Friday Reads: The Good and Bad Books I've Been Reading

I read a lot of books on vacation--some good, some great, and one awful. Let's catch up, because there's a lot to discuss! Expand for more information. 👇
Channel Recommendation 🍿
Lydia Lost the Plot: / @lydialosttheplot
Further Viewing 🎥
My May Book Haul: • A Huge Book Haul for M...
My Pride Month Pile of Possibilities: • My TBR for June and Pr...
My Pulitzer Prize Reaction: • Pulitzer Prize for Fic...
Last Friday Reads: • Friday Reads: The Burd...
Jump to the Friday Reads: 11:55
Titles Mentioned 📚
Kairos, Jenny Erpenbeck (translated by Michael Hofmann): bookshop.org/a/99775/97808112...
Brotherless Night, V.V. Ganeshananthan: bookshop.org/a/99775/97808129...
I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together, Maurice Vellekoop: bookshop.org/a/99775/97803079...
Holiday Heart Strings, N.R. Walker: bookshop.org/a/99775/97819230...
Brick, M. Tasia
Amongst Women, John McGahern
Dancing in the Shallows, Clare Reddaway: bookshop.org/a/99775/97819141...
Night Watch, Jayne Anne Phillips: bookshop.org/a/99775/97804514...
Small Joys, Elvin James Mensah: bookshop.org/a/99775/97805934...
Tin Man, Sarah Winman: bookshop.org/a/99775/97807352...
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Email: supposedlyfungreg-at-gmail.com
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Website: supposedlyfun.com/

[@Nina_DP]

Greg, Greg, Greg. So glad you are back! BUT you are killing my TBR!! Just bought Dancing in the Shallows and ordered Amongst Women (who could resist your rave?!) and Small Joys via inter-library loan. At this point I think I am mostly taking my vitamins and trying to stay healthy so I can live long enough to read all these dang books!!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I should start taking vitamins for the same purpose! I hope you like the books you ordered.

[@LibraryLizard]

Ha! You know you’re a reader when your main objection to dying is not being able to finish your TBR! I relate.

[@jordana99]

@@LibraryLizardI realized I wouldn’t be able to read all that I’ve wanted to read in my life! And travel too.

[@myreadinglife8816]

I enjoyed your take down of Night Watch. No plans to read that one!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks! I definitely feel like you can spend your time on other books instead.

[@karenmoore4430]

All along I have been saying Soldier Sailor but the final book I read for the Women’s Prize was Brotherless Night and wow, great book. That would be a great winner.

[@SupposedlyFun]

The Women’s Prize feels very difficult to call this year. We’ll see what happens!

[@christinajohnson8761]

Glad you are back. Thank you for giving a heads up on Night Watch!

[@SupposedlyFun]

The deep dive is posted and I feel ready to not talk about it again for a while. 😂

[@ariannefowler455]

Your trip sounds amazing. Amongst Women is going on my tbr right now! I started Tin Man on audio but switched to hard copy and I"m glad I did. I hope that works for you. It was a beautiful book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I did switch to print for Tin Man. I hope you like Amongst Women!

[@LydiaLostthePlot]

Thank you so much for your mentions! It really does make a huge difference to a little channel like mine. Your videos are so brilliant and one day we must collab! If I say it, it will happen haha!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for creating a fun channel!

[@chickensoupforthiscrap1013]

Yeeessss! I am so glad you are finally reading Tin Man. It is so good, I really hope you love it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Loving it so far!

[@ClumsyBeardy101]

I’m so glad you enjoyed Ireland and Scotland, especially as I live in Edinburgh. I did think about asking to meet up with you both but I got too shy and also didn’t want to get in the way of any plans you had.

[@SupposedlyFun]

We did have a pretty packed calendar on the trip, but it would have been fun. You live in a great city!

[@jennrecord2784]

You've inspired me to take on my own Pulitzer project. Among some others, so Thank you, but definitely going to putting off Night Watch LOL

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope you enjoy it! I’m going slowly but I feel like I’m learning a lot.

[@lollymac1]

John McGahern was a fantastic writer. I haven't read Amongst Women in a long time. There was a television series on the book back in the 90's, I think. That was great as well.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I don’t know if the series is available in the U.S. but I may look for it.

[@SirChopman01]

Hi Greg. Hodges Figgis used to be independent but at some point was bought by Waterstone's. Delighted you loved Amongst Women!

[@SupposedlyFun]

That’s good to know-thanks!

[@mradcaqbdb]

GREG IS FINALLY READING TIN MAN! GREG IS FINALLY READING TIN MAN! Hurray! Before you held it up, I caught just a smidge of the book in your hand, the goldy bit, and I was like OMG, is that Tin Man? Yes, it’s Tin Man! I hope you continue to love it, but I know you will. I haven’t listened to the audio, but I would stick with the physical book. It’s such a short, beautiful read. Can’t wait to hear more about the trip with both you and Joel. I’m about to start Knife by Salman Rushdie on audiobook from the library. I’ve got 5 physical books out from the library too and have to start getting to them. I think I may read Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan first and then go back to Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon. I just finished an absolutely delightful audiobook last night that I think you and Joel would enjoy, The Excitements by CJ Wray. Nonagenarian sisters with a gay great nephew living quite the lives in Europe. Really delightful! I’m looking forward to the deep dive video! Love it when Greg gets a little snarky!

[@SupposedlyFun]

The deep dive is scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday)! I hope you enjoy it. And thanks for the recommendation-The Excitements is on Scribd, so I saved it. I thought about it long and hard today and decided I’m going to pivot to the physical book for Tin Man.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

Recently, you showed us the cover of “I Hope This Finds You Well” by Natalie Sue (2024). It’s the story of a Canadian office worker named Joleen who accidentally gains access to the emails of her colleagues. It’s funny, and anyone who’s ever worked in an office will see themselves and/or their colleagues reflected. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m so glad you liked it! I’m hoping to catch up to it in July, once Pride reading is over for me.

[@emmavd]

Thanks, Greg!🌷I’m so looking forward to your in-depth review of the Pulitzer winner!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks! It’s posted now.

[@kathleena4038]

So you r the second booktuber I’ve watched that really disliked Night Watch. I really appreciate that kind of honesty….my TBR is crazy as is!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think you can safely skip Night Watch!

[@susiesky1]

Thanks Greg!! Glad y’all had a good trip! I’ve added quite a few of your books in this vid to my TbR. Your mini review of Night Watch is very interesting. Now 2 of my fav Booktubers, you & Eric Karl Anderson have given it neg reviews! Y’all really make me wonder about the Pulitzer win!! Thanks again! 😊

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks! I was able to film my deep dive for Night Watch, so it will be posting Sunday morning! I waited to watch Eric’s video until after I filmed mine, and we agree on a lot!

[@tmtb80]

Well, The Goldfinch won......10 years waiting for her next book! Most memorable part of The Goldfinch was frustration and impatience; I couldn't wait for it to be over.

[@TheFilmAutopsy]

I just got my copy of Night Watch! Can’t wait to see your Pulitzer deep dive on it

[@SupposedlyFun]

It’s posted now!

[@debrachiappetta1024]

The Winding Stair in Dublin is a favorite of mine as well. I stayed just a feet away from blocks away on my first trip to Ireland. I’ve ordered books from them online & have the same postcard. For anyone traveling to Dublin in the summer, you can stay in student housing on the Triniry College campas. It’s amazing to be rhere at night when the campus is closed. I’m glad you had a wonderful trip!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Winding Stair is such a great store. I didn’t realize you can stay on the Trinity campus! How cool. It’s a great location, too.

[@larajean1]

I also hated Night Watch. Ughh. Can't wait for the full video. I loved, loved, loved Still Life by Sarah Winman... and really want to read Tin Man. Can't wait to hear more about your trip and enjoyed all you shared so far.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks! The Noght Watch video is posted now. I’m loving Tin Man.

[@inarticulable]

I found Kairos to be complex and impressive. It does become quite difficult to read later on due to the toxicity of the relationship, but the plot enmeshes with the political environment and happenings effectively, I would say.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That’s good to know-thanks!

[@doreene11]

Happy reading! 📚📚📚

[@SupposedlyFun]

Happy reading!

[@jacksontalley]

Night Watch ended up as a DNF for me. I only got half way. The concept of the book sounds amazing... like something I'd really like. Historical fiction, mental illness, family drama... but none of it ever added up. I think the biggest issue for me was the writing. It felt very dense, and I had to force myself to keep turning the pages. I don't think it's a permanent DNF for me and I really want to finish it, but at this point, I have no desire to pick it up again. I wonder why this won.

[@SupposedlyFun]

My deep dive is scheduled for tomorrow. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth hanging in for. I think the audiobook actually helped me get through it because otherwise I would have really struggled to keep turning pages.

[@beckyfaith1070]

I set out wanting to like Night Watch. But my reaction was similar to yours. It was disturbingly graphic. I can’t believe I wasted so much time reading it.

[@SupposedlyFun]

That graphic scene is so difficult to get through.

[@joangavrilik3009]

I also felt like I needed to read Night Watch after the PP announcement & I also was very disappointed. I just read The Vaster Wilds. Not my kind of book, but well done. I appreciated it more than it enjoyed it. And I just read Long Island by Colm Toibin - loved it - always love his writing!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m hoping that if I read Blackwater Lightship this month, I can tackle Brooklyn and Long Island later this year. I’m in the same place with Vaster Wilds.

[@janethansen9612]

I'm so pleased you got to see the Book of Kells and the Trinity College library. I'm interested to see your deep dive on The Night Watch as you aren't the first to dislike it. I often don't get along with the Pulitzer prize winners. I just finished reading James and enjoyed it very much. I don't enjoy Everett's obvious satire but James was more subtle maybe. I would be surprised if it's not on the Booker longlist.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I agree James has a good shot at the Booker longlist. My Night Watch video is posted now! Book of Kells and the Old Library were highlights of the trip for me.

[@spexi513]

Happy pride ( and birthdayyyyyy if I remember correctly) month !!!! Appreciate you 📖 🪱 💚

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! Yes, this is my birthday month. I can’t believe you remembered that! 🥂

[@Roscoethecat]

I'm looking forward to your deep dive on Night Watch. I started a new jigsaw puzzle and I like listening to your videos while I puzzle. I started To the Moon and Back by N. R. Walker today.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I love jigsaw puzzles so this is my best life right here. I hope you like To the Moon and Back! I thought it was super cute.

[@user-fz4sq2bn1l]

I've finished Night Watch recently too. I don't think I hated it as much as you did but I definitely think that it was not up to the standard of Heaven and Earth Grocery Store! I'm reading The Berry Pickers now, it's part of my city's community read this summer. I'm really liking it so far!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I have a copy of The Berry Pickers I need to get to at some point. I do hope James McBride gets a Pulitzer someday.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

Welcome back! I'm reading Viajero (Traveler) by F. Sionil Jose and Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb. The plan is to do a seafaring June, but I recently bought supernatural books and thinking of doing Supernatural summer. I always try to plan a reading theme for fun, but then I get a book that doesn't go with that original theme and I want to do something different.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I have trouble sticking to themes. I think that’s why Pride Month is my only reading theme of the year!

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I like the planning part but I might only do follow through once.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@jackiesliterarycorner I do actually have fun with the planning, but my follow through is awful.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I guess some people are better at following through with plans. Haha

[@annegibson6072]

Good morning. I am still pulling for Brotherless Night to win the Women's Prize. That book was amazing. Bob the Bookerer did a very good review. I read A Calamity of Souls by David Baldacci. It was a difficult book but I think a very important book. I am reading memoirs for Pride month. Welcome back

[@SupposedlyFun]

Memoirs for Pride Month is such an interesting approach! I look forward to hearing about what you read.

[@gilliankingston1141]

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the John McGahern book but do read That They May Face the Rising Sun before you see the movie. I loved it. I would also recommend When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman, one of my books of that year. Enjoy Tin Man.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you for the recommendations! I look forward to reading more McGahern-and I feel safe saying that I also look forward to more Winman even though it’s still early.

[@user-xq2sy4jy8w]

Welcome back, glad you enjoyed your trip. I read Kairos a few months ago, didn't love it. I found the two main characters unappealing and not sympathetic (one was downright abusive) although I think that the depiction of the characters relates to the book's larger political themes. I prefer Erpenbeck's earlier novel titled Go, Went, Gone about a retired professor and a group of migrants in Berlin that he tries to help.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Oof, that’s good to know. Thanks!

[@bookofdust]

As disappointing as Night Watch was, and I liked it more than you or EKA did, Wednesday’s Child was just a phenomenal collection of short stories by a masterful writer who knows how to deceptively load her sentences and paragraphs with beautiful and insightful words and phrases that illuminate her characters and the situations they find themselves in. She effortlessly constructs her stories and pour a whole novel worth of feeling and journey into each highly faceted gem that leaves you gasping for air and trying to steady your feet back on the ground. Just really impressive and very much my front runner in fiction for the year so far. They are not interlinking, but I think you will find much to love on them nonetheless.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I may try it at some point, but I have been avoiding Yiyun Li since I didn’t like Where Reasons End. Someday, I may feel ready to try more of her work!

[@KurtAnderson812]

So glad you are finally getting around to Tin Man. I definitely remember really liking it when I read it but it’s been so long since I have that I might have to go back for a reread

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m excited to finally get to it!

[@KurtAnderson812]

@@SupposedlyFun I just checked it out on Libby. I didn’t realize that the audiobook was so short. I’ll probably finish it tonight

[@SupposedlyFun]

I do think I might move over to the print book for my first read.

[@thomasceneri867]

Amongst Women is available in the US. It's even available used on Abebooks.

[@SupposedlyFun]

It is available, yes, but not widely--especially if anyone is looking to avoid shopping online (or looking to avoid Amazon-owned businesses like AbeBooks).

[@t0dd000]

Oh... I'm going to London in September. We toyed with the idea of going to Dublin. No books? Well. Hmm. I suppose we'll skip Trinity College for now. Night Watch. I saw your newsletter posting ... I am picking up my copy today from my local bookstore, so I'm avoiding further commentary on it. :)

[@SupposedlyFun]

The Library is still incredibly impressive, even without most of the books. And it may be a long wait to see it again depending on how long the renovation goes!

[@t0dd000]

@@SupposedlyFun Yeah. Probably make a separate trip someday. Very neat though

[@lynniepie52]

I carried around Night Watch at the book store a week ago, glad I put it down and waited for your return from holiday…I just loved the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store so I had a feeling Night Watch would fail in comparison…I guess I need to pick up another Sarah Winman book…Still Life is one of my favorites…

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve heard great things about Still Life as well. I feel confident saying that Night Watch doesn’t come close to surpassing Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.

[@lynniepie52]

I recommend Still Life to all my friends traveling to Florence…it’s just such a visual book and the characters so true to life…I read Still Life for Pride Month last year…I haven’t pick my book for this Pride Month.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@lynniepie52 Thanks for the feedback on Still lIfe!

[@runrgrl35]

On your previous recommendation, I picked up Tin Man for Pride month and am looking forward to it. I also picked up “Red, White and Royal Blue (also for pride month) but need to finish “ Honor “ for a book club read and am more than 1/2 way through “The Bee Sting”…sigh so many books, so little time! PS I am on the wait list for Night Watch…you talked me out of it! Thank you😉

[@SupposedlyFun]

I restarted Tin Man in print and am really liking it. I hope you enjoy Red, White, and Royal Blue! I wish I had liked Night Watch. Too bad!

[@runrgrl35]

@@SupposedlyFun can’t love everything 🤷🏻‍♀️ For example, am liking but not loving “The Bee Sting” but could have been much shorter (600+pages😛)…Paul Murray needs a better editor! It’s like a Wild Mouse roller coaster…goes so far then hair pin turn and jerks you back!🤦🏻‍♀️

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@runrgrl35 I definitely agree that Paul Murray could use some judicious editing--but given his success, I don't think it will happen!

[@runrgrl35]

@@SupposedlyFun true 😉!

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

Brotherless Night is a brilliant book but I want Enter Ghost to win. The only book on the shortlist that I haven’t read is River East River West The only book I think shouldn’t be on the shortlist is Restless Dolly Maunder

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m still not sure how Restless Dolly Maunder made it onto the shortlist.

[@rudy679]

I need that t-shirt. Where did you get it?

[@SupposedlyFun]

I got it at the gift shop on the Trinity College Campus adjacent to the digital version of the Book of Kells/Old Library tour. Not sure if they have it online anywhere.

[@starstuffpuff]

I hated Night Watch just a much as you have. I read it immediately after the announcement (I was so naively thrilled that I managed to get the last hardcover without the Pulitzer sticker on it at a bookstore 1h away from where I live - yeah, I drove 1h away to get a copy) and was so looking forward to it… What a disappointment it was! From the pointless, meandering plot, shallow characters, pretentious use of language (to the point where I had to read sentences twice), disgusting sexual assault scene that went on and on (what the f*** was the point of that???) to the infuriating ending, this book was a complete waste of my time and a huge missed opportunity to write a fascinating story looking at post Civil War America. I cannot believe it won a Pulitzer…

[@SupposedlyFun]

👏👏👏👏👏 I agree with everything you said.

[@shawnbreathesbooks]

❤Small❤Joys❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

So good!

[@nancygreen6618]

What the heck happened to Kairos? I’m halfway thru it (not loving it) & wanted to hear your comments, but you left out 2 books on your list!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Kairos and Brotherless Night were mentioned in the first part of the video because they won the International Booker and the Carol Shields Prize, respectively. I was traveling during both announcements so I wanted to mention them. But I’m not currently reading them. Sorry for any confusion! If it helps, at least one other comment on Kairos was not positive.

[@katrianamacmillan3342]

Kicking off the first week of pride reads with Tin Man is setting the bar pretty high for the rest of your June reads haha I do hope it lived up to the hype for you, I know you were worried it wouldn’t. If not, at least it’s a short book and you have some other great stuff lined up for June! Happy Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

[@SupposedlyFun]

Happy Pride! I'm only halfway because reading has been slow, but so far so good with Tin Man.

[@twokatstabbie]

James McBride was robbed!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I agree!

[@iain2298]

Trinity ♥️ Free Palestine! 🇵🇸

[@VirginiaCorley]

I have king a life coming by EIG. I WILL GIVE !Y THOUGHTS

[@SupposedlyFun]

I look forward to your thoughts!