Getting a Tattoo for DRAGONSTEEL 24! - Weekly Reader 62

[@KFoxtheGreat]

I think the "production meetings" is my favorite repeat bit 🤣

[@Talking_Story]

@@KFoxtheGreat he has got to start showing up

[@katherinep1010]

John is the most energetic booktuber, so Jakob has to be monotone to balance that out.

[@Talking_Story]

@@katherinep1010 yeah that tracks

[@emzstern]

Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

[@Talking_Story]

@ u r very kind

[@carleelynn2017]

The more I think about this, the more I think it’s why I like this channel so much lol!!

[@Talking_Story]

@@carleelynn2017 we are just glad you guys are enjoying the channel cause we are having a blast!

[@CombativeRoboGuy]

I’m so excited to read Ascendant at some point, it looks so good and interesting, especially with those covers. You’ve sold me on the another Valley, I really wish I had time in the month to read it but I’m reading Ships of Merior/Warhost of Vastmark which is just going to take all of my attention until the end of next week. YES! RHYTHM OF WAR! THE BEST STORMLIGHT BOOK! And you are absolutely right about what happens when you get those special editions. It’s that THING inside you that makes you go- wow, I love this. I need to read this and I love… all of this.

[@Talking_Story]

@@CombativeRoboGuy said so perfectly my friend. That thing!! Exactly right. How is WoLaS going?

[@CombativeRoboGuy]

@@Talking_Story WoLaS is going so amazingly. I’m taking my time and writing notes down trying to track all the threads. The way some of the characters have to wrestle with the reality of some of their earlier decisions and how Janny Wurts plays with the perception of events (something I’m trying to keep track of in my reading) is just stunning. I also have gotten the rhythm of her writing again so as I read it’s like I’m gliding across the page as I try my best to imagine what she has so vividly painted for me. Truly she is the God of the English language.

[@Talking_Story]

@ oh man you make me very excited to jump in next month.

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

You cannot have my pain!!!! Dalinar is the man, and that’s an epic tattoo 💪

[@Talking_Story]

@@BooksWithBenghisKahn thanks my brother!

[@Atrulion]

"I hope your week was filled with 5 star reads!" Me: *been stuck on the same book for 2 months*

[@Talking_Story]

Maybe time to try something else? If it is not working for you try picking something else up.

[@Atrulion]

@@Talking_Story Thank you very much! But that's not the case 😂 It's a 5 star read. I'm just really really really slow at reading.

[@Talking_Story]

@ ahhh got it!

[@ericF-17]

You and Philip could do a Rhythm of War discussion.

[@Talking_Story]

@@ericF-17 not a bad idea. I will see if he has time.

[@veronicaprice]

Love the tattoo! I finished Oathbringer and Dawnshard recently, and Oathbringer is my favorite of the series so far. Dalinar’s story was amazing, but I have to say I’m semi obsessed with Navani. That lady has a spine of steel. Before starting RoW I decided to reread Catch 22. I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of weeks now, so I decided to scratch the itch.

[@Talking_Story]

@@veronicaprice catch 22 is a great 1. Sounds like we will both be going through RoW at the same time. Couldn’t agree more about Navani!

[@TomOrange]

I think I may have mentioned this to you at some point but RoW has my favorite chapter in all of Stormlight in it.

[@Talking_Story]

@@TomOrange oh can’t wait to met them so we can compare notes.

[@BrianBell7]

Another amazing episode of Sunnnndayyyy Weeeeeekly Reeeeeeeader! Thanks for the shout outs! D&D was too much fun! Thank you again for all the friendship!

[@Talking_Story]

@@BrianBell7 my life is a brighter place for having you in it brother.

[@CamDS2401]

I just finished reading the other valley so I'm ready for the upcoming video. I then picked up and finished Legends and Lattes. It was exactly the kind of book I needed after the other valley. A nice chilled out read. Also loving that tattoo mate!

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks! I should wrap up Other Valley today.

[@BookishChas]

Great update John! I’ve been on the fence with Penguin, but I think you convinced me lol. Awesome tattoo, by the way. 😊

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks Chas. Let me know what you think of Penguin!

[@lorifrederick2367]

Love the tattoo! You are too cool! I want a "Bridge 4" tattoo! Looking forward to your Dragonsteel video. Ps, soda straight from the can is the best! Something about that aluminum can that enhances the taste!

[@Talking_Story]

Right?! The can is king! Bridge 4 tatt would be awesome.

[@danreadstooslow]

Excited you're starting RoW! I'm about halfway through, but I'm a chronically slow reader, so I'm sure you'll pass me this week. Also wishing the best for Popovich. I'm a Lakers fan (dont chase me with a pitchfork) but I have massive respect for him. In my opinion, the greatest pro basketball coach ever. Hope to see him bounce back real soon.

[@Talking_Story]

Oh me too. I have fond memories of the Lakers. I lived in LA during Showtime and I went to as many games as I could. So you have no worries of being chased.

[@someokiedude9549]

I know what you mean about the sportsball teams, my beloved Sooners have been struggling all season on the football front. Injuries, bad coaching, bad playcalling, it's been a disaster all around. Pray for us uncle...we desperately need it. It sounds like you've had a productive month so far, I have as well. I finished my Veteran's Day readings pretty quickly and they were both very good. The Things They Carried was excellent, I can easily see why it was a classic. The Yellow Birds was also good, though I didn't find it was as profound or as moving as it wanted to be, though it was written beautifully. I also completed the Luther Strode saga, which was a fun romp, like something Millar would have written back in his hey day, though its edginess isn't nearly as cringe worthy. It's been a good month so far, now onto Moon Witch Spider King and The Wizard. Keep it up guys, and don't worry Jakob, we need your mellow energy alongside your dad's chaos. It's why we keep watching.

[@Talking_Story]

@@someokiedude9549 he does bring lovely mellow energy. Great month for you so far nephew.

[@readbykyle3082]

Dogs of War is my favorite Tchaikovsky most likely, hope you love that and RoW! Excited to steal your signed Robin Hobb books soon. Been hitting the gym so I'm extra intimidating when I demand them from you. 🥰

[@Talking_Story]

@@readbykyle3082 I am pumped to start Dogs of War. Can’t chat gotta hit the gym

[@KindlesandKicks]

That tat is absolutely 🔥🔥🔥. I’m on my own Cosmere catch-up/re-read right now in prep for December. Really looking forward to your thoughts on Rhythm of War. Not my favorite Cosmere read, but definitely the most emotional one for me.

[@Talking_Story]

@@KindlesandKicks I am starting tonight!

[@SpacedOutReads]

Nothing ruins my tbr like a Talking Story video! Awesome Tattoo John 🔥

[@Talking_Story]

@@SpacedOutReads oh thanks you are too kind.

[@emzstern]

One day I would love to go to Dragonsteel. It will be tricky since I live across "the pond" but I think it would be worth it. Anyway I hope you have a fantastic visit and that Dragonsteel blow you hair back properly! This week my reading has been slow, intentionally. I just finished Sunlit man and man I almost didn't want to! It was soo good! This is why I'm addicted to books. It's officially a drug at this point! It's gonna be hard to pick up Nona The ninth after such a thrillride (even though Im excited for that one as well) Also I took a short writing course with a small group and made some new friends! One of which I hope to indoctrinate into the "Cosmere Cult". She seemed interested enough.

[@Talking_Story]

@@emzstern wow getting some new writing tools and making friends while finishing a great read. This past week tells me you are living right!

[@arabellawillow]

I just bought Blood Over Bright Haven by M. L. Wang! I'm hoping to start it this month and I can, not, wait. 😌 It will be one of my first introductions into a dark academia vibe and I can't think of anyone better than Wang to handle it.

[@Talking_Story]

@@arabellawillow I have that 1 on the stack can’t wait to hear what you think of it.

[@0Demonheart]

Micheal R Miller killed it with unbound. And defiant is god tier as well. I’m eagerly awaiting book 4 Reckoning. I hope Micheal takes his time and put out another amazing book.

[@Talking_Story]

I have no doubt he is pulling out all the stops! He is a truly such a nice amazing person.

[@DecidedPanda]

You guys have got such exciting news for the future. I'm so excited for you to meet Robin Hobb, I can't imagine how awesome something like that would be. Also glad to see John rocking his Dr Pepper in the wild 🤣 Not much going on for reading for me, but I've got less than a hundred pages left in the Two Towers. Have a good rest of your week John and Jakob!

[@Talking_Story]

@@DecidedPanda thanks so much. Enjoy 2 Towers!

[@esmayrosalyne]

Freaking adore your new tattoo, it fits you soooo well! And omg I am not jealous, I am not jealous, I am not jea- YOU ARE MEETING HOBB!!! Hope you have the best time 🤩 I am gonna start my re-read of Oathbringer tomorrow and then I will jump into The Other Valley after that so I can be just in time for the book club! Love what you are sharing about it, I am so intrigued. Also John HOW are you not watching Arcane?!?!? You are missing out big time friend 👀

[@Talking_Story]

I see so much about that I may have to check it out. I will finish up Other Valley today and it is a ride. So definite WTF moments.

[@unlimitedreads]

Great video as always, my friend! I'm ready for ROW whenever you are - I'm just doing a re-read of Christine by Mr. King, but I'll be pausing that to put ALL my energy into our buddy read. Can't wait!

[@Talking_Story]

@@unlimitedreads was gonna check in with you brother. Look for me to get into it Tuesday

[@unlimitedreads]

@Talking_Story I'll be ready! 🙂

[@jenn9027]

Starting my week off, my plan is to read the other valley, im listening to aurora rising (another ya sci-fi tril by the authors of illuminae, some of the same cast on audiobook), and fingers crossed I also read more from the expanse.

[@Talking_Story]

@@jenn9027 good luck!

[@heathergoldsmith]

I really wanted to read The Other Valley in time for the discussion with you guys, but there is a 16 week wait on Libby and longer for the physical copy. Meanwhile I am beginning the first book in the last trilogy in The Realm of the Elderlings tonight. It's been an incredible journey. 🎉

[@Talking_Story]

@@heathergoldsmith oh I am so excited to get to that point. Can’t wait to hear how it hits you.

[@momo_genX]

The last tattoo I got is a large back display, a stick figure electrical socket plugged in and walking and leading a TV with a circle and an M on the screen for momo. It was my own artwork from my first published story, an LGBT satire. Not even Don Herdzfelt drawing quality in its technical ability, but the symbolism is important to me. Most noticably it was me making the symbolic decision to be serious about and continue on with my writing no matter what was said about it.

[@Talking_Story]

Sounds quite personal. I find those are the best tattoos.

[@Chance.Dillon]

DnD was a blast! Definitely want to do that again. The tattoo is incredible too. Makes me excited to work through stormlight honestly

[@Talking_Story]

Oh I think you will really enjoy it.

[@MacScarfield]

Greetings from Holiday in Belgium! 🇧🇪 Lucky you, Hobb and Sun Eater! 🙌

[@Talking_Story]

I hope the trip is amazing my friend!

[@caewing85]

So I have to say of all the Stormlight books, RoW was the slowest for me. I think it was because I listened to 2-4 back to back and got very overwhelmed with the story. Kaladin is my favorite character and he just wasn’t in the story as much as I wanted. I want to give him a hug (it’s my mama heart coming out as I read)

[@Talking_Story]

@@caewing85 Kaladin could really use a hug

[@saulphin]

Ever since Town Square, now any time Jakob talks it just seems like a soundbite added in after the fact 💚

[@Talking_Story]

@@saulphin you have figured him out

[@subjectiveexperiences1072]

Love the tattoo! =)

[@NerdLevelRising]

Sneaky Jason is always lurking, Snacky Jason is always munching

[@Talking_Story]

Thant damn sneaky snacky Jason😂

[@tordawg69]

The most monotone booktuber would have to be The Library Ladder. John, you were in the Best Fantasy Books of the 21st Century video with him over on Library of a Viking’s channel. Also, I may watch too much BookTube 😬

[@Talking_Story]

Library Ladder has that full lovely voice. would love to sound like that!

[@thatsci-firogue]

This week I got halfway through Tad Williams' To Green Angel Tower, so I'm gonna take a break but I'll be back after my current reads: Fitz & the Fool 2: Fool's Quest - 100 pages in, so good. Wars of Light & Shadow 3: Warhost of Vastmark - I was re-reading Curse of the Mistwraith and enjoying it, but I wasn't following my own advice and trusting that I knew and enjoyed it enough to pick up where I left off with Ships of Merior.

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatsci-firogue watched an interview of Tad Williams last night seems like a great dude.

[@thatsci-firogue]

​@@Talking_StoryI'm loving the series and can't wait to read the sequel series next year! I don't watch much of booktube anymore as of late but Lezlie's always been one of my favourite channels

[@Talking_Story]

@ oh me too she is awesome

[@RhysWritings]

Watched the first 2 episodes of The Penguin and it's growing on me for sure. i'm still in disbelief that underneath all the makeup and prosthetic is Colin Farrell!

[@Talking_Story]

@@RhysWritings it is crazy. Just saw the finale last night. Wow what a memory play of a family drama fever dream.

[@RhysWritings]

@@Talking_Story Looking forward to carrying on! It's a real love letter to the original material

[@Talking_Story]

@@RhysWritings yes!

[@fantasyfanatic6038]

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Rhythm of War! There is a chapter in there called "Moments", I think it's chapter 80, and it is one of the most impactful passages I've read in my entire life. As for myself, I'll be finishing It by Stephen King in the coming couple days and then will be grabbing All The Light We Cannot See.

[@Talking_Story]

Sounds like you have some great 1s lined up. I will keep my eyes open for moments.

[@Dio_land]

You know, after reading near half Iron Gold and it being my favourite Red Rising book by far, I ended up picking up Howling Dark when the Broken Binding editions game and honestly it could be my favourite book like Empire of Silence was before it. In terms of books it couldn't be better.

[@Talking_Story]

@@Dio_land wait for Demon in White!

[@cannibalisticwolf3319]

I finished Otherland Part 2 and am working my way through a re-read of The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan.

[@Talking_Story]

@@cannibalisticwolf3319 those are chonkers! Hope you are enjoying them both.

[@JJizz23]

Getting through Dead Witch Walking myself, kinda taking my time w/ it a bit after getting through Eye of the World

[@Talking_Story]

I hope you are enjoying the journey.

[@JJizz23]

@Talking_Story it has its moments, it's no Anita Blake but it's somewhat entertaining

[@Talking_Story]

@ ahhhh got it.

[@TedReadInstead]

Wow. Meeting Ms. Robin Hobb. I'm not in the very least jealous. Not at all. I'll just have to start planning to go to Dragonsteel 2025! :)

[@Talking_Story]

@@TedReadInstead we hope to have video for everyone!

[@mrgoodkat8448]

Hope you enjoy Rhythm of War! Seen a couple mentions here of a certain chapter near the end which is my favourite too. I've been slacking a bit so I'm just coming up to the end of Of Darkness and Light but I'm gonna make up for it this week with We are the Dead and then one more I haven't decided on yet

[@Talking_Story]

@@mrgoodkat8448 we are the dead is some goooood stuff!

[@mrgoodkat8448]

@Talking_Story The First Law comparisons and praise in general has made me excited to get to it

[@Talking_Story]

@ can’t wait to hear your thoughts.

[@mrgoodkat8448]

I'm really enjoying how Bound and the Broken is building out now too

[@Talking_Story]

@ just keeps getting bigger and deeper for me.

[@kingzzz6509]

I read The Road by Cormac McCarthy which was really good. I gave it four stars. I also read Red Shadows by Robert E. Howard which is a Solomon Kane short story. It was alright, but weaker than some of the others. I gave it three stars.

[@Talking_Story]

Nice reading week for sure. The Road hit me right in the chest.

[@ejcorum2939]

I'm currently reading A game of Thrones, Empire of Silence, and The Final Empire of Mistborn!

[@Talking_Story]

OMG what a list of bangers my guy!

[@ejcorum2939]

@ Going to be quite a ride!

[@N.A.Summur]

The tattoo looks great! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Rhythm of War!

[@Talking_Story]

@@N.A.Summur thanks so much!

[@N.A.Summur]

@ of course!

[@Corlwow]

Realised i forgot to comment on October wrap up so I am rudely unceremoniously dumping it here, cause I read many great books and short stories that I felt I should have read a while ago! October Reading: Persuasion - reasonably enjoyed, thought it had a bit more potential. I don’t know the ins and outs of how this got published. It’s posthumous. But I feel like if someone told me, she was planning a bit more in this book, in terms of character depth and confrontations about what had happened in the past, I would not be surprised. I liked the conversations about lost loves and this book felt a bit more repressed/tense than her others. Whose body - somewhat meta of a murder mystery, lots of commentary on murder mysteries themselves, with similies to die for, don’t you know. Tendencies for streams of dialogue, which I don’t mind, and is probably why its been adapted to radio plays. A slow start, but the true compelling nature of the main character comes later, and once that ball was rolling, it was a very enjoyable and intriguing read. Frankenstein - what a piece of writing. I feel it was very melodramatic, but I didn’t mind it at all, and given the context of what the writer was going through at the time I can hardly fault it, unlike the melodrama in other novels around the time. Great to finally read this classic and was much more compelling than I expected. The Dying Earth - finally picking up the author that grrm suggests a lot and library ladder did a summary on recently. These were a nice selection of short stories. Some weren’t great but had good ideas, others I enjoyed. Was educational to read in terms of where some modern tropes of fantasy come from. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - a classic I went into knowing nothing, very enjoyable, witty and a good balance of lower and higher stakes while still being either compelling or amusing. The Happy Prince - Oscar Wilde - first in a bit of a short story binge. Very sweet and I didn’t expect from such a short and straight forward and predictable story to garner emotion from me at the end. The Signalman - Dickens - short, sweet, spooky. Hills Like White Elephants - Hemingway - I accidentally read what this was probably about before finishing it fully, it makes sense, but would have liked to read it without that info until after. B24 - Conan Doyle - i swear when this started it could have been a Holmes short story. I thought it was. Then realised it wasn’t, and realised I wasn’t going to get a resolution from another character, but from the text itself and the (no spoilers) context within. The Magic Shop - H.G.Wells - wasn’t sure if this was going to be a horror or not. Felt like it was missing an ending. Knife - very compelling reflection of a horrific event. And I feel the mental exercises Rushdie did with the attacker were very in keeping with how other humans do this… in fact if this was fiction, i felt the theme would be about the human race constantly trying to find answer to questions and understand each other and the randomness and cruelty of many events in the world. But it’s not fiction, and yet it demonstrates the above I feel perfectly. Farenheit 451 - this book plays well to my more melancholic misanthropic views of the future these days. It strikes me how current it feels. Now potentially more than ever. Not the book burning aspect. Books may just become more and more niche. Not the constant warring aspect. But the society itself. This hit me hard because of my worries for the future. And I feel we should be worried. Waiting for Godot - this was humorous. Sometimes went on a bit too long. But I guess that was part of the point, wasn’t it? Sense and Sensibility - hmm. Middle of the pack for the Austen’s I’ve read so far. I feel a few of the things done in this book were just done better in her others. But some of the side characters were rather entertaining. The Man With Two Left Feet - interestingly the first jeeves and wooster one doesn’t stand out but a lot of the others i enjoyed more. I felt safe with these stories. Safe and entertained, sweet, funny and heartfelt. Best one imo was “At Geisenheimer’s.”

[@Talking_Story]

@@Corlwow wow that is a crazy impressive list! I’ve seen several great productions of Godot. I do like that 1 quite a bit and I agree Bradbury’s 451 just seems to get more important and timely.

[@Corlwow]

@ yeah i deffo need to go see a production of it. I went through on audiobook with a strong narrator that did it really well but yes would be good to watch for sure! Im mainly boosting my short story reading/listening before the end of the year as I haven’t read as much short fiction as I should and I’d like to get a certain number in while still taking time to enjoy.

[@Talking_Story]

@ there is soooo much physicality to that show. It is a different animal when you see it. Sometimes short fiction is just what I want and nothing else fills the need. Enjoy!

[@Corlwow]

@ that is exciting cause i enjoyed it in audio form it will undoubtedly be leaps and bounds better on stage… also is the kind of play that makes me wanna try acting… maybe I should look into this!

[@Talking_Story]

@@Corlwow oh my friend if you have the itch you must listen to it. The experience is life changing. It was for me anyway.

[@azul6588]

i have the same problem as John with Dogs of war, expected delivery is in two weeks :s. BTW now that you're headed towards Dragonsteel i was wondering if you could do a video showcasing all the cool stuff you guys have, like Jakob showed the dragon head in a previous video, the green mat john has and cool signed editions and other stuff you would probably get at dragonsteel?

[@Talking_Story]

That’s a good idea we will have to do a what we brought back from Dragonsteel video.

[@calenrobb]

I've been watching your channel since August and every week I've thought dragonsteel must be a week away! 😂

[@Talking_Story]

@@calenrobb not quite but coming up fast and I have been reading Cosmere like crazy though to catch up so it has been on the front of my mind.

[@peterdeluca]

John have you seen the Batman resurrection novel that just came out? It’s the story of what happens after Tim Burtons ‘89 Batman movie. Getting good reviews!

[@Talking_Story]

@@peterdeluca I have not. I will have to check it out. Thanks!

[@Chloes_World_of_Books]

I'm about 10% through my reread of Rhythm of War, you'll beat me to the end I'm sure!

[@Talking_Story]

@@Chloes_World_of_Books ohhh not sure how safe a bet that will be. You will have to let me know.

[@groofay]

Awesome tattoo! The art in those books and the way it interacts with the world is incredible, and lends itself _so_ well to tattoos. Be sure to address the Queen accordingly and with Proper Etiquette. Also glad you're loving The Other Valley so much, but the conclusions you're drawing about the redactions in the discord feed are getting concerning. I have been advised that I cannot disclose any more than that. This week I finally finished The Thousands Autumns of Jacob de Zoet, which was one of the most emotionally punishing and rewarding endings I've experienced all year. I don't think it's recency bias that's putting it ahead of Cloud Atlas in my Mitchell division of book of the year. And then, in a desperate bid for a lighter read, I read The Professor and the Housekeeper by Yoko Ogawa, which also ended up crushing me emotionally. So anyway, my current reading consists of The Bone Clocks; Sleeping Giants, by Sylvain Neuvel; and To Ride Hell's Chasm for a bit of Jannyuary pre-gaming (I started it months ago but stalled out--my fault, not the book's).

[@Talking_Story]

@@groofay Boneclocks is awesome. I know there is alot of spoiler talk in the Discord. I have not started reading the blacked out parts yet gonna finish up the book first then go through it all. I hope people are enjoying the read! I am trying to it to draw too many conclusions.

[@Talking_Story]

@@groofay de zoet ending does kinda leave a mark right?!

[@groofay]

@@Talking_Story I'm not ashamed to say I had to sit there and cry for a solid minute after closing it. That entire last quarter was unbelievable.

[@Talking_Story]

@ oh wow. I will have some tissues ready.

[@groofay]

@@Talking_Story Ach sorry, I meant De Zoet. Other Valley is still something, though.

[@thatsci-firogue]

Now I'm wondering as a Prince of Nothing fan if John reads and loves it, will he get a Circumfix or a swazond for a tattoo?

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatsci-firogue u never know

[@thatsci-firogue]

You might not be so thrilled if you knew the context 😂​@@Talking_Story

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatsci-firogue I look forward to finding out.

[@thatsci-firogue]

@@Talking_Story Just remember, there will be no weepers on the slog

[@Talking_Story]

@@thatsci-firogue got it

[@ToddsBookTube91]

Has Ryan Cahill said how many books will be his series? Is the 5th one going to be the last one?

[@Talking_Story]

@@ToddsBookTube91 I’m not sure.

[@ToddsBookTube91]

@Talking_Story thanks

[@iSamwise]

My prediction is that the rhythm of war is going to be about 3-4 time *I don’t read music

[@Talking_Story]

@@iSamwise I will let you know if it is in the book