Friday Reads: Women's Prize Predictions and More

[@alt9977]

Not only are you entitled to not like a book, I find negative reviews refreshing (and highly entertaining 🙂). Please keep giving us your honest opinion and don't allow the "offended" people to censor you ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you! I actually find negative reviews to be helpful a lot of the time. If they’re fair, I learn a lot about the book and whether or not I want to read it. And if they aren’t fair, I still learn a lot.

[@Nina_DP]

Pausing video to say #1: fantastic "sweater haul"! And #2: I don't understand why people are so precious about negativity when it comes to reviews. I appreciate them, especially coming from a Booktuber I watch regularly and whose taste in books I understand. If you, who have put so many fabulous books in my hands (truly, thank you) have a strong negative reaction to a book, it's going to give me pause. Something to think about. Take into consideration when deciding *for myself* if I want to give it a go. This whole concept that you can't say anything bad is preposterous. Reading books, like consuming any art, is subjective. And it's YOUR channel: you get to do what you want and express yourself however you like. Now I'm wondering if these are the same people who don't like you talking about books you haven't read, or, basically, talking about anything other than books. 🤔 Okay, back to the video!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m so excited about the sweaters, even if it is too warm to wear them right now. I tend to find negative reviews helpful! If it comes from someone who tends to like similar books to me, I know to take it seriously. And if the person has fair critiques, I can feel warned if I do decide to read the book. And if they don’t, I still get a lot of information about the book. But that’s me I guess!

[@44Victoria4]

I think it‘s really helpful to review books you don‘t like. If everyone is just raving about every book all the time, we‘ll lack a diversity of views. Keep up the good work! Love your channel!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thank you!

[@BookishTexan]

I enjoyed your negative review. It was well reasoned and expressed. It made me want to read the book because you are the first person to talk about it with any feeling at all.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks! I'm beginning to think it's that thing where you can't please everyone. Last year, a small segment of commenters announced that I was an idiot for liking Demon Copperhead. This year, a small segment are calling me mean for not liking Night Watch. 🤷‍♂️

[@BookishTexan]

@@SupposedlyFun I think the bigger a channel gets the more people it attracts who have less tolerance for differences of opinion.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@BookishTexan 💯

[@pancakeday4866]

I love your honesty regarding Night Watch. You kind of empowered me to have my own opinion on award-winning or “important” books. I have always felt that if I didn’t like one of those books, it was because there was an inability on my part to understand the book. So Thank you! 💖

[@SupposedlyFun]

I appreciate that! Thanks.

[@rororeads]

Definitely put Still Life on your TBR. I absolutely loved it!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Well, I finished Tin Man and LOVED that, so Still Life will need to happen.

[@myreadinglife8816]

Love the clothing haul! I like a well done negative review. Yours was well done!

[@SupposedlyFun]

I appreciate that! I'm so excited to wear the sweaters when it gets colder.

[@MJ-in-Canada]

I’m the viewer who mentioned suspending your holds. Next time you’re in the library, ask the librarian to show you how to suspend a hold. Many public libraries offer this service so I hope yours does, too. It will help you if you go on vacation and don’t want the books coming in while you’re away. It will also help you to manage your holds even when you’re not on vacation so that your books don’t all come in at once. 😀

[@SupposedlyFun]

I have to go pick up Cinema Love, so I’ll make sure to ask when I do. Thanks for the tip!

[@jackwalter5970]

That grandfather shirt is definitely me! I love really positive and really negative reviews. Guess I like the drama.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Everyone loves a little drama-especially during Pride. 😉 🌈 🥂

[@annegibson6072]

Brotherless Night for the Women's Prize for Fiction. All She Carried for the Nonfiction Prize. I saw a terrific video on Barnes and Noble where Morgan Talty was interviewed. Thought of you. Just finished reading The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. It is an indigenous story in Maine. A four star book. Keep reading.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’ve heard good things about Berry Pickers. I have a copy and need to try to get to it. I saw a clip of that interview on Instagram and meant to look for the rest. Thanks for the reminder!

[@steveurick3044]

Congrats on your new digs and head covering!

[@sarahwallace2585]

You are definitely allowed to have a negative opinion on a book - and I for one am really pleased that you share ALL of your thoughts. Thank you. 'Tin Man' is such a lovely book, I loved it - but completely agree that the descriptions on the back etc are misleading. I've found that with a handfuls of books recently, and it’s annoying!

[@ariannefowler455]

The sweaters are amazing! It's a wonderful reminder of your trip. As for negative reviews, I actually appreciate the honesty. I want to hear what people really think of books because that helps me make my own decisions about reading a book or not. The Keith Haring sounds interesting. I remember traveling to NYC in the very early 90s and seeing his work everywhere. I'm waiting for a book on his journals from my library holds, but I should add Radiant to my list.

[@SupposedlyFun]

The only piece of his I remember regularly seeing as a child is the “crack is whack” mural on the side of the Harlem River Drive. It sounds like you might find Radiant interesting. I often find negative reviews to be more helpful!

[@PaulaBlazer-n7l]

No worries Greg! Be you! I have never found your honesty mean. Carry on!❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks!

[@AntisocialAuntie]

As a knitter, your new sweaters and hat are lovely! I agree that yarn with different color tones are much prettier than a flat color 🧡 The patterns from Ireland makes me a bit jealous I don't have Irish in me but am definitely going to make one. Lots of love from the Pacific Northwest 🧡

[@SupposedlyFun]

I wish I had the skill to make a sweater like these. It would be fun to do while listening to an audio!

[@AntisocialAuntie]

@@SupposedlyFun Definitely! Though if it's a tense book my stitches get tighter and I have to pull them back out 🤣

[@SupposedlyFun]

🤣😂

[@geraldjones4530]

I loved the Guncle Abroad! I almost think I liked it more than the Guncle! It is amazing how different the tone is from the Celebrants, yet still have his amazing character development.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Ooh, that’s good to know. Thanks!

[@marciajohansson769]

I have managed to somehow purchase a bunch of the books you mentioned. 📚😏📚😲📚😔📚 The Wren , The Wren, Enter Ghost, Brotherless Night, Doppelganger. Master Slave Husband Wife. I am looking forward to my retirement in July which will provided much needed rest and time to dive into these books! I am glad you are upfront with how you feel about a book you read otherwise it would not seem sincere. Of course we want others to enjoy what we enjoy but it is so complex as to how each reader takes in the contents of a book (😜The Overstory, HAHA). Our own experiences and ability to "get the message" of a book varies with each individual. ( Enjoyed the sweater haul! You selected some beautiful items. Keep up the great content and give Teddy a head scratch for me and a welcome home and hello to Joel.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hope retirement gives you a lot more time to read these books (and many more). Teddy and Joel say hello back. And I often find negative reviews to be more helpful than positive ones. Maybe I’m weird in that way!

[@azu_rikka]

You bought very nice clothes and they look like good quality! I enjoyed your anecdotes on Keith Haring, very interesting. I have lived through a Keith Haring phase in my twenties.

[@jennrecord2784]

You mentioned Toni Morrison. I read Beloved. I wondered if I would like it more on audio because I found reading it a struggle.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Beloved is a dense book. I read it with someone else and we went chapter by chapter, sending thoughts after each one. Usually, if I was confused by something she had an insight-and vice versa. It really helped me. That’s how I got through it, but the audio might be helpful as well. It’s worth a try!

[@catherinejager3264]

We call them “reviews” for a reason - geez! Thank you for saving us some time. I appreciate your reviews. Bit off topic, currently reading How To Read A Book by Monica Wood, and thinking how much you would enjoy it - I hope 😊 Also, as an amateur knitter - yarn is everything ❤

[@SupposedlyFun]

I hadn’t heard of How to Read a Book. I’ll look it up! Thanks.

[@schoolbeginsaftercoffee4759]

I homeschooled for 6 years. Every week, we had an artist of the week. Keith Haring was one of my kids' favorites. They said his art made them happy. They liked the idea of being able to run into his art anywhere. I'm adding Radiant to my list of books I want to read for Pride Month.

[@RoseArnoldd]

I’m on team Enter Ghost!

[@jillianhasner7386]

Tin Man is one of my favorites! I found it in a Little Free Library in my area and picked it up just because it was so pretty! Still Life is also amazing so I can’t wait until you eventually read that one as well. I also have Cinema Love on my next up. It sounds super interesting! I’m currently finishing The Safekeep by Yael Van Der Wouden and it’s amazing! Might be a 5 star for me this month. Love the rec for the Keith Haring one. I don’t want to pile on another AIDS related book, but another non fiction that was very very good was It Was Vulgar & It Was Beautiful: How AIDS Activists Used Art To Fight A Pandemic by Jack Lowery. I learned so much! Highly recommend!

[@michaelbroderick2282]

I find the negative reviews to be my favorites because of the building anticipation of the Book Toss. There's also an interesting Antiques Roadshow clip of a Keith Haring artwork that you might like to see,.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Oh wow! I’ll look that clip up. I think the book toss is one of the things that offended people. Oh well! It’s all meant in fun.

[@jacquelineturner7206]

Since I cannot read every book ever written (though I try), I rely on reviewers I trust to give honest comments, especially when a book contains graphic (and often gratuitous) violence. So, thanks to your reviews, I am avoiding the book you described and reading and enjoying The Secret Lives of Church Ladies.

[@SupposedlyFun]

Ahhh I hope you’re enjoying Secret Lives of Church Ladies!

[@jacquelineturner7206]

Loved it!

[@shannongeier8155]

Maybe 1/2 way through Carson McCullers A Life which is very good, but based on your video discussing the 2000 Pulitzer Prizes, I decided to take a short break and listen to Close Range by Annie Proulx. Loving it. Reminds me so much of the short stories of Maile Meloy but then remembering that they are of different generations, I wonder if Maile Meloy was inspired at all by Annie Proulx. Realistic, taut, some would say depressing, but extremely simple and beautiful with so much underneath.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I love Close Range. I’m so glad you are, too! I’ve actually never read Maile Meloy and now I feel like I must.

[@philnasmith9755]

Still Life is beautiful, mesmerising - one of those books that you never want to end, and when it does, you immediately start reading from the beginning again. Be kind to yourself and read it …

[@SupposedlyFun]

Ooh, that sounds incredible.

[@cathyi3805]

I just started reading Brotherless Night and am enjoying it so far. Given current world events, I think you're right about Enter Ghost winning the fiction prize. For non-fiction, so far I have only read How to Say Babylon. I loved it and I'm rooting for it to take the prize.☺ Loved the sweater haul- the last one with the buttons is beautiful. You definitely need to read Still Life by Sarah Winman! 📚❤

[@Roscoethecat]

Regarding negative reviews: your review of Gone With the Wind is one of your best. I've listened to it a few times.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I appreciate that because that one was particularly a lot of work.

[@janethansen9612]

I wouldn't watch a book tuber who didn't have at least the occasional negative review as it feels dishonest if you were to only give good reviews. None of us have loved, or liked, every book we've ever read, but that's part of the fun of it and I always find something interesting to think about in the reasons behind someone not enjoying a book.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I appreciate that! And I agree.

[@joangavrilik3009]

Loved Tin Man & highly recommend Still Life!! (Think you would like it )

[@SupposedlyFun]

I have a copy of Still Life as well, so maybe later this year.

[@Nastya-readsandlifts]

Regarding library holds: I use this function mostly on Libby (an app my libraries use for ebooks and audiobooks). When I put smith on hold and know that I won’t be able to pick it up when it is my turn, I freeze my hold. It means other folx can have it before me, but in the moment I am ready, I will be first on the list. In BPL (Brooklyn public Library) I can also pause physical reads like that as well.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I do it on Libby all the time and love it, but I haven’t been able to figure out if I can do it with my physical library holds. I’ll have to ask a librarian when I pick up Cinema Love!

[@Nastya-readsandlifts]

@@SupposedlyFun oh, I see. I hope it is possible!

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@Nastya-readsandlifts It looks like it is possible, but I need to contact the library to have a librarian suspend the hold for me, then contact again when I want them to make it active again. Not super user-friendly but possible!

[@Nastya-readsandlifts]

@@SupposedlyFun oh my… not most user-friendly, yes. In a way it might force readers to be more thoughtful in what to order/put on hold, I guess. Those who prefer not to make any calls :)

[@jodilyn9]

OK, the sweaters and hat are GORGEOUS. Apologies if you've already spoken about this, but if you haven't read In Memoriam by Alice Winn, add it to your stack! My first Pride read; it's about gay soldiers in WWI. It's a stunner!

[@browngirlreading]

I think it's going to be Soldier Sailor.Haven't got to Brotherless Night and Enter ghost just yet.

[@SupposedlyFun]

We're so close to finding out!

[@browngirlreading]

@@SupposedlyFun I was wrong. I thought it would be Soldier Sailor but I'm not at all mad for Brotherless Night.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@browngirlreading Regardless, I'm excited to eventually read Enter Ghost, Brotherless Night, and Soldier Sailor.

[@browngirlreading]

@@SupposedlyFun Same. This was an excellent short list in a very long time.

[@SupposedlyFun]

@@browngirlreading I agree!

[@camillodimaria3288]

One of my favorite novels by an author is What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt (that’s Paul Auster’s wife)

[@jennrecord2784]

I love the hat. I have a triquetra tattoo.

[@SupposedlyFun]

How cool!

[@angiescott6046]

I hope to see A Flat Place win the Women’s Prize for nonfiction and Soldier Sailor for fiction, although I would be happy for Enter Ghost to win as well. Thanks for all the great content!

[@SupposedlyFun]

Thanks for watching! I’ve heard good things about A Flat Place.

[@kimswhims8435]

I thought Brotherless Night was great, I still haven't gotten to the other 2 favourites but of those I'd like Enter Ghost to win too. Thunderclap is the only one on the NF shortlist that I've read, I was hoping that Wifedom would win but it didn't make the shortlist. Looks like a brilliant list so hope to get to some of the others, particularly Eve. I really need to get to Tin Man! Happy Reading

[@SupposedlyFun]

I just finished Tin Man yesterday and loved it. I feel like a lot of people are pulling for Enter Ghost based on comments so far.

[@barbarahelgaker390]

Brotherless Night for the fiction, and How to say Babylon for the Non fiction! Here's hoping!

[@SupposedlyFun]

We’ll find out next week!

[@lynniepie52]

That’s what’s great about books and reading…all the different likes and dislikes! I especially appreciated the review of Nightwatch…too many books…too little time.

[@KurtAnderson812]

I’m rooting for Enter Ghost but it feels like Brotherless Night has the momentum to win. I liked Brotherless Night but I found the pacing to be an issue for me. I enjoyed Radiant. Definitely learned some things about Keith that I didn’t know and being active with ActUp in the 80s in NYC I had several moments of memory during my reading of the book. Looking forward to your final thoughts on Tin Man

[@SupposedlyFun]

The combination of personal experience and history with Radiant would be very profound, I imagine. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be part of that. We’ll see what happens with the Women’s Prize! It feels like both categories have multiple contenders, which is exciting.

[@jodilyn9]

Go Teddy!

[@camillodimaria3288]

I also enjoyed What I Lived For by Joyce Carol Oates & Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion (the first 10 pages are a bit of a slog though, after that it’s a fine nihilistic descent ha)

[@mradcaqbdb]

Hmmm. Something came along and ate the comment I left on this video on Saturday evening. Not the first time this has happened. I’m perplexed.

[@Bessie-On-Wheels]

I finished The first Guncle last night it's adorable. I am hoping Safia Sinclair will win Women's Prize

[@SupposedlyFun]

I’m so glad you enjoyed The Guncle!

[@onourpath]

Memoirs are not my favorite genre, but I looooove Keith Haring, so I may have to reconsider..... Why are people so weird? If you love every book you read, you're just a mouthpiece for the publishers. I was particularly interested in your review of Night Watch. I love Jayne Anne Phillips, and it has been on my "desperate wishlist" for months. I'm definitely going to read it, but your review has been interesting to me, and I'm really wondering if I'll feel the same. The things you criticized -- things that are valid in a book review -- are the things I take seriously. It must be the bookseller in me, because when your coworker says, "I hate this book" and you say "I love this book" and your coworker says "here are 3 of the reasons I hate this book" and you say "here are 3 reasons why those reasons made me love this book" and your coworker says "here are 3 reasons for every reason you stated that make me hate this book" and your customer says "Oh, man, I am definitely buying this book!" .... you have just had the most beautiful conversation you could possibly have. 💚

[@EleanorNeedlewoman]

And another thing. You are causing me to rethink audio. I haven't used this option since the late 1990s and was disappointed back then. I'm particular about a voice I find pleasing and also about production values. Bad experiences in the past, but it sounds like there may have been improvements?

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think there have definitely been improvements. You can tell when an audio is an old recording for sure. But a lot does still depend on the voice of the narrator-although it’s been a while since I wasn’t able to get through a book because of the narrator. Either I’m getting used to it or they’ve gotten better. Could go either way!

[@AvAlanchian]

Of course you’re allowed to not like a book, but only if I don’t like it 😂😂

[@SupposedlyFun]

🤣😂

[@evajanczaruk8790]

Ironically enough, at least for me, that gushing positivity over every book is off putting, it feels like watching an advert for publishers as opposed to a review. As far as your review is concerned; you were very eloquent about your reasoning for your impression therefore viewers can decide if those are factors that may impact their own reading experience and it is your channel). I actually had preordered the book, and part of me was curious because of your response but having a large physical TBR that I am excited to read, I decided to cancel /delay my preorder.

[@bobbykeniston7240]

People complained about a critical, negative review? Why are they watching booktube? I don't understand...

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think they were mostly offended by the book toss. Oh well! Can’t please everyone.

[@jeremyl2594]

Oh i COMPLETELY disagree with people not liking your review of Nightwatch. Saying how you honestly feel towards a book is the thing that gives you credibility. The reason why i trust your recommendations. I really liked Nightwatch. But not everyone has to like it

[@EleanorNeedlewoman]

I'm all into Nina_DP. Why bother with a review in the first place if you aren't reasonably sure the reviewer will be honest? I'd even say brutally honest. If the truth hurts you there's something wrong with you, not the truth. There's never anything wrong with truth. NOW. That is NOT to say that your truth and mine should be similar. Especially when I suspect theirs will be unlike my own, I enjoy listening to other people's. And I'm forthcoming with mine.

[@SupposedlyFun]

I frequently actually find negative reviews to be more helpful. If the person has reasonable complaints, it tells me something about the book that helps me decide if I still want to read it. If it feels like they’re being unfair, I still come away with good information about the book and whether or not I want to read it.

[@shannongeier8155]

Maybe they're just anti-book throwers and you offended them with that?

[@SupposedlyFun]

I think the book toss is the thing that most offended people. Oh well!

[@alldbooks9165]

You are entirely allowed your opinions. Goodness. 🙄

[@SupposedlyFun]

🤷🏻‍♂️

[@spexi513]

Don’t want no short tort video 🎼 📖 🪱 💚

[@SupposedlyFun]

❤️🥂📚