Friday Reads: Lots of Book Prize News!

[@Kamsees]

Funny, all the noises in the background! Crashes, dog toenails...😄

[@sabinagruden2702]

Yes to Barbara Kingsolver!! ❤ I'm so happy and excited 😄 I read Damon Copperhead and Poisonwood Bible and LOVED them. Especially Poisonwood but both are just amazing. She takes difficult themes and situations and writes about them with so much beauty and compassion. I also read Tom Lake and really liked it, started Bel Canto but just wasn't in the mood for it, so I stopped. Maybe I'll pick it up again someday in the future.

[@Nurse_Kathy]

Get those scraps, Teddy! 😊🐾😊

[@myreadinglife8816]

Yay for Razorblade Tears. A wild ride of a book.

[@jordana99]

Lacuna and Prodigal Summer were also great! Like you, only for longer, I am a BK fan! Also an Ann Patchett fan. I’d love to visit Parnassus. State of Wonder is another good one. It’s been more than 20 years since I read Montana 1948 as part of my Montana authors project. I just borrowed Justice on Libby! The phone on the counter thing is one of those editing issues that I also notice!

[@rachelm24]

Barbara Kingsolver is my favorite author! I've read all her backlist and check out "Flight Behavior" I don't think you'll be sorry😊 Thanks for your content❤

[@luvsumbooks]

Loved Razorblade Tears, and really liked Tomorrow, Tomorrow. Just started There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak and I'm already tucked in.

[@onourpath]

Re: Larry Watson, I beg you to read Let Him Go -- I get shivers just thinking about that book. Re: Ann Patchett, I beg you to read State of Wonder. It's so unusual, transporting, and saturated with science, but not in a bad way! I read Commonwealth too, and loved it, but it just didn't have the same punch that SoW did. In Commonwealth, that kind of punch isn't necessary, but in SoW it really is, and boy did she deliver: punch after punch after punch.

[@kgl-in-alberta]

Hi from a friendly Canadian follower. I was interested in your coverage of the Giller Prize, and yes, there is controversy about it this year. I’ve heard you say before that you appreciate pronunciation feedback. The word “Métis” has a French origin (it describes the offspring of French fur traders and Indigenous women). The French do not pronounce a final “s” in their words, so the word is pronounced “Maytee”. Love your videos. Ann Patchett is one of my favourite authors and I have really enjoyed all of her books that I have read.

[@talty900]

I need that shirt!!!!!

[@l.georgealexander8330]

I never skip any of your talks. I love them all. I pay attention to the news and consider voting a sacred duty however I don't attribute viewpoints to writers and their books. The only exception was Alice Munro and I probably will not pay attention to her writing in the future. What matters to me is not the authors but their work.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Alice Munro would be a hard one to get over.

[@marylt]

I read Prairie Edge this summer and enjoyed it - definitely recommend. Also, I like hearing about book prizes other than the Women's and Booker Prizes. It's not that I am uninterested in those prizes but they are covered at length by so many KZbinrs that it's nice to hear about something else. Maybe the Giller Prize won't end up being one you want to discuss but there are so many other book prizes that are worth mentioning.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It does feel like the Women's Prize and Booker are pretty well covered at this point.

[@shawnlee220]

13:29 😂 I hope everything’s ok. Love the taps. ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

All is good! 😂🤣

[@rudy679]

Me loves taps. 🐶

[@neetupd8510]

I added Montana 1948 to my tbr... thanks Greg!😊 I just finished reading Blue sisters by Coco Mellors and it was lovely... It's got themes of love,loss, hope, family dysfunction and sisterhood...

[@jennrecord2784]

My husband and I just finished The Dutch House by Ann Patchett and I read Commonwealth right before that. The Dutch House is really good, I suggest the audio, Tom Hanks was brilliant! Commonwealth was also good. Both are all about the family dynamics and how difficult those can be. Neither is as fantastic as Tom Lake. Worth the time though. Bel Canto is on my TBR for sure.

[@talebones]

As it turns out, I JUST finished Patchett's RUN, which I'd not read--but have read others of hers (Bel Canto, Dutch House, Tom Lake, etc). I liked it!. I'd be curious to know what you didn't like about it. BTW, Patchett announced an annotated version of Bel Canto recently, only available through the store. A fancier signed edition sold out fast

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Pity KZbin doesn’t have smellovision. We could smell what Joel is baking.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I was originally going to try to get Teddy to join me but I knew there was no way to compete. 🤣😂

[@Itismebruna]

I read Bel Canto quite recently and loved it so much! Looking forward to hearing your final thoughts :)

[@SupposedlyFun]

It feels like it’s building a lot of momentum!

[@JKC1138]

I'm reading James Baldwin's Another Country right now and loving how grounded and human it is.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That’s one of his books I need to read!

[@TheLeniverse]

Regarding the Giller Prize, I'd say it's more than just a little bit of controversy. The two international judges from the Giller panel withdrew in protest as well. And last year's winner won't have anything to do with the prize anymore. There was also someone who withdrew from their book club. I think, since you don't normally keep up with the prize, this is a year when letting it slip by you might be just as well. The way that the Giller Prize has responded to the protests reflects poorly on them. BookTuber @stalkingkafka has a very informative and thoughtful video about why she went from posting about the longlist to boycotting the prize. (But still supporting Canadian literature.)

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Yes, I liked Jess's discussion of the Giller controversy @stalkingkafka . I left a comment about it here earlier but weirdly, KZbin ate my comment.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Sorry for the miscommunication: I have an unfortunate habit of using the word “little” when I’m not actually talking about something small or trivial.

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

I don’t follow the Giller prize but I’m always interested in book prizes and can make some great discoveries. I appreciate your information and thoughts and they are a great jumping off point for me. This week I’ve read The Queen of Dirt Islas by Donal Ryan and it is good and read The Dog of the North by Elizabeth McKenzie which is excellent, may be too quirky for you but it’s a page turner that keeps you guessing all the while with a smile on your face.

[@alldbooks9165]

Curious to hear your final thoughts on Bel Cantó.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I finished it the other day. Will talk more in this week's Friday Reads but not sure it will have much staying power for me.

[@pjreads]

Giller Prize = YES!

[@SupposedlyFun]

This longlist in particular has some interesting selections.

[@ara_orion]

I'm still figuring out my next read but thanks for the reminder on shorty September! My last book was Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo. It's such a moving work and I can't remember the last time I was so immersed in a character driven narrative.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I thought Girl, Woman, Other was fascinating. So glad it won the Booker.

[@ArvaDavis]

Good morning Greg it has been a while. I have been in a reading slump. I am getting ready to start reading “Lovely One” by Ketanji Brown Jackson”. I am still I enjoying your content as usual. I have also become a Barbara Kingsolver fan. The first book I read was “The Poisonwood Bible” and I instantly fell in love with her writing. When I read her books I feel like I am right there, because it was so vivid and real. I read “Demon Copperhead” and it was one of my best reads in 2022”. I have read a few of her books, but after watching this video it makes me want to explore more of her works. “Razorblade Tears”, I read in 2021 as a book club pick. I remember at the time when I read it, it made me think about how we cannot take the present for granted and I don’t want to have to live in regret (what I should of, could of or would have done). I experienced a range of emotions (laughed, cried, sad, happy puzzled,etc) and life lessons from this book. Thanks again for your content and excitement you bring to reading, I really appreciate it. Have a great weekend and I look forward to your next “Friday Reads”.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I hope Ketanji Brown Jackson’s book helps you get out of your slump-I’ve heard several interviews with her and it sounds interesting. I think Barbara Kingsolver is a fascinating writer. Happy reading!

[@joannoriol4591]

Awesome video!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks!

[@teaguebates5807]

I am interested in the Giller Prize! Talk more about it! - Cdn

[@SupposedlyFun]

📚 🥂 🇨🇦

[@sarahdaneke3674]

I read 'Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame', and loved it. I just finished 'Strange Sally Diamond', as I read the first 2 pages, I thought OMG. Sally is strange, because of the first 5 years of her life. I read 'Razorblade Tears', loved it. I thought the fathers were amazing. They both had flaws, and had seen the ugly parts of life. I won't say anymore, because you haven't finished the book. I am now starting 'Do Tell' by Lyndsay Lynch.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you like Do Tell as much as I did. I’m glad you also liked Mrs Quinn. I have about 75 pages left in Razorblade Tears and I’m on the edge of my seat!

[@Elizabeth-Reads]

The Giller Prize Longlist is always so interesting, I always see books and authors I hadn’t heard of previously. I’m intrigued by some of these, but trying to decide how I feel about authors who chose to stay in the running knowing about the controversy and that others were withdrawing. Regardless it’s made me more interested in the authors who removed their books from contention. I appreciate your review of Mooncakes, even if you didn’t love it. It sounds like it might be perfect for my magic-loving enby kiddo. I also need hearing aides, I’m profoundly deaf without them, so I’ll be interested to see how that’s portrayed.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It sounds like Mooncakes would be an interesting read for you and your kiddo! And yes, the protest around the Giller does give it some ick factor this year.

[@marciajohansson769]

i will have to give Razorblade Tears another chance. It didn't pull me in so I set it aside for another book. I did not unhaul it thinking I was just wanting something different. I am juggling a few reading events thus too many books going at the same time. I am not sure why I did not finish Demon Copperhead either... I was quite enjoying it and was about 50% done. I need to devote a month to finishing some audio books too! Namely The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story and Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America. Now that I do not have my long commute I have to think to use my unread audiobooks as I have several!!! Big surprise on that. LOL. and bonus book. I found a copy of Liz Moore's The God of the Woods at the library sale table for $1.00 I was so excited as I have been talking myself out of purchasing due to overwhelming FOMO!!! What a find!

[@browngirlreading]

The Lacuna is really good.I really like Barbara Kingsolver too. Sadly I did not like Bel Canto. Don't think she's he author for me. I read The Dutch house but it was just ok, nothing special. I think I own one more book by her and will try.

[@ellenpurdy463]

Just finished a graphic novel adaptation of The Worst Journey in the World (a story of Scott’s ill fated South Pole expedition). It’s out in the US in October and deserves way more attention than it’s getting, just an exceptionally well researched and exciting story that the author put so much love into adapting!

[@SupposedlyFun]

That sounds like something Joel would love!

[@ellenpurdy463]

@@SupposedlyFun I hope he checks it out!

[@RebeccaStultz-y9f]

Hello, Greg You and other book tubers I listen to regularly talk about many book prizes. I wonder why the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, which is awarded to authors whose books “ have led readers to a better understanding of other cultures, peoples, religions, and political points of view”, is not being included. The prize and the finalists are worthy of coverage. I hope that you and many other book tubers will add this prize to your list of those that you routinely share with your listeners.

[@audreyh7892]

I have never heard of this prize. It sounds great.

[@AntisocialAuntie]

Thank you for letting us know about this prize! 🧡

[@SupposedlyFun]

I wasn’t familiar with that prize to be honest, so I will look for it. Thanks for the heads up.

[@cathyi3805]

I hope you keep talking about the Giller Prize! I haven't yet read Real Ones, but I highly recommend anything by Katherena Vermette. ☺

[@SupposedlyFun]

Real Ones sounds very interesting.

[@katrianamacmillan]

Colin Barrett was born in Canada and lived here until his family moved to Ireland when he was four, so while I’m not sure Wild Houses would have been long listed for the Giller prize, it would have been eligible. I just started the Nickel Boys and I am loving it so far. It was published when I was very new to motherhood and I wasn’t in the right headspace to read it at that time. I decided to catch up now before the movie is released! I also finished And So I roar this week. I liked it even better than The Girl With The Louding Voice, and I loved Louding Voice! Those are two books definitely worth reading at some point!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I remember liking the Nickel Boys and I’m very curious to see the movie-especially after hearing that it’s shot in first person perspective. Thanks for the information about Colin Barrett!

[@raymondconners]

Are you going to read Small Rain by Garth Greenwell? I am reading it now. It's Amazing.

[@LaughingStockfarm1]

Re: the phone on the counter twice. I’ve been noticing quite a few continuity issues, and I’m wondering if all the continuity editors have been fired. Nothing like saying the main character was handcuffed behind their back and then in a couple of paragraphs the MC slugs the bad guy. No, it doesn’t work like that. 😏 Yeah, pops me right out of the story. Just finished ‘Soldier’s Joy’ and just wow! what writing. Although the ending was a bit of a stretch, it is what we’d all like to happen, so gratifying in that way. Give it a try!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Great books read this week The English Understand Wool The Burgess Boys ( I’ve started Abide With Me) Yours, Truly ( a bit of romance) Continuing to read Wellness Highway Thirteen 🍀👋☘️📕📚📖☕️

[@SupposedlyFun]

The English Understand Wool was a big punch for such a short book.

[@jilll1287]

SA Cosby is one of my favorite authors.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I can see why! There are a lot of clever observations, it’s genuinely funny, and he’s very good at arranging a situation to send a message without feeling preachy.

[@runrgrl35]

I just pick up “Pigs in Heaven” ( sounded so interesting) but I didn’t know it was a sequel. Should I read “The Bean Tree First”? Thanks😊

[@LauraNeemann]

I think it's definitely worth reading The Bean Trees first. It gives you the background for what's happening in Pigs in Heaven. Both such good books!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I agree with the other comment! I don’t think it’s strictly necessary, but it would give you background on the characters and how they got where they are.

[@runrgrl35]

Thanks😊!

[@teaguebates5807]

Cdn Queer Horror recommendation: Grey Dog, Elliott Gish

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Ireland and Spain are two of the few countries to recognise Palestine. I’m proud to hear an Irish author is boycotting the Giller prize due to Scotia bank sponsorship. It probably won’t stop the killing or the countries who continue to send arms to Israel but it may help make more people realise where their tax dollars go.

[@SupposedlyFun]

If it makes people think about where their dollars go I’m all for it.

[@nadiadixon5805]

love the black books matter where can I buy one? Europe...

[@SupposedlyFun]

Erica got it for me at Mahogany Books in Washington DC. A Quick look on their website indicates they don’t have that shirt in particular anymore, but they have some options without the rainbow. Not sure what shipping to Europe would be like.

[@Roscoethecat]

I'm reading Mrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame and listening to Misery by Stephen King on audio. I've read Misery several times but can't work up the nerve to see the movie.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you enjoy Mrs Quinn! I remember Misery being a great book but I read it a long time ago. Kathy Bates does a great job playing Annie.

[@marciaalbaum2597]

mrs. quinn was lovely

[@Roscoethecat]

​@@SupposedlyFunI finished Mrs. Quinn and liked it a lot. I've thought about reading Bel Canto for awhile but it seems too political for my tastes. You should read Commonwealth since you like books about complicated family dynamics. It's quite good.

[@rudy679]

I wonder if there's a paraller universe in which you don't mention BK..🤔There probobaly isn't 😂🤣

[@SupposedlyFun]

I was just saying to Joel that I will be DEVASTATED if it ever turns out she has skeletons in her closet 🤣😂

[@AthynVixen]

13.34 ish you can hear Joel crash or drop something in the kitchen followed by the sound of Teddys feet trotting away.. its adorable!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Jamie used to have the cutest little toe taps and I’m so glad Teddy matches her!

[@spexi513]

📖 🪱 💚💚💚

[@raymondconners]

Does Barbara Kingsolver have any books with LGBT representation?

[@ChidambaramKadangodeVenkatKris]

Never appreciate throwing books the way you threw. Also folding books in Indian culture.

[@SupposedlyFun]

📚 🥂