Reading Wrap Up / May 2021

[@Ruth_vak]

When we cease to understand the world was such an intense and beautiful reading experience…

[@nancykoeppel9587]

I also read In Memory of Memory and also took my time. In the end I was so happy to have read this gem - she gave me so much to think about!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes! I’m still thinking about it.

[@mradcaqbdb]

I’m glad they changed the title to Popisho for us and gave us a gorgeous, whimsical cover. I’m looking forward to reading it sometime this summer.

[@timetoread1795]

I listened to Black Spartacus which was very difficult...I am gonna buy it this fall when it comes out in paperback and read it physically. Unfortunately the hardcover was backordered so I couldn't get my hands on a physical copy. The rest of these sound great and are going on my list...my ever growing never ending list, LOL!

[@tseringchemiyeaton3581]

I started reading War and peace by leo tolstoy in last monthand I still have 200 pages more to go... But apart from that I read King lear, Macbeth, the curious case of Benjamin Button and the haunted Hotel.. All of which I really really enjoyed

[@KatrissT]

I have a couple of favourites from the month of May: History of Violence by Édouard Louis and The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I finally got round to reading The Water Dancer, which was great because The Underground Railroad was released on Amazon Prime and they obviously have some similarities. I love Édouard Louis as well and his interviews are such a pleasure to listen to.

[@annabeatrizchristensen7505]

I can't tell you enough how I respect and take your reading recommendations/reviews seriously! Currently reading "Big Girl Small Town" by Michelle Gallen after you mentioned it in a video, and am LOVING it. ❤️

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you! That’s so kind of you to say and I’m so happy you are loving Gallen’s novel. I’ve recommended it to so many people!

[@wednesdaygreenleaf9578]

Popisho/This One Sky Day sounds so wonderful! My favorite book of the month was The Day Lasts More than a Hundred Years by Chingiz Aitmatov. It's a Soviet "village prose" style novel set in the rural steppes of Kazakhstan, following an older man reflecting on his life as he is going to bury his lifelong friend. There are subtle elements of magical realism, mythology, and even sci-fi. Really lovely portrait of life in rural central Asia in the Soviet era.

[@TheFloMachine]

Every time I watch your videos, another couple books are added to my endless tbr 😅

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Sorry! 😆📚📚📚

[@OhioEddieBlack]

The best 2 books I read last month were The Night Circus by Erin Morganstern, which has been out for like 10 years so I'm v. late to that party. Also Hidden Valley Road which was a NF book about a military family with 12 kids where half of them developed schizophrenia. It was fascinating on so many levels. It was also interesting to see how the scientific community's attitudes and beliefs about schizophrenia changed over time, and how they used this family (with their permission) to learn a lot about the disease, esp. since they had essentially a control group (the 6 unafflicted siblings). Super interesting.

[@tumblyhomecarolinep7121]

What interesting books. My favourites in May have been The Enployees by Olga Raven. The first read left me a bit flummoxed...so I read it again and this time it really impressed me. I loved how it took a conceptual art exhibition and sound a story round that. It gave me a new way of thinking about art that I don’t immediately understand. I am now reading the Count of Monte Cristo, which I didn’t think was my cup of tea but was encouraged to try it and am so glad I did. It is a ripping yarn! It is pure escapism and fun. I can’t really put it down. It won’t ever be a favourite or anything but it is just super entertaining. Dry much looking forward to the Booker International tomorrow

[@lanimcdonald6935]

Having to listen to audios due to eye issues..so listened and lived: the performance, wolfe island (lucy treloar), Ghost species, (rain heron author), Leave the world behind (loved that ending), and listened to a read..Vanishing act of essence lenox..which again broke my heart and reminded me of Sebastian Barry's The Spiritual scripture. Looking forward to Popisho

[@JasmineReads]

Ooh so great to hear your thoughts on This One Sky Day. I hadn't actually heard what it was about before now (I've just been attracted to the cover 😅). What a fascinating premise. Also, I love books set over a very short period of time. Sounds fun!! X

[@zubooks]

Thank you so much for your video, Eric! This one Sky Day sounds like a great read. My favorite book this month was "Las Malas", by Argentinian author Camila Sosa Villada. It will be translated into English under the title "Bad Girls" and I think ot will be a triumph. The writing is wonderful. There is a lot of violence and difficult topics in the novel, but the emotions and light of the storytelling make it an incredible read. Can't wait to see yours and other booktubers' reaction to it when it comes out.

[@christinacampbellbooks]

Sounds like you had a great reading month! This One Sky Day sounds wonderful and so unique. Definitely adding to my ever-expanding TBR!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That book pile just grows and grows doesn’t it?! 📚📚📚😅 Same for me.

[@sgaston3969]

I loved Popisho !!! She did an awesome job creating a magical place. I am now reading her collection of short stories "Come let us sing anyway", loving her writing.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Wonderful! I’m so eager to read more of her fiction.

[@thessalymeteora3789]

Those books look very interesting! You speak so well. I aspire to be as well spoken someday. Lol! I feel like I trip over my words and get tongue tied a lot. The most interesting book I’m reading now is, “They are Already Here” by Sarah Scoles. It’s about UFOS which I’m absolutely obsessed with. Much love!

[@KurtAnderson812]

I finished 20 books in May. Top of the list is probably Edward Rutherfurds China:The Novel. I also really enjoyed Three O’Clock in the Morning by Gianrico Carofiglio

[@thessalymeteora3789]

How do you read so fast? I’m a bit of a slow reader.

[@marianalopezgonzalez4892]

Sounds like it was such a good reading month! I was especially looking forward to your thoughts on This One Sky Day, but A Ghost in the Throat caught my attention as well... it sounds marvelous! ❤️

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It’s awesome! 📚

[@Notizhefte]

Such an interesting compilation - as always! I am looking forward to finishing "Black Spratacus" soon and will definitely read "When We Cease to Understand the World". Take care!

[@patriciamello7006]

My favorites in May were: The Push by Ashley Sustain Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively Braiding Sweet grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Thanks for all your reviews and thoughts on books. Really enjoy your channel!l

[@ContentLitwithSimonFay]

I haven't read Ghost in the Throat yet, but everything Tramp Press publishes is cool. Thanks for reminding me about it.

[@michaeldornan7737]

Good on you! Maybe the last one....

[@ioanax3421]

My favourite book in May was 'Snow' by Orhan Pamuk. Highly recommend, I liked it so much that I started 'The White Castle' by him straight away. If you like narratives that are anchored in history, Eastern-Western relationships, and beautiful writing with snow almost as a character too, set on the foreground of a mystery, it's a big yes.

[@SpringboardThought]

Worst book I read: The Silent Patient. Best book: Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy I just finished All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, which I thought was absolutely terrible. All up hill from here. Real Estate sounds so interesting… I’ll have to dive back to the start of those, I think. It’s interesting watching your videos and seeing what is available via Libby here in Canada. So many aren’t available and I would have to get them via physical library or book store. Some aren’t here at all yet, apparently. The Employees, for example.

[@ksilkey1]

I read 12 this month. American Daughter by Stephanie Thornton Plymale ranks number one. Couldn’t stop thinking about it days after I finished it. It was a good reading month.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Ooh, I’ll look it up. Thanks!

[@sakshi2471997]

Best book I read in may was call me by your name. It totally blew me away and I can't believe it has taken me so long to pick this one up

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Ah great! Are you curious to read the sequel?

[@sakshi2471997]

@@EricKarlAnderson yes! I wasn't sure if I wanted to read the sequel until I read the ending of the book but after that I surely want to

[@taaptee]

Read 8 books in May! My favorites would be The Vanishing Half & Felicity (Mary Oliver) 🌷

[@annakap97]

my favorites this month were Piranesi and Crying in H Mart! I also really liked Tomorrow They Won't Dare to Murder Us, which I heard about from one of your videos!

[@lianevoelker9845]

I'm scared of readying "crying in Kmart", everyone is telling my how my they have cried. Haha, not feeling like crying right now 😂.

[@jenny6904]

Best book: How to Stay Sane in the Age of Division, by Elif Shafak Worst book: Shadow and Bone, by Leigh Bardugo

[@kimswhims8435]

Mainly Australian writers read in my May reading - All seemed great but two favourites, both 2021 releases, "Sorrow and Bliss" by Meg Mason which has a real flea-bag vibe. For non-fiction "My Year of Living Vulnerably" by Rick Morton another interesting and insightful memoir by this Aus Journo who also wrote "100 Years of Dirt".

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’ve had my eye on Mason’s novel. I’ll have to buy a copy!

[@michaeldornan7737]

Just watchd the International Booker Prize and am over the moon with the winner .... absolutely brilliant! Where were you?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes!!! Such a fantastic result! I didn't stream my response to the winner but recorded watching the ceremony so I'm just transferring it to my computer and will upload soon. I'm so happy Diop won! 🎉

[@cindyhaiken5644]

I am so eager to read Popisho (I like the UK name more I must say). Favorite read of May was Andrew O’Hagan’s Mayflies, which I thought was beautifully done.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I prefer the UK title too. And, just the other day, my partner was asking me if I’ve read Mayflies. It’s one I’ve been wanting to get to.

[@lianevoelker9845]

I read: Klara and the Sun ( it was alright but I think it's overhyped) Piranesi ( absolutely my favourite book I read this month) Norwegian Woods ( my least favourite Murakami book, but still alright) Lonely Castle in the Mirror ( I would only recommend this book for teenagers. I'm 30 and I couldn't relate. The end message was great but even though it's not advertised as a YA book, it's more a book for teenagers) And non-fiction: Responsible Rebellion - my absolute favourite self development book I've ever read. And I have read many.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m so glad you enjoyed Piranesi so much!

[@kimswhims8435]

When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut is mindblowing!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes! 🤯

[@dqan7372]

The best/worst/only book I finished this month was George R. Stewart's "The Earth Abides", a serviceable post-apocalyptic pandemic-year read. Found the first half hard to shake after putting it down. Had to keep reminding myself that "our" pandemic wasn't nearly so bad (and it's obviously pretty bad). Lots of books on the go and I just agreed to add yet another and move it to the top of the pile, so hoping to have completed several by this time next month.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

My reading has suffered during Covid. Previously I was reading 8 to 12 books a month. Last month 1 book. April also 1 book. My anxiety and insomnia have taken over. I’m only halfway through A Ghost in the Throat ( started it in March)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m so sorry to hear that. Just remember it’s about quality reading not quantity and if you’re not in the right place to read much it’s totally fine. I get stressed about this too and have to constantly remind myself. I hope things improve for you soon.

[@apocalypsereading7117]

Black Spartacus sounds fascinating but i'm intimidated by non-fiction, especially big ones... maybe i'll just skip to that list of novels about him ~ my fav reading in May was going back to Eric Carle after hearing about his death, specifically The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse and A House for Hermit Crab. a visionary!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh, I’ve never read his work. I’ll have to look him up. Thanks!

[@apocalypsereading7117]

@@EricKarlAnderson i have a feeling you may have! 🐛

[@EricKarlAnderson]

apocalypse reading Ah, of course, yes I have! 💔

[@alanshadastrokeanddiedinho2897]

I read one book in May. Unforgettable. Can't remember: The title. Author's name. Characters name. Plot.

[@AliciaSchulz]

My favourite book for the month of May (and so far the whole year) was The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin

[@mariar.2542]

I am almost finished with The Republic of False Truths by Alaa Al Aswany and highly recommend it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, thanks for the encouragement to prioritise it!

[@Bookntechlover]

The best book : Black Sun by rebecca roanhorse Worse book: Summer on the Bluffs by Sunny Hostin

[@MarcNash]

Eric, what did you make of the Labatut's gradual increase in fictional elements as you moved through the book? Did you think that worked?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That’s tricky because I didn’t know anything about the actual lives of these men so not sure where or how much it deviated from their true stories (though I had already heard this was what he did in the book) so I can only judge it on the impact and meaning of what he chose to include. Overall I thought it was effective but wonder if there should have been an appendix making clear what was fictional and what was invented. Also the final section which switched to a personal narrative was interesting and still mulling over how I feel about it.

[@angiejones5918]

'In the quick' by Kate Hope Day. I'm glad I read it, it was a good read but I felt it was too close to 'Jane Eyre'. I was constantly comparing, which I found distracting. It has pushed me to read 'The Martian' though - I want more astronaut stories in my reading life.

[@josephvalenti4475]

The Country Girls trilogy by Edna O'Brien and London Triptych by Johnathan Kemp!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I love Kemp’s novel!

[@josephvalenti4475]

@@EricKarlAnderson I enjoyed it, especially how he tells the story in 3 different eras!

[@pjreads]

Best book I read in May: Wonderworks: The 25 Most Powerful Inventions in the History of Literature by Angus Fletcher, a professor of story science at Ohio State's Project Narrative.

[@LarryHasOpinions]

more singing please Eric

[@EricKarlAnderson]

😅😅😅

[@thessalymeteora3789]

You have my vote as well.

[@audreygrima7257]

Merci 🙏

[@stephaniel5436]

Acts of Desperation, by Irish author Megan Nolan. She really penetrates into the crux of female emotions and pain.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh I’d really like to read that too

[@geronimojones1564]

I’m early

[@The7cristina]

Is there any latvian author you have read?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes, I made a video review for the novel Soviet Milk by Nora Ikstena (while also showing my family recipe for bacon & onion rolls) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joPbk2WOr9uZfNk