The Vanished Birds by Simon Jimenez is one of the most beautiful books ever written (non spoiler)

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[@LG-lp7cl]

“I expected many things from this trip. I did not expect a family.” - That shit right there? That was my heart breaking

[@bookswithzara]

💯💯💯

[@aerialruin8568]

I started this book waaaay back in the last days of 2023 based on this video and finished it last night. Absolutely loved it, Cheers Zara.

[@bookswithzara]

YAY! This makes me so happy!

[@portzblitz]

Thank you 🙏🏾😊

[@bartsbookspace]

Reading it now. Loving it now. Hope Jimenez sticks the landing. Nice review!

[@bookswithzara]

He does! Have you finished it now?

[@bartsbookspace]

@@bookswithzara Yes. I really enjoyed the book. It went in a direction I did not expect and I loved it. The ending was satisfying without being cliché. Such great prose!

[@bookswithzara]

@@bartsbookspace that’s great to hear, Bart!

[@liviajelliot]

Some interesting themes and discussions right there! Philosophical books are the best, honestly--but yeah, endings can sometimes chip away the enjoyment. I've heard so much about this author, but my TBR is already struggling. Will see! Happy new year, Zara!

[@bookswithzara]

I think you’ll really like this one so I hope you’ll add it to your tbr!

[@joshyaks]

Somebody should be giving you a commission, because I've added it to my TBR now!

[@bookswithzara]

Hahaha, yay! I think you’re going to really like it, Josh!

[@tempse]

As soon as you started talking about this book on Patreon, I put it on my reading list. I've been excited to get to it ever since. Happy holidays, Zara! Hope you are spending some quality time with family and friends (and also alone with your books 😉).

[@bookswithzara]

This is one that I know you're going to enjoy, Seb!

[@tempse]

I already ordered it a few days ago as a Christmas present to myself. 😁

[@bookswithzara]

@@tempse I endorse this haha!

[@esmayrosalyne]

Absolutely beautifully said. The way that this story just creeps up on you and gets under your skin is truly magnificent. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this, so I have a feeling my 4.5 star rating should also just be bumped up to a 5. Can't wait to read Spear, I've heard it's somehow even better!

[@bookswithzara]

Thanks Esmay! I'm going to start Spear tomorrow, and I'm nervous but so excited.

[@esmayrosalyne]

@@bookswithzara I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!!

[@rafm3068]

I researched this writer and learned his influences, which will make for an interesting read. You have made me interested in this book and this writer and I will add "The Vanished Birds" to my 2024 reading list. Thanks, Zara this review was radiant like your name!

[@bookswithzara]

Thank you, Raf! Hope you like it the book, based on what you’ve commented on my videos thus far, I think you’ll like it.

[@rafm3068]

@@bookswithzara Thanks Zara, I read a few pages, and it's poetic. This writer is very talented. I may pick up his fantasy book as well. Thanks again for the book review! Happy Holidays to you! :)

[@thatsci-firogue]

You've sold me on this

[@bookswithzara]

YES!

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

I think Jimenez is the next big thing. I hit up his publisher to see if he is working on anything.......I asked for a grocery list of his to read ,if not. I'm going to reread Vanished Birds. I read it after TSCTW and I think my expectations were skewed. I was looking for a similar story, but I got something completely different. This is by no means a negative because your absolutely right, his writing is exceptional. Great review Zara.

[@bookswithzara]

Thanks Dan! Did they give you anything? If so, please share it with me! I’m so curious as to what he reads too. I think that’s also fair. I’m curious as to how you feel about it upon reread. I also just purchased TSTCTW this morning, can’t wait to read it with you and your discord!

[@curtjarrell9710]

I just started reading this and so far, I like it.

[@bookswithzara]

Please let me know your thoughts once you’ve finished it!

[@curtjarrell9710]

@@bookswithzara Hi Zara. Last night I DNF'd The Vanished Birds. I read a bit over sixty pages but lost interest in the story. I may revisit it at a later date. Happy reading.

[@paulwilliams6913]

I can’t remember if I’ve previously suggested them, but for beautiful writing, I would highly recommend Galveston (Sean Stewart) and A Stranger in Olondria (Sofía Samatar). Stewart’s writing is clear and precise, never verbose; Samatar’s is lush and baroque, but not to a fluffy degree. Two of my favorite reads of recent years.

[@bookswithzara]

I don’t have the first one on my wishlist but I’ve had A Stranger in Olandria on my wishlist for a while! It’s possible that’s because you recommend it to me :)

[@bookswithzara]

Added the first one now. Thanks!

[@mattkean1128]

I'm so happy you loved it! The writing is beautiful, and I love that jimenez isn't afraid to use some real artistry in the story and the prose. So many modern books play it much more safely. I believe the beginning was originally written with a short story in mind, and it blossomed from that. You can tell, and I enjoy it more because of it, how it's built the way. With that quote in mind, and the way that the book is not exactly hopeful, I think the ending and the book stands as a rebuke against the idea that love is only a simple construct distracting us from our reality. Out of the cruelty and indifference, you can find it. He needs to hurry up and write a third book. I bet you'll enjoy the other one. It has maybe the most unique framing device of any fantasy I've read.

[@bookswithzara]

I totally agree! I wish more authors would play around with their prose but I also understand playing it safe. Re the beginning being a short story initially, I didn’t know that! I think that makes a lot of sense now. I love the idea of it being a rebuke. Man, I kinda wanna reread it now haha. I just purchased TSTCTW this morning. I can’t wait to read it in Jan!

[@SheWasOnlyEvie]

I'm so glad that you loved The Vanished Birds! Since you loved this book so much, I anticipate you absolutely adoring The Spear Cuts Through Water. You already know all my thoughts on The Vanished Birds and its ending. Haha!

[@bookswithzara]

I have a feeling I will too! I just purchased it this morning, ready for Jan. Man, I’m so excited. You’ve really hyped me up for the next one!!

[@SarahJ70]

Oh man you’re gonna LOVE spear cuts through water! I can’t stop talking about it and it’s been months since I read it too. Best book of 2023 for me. The premise is quite bizarre but in a good way, the villains stick with you, an d it takes many risks with its structure and pov. I liked it better than vanished birds 😅

[@bookswithzara]

I'm going to start it tomorrow, I think! I'm SO PSYCHED.