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I love the TBR in the background. I enjoy seeing books on people’s shelves or in the background because I try to guess their titles and/or the authors.

I agree, I read this last year and really enjoyed it.

This is ignorance in and about this book and your understanding why vegetarian? You have named this as an "ism". To be a vegetarian is wisdom and a great amount of work as well as knowledge of why one takes this route in life.

I've been thinking about adding Twenty Four Seconds From Now to my tbr ever since you posted the video review of it, but I'm a little hesitant just because I've been having a hard time loving YA in the past few years, and I know I might not love it if the writing will feel too young

Brilliantly succinctly summarized the book. I cant wait to discuss the Twist.

wowww i love the pattern you did , it looks amazing ❤

How many pages this book have?

Hi Milly, great video. It's so nice to find another review of this great novel. You mention the connection to 'The Magic Mountain'. Indeed, Empusium is full of easter eggs from the magic mountain, it really is an homage to Thomas Mann's novel. If you're interested in some of the details, I just made a video about Empusium and its relation to the Magic Mountain. Best regards from Germany, - David

I want to read this book because of the cover, it's gorgeous! but idk anymore, juniper and thorn by the same author didn't stick to me, it was a dreadful read but i do want to give her a second chance ughh

You give them life which they wont have without you Give them a chance and they give u comfort which you give them...

Cozy

Congratulations han kang!!

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Interesting how vegetarianism is such a rebellious move. It sounds similar in some ways to Kafka's The Hunger Artist.

Love how Wood subtly drops in the famous Dante quote: “In the middle of my life I came to a dark place within myself, and found I was lost” - the major theme of this beautiful book. ‬

I adored this book!

Congratulations to Han Kang on winning the Nobel Prize in Literature 🎉

I did read this and I want to read it again for the very same reasons. I’d love to talk more about it but would not to want to spoil for others.

In Percival Everett’s "James," the interplay of identity and history prompts us to question: Slave, or Slav? Is it slave language, or Yiddish? Jim, or Me? James, or I am? The satire and psychology are sophisticated, showcasing why Everett is regarded as both dark and masterful. In his "retelling" of Huckleberry Finn, Everett suggests that Huck serves as the alter ego of Samuel Clemens, who adopted the pen name Mark Twain-paralleling Jim’s transformation into James. Here, Huck emerges as the true "Slav," as his family’s lineage traces back to colonial immigration from England to America, arriving not as free men but as indentured servants, bound by "slave-like" conditions. Interestingly, Clemens’ mother, Jane de Lampton, may have Slavic (possibly Jewish) roots, further complicating our understanding of identity in the text. This nuanced exploration highlights Everett’s genius, inviting readers to reevaluate the intersections of race, history, and self. Percival's James is indeed Samuel Clemens himself, confessing.

What were your thoughts on who the appointment is that Dr Nikke is always waiting for? Chitose was waiting for Abino but who is Nikke waiting for?

The cushion looks great! And I fully expect to see your Christmas critters out on your couch or chair later this year!

Omg that is so beautiful! ❤️

Your cushion really looks fabulous Milly. Even the “simpler” back looks lovely.

literally started this an hour ago so I actually didn’t listen to much of your review because I want to go into this blindly. I don’t know how I came to pick this up, but I must have read the the blurb at some point but really can’t remember anything now.😂

Yes, there was definitely a gap the daughter was trying to close in this relationship. I think what I got out of the book -if I can remember correctly-was that the mother was more contented with her life and didn’t need all that outside stimulation that the daughter sought after and was subjecting her to (sightseeing, running from museum to museum). And if I remember correctly, I felt that the mother was saddened -but kept it to herself - that her daughter lacked to realize that she(the mother) would have liked to connect on a deeper level. I don’t know. It was a couple of years ago that I read this; maybe I’m making it all up now😂

Aww

We have similar taste. I have been eyeing this one. But it's on the back burners for the moment as Wuthering Heights is next for me. Bonus as The Chibineko Kitchen does have a calico cat on it's cover.

to me this novella is cool bc it is more 'weird fiction' than dracula. your review is good!

I like a bit of body horror - I'm in, thanks for the review!

This one was my first book of him. I think it is my favorite

Hated the ending.

Good review. This was my first Olga Tokarczuk novel. I did not know what the title meant, but the 'twist' was evident very early in the book, so I was just waiting (and sometimes wading through these pompous male conversations) to see how the author brought about the inevitable. For me this was more historical fiction with a little folktale mythological tale included. The horror aspect is in how women were thought of and treated in this time period, as evidenced in the author's end notes. It was not a gripping read for me, but I very much appreciated the writing and author's ability to immerse you in a setting and mood. I will pick up another of her books, at some point:)

I loved this book so much! Made me think of my life, my past , the earth's future. And made me think of how small I am in comparison to the world's magnificence..... 10/10, must read. Thanks for your review!

The shortlist should have been: - Playground - James - The Safekeep - Wandering Stars - My Friends - Orbital

Just finished this and the ending felt rushed and flat. 3/5 for me.

I just read it it's soooo good. I think it'll be made into a movie!

Continue to cogitate Milly! I added this to my TBR list.

I want to read Nicce French book .Take care.

It’s a book that doesn’t give it to you on a plate. In fact you may have to bring your own plate. It will however hold your hand. Feel the gaps. Breathe. Give it space. Be held. You will get out of it what it let’s you put in. Stunning book.

So would this be a good read for spooky season? Your description makes me think so. You've nearly sold me on it.

I finished this book today. I cried two times :'3 Once when he opened the letter and at the end when I found out who he was leaving his cat with.

Thank you so much, Milly. I loved your video. This book has become my favourite book this year and I am about to read the sequel. I agree it is an amazing book with dynamic characters and I have been very anxious waiting to read what happens next.

I DNFed "The Paying guests" at 346 pages. It´s very well written but excrutiantingly slow and depressing. Too long. The characters never develop as people.

Straight to my readlist!

Oh just got my copy a few days ago. I'm saving it for November along The Chibineko Kitchen.

Wow! I loved it too, but need to reread for the same reason! That twist left me questioning what I read too! Thank you!

I've finished the book just now and I need to say it was an amazing, touching, wonderful read. Deserves to be read several times. Tom Kettle will stay with me for a long time....

With the Kindle you can go back and forth, as long as you've highlighted something in the book or made notes. Or if you remember a key character did something, you can type their name and the kindle will bring up all they places in the chapters they've been mentioned. Don't forget to bookmark your position in the book! Consuming the audiobook of The Twyford Code is a nightmare. At least your eyes can skip past all the "audio qualities: good, bad, ugly" and "voice 1 or 2 or 3." The audiobook is terrible.

I am watching this because of 25. Anniversary at Goldsboro and she is one of the autor in the anthology.