A Ridiculous Number of Adventure, Nautical, and Summer Time Books

[@gracjanlekston134]

"I love to read books according to what I'm doing in my life" Now I wonder what messed up stuff is happening behind the scenes when Merphy gets round to reading more Abercrombie.

[@MYMOTHERISAFISH006]

@BeardyRabbit Imagine Merph writing a Gothic horror fantasy I don't know it will be good or bad but I will happily buy it.

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

She's plotting a revolution that's doomed to fail and probably invading the north afterwards

[@SuperGoodbadguy]

The wholesomeness of Spyxfamily is like cuteness slapping you in the face with a hammer,,it is a quick read with only 60+ chapters so far,,

[@eskreskao]

Exactly. It's wholly possible to read entirety of it in a week, so I'd suggest sandwiching it between two longer series.

[@NTWoo95]

Seriously ! I dont read it religiously, because each chapter is so individually satisfying I'll read a handful of chapters and then come back a few weeks later when I'm in the mood

[@Enigmanaut]

Anyone else see Merphy's "messy" bookshelves and think "I have never had my books so organized and neat in my life"?

[@user-vy2hz6fl6x]

Merphy’s taste in books makes me so happy

[@GuyILoVeWool]

Oh man, Fruits Basket is one amazing ride! Honestly, I know you are mainly a books focused channel but I gotta say the "new" 2019 adaptation of Fruits basket is incredible.

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

Is the 2019 anime better than the manga?

[@Fianna1990]

100% agree I read the manga first and its my fav Manga series but the adaptation is on point :D xoxo

[@megroy6396]

Merphy: Percy is a half-blood who doesn't know who his daddy is... *less than one minute later* Merphy: This also falls under nautical. On a related note: Rick Riordan also released his first non-demigod book since 2008 recently called "Daughter of the Deep," which he called a "modern-day homage" to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I have not read it yet, but if you're in the mood for something 100% nautical and middle grade it fits.

[@Siriwarbreakerskz]

Definitely!

[@Zivilin]

There is also being made a film adaptation of "Daughter of the Deep" apparently.

[@zippydog2374]

Love how Percy Jackson fits all three categories 😂

[@wiselettuce8715]

Super Eyepatch Wolf made a video about "why you should read One Piece", his thoughts are amazing and I'm pretty sure he reads traditional novels as well, at least the popular ones. So I always wanted another one of those videos from a different perspective, so I'm looking forward to the video! I'm currently reading The Bonehunters of Malazan, and it will take me awhile to finish this series, but I'm looking forward to reading Monte Cristo due to how often you sell it to us. Also try any of Inio Asano works, you'll be interested to more from him, like it happened to you with Junji Ito's Uzumaki.

[@andrewwall4250]

I love listening to Merphy talk about books she loves. Even if it’s about a genre or plot I don’t think I’d personally enjoy it’s still fun to listen to her gush about how much she does. I’ve picked up The Lies of Locke Lamora just because of how much she loves it and will eventually get to reading it when I’m done with my current reads. (Era 2 Mistborn and the Berserk manga.) Also Haikyuu is a manga series I recommend to anyone looking for something fun. A series about High School Volleyball may not sound too interesting but the way it’s written and the way it handles it’s characters is all done so well and I just love it. I knew nothing about Volleyball before starting the series and now I’m obsessed with the sport and play it. XD It’s my favourite manga along with One Piece.

[@weewer3369]

I think Haikyuu has some of the most satisfying character development I've seen in pretty much any medium. It's definitely up there.

[@ropecrewman36]

I am happy that are giving the Percy Jackson books a second chance! When you're done, please read the sequel series "Heroes of Olympus" and "Trials of Apollo." They do so much to expand the world and also have the tone of the story mature with the characters.

[@Sssssssssssssssssssssss817]

Fruits basket is a romance. And trust me, It. is. Great. It's one of the best romances. At least in my opinion. Please read it. Though I would recommend watching the anime more since it's designs and animation is way better than the manga. Also the music is the best.

[@xcalixus]

I never managed to get past the third chapter of fruit basket and it's a reverse harem and i can't tell you how much i don't like that tag.

[@ceci9570]

@@xcalixus It's not a reverse harem. There is actually no love triangles or any other polygons in it lol. It's actually more of a drama. And I feel like it focusses more on the character's individually than the romances at least to me

[@poodlemuffin]

@@xcalixus It’s more a family drama about inherited trauma and expressing different kinds of love. It definitely isn’t a harem. The first couple of volumes make it look like it’s going to be quite trope fulled, but it definitely subverts that!

[@poodlemuffin]

Definitely watch the anime but make sure it’s the new one and not the old one. Much like Full Metal Alchemist, the first one was made before the manga was finished and the ending is different!

[@atharvadeshpande4749]

@@xcalixus Bruh. Didn't even start it and Out here criticising it for being something it even isn't.

[@bertybell4781]

You should totally do a reread of The Count of Monte Cristo! I'm really curious to know all of your thoughts on it.

[@dorothear8833]

Fruit Basket has romance in it, but it's mostly slice-of-life. It's a very heartwarming series, teaching about kindness, empathy and compassion. There are so many feel good moments, and at the same time, drama and sadness, things that are also part of life. It teaches about friendship, family, being different and finding your place and your people, enjoying the little things in life, and celebrating people who are not "successful" and witty, something our society values so much, but who are kind and caring and grateful for what they have. It also teaches us to accept each other and accept ourselves. I really love the series, I read it for the first time when I was 13 and to this day, it's very dear to me.

[@purusingh6085]

Well if u r reading Percy Jackson, we all expect u to finish the Heroes of Olympus and Trails of Apollo too merphy.

[@ultraprincesskenny6790]

I've decided to get the Percy Jackson stuff, I heard there's short stories of other characters within the Kane Chronicles and Magnus Chase books. Are they necessary to read for this series or just fun cameos?

[@cdog-346]

@@ultraprincesskenny6790 fun cameos

[@averlinbc5680]

Fruit basket is the anime/manga that made me cry more than any other one in existence and this is coming from someone who hasread some pretty sad stuff…… it was cathartic (NOT trauma porn) and the amount of setup thats done In characterisation is incredible ….things that you don’t think As relevant because of comedy become a tonne more relevant as it goes on🥰 loved this it is a romance but more of the soul

[@archlectoryarvi2873]

Which would you recommend? The 2019 anime or the manga?

[@averlinbc5680]

@@archlectoryarvi2873 If you like anime it’s a really grate one ….but if you’re more into manga it does have more of the side story’s (A couple of the characters who we meet later on flushed out better) …..I really recommend both maybe the anime first and then the manga🥰

[@Siriwarbreakerskz]

Well if you do decide to consume fruits basket we’ll be experiencing it together! I’m a bit late to that party😂

[@ivysudweeks1550]

As one of those people who is so excited for you to read Fruits Basket, I vote that one next. :) It is a romance... in about the last book. haha. It is more about found family, and believing you are worthy of love after being mistreated--and while the main character is an impetus for showing people they can be loved, all of the other characters put in the work and change themselves! I also like it because the main character's character arc is realizing that she CAN be selfish. It's a nice reverse character arc!

[@BaldBookTuber]

Crichton rhymes with “frighten” - he used yo put that in each of his author bios at the end of the book, but not sure if that is still the case. Always happy to see more folks pick up his books.

[@redpixi07]

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi-- a YA (MG?) nautical adventure I read years ago during the summer and loved! A spoiled rich girl turned pirate AND a hurricane on the high seas. Fun times!

[@luvBB4lyf]

Hey Merphy, based on this video I wanted to put a book on your radar, S. A Chakraborty (author of City of Brass) is currently working on a pirate adventure set in the 12th century Indian Ocean that's ALSO a "get the band back together" story 😍 I know it isn't out yet (probably 2023) but this video reminded me of that book and I needed to share my excitement 😂

[@lordsojabohne4846]

I am reading Kokou no hito at the moment and its amazing. I have never seen a comic thats has such beautiful drawings as the climber. I love it.

[@millytza_]

Me: *have a lot of books on my TBR* Also me: *adding more* Another great video, by the way! And great recommendations as always.

[@potatoemasher777]

The Aubrey & Maturin books by Patrick O'brien are also fantastic. The Naepoleonic Wars are one of my all time favorite backdrops for nautical book. (Also the friendship between the two main characters is excellent.)

[@SevenStarsandSevenStones]

Yes! I can't recommend these highly enough. Your taste is excellent, Conner.

[@akashdefonseka]

Hell yes! I'm currently reading Percy Jackson as well

[@kamikaze5528]

Fruits Basket as feel good? Ehhhhhh, absolutely not. Spy x Family on the other hand... Absolutely wholesome. It's so good it jumped to my top 10 favorites almost immediately.

[@JCbeMe]

You need to read The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi. It's an amazing middle school/YA seafaring adventure during colonial America of a young society girl who finds herself thrust into the middle of ship politics as she crosses the Atlantic to reach her well-to-do family in America. She soon learns more about her crew, her captain, her ship, and herself than she could have every imagined.

[@DanielBeer1]

A Psalm for the Wild Built is gorgeous. Becky Chamber’s writing always blows me away. It was a nice break from all the action-heavy books I’ve been reading lately. It was like reading a hug.

[@corrinequicksall7045]

i will put all of those book on my tbr for summmer. Reading one piece, hunter x hunter, fruits basket, frenchimans creek and lies of locke lamore because of you.😊

[@raeisnotaplant]

I love Fruits Basket so much, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.

[@rpimentel87]

Even though it wasn't mentioned in this video but I read The Last Cuentista mentioned in one of your vlogs and I enjoyed it so much. Definitely adding A Psalm for the Wild-Built as it kinda gives me Laputa: Castle in the Sky vibes (Studio Ghibli film). Also, I know you're rpobably bombarded with manga recommendations but I think Fullmetal Alchemist would be right up your ally. A very themes heavy and character driven manga.

[@EvelyntMild]

The documentary Free Solo is about a friend of Tommy's, who climbed the wall next to the dawn wall with NO ROPES. It's insane. Didn't know there was a book about tommy's climb. Picking that up

[@christinamasters4687]

Thank you for mentioning Persuasion! It is one of my favorite all time books that I think often gets overlooked because of Pride & Prejudice. I am so happy there are some more movie adaptations of Persuasion coming because maybe this will help put it on the map for more people.

[@ahuntpropertysince1988]

Ousama Ranking (Ranking of Kings) might be a good read for a coming to age feel that set him off on a adventure.

[@Fianna1990]

Hey so there's a manga called 'Wanted' by Matsuri Hino that's Nautical themed it's only 1 Volume but I absolutely loved it you should check it out if you have the time :) xoxo

[@Siriwarbreakerskz]

Nautical rec for you Murphy. Rick Riordan recently started another series called Daughter of the Deep. I actually haven’t finished it as yet but that’s mostly cause I’m trying to stretch it out. I’m loving it so far😅

[@nerdyempress6745]

I first read Fruits Basket 12 years ago as my introduction into Manga, and I then watched the 2002 anime with my sisters, and a few years ago relived my love for the series with the new anime. Can I just say, you will adore this series. You will cry, you will laugh, you will hate, you will want to share the experience with someone else, and you will want to read the other series based around the characters. Fruits Basket 🧺 is a story of a family, and how reincarnation is a curse and a bondage that destroys friendships. How can I abstractly describe the plot.... Imagine Snow White coming to live with and look after the 12 cursed dwarves who need the opportunity and the courage to leave the the mines and discover a new world and live a unique life that is their own. Read it. You will be touched by it.

[@rnb8220]

For Spy X Family there’s 7 volumes out now, it reads super fast, you’ll feel like you’re watching an anime adaption while reading. It’s wonderful

[@matheusvmoraes]

Your recommendations are a fresh start for summer, Merphy!

[@jacquesmassard9226]

OHH there is a Vlog channel too. Thanks for the huge number of books!!!

[@KierTheScrivener]

I was listening to you talk about the Secret Garden and you should read Elizabeth and Her German Garden. It's about a young mother who is stressed by the things in life and just goes to her garden to relax. It's a classic set in 1899. I love Persuasion. Adore A Psalm For The Wild-Built.

[@TrueBagPipeRock]

love that a booktuber has this many subscribers.

[@steelram4098]

Since for once i'm pretty early i'm gonna try and add to your ever-expanding list of manga recommendations: Magus of the Library. It's an extremely tight and *stunnigly* beatiful manga that is still super underrated in the West, but that i'm sure you're gonna love. Put it in a few words, it's an Ode to books and their importance in shaping history and society, with some great characters and story to the side and amazing art all throught. Plus there's just five volumes out at the moment, meaning it's a really fast and sweet read.

[@Yo0264]

Future reads to concider: Dorohedoro by Q Hayashida - Alice in wonderland meets a psycodelic death metal harry potter Kubera by Currygom - An epic tragedy within an even bigger tragedy - One piece(attention to detail) + deep characterization

[@thatsci-firogue]

I need to read A Silent Voice. I love the film.

[@KillianProse]

Aw, when I read the title, I was so hopeful that you'd read The Bone Ships. Still, I'm very grateful for a huge list of recommendations.

[@musicgenius1948]

She’s currently reading it

[@ultraprincesskenny6790]

I'm gonna read Percy Jackson with you! I just ordered the books. I'm going to try to plow through them because I have more interest in some later series but hopefully I'll still enjoy these.

[@codystork3008]

I went on a Rafael Sabatini kick a couple years ago, I think Captain Blood is his best work. The thing that blows my mind about Sabatini is that English was his sixth language and the man was a bestselling author.

[@anafranco2263]

Don't know if you've read it or not, but the Aubrey-Maturin series, by Patrick O'Brian, are some of my all time favourite nautical books. It's Jane Austen at sea and the characters are so good. As a fellow bookworm, I really enjoy your videos.

[@callumnovak4450]

Came here to say this. The Aubrey-Maturin books are the quintessential nautical novels. Great summer reads

[@SevenStarsandSevenStones]

They are some of my favorites! The prose is excellent, the characters are relatable. Using Maturin as a vehicle to explain nautical terminology and Naval culture without breaking the immersion was an excellent decision, as well.

[@AbeNoSeirei]

But it can be such a rabbit hole. For me it went from Hornblower, to Aubrey-Maturin, to Alan Lewrie, to Thomas Kydd right now... However, I do love the pirate recommendations. It's good to have a different perspective now and then.

[@arcanethink]

MERPHYYYYYY!!!!!! Spy x Family anime is available to watch on youtube legally for free on the Muse Asia channel. They have partnership with anime companies. Definitely check it out!

[@juansek208]

Have you read "Children of the Earth" from Jean M. Auel? If not, I strongly recommend it. It's a series of 6 books. A bit long, yes. But it's worth the commitment. It has everything a good novel needs and more. (The first one is pretty good for summer time)

[@celinefuchs4095]

I started Frenchman's Creek last week, thanks to your recommendation. So. I've enjoyed all that I've been reading lately (audiobooks included). However, this book sparked that beautiful, special feeling only reading a book can bring that no book has given me in a very long time. Circumstances may have lent a hand to it (being sick forced me to put a hard stop to many things for several days), but this book has sucked me in in a way I didn't think books were able to anymore. Since recovering and things started picking up again, I haven't been able to focus on it as much and the spark has fizzled a bit, but now I know it can still come back. Thank you so much for leading me to that.

[@sam.s.g]

A nautical-themed Manga you might enjoy is "Children of the Sea" by Daisuke Igarashi. It's kind of Ghibli-esque as far as the world/magic is concerned, with great art and likeable characters.

[@alcd9665]

I would recommend March comes in a like a lion, it's a really good found-family manga. And I think you might like it.

[@cuteclau]

Mermaid Saga! How I wish I had access to the second volume. You just made want to look it up again in order to borrow it.

[@dallenhumpherys7911]

“It’s springtime,” “things are warming up” Cries in northwesterner.

[@heatherbradford6900]

Nervermoor and it's subsequent books are amazing. I recommend them in place of another more popular series. When you read Hollowpox keep in mind when it was published (beginning of 2020) and therefore was written before 2020. My brain is still spinning, I think Jessica Townsend might be a prophet.

[@GreatKingEd]

You are in for something WILD with the climbing manga. Intense read

[@arenkai]

Your passion for books is infectious ! You make me want to branch out from my usual fantasy/sci-fi binges. Once I'm done with the Cosmere I'll go back to your recommendations and try something different :D

[@tylerdurham6091]

I'd do Spy X Family first. it's short, hilarious, and there will never be a bettee time tobrelease videos on it. Fruits Basket is wonderful also, can't wait to hear your thoughts on it.

[@anaannci94]

I'll be reading the Little Women series soon. I'll be rerading the first book and reading the second, third and fourth book for the first time. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. :)

[@aartijaswa3273]

I recently read Persuasion and it is just sooo sweet 💕

[@katerinateaser]

I suggest you to read Fruits Basket first because the manga & anime are done , so you won't wait for the next volumes . Also, I can't wait for you falling in love with the characters. It will make your heart so full. Both stories are amazing , Spy x Family is more adventurous but you'll have to wait that's the only negative. Ps , when i think of Fruits Basket i always want to mention "Ouran high school host club" , so emotional only writing it , totally recommend

[@oleksandrbyelyenko435]

I remember reading Stainless Steel Rat as a teenager. I had 10 books in one huge omnibook. What a delight.

[@reading.with.rachel]

I hope some day you can read the Sequels for Anne Of Green Gables I love all the Series. The last book is the best of the series! I don't see anyone talk about this book as the first in a series!

[@jeremymarshall1077]

Hi Merphy, found your channel from a recommendation and loved watching you fall in love with One Piece. Then I started to watch more of your content, andi have to say I started buying books that were not manga. So thank you I will be checking a few your recommended, so in return I give two recommendtions to you. First Dragon's Blood by Jane Yonen. Next is Howl's Moving Castle by Diani Wynne Jones. Thank you again.

[@billyalarie929]

merphy your skills at persuasion have persuaded me to pick up "Persuasion"

[@AStarlessReader]

i just watched our flag means death and am obsessed with pirates, so thank you for this book rec!! 🌻

[@HouseHooligan]

I just started A Psalm for the Wild Built tonight! For a nautical adventure story, I’m nearly finished with the audiobook of Daughter of the Pirate King, and have found it a just a really fun ride! It’s sort of young-YA/older middle grade level, a quick but fun read-a true adventure story vibe.

[@paperstars9078]

I would like to add Skulduggery Pleasant to adventure! Imagine Harry Potter but on Adventure and also some Detective vibes!

[@NicholasTSilveira]

Monte Cristo has been sitting on my tbr for a while. I think it’s time to tackle it

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

Fun Fact: Pirates of the Caribbean was originally just based on the Disneyland ride with the same name-Only the fourth movie (which is essentially a PotC Stand-Alone/spin-off) is actually based on 'On Stranger Tides'! 😊

[@lilwinchester1417]

Persuasion is my October book I don't know why.. but as soon as autumn hits I need to read it It's the Austen book I read the most

[@PixelPioneer176]

Can't get enough of this book "Moonlit Shadows (Chronicles of the Celestial Kingdoms Book 2)" by Olivia Whitestone

[@joshmassaro7916]

Count of Monte Cristo might be my favorite standalone. Definitely my favorite classic.

[@scottst.pierre2313]

ah. Tim Powers. I recommend The Drawing of the Dark. It is about magic beer. Set during the Siege of Vienna it includes the myth of the Fisher King. Also magic beer.

[@esotericexplorersmartinez493]

the wundersmith, Morrigan crow is one of my new favorite series i live those books!

[@IsaacH97]

You got me interested in Timeline. I found a really good deal for it online and I can’t wait to get into it!

[@susannahlewis8464]

When I was camp counseling a few years ago, I would read my kids Peter Pan in the evenings. I had to... Skip a few things, lol. The kids really liked it though.

[@elisabethprice4697]

you should defiantly read the rest of the Anne series its so amazing(amazing is the wrong word but I can't described it just absolutely incredible)... i'm obsessed!!!!!

[@cussundriakneal9904]

Oooo, Fruits Basket. I would love to know your thoughts on that series, because later on in the series it covers some... *interesting* themes, that have a lot of debate about and around them. It's one of my favorite manga series of all time, but if you want to read Spy Family first, go ahead. Fruits Basket isn't going anywhere. :) This was a super fun video! I loved most of the books you showed, especially The Count of Monte Cristo and Kings of the Wyld. ^~^

[@fiction7270]

Alright, thanks Merphy, I am starting Nevermoor!!

[@Coriolanus_Snow]

I like Lord of the Rings, and I also don't find the scenere descriptions too long, but I would like the battles to be longer than just one or two scentences.

[@jesse8924]

I'm curious: You mentioned previously that you've had a video recorded for a while that you haven't put out, is that the Why I Love One Piece one? Also great list of recs here, and you sold Kings Of The Wyld pretty damn well. Think I'm gonna pick it up.

[@MrPhoboss1]

Dropping a comment to propose Vagabond for next manga review

[@Yoruharu]

Merphy, i don't know if you will read this, but i recommend watching Ousama Ranking/Ranking of Kings. i know you don't exactly like to watch things, but this one will be worth it, even to someone who is not big into anime/animation in general

[@sythrin144]

Well osama ranking has as far as I know not an official translation for the manga or is at least not very far. She is better of watching the anime

[@EmbyWatt]

If you like nautical and adventure fiction, you should try reading the Swallows and Amazons series! I don't think you really have to read them in order, and they have two FANTASTIC pirate books, Peter Duck and Missee Lee. Oh my goodness, adventures that really defined my childhood and still makes me question why there aren't more adventures in real life.

[@mrluke7189]

I love timeline, haven't read it in ages, love your choice.

[@warrickdmuller811]

Yo Merphy love you channel and glad you're enjoying hunter x hunter, now if only you pick the re zero light novels or check the anime out, it's amazing

[@dreadfuljoy5111]

Little woman definitely my go to feel good book! Love the march family! Oh just wanna say that i recommend Akatsuki no yona manga. It’s a mix of adventure, romance and friendshippp + handsome dragons ;) Feel like the type of story u would enjoy merph. (Its got betrayal, found family dynamic, slow burn romance, the best depiction of friendship where the gang actually challenge each other motives and help one another grow as a character, and even pirates!)

[@fatimasajid1026]

I'm going to read Percy Jackson too.. the 3 series by Rick Riordian... 1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians (good place to start, don't you think?) 2. The Heroes of Olympus (cause I'm a Greek Mythology nerd) 3. The Kane Chronicles (I had the first book but never finished it)

[@salee0032]

I loved reading the count of monte Cristo. I should do a reread of it. But man i love fruits basket! That’s exciting!

[@Red_Danielle]

good job on describing the books without spoiling them 👍

[@meganborella3300]

If you are going through a children/middle grade phase, I strongly recommend Cornelia funke. All of her books are really good, and my personal favorites are the thief lord, dragon rider, and the Inkheart trilogy.

[@michellesmirnova4471]

Hey, Merphy! This is not relevant to the video but I saw your little cameo in the Champs of Charity event and was pleasantly surprised since you’re my favorite booktuber, just wanted to let you know 🥰

[@MagillanicaLouM]

It's another manga series, but suggest you check out Iwa-Kakeru! Climbing Girls. It's a sports genre about competitive rock climbing, a sport pretty rare in the genre right now it seems. I watched the anime and LOVED it, and I really enjoyed learning the sport through it. I'd think as a climber yourself you'd have a much more interesting perspective. Edit: typed this right before you got to Kokou no Hitou, sounds like a cool perspective on more natural climbing but still suggest Iwa-Kakeru when you can lol.

[@previoustimtamthenusedtobe744]

OMG MERPHY, please read fruits basket. Spy family is new and ongoing(i do love it) so there is plenty of time to catch up. Fruits basket is AMAZING, please please read

[@jenniferritter7349]

Thanks for adding to my TBR :)

[@Ilidan1985]

Great list! Thanks! I'd also add my guilty pleasure - Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler to that nautical list. Simple read just to relax and sink into an adventure.

[@samvoicereads8905]

Fruits Basket is great! I watched Spy X Family Episode 1 and it's looking good

[@GoldenKaos]

Nautical lists that don't include the Aubrey-Maturin series always feel woefully incomplete to me.

[@SevenStarsandSevenStones]

They really are excellent books.