2024 Reading List!

[@jackwalter5970]

I have tons of books on my list, the top ones are Infinite Jest, The Tale of Genji, Life and Fate by Vassily Grossman and The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Did you say Tale of the Genji? That's quite a coincidence. You will have to let me know about all those others Jack. It's going to be another stacked year for reading and school. Now that I am getting close to the end, the classes I need may or may not be available, or just at awful times. (I'll write more about it in Patreon!) Hope you are well!

[@MichaelCRush]

I've been reading my way through Murdoch's novels for some years now (up to around 10-12 now). Although I've enjoyed them all (to varying degrees), nothing so far comes close to the first I read, The Sea, The Sea. I *strongly* recommend you read this one ASAP, as it is not only my favorite Murdoch book, but one of my favorite books period.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Michael, I will look for it the next time I am out browsing for more books! I know I have that one already on my list, so I should get to it eventually. Though I only read one author once a year, just to keep me branching outwards. I will make sure that is the next Murdoch. Thanks for writing!

[@debpalm8667]

Thanks for the list. Happy reading!

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Deb!

[@carlosbranca8080]

I read Under the Volcano some years ago and it didn't blow me away but i think that was more because of the high expectations i had for this novel. But there are some images that i've never forgotten and the feel of the book i remember very well. It merits a reread someday. If you want to stop drinking i recommend Angela's Ashes, worked for me for around 3 weeks. I started the year with a reread of Shogun by James Clavell, yes, not literature but a great fast paced adventure and a class in japanese culture and history of the period (Mid 16 hundreds). You have a good selection for 2024 my friend, take care.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Carlos! The only think I remember about Under the Volcano, aside from the drinking, is when he was drunk at a carnival and decided to go on some kind of roller-coaster, and all the money fell out of his pockets. I really liked that scene. I'm doing OK, 13 days sober today. I would like to say it is getting easier. I feel a lot better, more quick-witted, but the evenings are dull. Hope you are doing well!

[@JohnTimothyRatliffe]

Well. Now. Then. I am dazzled by the fact that you can discover all these interesting books,. whereas, damn me, I can't seem to read find anything to read until someone finds it for me. But I am a bit of a buff on the First World War, which I believe was the most significant war fought in modern history, so I will pursue that angle for sure. I usually find dead Britons most interesting, but I know little of the French. So thank you for this informative list and comments.

[@grantlovesbooks]

It's my pleasure John, I am happy I could find something interesting for you. That's what this KZbin channel is all about! We will have to read and see if the books turn out to be great, but there is still a lot of fun in just finding them. I'm also looking forward to some accounts of the World Wars. I don't know if I will ever be able to appreciate how much it altered the world, these two wars. One that was the 'first industrial war.' And the second war that ended with atomic bombs being dropped on two cities. Hope you are doing well!

[@timhrklittimothyherrickvid169]

I read the Samurai because I loved the film of The Silence and had to read the source material, which I loved more than the film but not as much as The Samurai. Endo is the only Japanese novelist who is the equal of Mishima & Kawabata, who are masters of the form of course.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Timothy, I am happy it gets your seal of approval! I have only read Silence, which was quite amazing, although the ending was a bit odd. I've only got the one Japanese novel on the TBR list this year, but certainly I will read others. As well as at least one Zola and one Balzac. I would also like to add Kundera to the list, but I can't manage everything because of schoolwork. It's going to be a fun year for reading. Last year there were some disappointments.

[@timhrklittimothyherrickvid169]

if forced to name the most quintessential Zola & Balzac it i'd say LAssomoir and Grand Illusions. I think what I liked about the Samurai was not as much the historical uniqueness of Japanese Samurai visiting Europe, which you allude to as an enticement, but the spiritual themes, where he explores the overlap of Catholicism and Shinto Buddhism it reminded me of Kerouac the Dharma Bums and some of his other lesser known works, like the Scripture of the Golden Eternity and Book of Dreams@@grantlovesbooks

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@timhrklittimothyherrickvid169 Thanks for the tip on the Balzac and Zola novels, I have the Zola, but have pretty much exhausted all the used bookstores of their Balzac. I will probably have to order that one. You seem to be pretty enthusiastic about The Samurai, I'm really looking forward to reading it. I know you've got some high standards!

[@debpalm8667]

Can't wait for the reviews!

[@grantlovesbooks]

I'll do my best. School always gets in the way, but I hope this semester I will get plenty of time for reading!

[@nikkivenable73]

Silence was so incredibly brilliant and brutal! It was my first Endo. 2 years ago i read The Sea and Poison and it was ok but nothing could touch the utter breathtaking barbarity, brilliance and heart that Silence was/is. The Samurai is staring at me from my shelf and I must get to it, especially after hearing you speak of it. Yes, the history of the world is absolutely batshiz crazy. It's just so incredible to ponder. Also, Grant, i live in America and it is a shitshow. I despise our government and both sides are equally repugnant. I am more of a conservative but i find the Republicans so weak. And the Democrats are just the worst. Many of us who have watched the destruction understand that the brink is coming but after the bandaid is ripped off, something better can emerge. We see that throughout history. Ppl in my once great country haven't suffered enough, i guess, and are so caught up in stupid online wars. It's embarrassing! 2024 will be the most insane year undoubtedly and we are preparing for it. I'm NOT wanting Biden vs Trump but that's what it will be. I want neither of them to run this country but Biden will have another 4 yrs because Trump will be in prison. Trump was good in that he did great for the economy but he was awful during Covid and the riots that decimated our cities and people died. He did nothing as our cities burned and citizens died protecting their businesses. Ugh Also why is no government in your country, mine and Britian(many others, too)NOT addressing excess deaths continuing to rise since 2021. This worries me a lot! No one seems to care, I guess. I find this reprehensible. Hundreds of thousands of excess deaths but we get nothing from journalists and government! I'm done ranting.😢

[@nikkivenable73]

Just to add a bit more: I'm actually pessimistic in the short- term but positive in the longer-term. I was super pessimistic all through 2020-2023 and it will be worse before it gets better. Once Americans experience enough pain, then they will vote differently and the ship will right itself in time. I follow political news closely and that's my take. I don't see nuclear war on the horizon, either. Too many uber-wealthy would have too much to lose. The powers-that-be NEED the status quo to continue to make money. I'm no Nostradamus lol but this is my genuine take. I'm probably all wrong but I hope not.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Nikki, thank-you for the heartfelt, although frustrated comment. I feel your frustration. It is such a strange time in our lives. We have so much, and also so much to lose, and yet, we seem always to be pushing closer and closer to the edge of destruction. I don't want to dwell on it too much because it can really send me into a dour mood. But... I really cannot understand how we have let so many things get so wildly out of control. The wars, the environment, the crazy political systems, this insane 'Us versus Them' mentality about everything, even the smallest things. I hope things work out, but it is hard to stay optimistic. I think America is a great country, it has given the world so much culture. I just wish it was a little less exciting when it came to politics. I complain about how boring Canada is, but it is kind of nice in some regards. Good luck! I hope you are keeping well and life is not as tumultuous as they keep showing us in the news.

[@nikkivenable73]

@@grantlovesbooks trust me, I wish it was more peaceful here, as well. America is still the Wild West and we are crazy, no doubt. But hopefully cooler heads will prevail. A lot of idols have to get smashed, though, and ppl need to wake up. Too many ppl are still too comfortable and way too distracted.

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@nikkivenable73 Let's hope a new age is coming. A calm, level-headed era with a lot less animosity. Take care Nikki!

[@MichaelCRush]

I read Silence in 2023. I thought it perhaps the best rendering of nihilism in text that I've read.

[@davidnovakreadspoetry]

War novel seems to be a theme here.

[@grantlovesbooks]

You got it Pontiac!

[@TheSalMaris]

Thank you for this list. There are some I was totally unaware of and will have to read. BTW: Lowry Waterfront Park, 614 Lowry Ln, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1R3, Canada, is close to where Lowry lived, not much to see, but an must visit for Lowry fans. Also Gabriola Island near Nanaimo.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks a lot! I hope I will be able to visit when I am reading that book. Try to get a feeling of the atmosphere. I'm glad I could recommend something for you. I don't know yet if these books are going to turn out to be great ones, but I am hopeful!

[@TheSalMaris]

Really not much more than a subdivision to absorb unfortunately, though the water and surrounding mountains are lovely. All the best.

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@TheSalMaris Thanks, I'm really looking forward to checking it out when the weather gets nicer in a few months!

[@nedmerrill5705]

Novel (Richard Condon) and Film on the Korean War: _The Manchurian Candidate._

[@grantlovesbooks]

Is it a good novel? I've heard the title mostly in regards to the film, but I didn't know if the book were any good. I'll check it out. Thanks Ned!

[@nedmerrill5705]

@@grantlovesbooks "Is it a good novel?" I liked it quite a bit, but then again I see some value in _Tarzan of the Apes._ Being a "good novel" is rather subjective, no?

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@nedmerrill5705 Absolutely!