I am very pleased you didn't find it too long! But as someone who absolutely sucks at recording efficiently, a long video like this takes me soooo long to make 🥲 I need to protect my Sundays!!! Or maybe take a crash course in talking to the camera and getting it right first time 😂
Your videos are some of my favorites - no need to apologize about their length. More to love! I am a Tessa Hadley fan: I especially enjoyed The Past and Free Love. As for forgetting the details of a book you read in October, wait until you're my age and can't remember how you started this sentence!
ooooh love a big book update! a lot of interesting things in these past few weeks for you! please do Human Acts! found it incredibly brutal and moving. i've yet to do The Vegetarian and i'm scared now! 😭 gonna keep my eyes peeled for The Material! those blurbs?? on a debut??? wild
Thank you sir!!! Excited to read Human Acts, and tbh I think you'll get more out of The Vegetarian than I did because you are a much deeper reader! And yes those blurbs are out of this world. Whoever her publishing team is has CONNECTIONS.
I’m really really glad you loved Goon Squad! It’s one of my most fave books. You should definitely read the sequel, Candy House. It builds on top of Goon Squad, and might even be slightly better! I was so surprised by it because I thought Jennifer Egan cannot surpass her Goon Squad, but she did.
Thank you for this comment - I had no idea there was a sequel to Goon Squad! That's going on the TBR list, albeit with some trepidation in case I don't like it because I enjoyed Goon Squad so much. 😂
I have The Candy House queued up already! Although it was a discounted copy and the dust jacket was immediately discarded because it was ripped. Luckily has an excellent design on the hardback. But yeah, Goon Squad is exceptional so happy to hear the follow-up is up to scratch! 🎉
I know I need to read something by Jennifer Egan but I've been so oddly intimidated, I had no idea where to start, but you totally sold me on A Visit From The Goon Squad!
I know I’m not the only one who could listen to you talk all day! some of these sound really interesting, especially The Party. sometimes those shorter books teach us a lot about what we look for in a particular author’s writing style, and I love that as a tool for discovery 🫶🏻
Good to see you back and hear about the books you are reading. I too really liked The God of the Woods. It is an area of the world that I know quite well which made it even better for me. Wish there had been a little more about the Transcendentalists that was eluded to. I feel like I need to reread A Visit to the Goon Squad. I read it just after it came out and I loved the writing but the stories and subject did not grab me but since then so much love from others about this book has me re-thinking what I missed.
Good to hear it was a good representation of that part of the US. I find when I know a place it can go either way: if it's done badly it can ruin a book, but if done well it's great!
I LOVED God of the Woods. Agree with you - my favorite character was probably also Judyta and the nickname of 'The Nation's First' was hilarious lol. Great video! Added a couple to my tbr :D
Judyta was definitely the most interesting and complex character in the book! I heard someone on the NYT Book Review podcast wanting this to become the start of a Judyta series!
The Material was super interesting and a lot more complex / philosophical under the hood than I expected (no explicit philosophy, just felt like it was asking really interesting questions about being in today's world).
i always see second hand copies of ‘a visit from the goon squad’ and i always debate if i should buy it or not. but you’ve got me convinced, i will def get myself a copy of it. it sounds like something i’d really enjoy!
Still worth a read if you're intrigued! It just didn't live up to expectations for me. Definitely willing to give her work another go, and hoping I enjoy Human Acts a lot more.
I really enjoyed this format, Ben! I'm reading God of the Woods now and really enjoying it...but I'm only 100 pages in or so. The Vegetarian is on my TBR but after seeing your review, I'm not sure I'll be rushing to it anytime soon. I just picked up Human Acts from the library today so maybe I'll go to that one first.
Hope you enjoy its mysteries! Can't say if there is a 'good' order to read the Han Kang books, but they're all pretty short so even if you don't like The Vegetarian you won't have wasted too much time 😊
Looks like you read an interesting selection of books in Oct. The Tessa Hadley one sounds like one I might want to try, if only to sample her writing. Plus I love books with sisters in.
Quite new to the channel and really enjoying it! I loe Tessa Hadley but only read two books which I would recommend- Free Love and then the second is Late in the Day.
Thank you for being here! Glad you’re enjoying it. Those two Harley’s plus The Past seem to be the top picks from everyone in the comments, so I will have my eyes peeled in charity shops 👀
I unexpectedly enjoyed another book by Liz Moore so I've been meaning to try out more from her at some point. Might have to give The God of the Woods a shot at some point
Thanks Ben. Love a good long video from you! Please keep them coming! I had a similar experience with The Vegetarian. I actually found the middle section the most readable even though the theme was a little icky. I felt like if the third part had been stronger, it would have been a really good book, but it just sort of fizzled out....and like you said, it was a bit too weird. I would definitely read something else by Han Kang though.
I can't promise lots more long videos - they take me sooooo much longer to make because I am exceptionally inefficient at filming 😂 Agreed that part two of The Vegetarian was the most reasonable. I don't really mind a bit of ickiness as long as it's doing something interesting. And yeah it's a shame the third part is the weakest, because that's what lingers when you finish the book!
Not too long! Truly! I’ve read several of these. Toni Morrison’s Recitatif is truly brilliant and yog should definitely read The Bluest Eye and several other books by her. I do want to read The Party but I take your point about how short it is. Try Hadley’s The Past or Clever Girl.
I love Tessa Hadley and have read most of her books. The Past or The London Train are 2 of her best novels and would be a great place to start, although I do think her short stories are fantastic as well. Married Love and Other Stories and Bad Dreams and Other Stories are 2 of my favorites.
Glad you’re feeling better! Wouldn’t want you to rush through books or leave some out for the sake of a “shorter” vid btw; I’m sure we’re all here for whatever you want to share with us 🕺 I loooved The Vegetarian, almost knew nothing going in, was mind-blown by the social commentary and layers, so I agree with most of what you said 😜 Can’t wait to read God of the Woods!! For Tessa Hadley I’ve only come across Late in the Day but I think you might enjoy that from what you said about her writing. But maybe others have read more and can provide actual advice on her books, lol.
I do try not to leave books out, because if they miss a wrap-up... they may never get talked about 😂 See also: my intention of doing a standalone review of Glorious Exploits. Still not happened!!!
I'm really sorry to hear you've been so poorly, Ben! I was down and out in late September and most of October with COVID. 😩 I've only caught two viruses all year, though! I have to take special care because my health is rather frail, so what I do is I wear a mask whenever I leave the house and go into an indoor area or a crowded area outdoors. I use Dentyl Dual Action mouthwash before I leave the house to go anywhere, as that has cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) which is proven to kill COVID and other viruses in the mouth. I also use a First Defence nasal spray (Boots' brand is the gold standard - a lot of people don't get on with Vicks' version), and a NasalGuard Cold & Flu Block gel which helps to stop viruses from travelling through your nasal passages. It's a frustratingly rigorous routine, but I swear by it. Feel free to try out one or all of these measures and hopefully it may help to break the constant cycle of picking up illnesses! Also, don't forget to rest, even when you start feeling better. 😊 Take care!
Well thank you for the detailed tips! I definitely need to make more use of nasal sprays. I spoke to a Nurse Practitioner the other day and she did tell me to try using my allergies spray a bit more, because it might be some combo of cold + allergies. Hoping things get better soon!
absolutely great reviews! also as a gay brit applying for uni, you are absolutely right - heartstopper is so comforting and hopeful (and also if you are in a more friendly area you can get circles as queer as theirs so that is nice)
I also agree that The Vegetarian was a bit tedious... A book with a dollop of strange that really works and has really stayed with me this autumn is The Wall by Marlene Haushoffer. An old book but weirdly prescient. Hauntingly beautiful and horrific in equal measure. Hard recommend.
Ahhh I've heard of that one! I think it got a reissue in some series of climate-related books and it looked really nice. Another one for the wishlist 😂
Do read Human Acts. I just read it last month (before the current crisis in South Korea) and I could have started it again upon finishing. That never happens to me. I found it profound. I read We the Animals upon publication, and I remember glimmers about it, but agree that the substance is not sustaining.
I prefer a longer video as I usually do some sort of chore while watching, like ironing or cooking - so the longer the better. Hope you feel better soon, I've been exactly the same this autumn, one cold after the other 😕
Glad it worked for you, though these take me so long (I am very inefficient 🥲) that I can't promise too many more of this length!!! Hoping cold season calms the heck down soon.
Suggestions to boost your immune system. Vitamin D & magnesium. They need each other to be absorbed and to improve your ability to fight of viruses. I’m currently listening to Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst Loving it and hoping it will be adapted for film/tv. Also listening to There Are Rivers In the Sky There are about 10/12 books I’d like to finish before 2025 or before new releases and book prizes begin next year. Are there books you want to read or finish?
Thanks for the tips! I have a few books that I need to get to in order to round out some prompts (Mr Loverman, and a book somehow connected to my personal history...) plus Cloud Cuckoo Land is finally going to be tackled this month. But otherwise pretty free and easy!
Same, The Vegetarian was on my list of possibilities for some time, and the Nobel win prompted me to give it a go. Have you read Melville's famous short story Bartleby the Scrivener? Bartleby also refuses to live up to others' expectations or to explain himself, to their frustration. I couldn't help seeing Bartleby as this story's jumping off point. I listened to the audiobook, and Stephen Park (a comedic Korean American actor I like) narrated the husband's section, probably added humor to the experience vs. reading it. Also, I was able to adjust the speed to get through the "boring" parts, although I wondered if the book was really asking the reader to slow down and think more about the social and cultural demands on identity. When you said nothing about the ending exploded, I thought, maybe it imploded? One thing was clear: the main character was mentally ill, not just someone who decides to go vegan, and no review I've seen mentioned that. The sister's p.o.v. read a lot like a "this is what it's like to be related to an anorexic" story, a major shift from the other two sections, which invite us to consider the brutalities and consequences of sexism. All that said, I wouldn't say I "liked" it. Btw Ben, no worries about the video length. Love to hear everything you have to say, and we can always pause it if we need a break 😄 It was interesting that two of your reads from October matched two in Jess' (Stalking Kafka's) recent video -- I think it was also uploaded today? God of the Woods and Goon Squad (which I'm already in line for on Libby. This year I'm trying to "read" more audiobooks). Speaking of other BookTubers, do you watch Greg at Supposedly Fun? He loves the Heartstoppers series. Now I want to either read it or watch on Netflix (saw one 9f the actors in something else and was impressed). I want to read Material now too! Based on your description I think I'll like it better than Good Material. Recitatif -- Morrison is a great writer, can't wait. Love the gorgeous cover. Haha the colors coordinate perfectly with you on that couch! (I looked up the painting -- it's by a Liverpool artist).
No, your video is not SO. DAMN. LONG. It is so interesting! The God of the Woods is SO. DAMN. LONG! It needed to get in the hands of a firm editor who would trim out 100 or 150 pages. Just too much filler. It’s not a bad book and I enjoyed the core story, but I also felt like ripping out big chunks. I also listened to the audiobook. I very rarely remember a lot of details about books. They have to be super special to be stuck into my brain cells. Hamnet would be a good example for me. For other books, I remember the emotion the book left me with, not so much the details, sometimes not even the plot, whether or not I liked or loathed the book.
Haha yes I think The God of the Woods could have been a bunch tighter, but I think maybe the audio for me (i.e. not holding that massive book) made it a bit easier to go along with. Although now and again I did wish I could flip back to double check the timeline. I definitely find that the more I read, the more I'm having to rely on taking a few notes as I'm reading, or I'll end up having nothing to say 😅
Regarding LIARS, I find it annoying to see how it became ok and celebrated to portray men as flat caricaturistic characters only to justify the patriarchal narrative. It’s not what We’ve been supposed to appreciate in literary fiction. Or is it?
I do kinda appreciate the sentiment. Some progressive spaces do have a very dismissive attitude towards men, and while I can see where that comes from (the project of equality is nowhere near complete, male violence is still a huge and terrible problem) it does feed these horrible Andrew Tate-esque movements. Young men, often those without tonnes of income or power, can't find a place in the culture and end up drawn to toxic assholes who teach them to be toxic too. All that said, I don't think it applies here. John in Liars isn't flat or a caricature at all. He's actually got a lot of depth and complexity, he just happens to be a total manbaby and very insecure. And Jane is far from perfect herself!
Apologies this is SO DAMN LONG. Might need to start limiting review videos to like 5 books max or something.
No apologies necessary - love a long video
Long videos are the BEST 🎉
A definite thumbs up and not too long at all. Hope you feel better!
It didn't feel long! Much enjoyed, as always.
I am very pleased you didn't find it too long! But as someone who absolutely sucks at recording efficiently, a long video like this takes me soooo long to make 🥲
I need to protect my Sundays!!! Or maybe take a crash course in talking to the camera and getting it right first time 😂
Your videos are some of my favorites - no need to apologize about their length. More to love!
I am a Tessa Hadley fan: I especially enjoyed The Past and Free Love.
As for forgetting the details of a book you read in October, wait until you're my age and can't remember how you started this sentence!
Thanks - although for my own sanity I like to keep them a little shorter 😅
Ooh a few people have mentioned The Past. Maybe that's the one to turn to.
Good afternoon, Good evening, Good Night. That intro got me laughing. Lovely to watch you again
Got to love a Truman Show throwback! Thank you for watching 🙏
ooooh love a big book update! a lot of interesting things in these past few weeks for you!
please do Human Acts! found it incredibly brutal and moving. i've yet to do The Vegetarian and i'm scared now! 😭
gonna keep my eyes peeled for The Material! those blurbs?? on a debut??? wild
Thank you sir!!! Excited to read Human Acts, and tbh I think you'll get more out of The Vegetarian than I did because you are a much deeper reader!
And yes those blurbs are out of this world. Whoever her publishing team is has CONNECTIONS.
Always love your videos, the longer the better! Hope you feel back to full health soon.
Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed it!
I’m really really glad you loved Goon Squad! It’s one of my most fave books. You should definitely read the sequel, Candy House. It builds on top of Goon Squad, and might even be slightly better! I was so surprised by it because I thought Jennifer Egan cannot surpass her Goon Squad, but she did.
Thank you for this comment - I had no idea there was a sequel to Goon Squad! That's going on the TBR list, albeit with some trepidation in case I don't like it because I enjoyed Goon Squad so much. 😂
@ that was exactly what I feared before. But no worries. It’s up to par with Goon Squad. :)
I have The Candy House queued up already! Although it was a discounted copy and the dust jacket was immediately discarded because it was ripped. Luckily has an excellent design on the hardback.
But yeah, Goon Squad is exceptional so happy to hear the follow-up is up to scratch! 🎉
I know I need to read something by Jennifer Egan but I've been so oddly intimidated, I had no idea where to start, but you totally sold me on A Visit From The Goon Squad!
Don't be intimidated - Goon Squad is hugely readable!
I know I’m not the only one who could listen to you talk all day! some of these sound really interesting, especially The Party. sometimes those shorter books teach us a lot about what we look for in a particular author’s writing style, and I love that as a tool for discovery 🫶🏻
Yeah it was a nice taster of Hadley, and has definitely got me up for some more of her work. I just want a fully-fleshed out novel! 😅
Good to see you back and hear about the books you are reading. I too really liked The God of the Woods. It is an area of the world that I know quite well which made it even better for me. Wish there had been a little more about the Transcendentalists that was eluded to. I feel like I need to reread A Visit to the Goon Squad. I read it just after it came out and I loved the writing but the stories and subject did not grab me but since then so much love from others about this book has me re-thinking what I missed.
Good to hear it was a good representation of that part of the US. I find when I know a place it can go either way: if it's done badly it can ruin a book, but if done well it's great!
I LOVED God of the Woods. Agree with you - my favorite character was probably also Judyta and the nickname of 'The Nation's First' was hilarious lol. Great video! Added a couple to my tbr :D
Judyta was definitely the most interesting and complex character in the book! I heard someone on the NYT Book Review podcast wanting this to become the start of a Judyta series!
@@benreadsgood I would LOVE a Judyta series!
Oooh the material sounds like a bit of me. I’ve also got the party on my radar so good to hear the audio is good. Hope you’re on the mend.
The Material was super interesting and a lot more complex / philosophical under the hood than I expected (no explicit philosophy, just felt like it was asking really interesting questions about being in today's world).
i always see second hand copies of ‘a visit from the goon squad’ and i always debate if i should buy it or not. but you’ve got me convinced, i will def get myself a copy of it. it sounds like something i’d really enjoy!
Do it! It's so great! Definitely deserving of its Pulitzer.
Not too long! There longer the better haha. Eloquent and rly interesting reviews, thank you
Next month: 3 hours. Be careful what you wish for 😂
Thank you, Ben. I enjoyed the video very much. It wasn’t too long at all! I hope you will be feeling better soon. 🤞
Thank you for watching! Glad it wasn't too long, but to protect my own time I do aim to keep them shorter than this!!
Gosh, you’ve made me really conflicted about reading The Vegetarian now… I loved Greek Lessons 😮😊❤
Still worth a read if you're intrigued! It just didn't live up to expectations for me. Definitely willing to give her work another go, and hoping I enjoy Human Acts a lot more.
Recitatif is just brilliant. I listened to the audio (earlier this year?) and loved it, so clever.
It's so smart, isn't it! Such a good use of an hour to read it ❤️
I really enjoyed this format, Ben! I'm reading God of the Woods now and really enjoying it...but I'm only 100 pages in or so. The Vegetarian is on my TBR but after seeing your review, I'm not sure I'll be rushing to it anytime soon. I just picked up Human Acts from the library today so maybe I'll go to that one first.
Hope you enjoy its mysteries! Can't say if there is a 'good' order to read the Han Kang books, but they're all pretty short so even if you don't like The Vegetarian you won't have wasted too much time 😊
Looks like you read an interesting selection of books in Oct. The Tessa Hadley one sounds like one I might want to try, if only to sample her writing. Plus I love books with sisters in.
There is some juicy sister stuff in this - would be interested to hear what you think!
Omg yes. I haven't felt well for months. Cold, recovery, get ill again, now I've got a chest infection:( feel for you
Ahhh what a nightmare - sounds like you've had it worse than me. Hope the infection clears up soon!
Quite new to the channel and really enjoying it! I loe Tessa Hadley but only read two books which I would recommend- Free Love and then the second is Late in the Day.
Thank you for being here! Glad you’re enjoying it. Those two Harley’s plus The Past seem to be the top picks from everyone in the comments, so I will have my eyes peeled in charity shops 👀
I unexpectedly enjoyed another book by Liz Moore so I've been meaning to try out more from her at some point. Might have to give The God of the Woods a shot at some point
It's definitely worth a read if you're into her style and that genre!
Thanks Ben. Love a good long video from you! Please keep them coming!
I had a similar experience with The Vegetarian. I actually found the middle section the most readable even though the theme was a little icky. I felt like if the third part had been stronger, it would have been a really good book, but it just sort of fizzled out....and like you said, it was a bit too weird. I would definitely read something else by Han Kang though.
I can't promise lots more long videos - they take me sooooo much longer to make because I am exceptionally inefficient at filming 😂
Agreed that part two of The Vegetarian was the most reasonable. I don't really mind a bit of ickiness as long as it's doing something interesting. And yeah it's a shame the third part is the weakest, because that's what lingers when you finish the book!
I read the Goon Squad earlier this year and loved it. One of my favourite reads this year.
It's great isn't it! Just really, really, really good writing.
@@benreadsgood So unexpected.
Not too long! Truly! I’ve read several of these. Toni Morrison’s Recitatif is truly brilliant and yog should definitely read The Bluest Eye and several other books by her. I do want to read The Party but I take your point about how short it is. Try Hadley’s The Past or Clever Girl.
I definitely need more Morrison in my reading diet! The Bluest Eye will be going on my pile of 2025 priorities. Thanks for the Hadley pointers 👀
Appreciate the content as always & 😔 I feel you - I feel I’ve had different versions of THE SAME cold since beginning of October 📖🪱💔🤍💙
I just want to wake up one day with clear sinuses!!!
I love Tessa Hadley and have read most of her books. The Past or The London Train are 2 of her best novels and would be a great place to start, although I do think her short stories are fantastic as well. Married Love and Other Stories and Bad Dreams and Other Stories are 2 of my favorites.
That's the third or fourth recommendation for The Past now, so that one's going on the wishlist! Thank you!
Glad you’re feeling better! Wouldn’t want you to rush through books or leave some out for the sake of a “shorter” vid btw; I’m sure we’re all here for whatever you want to share with us 🕺
I loooved The Vegetarian, almost knew nothing going in, was mind-blown by the social commentary and layers, so I agree with most of what you said 😜 Can’t wait to read God of the Woods!!
For Tessa Hadley I’ve only come across Late in the Day but I think you might enjoy that from what you said about her writing. But maybe others have read more and can provide actual advice on her books, lol.
I do try not to leave books out, because if they miss a wrap-up... they may never get talked about 😂 See also: my intention of doing a standalone review of Glorious Exploits. Still not happened!!!
I'm really sorry to hear you've been so poorly, Ben! I was down and out in late September and most of October with COVID. 😩 I've only caught two viruses all year, though! I have to take special care because my health is rather frail, so what I do is I wear a mask whenever I leave the house and go into an indoor area or a crowded area outdoors. I use Dentyl Dual Action mouthwash before I leave the house to go anywhere, as that has cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) which is proven to kill COVID and other viruses in the mouth. I also use a First Defence nasal spray (Boots' brand is the gold standard - a lot of people don't get on with Vicks' version), and a NasalGuard Cold & Flu Block gel which helps to stop viruses from travelling through your nasal passages. It's a frustratingly rigorous routine, but I swear by it. Feel free to try out one or all of these measures and hopefully it may help to break the constant cycle of picking up illnesses! Also, don't forget to rest, even when you start feeling better. 😊 Take care!
Well thank you for the detailed tips! I definitely need to make more use of nasal sprays. I spoke to a Nurse Practitioner the other day and she did tell me to try using my allergies spray a bit more, because it might be some combo of cold + allergies. Hoping things get better soon!
Thank you!
No, thank *you*!
absolutely great reviews! also as a gay brit applying for uni, you are absolutely right - heartstopper is so comforting and hopeful (and also if you are in a more friendly area you can get circles as queer as theirs so that is nice)
Yeah can definitely see it being a comfort. Maybe I would have come out earlier 😂
Lovely discussion - thanks Ben
Thank you for watching! 🙌
I also agree that The Vegetarian was a bit tedious... A book with a dollop of strange that really works and has really stayed with me this autumn is The Wall by Marlene Haushoffer. An old book but weirdly prescient. Hauntingly beautiful and horrific in equal measure. Hard recommend.
Ahhh I've heard of that one! I think it got a reissue in some series of climate-related books and it looked really nice. Another one for the wishlist 😂
Do read Human Acts. I just read it last month (before the current crisis in South Korea) and I could have started it again upon finishing. That never happens to me. I found it profound. I read We the Animals upon publication, and I remember glimmers about it, but agree that the substance is not sustaining.
I saw a few people mentioning Human Acts being very salient on Instagram, so I definitely want to prioritise it soon!
I prefer a longer video as I usually do some sort of chore while watching, like ironing or cooking - so the longer the better. Hope you feel better soon, I've been exactly the same this autumn, one cold after the other 😕
Glad it worked for you, though these take me so long (I am very inefficient 🥲) that I can't promise too many more of this length!!!
Hoping cold season calms the heck down soon.
Suggestions to boost your immune system. Vitamin D & magnesium. They need each other to be absorbed and to improve your ability to fight of viruses.
I’m currently listening to
Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst
Loving it and hoping it will be adapted for film/tv.
Also listening to
There Are Rivers In the Sky
There are about 10/12 books I’d like to finish before 2025 or before new releases and book prizes begin next year.
Are there books you want to read or finish?
Thanks for the tips! I have a few books that I need to get to in order to round out some prompts (Mr Loverman, and a book somehow connected to my personal history...) plus Cloud Cuckoo Land is finally going to be tackled this month. But otherwise pretty free and easy!
Same, The Vegetarian was on my list of possibilities for some time, and the Nobel win prompted me to give it a go. Have you read Melville's famous short story Bartleby the Scrivener? Bartleby also refuses to live up to others' expectations or to explain himself, to their frustration. I couldn't help seeing Bartleby as this story's jumping off point.
I listened to the audiobook, and Stephen Park (a comedic Korean American actor I like) narrated the husband's section, probably added humor to the experience vs. reading it. Also, I was able to adjust the speed to get through the "boring" parts, although I wondered if the book was really asking the reader to slow down and think more about the social and cultural demands on identity. When you said nothing about the ending exploded, I thought, maybe it imploded? One thing was clear: the main character was mentally ill, not just someone who decides to go vegan, and no review I've seen mentioned that. The sister's p.o.v. read a lot like a "this is what it's like to be related to an anorexic" story, a major shift from the other two sections, which invite us to consider the brutalities and consequences of sexism. All that said, I wouldn't say I "liked" it.
Btw Ben, no worries about the video length. Love to hear everything you have to say, and we can always pause it if we need a break 😄
It was interesting that two of your reads from October matched two in Jess' (Stalking Kafka's) recent video -- I think it was also uploaded today? God of the Woods and Goon Squad (which I'm already in line for on Libby. This year I'm trying to "read" more audiobooks).
Speaking of other BookTubers, do you watch Greg at Supposedly Fun? He loves the Heartstoppers series. Now I want to either read it or watch on Netflix (saw one 9f the actors in something else and was impressed). I want to read Material now too! Based on your description I think I'll like it better than Good Material.
Recitatif -- Morrison is a great writer, can't wait. Love the gorgeous cover. Haha the colors coordinate perfectly with you on that couch! (I looked up the painting -- it's by a Liverpool artist).
The endless conveyor belt of colds really is a circle of hell that Dante forgot to include in his book 🫠 Thank you for watching!
Heartstopper ❤
Heartstopper? More like Heartwarmer!
No, your video is not SO. DAMN. LONG. It is so interesting! The God of the Woods is SO. DAMN. LONG! It needed to get in the hands of a firm editor who would trim out 100 or 150 pages. Just too much filler. It’s not a bad book and I enjoyed the core story, but I also felt like ripping out big chunks. I also listened to the audiobook.
I very rarely remember a lot of details about books. They have to be super special to be stuck into my brain cells. Hamnet would be a good example for me. For other books, I remember the emotion the book left me with, not so much the details, sometimes not even the plot, whether or not I liked or loathed the book.
Haha yes I think The God of the Woods could have been a bunch tighter, but I think maybe the audio for me (i.e. not holding that massive book) made it a bit easier to go along with. Although now and again I did wish I could flip back to double check the timeline.
I definitely find that the more I read, the more I'm having to rely on taking a few notes as I'm reading, or I'll end up having nothing to say 😅
Try 'the book of doors' by gareth brown too
Thanks for the recommendation - any particular reason? 👀
@@benreadsgood nope I just liked that book
hey!😊
Hi!
I thought free love by tessa hadley was amazing
Thank you! I am building up quite the Hadley reading list 😍
Am with you all the way. Couldn't stand The Vegetarian.
It was a real disappointment for me - hoping Human Acts lands a bit better!
Regarding LIARS, I find it annoying to see how it became ok and celebrated to portray men as flat caricaturistic characters only to justify the patriarchal narrative. It’s not what We’ve been supposed to appreciate in literary fiction. Or is it?
Have you met (most) men?
didn't think he was flat or caricaturistic, she gave him more personality than he probably had
I do kinda appreciate the sentiment. Some progressive spaces do have a very dismissive attitude towards men, and while I can see where that comes from (the project of equality is nowhere near complete, male violence is still a huge and terrible problem) it does feed these horrible Andrew Tate-esque movements. Young men, often those without tonnes of income or power, can't find a place in the culture and end up drawn to toxic assholes who teach them to be toxic too.
All that said, I don't think it applies here. John in Liars isn't flat or a caricature at all. He's actually got a lot of depth and complexity, he just happens to be a total manbaby and very insecure. And Jane is far from perfect herself!