SWAN SONG / Robert McCammon / Book Review / Brian Lee Durfee (spoiler free)

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Check out this AWESOME Comic Con panel with me & Jim Butcher & Brian McClelland & Larry Corriea etc. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWariXaXfauWrpI

[@Canoe64]

I can't believe had this book sitting on my Kindle unread since June 30, 2019. Just finished it this morning and is now among my favourite books!

[@windhammer1237]

I was 13 and my grandparents were taking me on a camping trip through the Rockies in 1987 and I saw this book at a grocery store. It turned out to be one of the best reads to accompany me on the best trip ever.

[@paulflint6254]

Nice one

[@jritter1]

Great minds think alike. I was 15 when I picked up the postman by David Brin. Got it from a gas station/grocery store in southern Missouri and had to spend the week with my grandparents. I remember trekking through the woods, thinking that I was like a survivalist, all while reading that book. God good times.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

My Son did 85 months in prison over a drug charge. Part of it in a state prison but most of it in federal. He said the Library in the federal place was a joke. In fact he said just about everything was way better in the state joint. Thank God he is now leaving a awesome life. Good job , good lady, good life. I'm really proud of him. Going to prison saved his life. Well God saved him in more ways than one. Sorry for the rambling.

[@masterman3178]

A bit about me to qualify. I’m a former inmate. I was an alcoholic in and out of prisons. I’ve been in recovery for several years. With that being said I think it’s awesome the work your doing for the inmates. As a former inmate I know that not everyone in there is some evil person. Most are just people who messed up. I’ve seen a lot of guards do shitty things and treat us like we were worthless. Thank you for what your doing. Oh and I tried to steal that book to but got it stolen from me lol haha.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Thanks for saying all those kind things. I try and treat the inmates with respect

[@lisakemper2]

I really wish other facilities would do programs like read to the blind . Great job!

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Forgive me! I mispronounce McCammon as MgGammon the whole way through. My. Bad.

[@darrylsloan]

Not an easy book to steal! It's massive. Just finished it today, and enjoyed it very much.

[@nicholaskolcun6542]

I did 6 years. This is also the most popular and most stolen book in the California prison system. Sword of truth fantasy series is another one. Haha that’s hilarious to hear it is the same In another state

[@davidadams2395]

I prefered Swan Song to The Stand, though I read King's book when I was 15 and read Swan Song at age 51, so there's a huge age gap between readings. I don't think I'll be rereading The Stand any time soon because there are just too many books to read and such little time in which to read them. You did a real good job of expounding on your pros and cons for each.

[@ProtoType99468]

I read both within 5 years of each other, Swan Song is superior and Boys Life is pure magic

[@alvinmarcus5780]

" Swan Song" takes you to another world. A place you live in for awhile. So good. That's a great thing you do for the blind. And the inmates.👍👍😊

[@domzolabush]

I just finished Swan Song and this is my first Mccammon book. Was very emotional. I prefer it more than The Stand and would love to see a ranking from you on Mccammon’s book.

[@amadexmilby7309]

6:07 the list he is referring to is The Great American Read list which was actually done as a little mini series on PBS talking about all 100 of the books.

[@joerogan3079]

*I JUST FINISHED AND IM SITTING HERE CRYING FOR 30 MIN* 😭

[@Neamcel225]

best book I EVER read. 860 pages or so. read it years and years ago. on buses, while my kids ate to-go food, when I should have been cleaning, etc. Sister Creep!!! I knew those characters! Flawed peeps saved the world. this was published before the Stand if I remember correctly. I choose this one.

[@MistressMary...22-u9j]

the Stand came out in 78 Swan Song came out in 87

[@Neamcel225]

@@MistressMary...22-u9j you are so right! guess I mixing up the time-frame with the miniseries. :0;

[@Grimm44]

I finally got my copy of swansong can't wait to read it based on your review

[@RSSIPPEL.ART.]

I read most of Robert R. McCammon's novels in the 1990's. I agree with your assessment; he is one of the most awesome writers I've ever read. " Swan Song" is amazing. I like Dan Simmons as well; especially " Carrion Comfort".

[@system0fadowner251]

Dan Simmons Illium and Hyperion series really transport you to another world like few authors can

[@Desh727]

I did 5 years in prison starting at age 17. I haven't been back since and I'm 36 years old now. Being locked up got me into the habit of reading. I have alot less time now a days with a mortgage, wife, kids and dogs, but I'm gonna have to give this a go after I finish the khan series by conn iggulden. I like gripping-page turners, will I like this? I hear it's character focused, and that I like. Wish I had a C.O. like you around when I was inside to talk about books with. Subbed

[@aimeemill3891]

I read The Stand when I was in 4th grade and it was my favorite book. I read is so many times that when he released it with more pages I knew everything that was added. I read Swan Song when I was 17. It was the most amazing book I've read. My second favorite book is Stinger. He is an amazing author. I'm upset that I can't find any of my books. I'm wanting to read all his works again.

[@nicholassloan5907]

Just finished boys Life now about 350 pages in on swan song but i really enjoy ur reviews i have never heard of Robert macammon before u reviewed boys life and i loved it gonna read gone south next and i just finished assassin apprentice by robin hobb and bought the second book u are the only reviewer that i watch and actually read i read a simple plan too awesome gruesome story lol i been thinking about buying ur book and reading them i read off my android phone but yea ur three books are all 8 bucks on Google i started a sample of the first one and idk i never been big hardcore fantasy fan but maybe one day i will give in but i enjoy ur reviews mr Brian and i hope u continue to get better and hope u will write more maybe a horror novel or something exciting i will read it love horror

[@reamus9102]

Interesting that you prefer The Stand. I love hearing people compare the two books and seeing people fall on one side or the other. I like both books, but I'm partial to Swan Song myself. Just has a certain something that puts it above The Stand for me, but of course it's all subjective. The prison-theft factoid is fascinating!

[@Hella-cones]

Your story about prison inmates in the beginning is quite ironic to me, as this book was introduced to me 14 years ago by my moms ex husband, who was an ex felon who found this book in prison lol. I was a 10 year old who loved to read and he got me lots of books including Boys Life, Swan Song, the Shining, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, and various James Michener novels. He turned me onto a lot of great authors and I’m very thankful to him for it. Loved your review, thanks for the excellent content :) subbed

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Cool. Search through my videos I review a lot of those books you mentioned

[@Hella-cones]

Brian Lee Durfee Reviews doing exactly that as we speak!

[@woodstock89paul74]

This was a good review. I would suggest maybe having on the side a bit of info and a layout of how you wanna execute your video. I’ve read the stand and about to start this novel as I’ve never heard of it sadly. Your video is informative without ruining it for the viewers just think if you have a little bit of a script it will help with the speed bumps while your recording. I will be reading this novel as I’ve heard it’s pretty gory so that’s what’s peaked me the most. Cheers

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Ya just learning how to do it. I'm gonna improve slowly over time as I get more subscribers. I'm just kinda low-budget now

[@woodstock89paul74]

Totally understandable I tried with games maybe I could try reviews but you nailed it with a lot of things. The overall quality is spot on your background was awesome and like I said before your info was great I hope you are a success on KZbin

[@lexparsimoniae515]

Why no movie?

[@kevinsandberg29]

I could only read half of this book because it's all you could fit under the door but I'm want to finish it.

[@VulcanGunner]

Remember when he wrote this book the cold war was still a concern. I spent two years in West Germany 83-84 and my division was responsible to help defend the Fulda Gap. If the Soviet Army could go through using the gap, they could make a run to the channel and cut NATO in half. Plus the local German populous was convinced that the Americans and Soviets were going to use tactical nukes in their country. So, this book really caught my attention.

[@retrieverraps]

Hey, great review! That's really interesting about the inmates stealing this novel. I've never read McCammon before, but I just picked this book up recently. I've never read the stand either, but both are on my to-read list!

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

Read them both. It's fun to compare The Stand & Swan Song

[@VulcanGunner]

Thanks for your work and best wishes from the south side of Chicago.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I'm definitely going to read this book the moment you compared it to the stand I was in 👍📖

[@MrBendybruce]

Jesus dude, almost every other video of yours I listen to just makes me respect you more.

[@paulflint6254]

Still to read this author, I'll read his stuff now. Great video ❤️

[@SMALLZZ369]

I read that book more than once. Great book.

[@Duffy72]

This is one of my favorite books of all time - I read it back in 1990 and have had the audible edition for years as well - I’m actually of chapter 24 now 😂

[@jbro3196]

I just received it in the mail today from Amazon. I plan on starting it tomorrow. I've heard it's great and a lot like The Stand but better? Is it?

[@Duffy72]

@@jbro3196 I thought so but it’s “dated” politically easy enough hurdle - I just love this book I hope you enjoy it!!

[@garyperdue4021]

Awesome book and a great read from the start! It's only similarity to The Stand is both are end-of-civilization as we know it. Having read both several times I gotta give props to Robert McCammon. He wrote a sensational story that if done right and follows the book faithfully will be a great movie! Just started another read of it...on page 100 of the nearly 1,000 pages which starts off BIG and ends as a great read should! I highly recommend it!!!

[@geno1825]

Wish someone Hollywood director would make this into a movie but with the violence in the book it would have to R rated would have to find the right actors/actresses

[@system0fadowner251]

I feel like a movie, or even 3, wouldn't capture the scope. An HBO series tho? 🤔

[@Lou45833]

Great book but one mistake that kinda bugged me is gas doesn’t last forever only about 6 months double that for diesel so none of those cars in 7 years should be running

[@dviant_seann5095]

In the stand they don’t ALL go to Vegas btw. The “good guys” go to boulder colorado. The “evil/bad guys” go to Las Vegas or “new Vegas” lol just wanted to clarify

[@whiskeysixindigo7371]

I'm legally blind and although audible has a lot of books it doesnt have all of the one that i like to read. I wish there was a system like this michigan

[@stacielara9856]

Thank you for all you do. I need to read this author.

[@Graham.R.Naughtcy]

Yeah, I read all his stuff staring at age 7. Still one of my favorites.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

MacCammon is great. Period

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

I’d probably agree that The Stand is better than Swan Song, but I have only read The Stand once. I’ve read Swan Song probably 5 or 6 times. I absolutely, positively, love this book! Probably in my personal top 10 books. I’ve also read Boy’s Life. Solid book, but Swan Song is better in my opinion.

[@micahh.8565]

I know if I had nothing to do in a cell all I'd do is read thank you for pushing this and what you do. I just started to pick this up. New sub

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

And thank you for the kind words

[@brandythompson6331]

I have read both and by far swan song is my Favorite. And ironically all the copies I have had have been borrowed and never returned lol

[@soumyadasgupta7758]

Shouldn't it be the Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank redemption?

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

how did you meet him?

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

World Horror Convention Salt Lake City

[@JuanMartinez-ib7mz]

@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS awesome!

[@glenfairen2996]

Here for the awesome reviews, stay for the cat chaos.

[@JloveLamar]

Hmmm. I have a quick question. How do they feel Swan Song compares to The Stand by Stephen King?

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

they like Swan Song better

[@Jammer2727]

Kudos. Great job!

[@derekgreen7319]

Authors have to know that their books are popular in prisons right ?

[@angelaholmes8888]

I absolutely enjoyed swan song to me it's way better than the stand I'm definitely will be reading Robert mccammon other books

[@jbro3196]

3:39 😅 love it!!!

[@rapsackinc6839]

It's a big one in az same with Saxon tales

[@michaelkikle3018]

Hey, man, fantastic review! That prison stuff is super interesting lol. Very unique to hear in a review. I love this book so much. I read it after high school, and now I’m re-reading it for the first time. Read about 150 pages of it, today, and I’m so sucked back into it lol. Incredible, incredible book. Can’t wait to review it on my book reviewing channel (MrWildboy94). I hope more people will check this one out, sometime.

[@michaelwoolvin2184]

Haven’t yet but plan on it

[@acb17]

Great work in the prison system!

[@bookgirl1195]

I'll have to check this author out. Thanks Brian. By the way I have been to Salt Lake and I lived in Roy, Utah.

[@martinsFILMS13]

Go Raiders !

[@sethrakes1991]

Have you read The Wolf’s Hour?

[@loudoesreviews]

It's a great book. Fun and full of great WW2 spy action!

[@ChickenPermissionOG]

All I remember is kmart and masks

[@April-t6z]

Cuz stealing is a real stretch for felons

[@jefflemus4981]

That's funny. I was in prison when I read it. Very great Book.

[@juliannaking4473]

I will call you Andy! ( Shawshank ).

[@alexisdumas84]

I actually read Swan Song on your recommendation, and I have to say, I have extremely mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, some of the ideas that Robert McCammon had were quite interesting, and there is this sort of wild surreal '80s feel to the book that I really enjoyed. On the other hand, the bad guys are literally just Nazis, and the good guys are literally "on the side of the angels", and there's not really any interesting amount of nuance to the conflict. That isn't even fixed by having the sort of mythic grandeur and sympathetic bad guy characters that The Stand had. Additionally, the narrative just never paid off any of the things that it set up. Or at least, I felt like it didn't. Every time, something seemed to be building up to some interesting head or conflict, and every time it just fizzled out and did something different instead. I'm not going to say it was a bad book, not by a long shot, but it certainly not very high up on my list of books that I've read as far as enjoyment.

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I like The Stand better too

[@bmoneybby]

The name is "Dumas."

[@alexisdumas84]

@@bmoneybby ?

[@bmoneybby]

@@alexisdumas84 It's a saying from an old commercial. All good.

[@alvinmarcus5780]

Sounds like you have a great job but isn't his last name MacCammon ?

[@sirfirfry6761]

The Great and Secret Show then Everville! I'll do it if you do it

[@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS]

I've read those

[@sirfirfry6761]

@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS How about "The Audacity of Hope"?

[@Duffy72]

Love Clive Barker!!

[@brianmastel8575]

I read both those. They are confusing

[@turtleanton6539]

Interesting that this one will get stole so much.

[@mivsaw1149]

Such a Great Book

[@virginiacorley4941]

PBS hosted by meridith vera

[@vajs6312]

Sue WANda = SWAN :D get it? ... I'll let myself out.. ^^

[@davestar4718]

Cant even get this book cheap anymore! Ah well.

[@MistressMary...22-u9j]

its at Barns and Nobel for $15

[@davestar4718]

@@MistressMary...22-u9j Thanks. Shame im in the UK. 😂

[@habituallinestepper8839]

Swan Song and Stinger are so good. Swan Song is my one of my favorite books ever.

[@kyleknudson6536]

Spoiler free huh??

[@wheeljack0]

Your cat is a nutter.