I loved it. I also had an early copy. I feel it’s for everyone- it’s not only my favorite book on the Booker long list - but my favorite book all year!!! A great tribute to oceanography- naturist- scientists - nerds geeks - smart people and very average people like myself - books - games - friends - love - humanity - creation - the future - etc. etc. I ALSO CRIED in one part towards the end - in fact - I bawled… It’s soooo incredibly written - I’m completely floored - moved - transformed! Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful review- it’s sooo validating- fitting with my own experience.
Oh gosh, yes, I was very weepy at the end. It really hit me hard. And yes! I (perhaps selfishly) love how Powers positions sensitivity and nerdy passion as a strength.
Thanks for your review! I just finished this book in Dutch, and i was left wondering about the ending and the e-mail Ina sent to Todd near the end. I was just looking on multiple sites with book reviews but nobody mentioned it. I interpreted it the same way you did, but I wasn’t sure before. After hearing your review I am sure! And I also really loved this book :)
Thanks, Bob!🌷I’ve stopped watching before the spoilers, since I’m soooo looking forward to this book! I absolutely loved The Overstory. I’ve just read Bewilderment, which I found powerful, but also so unbearably sad 😢 Both books are unforgettable and I’m sure Playground will be too. I’ll come back to your video when I’ve read the book.😊
Had an advance copy and loved this book, my favorite of the 6 Booker long list books I have read so far. So many themes intertwined so thoughtfully and skillfully. Finished it one night, woke up thinking about it, and reread the ending in the morning, as I tried to take it all in.
I’m so glad you liked this! I just saw Alyssa’s review (Nerdy Nurse Reads) and she seemed to hate it. Watching her review I felt so disappointed, I love Powers, and this was one of my most anticipated books. Now I’m feeling much better, our taste in books is so similar I’m guessing I’ll like this. I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Thanks for revamping my excitement. 😊
Aha, I’m excited to watch her take! Her review of The Safekeep was excellent and made me appreciate some qualities of the book I hadn’t noticed, so I’m intrigued to see what she says! But yes, I think this feels peak Powers- a lot of heart, optimism and nerdiness.
@@somebenfen I knowwww. I almost did a separate rant about it. I was lukewarm about it at first, then read the book and realised the cover had very little to do with it. And then I saw the faces in the fins. Crime.
I just finished Playground and while I really enjoyed it, I was confused..lol. Grateful you did this video and I agree with your take on it. It was one of my favorite of the Bookers. I am left feeling that although I loved the book overall and was emotionally moved by the themes Powers played with in the book, I feel in the end, the book was not entirely successful in imparting those themes. For me, it was beautiful, thought provoking and also a bit clunky in how it brought the reader through the journey . That said, I am very glad I read it and it makes me want to read Overstory, which I have been avoiding. I wonder how you feel about the book having some distance from it and and knowing it did not make the short list?
Hello! And yes, great question- it’s funny, the further I’ve been away from it, the more I wonder if it was a bit of a lightning in a bottle moment for me- I was so wrapped up in the story at the time, and I have thought about it since, but with some space away from it, I think you might be right on the key themes not being as successful as I felt at the time.
I’m only about 2 weeks out from reading this book and haven’t thought about it at all so I’m conflicted about it. Along with the Overstory, I find Powers writing to be very disjointed. It’s as if I’m reading short stories that he quickly ties up in the end. I’m not sure why I find his writing so clunky and beautiful at the same time. The character of Rafi was also so stereotypical angry Blackman that I couldn’t help but wonder if there was some deeper purpose to that or if it was just a white mans blindspot or am I just tired of this narrative 😅I don’t know why but it bothered me. I don’t even know if a white woman should be commenting on it. I do see why it wasn’t shortlisted, it was so close but there was something missing for me. The cover I have is one of the most beautiful of the year (different than yours)
Great to hear some really positive reviews for this. Haven't read a Powers book yet, though I own three. Part of me thinks they sound like my cup of tea; a smaller part of me thinks that they sound like too tall an order to satisfy me.
In college I had delusions of being a marine microbiologist. I’d have been the world’s worst. I became an accountant. I live in Charleston with a creek in my backyard, surrounded by rivers, streams, bays, inlets and the ocean a few miles away. I grieve for our water. If we want we could have the land reclaim itself in a few generations. However, the ocean would take thousands if not tens of thousands. The AI stuff is old hat but the pages with EB are memorable and wonderful.
This is what I love most about reading the Booker along with my favorite Booktubers - nobody agrees! And then I get to work out my own opinion. The process always reinforces what a personal experience readng is.
Yes, exactly! And I normally learn a lot from the reviews that were opposite to my experience (Nerdy Nurse Reads does a fantastic job of talking about The Safekeep that taught me a lot)
I've only read two of his books so far. I didn't care for The Overstory. It was too dense and, frankly too long. I kept losing focus and interest. On the other hand, I loved Bewilderment, it's easily one of my favorite books in recent years. After hearing your review, I'm very optimistic about enjoying Playground. I don't mind his lack of subtlety on climate change issues, I would go so far as calling it necessary in fiction as well as in non-fiction. I think we're past the point of giving people subtle hints :). Excited for this to be published.
Yeah, as much as I’ve liked a few others of his, Overstory was one that I enjoyed but felt like I should have loved- it should in theory be such a Bob book. And yes, good point about climate change books needing to be more overt and urgent!
From the reviews I’ve seen online, this seems to be a marmite book. I still can’t get my head around the Booker nominating two books that are not even released yet. I’ll leave before spoilers. I’ve sort of grown weary of this years list. Of the 6 I’ve read, I’ve only liked three.
Aha, yes! And I think they should make the prize just a couple of weeks later so that’s less of an issue! And that’s fair- I had a few books in a row I was less excited by but I’ve hit a bit of a stride recently, so maybe I just read them in a strange order.
while I share Powers' eco-worldview, I do find at points he's rather clumsy at shoehorning in his ideas which detracts from the literariness of his writing in other place
@@MarcNash aha, yes- I saw someone describe him as having the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and it is fairly accurate, but something about his flourish and optimism lets me overlook it mostly.
@@NerdyNurseReads aha, yes! I saw your video come up, and saw the thumbnail, and I felt that might be the case! I’ll sit down and watch yours a bit later :)
@@NerdyNurseReads I happened to watch yours and Bob’s back to back! WHIPLASH! I have a longer history with Bob and do tend to trust his taste, but can’t wait to read it and see how I get along with it. I did enjoy two of Powers’ other novels, though.
@@TKTalksBooks I bet if you enjoyed his other novels you'll like this. I have no Powers history (or I didn't going in) and it appears he might not be for me.
The new cover is stunning. Captures underwater feelings with colors.
I loved it.
I also had an early copy.
I feel it’s for everyone- it’s not only my favorite book on the Booker long list - but my favorite book all year!!!
A great tribute to oceanography- naturist- scientists - nerds geeks - smart people and very average people like myself - books - games - friends - love - humanity - creation - the future - etc. etc.
I ALSO CRIED in one part towards the end - in fact - I bawled…
It’s soooo incredibly written - I’m completely floored - moved - transformed!
Thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful review- it’s sooo validating- fitting with my own experience.
Oh gosh, yes, I was very weepy at the end. It really hit me hard.
And yes! I (perhaps selfishly) love how Powers positions sensitivity and nerdy passion as a strength.
Thanks for your review! I just finished this book in Dutch, and i was left wondering about the ending and the e-mail Ina sent to Todd near the end. I was just looking on multiple sites with book reviews but nobody mentioned it. I interpreted it the same way you did, but I wasn’t sure before. After hearing your review I am sure! And I also really loved this book :)
Glad it wasn’t just me! I liked that it was slightly open-ended, but I felt I’d maybe missed something!
Thanks, Bob!🌷I’ve stopped watching before the spoilers, since I’m soooo looking forward to this book! I absolutely loved The Overstory. I’ve just read Bewilderment, which I found powerful, but also so unbearably sad 😢 Both books are unforgettable and I’m sure Playground will be too. I’ll come back to your video when I’ve read the book.😊
Thank you, and I hope you like it!
Had an advance copy and loved this book, my favorite of the 6 Booker long list books I have read so far. So many themes intertwined so thoughtfully and skillfully. Finished it one night, woke up thinking about it, and reread the ending in the morning, as I tried to take it all in.
Yes! That ending hit me so hard and I really want to read that part again. So glad you enjoyed it so much!
I’m so glad you liked this! I just saw Alyssa’s review (Nerdy Nurse Reads) and she seemed to hate it. Watching her review I felt so disappointed, I love Powers, and this was one of my most anticipated books. Now I’m feeling much better, our taste in books is so similar I’m guessing I’ll like this. I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Thanks for revamping my excitement. 😊
Aha, I’m excited to watch her take! Her review of The Safekeep was excellent and made me appreciate some qualities of the book I hadn’t noticed, so I’m intrigued to see what she says!
But yes, I think this feels peak Powers- a lot of heart, optimism and nerdiness.
That cover 😫😫😄
@@somebenfen I knowwww. I almost did a separate rant about it. I was lukewarm about it at first, then read the book and realised the cover had very little to do with it.
And then I saw the faces in the fins. Crime.
@@somebenfen Worst cover of the year by far .. it’s embarrassing
Can’t wait!!!
I’m excited for it to be properly out and for everyone to be able to read it!
I just finished Playground and while I really enjoyed it, I was confused..lol. Grateful you did this video and I agree with your take on it. It was one of my favorite of the Bookers. I am left feeling that although I loved the book overall and was emotionally moved by the themes Powers played with in the book, I feel in the end, the book was not entirely successful in imparting those themes. For me, it was beautiful, thought provoking and also a bit clunky in how it brought the reader through the journey . That said, I am very glad I read it and it makes me want to read Overstory, which I have been avoiding. I wonder how you feel about the book having some distance from it and and knowing it did not make the short list?
Hello! And yes, great question- it’s funny, the further I’ve been away from it, the more I wonder if it was a bit of a lightning in a bottle moment for me- I was so wrapped up in the story at the time, and I have thought about it since, but with some space away from it, I think you might be right on the key themes not being as successful as I felt at the time.
Powers just isn't my cup of tea but I set a goal to read the longlasting and shortlist so here we go again Richard.
Aha, fair enough! Good luck!
I’m only about 2 weeks out from reading this book and haven’t thought about it at all so I’m conflicted about it. Along with the Overstory, I find Powers writing to be very disjointed. It’s as if I’m reading short stories that he quickly ties up in the end. I’m not sure why I find his writing so clunky and beautiful at the same time. The character of Rafi was also so stereotypical angry Blackman that I couldn’t help but wonder if there was some deeper purpose to that or if it was just a white mans blindspot or am I just tired of this narrative 😅I don’t know why but it bothered me. I don’t even know if a white woman should be commenting on it. I do see why it wasn’t shortlisted, it was so close but there was something missing for me. The cover I have is one of the most beautiful of the year (different than yours)
Hi, Just a frivolous note to let you know that I share your enthusiasm for “the other” cover! (assuming you have the Norton edition too)😁
Nothing frivolous about a good book cover 🤣👏👏👏
Great to hear some really positive reviews for this. Haven't read a Powers book yet, though I own three. Part of me thinks they sound like my cup of tea; a smaller part of me thinks that they sound like too tall an order to satisfy me.
Thanks! And yeah, I find he’s a very ambitious writer, but it pays off for me! I hope you enjoy his books when you read them!
In college I had delusions of being a marine microbiologist. I’d have been the world’s worst. I became an accountant. I live in Charleston with a creek in my backyard, surrounded by rivers, streams, bays, inlets and the ocean a few miles away. I grieve for our water. If we want we could have the land reclaim itself in a few generations. However, the ocean would take thousands if not tens of thousands. The AI stuff is old hat but the pages with EB are memorable and wonderful.
I want it!! how did you get your hands on it early?
Aha, the joys of NetGalley!
@@BobTheBookerer I was looking for it there, but I couldn’t get it 😭
This is what I love most about reading the Booker along with my favorite Booktubers - nobody agrees! And then I get to work out my own opinion. The process always reinforces what a personal experience readng is.
Yes, exactly! And I normally learn a lot from the reviews that were opposite to my experience (Nerdy Nurse Reads does a fantastic job of talking about The Safekeep that taught me a lot)
@@BobTheBookerer Yes, I like her too!
I've only read two of his books so far. I didn't care for The Overstory. It was too dense and, frankly too long. I kept losing focus and interest. On the other hand, I loved Bewilderment, it's easily one of my favorite books in recent years. After hearing your review, I'm very optimistic about enjoying Playground. I don't mind his lack of subtlety on climate change issues, I would go so far as calling it necessary in fiction as well as in non-fiction. I think we're past the point of giving people subtle hints :). Excited for this to be published.
Yeah, as much as I’ve liked a few others of his, Overstory was one that I enjoyed but felt like I should have loved- it should in theory be such a Bob book.
And yes, good point about climate change books needing to be more overt and urgent!
Thanks for mentioning sensitive men being strong and them playing go... Its back on the list for me to read as a maybe.... Maybe
Aha, I hope you like it!
Hope your cold goes soon.
Thank you! I’ve thrown some garlic and ginger at it, so fingers crossed!
@@BobTheBookerer Vicks on doles off feet under your socks. Top from my RGN sister
From the reviews I’ve seen online, this seems to be a marmite book. I still can’t get my head around the Booker nominating two books that are not even released yet. I’ll leave before spoilers. I’ve sort of grown weary of this years list. Of the 6 I’ve read, I’ve only liked three.
Aha, yes! And I think they should make the prize just a couple of weeks later so that’s less of an issue!
And that’s fair- I had a few books in a row I was less excited by but I’ve hit a bit of a stride recently, so maybe I just read them in a strange order.
@@BobTheBookerer ok spelling mistake / predictive text mess up in original message. I didn’t swear. I meant that I’d leave before spoilers
You can edit using the three dots at the side if the swear word really bothers you 😂
@@jacquelinemcmenamin8204 Aha, no worries, I got what you meant!
I hadn't noticed the faces on the fin until now... Gross
Aha, it took me a long time to see it because I’d only ever seen it on a small screen.
It looks like such a weird bit of 90s special effects!
while I share Powers' eco-worldview, I do find at points he's rather clumsy at shoehorning in his ideas which detracts from the literariness of his writing in other place
@@MarcNash aha, yes- I saw someone describe him as having the subtlety of a sledgehammer, and it is fairly accurate, but something about his flourish and optimism lets me overlook it mostly.
Oh I feel like we're going to disagree so hard on this one 😬
@@NerdyNurseReads aha, yes! I saw your video come up, and saw the thumbnail, and I felt that might be the case! I’ll sit down and watch yours a bit later :)
@@BobTheBookerer I feel like you're not going to like my takes 🤣🤣🤣 I just don't think Richard Powers is for me. Seriously, what was that twist!?
@@NerdyNurseReads I happened to watch yours and Bob’s back to back! WHIPLASH! I have a longer history with Bob and do tend to trust his taste, but can’t wait to read it and see how I get along with it. I did enjoy two of Powers’ other novels, though.
@@TKTalksBooks I bet if you enjoyed his other novels you'll like this. I have no Powers history (or I didn't going in) and it appears he might not be for me.