I Broke But My Reading Didn't | Reading Vlog

0:00-Intro
0:16-The Three-Body Problem
4:23-Interlude
5:13-The Three-Body Problem
13:00-Wild Swans
16:47-DBZ
18:24-Outro
My manga channel: / @merphynapier42
WHERE TO FIND ME:
► My Patreon: / merphynapier
► Reading Spreadsheet: docs.google.co...
► Instagram: / merphynapier
► E-mail: [e-mail]

[@2gjones1]

We appreciate the interludes they don't have to be hiking. I always enjoy your sock Puppet performances.😊

[@philippschmidt80]

I'm glad you're still enjoying Dragonball, I remember that I was blown away when I read it for the first time in the mid to late 90s, I was not used to comics aging up character so much and making significant changes to the premise.

[@priceeverett9102]

So glad that you're loving DBZ! Hope to see more videos of your thoughts on it and all the new characters that have come in!

[@aszk-q8c]

I gave the 3-body problem 4.5 stars, it blew me away just as it did you. But man did it kick it up 10 notches with books 2 and 3, both easy 5 stars and the most mind-bending books I've read my entire life!

[@kailupo7543]

I'm glad you like three-body problem, it's one of my favorite sci-fi series! No spoilers, but book 2 is even better.

[@matheusvmoraes]

The Three-Body Problem seems like a vast read, filled with reflexive moments. The apple picking and kitty were adorable, hope you get well and bring more of the interludes Merphy; they're a lovely part of the vlogs.

[@erykthenerd]

"Dark Forest" is more Lovecraftian than Lovecraft :) It stays with You permanently. Hope You read it soon.

[@yk2k_illustrations]

DBZ .. lets gooooooo i cant wait to hear your thoughts on characters like Gohan and Picollo!💯💯💯

[@LyonexTV]

Ahh Three Body Problem is amazing and it only gets better. Book 2 is my favorite and still haunts me years after reading it. I kinda hope you do "slip" and bump it up the TBR 😂 Waiting till October will be painful.

[@captaincrespo3327]

You met my favorite dragon ball character, Vegeta, now! I bet you’ll love him too, even if you don’t think that’s possible yet haha

[@AdeptusPetricus]

Something that’s always kinda fascinated me is that originally there was no distinction between DB and DBZ in Japan The start was just another weekly issue of dragonball that took a drastically different new turn and likely blew the readers minds We didn’t really get that with the anime adaption though since it was a soft rebrand Always kinda wished I could experience that

[@mattkean1128]

I still need to read the second 3 Body Problem book. The excerpt at the end of book 1 is so good. Oh Dragonball Z, what a childhood obsession that was. That show had a vice grip on me. They would leave us on cliffhangers and rerun the entire show until they finally had new episodes ready for American tv.

[@BenDavidZ]

I loved the Three Body Problem series when I read it a few years ago. The setting in China and during the cultural revolution was eye-opening for me. I hadn't realized before how basically all the sci-fi I had read before was from a western perspective. In America during the 60s we were racing to the moon, but in China scientific thought (and much more) was being stomped out. And it was so fascinating considering how such a tragic history could influence a culture's view of science, progress, and yes, even aliens! Can't wait to hear your takes on the rest of the series.

[@shaggycrow]

So ya this is why the anime divided dragonball into og DB and DBZ. The series makes such a big change from a magical martial arts into a sci-fi action and the focus shifting from Goku to Gohan but imagine how we felt as kids we first meet goku and he finds out he’s an alien and then dies.

[@garypoisson2733]

"Sorry this clip is so long..." I enjoy listening to you discuss books! More review, more better! But heal up anyway.

[@lauraswinton8458]

I read Wild Swans as a teen in about 2000 and it’s the reason I went on to do a Chinese degree at uni… and I think we soon discovered that everyone in our year’s cohort had read Wild Swans and cited it in our entrance interview hah. That book has a lot to answer for! But seriously it is absolutely eye opening and mind blowing if you don’t know much about China’s history in the 20th century. It absolutely personalises it but also just shows how millions of people can be pulled under control.

[@Olphas]

I just finally started the third book Death's End, after re-reading The Three Body Problem and The Dark Forest. The Dark Forest is just ... mindblowing and full of existential dread. Still thinking about it. I hope, Book 3 can keep it up. The series has its issues, but it is just sooo fascinating and thought provoking. I suspected you might enjoy this! Putting Wilds Swans on my tbr.

[@hanyodossta]

The Dark Forest has a perfect ending. Not a good ending. Not a great ending -- a PERFECT ending. So I've been really reluctant to start Death's End, despite loving the first two books. I've finally put it on hold at my library, though, so I'll be joining you soon in finding out.

[@Olphas]

@@hanyodossta I had that when I read the first two books years ago. But this time I want to see it through :)

[@thejustinwestra]

The Three-Body Problem has been on my TBR for a while now and I sort of forgot about it. It sounds so interesting though so I’ll have to pick up a copy soon!

[@litlbucky]

3BP was a DNF for me, will watch the adaptation & decide if I might pick it back up Hope ankle heals and you can go on more adventures soon! But we got to see Locke!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Wild Swans sounds really good. Thanks.

[@dolphinsrock09]

Another book that you might like that is in the same setting as wild swans is called the Red scarf girl its more of a middle grade but still a very powerful read.

[@amuro9624]

the three body problem just kinda sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading. I really liked how fast paced and direct it is.

[@arenkai]

Three-Body Problem is a fantastic book ! Glad you loved it ! There's a Chinese TV show adapting the book if you're interested. But it brings in element from book 3, so maybe wait before watching it haha

[@moonstonepearl21]

Yes! I've missed seeing kitty footage!

[@Dontdoit_]

I wish we could get full DBZ videos like you OP even if it’s by arc. It’s my favorite manga

[@johannesjauch5919]

Every time a new reading vlog drops I instantly klick in hope for new thoughts on ‚Malazan‘ or ‚The Realm of the Elderlings‘ and I started getting nervous since it’s been months now since the last Erikson or Hobb read and I wasn’t sure if my favorites would at all be covered again…but then, all of a sudden, it’s Liu Cixin, another one of my favorites and I am so glad to hear about it and am looking forward to ‚The dark Forest‘ - perhaps my favorite sci-fi-novel at all - excitedly. I also enjoy the ‚One Piece‘-content btw. but seeing someone getting excited on one of my favorite novels really makes me happy.

[@mapletree3434]

TBP! Finally! Can't wait for the next one. Took me days to recover and it's not grim dark graphic we're talking about here.

[@andrewrose3841]

This is so interesting, I had exactly the same experience! I started reading the three body problem, got fascinated with the historical context and frustrated with how ignorant I was of it and after a little research also started reading wild swans as a companion. Both were brilliant

[@arcanethink]

Please continue Ascendance of a bookworm!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@rivwilson9330]

Hope your leg heals soon xx the interlude in this one was nice.

[@azurzelle]

I wanted to read The Three-Body Problem for a while and your review made me want to finally pick it up, thank you! Get well soon for your ankle!

[@jonasquinn7977]

I enjoyed the cat interlude (and the reviews as well I guess) hope your ankle gets better

[@onfaerystories]

I just added Wild Swans to my TBR (I've been wanting to read more East Asian authors!), thanks for this recommendation! 😍

[@MultiWar22]

First things first: I hope you get well soon! But also, please do more cat interludes. It's great. I'm curious about The Three-Body Problem, I should give it a go at some point. This week, I've finished House of Chains, read all of The Healthy Dead (a Bauchelain & Korbal Broach novella) AND have started Midnight Tides, which I'm loving! I haven't even ended part 1 yet, but I'm already having so much fun with it

[@thejawajedi87]

I'm with you, I really liked the historical fiction side of Three-Body Problem. It should be noted Ken Liu changed much of the novel with Cixin Liu's blessing. The English version, prose wise, is quite different from the Chinese. The second book is all Cixin Liu's work and it shows.

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

That explains a LOT. I really enjoyed the first book, but man I did not enjoy book 2. Felt like a different author and now I think I need to track down a Ken Liu book.

[@thejawajedi87]

@@WhatAboutZoidberg I hated the second book so much 🥲

[@xdavid00]

Hope you get better soon! I liked the premise of Three-Body Problem, but personally I found the conclusions it chose rather unsatisfying. It latches onto one possible solution to the Fermi Paradox and runs with it, and I didn't feel that was "deserved." Within the trajectory of that leap though, there were still some great and tense moments throughout the trilogy, although there were also moments and plots that had me rolling my eyes so hard.

[@dimsumspastten]

Wild Swans was amazing! So well-written and moving.

[@tunesmelodia]

Wild swans sounds fascinating! Also I hope you heal quickly!

[@Coreyjness]

I am ECSTATIC that you are liking three body. I think the first one is my least favorite, but they are all amazing. They have been that series that I still think about after having read it 3 years ago. I would love to see a spoiler review when you finish the series!

[@hannahduncan4223]

I read an autobiography awhile ago called little red scarf girl and it's a girl who grew up in the cultural revolution and I loved it at the time

[@davids182]

Keep those mental gears nice and lubricated because you will be doing a TON more shifting while reading the Three Body Problem. Especially if you move on to books 2 and 3.

[@schizoidahole]

The most insane thing about the transition in Dragon Ball is that it’s literally all just Dragon Ball. I know you’ve been told there was originally no split in the manga, but now think about it. Dragon Ball chapter 194 was the end of the 23rd tournament, then the very next week Japanese readers got chapter 195 with Raditz. Not only was there no split, THERE WAS NO BREAK. I don’t care what people say about Toriyama, he’s a genius in my eyes.

[@bcabello15]

I’m so glad that you are watching Dbz. Saiyan Saga to Cell Saga 🔥🔥🔥.

[@AshtheViking]

Considering how much you've enjoyed the historical fiction sections of Three Body Problem- I may suggest you look up the author's statements regarding the current treatment of Uighur Muslims in China, they're essentially being kept in concentration camps ("re-education camps") and he has expressed support for the practice. So personally I don't care to read his work.

[@moonstonepearl21]

Hope your ankle heals quickly :)

[@daiichikuroslightnovels7293]

Also, I would love more of your thoughts on the ascendance of a bookworm. You said you would be reading the light novel series, so I will say good luck. And I would still recommend a particular series like My Happy Marriage that, even though it sounds like a content series, the beginning is a bit f***** up. Then, after that one, I would also like to recommend you or Manga, which only has about ten volumes if he reads Strobe Edge. Another one, Tokyo Ghoul/Tokyo Ghoul re, and finally, chibi vampire. Oh, and I won't forget this one, which is true Tenchi Muyo.

[@Maxery.]

I love that you also loved Three Body. I just finished it before you announced you were going to read it this month so I was excited to hear your thoughts. I am also going to jump into the follow up novels and this will be the first time I will get a chance to read along with you :)

[@elyoni]

I also enjoyed The Three Body Problem. We read it and its sequals with my book club and it was really good book club pick. I have to say that even thought the ideas in the sequals are similary interesting in their ideas and philosphy, there is quite weird discussions about gender that I found really outdated and disturbing.

[@aqidahadnan964]

I'm so happy when you started with 3 body problem!! I always curious with how you will view this series. I totally agree with your view that how the characters in the book are not the main focus and only as tool to tell a story. I found a lot of reviews disliking this book due to the characters being 'cold'. If you like the 1st book i would totally recommend you to read the dark forest. It will blow your mind 🤯

[@squngy0]

3 Body Problem is good, but Dark Forest is great! For me, 3bp was fascinating, but it was very difficult to read at times. DF feels a lot more polished, but without losing any of the fascination, it is for me one of my favorite SciFi books. There is a lot less emphasis on the cultural revolution type stuff after 3bp though, which might be a + for some and a - for others.

[@johnnycomelately9400]

The foot binding descriptions from Wild Swans are truly some of the most disturbing things i've ever read. Edit: the author also wrote a biography about Mao for whatever that's worth. Probably to be taken with a grain of salt considering how much she'd (correctly) hate him.

[@avsambart]

I'm currently reading the third book, Death's End, by Cixin Liu and dang it's easily 6 out of 5 stars. And I will admit, I almost DNF'd the second book, but I'm glad I pushed through the first 200ish pages, because the first book, the second half of book two, and the final book are solid and amazing.

[@thebrokenpuppet2714]

Glad you’re enjoying Z so far. I was wondering how’d you take the tone shift and more direct action focus. Though I like that even though it feels different in someways, it stills feels uniquely dragon ball

[@petrasbirthdaygoblinhoney4565]

I’ll be interested to see how you like Z going forward It’s kinda insane that like, this founded the entire genre of battle shounen, without it we might not have gotten one piece Also kinda insane to think about the influence it’s had, weekly shounen jump’s current lineup is still largely dictated by the success dragonball/Z had back in the day

[@apebblemaster4570]

5:21 It has been scientifically proven that any video featuring a cat automatically makes said video more enjoyable. 😊

[@daiichikuroslightnovels7293]

I would love a full inside on your thoughts are Dragon Ball Z and how the characters change in your own opinion. And also how Goku or in this case Kakarot is as a character. I would also when you go even further to it your thoughts on the entire Frieza Saga to the cell Saga to the Majin Buu Saga.

[@a.rude.person]

Hi! I remember a couple videos back you ask for more pirates book recommendations. Wondering if your heard of "A Clash of Steel : a Treasure Island remix" by C.B Lee it's sapphic and YA and so far I've been really enjoying it.

[@wethefoxen4402]

The Three Body Problem lost me as I went along until the very last paragraph. I don't know if it was cultural dissonance, something lost in translation. However, I don't know if it's enough for me to continue the series. I read Wild Swans about a year before I read TBP and I found it incredibly interesting and heartbreaking in equal measure. And the fact that it never really stopped but just became a hibrid capitalist authoritarian regime is just sad and terrifying.

[@Frozenfrog18]

I am too dumb for three body problem. It just made me confused and sad. Though i love Ken Liu's the paper menagerie.

[@finndershood5557]

Those apples look delicious. Are they your apple trees?

[@merphynapierreviews]

no, we went to an apple orchard :)

[@finndershood5557]

@@merphynapierreviews ah, makes sense. Still they are super well kept. Uniformed and delicious I grow my own apples (120 trees 😅) and I wish mine looked like those!

[@veszeljko7645]

Three Body Problem was one of the most profound books to me ideas wise. Absolutely harrowing. The scientific exploration of Lovecraft's cosmicism was something that Im shocked noone has done before, and Liu adds onto it beautifully. The prologue makes so much thematic sense after the ending now doesnt it? To undrrstand any of the technicalities is really hard, i read pop science on string theory by Brian Greene and stuff (4 of his books) and i still was confused in parts☠️ But yes, a lot of the technical stuff in book 1 is string theory iirc, but thats not that relevant. As you said, its about philosophy, the string theory and stuff just gives it that scifi edge and grounding realism to said philosophical discourse that is cosmicism. While Lovecraft went full fantasy wirh it, Liu is going at it with a super scientific direction, and i love both! Also spoilers ******* . . . . . . . . . i love the idea of a three body problem being the center of a planrt's evolution tale. Unsolveable problem for us humans as far as we know (in physics), so it is a great foil almost in a way to what is troubling modern day physics which is quantum mechanics and gravity, but i have no idea if thats a big ass reach but either way i find the focus on the three body problem so so so cool

[@rachelneal9313]

have you read Shanghai Girls by Lisa See? It sounds like it explores similar topics to Wild Swans, but it is a historical fiction that follows two girls as they navigate life before the cultural revolution, including arranged marriages, fleeing the country, and living as immigrants in the US during the war. highly recommend!

[@Lynn-CA]

More cat interludes please!

[@davidmicheaels343]

i really wish you'd go through the three body series right now, at least finish the second book, it's the simply the best. and i don't think you should bother with keeping it spoiler free, a lot of people including me who are watching have probably read this stuff and just want to hear about your opinions on certain spoiler stuff, so maybe you could talk about it with a spoiler warning next time?

[@BooksWithBenghisKahn]

Oh man I’m so thrilled you loved The Three Body Problem, and that bodes extremely well for loving the rest of the trilogy as well! I had a similar experience where even if I didn’t latch onto the characters, the plotting and ideas just drew me in with total engagement.

[@TellingNotYou]

As hard as it was to read, I liked Wild Swans. Learning that the Three Body Problem is related to the Chinese cultural revolution makes it sound more interesting.

[@Tirlex]

Now I really wanna know what your dad think about three body problem!

[@tsukasa1608]

The Three-Body Problem Chinese language tv adaptation is coming soon on KCTS9 at 9pm this 23/9.

[@ChichiNaka]

Keep in mind most of the Dragon Ball Z fandom, 30 year old men with Vegeta tattoos and Goku gym shirts/motivational phone lockscreens don't know that he was just a human until the one hundred ninety-fifth chapter of the Dragon Ball manga. Insane stuff, with more people had the context of Dragon Ball

[@Haleybug12314]

Dumb Question: Do you have to be a member of her patreon to join the discord? I know nothing about either😅 Also, so glad you’re loving DBZ, Merphy! It’s one of mine and my husband’s favorite series! We’re about to start rewatching the anime soon. Can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts on the manga!

[@shaggycrow]

Yes her patreon gets you access to the discord

[@Haleybug12314]

@@shaggycrow thank you!

[@andrewberenson5717]

What type of apples did you pick?

[@nevetstrevel4711]

Aww you barely even mentioned DBZ. 😢

[@BrebearMckae]

💕💕💕

[@rachelspencer9456]

🧡📚🧡📚🧡📚🧡

[@keravnos2231]

Welcome to DBZ. The start of every 7 year olds 😁.

[@fat-gotenks]

DBZ :)

[@MKReads]

What is the nonfiction? 3:03

[@juanmorales9738]

What was the name and author of the non-fiction book you read?

[@thejustinwestra]

I’m curious too. It sounds super interesting!

[@sabrinavonhoegen4262]

@@thejustinwestra she talks about it from Minute 13:00, no? "Wild Swans" by Jung Chang

[@merphynapierreviews]

Jung Chang :)

[@thejustinwestra]

@@sabrinavonhoegen4262 As I kept watching I realized that. I should’ve waited to comment. 😂

[@arymuhammad7549]

From now on dragon ball is all about "but can he beat goku"

[@frankiepb]

I unfortunately had to DNF The Three Body Problem because I _despised_ Wang. I couldn't stand being in his head anymore. I know he is represented as someone of his time and place, but, oh my God, he was insufferable. His family was basically just furniture for him. Of course that's not the point of the book, but... uffff The ideas weren't able to drive me. And I'm a "technologically minded" man like your father, so... 🤷🏻‍♂ not guaranteed he'll love it! Hope he does, though

[@FrantifaSuperSoldier]

It’s ok I don’t think Toriyama was expecting DBZ to turn into a sci-fi either Edit: What are your thoughts on Toriyama deciding to make Goku an alien? I always thought it was an interesting way to spin the series and expand the world building beyond earth

[@zachsawyer9912]

More cat please

[@tyriquesmith8850]

She'll try to "heel"? 👀

[@tyriquesmith8850]

Jokes aside, hope you feel better soon Merphy! ❤

[@43ichigo]

I caught that pun, too. 😂 I wish her a swift recovery.

[@brutalusgaming8809]

Wow that is my cat....

[@CantankerousDave]

Same, but mine's front white patch isn't as pronounced.

[@nazimelmardi]

Haha, I knew you will love Three-Body Problem. You are welcome putting it to the vote. You will love the rest of the series more. And yes, the Chinese cultural setting is a thing, not American solutions are very clear all around. 👏👏 So you are right. This book is about ideas. The characters are symbols of ideas. They represent. This is a book how Asimov or others like him would be today.

[@aemeth5418]

I'm not so sure. While this is a great series in terms of concepts, the next volumes are pretty problematic. The Dark Forest has one of the most cringy and sexist plots I have ever read in my life. I'd say it's better to read about the series than the series itself.

[@nazimelmardi]

@@aemeth5418this is China and we are not the center of the universe to tell what’s the correct perspective for everyone. That’s first. Second you read a different book. This sexism mania is now ultra-liberal if you found it in this book. As I wrote these are symbolic characters, as much as Paul Muad’ib in Dune. So you can interpret as you wish but what matters is what she chooses and the “why” is not bc she is a woman. That’s the shallow view. And I won’t drop spoilers here.

[@aemeth5418]

@@nazimelmardi dude common, this whole "searching for ideal dream girl" part is just cringy as hell. And what do you mean by "we"? Do you have any knowledge about where I'm from?

[@nazimelmardi]

@@aemeth5418 you really didn’t get why was this in the book did you?

[@liul]

Three body problem and sequels: good ideas, nice science, interesting philosophy. But one-dimensional characters, misogyny galore, frustrating

[@ellifteria]

I absolutely loved the Three-Body Problem!!! It was the perfect combination of historical fiction and hard science fiction for me. I wish I could've liked The Dark Forest but I just had too many problems with it and it ended up being one of the least favorite books I read last year😔.

[@WhatAboutZoidberg]

Glad I'm not alone. It felt like a completely different author and I struggled to finish it (wasnt happy even when I did). Really interested to see how Murphy reacts to the wife searching.

[@ellifteria]

@@WhatAboutZoidberg I couldn't stand the "romantic" subplot, especially with the quite literal objectification of the one character

[@notrixamoris3318]

AN INTERLUDE THANK YOU MERPHY😭!!! Nonetheless please take care and please do not push yourself and you are not the first person who said that about the three body problem. Also HELL YEAH SON GOKU IS AN ALIEN MAKE SENSE WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT!!! And I hate that Toriyama botched Gohan. Which is sad coz he is my favourite character in DBZ...

[@badfaith4u]

I read Wild Swans years ago and enjoyed it. 🦢🦢🦢