Because of this review I read stoner, then my wife read it, her sister, her husband. And we all fucking absolutely loved the hell out of this book. That’s an awesome thing to do, share an amazing read. Thanks Cliff, that book was indeed fucking perfect.
@@BetterThanFoodBookReviews I just finished Stoner because of your review, Cliff. And it might be the best book I have ever read. I don't know how to quantify the sheer weight of its words, each one pregnant with such perfect meaning, devoid of pretences above their own station, born of understanding, clear-eyed simplicity, and an abiding tenderness of feeling that both astonished and deeply moved me - I only know that I will never again read anything quite like it, and for that loss I grieve. I will be recommending it to all of the readers in my life, and even the non-readers. I cannot thank you enough for bringing this book into my life. x Claire
I never watched the review but saw the thumbnail said “perfect” so I figured I had to read it! It really is perfect... about halfway through I felt that it was very good, maybe not perfect, but as it went on and you can see where it’s headed I began to understand what is meant when it’s described as perfect.
I inherited this book from a university professor who was a dear friend of mine and passed away in December of last year, of cancer no less like Stoner. This passionate review compelled me to read this novel and I finished it today - in tears at its conclusion because it reminded me so much of the quiet heroism my own friend exhibited and the same I hope to carry myself with in the future. So, I must say thank you for turning me onto it and helping me grieve for and remember a wonderful, angelic man by reading a superbly written story about a wonderful, angelic man. Tremendous.
It’s a masterpiece. “Look! I am alive!” Is one of the most moving phrases I’ve ever read. The whole book is a beautiful affirmation of life. And Stoner himself is a wonderful character. Suffused with a quiet passion and drive.
I just finished it and I'm shook. Tears came down a few times. This hits home, like a wake up call to appreciate life, books and love while it lasts. Also finishing college and reading this can cause you to reconsider your whole life. Love it, man. Would have never heard of it without you. Even my librarian was like oh stoner hum , as if it had been a long time since anyone asked for that book.
Your passion fucking rubs itself all over me. Jesus. Every time I watch one of your reviews, I immediately want to drop everything and find the book you're talking about. Brilliant reviews, man. I always look forward to them.
I've always been interested in reading but my attention span has kept me from it. A while ago I decided to try to get into it. This video inspired me to read Stoner as my first book ever (that I read by my own will). I just finished the book and I'm completely speechless. The way you get to follow this guy through his whole lifetime was an amazing read. Hearing Finch and Stoner reference Masters later in the book always hit hard, it was as if it was a friend to me whom had died. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this video, I can't wait to read more!
I've done that and then one day I looked up from the book I was reading and realized I was in exactly the same place I had been as a teenager and that I was no use to anyone including myself and then it was confirmed that life has objective meaning because on the very deepest level of my being I wanted to move forward. If you identify with nihilistic French decadence then maybe a perpetual orgy is very attractive but the only true way of reckoning with the trials of existence is to engage with existence to the fullest. The wonderful thing about great literature is that one who does live in an orgy of literature will probably be shaken out of stasis sooner or later, for better or for worse.
Just finished the book today. That line, and its repetition through the final passages… I had to sit and feel it. One of those moments you hold the book face down away and you look up and away from it in astonishment and thought and feeling… though almost in tears, it had me feeling like everything was going to be okay. Maybe I’m the only one, but it seemed almost okay. Life is what it is. What did you expect?
Thank you so much Cliff! I showed a few of my friends this review and they think I am a regular celebrity by getting a shout out from you! They also unanimously agreed that you have 'fucking top tier flow' in regards to your hair. Keep up the awesome reviews man.
+Logan Zimmerman HA! Shit yeah man, humbled by the hair compliment, maybe I'll just get drunk off soju and sleep too late more often, I'll keep makin em if you keep watchin and readin.
Stoner is my favorite book of all time. The line "a life of quite desperation" does describe this story but nothing can really describe it can it? Its beautiful, leaves you wordless, even thought its filled with eloquence and simplicity. Its simply a story of a very ordinary man, not a hero, not a villain, just an ordinary man. No one really sees him, not family, colleagues or friends. Its a brave book because nothing extraordinary happens except telling a story of a simple man whose story is nothing more than reflecting on his life. How can a simple book be this powerful? Still don't know but its still after hundreds of books read my favorite book.
The only book thus far to have me sobbing by the end. An incredible read that I may have never had the pleasure of reading if it wasnt for you. Thank you for all you are doing. Keep up the amazing reviews.
I put this one on the back burner, and just got around to it early last week. I DEVOURED almost three quarters of the book in one sitting, and spent the rest of the week taking peeks at it here and there during the workday. I've finally finished it, and I'm left speechless by it. I just want to run around telling people tp read this one. Thx so much for bringing it to my attention.
I purchased this book on your recommendation. I had high expectations based on your review. My expectations were far surpassed. I sat and read the first 60 pages at one sitting. I have been looking for a novel this compelling for years.
One of my most satisfied and favorite reads in 2020, this book is like a gentle breeze from the trees, walking through it generates such almost sacred peace in your mind which is so rare and beautiful, like real life in the form of a dream.
Having read this book a month ago, its a pleasant surprise to see on your channel, which I very recently discovered. Like you, I have struggled to come to an internal summary of the book. I think that the reason for this is because the sheer sincerity of what is written, renders any of my thoughts regarding it completely superfluous. It's so bare and dignified that I can't think anything about it, without feeling like I'm embellishing for my own self-satisfaction.
I really enjoy that you give an always interesting background on the writer. His/Her life, mind, behaviours, beliefs and experiences around writing the book. You should never stop that it always gives such cool context around the book.
"Stoner" is such a beautiful book. There were only two other books I've read that actually made me break down into tears: "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey These books are gifts to humanity. I don't know if this applies to anyone else, but after reading these three books I found myself having a greater sense of empathy and sympathy for the suffering of others. Great Review as always! I love this channel.
I finished this book in a train station in the south of France and I was in tears. This book was so powerful I can't describe it. Perfect! I loved it and I am looking forward to reading Butchers Crossing and Augustus.
Read this book last year when I was in a really dark place. Safe to say it completely changed my outlook on life and helped me to really appreciate those little moments that, like to you said, make all this shit worthwhile. It really is a testament to the power of literature. I've watched films that have had a lasting effect on me, but no where near to the extent that this book did. After watching this review I think a second reading may be in order.
I wanted to thank you. After seeing this a while ago, I finally read stoner and it was one of the most profound reading experiences I've had and touched me in so many ways. Thank you Cliff for what you do and for sharing it with the world
Just finished reading this incredible book. This is a book about someone who lived an ordinary life, yet there were times I was so enthralled by it, so captivated by the writing of John Williams, that I was racing through the pages wanting to know what happened next. Such is the power and greatness of this novel. The slight moments of happiness in his life, his early relationship with his daughter, his departing message to her, his love for Dave Masters. This book captured my whole heart. Must read is an understatement.
Never watched a video where you were seemingly at a loss for words to articulate your enjoyment with a book. Obviously a great sign, definitely convinced me to make sure this is the next book I read. Great review as always!
Dear Cliff, I picked up Stoner after watching this review and I thank you deeply, soulfully and as authentically as I can for sharing this book with me. It was a reading experience unlike any other for me. Working in tech, I was mesmerised by the lives of the geniuses, the mavericks and the billionaires. Then this book came along and it was the pin that destroyed that bubble I found myself living in. It was polarising to accepting that a core tenet of the book, in my humble opinion, was this: "What makes life heroic is the quality of attention paid to it." I recommend it heartily to my close friends and its now a class of its own in my eyes. I owe a debt of gratitude to you and your channel for enriching my sense of humaneness. Thank you so much, Cliff. I hope you find all the peace, love and meaning you seek in life. Thanks again. your fan, Vignesh S.
Just finished Stoner mere minutes ago. Perfect. What a revelation. Thank you for this book review. If I had a cap I would doth it, out of the greatest show of gratitude to you sir for your sterling effort with this video.
You sir, are the epitome of the term "Book Reviewer" and I will follow you to the ends of the worlds with your selections and recommendations. So I say to you, thank you sir for living. Salud.
Because of this review I bought Stoner, read it, loved it and now I gave it to my father so he can read this masterpiece as well. Thank you so so much.
I read this on the back of your review and I think it’s the best book i’ve ever read. Thank you for bringing it into my life. This will be a book I read again and again.
Cliff, once again you lead me to an extraordinary work of art. Stoner is sublime, and while his life couldn't be more different from my own I felt everything as if it was happening to me. Thanks Cliff.
I just found out you reviewed one of my favorite books! I'm pretty late to this review but still want to thank you for doing justice to this, indeed, perfect book.
Man you are just fucking up my financial situation!!! Every time I see a new video of yours in my feed I just resign myself to spending another $10-$15. You have fantastic taste, and I love your reviews. Thanks for introducing me to all these great books(even if it means I can now afford less alcohol).
"...he saw it as a human act of becoming, a condition that was invented and modified moment by moment and day by day, by the will and the intelligence and the heart." Well shit, I'm convinced. Just to let you know the link on the website didn't work on directing me to a page to buy it, but the one in this description box seems to. Stoked to get started on this gem, thanks!
I love, love, love this book. From the first til the last word, it's PERFECTION. There isn't one word that is redundant or replacable. I started it, and I immediately KNEW this was something special. The language just grabbed me and never let go. It was so simple. And so uplifting, I don't understand why people find it pessimistic. Stoner had a good life, because he was a good humble man, who never even thought to compare himself to anyone else, or to run away from his experience. Might be totally strange, but another work that Stoner makes me think of is the movie "Primer". It's a v. low-budget time-travel flick told with similar lifelike simplicity.
This was just magnificent! I read this book with a Goodreads club and the best part about this novel is that William Stoner is the professor and the person that all of us want to be. Stoner does not allow others to influence his choices and while he is trampled on by the English department and by his very own wife and family, he continues to do what he does and how he wants to do it. I just got a great feeling the way he stuck it to Hollis Lomax in a particular part of the novel. I really enjoyed this as well! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. -Josh
I just finished reading Stoner. Quite possibly the best book i've ever read. No other book has had such an emotional impact on me. I really enjoyed your review.
I just finished it also, and I agree with your statements wholeheartedly. I don't think I shall ever again read a book as meaningful to me as Stoner was.
I have Stoner on my shelf and I was planning on getting to it in a few books time, it's now jumped the list to second to top. The only book I've felt the way you look like you feel about, is probably Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon, so in response, I recommend that to you.
Without a heavy hand, Williams illustrates the unpredictability of life despite our best intentions to steer it in the direction that we intend. Seemingly insignificant decisions throw us on a new course to be lived the best we can while maintaining a sense of self and integrity. Some books take up a residence in the soul, this is one that does that for me.
I feel like I've just been living in a trance for a few days now after just reading the book. I wanna find people who felt like how I felt and I found your video. Subscribed right away! I feel like this book has just changed my life and I don't even know it.
A Hero dropped into Midwestern America. He's a teacher. That all. And his journey is epically heroic and tragic. Everyone can see themselves in Stoner. A SIMPLE LIFE CAN BE HEROIC. And that's what we relate to.
Today I found an old Vintage edition of "Stoner" in the Little Free Library that's a memorial to a local bodega cat. Having heard your review here, I'm very much looking forward to reading the novel. (Have you read John Williams' "Augustus: A Novel"?
Great joke about this book was about the title "stoner" first thoughts were yeah. Another cynical story about drugs loss and addiction and becoming clean. Was I thrown for a loop! Didn't expect anything so sincere about just being a human being. Maybe the best thing anybody could ever be.
I have a new-found appreciation of this book. I tried to read it once when it had come back into the literary radar after some real obscurity. When it read it then, I did not enjoy it. I felt that it was just meh for me. But when I reread it recently I bloody loved it! The writing is peerless, the prose is just flawless. The story is just so real. It is just the story of a life, and I loved it. If you are familiar with the film Finding Forrester (2000), I imagine that Sean Connery’s character’s only novel would be something like this book. Honestly it is amazing.
I have recently found your channel and, being a literature student, I find that when I am lacking the motivation to read the mandatory stuff which isn't always stuff I enjoy, I watch your videos and something weird happens: I get an immense urge, even need, to read. And so I do. And all is well. (PS: I think you might enjoy reading something by António Lobo Antunes or Gonçalo M. Tavares)
Thanks. As I said, just finished Stoner and literally spent last night sobbing in my bed after finishing this book. Is it possibly an augmented and nationalized version of "The Death of Ivan Ilych?"
This book has been the it book for /lit/ and it's been sitting on my shelf for a while. But as you ten to do, you make me really want to read it more than anything else. Quick question: do you read science fiction? Just curious.
For those that love Stoner - I sincerely recommend Butchers Crossing , another John Williams novel , completely different setting from Stoner, but just as mesmerizing, one of my all time favorites ( along with stoner)
My brother gave me this book a really long time ago and the only thing I thought was "ugh, another existential novel", but the stuff you read out loud made me think that maybe I'm missing out on something. I still got it, so I might just start reading a few pages tomorrow and see where it goes. I'm sure my brother will be happy to know I actually tried to read one of the many novels he's been giving me as birthday presents for the last few years lol
While I remember, if you feel like doing a non-fiction review again at anytime I can THOROUGHLY recommend John Jeremiah Sullivan's Pulphead: Essays. The range of stuff covered is incredible, cave paintings, ancient blues, christian rock festivals, animal attack epidemics, reality tv survivors, (this is all from memory - my copy not being to hand) It's an amazing mix of personal experience and carefully researched investigation. It's brilliant.
Mr. Sargent, I have a question to ask of you. Do you have a preference to reading silently or out loud? I know someone like Harold Bloom is a strong proponent of the practice but I wondered if you do it yourself or do not see any purpose for it. Thanks for the great videos by the way!
I read the book on your recommendation. While I would not call the book "perfect" by any means (As one just a year into taking literature seriously I really am in no position to be making such judgment calls!) it certainly is very strong. I think that's fair to say. The fact that Williams was able to pack so much of the essential stuff in 278 pages, and in such plainspoken, lucid prose is something I admire a lot. Working on it in my own writing. I guess it's that thing of separating your preferences from your critical faculties. I can personally say that portions of the book and the last few pages moved me deeply, but it's another thing altogether to look at them with an objective eye and ask yourself "why is this moving me", "how is it moving me, and has it earned the right to"? Probably not expressed very clearly, but hopefully you get my point. SIDENOTE: To me, the exchange between Dave Masters, Finch, and Stoner was a little on-the-nose. Masters never seemed to me like a genuine character. Not quite sure how to explain it. I suppose it's something of that typical doomed prophet aura he's got going on. But the good parts outnumbered the flaws, which were not manifest, in my opinion. It is an overall solid to excellent book for the reasons expressed above and many more I won't include in a single TH-cam comment. As for the channel, I can honestly say that it's opened up so many doors into areas I wouldn't have thought about exploring if it weren't for your recommendations. Stoner was an unexpected gift, and I eagerly wait for more!
Love this book. Amazed anything so good is pretty much unknown, authors powerful descriptive writing with a dash of philosophy that does not interrupt the flow of the story.
Don’t know if I’m reading too much into your body language but you seemed definitely subdued in comparison to your usual self after reading Stoner ? Was it a depressing book....thought provoking perhaps ? I’ve bought it too now but from UK Amazon so it’s quicker. I am looking forward to receiving it anyway now. Didn’t want to Kindle version. Love your reviews so much x
Spoiler alert: The relationship Stoner develops with his daughter is a thing of beauty. Why does he allow his wife to intervene and destroy it? If he were a great moral coward throughout the book I could understand if not condone it, but he isn’t. He stands up to some very influential colleagues and prevents a crippled cheat from prospering, at the expense of any future career advancement. Why does he not stand up to his wife and fight for his daughter?
Began Stoner Monday morning. What an amazingly well written book. Again, many thanks for the review. I might not have heard of the novel or John Williams otherwise.
Just finished it: three days. Cried throughout, cried at the end. Now? I think Ill be thinking about this book for awhile. I found it ... O? A sad reflection on the reality of life's lost hopes and dreams and plans and? And, God laughs. Yet Stoner doesnt care.
have you ever tried his other 2 novels? im on augustus now and its great. i kinda prefer the rawness in butchers crossing though. everything that guy wrote was so sincere and brutal. my favorite author no doubt
Have you read Red Men, Princess Pachattas, and George Washington Harmoniz race relations in Laredo at the turn of the century . William Stoner is in that historical book .
Because of this review I read stoner, then my wife read it, her sister, her husband.
And we all fucking absolutely loved the hell out of this book. That’s an awesome thing to do, share an amazing read. Thanks Cliff, that book was indeed fucking perfect.
Man, that's awesome. Thank you for sharing that.
Your welcome he's in another history book .
@@BetterThanFoodBookReviews I just finished Stoner because of your review, Cliff. And it might be the best book I have ever read. I don't know how to quantify the sheer weight of its words, each one pregnant with such perfect meaning, devoid of pretences above their own station, born of understanding, clear-eyed simplicity, and an abiding tenderness of feeling that both astonished and deeply moved me - I only know that I will never again read anything quite like it, and for that loss I grieve. I will be recommending it to all of the readers in my life, and even the non-readers. I cannot thank you enough for bringing this book into my life. x Claire
I never watched the review but saw the thumbnail said “perfect” so I figured I had to read it! It really is perfect... about halfway through I felt that it was very good, maybe not perfect, but as it went on and you can see where it’s headed I began to understand what is meant when it’s described as perfect.
A passage of the book itself best describes how I feel about it:
"An epiphany of knowing something through words that could not be put in words"
I inherited this book from a university professor who was a dear friend of mine and passed away in December of last year, of cancer no less like Stoner. This passionate review compelled me to read this novel and I finished it today - in tears at its conclusion because it reminded me so much of the quiet heroism my own friend exhibited and the same I hope to carry myself with in the future. So, I must say thank you for turning me onto it and helping me grieve for and remember a wonderful, angelic man by reading a superbly written story about a wonderful, angelic man. Tremendous.
"Books like this make life worth living". Amen
God bless you
True words spoken
It’s a masterpiece. “Look! I am alive!” Is one of the most moving phrases I’ve ever read. The whole book is a beautiful affirmation of life. And Stoner himself is a wonderful character. Suffused with a quiet passion and drive.
I just finished it and I'm shook. Tears came down a few times. This hits home, like a wake up call to appreciate life, books and love while it lasts. Also finishing college and reading this can cause you to reconsider your whole life. Love it, man. Would have never heard of it without you. Even my librarian was like oh stoner hum , as if it had been a long time since anyone asked for that book.
Your passion fucking rubs itself all over me. Jesus. Every time I watch one of your reviews, I immediately want to drop everything and find the book you're talking about. Brilliant reviews, man. I always look forward to them.
+Gabe Rimbaud People like you are why I do this.
His review is sincere. I read the book and am here trying to pick up the piece of my soul Stoner took
I've always been interested in reading but my attention span has kept me from it. A while ago I decided to try to get into it. This video inspired me to read Stoner as my first book ever (that I read by my own will). I just finished the book and I'm completely speechless. The way you get to follow this guy through his whole lifetime was an amazing read. Hearing Finch and Stoner reference Masters later in the book always hit hard, it was as if it was a friend to me whom had died. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this video, I can't wait to read more!
Fuck yeah. You're very welcome. Plenty more on the way, stay tuned.
Oh yeah what to come from Mr Stoner ?
“The one way of tolerating existence is to lose oneself in literature as in a perpetual orgy.”
― Gustave Flaubert
+Seppe Van Dijck or just in genuine orgy
+A man with a knife ofcource there's always that
Less aids and horny fat dudes involved in an orgy of literature.
I've done that and then one day I looked up from the book I was reading and realized I was in exactly the same place I had been as a teenager and that I was no use to anyone including myself and then it was confirmed that life has objective meaning because on the very deepest level of my being I wanted to move forward. If you identify with nihilistic French decadence then maybe a perpetual orgy is very attractive but the only true way of reckoning with the trials of existence is to engage with existence to the fullest. The wonderful thing about great literature is that one who does live in an orgy of literature will probably be shaken out of stasis sooner or later, for better or for worse.
Read this book.
"What did you expect?"
I will, undoubtedly, have the last few passages of Stoner on my mind when I face my own end.
Just finished the book today. That line, and its repetition through the final passages… I had to sit and feel it. One of those moments you hold the book face down away and you look up and away from it in astonishment and thought and feeling… though almost in tears, it had me feeling like everything was going to be okay. Maybe I’m the only one, but it seemed almost okay. Life is what it is. What did you expect?
Thank you so much Cliff! I showed a few of my friends this review and they think I am a regular celebrity by getting a shout out from you! They also unanimously agreed that you have 'fucking top tier flow' in regards to your hair. Keep up the awesome reviews man.
+Logan Zimmerman HA! Shit yeah man, humbled by the hair compliment, maybe I'll just get drunk off soju and sleep too late more often, I'll keep makin em if you keep watchin and readin.
+Better Than Food: Book Reviews You should review "If on a winter's night a traveler".
William Stoner is my grandpa don't thank us . Thank God
@@marcogarza3720 wh-
Stoner is my favorite book of all time. The line "a life of quite desperation" does describe this story but nothing can really describe it can it? Its beautiful, leaves you wordless, even thought its filled with eloquence and simplicity. Its simply a story of a very ordinary man, not a hero, not a villain, just an ordinary man. No one really sees him, not family, colleagues or friends. Its a brave book because nothing extraordinary happens except telling a story of a simple man whose story is nothing more than reflecting on his life. How can a simple book be this powerful? Still don't know but its still after hundreds of books read my favorite book.
Thank you for enjoying my grandpa work . A man of peace
I'm glad you enjoy the book but he's has a another book . That book cost $50 bucks .
"Quiet desperation"?
The only book thus far to have me sobbing by the end. An incredible read that I may have never had the pleasure of reading if it wasnt for you. Thank you for all you are doing. Keep up the amazing reviews.
I put this one on the back burner, and just got around to it early last week. I DEVOURED almost three quarters of the book in one sitting, and spent the rest of the week taking peeks at it here and there during the workday. I've finally finished it, and I'm left speechless by it. I just want to run around telling people tp read this one. Thx so much for bringing it to my attention.
“If you go home with someone and they don’t have books, don’t fuck them.” Words to live by my friend. Words to live by.
I purchased this book on your recommendation. I had high expectations based on your review. My expectations were far surpassed. I sat and read the first 60 pages at one sitting. I have been looking for a novel this compelling for years.
One of my most satisfied and favorite reads in 2020, this book is like a gentle breeze from the trees, walking through it generates such almost sacred peace in your mind which is so rare and beautiful, like real life in the form of a dream.
Having read this book a month ago, its a pleasant surprise to see on your channel, which I very recently discovered. Like you, I have struggled to come to an internal summary of the book.
I think that the reason for this is because the sheer sincerity of what is written, renders any of my thoughts regarding it completely superfluous. It's so bare and dignified that I can't think anything about it, without feeling like I'm embellishing for my own self-satisfaction.
Your pure passion and belief in this book's excellence is inspiring - I have to run out and buy Stoner right now.
I really enjoy that you give an always interesting background on the writer. His/Her life, mind, behaviours, beliefs and experiences around writing the book. You should never stop that it always gives such cool context around the book.
"Stoner" is such a beautiful book. There were only two other books I've read that actually made me break down into tears:
"The Road" by Cormac McCarthy
"A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey
These books are gifts to humanity. I don't know if this applies to anyone else, but after reading these three books I found
myself having a greater sense of empathy and sympathy for the suffering of others.
Great Review as always! I love this channel.
Thanks for the recommendations
I finished this book in a train station in the south of France and I was in tears. This book was so powerful I can't describe it. Perfect! I loved it and I am looking forward to reading Butchers Crossing and Augustus.
Did you ever read Butcher's Crossing and Augustus? I just finished Stoner, and it floored me.
Read this book last year when I was in a really dark place. Safe to say it completely changed my outlook on life and helped me to really appreciate those little moments that, like to you said, make all this shit worthwhile. It really is a testament to the power of literature. I've watched films that have had a lasting effect on me, but no where near to the extent that this book did. After watching this review I think a second reading may be in order.
Have you seen The Godfather? It affected me to a similar degree, but for different reasons.
Off topic I know, but that's a seriously good haircut.
I wanted to thank you. After seeing this a while ago, I finally read stoner and it was one of the most profound reading experiences I've had and touched me in so many ways. Thank you Cliff for what you do and for sharing it with the world
You're very welcome Tanner, glad to hear you enjoyed it, great read. I'll keep going if you'll keep watchin.
I will keep watching!
Just finished reading this incredible book. This is a book about someone who lived an ordinary life, yet there were times I was so enthralled by it, so captivated by the writing of John Williams, that I was racing through the pages wanting to know what happened next. Such is the power and greatness of this novel.
The slight moments of happiness in his life, his early relationship with his daughter, his departing message to her, his love for Dave Masters. This book captured my whole heart. Must read is an understatement.
Never watched a video where you were seemingly at a loss for words to articulate your enjoyment with a book. Obviously a great sign, definitely convinced me to make sure this is the next book I read. Great review as always!
Dear Cliff,
I picked up Stoner after watching this review and I thank you deeply, soulfully and as authentically as I can for sharing this book with me. It was a reading experience unlike any other for me. Working in tech, I was mesmerised by the lives of the geniuses, the mavericks and the billionaires. Then this book came along and it was the pin that destroyed that bubble I found myself living in. It was polarising to accepting that a core tenet of the book, in my humble opinion, was this: "What makes life heroic is the quality of attention paid to it." I recommend it heartily to my close friends and its now a class of its own in my eyes. I owe a debt of gratitude to you and your channel for enriching my sense of humaneness.
Thank you so much, Cliff. I hope you find all the peace, love and meaning you seek in life.
Thanks again.
your fan,
Vignesh S.
This is William Stoner grandson don't thank us Thank God . 🔯🔯🔯
Just finished Stoner mere minutes ago. Perfect. What a revelation. Thank you for this book review. If I had a cap I would doth it, out of the greatest show of gratitude to you sir for your sterling effort with this video.
You sir, are the epitome of the term "Book Reviewer" and I will follow you to the ends of the worlds with your selections and recommendations. So I say to you, thank you sir for living. Salud.
+Iwan Sand Salud, glad to have ya!
Because of this review I bought Stoner, read it, loved it and now I gave it to my father so he can read this masterpiece as well. Thank you so so much.
I read this on the back of your review and I think it’s the best book i’ve ever read. Thank you for bringing it into my life. This will be a book I read again and again.
Been thirsting for a new video, had a feeling you'd be doing Stoner. Super stoked.
Cliff, once again you lead me to an extraordinary work of art. Stoner is sublime, and while his life couldn't be more different from my own I felt everything as if it was happening to me. Thanks Cliff.
I just read The Book of Disquiet because of your channel and thus will be my 2nd recommendation from your channel
I just found out you reviewed one of my favorite books! I'm pretty late to this review but still want to thank you for doing justice to this, indeed, perfect book.
Man you are just fucking up my financial situation!!! Every time I see a new video of yours in my feed I just resign myself to spending another $10-$15. You have fantastic taste, and I love your reviews. Thanks for introducing me to all these great books(even if it means I can now afford less alcohol).
+Booksand Beer Life is a constant balance between drinking and reading no?
True so I suppose I should be thanking you for bringing some balance to my habits.
"...he saw it as a human act of becoming, a condition that was invented and modified moment by moment and day by day, by the will and the intelligence and the heart."
Well shit, I'm convinced.
Just to let you know the link on the website didn't work on directing me to a page to buy it, but the one in this description box seems to. Stoked to get started on this gem, thanks!
+Abbey Willman Think it's fixed, thanks for catching that!
I love, love, love this book. From the first til the last word, it's PERFECTION. There isn't one word that is redundant or replacable. I started it, and I immediately KNEW this was something special. The language just grabbed me and never let go. It was so simple. And so uplifting, I don't understand why people find it pessimistic. Stoner had a good life, because he was a good humble man, who never even thought to compare himself to anyone else, or to run away from his experience.
Might be totally strange, but another work that Stoner makes me think of is the movie "Primer". It's a v. low-budget time-travel flick told with similar lifelike simplicity.
I'm currently reading a short novella called 'Candide' by Voltaire, and I'm finding it quite amusing. Do you have any thoughts on reviewing that one?
"Il faut cultiver notre jardin"
Not sure if you've read and uploaded a review for Brothers Karamazov by Dostoyevsky, but I'd love to hear your review of it if you ever do read it!
This book changed my life.
do you write? i enjoy the way you analogize.
This was just magnificent! I read this book with a Goodreads club and the best part about this novel is that William Stoner is the professor and the person that all of us want to be. Stoner does not allow others to influence his choices and while he is trampled on by the English department and by his very own wife and family, he continues to do what he does and how he wants to do it. I just got a great feeling the way he stuck it to Hollis Lomax in a particular part of the novel. I really enjoyed this as well! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. -Josh
I just finished reading Stoner. Quite possibly the best book i've ever read. No other book has had such an emotional impact on me. I really enjoyed your review.
I just finished it also, and I agree with your statements wholeheartedly. I don't think I shall ever again read a book as meaningful to me as Stoner was.
I have Stoner on my shelf and I was planning on getting to it in a few books time, it's now jumped the list to second to top.
The only book I've felt the way you look like you feel about, is probably Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon, so in response, I recommend that to you.
+Alexander Thornton Thanks!
Thank you for keeping my grandpa Legacy alive
Without a heavy hand, Williams illustrates the unpredictability of life despite our best intentions to steer it in the direction that we intend. Seemingly insignificant decisions throw us on a new course to be lived the best we can while maintaining a sense of self and integrity. Some books take up a residence in the soul, this is one that does that for me.
I feel like I've just been living in a trance for a few days now after just reading the book. I wanna find people who felt like how I felt and I found your video. Subscribed right away! I feel like this book has just changed my life and I don't even know it.
The same happened to me. I read it and almost a week later, I was still "in" it. My favorite book ever.
one of my favorite books, so glad I opened up youtube to find this video!
Thank you so much for enjoy he's book he has another historical book . 😔
Just finished it. It really is a perfectly written book.
A Hero dropped into Midwestern America. He's a teacher. That all. And his journey is epically heroic and tragic. Everyone can see themselves in Stoner. A SIMPLE LIFE CAN BE HEROIC. And that's what we relate to.
Today I found an old Vintage edition of "Stoner" in the Little Free Library that's a memorial to a local bodega cat. Having heard your review here, I'm very much looking forward to reading the novel. (Have you read John Williams' "Augustus: A Novel"?
Great joke about this book was about the title "stoner" first thoughts were yeah. Another cynical story about drugs loss and addiction and becoming clean. Was I thrown for a loop! Didn't expect anything so sincere about just being a human being. Maybe the best thing anybody could ever be.
I need to stop re-watching your fucking reviews all day and actually get deep into Under The Volcano, Stoner, and A Farewell To Arms.
Yeah you old man, come on, get with it.
I have a new-found appreciation of this book. I tried to read it once when it had come back into the literary radar after some real obscurity. When it read it then, I did not enjoy it. I felt that it was just meh for me. But when I reread it recently I bloody loved it! The writing is peerless, the prose is just flawless. The story is just so real. It is just the story of a life, and I loved it. If you are familiar with the film Finding Forrester (2000), I imagine that Sean Connery’s character’s only novel would be something like this book. Honestly it is amazing.
I'd love to see a review of Celine's Journey to the End of the Night or The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers.
Already done Celine
I have recently found your channel and, being a literature student, I find that when I am lacking the motivation to read the mandatory stuff which isn't always stuff I enjoy, I watch your videos and something weird happens: I get an immense urge, even need, to read. And so I do. And all is well. (PS: I think you might enjoy reading something by António Lobo Antunes or Gonçalo M. Tavares)
+Miguel Palaio Perfect - I strive for that urgency, comes from a sincere place. Thanks for watching, I've read and enjoyed Tavares.
I'd love to see a review of Flannery O'Connor's Wise Blood.
Your quote “books like this make life living.” So true
Thanks. As I said, just finished Stoner and literally spent last night sobbing in my bed after finishing this book.
Is it possibly an augmented and nationalized version of "The Death of Ivan Ilych?"
Reading it now! Had the same experience! Soo good!
I loved this book so much! I don't remember crying that much with a book in my life! So beautiful!
This book has been the it book for /lit/ and it's been sitting on my shelf for a while. But as you ten to do, you make me really want to read it more than anything else.
Quick question: do you read science fiction? Just curious.
+sykoelf Rarely but yes, thanks for watching!
For those that love Stoner - I sincerely recommend Butchers Crossing , another John Williams novel , completely different setting from Stoner, but just as mesmerizing, one of my all time favorites ( along with stoner)
Thanks for this!!!
If I enjoyed this book, what should I check out next?
Hi Clifford what's your favourite book of all time?
My brother gave me this book a really long time ago and the only thing I thought was "ugh, another existential novel", but the stuff you read out loud made me think that maybe I'm missing out on something. I still got it, so I might just start reading a few pages tomorrow and see where it goes.
I'm sure my brother will be happy to know I actually tried to read one of the many novels he's been giving me as birthday presents for the last few years lol
While I remember, if you feel like doing a non-fiction review again at anytime I can THOROUGHLY recommend John Jeremiah Sullivan's Pulphead: Essays. The range of stuff covered is incredible, cave paintings, ancient blues, christian rock festivals, animal attack epidemics, reality tv survivors, (this is all from memory - my copy not being to hand) It's an amazing mix of personal experience and carefully researched investigation. It's brilliant.
Mr. Sargent, I have a question to ask of you. Do you have a preference to reading silently or out loud? I know someone like Harold Bloom is a strong proponent of the practice but I wondered if you do it yourself or do not see any purpose for it. Thanks for the great videos by the way!
Splendid review, bought the book after watching the first few minutes of it and then watched the video in its entirety. Bravo
“Bill, if we never have anything else, We will have had this week.”
Such a great book.
I read the book on your recommendation. While I would not call the book "perfect" by any means (As one just a year into taking literature seriously I really am in no position to be making such judgment calls!) it certainly is very strong. I think that's fair to say. The fact that Williams was able to pack so much of the essential stuff in 278 pages, and in such plainspoken, lucid prose is something I admire a lot. Working on it in my own writing.
I guess it's that thing of separating your preferences from your critical faculties. I can personally say that portions of the book and the last few pages moved me deeply, but it's another thing altogether to look at them with an objective eye and ask yourself "why is this moving me", "how is it moving me, and has it earned the right to"? Probably not expressed very clearly, but hopefully you get my point.
SIDENOTE: To me, the exchange between Dave Masters, Finch, and Stoner was a little on-the-nose. Masters never seemed to me like a genuine character. Not quite sure how to explain it. I suppose it's something of that typical doomed prophet aura he's got going on.
But the good parts outnumbered the flaws, which were not manifest, in my opinion. It is an overall solid to excellent book for the reasons expressed above and many more I won't include in a single TH-cam comment. As for the channel, I can honestly say that it's opened up so many doors into areas I wouldn't have thought about exploring if it weren't for your recommendations. Stoner was an unexpected gift, and I eagerly wait for more!
Love this book. Amazed anything so good is pretty much unknown, authors powerful descriptive writing with a dash of philosophy that does not interrupt the flow of the story.
you definitely convinced me to read it. great review.
+Michael Reads (michaelisreading) I want to give it a go as well ha
+Michael Reads (michaelisreading) It's so good! It's better than food!
Wonderfully insightful book review as always, Cliff. I can't help but recommend another Williams classic: Augustus.
+Oana C. I'll take it, thanks for watching.
Thanks. I enjoyed the passages you read. I was reminded on F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby and the failure of the American Dream.
i borrowed this book from my grandmother at 16 and it was probably the greatest thing i ever received from her
I loved this book too, so much that I've posted copies to friends for them to also read and enjoy.
Don’t know if I’m reading too much into your body language but you seemed definitely subdued in comparison to your usual self after reading Stoner ?
Was it a depressing book....thought provoking perhaps ?
I’ve bought it too now but from UK Amazon so it’s quicker. I am looking forward to receiving it anyway now. Didn’t want to Kindle version.
Love your reviews so much x
Spoiler alert: The relationship Stoner develops with his daughter is a thing of beauty. Why does he allow his wife to intervene and destroy it? If he were a great moral coward throughout the book I could understand if not condone it, but he isn’t. He stands up to some very influential colleagues and prevents a crippled cheat from prospering, at the expense of any future career advancement. Why does he not stand up to his wife and fight for his daughter?
Stone's cowardice and abandonment of his daughter made me hate him. Even though I loved him at the same time.
Yes, I don't understand that either.
Is it possible you could review the book "The Mezzanine" by Nicholson Baker? Just discovered your channel and loving your videos! Great review!
Will you ever read any other books by John Williams? The novels, Augustus and Butcher's Crossing, are amazin too (Nothing compares to Stoner though).
Began Stoner Monday morning. What an amazingly well written book. Again, many thanks for the review. I might not have heard of the novel or John Williams otherwise.
Just finished it: three days. Cried throughout, cried at the end. Now? I think Ill be thinking about this book for awhile. I found it ... O? A sad reflection on the reality of life's lost hopes and dreams and plans and? And, God laughs. Yet Stoner doesnt care.
I'm convinced nothing really happens in our lives apart from momentary bliss here and there....Rest is just pain
"Stop you in your tracks" writing. Impossible to improve upon the experience of reading this book. Thank you sir.
have you ever tried his other 2 novels? im on augustus now and its great. i kinda prefer the rawness in butchers crossing though. everything that guy wrote was so sincere and brutal. my favorite author no doubt
Butchers Crossing is an amazing book.
I just finished reading it.Man,would i want to erase it all and start again...
holy shit dude just wandered upon your channel.love it, relate so much to your thoughts on all these books. fuck yea!
Thank you for doing this incredible book full justice.
So does the term stoner come from this book or is this book about stoner's - would really help me decide whether or not I would want to read it - ?
I just finished the book, and I don’t think I’m ever going to emotionally recover from reading it.
Have you read Red Men, Princess Pachattas, and George Washington Harmoniz race relations in Laredo at the turn of the century . William Stoner is in that historical book .
The part you read from the book,, I reread that part a couple times as well.
Spot on. Brilliant review, and excerpts.
I just read this book and loved it. Any next book suggestions? Also, the quote you got from wiki is also in the intro, so it definitely checks out 👌
I loved this book and your review!
Find "The Blind Owl" by Sadegh Hedayat. You will dig it.
A brilliant gem of a book.
Lovely review of one of my favourite reads last year!