I assumed people make the choice not to talk politics on their channel is because they don’t want to deal with the hateful comments that seem to follow. Honestly though, I think that is not everyone. Conservative Americans seem to love spouting their opinions to everyone and also love trolling comments. But I don’t think liberal Americans take the same pleasure in it.
What do you think about Ferrante being named the #1 book of the cèntury?
I have a whole video about it! th-cam.com/video/XR9ktrOhjZk/w-d-xo.html
@@SupposedlyFun Wow thank you so much. I didnt love it but Im going thru the series again. Just heard the NY Times podcast.
@@jeanniepawlowski265 It's taken me so long to get to the second book that I feel like I would need to revisit the first.
@@SupposedlyFun LOL I FEEL YOU!!
I see Pete as a presidential candidate in the future. He’s the best
I would love to see that!
@@SupposedlyFun I wanted him for VP but many feel voters are not ready for black women president and have a gay VP . I was more than ready, but many are not
Cautious optimism, keep the momentum going…the dark forces are strong!🤨