Ranking Every 2023 Read in 20 SECONDS

If you enjoyed the video, please feel free to check out some more, leave a like, or subscribe to the channel. All of those things help out more than you know!
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John at Talking Story
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[@ToriTalks2]

I love the dynamic between you two, and what a hilarious video idea!!! I love it.

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks Tori!

[@esmayrosalyne]

This was utterly unhinged and positively hysterical 😂 Probably my favourite tier ranking I've ever watched, even beating out the 2toRamble ones ;) Only thing that would've made it better is a behind the scenes camera to catch Jakob's (undoubtfully) gleeful grins as you are slowly descending into madness and despair hahah 😂 What a great ranking though, I am so glad you've read so many amazing books over the last year! ❤

[@Talking_Story]

Such a great reading year after joining booktube. It has been such time for me. You are absolutely correct Jakob was way too full of glee!

[@emzstern]

This was great! (Can I say that? It feels like I should feel sorry for you 😅) This energy and fun shenanigans is why your channel is a favourite of mine

[@deadslugs]

Same. Clicked for the books and stayed for the shenanigans

[@Talking_Story]

always up for more shenanigans

[@veronicaprice]

John and Jakob, thank you. This made me laugh so much, and it also made me add even more books to my tbr. Please tell me this will be a yearly thing. That will give John time to heal from being shot so much. 😂

[@Talking_Story]

There is no way that kid is waiting a year to break out that Nerf again. No way😂.

[@veronicaprice]

@@Talking_Story In that case, good luck, sir. 🫡 🤣 Also, congrats on 4k! Talking Story is a gem, and I’m glad people are finding their way to y’all.

[@Talking_Story]

@@veronicaprice thanks so much. Someone just told me on discord we hit that crazy number. I was pretty shocked.

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

This is a fantastic video, and I love the summary of your reading year! More of this, please! ;)

[@Talking_Story]

Sure Jakob wants more of this as well😂

[@iBe-RuNnErZ]

Brilliant thank you guys. I really enjoyed this! You are quickly becoming my favourite booktuber John 👌👍

[@Talking_Story]

Wow thanks so much for that huge compliment!

[@iBe-RuNnErZ]

Very much deserved. Always look out for your video drops. Just getting into fantasy reading myself after hitting a slump. Read the blade itself now on before they was hanged. Absolutely brilliant​. Thanks for all the content@@Talking_Story

[@Talking_Story]

Thank you my friend for hangin out with us. @@iBe-RuNnErZ

[@ev3261]

That's the funniest ranking video I ever saw, I laughed so hard! And I really appreciate how you continued to insist on giving reasons to your ranking, even under fire - Brilliant! Can't wait for the 2024 ranking in a year.

[@Talking_Story]

So glad you enjoyed it! It was loads of fun to do.

[@leighmarsden623]

Thanks for the all content friend. Been reading SF books now for around 3years. Would highly recommend the Forgetting Moon by Durfee, one of the best I've read!

[@Talking_Story]

Just wrapped up that trilogy this month and wow that series goes up to 11. Brian lived his dream loud and left it all on the page. What a high octane read. We have been doing discussions after each book on Red Fury Books channel. Check em out and Brian get well soon !

[@MoniquetheBookGeek]

This has got to be the best tier ranking video on KZbin! 😂💛😂💛😂

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks so much for that!

[@mrebeast]

I can so imagine Jakob's sheer glee at doing this one...🤣

[@Talking_Story]

Oh there was glee

[@demiurgicgeek]

Love the vibe! Also love the banter with Jacob! Dang my TBR is now a mile long. 🥴

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks so much. Let me know your thoughts if you get to any of these.

[@thomaswrites]

Love the format for this tier ranking. Helps keep both you and the audience on their toes! 🤣

[@Talking_Story]

I was most assuredly on my toes! I had a blast very glad you had fun with it.

[@amrothfaelivrin]

This is the most fun tier ranking ever. You guys are so cute and funny

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks so much! Was a lot of fun.

[@_rohan_bhandari_]

Love your vibe and energy John!!! Great tier recommendations!

[@Talking_Story]

Thank you so much for checking it out. So appreciate the kind words as well.

[@itsonwithalexa_]

well, this video made me laugh, that's all I needed today. thank you! 😊

[@Talking_Story]

So happy to hear it.

[@donnadeck4245]

Fun video! The only question I have is...when's the next one???

[@Talking_Story]

I'm sure the darts will make a reappearance soon. Jakob had too much fun this time for them not to show up again.

[@danielcaso132]

“Every day of my life” hahaha I died

[@Talking_Story]

He is a bit dramatic. Wonder where he gets that from?

[@user-jy7oq4iz3t]

This is the best ranking video ever! Love your relationship with your son. Very similar to my relationship with my son.

[@Talking_Story]

That is high praise I so appreciate it!

[@Ktchev]

“Did you finish Red Rising?! Man that’s amazing”. Got me cackling over here. Still so supportive after being pelted for an hour.

[@Talking_Story]

He makes me happy when he finds time to read. 😂

[@idk_username_here]

This was so fun!! Sorry we hurt you John 😂

[@Talking_Story]

All in good fun. Honestly I had a great time. Just so glad it brought some smiles and chuckles.

[@MoniquetheBookGeek]

Prologue quote from Reunion (@14:40): "Danny scowled at her. "Does that thing shoot Nerf darts?" he asked, pointing to the holster on her waist." 😆

[@Talking_Story]

Nice!

[@QuestBoundReader]

A masterpiece! still going through it. "Every day of my life"

[@Talking_Story]

I am still stressed.😆

[@JustBSingProductions]

Ha! We just did a tier ranking video too, but you beat us to the upload. Great minds (Jakob and I, at least 😉). Excellent vid!

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks Stephen. Did you guys break out the nerf guns as well?

[@JustBSingProductions]

@@Talking_Story Unfortunately, no. Next time!

[@Bookishdowntime]

This is the most fun I have ever had watching tier ranking on booktube 😂 And so many great recs

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks so much. I am glad you enjoyed it. We had a blast making it.

[@gryftkin]

"When have I ever said no to you?" -Every day of my life- "Stop it! No!" And we're 60 seconds in and you've already said "no" to him :D

[@gryftkin]

2 minutes in "What do you want to bet?" -$4000- "No." :D (that's it, I'm not going to count the rest :D )

[@Talking_Story]

I'm glad cause it would be a large number@@gryftkin 🤣

[@gryftkin]

I'm not saying anything specific, but... at 20 seconds per book this would have been a half hour video :D I think you set yourself up for failure. That being said, we still enjoyed watching you get "Nerfed" :D @@Talking_Story

[@Talking_Story]

Set up for failure from the very start!@@gryftkin

[@TomOrange]

This was a fantastic video. Looks like you had a lot of amazing reads. I actually read all of the cosmere last year so my top 10 from 2023 is dominated by sanderson Tiamat's Wrath by James S. A. Corey Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson Boy's Life by Robert McCammon The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson The Way of Kings Brandon Sanderson The Never-Ending End of the World by Ann Christy Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson Goldfinger by Ian Fleming The Troop by Nick Cutter

[@Talking_Story]

You had an amazing year yourself!

[@nancywolf1467]

Fun 😁 I’ve read ~90% of these. Sanderson - I tried 3X but couldn’t get into mistborn - DNF. WoK - top of recommend but series DNF. No other Sanderson that you’ve read here. I loved Tress. You made me think maybe I’ll try Elantris. Red Rising - meh, DNF’d the series after bk one. The only other book I’d rank dramatically different would be Time War, meh. I’ve only read one H&L and it’s not on your list. Colour of Magic - meh. They get much better! Love Maberry! Love horror! I want to try Matthew Corbett as I like his writing style. You & your son were funny!

[@Talking_Story]

I think Matthew Corbett has a chance to be a hit with you. Starts with Speaks the Nightbird. Let me know if you give a try. Glad we gave you a chuckle.

[@dubhmoore575]

That was awesome, thank u both 😂😂😂 A for effort, next year fire socks at each other!!

[@Talking_Story]

Socks would be softer. Glad you had a good time we sure did.

[@shaykininmybooks]

This was hilarious! This video would go in masterpiece!

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks😂

[@PumpkinFinch]

You know you're a good parent when your kid sets up an entire teir list for them and also pelts them with foam darts

[@Talking_Story]

Joys of parenting!

[@throughthepages_with_dee]

Hahahaha oh this was hilarious it went on the tv so so good you’re a crack shot Jakob!! My daughter has ideas now 😢 we have nerf guns 😳 I’m buying the horrors, John, you’ve convinced me…, we don’t need to eat right?!! 😊 great great video.

[@Talking_Story]

Much was fun was had by both of us. Well mostly Jakob maybe...I'm kidding...maybe

[@tgibridays]

Definitely the best tier ranking video I've ever watched. Reminded me of Matt trying to do 30 second reviews for every book he read in the year, but he didn't rank them and wasn't getting shot at. 😂

[@Talking_Story]

😆Jakob upped the ante for sure.

[@thuff31]

Okay, actual comment this time lol. I remember reading Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth when it came out and now I absolutely despise it. I don’t do that to too many books. It’s actually what sparked my desire to start my bookstagram account. I remember enjoying the first part, then it got really into YA cliches in the second part and I dnfed it halfway through. My minor in college was writing and I can’t believe this got published. The only synonym for said after any dialogue she used was snorted. I kept thinking “wow, these people need to see a doctor if they are snorting this much.” Just felt very lazily written. I think you’ll love the Sun Eater series, it only gets better after book 1.

[@Talking_Story]

Fully expect to love Suneater why it just felt wrong not having it in the great category.

[@RLDesrochers]

I think we ALL enjoyed this way too much 😂Your aim was true, Jacob. Well done. 😂

[@Talking_Story]

It was a blast. Wish his aim was a bit worse though😂.

[@thatsci-firogue]

Congrats on 4k subs, John. Very well deserved. I haven't read Murderbot nor am I interested. I don't know how they are in America but over here, for novellas, they ain't cheap. I'm not blaming Wells but charging that much for novellas is a practice I refuse to endorse.

[@Talking_Story]

A lot of people love it. I feel out of the norm for it being a miss with me but I just didn’t connect with it.

[@Talking_Story]

Oh and thanks so much. I am pretty blown away by that number.

[@jeffhall2411]

@@Talking_Story The first Murderbot was great, the rest would fall into the good, but not great for me.. but i have read them all.

[@Talking_Story]

@@jeffhall2411 I just didn’t did not connect to it. I know a lot do and that is awesome I love how books hit us all in such a different way!

[@fejferek]

A great reading year! I cannot lie and have to say i enjoyed this video. I guess for you John and your Nerf shot wounds it wasn't as fun. Next year repeat that, but be prepared and don't cross the timer, and when Jacob has trouble finding the books on the tier ranking you go and shoot him 😂

[@Talking_Story]

Ohhhh I like the way you think!

[@someokiedude9549]

I thought this was gonna be a regular ol' tier listing, then I saw Jacob shooting you with a...nerf gun? This was insane and absolutely chaotic... I loved it...bring more of the chaos.

[@Talking_Story]

Chaos is Jakob’s language.

[@someokiedude9549]

@@Talking_Story That was stressful. Lol.

[@Talking_Story]

@@someokiedude9549 Right?!!

[@weatherboi9842]

I felt the same way about Golden Son! I wasn’t sure the saga was for me after Book 1, and then Golden Sun sunk its teeth in and hasn’t let go

[@Talking_Story]

100 percent yes!

[@thuff31]

The Wemby Shirt!

[@Talking_Story]

You know it!

[@jasonrstacy]

That looked physically and mentally exhausting.😂

[@Talking_Story]

and a lotta fun if I am being totally honest.

[@roysbookworld]

Great list!

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks so much

[@IceIceBaby3310]

I remember one year at MeeMees it was thanksgiving or christmas and i saw jakob (i was in like 1 or 2nd grade) and i had a crush on him lol- when i was told he was my cousin I was very conflicted

[@Talking_Story]

Yeah that would not have worked out at all 🤣

[@IceIceBaby3310]

its the only memory i remeber of him to this day 😂@@Talking_Story

[@BabyBoomer-sn3uu]

Bet it gets even better when the camera shuts off!

[@Talking_Story]

Just alot of good time and hugs.

[@j.p.lovecraft1826]

Wemby shirt 🤘. Go Spurs Go

[@Talking_Story]

Gonna be a huge offseason!

[@j.p.lovecraft1826]

@@Talking_Story I hope so! I’m ready to go to games again. Your channel rules! New subscriber🤘😎

[@Talking_Story]

@@j.p.lovecraft1826 I see big moves. Back to the playoffs next year!

[@Nimble-fire]

Goated

[@Talking_Story]

The darts are coming back on this Tuesday.

[@deadslugs]

Question: would you have loved Fool’s Hope as much as you would have without We are the Dead?

[@Talking_Story]

Tough 1. It is such a continuation to those character journeys. I did really like the turn the book took mid way through. I gotta say I think I would've.

[@alkivancic]

We need to see Jakob! I have the same relationship with my mom🤣 i do the same things to her, and maybe a bit worse, it's so funny😅 Video is fantastic!

[@Talking_Story]

I agree I will do my best to get him to leave his control desk in the studio. You keep going after your Mom cause she loves it I bet.

[@alkivancic]

@@Talking_Story she sure does love it! Thanks John, and yes please drag him! + Is he also a passionate book lover like yourself? I bet you guys are an amazing duo!

[@Talking_Story]

He does loves story but more on the visual side since he is a filmmaker. @@alkivancic

[@alkivancic]

@@Talking_Story it would be fun to see you both on screen, discussing books in different POV.🤔 Visual and writing arts combined. Art and description of a setting.... And also, i think it would be so much fun and a lot of stuff thrown at each other😅 like your relationship! And also the video is great! I agree with the ranking!

[@Talking_Story]

There would have to be stuff thrown as I feel I owe him. Would love to both discuss something. Maybe we could watch something together as his schedule does not allow a ton of reading .@@alkivancic

[@brentasmith]

This is great😂

[@Talking_Story]

Thanks. We had a lot of fun doing it.

[@groofay]

I've always thought booktube would be more fun with Nerf guns.

[@Talking_Story]

What isn’t better with Nerf? Can’t think of a thing.

[@Zivilin]

Only at 12:12 and already shot five times.😂

[@Talking_Story]

He was a little quick on the draw I think!

[@Zivilin]

@@Talking_Story He did seem to have a little too much fun. 😂Saw he was goading you to go over time at 23:40 👀 😈

[@Talking_Story]

Yes! Goading! That is exactly what he was doing! @@Zivilin 🤣

[@Zivilin]

Forgot to mention final count: 29 This was great fun. 😁

[@Talking_Story]

@@Zivilin OMG 29?!

[@Inudzuka]

The Nerf gun was fun but you could have lost an eye.

[@Talking_Story]

Luckily no one was hurt. My internal took a beating. I will bring safety glasses next time.

[@maeve_ever_manga]

Do you have a Goodreads or Storygraph??

[@Talking_Story]

I do keep a Goodreads account just to keep track of what I have read. I don't write reviews or anything. I think it is just under John Minton

[@alynam82]

You guys kill me 😄 Let us know when them bruises heal

[@Talking_Story]

😂so glad it is as fun for you guys as it was for us.

[@alynam82]

@@Talking_Story Fun closet 😄😄😄

[@Talking_Story]

@@alynam82 everyone should have 1

[@DustinHarrisWHBC]

It is confirmed, you hate hating things (and there is nothing wrong with that) 😂

[@Talking_Story]

This such a true statement.

[@evandavis3678]

You just don’t like female authors I get it

[@Talking_Story]

I was just thinking how brilliant T. Kingfisher is during my current read. Reading What Moves the Dead right now and am loving how she redefines gender roles in a classic gothic tale. You are so right I should make more of an effort to read more female authors.

[@evandavis3678]

@@Talking_Story I struggle to get into female authors books myself I was just giving you some crap, but hey I’ll check out t kingfisher - love your vids

[@Talking_Story]

@@evandavis3678 Thanks you keep right on giving me crap. 😀keeps me on my toes. Half way through and I would definitely recommend it. A retelling of Fall of the House of Usher. I am really digging it. It is the first of hers I have tried but if she lands this story it won’t be the last.

[@sarugard9115]

alloy of law is shit

[@Talking_Story]

I really enjoyed it. Will file this under books hit us all very differently. What were some of your fav reads of 23?

[@sarugard9115]

@@Talking_Story definitely green bone and red rising books But the best for me was Godfather

[@Talking_Story]

@@sarugard9115 yes! I do love Red Rising. Lightbringer was 1 of my top reads of last year. I sooo want to get to Green Bone. This might have just moved it up the list for me.