My Favorite Reads of the Year!

[@Jeremy-tc9be]

So amazing seeing so much new content from you! You may be the first person ever to review Charlotte’s Web and Tomb for 500,000 Soldiers in the same video. 😂

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

😂😂😂

[@odothedoll2738]

It’s so on brand honestly

[@sluggo562]

I don't mind the hiatus'. You're the only literary critic I follow and I just hit up your channel when I'm in the mood. I'm not a big reader so there tends to be a few new videos every time I check in. Excellent release schedule.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

❤️❤️❤️

[@elenabarbieri1286]

Always love the passion you put into your reviews, be the book good, bad or mid. But when you REALLY love a book it shows a lot, and I especially got chills for your reviews of the Stories of Breece D'j Pancake (which must be the most awesome name I have ever heard) and The Cormorant. I want to pick up all of these but those two are in the fast lane!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank you so much! Yes, Breece D’J Pancake was quite a name, and quite a writer! I hope you enjoy the titles you decide to check out. 🤗

[@elenabarbieri1286]

@@PlaguedbyVisions I'm sure I will! And if I don't get The Magician immediately it's just cause I'm short on cash at the moment from just backing Hell Of A Story by Alex Konstad (if you're into artbooks I highly recommend it, it contains all sorts of eerie, monstrous and unsettling illustrations and concepts)

[@DamnableReverend]

Finally caught up with this. What an awesome video. So far I think my favourite books of the year are: Kindred by octavia Butler, Eclipse by John SHirley, The Song of the Flea by Gerald Kersh, and...Moby-Dick! yes, I read this one this year as well. i had planned to get to several "classic chonkers", and well, this is the only one I did read. Sort of a re-read for me, but I can tell you that I hardly got anything great out of it the first time, and now, i really must agree with everything you've said. This book is a marvel -- it really feels like it's encomapssing so much. the adventure angle is great, but there's so much more to it,a nd the style is incredible. I think i fell in love with melville just a bit after reading this. I also of course read a lot of short stories, as is my usual wont. Got really into the works of John Shirley, and Brian Lumley's short tales. Bridge to Terabithia is just sad and melancholic, especially for a childrens' book. i remember reading it when i was pretty young. I agree taht "disturbign" isn't the right word for it. Good book though. I was also really young when i read The Cormorant. Probably far too young in fact. I should give that one a re-read. I remember thinking it was pretty cool, even back then, but I don't think it made the impact on me it probably should have. I really must read some mishima.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thanks as always, JM! I found Melville was truly in line with an almost Hegelian model of knowledge-he figured the entirety of the world’s knowledge to be this sediment that’s slowly forged and settled through time in the things we as humans do and practice naturally, and the way he unravels the entire essence of the universe and its vibrance through the knowledge and culture found in whaling… BRILLIANT!

[@TheBookubus]

I am thrilled that you enjoyed The Cormorant so much! Stephen Gregory has such a talent for writing that perfect combination of beauty and ugliness. I think you will love The Woodwitch too and can't wait to hear your thoughts whenever you get chance to pick it up!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank you again for the recommendation, Alex! The Cormorant was incredibly haunting and weirdly moving. The Woodwitch may just get a read later this month!

[@shakenbake3249]

My day is always better when there is a Plagued By Visions video to watch. This channel is just so awesome and I love that it exists. I have discovered so many books through this channel and have become a much more invested reader because of this channel. To see all of this new content is just a delight. I feel spoiled right now!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

More content tomorrow!!! DROWN IN IT!!! 😂 Thank you so so so much. ❤️

Same happened to me. I started to read again and now I kind of feel bad when I don't. Hahhah

[@Monsterblood]

So glad you enjoyed One Day at Horrorland so much! Charlotte's Web and Bridge to Terabithia are both, also great, of course. The latter nearly brought me to tears... okay it there might have been a tear or two shed 😅 The Cormorant might be something I have to check out

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank you again for the gift, my friend! I’m myself surprised by how much I have enjoyed Goosebumps titles. Bridge to Terabithia didn’t make me cry, but it gave me a feeling of wistful numbness… Children’s books are brutal!

[@julialena3150]

Im a simple gal.. plagued by visions uploads a video, I watch it.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

👁👁👁👁👁👁👁

[@tinkerpinkerton5449]

I have a book somewhere called The Woodwitch about a mushroom collector with a sheepdog...I think. Woodwitch being an Ink Cap / Stinkhorn mushroom. It gets pretty vile as I remember, I can't bloodywell find it though! 🙄 I wonder if it's the same book?

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I don’t think it’s the same book at all, but I’m not surprised there’s more than one book written on such a uniquely-shaped thing!

[@badluck59]

I haven't been watching your vids OR reading books nearly as much as I should lately! Will definitely have to check out some of these. The only one I've read before was Bridge to Terabithia, and honestly, it's one of the few books that made me cry when I read it for the first time.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

You’re still here, and that’s what I’m appreciative of! ❤️ Bridge to Terbithia is brutal.

[@ConvincingPeople]

Oh hell yes, Arthur Machen! "The White People" remains one of the scariest short stories that I think I have ever read, not because of what it spells out, which is fairly minimal, but for what it implies, particularly the scene where the girl climbs the hill. Literally makes me shudder. Delightful.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Yes, Machen is the master at letting the quiet just fester in your mind.

[@kevinsbookcase59]

After watching an earlier video you had on "Magician"...I was able to get a copy, but I haven't read it...yet!!! Now, with your list, my TBR just got larger!!! 😂

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Yes, my plan to make you go bankrupt is working.

[@kremeier94]

One day at horrorland is one of my favorites! Have you seen the tv adaptation of that book? Some of my 5 star reads would be: Ex-Boogyman by Kristopher Triana, The House by Edward Lee, and Grandpappy by Patrick C Harrison III, all gross and ridiculous as usual. Haven't read much this year though. I am still on the lookout for a copy of magician

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I have not seen the TV adaptation! Patrick C. Harrison III?! Not to be confused with Max Booth III? Not to be confused with Carlton Mellick III? 😂

[@DdraigGoch84]

You’re awesome, Juan. Keep it up

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

So are you!

[@Doctor_Rockter]

Cool! Have had Mishima's The Sailor on my shelf for a few years and now I'm excited to finally get to it! Thanks. :)

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Pick that baby up ASAP! It is an incredible, dumbfounding novel.

[@paperwormscat9760]

Thank you very much. You have added five Books to my TBR list. And my wallet wants to cry.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Money comes and goes. Books are forever.

[@pastorytime2683]

I loved your charlottes web review!! I read the Arthur Machen not that long ago (he lived near where we live) and unfortunately my soft brain struggled with it a bit, while still loving the wiring. Maybe should try again! Siân ❤️

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Soft brains have nothing to worry about-the rigidity of cosmic horrors is always there waiting for us when we’re ready. ❤️ I would genuinely call Charlotte’s Web disturbing-such a cute package for such a bleak, cruel tale.

[@bookssongsandothermagic]

Fascinating video!! The Tomb for 50,000 soldiers sounds harrowing and powerful. Such a huge range of styles and tone in the books you’ve reviewed here.I was impressed with The Sailor Who Fell From Grace With The Sea aswell and mentioned it on my channel as something that took me by surprise. It’s the only Mishima I have read.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Tomb for 500,000 Soldiers is absolutely the most brutal, cold book I have ever read! Mishima is always a punch straight to the balls. He was incredible… And incredibly handsome. 👀

[@joebreakerx]

Thanks for the shout-out! Thirst For Love was just incredible. Here's to the next buddy read and hopefully no TENSIONS haha! 🖤

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Haha, let’s just stick to Mishima and we’ll be good! ;)

[@jennystout8600]

"Fiction is this space where we can safely deal with our feelings." --couldn't agree more! During hard times in my life I often turn to darker, or at least more complex, media as opposed to light-hearted media since it feels more honest and honoring of my feelings. Thanks for the video--I'm adding The Cormorant to my TBR list.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Doesn’t lighter media feel even condescending at times? I struggle with this a lot lol.

[@jennystout8600]

@@PlaguedbyVisions Yeah, condescending and/or trite. I don't mind movies/TV/books with a positive or affirming message, but not if it feels like bullsh!t. It has to feel true.

[@johnmalinsnz2090]

Hi Juan, I just want to say I finished reading Chatty Chump and I wish I hadn't given up smoking. I'm going to have a strong coffee instead. I wanted to keep going with the next story, but understandably, I had to take a break. The theme of the story struck a nerve with me, as it should for everyone. Poking Holes will definitely be one of my top reads of the year when I'm finished reading it, hopefully soon.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

John, I’m so sorry! But still weirdly appreciative that my story had an impact. I hope that doesn’t come across as weird. Now go read something happy! 😂

[@EuphoricImpact]

I hope these words find you well. In a place that is appropriate for you. Darn...again you have presented me with a temptation of time, emotion, and resource investment. Books, you have turned me on to.... seem to orbit around a theme of being authentic (not in some bullshit new age way) ....whatever that is. No matter the subject matter, it requires me to be immersive and prevents me from being an enemy of self, and actively encourages me to march slowly towards aspects of myself and/or humankind. Those places that are highly connected to what I "feel" are my unconscious self. Thank you! As I told you some time ago. I interact with your videos in chunks with a wide gap between videos I do this out of respect for thectime uou share with all of us. I am still viewing and growing. This comes from a man in his late fifties. I'm still refusing to be jaded. Peace, brother!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

What a beautiful, beautiful comment. Thanks so much for your words, friend! They mean a lot. Peace to you as well. Keep on reading.

[@The5n0w]

Thank you! Definitely going to add some of these to my list of books to buy. Best reads this year have been The master and Margarita by Bulgakov and The book of disquiet by Pessoa. The first one was a lot of fun to read, which I did not expect, while the latter fu****g wrecked me for a while, but both are beautiful books that I would recommend to anyone.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

The Master & Margarita is one of my favorites, and it truly changed me as a reader! The magic and whimsy brought me back the joy of reading during difficult times.

[@sowhat9571]

Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than getting a notification from your channel on my phone. Currently I'm reading post-apocalyptic literature. I read the Stand, I'm legend, Blindness, The road, and to be honest I only really enjoyed I'm legend. Any chances of you doing a post-apocalyptic fiction video or even giving us some of your great recommendations? Christmas is coming and I'm preparing my list for the occasion.

[@DdraigGoch84]

You didn’t enjoy the road?!? Whaaaaaat!!?

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I have not read many post-apocalyptic books, but if you want a different kind of apocalyptic death: Have you read We Who Are About To by Joanna Russ?

[@sowhat9571]

@@PlaguedbyVisions Not yet, but very excited to as it's recommended by you hun. Thanks ;)

[@johnward5404]

Welcome back KING!!! Your last video was inspiring, like so many others. Always gotta catch your videos, streams, and other content. I’ve already had the Cormorant on my TBR, and DJ Breece Pancake on the shelf… now they’re confirmed must-read. Love something nice and creepy. Thanks for the sick recommendations as always. Peace and Love Juan!!!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank you so much, John! I think you’ll really enjoy The Cormorant. Give it patience!

[@Romvince666]

I swear, only you can convince me to sit down and give Moby Dick a chance. Great video, as usual, and now my TBR list grows out of control!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Admit it: All I had to say was “gay.”

[@magnumbeef]

My man. I just started watching this video, KZbin just randomly popped your channel up on my feed for the first time, and I feel like I have to say something. You're incredibly well-spoken, and I have a feeling from how you're talking about just this first book so far that the way you talk about books is VERY much something I've found missing from "booktube" as a whole. I'm honestly really excited to delve into your back catalog of videos and to see more from your channel going forward (and hopefully find some new books I've never heard of to add to my to-read pile, as well!). If I could offer one small piece of advice: You don't look at the camera much, and it does make it seem (I stress, *seem*) like you're not confident about your perspectives on these books being valuable. But you should be confident! Like I said, you're very well-spoken, and it's clear even from the few minutes I've watched so far that you think about what you read on a deeper level than simply whether or not you found it enjoyable. Own that! Look at the camera when you're talking--your thoughts are valuable, and you have something to offer the world of "booktube" both in subject matter and thoughtfulness that I literally haven't found anyone else offering on any of the bigger channels! Not to bash bigger channels of course, I enjoy several of them, but my man, you're a LOT more in the vein of what I've been looking for on KZbin for book-related content! Anyway, hopefully you find that encouraging, and I look forward to seeing more videos from you in the future! Keep up the great work! :)

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Wow, thank you so much for such an earnest and touching comment! It truly means a lot. I’ve never known how to respond to so much kindness, so I’ll just say it really means the world to me that people see something of value in my videos! I never noticed I look away from the camera so much. 😂 I’ll try to work on that! Thank you for the advice.

Glad to see you back and on fire! Really like your last 3 videos. Best literary content on KZbin, no question. Have you considered giving classes or workshops about horror literature? I would love to partake on that. Last year was so horrible, writing was the only way I could couple with it all. But my stuff ended up sucking, so I'm thinking of taking some classes.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank you so much! I do not give such classes, no, but I consider this channel a bit of a lecture hub of sorts. 😂 2020 and on have been hell, but I’m happy you’re here. ❤️

@@PlaguedbyVisions And I'm glad I've discovered your channel. It reignited my drive to read and to process life thru art's optics. That you!

[@michellesmelancholia]

I've been soooo intrigued by The Cormorant ever since Alex suggested it! I remember reading Bridge to Terabithia as a kid and being sad hehehe

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

The Cormorant is amazing! I remember Bridge to Terabithia made a friend cry in fifth grade and I was terrified of the book. 😂

[@AnaPsy80]

I love you and your channel! You introduced me into extreme fiction! Hugs from Brazil! Xoxo. 😍😘 You seem to be one of the nicest person ever.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Wow, thank you so much! I seem to have many viewers from Brazil. Love to you and your beautiful nation! 🇧🇷❤️

[@AnaPsy80]

@@PlaguedbyVisions much love for you! ❤

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

Leslie's death in Bridge to Teribithia (both the book and the movie) *wrecked* me and always will. 😭😭😭

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

It was very cruel. Life is cruel! Kids need to KNOW!

[@rkosurvivor]

appreciate your videos man, love ur taste in books!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Appreciate you! Thank you!

[@BlackacreDoe]

Babe wake up new Plagued by Visions vid just dropped!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

👁🕳👁

[@efleishermedia]

The only book that ever mentally damaged me and seemed to truly infect me was Gnomon, by Harkaway. I had thought a lot about the book as djinn, or as alchemical infection, and I always wondered how it could be done. He did it. He literally infects... you... with a kind of literary invocation spell. It messed me up. "I am Gnomon. And from this moment, you are too."

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

How could I NOT pick up a book described like this???

[@Priscilla_Bettis]

Such a huge variety! You read The Great God Pan as a teenager? That's amazing. I LOVED Moby Dick! My fave read so far this year was House of Pungsu by K.P. Kulski (Korean horror story).

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Haha, I don’t know how amazing, since like I said, I thought it was just a boring old story. 😂 I saw a book by Kulski bouncing around Booktube earlier this year (The Dead Inside). Looks promising!

[@roquerockafire5086]

Nice! Books I'm brave enough to read

[@mimi31268]

📖 thank you for another wonderful video, Juan 🦄

[@wadejohnston4305]

Oh man viviators. True transgressive fiction. The views on toxic Fandom was truly eye opening to me.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Vitiators rules!

[@violetivy255]

thank you for posting!!! this made my whole day

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

Great choices and a fantastic video, Juan. Have you ever read anything by Jayne Anne Phillips? I read her stuff many years ago so I don't recall enough to recommend anything in particular. She spoke at a writers' workshop in Prague and I just remember that her work was somewhat disturbing, especially "Black Tickets." I like Patricia Highsmith's short stories as well. Thanks to you I'm going to check out the transgressive stuff. I've been sketching out some smutty(lol) stories but I'm not sure where to go with them. Reading transgressive literature may help me understand what I'm trying to do.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I’ve never heard of this author! And it all depends on what kind of erotica you want to write. 😂

[@dianevanderlinden3480]

​@@PlaguedbyVisions yes I'm going to revisit her work. I'm not even sure what kind of erotica I want to write, or if some of it is erotica at all. I think I could venture into more extreme territory with some of it. I'll just carry on and see where it goes. I can't say all the sex I've been sketching out is exactly a turn on lol.

[@benja6902]

Have you read 'The Lords of Salem' by Rob Zombie? It's probably light reading for you, but I read only the first two chapters, and decided to put down. I may or may not go back to it.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I have not read it and have not watched the film either! I’m not opposed to doing so.

[@benja6902]

I didn't know it was a movie. Thanks for your video - based upon your recommendations, I just ordered The Cormorant and The Great God Pan.

[@maeiscompletelyfine]

Juan, I turn to your videos to decompress from attending law school classes. 😭 😂 (this is a compliment of the highest order btw) SO ARTICULATE AND AMAZEBALLS AS USUAL I HOPE YOU'RE DOING OKAY AND TAKING ENOUGH REST!!! ADDING THOSE I HAVEN'T READ YET TO MY OWN TBR BECAUSE YOU'RE KING (NOT DEROGATORY ) AND I TRUST YOUR TASTE

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Thank you so much, Mae! I appreciate your long-time support. Truly! And thanks for clarifying the intent behind “king.” 😂

[@tinkerpinkerton5449]

Amazeballs! Haha! 😆👍 So true!

[@TangibleReads]

I agree fiction is a safe space, for a lot of topics.

[@violettewise]

Even now many years later at 33, I love RL Stine. Bridge to terebithia will always be a favorite of mine also. :) lol i like moby dick too. The book by Stephen gregory looks good, I may pick that up too.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

The Cormorant is quite excellent quiet horror! And I regret not reading Stine in my childhood so much. 😩

[@violettewise]

@@PlaguedbyVisions i still have a few of his ya books in my library that i plan to read. Well, im assuming they're ya.

[@kingspoit1]

Moby Dick is a great book of course. I fell in love with it the first time i was assigned it in high school. what i totally missed was the gay subtext.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

It was the first thing I noticed in the early chapter. 😂

[@ITCamefromthePage]

Fuck yeah Charlotte's Web. That is the realest book. I blame being a vegetarian on the lessons learned in that book. Have you ever seen the 1973 Animated version? It is absolutely beautiful and makes me cry lol. I relate to Templeton the Rat, best character in fiction. Lol. I attest that The Bible is cosmic horror. It ages about as well as Lovecraft as well (NOT well to be clear lol). This is a magnificent video as always and a lot of books I need to read.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

As you know now, I’m looking into veganism and wondering if reading Charlotte’s Web mutated my unconscious somehow. 😂 I have NOT seen the animation! I think the first work of cosmic horror was whatever old ass cave painting made by some cave dude tripping on toad nut.

[@zachtonight75]

I'm writing a YA book series which is a cross between the original fairy tale of Puss in Boots and Dick Tracy. So, you'll get a kick out of it!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

What’s Dick Tracy?

[@zachtonight75]

@@PlaguedbyVisions Dick Tracy is an American TV series based on the detective comic strip Dick Tracy. The show aired on ABC from September 11, 1950 to April 7, 1951. It starred Ralph Byrd.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

@zachtonight75 that sounds cute!

[@mjgerleman]

How old are you? I've read the Pancake book. Have you read any Poppy Z Brite?

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I am 29 years old! I have read Exquisite Corpse, Drawing Blood, and a couple of short stories by PBZ. I really want to read Lost Souls!

[@TheMightyPika]

Why yes! I DO smoke weed! Thank you for asking!

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Dude, hell yeah! 😎

[@michaelyagoobian2965]

anyone know how I can read tomb for 500,000 soldiers?

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

Physical copies of the book are unfortunately out of print, hard to find, and ridiculously expensive ($400-$500). I had to read a PDF of the book. I understand e-copies aren’t for everyone, but if you’d like one, e-mail me at [e-mail]!

[@michaelyagoobian2965]

@@PlaguedbyVisions you’re the best ❤️

[@gregchandler900]

Moby dick is one of my favorites

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

It’s a mighty one!

[@horrorandinconvenience5036]

I am here to THROW DOWN about Artaud. I HATE his theory and I HAVE burned bridges over him before 😂 Nah, I get why his work is appealing-he writes beautifully-but his understanding of theatre is antithetical to what I value & believe and also he was a fascist. I think I object more to the way performance theory scholars reify him than I do to the work itself.

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

I think at this point, it should be obvious that I have a soft spot for egomaniacal monsters with a keen eye for transgression in art. 😂 I think you and I are on the same page, in fact-a troubling, frustrating legacy is at hand, but in the purest sense, we have the works of an artist decided on questioning and disrupting. Sometimes an inflamed acclamation can be enough to move, at least for me.

[@horrorandinconvenience5036]

@@PlaguedbyVisions that’s true. Especially if you don’t have a smug professor that needs to be proven wrong about it on hand

[@PlaguedbyVisions]

@@horrorandinconvenience5036 Academia was a mistake.

[@horrorandinconvenience5036]

@@PlaguedbyVisions that is the complete and honest truth