JANUARY 2020 BOOKS | sunbeamsjess

[@raniamahmoud3165]

I really admire how sensitive and considerate you were when you were talking about Educated.

[@ratgirl107]

I am really intrigued about how you do to read so many books in a month... Even if it is your main hobby, which i guess it is, i wonder how you still can dedicate so much time to it. I would love a video (or a vlog) explaining your current life situation, in what do you spend most of your time, etc. You are very sweet and i love your videos, xx

[@pia1945]

Ana Alabort ok imagine all the time u spend binge-watching shows. i’m betting she just spends that time reading. if u spent 40 mins reading rather than watching an episode in a series, that’s already around 50 pages. if u watched 1 season (8eps) in a day u could have finished a whole book instead! this is what i tell myself and i am ashamed of myself

[@mzzulueta]

she did a reading q&a on her blog last year! www.sunbeamsjess.com/blog/2019/8/19/reading-qampa

[@nonamesinnombre666]

She is a youtuber only. Meaning she has lots of free time.

[@snow.flower]

@@nonamesinnombre666 i think your comment says a lot about what kind of person you are :)

[@backtothebooks9201]

@@snow.flower That's a weirdly defensive response when the comment is true. Jess works entirely for herself which means she can structure her day in a way that allows her to have more free time. She doesn't need to be sat in an office looking busy from 9-5, there's no daily commute, she could work from 7-12 and have an entire afternoon free if she wanted. It's unreasonable to interpret that previous comment as somehow hateful when it's literally the truth, Jess has much more free time than the average person so she can read more.

[@dinosaurbeaH]

RE: On the Road. Hi Jess! Kerouac wrote the original scroll of On the Road in three weeks, it's true, but it then it was revisited many, many times. There's this myth surrounding Kerouac's life and his writing style that doesn't really reflect reality. Of course, he was a mess. The loss of both his brother (when he was 9 and Jack was only 4) and his father (when Kerouac was 24) affected him deeply. He had an intense and unhealthy relationship with his mother, who was very manipulative. Despite all his travels, Kerouac always ended up coming back to his mother - they lived together and were both alcoholics. Also, his parents were French-Canadians and growing up between two cultures and two languages as a child of immigrants really affected him. Ironically, he's remembered as a very American writer. To me, On the Road mirrors Kerouac's rootlessness and homelessness, and, as pretty much any other Kerouac's book that I've read, I find it very sad. Around the time he was working on the novel, he wrote in his diary: "I really travel because I'm loveless." I believe that this quote alone tells us so much about him. He had nowhere to go and nowhere to go back to. So, to anyone planning to read On the Road, I suggest you look for background information about the author and also about the historical importance of the novel in order to understand its true value.

[@AnnaAmyElizabeth]

one hour of you talking about books...my sunday is made!!💛

[@loveCAR31]

Re: Educated. I feel as though you were expecting a theorized reflection of what traditional education means/meant to her however I feel you missed the point of what she was trying to portray. She, in my opinion- and after seeing her speak at a lecture- was essentially comparing her childhood education of poverty, abuse, and neglect to the traditional education she saw as her way out. Most might feel that once you get into Cambridge or Harvard that experience might begin to over shadow your past experiences but it doesn't. I felt like she did well in showing moments where most would have thought she "made" it and or can now bask in a privileged reflection of what higher ed is and can do, she showed how her education from home, from her youth was still there dominating her present experiences.

[@BrianaBeesWorld]

I actually disagree with you - I feel like she should have spoke more at the end on how you carry your past and trauma with you and how it affects your future, relationships, and behaviors. I feel the book just kind of ended without much reflection. She's still young and maybe she hasn't yet gone too much into analyzing how she carries her past. I think J.D. Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, actually did a much better job reflecting on how he couldn't outrun his demons. I especially enjoyed and even related to his explanation that the hardships someone goes through trying to adjust to being in the educated and elite world is daunting and unexpected. I feel like Tara really didn't speak much about that and I was disappointed.

[@saradawn9385]

love.C.a.R 100% agree. There are lots of different ways to gain an education, I feel like Jess really missed the point on this one.

[@lubimiller]

Erica Vandegrift and how do you know this?

[@juliagats4302]

Was having the shittiest week last week and your book-filled content has made me feel a lot better 💕

[@arianel6019]

RE: I just finished There, There by Tommy Orange. I thought it was stunning, throughout. As a Canadian settler living on Vancouver Island, to read There, There during the RCMP's forceful removal of Indigenous folks of the Wet'suwet'en Nation on their sovereign lands, added a completely different understanding to the book. I would recommend before reading more of Orange's upcoming novels to read up on the colonialist history of Canada and the US and the ongoing battle against colonial violence. I found There, There to be so rich with meaning and so representative of the complexity of indigeneity in a contemporary setting. The subtleties in the book really made it shine, as well as the form of the novel. I could go on forever, it's SO GOOD!!! I would also recommend Leanne Betasamosake Simpson's work about indigenous resurgence in contemporary, colonial Canada.

[@greenbean1613]

Thanks for reminding me of that book! I checked it out from the library and never got to it. Also in that stack of books I never got to was "Indian Horse" by Richard Wagamese. I believe that was a story about an indigenous person from Canada finding a love of hockey. I spent a year in Juneau AK and it really gave me an interest in Indigenous North American authors. Would gladly take any suggestions from you!

[@gossip142]

Oh my... just watched the book section from ur latest vlog and now this 🥰 feeling so blessed with all the book content ☺️💕

[@AlicePorter]

Totally agree with your review of Educated! The parts of the book in which she did discuss her education were fascinating but I sometimes felt like the violence in the book was gratuitous. Like you said, not to diminish her experience but I wanted to read more about what the book was supposedly about, her education, rather than so much of the childhood trauma, which was often repetitious (and I'm sure this was really impactful for some people, but it wasn't for me). Other than that, I thought it was well written and enjoyable to read!

[@demiwilliams4453]

I love this, the best chilled sunday watch 😌 So many books added to my list. I also really appreciate the time stamps for each book in the description, it really adds to the enjoyment of watching! Amazing!! 💕

[@lilydunn3090]

I had similar feelings to yours about Educated. I enjoyed it, but also thought it lacked a sense of self-reflection. David Copperfield is my favorite Dickens novel. I think there is a widespread misconception, particularly in literary circles, that books have to be depressing to be good or complex. I often fall into the default that neat endings are too contrived and therefore poorer in some way. But I think novels like David Copperfield challenge this idea that the sadder, messier ending is inherently the better one. I also read Long, Bright River this month and really enjoyed it. It felt like an elevated crime novel.Like it took all of the traditional elements but then heightened them. Have you ever read Christodora by Tim Murphy?

[@dinaklarisse]

On There There, I think it's worth noting that There There takes place in the Bay Area, an enormous metro area with millions of people. I think the cast of characters sort of reflects the chaotic anonymity that one sees when growing up and living in places like Oakland, where you can see and become familiar with certain faces (especially on BART, our metro) without truly knowing them deeply. I think Orange was trying to capture this feeling of living in Oakland, that there are just so many different characters that have these distinguishable features but also at points begin to blur together. As for the abrupt ending, I was a bit disappointed at this too until I began reflecting on the nature of how the Powwoww ended (not going to spoil it for others). I think this specific situation IS an abrupt ending where spectators and the people trapped inside alike are left feeling like their ending and closure has been robbed from them.

[@Julia.kathleen]

totally loving all this book content. inspiring me to read more for sure! 😻 love you Jess!!!

[@mindofieva]

I enjoyed Educated when I read it back in 2018 but thank you for the fresh perspective and comments about the memoir! I also felt like Tara Westover could have done better by reflecting more on how those experiences affected her than just retelling them. I still really liked it! Also thank you for your book recommendations! I will be joining your book club this year and am looking forward to reading The Bluest Eye already! I just got back into reading after being in a slump last year, I've already added so many books to my TBR after this video!

[@rixanoz]

I'm living for these book videos, no really, but what I'm really curious to know now is have you seen "Parasite"?

[@dottyxpeaches]

If you like the writing of Patrick Rothfuss I'd recommend reading The Slow Regard of Silent Things, it's a novella set in the same world but the p.o.v is not Kvothe so it may be more engaging for you!

[@tarac1396]

A full hour 🥰

[@verityuj9325]

God I love these videos from you! 📚 Also, can you do a tutorial on your hair in this? I’m obsessed!

[@Itsmebuddy98]

Jess I absolutely love these videos! This is my favourite thing to do on a drizzly morning with a cup of tea. I have already complied a large list of February books, thanks for your recommendations!

[@noria9903]

Omg YES 1h video of books by Jessie (I spent the last few days rewatching your old ones) so happy right now!

[@dagmar.m]

Love these vids, you manage to read so many books! Making a list of books to get this year & your vids are the perfect inspo!

[@forevertrampolining]

Oh my word. I never get a chance to read your book club picks but I happened to buy The Bluest Eye on a whim yesterday- perfect timing!

[@mlleariane6667]

In the least creepy way possible, I absolutely love your voice. I've been watching this video right before going to bed and your voice just calmed me down. I also love the way you express your ideas and opinions. I've definitely put Lanny on my TBR and you've also mentioned quite a few books that already were on my TBR, and you made me want to read them even more !

[@MollyLyonNotes]

Apologies if you’ve already been through this, but how did you do the waves in your hair? They’re gorgeous and have such a lovely texture.

[@vildem-k4258]

Loved this! You talked SO well about the books here, food for thought.

[@Wolfhailstorm]

Thanks for your thoughts on Education. I've been wanting to read this since it came out but I need to be in the right mood for it. I forgot how relaxing and enjoyable your long book videos are. Excellent discussions and your voice is still so soothing. Loved the jewlery you wore too

[@emmacauvin]

I appreciate your thorough reviews so much! I didn't like On the road either, even though there were some "lyrical" points that I appreciated. The main problem stylistically was the total absence of rhythm for me: it felt so long and repetitive and, as you said, every time it seemed like it was going somewhere it suddenly made steps back. Nonetheless, I would like to make some research and read some criticism about Kerouac because I feel like there are some topics worth discussing and I would like to contextualize his literary work in order to understand it better. Keep up with the good work Jessie 💕 P.S. I'm realizing how difficult it is to comment books in English since it is not my native language, hope I explained myself properly haha

[@birdsongxo]

I love your book videos so much! I thought what you said about On The Road was interesting as it’s such a contrast to the way the book is held by so many. I read it when I was 19/20 and totally loved it but haven’t read it since - it’s one of those books where I often wonder if I’d read it for the first time now, aged 28, if I would’ve enjoyed it.

[@reaganstark4238]

Actually, Educated is one of the most self reflective book I've ever read in a while. I savored every sentences and thoughts in it. And it thought me one of the most important things in life, how powerful 'perspective' is. That's why even though I don't agree on some things you say about the book, I still appreciate them.

[@PhoenixJaneee]

I 100% agree with your reviews of The Name of The Wind and Good Omens! They're the only two I've read out of this bunch. I was recommend them both by many people but felt very underwhelmed! Its reassuring to hear someone else voicing all the issues I had with them 😂 Good Omens was particularly disappointing as I had read a few of Neil Gaimans tween fiction books and loved them. Sadly it has put me off reading more of his adult books. Love these videos, my reading list just keeps getting longer and longer and I love it :D

[@lucreziagaion6838]

Re: Fantasy. Hi Jess, if you’d like to read good adult fantasy I would recommend the Winternight trilogy by Katherine Arden, or the Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. Happy reading ☺️

[@PhoenixJaneee]

The storm light archive is my favourite series of all time and there are still so many more books to come out in the series 😍😍 literally cant recommend the way of kings enough! I've bought it as a present for multiple people in my life to share the magic and they have all fallen in love.

[@strawberryorange3755]

She read the way of Kings, she didn't like it. Agree with the Winternight trilogy, love it.

[@rjd53]

I always love your videos with book reviews, but I do not agree with your view on Kerouac's On The Road at all. It is one of my all time favourites. All the books he wrote where meant to be one series of narratives documenting his life. This is just how he lived his life, how he felt about his friends and experienced the world, and he got this across perfectly. His books are not novels actually but a kind of comprehensive autobiography. He was deeply depressed all his life, certainly was not perfect as a character, but he was one of the greatest humanists of all times with a deep understanding for others.

[@7thwraith]

Highly enjoyed your video. Especially the Delany review; I like the philosophically deeper, character-driven, and politically tipped novels, whether fiction or non. Some other authors to consider: Huxley (Eyeless in Gaza may be his best), Iain M Banks (Culture series), Murakami, Pynchon.

[@MaryAmongStories]

I liked Educated, but that's a good point and I completely agree! ahh yay, Larry is on my tbr, I bought a signed copy in London ^^ Charles Dickens is so wonderful :) Girl, Woman, Other sounds amazing, thank you for the recommendation! loved this video as always!

[@speaking_bookish]

I think each book in the name of the wind books is to represent 1 day. So the first book is day 1 of storytelling... and the next book day 2 of storytelling.. and so on. Hope I end up loving it!

[@demetriprince5128]

Can you read my Brilliant Friend and the Neapolitan series

[@catacombeaperte]

I think she's really enjoy it that saga!

[@mariaculleres6750]

I agree with your review of Educated. Totally. I also wanted more of her time in college and not so much about her family trauma. But overall it was good an easy to read

[@sweetspicypepper]

Interesting about Stardust not being feminist. I feel like Neil Gaiman is one of the most feminist contemporary male authors that I can think of, judging by his public persona. I wonder if he reflects on earlier work and takes the same issue with his female characters. 🤔

[@amandalouise145]

I really enjoy your book review videos, even though I don’t read much myself. I find myself obsessing over books and reading them none stop until I’ve finished the whole book. This doesn’t sound so bad, until I say I am a nurse and sleep is very valuable to me haha. I usually just read on holiday now because of this. Any tips for fitting books into a busy schedule and limiting time spent reading?

[@ViriditasCollective]

Amanda Louise audio books during commute is a game changer for sure! You’ll be surprised how many more books you “read”!

[@cat_pb]

love your book videos Jess ✨📚 thank you for this amazing hour

[@Literatiloves]

I love your books videos and the fact that it was an hour long was amazing!

[@sarahallen7073]

What hair products do you use? Your hair is so glossy/ smooth in this video!! Or is your hair just naturally like that?

[@user-pk9wz9rf6z]

Hi Jess, really enjoy your book reviews, please keep them coming, also if you want to read free e books, I would highly highly recommend the libby app. You can add your local library card and get access to so many books, even the newer titles.

[@peachradvan5807]

Re; The Name of The Wind; I''d strongly recommend re-listening to this on audiobook or choosing Wise Man's Fear on audio because the narrator does an amazing job bringing it to life & I didn't mind the pacing of the book as a result at all

[@ruthfarrell6337]

Aw man you didn’t like on the road, that is one of my favorites

[@LauraPeachIsMe]

I'm honestly on the same page as you when it comes to The Name of the Wind. I've had this title sitting on my bookcase for a few years now trying to read it over and over again. I've given up at this point, it is just SO SLOW!! And I love fantasy with all my heart but my mind instead of being engaged and getting swept into the narrative and it's world, keeps going blank and not interested, so I have to stop and put the book down every time. Your review has kind of made me feel better about not finishing it ahaha xo

[@Sawyertheaxolotolking]

Please please do a makeup tutorial for this look!!!!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@elislaguanne1020]

Well.. i am the one who stands here for the beat generation

[@paola8602]

Same! Whilst I see what she means about some of the problems with the characters in On the Road, the writing is so incredibly stunning and moving, in a raw way. Few books have come close to achieving such raw beauty in their writing, in my opinion and saying the book is bad is actually almost unbelievable to me because of the undeniable cultural and literary legacy it has. It's an unfiltered window into a very relevant part of history that these brilliant authors truly shaped, I don't know what her thoughts or knowledge of the Beat Generation are but I find it a little disappointing to not go a little deeper on her part to understand and explore the complexity of not only the book but it what stood for historically. In addition, the characters are yes flawed but Kerouac isn't trying to make us love them in any way, if anything I think he provided us with such flawed characters to once again give us a chance to gain some real insight of how wounded and broken these people were because of all the historical events that shaped their generation at the time. The Beat Generation movement was such an amazing phenomenon that really changed the US and society forever. It played a huge role in the LGBTQ liberation movement, it was a key movement when it came to opposition to the military-industrial machine civilization and war regime in the US at the time and it also had a huge focus on the environment and on the reclaimed respect for land and native indigenous peoples and creatures, which we can see in On the Road clearly. Of course I respect that everyone has different taste when it comes to literature but when talking about such a complex piece of work that was one of the most important pieces of an incredible literary movement, I am disappointed in her shallow description and approach to it all overall.

[@elislaguanne1020]

Paola Giovanetti Yes, i agree. I was sad that it was over when i was done reading. It brought me ease in an indescribable way.

[@paola8602]

@@elislaguanne1020 same, it's just so beautiful in a really brutal way. I added more to my initial comment because I truly felt like her approach towards the book fully disregarded the really heavy historical and cultural legacy that it possesses and I think that when choosing to review such a relevant piece of work that was part of a literary movement that changed the world forever in amazing ways, regardless of her personal taste, a deeper lens is necessary. Otherwise her viewers that might have never heard of the book or the Beat Generation movement will be left with a very shallow and incorrect idea of what it is and represents, again regardless of her personal opinion on just the writing alone.

[@dinosaurbeaH]

@@paola8602 I agree with you, On the Road has undeniable historical value. Kerouac certainly triggered many, many people to travel, to look for freedom, to break the rules of the conservative American society. Ironically, that wasn't Kerouac's intention and he didn't really support the protest movements. (PS: allora non sono l'unica italiana!)

[@louise396]

The aim is to read more books this year and I can always trust your judgement ! Thank youuuuu xoxo

[@ChaoticBibliophile]

This is super late but you may have convinced me of finally reading Girl, Woman, Other. Great wrap up!

[@nighteyesiv]

As someone who reads almost exclusively fantasy nowadays, I was so excited to see you pick up Name of the Wind! I agree with the framing narrative being a lot more interesting. I'm currently working my way through the Witcher series for the second time (never finished back when the English books weren't out in their entirety) and absolutely loving the writing style and pacing compared to some beefier fantasies. Would highly recommend it!

[@nighteyesiv]

As a follow up: I really do not enjoy Martin's writing, especially when he tries to undertake a fantasy series of the magnitude of ASoIaF. I was going to pick up the novellas but I know I'd ultimately be disappointed because his writing is the issue for me, not the characters and worlds he attempts to create. Decent ideas, poor execution.

[@jessbfoster]

Re: hard sci fi recs You’re spoiling us with this amazing book content lately. Love it. Will pick up Lanny now... been sort of teetering on that one. Currently reading some Thomas Hardy, always love him. Have you heard of the Murderbot series by Martha Wells? Short and strangely funny sci fi you might like. Also have you read any Anne Lecke? Some denser sci fi there. Hope you’ll continue sharing your reading with us! Do you keep a reading journal?

[@barbarachmura2695]

I loved your thoughtful commentary. Thank you!!!

[@krthurber1]

Have you read "Travels with Charley" by Steinbeck? You might enjoy his travels across the country a lot better than "On the Road".

[@meganngeorge]

I thought I was the only one not blown away by Educated! Nice to know I’m not alone. 😃

[@kaespina]

can you make a video on how you manage your time to read? Also review on your kindle? and which kindle version you like best?

[@gemmmmeerr]

Can you recommend some good bookstagram accounts to follow please!!

[@Spedders]

I'd also love to know!!

[@kseniyab2901]

She wrote about it on her blog post Book Q&A

[@lightningbolt478]

I just read the bluest eye last week and loved it!

[@mnamkoong]

Please do a curly/wavy hair tutorial ! ❤️❤️

[@BlackkCobra]

English is my second language and I found David Copperfield very easy to read. I loved it too

[@normagruden]

An hour long book video from you? Is it my birthday?

[@melissadbm]

I got so excited when I saw that you read On the road!

[@pastorytime2683]

I love your book videos!! I'm with you on Educated - it was good but not amazing, and I think you're right - I would have liked more reflection too. X sian x

[@mimad57]

I adore your book videos Jess! ❤

[@AthynVixen]

I picked up Machados short story collectionon the back of your mentioning this one a while ago and sort of half enjoyed it. They all ended weird and I couldnt make out what her point was or what was meant to have happened..

[@JillyMae89]

ooohhh I just bought The Bluest Eye - perfect timing!!

[@sunna7439]

Surprised that you didn't like On the Road! I think it's quite the document of the Beatnik generations views and the 60s in general.

[@kayenzo]

jess!!! read "the lies of locke lamora " there's juice everywhere hahaha

[@user-bz2pt6lo6l]

Now I'm not sure of reading On the road 🤔

[@gillian6530]

The Unseen World, not a crime novel, by Liz Moore is amazing. Sort of YA but not really.

[@actuallyorxnge]

I so agree with your sentiments on On the Road. It just wasn't for me and I completely hated it! I can't seem to get into the hype.

[@donna3765]

I hated On The Road too! Glad I'm not the only one.

[@jayweasley]

I’ve read on the road more than once bc I thought “surely it’s not terrible as I remember?” And rlly it was both times lol. Read it in an English class the 2nd time and could not be convinced that it was good

[@honiehblah]

Do you ever read more than one book at the same time...?

[@nothingfurther7723]

Plz do a necklace collection vids one day

[@martamura2969]

RE: Educated. I just wanted to point out that even though you are right when you say that our memory in inherently flawed, the book was professionally fact-checked. Also, victims of abuse will obviously have a very biased perspective of events, because of the abuse.

[@JemimaRose]

the film for david copperfield is SO good :') it's hilarious & hugh laurie is amazing in it

[@katie8325]

I also hated On the Road, glad it’s not just me!

[@nodisclaimers5138]

You've got to read Foundryside!

[@Mia-ew4ug]

I think stardust IS feminist - she’s not a damsel in distress but a strong independent woman who is caught up in the wrong situations. She asserts her independence and demands respect. Yes she’s chained to Tristan, but still holds her own in the situation. I really enjoyed it

[@joshuaroger8364]

Don’t worry your completely right about the testaments. It’s fine but nothing new.

[@rakabeabraham565]

Have you read one hundred years of solitude ?

[@lilyhong7293]

Love your book content!!

[@SamirMishra6174]

How is it even possible to read so much ?

[@syafisabarudin1939]

She said that it us the habit that she nurtured since kids. She is a voracious reader

[@anajerkovic5059]

I m so lazy to read i work all day and when i come home i m too tired. I have maybe 6 or 7 new books on waiting

[@carly885]

That's not lazy, you're just really busy! When I'm busy with placement I listen to audiobooks at double speed on my way there and back 😊 I am sometimes just lazy though and listen to music of podcasts

[@dsxstar]

I highly recommend Tomi Adeyemi's books. It's a nice Fantasy read, something a little different and inspired by West African culture.

[@heathermxz]

More long book videos please! 🤍

[@anabeatrizcordeiro7274]

I really hate On the Road too. :(

[@maggiecm637]

re: george saunders snobbery, thats exactly how i felt about otessa moshfegh's collection of stories, "homesick for another world" and was shocked no one else seemed to be saying anything about it :/ so uncomfortable to be uncritically consuming stories that depict poor people portrayed so unfavorably, with less focus on their circumstances or the beauty and levity in their characters or something like that..

[@b00kflyte]

I read the first draft of On the Road, andddd i hated it. I need to read the revised final version and form an opinion on that, but i understand what she means by the repetitive plot and the hideous characters.

[@pamparody2508]

Now you’re no longer on a book-buying ban... will you be reading/reviewing The Testaments!? 😁

[@khg8]

Honestly I'm glad you didn't love The Name of Wind! I thought it was fine but didn't get the obsession everyone has for it.

[@frejawolff8656]

Omg youre like the prettiest person ive ever seen

[@Carolsaacount]

To be honest I have never read anything by Jack Kerouac that I enjoyed, ever lol

[@danielapiovesan3791]

I fully agree with everything EVERYTHING you said about On The Road. I hated it!

[@cmichael6117]

Unintentional ASMR heaven

[@franchyze]

I fell in the bucket of where I really didn’t like educated. I had to DNF bc didn’t think it was worth all the hype

[@josepha133]

I did not LOVE Educated either. It was just okay imo.

[@seaandwave]

I felt exactly the same way about “On the road”, you’re not alone. I could appreciate the writing ability of Jack (writing the whole thing in three weeks) and some literary moments, but the rest of it felt like a big pile of romanticized behaviour of irresponsible and egocentric men.

[@M1995C]

Who on Earth has the time to read this much haha