Reading Wrap Up | August 2017

[@linsrabbits]

I loved Eleanor Oliphant so would love your recommendations for books like this but better. Great wrap up!

[@CoverToCover5]

Glad to hear you enjoyed Riverine. Ever since you mentioned it a few weeks ago, I've been wanting to read it. Great wrap-up!

[@paperplane7167]

New on booktube so still discovering some tubers. I love how calm you speak, very relaxed. Looking forward to see more of your channel.

[@lookinglikingloving]

I have had a lot of spare time this year and I am loving reading. I read some brilliant books in August although I am a bit distracted this month, finding it hard to get into the books on my TBR 😱

[@thefrancophilereader8943]

Ton Gauld's Goliath was phenomenal and I never read graphic novels. So I need to get Mooncop now. Such beautiful drawings! Riverine sounds lovely. I look forward to your review.

[@amandagarcia1419]

That damn Cooking Fever! My sister showed it to me and I did nothing but play it for 3 days. ! So addicting! Thanks for sharing. Need to give Riverine a go.

[@MeSimoneI]

You always talk about such a wide variety of books, I'm very inspired.

[@myreadinglife8816]

I'm interested to hear more of your thoughts on Stranger in the Woods. I agree that it was an engaging and quick read but I also had problems with it.

[@amandaf9461]

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine sounds like a book that I would love! But did say that there are more books out there that are similar but more thought provoking. Would you be able to recommend some to me? I would be really excited to give them a try.

[@KathleenAnnBooks]

I'm sorry to hear about the Sebastian Barry book. It's a recent purchase of mine and I was looking forward to reading it. I might still like it but you have never steered me the wrong way on a book before.

[@ZoeBeck7]

I enjoyed The Dry, but had issues with the POV vignettes. I agreed with some of your thoughts on The Painted Man (or The Warded Man in the USA) and I'm trying to talk myself into reading book two since the series is coming to an end. I can't wait to see if you get into it.

[@Toastwig]

I enjoyed the dry quite a bit. The ending (spoiler warning) with the bushfire threat made me have the most visceral, involuntary reaction to a book. My heart-rate increased and i started sweating, especially since they were near a school. I live in Victoria where the book is set and we have had such bad bushfires here, where there wasn't a person in the state that didn't know someone who was affected. That fear i think is imbedded into anyone who lives here and i've had fire scares while in school. So it was an immediate, intense threat in the book for me but i wonder how well it translates for folks outside of australia.

[@SaraiTalksBooks]

I feel the same way about comic books--they are so expensive (compared with how quickly I read them, if that makes sense) that now I just check them out from the library. I love true crime books, can't wait to watch that wrap-up!

[@23bethgirl]

Totally agree with you about Days Without End, I found it so boring! I listened to Eleanor Oliphant as an audiobook and thought the voices added to the experience. Interested in reading Riverine now!

[@beyondthepages19]

Glad you enjoyed Signs for Lost Children, I enjoyed it more than Bodies of Light too. Riverine will definitely go onto my wishlist. Hope you are successful with keep Cooking Fever to the side and reading more ;)

[@AnItalianKnitter]

I found that the only way for me to stop being "addicted" to games on my phone is to delete them so that I'm not tempted. Also, thank you for recommending The Trouble with Goats and Sheep. I finished it couple of days ago and loved it!

[@jjamytvxq]

Oh, too bad the video about the painted man's discussion was lost, thanks for your hard work anyways. I am really interested to read a good epic fantasy series! I haven't been reading much too in this August. Cooking fever sounds fun, i love playing games about cooking, been playing dinner dash for a while and wanting to find a new game, cooking fever, here i come!

[@jamiecayley8927]

I just finished Autumn a couple of days ago and I agree with you, I ended up giving it 4 stars based on the first 2/3rds but I'm considering lowering it since the last bit I spent either hoping it would go back to being like the earlier parts or end quickly

[@lookinglikingloving]

Great wrap up 🤗 I really enjoyed Days Without End and Autumn much more than I expected to as they were books I would not normally have read if I had not been reading the Booker long list. I read 24 books in August and had a few 4 & 5 ⭐️ reads. My favourites were Tin Man, Reservoir 13, The Fact of a Body, Multitudes and The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (on audible). I am going to add Riverine to my TBR!

[@MercysBookishMusings]

Wow!! You got through so many and sounds like you read lots of fantastic ones too! Glad to hear you enjoyed Reservoir 13 - that's one I'm really looking forward to!

[@sunflowerreads669]

Added Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine to my TBR, thanks. I'm surprised you thought Things We Lost in the Fire should have been shorter. I thought it was a fantastic collection and thought that just one story should be left out because it didn't match with the other ones in terms of quality.

[@RamblingsOfAnElfpire]

I've played Cooking Fever, especially when I was pregnant and not able to sleep much! The gems are so irritating! Sometimes you can win them in the slot machine thing but you need to make a lot of coins for that. Can see why they do it but it's the reason I stopped playing

[@t.j.forest6657]

For something similar to The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, you might like Steal the Stars. It's an ongoing podcast put out by Tor Forge Labs (book form to be released in November) that's been giving me the same vibes as Chambers' book: more character focused but still with that element of something weird going on. There's 5 episodes out right now, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

[@curioushmm9027]

i haven't read any of the books yet but i've seen quite a few reviews on a few of them and it was good to hear your sometimes contrasting opinions, meanwhile i've got to check out "riverine". thanks mercy.

[@TheShadesofOrange]

While I loved Leviathan Wakes, I can totally understand if it wasn't for you. I certainly wouldn't compare it to Becky Chamber's books. I love both series, but they are very different. I'm also a big DNF-er. If I don't like a book, I rarely finish it. There are too many other great books to read.

[@julietocallaghan]

I not what you mean about forgetting a book soon after reading it. I know I have read 'Autumn' by can't remember what it is about and I usually love Ali Smith as rule 'How to be both' is my favourite. I may give Eleanor Oliphant a go as I do like characters that are real and not saccharine sweet and nice and the story sounds like my thing. Also loved Sarah Moss' Night Waking so will have to give the one you mention a read, particularly as you liked it more. Thanks for a great video.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh no shame about The Veneration of Monsters. I quite fancy that. Sandstone sounds like the authors own idea of a w**kfest. Shame about Days Without End, I thought it was so powerful. I have heard ace things about The Dry, I'll report back later in the autumn. Same with, erm, Autumn. Eleanor Oliphant sounds really interesting character wise particularly. Riverine sounds really good, look forward to more of your thoughts on it soon. Lovely video as always.

[@hello79712]

I also dnfed Leviathan Wakes because a lot of the reasons you mentioned, but mainly because of the male emphasis throughout what I had read- and I just could not be bothered

[@WomanVsBooks]

I know you didn't like the James S A Corey book but you've sold it to me! I read a YA scfi novel recently and loved the murder mystery aspect and have been looking for more in the same vane so may pick it up :)

[@thesteampoweredwife4194]

Try Beacon 23 by Hugh Howey! It's short and really, really good. I loved Becky Chambers too but couldn't stand Leviathan Wakes.

[@Tabata774]

Great reviews as usual. Most of the books you mentioned will be my future readings.

[@JanuarieTimewalker13]

Excellent video!! Fave read of August is a tough call...But I'm going to have to go with IT by SK bc of the scope of the novel and the character development. I LOVED Stay With Me by Adebayo also! Currently reading Rabbit Cake🐇

[@mollyrose1596]

Great video :) Just put Mooncop on hold through my library.

[@InkandPaperBlog]

Have you read The Sparrow by Mary Doris Russell--- it literary Sci-fi. I think you will like it.

[@alldbooks9165]

I got Eleanor Oliphant as a complete cover buy. Funny as 90% of the time I prefer U.K. covers. Haven't read it yet so relieved it wasn't in your DNF pile!

[@splitreads]

I also am way more into graphic memoirs and slow graphic novels than long series and def. superhero/powers series. I need the latter to be more silly than serious for me to enjoy them (like the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Goldie Vance, Jonesy). I exclusively only get graphic books from the library because the investment is just not worth it for me and it's always like if you really enjoy it, you can buy after you read from the library. I saw Mooncop on maybe Sanne's (?) channel and thought it looked cute! I haven't read Ali Smith but I feel she wouldn't be for me based on reviews and what people say about her style. I have also heard the same sort of things about the Stranger in the Woods and the journalist's breaching of privacy and if there was a true purpose for that. It's a book that sounded interesting to me but one I will probably pass on for other true crime/nonfiction. My favorite book of August (I also had a so-so month, lots of 3 and 3.5 stars) was maybe My Life with Bob (a quick read for lovers of books) or The Trouble with Reality (a short, thoughtful discussion on what reality even is post-the 2016 US election)

[@staciefields]

Have you read snotgirl? It's a comic bind up about a blogger. I enjoyed it a lot - the only other comic bind up I've enjoyed is papergirls. It's quite tongue in cheek about the fame online. I can't wait for the next one but there isn't even a date for it yet xx

[@Liz86000]

I'm not that surprised about "Autumn" by Ali Smith, because as much as I want to like (probably also because Jen said it's great) and buy this book, I'm not sure it's for me... And I also wanted to say that I'm so jealous because I see you've got "The Mermaid & Mrs Hancock" on your bookshelves, and we have to wait till January to have it! So jealous! I can also see a book called "Merman", so I'm intrigued by that one as well!

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

Thankyou Mercy, great review...I'm reading strange the dreamer by Laini Taylor

[@RunwrightReads]

Agreed about Things We Lost In The Fire. I was really impacted by some of the stories but others of the stories were less good.

[@BooksBitsNBobs]

I love hearing your opinions on fantasy and science fiction as it doesn't seem to be your usual genre of choice. I only really ever hear opinions from DIE HARD SciFi and Fantasy fans. It's nice to get another perspective, too. Great reading month, and great video! Good luck with your game :)

[@chrisbookishcauldron6381]

Oh I am so happy that someone else in this world did not enjoy Days Without End. I was beginning to wonder if I was totally missing something because so many people just loved it without reservation. I really want to read Riverine because I grew up in small town Indiana and have a lot of nostalgia and mixed feelings about rural Indiana so I think I would really enjoy that one. Out of curiosity, was Days Without End your first Sebastian Barry? Because it was for me, and I am struggling with the decision to give him another chance. Happy Reading!

[@chboskyy]

Haha I feel like I've started something horrible with mentioning Cooking Fever in a favourites - pretty sure I'm at least partially to blame for Lauren starting it, and now you've been sucked in! I had to just delete the app and quit it that way, I was spending actual money on it which is never good! As for my favourite read of the month... It was probably Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor!

[@MercysBookishMusings]

I spent £18 in the first week of my obsession but then i forced myself to stop spending. I'm not quite as obsessed with it now but still go on there very day, haha. So glad to hear that you enjoyed reservoir 13 - I've got your review in my watch later list (it's 100 videos long - again i blame cooking fever)

[@GnuLondon]

I completely agree with everything you've said about the painted man! The last 100 pages were quite frankly jawdropping. Unfortunately it put me off the rest of the series which is a shame because it started out with such great promise... The whole rape trope ... ugh ... I don't even know where to start! Would really love to hear more of your thoughts on this

[@justatinyhalfling]

I had the exact same experience with The Painted Man. I enjoyed the series and will definitely read the last installment once it is released, but I also see very clearly the in parts outraging way women are portrayed in this series, especially concerning sexuality and the "female way" of fightingl (although there are exceptions to this later on). Moving forward in the series Brett's writingstyle visibly matures and the world and the plot get more and more interesting. It definitely is typical Grimdark fantasy, which means a lot of tropes, social structures inspired by medieval times, lots and lots of world building. That said, within this specific genre, it is one of the best current series I think, getting better as it goes on. I am excited to hear what you think of the third book in particular, as it is in large parts narrated by a very powerful female figure, albeit that her power is derived in part from her sexuality, which she uses conctantly and actively to her advantage.

[@FlyingElectra]

I loved Autumn so much ! It was so poetic and hopeful and I really enjoyed The things we lost in the fire (both 5 ✨) so it's weird to see you saying otherwise.

[@francestaman8032]

I loved Eleanor Oliphant but I think it's because the audiobook narrator made her character so.. charming and quirky? Several times I laughed out loud while listening. I wonder how the book reads and if the same humour comes through.

[@renee_3364]

You mentioned there are many books that deal with the same themes as Eleanor Oliphant, but do it better. Could you maybe recommend some? I am curious.

[@renee_3364]

I felt a little “meh” about Eleanor Oliphant. That’s why I am asking

[@bookelement7848]

I could not finish Days without End, I was so lost with the characters. They were so numb and detached to the murders and that's all it was, one chapter a murder, next one we somehow end up on another murder.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

In regards to the graphic novel, it's so frustrating to see men only representing just one body type in their drawings. So unrealistic and shallow for them to do that! By contrast, MoonCop sounds awesome and totally like my kind of book.But sad to hear you didn't get on with Days Without End.

[@thomasl.2202]

Hi! I've been watching several of your videos, I noticed that spiritual and inner discovering is not your genre of videos or I am wrong? Do you have any suggestion or any friend who talk about that genre to follow? Of course I search and google it, but an advice of people who knows books like you is never useless!

[@helenejeppesen2133]

I have to get the Eleanor Oliphant book now 🤓

[@louiseballantine8771]

I am trying to read days without end and hating it I might DNF it. I've been feeling guilty because everyone says what a great book it is but I'm just not getting any enjoyment! Think I will be strong - and ditch it Xx

[@NicolesBookNook94]

Rumor from Hollywood, Mooncop is being made into a tv show

[@NicolesBookNook94]

I read Things We Lost in the Fire with a real life book club and quote a few people didn't like it, mainly cuz they weren't into magical realism, but it was great to discuss all the stories in real life

[@ughhh]

I swear I read like 1/3 amount of books this year so far compare to last year bc mobile game. It's so addictive.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Ah, finally, somebody else who wasn't enchanted by Days Without End! I thought I was the only one! I guess for me, the war setting just didnt interest me enough, I was bored by the battle scenes (and the walking :-)), the characters didnt really speak to me, so I ended up dnf-ing it after about half. And interesting what you said about Eleanor Oliphant. I thought it was ok, but I thought the character development was rather cliché and not really believable.

[@NovelEnthusiast1]

I always love your wrap ups. I look forward to hearing more about some of these. Your mentioning of gender roles in The Painted Man and Leviathan Wakes has me thinking. I love both of those series. So why is it that I just accept the gender roles while others analyze them more critically? Hmm. Food for thought, which I love.

[@turtelina]

Lauren got me hooked to cooking fever as well, in the most cheerful way at least :), in fact, I played it while listening to your video. :0 Evil that game!!! I hate the gem problem, I usually collect the daily free gems, then I try to hit the 10000 XP for more free gems and of course that wheel which gives you daily 15 gems if you are lucky. Good thing about gems: once you have collected all of these and are not making progress on the game, you can just as well wait until the next day. Greatly reduced my gaming time. :D I spent a truckload of money getting books today you all have recommended for months! I picked Homegoing over Swing Time, I hope I made right choice! :0

[@AnnaShuk]

Stranger in the Woods made me feel weird. Both hermit and journalist are people to think about. Their actions, their thoughts... I can't say I've enjoyed the book, really.

[@katehowereads]

That's so frustrating about poor representation of women in Peter Brett's series. My favorite read of August was Lord of Chaos from The Wheel of Time and so far I've been pleasantly surprised by the huge variety in the female characters in it. Hopefully it continues to be good!

[@JoceSquibblesReads]

I personally don't love male dominated sci fi either, I once read one with zero women in the WHOLE BOOK like excuse me?! You might like Kameron Hurley, give her books a try :)

[@gosssipboy]

Have fun with 'The Desert Spear'. *ominous sound effect* The first 3rd of the book is from a new perspective, even though the character has been previously featured so it has the potential to be a slog. The characters and world-building were set very competently, I think(The Painted Man wise). Yet they all at some point commit actions which are contrary to their previously established character. Regarding the "women issues", no spoilers but I do not think he corrects it at all, in fact, it goes progressively worse and more infuriating.

[@eglathren]

OMG YES SUNSTONE

[@eglathren]

I understand it's not for everyone but I loved it, and I think it gets better throughout the series (5 books). I read them all and recommend to everyone interested in BDSM :)

[@katieha12345]

I hated The Painted Man so much, definitely the tropes and the attitude to women ('pomm tea is fine everyone who shames you uses it anyway! but if you have too much you will become barren' is my personal highlight) is as the top but also the flat stereotypical characters especially in the girl's part of the story (who was so bland I can't remember her name) - the pantomime villain slut mum?? The OTT old crone who the girl is terrified of one second (which seems an overreaction anyway) and then is best mates with 2 pages later. I know it's bad but when I saw this on your currently reading on goodreads I was hoping for a rant review as I love them, but still interested to hear your thoughts even though you feel differently to me!

[@dorkabrain]

Unfortunately, it seems really common for comic book style illustrators to show less range and diversity in their drawings of women. Instagram is always putting them in my browse and - looking at their accounts - all their men look varied, but all their women are essentially the same woman with a different outfit and hair style. I haven't picked up Sunstone, but the two people on the cover you showed looked like the same character. I understand that people want to have recognisable traits to their work, but it comes off boring and empty.

[@LaurenAndTheBooks]

PUT COOKING FEVER DOWN