Mini Book Haul | Short Stories, Essays, Novel

[@ecekoken3922]

I read Stoner a few months ago, started hard rain falling today. I’m excited!

[@Johanna_reads]

What an excellent haul! I love learning about Russian literature on your channel. I think I already commented about how much I love Stoner. It was my favorite book of 2022 and remains one of my favorite books of all time. I love that you noticed glimpses of hope and goodness in that story. Some readers miss the existential beauty Williams offered. I'm going to have to check out Hard Rain Falling!

[@TheActiveMind1]

Thank you! I found it interesting Williams rejected the idea of Stoner's life being a sad one. I can see why for the hope that you and I derived from the story, but I do find Stoner's sorrow and regret to be a bit cautionary for readers on how they should avoid living

[@Johanna_reads]

@@TheActiveMind1 Yes, I agree! Have you read Tolstoy's The Death of Ivan Ilyich? I'm sorry if that's a dumb question if you have read it, as you are so well-read in Russian literature. Someone pitched that to me as great for fans of Stoner, and it certainly fits the cautionary tale theme. I thought Tolstoy's story was much bleaker and sardonic, but I loved it!

[@TheActiveMind1]

@@Johanna_reads Yes, I have! It's similar in a precautionary way except the character of Ivan and life is drastically different compared to Stoner. I'd agree that it's a bleak and depressing tale

[@hatethenewyou]

Some very intriguing works and I believe NYRB sending them your way is certainly a testament to the success of the channel. Hard Rain Falling has been on my tbr list since I finished Stoner so i'll be interested in what you make of it.

[@hatethenewyou]

Off topic, but have you been able to get your hands on a copy of Blinding yet? I'm working my way through Solenoid now and I know I'm going to be seeking out a copy after I finish in a couple weeks.

[@TheActiveMind1]

I’ll definitely make a discussion/review video once I finish it in the coming months!

[@TheActiveMind1]

I have not seen Blinding in print :( but I will likely get a Kindle soon so I can get a digital copy

[@hatethenewyou]

@@TheActiveMind1 I think i'm going to end up having to do the same unfortunately. Luckily Nostalgia is easily found in print, but I'm more interesting in Blinding. I wish Archipelago would run a re-printing.

[@jamgart]

Do you think NYRB would send me a copy of Hard Rain Falling? Cos I’ve been looking for one for the past few months and can’t find one anywhere! (I know I can get it online but… I like bookshops! What can I say 🤷‍♀️😁)

[@jackwalter5970]

I don't think Hard Rain Falling is anything like Stoner. However, I think it's much better!

[@TheActiveMind1]

I think what I heard wasn’t that they are similar but the vibes are similar. If you liked one, you’ll like the other kind of thing