Read these books.

[@ManCarryingThing]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/mancarryingthing09221

[@dannysplace7]

Sure is taking a long time for 1,000 people to click that link...

[@Free-4554]

Didn’t expect such a glowing recommendation to read the entire Twilight series, but I guess I should start reading it.

[@ManCarryingThing]

you should

[@ian_b]

I tried that, but by half way through book two I became profoundly disorientated and could no longer feel my feet.

[@pedrogonzales4364]

i thought this was a fantano comment section cliche

[@machinatingminotaur6285]

@@ian_b That's Normal.

[@llsilvertail561]

@@machinatingminotaur6285 I had the same problem (tho I gave up after book two), but every time I start thinking about the series, the feeling comes back. Idk if that's normal

[@genericallyentertaining]

I love your meme videos, but I hope you never stop doing this kind of content. I really appreciate the brevity and honesty of your books recommendations.

[@ManCarryingThing]

thanks! and i never plan to stop, i love to read

[@billtomalote]

@@ManCarryingThing 🤓

[@Hunt_o_kar]

Ooooo brevity what a big word

[@Kevinakletva]

for disturbing read NIGHT IN ZAGREB by author Adam Medvidović

[@kurtcobainsmicrophone6969]

I love that The Road is basically about how no matter what state the world is in, love and being nice always make things better.

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

You might be the first person I’ve heard describe The Road as “a happy book,” Jake, but I love your reason, which I find convincing enough to resolve to quote you the next time I’m recommending it to someone. Great to hear your thoughts on these stories!

[@ManCarryingThing]

hahaha thanks Philip! Yes, the road is a happy book, perfect for a beach read!

[@gagesmith7895]

@@ManCarryingThing my mother in law actually read it on our beach trip

[@debrachambers1304]

I'd call it more hopeful than happy

[@charliemills3744]

i just read the road. absolutely amazing book, cant wait to read blood meridan next. i like cormac’s incredibly idiosyncratic writing style. a lot. such a desolate yet moving story

[@AcmeMonkeyCompany]

Blood Meridian had me so on edge at one point that I realized I was baring my teeth and bugging my eyes out. Cannot recommend highly enough in the "books about awful things that teach you about humanity" category.

[@matthewjury4385]

What's a books

[@TheTrueRandomGamer]

*The Road in thumbnail* 11/10

[@kreature6673]

such an incredible and depresing read, loved it so much!

[@KyrickYoung]

I'm amazed that your balancing both styles of content on the channel and somehow keeping it cohesive. I'm not a big reader but your reviews are pulling me in ❤️

[@ManCarryingThing]

that's really nice to hear, thanks!

[@KyrickYoung]

@@ManCarryingThing absolutely! I love your content. Cheers! 🥂

[@LinkEX]

Great point. I've not seen many channels manage that. At least not without throwing off their audience after going one route for so long that a good chunk of subscribers might not like the other kind. Alternatively, the common thing to do would be separate channels for either topic. But I'd probably have a hard time deciding which one to use for the main thing. The humorous videos seem to have drawn in the bulk of the subscriptions, but the more serious side is what got it started.

[@benjaminjackson8663]

Hey man you're genuinely really good at reviewing these books good job keep it up and keep holding that thing

[@ManCarryingThing]

hey thanks, i appreciate it

[@nokzep8118]

He's the man holding things

[@NickCrumpets]

It's been Skit Carrying Thing for a while and although i got used to it, I'm glad Man is back!

[@bencarlson4300]

I started reading the Dark Tower series in part because of your videos on them. I just finished Wizard and Glass, moving on to Eyes of the Dragon next. King has a way of writing that is so offensive and crass that it heightens the tension and makes the rare moments of beauty and catharsis stand out. I love it.

[@byronviljoen4899]

I was feeling a bit sad before reading The Road, and felt great afterward. It was like a new appreciation for my life. Thanks for the Video Jake!

[@DanielCornerthe]

I gave my Dad my copy of The Road to read. Such a moving piece of fiction. I think it wasn't exactly disturbing, but the depth of detail in the description was so vivid it slapped me in the face like I was there.

[@kkhorimoto]

Yeah The Road was relentlessly bleak, but weirdly optimistic. Father and son carrying the fire and keeping hope alive...very poignant. Also, I read The Mad and The Bad after your rec...pretty cool! Didn't stick with me like The Road, but still a fun story

[@MUGENanaya]

The Road is such an odd case with me On a reread I now genuinely love the book for its odd prose and great tone, but man was the taste originally soured when I was in school; everyone was assigned one of five books and i ended up with this one. Problem is, it was a class section on dystopias, and even now I wonder "did she mix up post-apoc and dystopia or am I missing something?"

[@bmorebob6624]

Five Decembers is my favorite read over the last five years or so. Absolutely loved it

[@darriendane]

love when these drop, they’re really fantastic, man.

[@ManCarryingThing]

thanks my friend

[@ellebannana]

The Discomfort of Evening is one of my favourite disturbing books. It's a picture of a young girl's life as she deals with the fallout of severe trauma when left untreated and unrecognised by her highly religious (and equally suffering) family. Very bleak. Very moving, and an accurate portrayal of trauma.

[@alexfahnestalk7469]

My favorite recent book has been One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I ended up buying five of his other books immediately after finishing. I fell in love with the Latin American magical realism genre reading Jorge Borges, but I admit to being a little too slow to understand all of Borges' stories by myself. Gabriel Marquez was so easy to be absorbed in by comparison.

[@ManCarryingThing]

"the handsomest drowned man in the world" is one of my all time favorites

[@Rikisballs]

I'm reading this right now and it's beautiful

[@unfathomable3434]

A BOOK VIDEO, MY FAITH HAS BEEN REWARDED

[@alexanderfloyd5099]

I read The Sound and The Fury based off one of your other video recommendations. So glad I did. What a great book.

[@dumberdummer]

The Road is my favorite dad story! You're right that above all it is a story about human connection and surviving together at all costs

[@thatplane3865]

First booktuber I've followed/known about. I've always struggled with finding books/getting recommendations and this is a god send

[@stews9]

Okay, Five Decembers sounds fantastic. On my Wish List at once, although it sounds like A Little Life needs to drop off that list. McCarthy's a favorite of mine. Definitely get more people to read his work, and that of Westlake and Leonard, too. Have you yet discovered the Pendergast or other novels by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child? They collaborate seamlessly on elevated, intelligent thrillers, and each writes the same kind of thing on their own. In addition, Douglas Preston's The Monster of Florence and The Lost City of the Monkey God are superb nonfiction books.

[@fouriejooste9484]

Always love it when I see a book video from you. In fact you just motivated me to stop wasting time and to pick up my book again. Currently reading a classic, 1984

[@MauricioJara]

I love seeing the longer form videos from you. It’s engaging

[@suakeli]

Wait, Blood Meridian is even more depressing than The Road? I'm adding it to my list of books to never, ever touch.

[@ManCarryingThing]

lmao

[@JW65]

As you command, funny man in my phone. Also, congrats on 200k (almost)

[@ManCarryingThing]

hey thanks

[@worldofandrew8685]

Getting into books, this channel is perfect. I love your comedy and I appreciate the good recs

[@Topcatyo.]

I read The Road in high school, but as with pretty much every book in high school (except for, somehow, Great Expectations?) I did not enjoy my experience because of its attachment to homework and school, but also because I hadn't yet reached a level of emotional and mental maturity to really dissect what's happening in the book. I'd love to go back. Anyways, I know your channel really popped off because of your short skits (which is also how I found it) but I really do appreciate your videos on books because, while I don't get to read as much as I'd like, I love to get recommendations because I do keep an eye out for the next book I'm going to read.

[@aleksanderbaumgartel38]

when the rest of the dark tower reviews coming?

[@ManCarryingThing]

I hope to finish the last book by the end of thee year, if not early next year

[@montecristo1845]

@@ManCarryingThing my reaction upon finishing series: 😱🤯🥰 Your reaction: 🤔(we will see…)

[@ericfaulk2204]

The Road is good, but Blood Meridian is perhaps the finest piece of literature written in the last hundred years.

[@necrophoniac]

I started reading Revival by Stephen King and felt I had to put the book down after the first 49 pages - just wasn't getting into it. But then three weeks goes by and I decided to give it another chance and literally the story picked up on page 50 with a really disturbing accident that leaves a beautiful young woman and her baby completely disfigured. This book is actually becoming one of my more admirable King novels so far. And I can't wait to check out The Road after finishing it. I really appreciate that you're still making videos about books on occasion because I always value recommendation from content creators I enjoy watching.

[@beckymcdonald9529]

Revival is a good one

[@dugonman8360]

The road is one of the few times I've cried at a work of art. McCarthy always is wonderful at staring into the absolute evil mankind is able to do and still have moments of true altruism bleed through.

[@jimmyallen8210]

Poor Dark Tower just sitting there wanting to be finished.

[@uwululu]

I can't recommend the short graphic novel Cheer Up! Love and Pom-Poms enough, especially for a queer audience. My trans lesbian ass cried so hard so much at how truly and gently the transfemme experience was handled, and the sappy romance was Supposed to take the edge off but I cried even harder at it. Love love love. Also read Lincoln in the Bardo which is funny, imaginative, experimental (but in a readable way) and strikingly non-patriotic which is welcome :)

[@michaelmorbius2719]

Congrats for 200k subscribers, Man!

[@ManCarryingThing]

thanks dr!

[@Major98]

Love the skits but my true love is the booktalk.. Adding these recommendations to my list. Also the Road movie with Vigo Mortensen was awesome

[@jamesd.c.4810]

When will your statement about the Queen's passing be released? I've been waiting.

[@ManCarryingThing]

she died?

[@justahermit1172]

@@ManCarryingThing LMAO

[@SDmcrae97]

I'm surprised that I've not seen you mention McCarthy more on this channel, especially with you being a big Faulkner fan and with most McCarthy conversations having the word "Faulknerian" nestled in there somewhere

[@PeninatorSS]

I could have sworn this channel was called Man Carrying Things MANDELA EFFECT

[@ManCarryingThing]

i would never carry THINGS

[@bebebebe5618]

I got a book recommendation. I read tochman’s Eli Eli as required reading and it was amazing. I love it. It’s a polish report about slums in philippines and photography and partly about slum tourism, but the theme of photography is most prevalent. It might be tough to find an english translation, but if you do, please check it out. I’m not too into reading but this left such an impression on me

[@Editstation45]

Oh a video that more then 30 secs, omg he is feeding us good today

[@arch_dornan6066]

"Read these books" *proceeds to explain why a book is bad and you shouldn't read it*

[@OrangeBulldog29]

I read Butcher's Crossing based on your recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed it, will check out Five Decembers next.

[@ManCarryingThing]

cool! yes please do

[@penandreel6996]

When I finished The Road, I cried for about an hour straight. One of my favorites!

[@celebalert5616]

He is no longer asking. *Read these books*

[@ManCarryingThing]

yes

[@arsenymun2028]

@@ManCarryingThing Read Sorokin Their Four Hearts . It's the best

[@FlymanMS]

I was expecting a shitpost

[@kreature6673]

Welcome to the best side of his channel lol

[@thegregnorton]

I got a used donald e westlake book recently because I liked the cover, and now im even more excited for it

[@agentwho9187]

I came for the skits. I stayed for the book reviews

[@livross4264]

I loved The Road, for the same reason you mentioned. The stubborn hope that weaves through the otherwise bleak storyscape was so wonderful. I'm currently reading Shadow of the Torturer, by Gene Wolf, and loving it. Despite the name, it's not really a splatterpunk, overly gorey tale (so far, at least). And I love a good unreliable narrator 😊

[@fonkyfesh-old]

This is without a doubt your craziest parody video yet, keep it up man

[@razrxo]

I need more for these cuz you're only one I take recommendations from and for the past year I've read mostly books I've heard from you.

[@wt5098]

Just finished Five Decembers and what a beautiful story it is. The war part was absolutely haunting and the way Kestrel tied everything together was just pure masterful.

[@OverlyAverageBen]

'1941-45, goes through the war' 1939-1940: Am I a joke to you?

[@ManCarryingThing]

i am deeply america-brain-dead i am so sorry

[@AndYouWillBeWithMe]

The Road is indeed a happy book!! The love between the father and son is very heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, I didn't think it was disturbing, but it was indeed very bleak

[@neelzen9975]

I half expected you to do the weird ad transition for SkillShare. Anyway great recs ...

[@firvantavan2793]

The Road is my all time favorite book. It is fantasticly heartbreaking, beautiful and terrible. I have never thought of it as especially disturbing, tho.

[@RadicalAntifa]

Damn this channel has everything; love yer content mate...

[@harrylane4]

It continues to be so difficult for me to get back into reading when I used to do it so often, but I’ll check out some of these recommendations! Thank you, funny meme man

[@FlorescentBrainwave]

I love when you make videos about books

[@hassan5708]

I read Five Decembers based on your recommendation and I really liked the book! Thank you!

[@morenoramonvictor]

i very very highly reccomend nightmare alley by william lindsey gresham. its one of the weirdest and strangest books ive ever read about a carnie turning into a priest

[@DGarrettDG]

I honestly thought this was going to be an extended bit

[@smallfish7641]

I came to your channel for short funny haha videos, i stayed for the books please don't stop that, it's great

[@AntagonistVideo]

Dude I read "Black Wings Has My Angel" per your recommendation and holy cow knocked me right out.

[@ManCarryingThing]

NICE! that's awesome

[@alanthompson7551]

I bought and read Butcher's Crossing based off one of your earlier videos and it's become one of my favourite books. Don't think I would have ever tried it or even known it existed without your video, so thank you!

[@cameronkast3862]

Astra by Cedar Bowers is one of the best books I've read this year. Not sad or scary but a great character-focused story that gives a real slice of life view into being a person.

[@carson9464]

Can’t wait to see what books are on the disturbing books list. Also if it’s not already on the list you should check out Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk

[@ManCarryingThing]

oh that's on there :)

[@swissinitiative]

Love and hate that book. The uh, swimming pool scene that one of the characters got his name from is disgustingly descriptive

[@ranovee2682]

I read butchers crossing because of your recommendation in your favorite books video since I had just re read blood meridian and was looking for things in a similar western vein... Absolutely loved it. Just wanted to say thanks for pointing that one out.

[@Thomas.R.Howell]

I read the Road as one of my first books in college. To get back into reading. I didn't find it disturbing at all. More sad and touching. One of my favorite books. Now I am into Fantasy books. Please read Name of the Wind and share your thoughts! Its my favorite book of all time.

[@jedthefroggy]

I see Gardens of the Moon back there, very nice 👌

[@erenspace9628]

I got back into reading through classic scifi a little while ago (recently having read dune, 2001, foundation, and currently reading ringworld), and I’m glad youtube is recommending me book videos now so I can find new books to check out and expand my horizons!! Your recommendation really made me want to read The Road so I plan on getting that next. Thanks! :)

[@drummertp12]

You know I really like your chanel because you recommend other stuff than the typical booktuber. I mostly read fantasy but I read butchers crossing on your recommendation and man was it good....and cruel and disillusioning and kind of endlessly sad at the end.

[@glass-yuzu]

Your recommendation of ELDoctorow a few videos back has got me hooked. I've already read 4 of his books, and I think I'm going to read everything he ever published. I also got Butcher's Crossing on your recommendation, and adored it (its now on loan to my best friend, she's enjoying it too) And I even got Blood Meridian, you finally pushed me to order a copy of it after years of putting it off Other than that what I read recently was the Earthsea quartet (pretty much flawless, in my opinion) and Foe by Iain Reid, who has now solidified himself as an instant-purchase author for me, i've already preordered his third novel.

[@jbrieu]

Thanks for the recommendation, just finished the Hot Rock, indeed a fun heist story

[@s0ulsearch]

found you becasue of the short skits, but im really enjoying your book talks. cant wait to see more of these. best wishes!

[@30secondsflat]

Thanks again for recommending “Five Decembers” … one of the most enjoyable reads this year

[@spencerbowden5072]

Dude I totally agree with you on the notion that The Road is an uplifting story. The fact that everything in the book(even its setting) is so bleak makes the hopeful parts of the book 10 times more meaningful and elevating. Great great great book

[@drachireidnoc6659]

I heard there’s this fantasy series called Harry Potter, it’s pretty underground not many people know about it but it’s pretty solid you should check it out. Love to hear your thoughts after you get a chance to read it.

[@bobrown4609]

Awesome! I’m reading the road right now and honestly, as someone who doesn’t read a ton, I’d love some recommends. I love the way he writes so much, I’d love to know other writers with even a semi similar style.

[@chrisgenovese8188]

I have several McCarthy books, including The Road, that i havent read yet. Just been putting them off. Ill read The Road when i finish the book im reading now.

[@kreature6673]

I love the road! Such a great read!

[@cherryfocusdotcom]

Enjoy these videos a lot, please keep doing them! Right now I’m reading Gravity’s Rainbow

[@ALittleLifeWithDriedTubers]

I hope you keep talking about books! I just found your channel and I love your book discussion!

[@Catrell]

I like how your videos are either 30 seconds or 15 minutes

[@samm8190]

Also I’ve been reading The Dark Tower and Wheel of Time thanks to your videos.

[@simplybored9270]

I started the Gap Cycle after I heard your review of Forbidden Knowledge. I have to say, it's brutal, it's disturbing, but I absolutely love it. Never would've found that or Donald Westlake without you. Keep up the great content!

[@bunathan2485]

the road is the first book I read all the way through in one sitting.

[@MotiviqueStudio]

The Road was dedicated to McCarthy’s son. It’s a quick read. Read it again and look for the words that could exist regardless of context. It’s about the love, hope and fear of a father - any father. I fond it genuinely beautiful.

[@monny1emano]

ok weird question where did you get your bookcase??? I love it!

[@dkropelnicki9819]

First time viewer. I see you have some Wheel of Time. For me the series peaked at book 4 where we had a lot of Perrin chapters. I made it through book 7 and tapped out I couldn't handle it anymore. I read someone call it the skirt smoothing chronicles, I couldn't agree more.

[@30secondsflat]

I think I’m going to check out “five Decembers” with your recommendation

[@Mysterey101]

Wow man, almost 200k crazy to think I been watching since before 50k, I think

[@brianchappell4054]

Martin Cruz Smith wrote an interesting novel that takes place in Japan 'December 6 [1941]' that took place, obviously, right before Pearl Harbor. I pair this with 'Five Decembers,' which I haven't read but definitely want to.

[@LindseyTaft]

Started A Little Life at the end of last month, didn't understand what the big deal was then I got to the second half and had to put it down because I went into such a depression spiral. I still want to finish it out of pure curiosity but probably not right now.

[@helloitsokay]

I just wanted to let you know that I read both The Expendable Man and Butcher's Crossing because of your recommendations in previous videos. Both really good, so thank you! I also have Black Wings Has My Angel, another one you liked, ordered at the library. Thanks for all these videos.

[@Lincoln_Bio]

I liked when he said it's reading time and read all those books

[@Noahmb3010]

More of these videos!