Weekly Wrap Up 28th Dec: 2 mammoths, a WW2 classic and a Christmas thriller

[@BookChatWithPat8668]

Great wrap-up, Olly. I remember reading The Thorn Birds when it first came out, but I'd forgotten so much of it. I loved The Eye of the Needle. I think that we even included it as a summer reading option early in my teaching career. Wishing you all that is good in 2025!

[@aleidadiaz2261]

Ken Follet’s spy thrillers are all gems that hold a place in my heart.

[@brucegrossman3531]

Have the Highsmith diaries on my kindld. My wife wants to read it too. Last book she read right after me was Miles Davis' autobiography which is fantastic.

[@veronicaprice]

I just started The Master of Djinn. It’s 1920’s Egypt with a steampunk/fantasy twist. What’s not to love? 😊 Hope your reading continues to be enjoyable!

[@michaelbroderick2282]

Aah, yes 'Die Nadel'. I remember as a young man in 1978 walking the streets of Stuttgart with Rudy (camp survivor) and Herr Funk (former Hitler Youth) arguing about Die Nadel. Good memories.

[@sherrirabinowitz4618]

I read of The Eye of the Needle several years ago, I loved it, thanks for the reminder, I might do a re-read.

[@shszady]

Reading The Gathering and Mary - enjoying both!

[@robertgallagher5285]

New Year recommendation: The Lindbergh Nanny (better then the True Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping books)!!!

[@johndillon8051]

I read "Eye of the Needle" probably 35+ years ago, long enough ago that I remember it was about a German spy in England during WWII, but very little else. I recall that I enjoyed it, but it wasn't one that I would go back to and read again. I am finishing up a book I received for Christmas, "Dead Mountain," by Preston and Child. It's the fourth book in their Nora Kelly (archeologist)/Corrie Swanson (FBI agent) series that are set in New Mexico. All are wonderful crime mysteries.

[@francesmeyer8478]

I read "The Eye of the Needle" years ago also. Loved it. Gave a copy to my future son-in-law Christmas. He also got a copy of the movie with Donald Sutherland.🇺🇸

[@SailorEmma96]

I finished The Reddening and I quite enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading All the Fiends of Hell. However I am going to take a little break from Adam Nevill. Next up is The Hunter by Tana French. Happy Reading!

[@Tim_with_Tomes_and_Tales]

I've been meaning to try some Highsmith sometime, but I've been meaning to try a lot of other authors too. So much to read!

[@bookishbridgers]

Victims has Die Hard vibes.

[@JonTanOsb]

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995) has the bomb plot. So, in essence, the book was made into a movie, with a few tweaks. Jon in rural BC, Canada

[@eriebeverly]

Congratulations on finishing The Thorn Birds and the Highsmith. And don't forget Sweet Valley High has some Secret Diary books.

[@CriminOllyBlog]

Oooh, those sound good

[@PowerAvocado]

Follett the Great!

[@Mick_Holland]

The Highsmith Diaries sound interesting. I've read in several places that she was a pretty horrible person so it would be good to see things through her eyes to add some balance. Cheers👍🏼

[@jackwalter5970]

I DNFd The Thorn Birds. Underwhelming. Happy New Year, Olly!

[@rp7390]

Juan from plagued by visions is hitting a rough patch ATM. Would it be possible to do some sort of fund raise?

[@desfarrell909]

That was quite sad that the author died after he sent you those books. Rest in peace Stephen.

[@MakeReadingGreatAgain8]

Hi Olly, a wonderful video as always! I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the intro for your channel from? I am a beginner struggling booktuber and need an intro for myself :D I want to order it but need some recommendations.

[@worldobserver3515]

I read Blood Standard after you talked about it. Good story, good writing, but the main character seemed awfully literate for a thug. I have the second book somewhere, just have to find it now, lol.

[@elliyo4286]

Is the grooming in The Thorn Birds seen as that, or is it written or shown as okay-ish?

[@citydweller99]

There wasn't any grooming at all. It's a platonic interaction between the two until adulthood when it starts to change.

[@elliyo4286]

@@citydweller99 Huh! Maybe it still had elements of that, but he wasn´t doing it ´on purpose´?

[@francesmeyer8478]

I have tried to comment twice and both disappeared. I may try to post it again or maybe not. Curious! "The Red House" "Death and the Conjurer" "The Hollow Man"🇺🇸

[@DDB168]

I read 'Breaking Twitter' by Ben Mezrich. No one talks about Ben Mezrich. Maybe he's been cancelled ? 🤔 I have no concerns about AI either, especially in Australia. Non-technical cultures based around sport, have nothing to fear from AI 🤭