HOW TO GET INTO CLASSIC LITERATURE - overcoming the intimidation

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

If you want to get into Classic literature, the first thing that you need is patience. Hastiness is the killer of appreciation and understanding. So please take the time to watch this video all of the way through. The two readings at the end of the video are especially valuable.😀

[@radiantchristina]

Listening while I work. ill comment properly when I have time tonight after work.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

@@radiantchristina splendid stuff, Christina. Looking forward to your thoughts.😀

[@Yesica1993]

"Don't be hasty!" - Treebeard (tho', maybe from the movies, not the books. I still think it fits!)

[@lisasstitchingandsuch]

(TLDR - you have a great voice for audiobooks) Just wanted to say that while I love listening to nonfiction audiobooks I very rarely listen to fiction on audio - most narrators are irritating to me (very much a me problem I'm aware they are very talented and work in the field for that reason) - I found myself listening to every word during your Great Expectations excerpt and wish I could have listened to you read the whole book.

[@troytradup]

I've commented about this several times recently, but I'm convinced BookTube and Goodreads have convinced people they need to read an extraordinary number of books each week/month/year if they want to be part of the club. If people would approach classics (or any other book, for that matter) with the idea "I'm going to read this book now and it's going to take as long as it takes," I think they'd be much happier and more relaxed in the face of some daunting Victorian tome. My two cents.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Woohoo! Great to see you Troy! Couldn't agree more about the effect of booktube and goodreads. Even I crseate booklists on this channel for people who want to push themselves. But unless they have a great deal of time to read, I wouldn't recommend extensive reading targets.

[@dana7340]

This has been my exact problem. As I consumed book tube content, I got videos about increasing my reading speed and big reading challenges. It created a sense of FOMO- fear of missing out coupled with a creeping sense of inadequacy as a reader. I never got videos recommended that were about getting more from your reading or deep reading, just speed. I stumbled across a comment where the commenter recommended reading fewer books and more slowly. I began investigating that concept and it led me here. This will change my relationship with my reading life.

[@Yesica1993]

I do feel for the Booktube content creators, especially the ones that do this as their full time job. They do need to read a lot because they need that for their content. No content = no money to pay their bills. For them, I'm not really sure the solution. But just as a viewer, I found myself feeling like a failure because I've never read anywhere near 100 books a year! It's really a vicious cycle. I finally realized that for me, who cares?! What's the point of reading a bunch of books and not even remembering them? I'd rather read a few books deeply and enjoy them than read a pile just to say I did. It's all so silly.

[@latoyabolt9459]

I appreciate this comment. Thanks for sharing your tiw cents because rushing, to me, takes away from the fun and appreciation of the text. That is why so many booktubers lose their joy of reading. Reading should be for enjoyment and appreciation.

[@southernbiscuits1275]

Troy, you are spot on with this comment. I discovered BookTube videos back in 2017. At first I loved watching the videos. The shine wore off in just a few months. One of the problems is the number of books people were telling viewers they've read in a specific time period. Unfortunately, few of these people tempered their comments with a humble attitude. They sounded like they were bragging and pointing a finger at those who did not read at the same level. Also, Booktube content providers seem to delight in telling people what they should read. Very quickly I discovered that for many providers the books worth reading have social points of view and we viewers are made to feel guilty if we do not climb onto the bandwagon with them. I am very liberal. However. I do not consider reading a book with a particular point of view in order to use it as a weapon against others. Some Booktubers do not agree with that when you watch their videos. For me, reading should be informative, relaxing and most importantly fun. I am an old man, seventy-four-years-old. I don't know how many years I have left in me. My reading is much more pleasure-oriented now than it was in the past. I do not have time to listen to people who tell me what I should read. A BookTube provider should never make videos that promote the ten best novels ever written or ten books that will change your view of the world, etc. Personal opinions are fine in videos but they should be called out as opinions and not facts. Also, they should never act as if they are an authority on literature. Literature is a very subjective experience. A university degree does not change that fact. There is one BookTuber that claims to read multiple books a day. This person is quite vocal about who is or is not a good writer. This individual is pure ego, up one side and down the other. This person has achieved an almost god-like status in the eyes of his viewers. Ego sells on BookTube but is bought only by the insecure which is such a valid thing for Tristan to point out in his video. BookTube is insidious in how it undermines the confidence of viewers and happens because the ego of content providers takes command of what may have started out as a sincere desire to be helpful to others. Tristan's videos never talk down to the viewers. I don't avidly watch his videos on a regular basis but with those I've seen, Tristan has never brought out his ego to bully others to his point of view. That is so very rare with other BookTube providers.

[@daniellima2973]

English is my second language, Portuguese is my native language, I was in a tag sale where I live (USA) I I found an old copie of Pride and Prejudice. I bought it because I found the book pretty and well bound . It was from the 1920s. So I started to try and read it. I got headaches. 😂 but I persist. Read the first chapters several times until I got the hang of it. It was very , very hard. But once you get the rhythm of how they wrote it back then it was very enjoyable. I have read or rather listened to quite a few classical works . It’s really a brain exercise. I tried to read Moby Dick that was awful hard , but listening to it was easier for me somehow. I drive a truck for a living and listening to a classic like Moby Dick makes the time go by quick .

[@pablof6257]

I've been watching your videos for the past few days. I read often, but very little of the classics. But now, watching your videos, I want to pick up a few novels and really dive into them. You are the literature teacher I wish I'd had in high school. But, it's never too late to learn and enjoy the classics. Thank you, Sir!

[@marianapgar4409]

I have been reading the classics for decades and recently discovered your channel. I have been enjoying your videos so much. It gives me hope for the world knowing that out there are still such enthusiastic and appreciative readers of great literature such as yourself. Thank you, and I will be watching!

[@TheNutmegStitcher]

At 55, I'm too old to waste precious time on anything except the cream of the crop. There are SO many great books I've never read. For every Moby Dick or North and South, there are dozens more that pop up. The rabbit trails are wonderful. I have a dusty old degree in English literature, but that 20-year-old me didn't appreciate the riches laid before her.

[@Bell-e7e]

I'm homeschooling a 13 year old and want to explore the classics with him, loving this channel

[@TaxingIsThieving]

6:48 Exactly. Don’t be indebted just to enjoy what you can anyway

[@pamargapriyambodo4952]

You are the best youtuber i learn about reading. Thank you for all your knowledge and contents.

[@masterprocrastinator7078]

Is it exaggeration to say you're an answer to prayer?- I don't think so! Thanks Tristan- as always you're a ray of sunshine.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

And you are the bees knees!😀 I'm no answer to prayer, believe me. Just ask my wife🤣 Always a pleasure to hear from you. What are you currently reading?

[@masterprocrastinator7078]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I have started multiple books which is why today's video is particularly helpful. Ha Ha- Great Expectations/Moby Dick/Crime and Punishment and the Odyssey! I thought no- let me just focus and finish something shorter; so I started The Great Gatsby- wow- I know the writing is supposed to be beautiful but it's a real downer- I think I need to read a children's book to cheer me up. NO! I don't have ADHD- this is what social media has reduced me to:)

[@lindsay7914]

Great video! There’s a little magic in your videos that makes me come away extremely motivated to read

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Hi Lindsay. That's really kind of you to say and made me feel all warm inside. 😊

[@natascialind3827]

In one comment one person wrote” as always you’re a ray of sunshine “. I agree with him/her. I always have loved to read books ,voraciously, intensely, compulsively. Since I’ve been listening to your videos , I’ve learned to become patient, more gourmet than gourmand. Thank you ,bravissimo Tristan ! ( I’m Italian)

[@smkh2890]

I studied Greek Lit in English for 'O' Level, so I got a grounding early on. I still can't read Latin or Greek, but am fascinated by Greek and Roman history, drama, philosophy. It is such a fruitful and groundbreaking period, with many lessons for understanding current affairs.

[@Bagya-wq9ql]

Classics are written for common people like me. I need to keep this in mind while reading one.

[@paula30979]

Tristan, you are such a gem. Truly!

[@MaliciousChickenAgenda]

I couldn’t have put this better myself! I love classic novels and have read a few but the past few years I’ve fallen short with my reading. It’s only recently I’ve started getting back into reading and this channel has really helped me remember just how much I enjoy reading 😊

[@latoyabolt9459]

Tristan, this is the second video I am watching but I really like how you approach this niche. I like how much of a teacher you are. You are clear and very organized in your presentations. 👍🏾

[@jimtownbaptistchurch9747]

Excellent video about patience, and how that virtue will open the door to the world of the classics! Best presenter/teacher of classics on KZbin!! Encourages average people to read classics in an approachable, insightful, and gracious way!

[@starlasell5698]

I absolutely loved Great Expectations. I read it nearly 35 years ago. Your narration has me wanting to re-read this wonderful classic! 👏👏😃

[@cristianmicu]

i wish you have been a teacher of literature for all the kids out there. you have a gift, believe me

[@MaxSoininen]

I had not touched a book in over ten years when i picked up a Tolkien box set a couple of weeks ago. Just received a few classics in Dracula, 1984 and animal farm. Still waiting on a copy of the Iliad and the odyssey. I cant believe what I have missed in the past 10 years. It started as a form of self medication to put help me sleep.

[@alynam82]

This is the first time I've received a shout out in a video 😀 But for real, this was an inspiring discussion, and I've stated before (and I'll say it again) you offer a great perspective, and point out what should be obvious but hardly considered. Such as the fact that Dickens wrote for everyone, and that even common citizens could enjoy his stories. And impatience being a solid reason people avoid reading classics, and big books in general. For myself, I have been guilty of impatience, but I'm also a lover of big books. I'm also a one-book-at-a-time reader, so I do have the ability to get immersed into a story.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

You are welcome to the shout-out, Anthony!😀 Impatience is a real nuisance. I have ADHD which means that I can really struggle to keep my attention on things. Reading more slowly has been an antidote. Immersing in the book actually allows me to experience deeper thrills which help to keep my attention. If I keep other books nearby, though, I find myself getting impatient, which ruins everything.

[@laurels7892]

Oh my! I just finished reading The Painted Veil and, without spoilers, I can say that it was one heck of a journey I won't soon forget. Thank you so much for bringing this book to our attention. 😊

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

It's good isn't it. Although a film has been done based on it, there is no way to portray the introspective, emotional nature of the story on screen.

[@laurels7892]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Yes! So good that I will be buying a paper copy and putting it on "The Shelf"😊 I personally hate movie adaptations that change anything in a great book. I looked up the movie synopsis for The Painted Veil and couldn't understand why they changed things they did. Well, anyway, thank you again for the splendid gift of this book recommendation!

[@elizabethlehman3336]

Thank you for another encouraging video, Tristan. As a mature (and slow) reader who feels time's winged chariot hurrying near, I primarily read classics to focus on quality - superior language and lasting observations about humanity. My problem with classics is with the observations which require interpretation - seeing beyond the surface story to the deeper meaning. I enjoyed your video dedicated to slow readers, but even embracing a slower pace, I feel much goes over my head. I often watch KZbin videos after completing a book and find myself saying, "Of course! Why didn't I see that?" Being a "better reader" would enhance my experience with a book. Any advice, or another video perhaps?

[@jassdad5202]

Great video as always. I've been a reader since I was a little kid, but only started reading classics a few years ago. My reasoning for not reading classics was not because I thought they were difficult. I mistakenly thought they would be boring. I was very wrong and have been enjoying them since.

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

I think that at least four factors interfere with reading the classics. To my mind they are 1) work; 2) family; 3) the lack of a peer group to read along with; and 4) aging. All of these factors affect me, and I tend to read nonfiction anyway. But Shakespeare and Beowulf--I would like to read them all over again.

[@CandaceChira1]

Hello from Chicago! Tristan I absolutely love your channel. You are my favorite booktuber. Thank you for your wonderful videos.

[@boudicca7181]

Yes, patience is a problem with me. New to your channel--love your videos.

[@lucyjazz1]

Hello Tristan ! Right before launching the video, I thought about two or three things I could add in the comments if you didn’t mention them. You did ! I totally agree with everything you said. We shouldn’t be afraid of reading the classics ; after all, people read them when they were not yet classics ! Books are great because they force us to slow down in a world where everything has to go fast. I’ve just begun David Copperfield and I’m really enjoying the subtleties of Dickens’ writing and his omnipresent touches of humour. Such a treat ! Thanks and take care 😊

[@charmainesaliba5546]

Great video Tristan. I agree with you, one of the reasons I haven't read certain classic is because I am afraid that I won't understand them. Inpatient is another factor, in the past I have started Dombey and son and was enjoying it but I put it aside because of its length and wanted to read other things. Hopefully, I will read it next year since is on my classics to read next year. Thanks so much Tristan for your hard work. I am really enjoying this series.

[@beckerabstracts]

Your narration is superb!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much

[@noodleperson17]

Love ‘The Painted Veil’ - glad you drew attention to it.

[@smalltown4855]

A very reassuring and motivating video for people like me, who completely identify with the dilemmas you describe. I have started to read some classics over the last couple of years and have thoroughly enjoyed most of them. There still remains a stigma around some books though that can be off putting, like Crime & Punishment, which im reading at the moment, and enjoying very much. As you say, there's nothing to be frightened of, just take your time and read. Also when you finish a classic you'll feel a real sense of achievement too, which has got be a good thing. Excellent Chanel.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you for this comment, Small Town. You are right about the stigma attached to certain books and even authors. Crime and Punishment is a brilliant book. I understand it being more taxing for some. Especially if a reader is used to fast-paced and action-packed. But, if one is reasonably paced, it becomes an absorbing read. Dickens is an author who has a stigma of being difficult, being attached to him. Yet he is eminently readable and highly entertaining. Trollope, too, is amazingly easy to read.

[@smalltown4855]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Thanks or your thoughts, I haven't tried any Trollope, I'll take a look, KZbin is great for that. Dickens is the only author ive ever read that generated a tear. I come from the fast paced exciting novel world, I still read and enjoy them. It helps if I have something like that "on the go" alongside something more classic. A dinner & dessert kind of thing.

[@angelathomas813]

Another fabulous commentary, thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be lovely to hear you read the books too, because you make it come alive. *****

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh thank you, Angela. That's ever so kind of you to say about the audio narration. I would love to record all of Great Expectations. I started a while ago but got distracted and didn't finish. Maybe one day.😀

[@Leebearify]

Tristan how great to see you again !! I ordered the Painted Vail (I have had a long standing disagreement with Maugham so I don't read it ) but will be making an exception for that....wow you read out loud so well I loved it!! So many good books so little time !! LOL. If I don't see you again for awhile, here is wishing you and your family a very Happy Holiday Season !! Am looking for all that you have for us in 2023 !

[@WillSaabye-ey5vy]

Thanks so much! I love reading and I am so happy to get into classic literature!!

[@marjoriedonnett5467]

I've been reading and loving classic literature since high school, but went on to college to major in Spanish and minor in German. Reading the classics has fulfilled my life and I have always tried to encourage my children to love it, too!

[@mandamymanda]

I am just getting into the classics and you’ve given me a little more confidence about it. Thank you, sir! I’m also a slow reader so I’ll have to check out that video next!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh, brilliant, Amanda! You have an incredible journey ahead of you. Are there any kinds of book that you are drawn too? If I can ever be of assistance to you at any time, feel free to give me a call. Like I say, though, you don't need any special training to read classics, they are just stories, but with a depth that you can't quite put your finger on at times.😀

[@In_Libris_Libertas]

Wow, such helpful, informative, and encouraging videos and everything always so well put. I always come away from your videos feeling very enthused about books and can't wait to get reading. You've really helped expand my reading horizons. I really appreciate you Tristan, thanks for all you do and keep up the great work!

[@DefaultName-nt7tk]

You are amazing😊. I hope you do some audiobooks, your reading is so enjoyable and exciting 😊

[@evanames5940]

My New Year's Resolution for the past two years is to read the books I should of read when I was young. By young, I mean when I was under forty. This includes the classics as well as even books by Dahl, Dr. Dolittle and many great adventure stories like She and Kidnapped. I love your channel and I am currently. reading The Old Curiosity Shop. A Dickens of a time.

[@AnnaMariaAnia]

Loved listening to you read! That was such a hoot! Loved it. 👏👏👏Thank you so much for another great video! Ok, I'm going to give Wuthering Heights another go. Reading with patients, I get it 😀

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thank you so much. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@susprime7018]

Good examples, driving parents up the wall was a fine pass time.

[@Lu.G.]

It wasn't until about 5 or 6 years ago that I started my _Classics_ journey and what you said really hit home for me; it *was* my own misconceptions and being intimidated, either by so many pages or just that I wouldn't 'understand', that kept me from reading them. And now, I can't get enough! I love that you said that Classics were written for _regular_ people, and that Dickens himself was not an educated man. I somehow had never thought of it like that. 🤷🏼‍♀ Thank you, Tristan! 📚

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

This was lovely to read, Lu. It's funny how we hold ourselves back from things via our imagination, don't you think? After we take the plunge the next problem is trying to convince others that it's worth their time to do also🤣

[@ayeshaekanayake4215]

Thank you very much for this.

[@Starchild-g8p]

Interesting idea -- the limitations are within me rather than the work. I've read two of the twelve classics you recommend as being good for getting into the classics and loved them (Rebecca and To Kill a Mockingbird). There are, however, books that I had a lot of trouble getting into and that quietly mock me from the bookshelf (Moby Dick and Mill on the Floss come to mind). Another was H. P. Lovecraft. I was challenged to read a book which turned out to be his complete works and it was a struggle from beginning to end. For me, the style of writing interfered with my enjoyment but I'm thinking maybe it was just the particular author and not the entire time period. Still, if the fault lies with me, I intend to grow past it. Really enjoying this course, Tristan.

[@FOLKEN1979]

Well that's fine if you have an English accent, I suppose, but even then, I sound ridiculous at the mere attempt of cockney. And further still, that manner of comfortable verbiage is seldom found in translated works from some of the best, like Dostoevsky or Victor Hugo. There is a marvelous musicality to your reading, by the way. Thank you.

[@jackiesliterarycorner]

I definitely agree it's about patience for me, but I would like to add I'm thinking about other books that won't take me as long to read. Reading is my only hobby so it's not even that I want or have to do other stuff, but I buy so many books that I want to make sure I get to my other books that won't take me as long. Of course, it isn't just about classics, but about tomes in general. I find Russian literature isn't as hard to read or at least the translation implies that. The edition of The Odyssey read like a regular novel and is a fun read. With Shakespeare I'm finding reading it out loud can help. If you don't mind my saying so, your voice reminds me of Jim Dale's.

[@suelayman1371]

Best video, I had a hard time getting through Pride and Prejudice. But stuck it out, and really enjoyed it greatly. It is ok to listen to the book at the same time as reading it. It's not cheating. Also, not a race. Just enjoy!

[@von20808]

I’m a slow reader. I like to take my time when reading. Three classics I’ve started and did not finish are Pride and Prejudice (don’t like snobby rich people or pretenders), Jane Eyre (in the middle of the book I couldn’t take Mr. Rochester another minute), and Anna Karenina (I don’t like adulterers which seems to run in the family). I have problems with the main characters not with being impatient. One day I will find the perfect classic just for me. 😊

[@ErnieCT1987]

I would love a video on your ideas about translations and what you look for when reading a book like The Idiot. Do you make it a point to read more than one translation and decide for yourself which of the two are best? Do you only read one and trust that the translator conveyed the ideas of the original author with accuracy? Do you read a translation, decide you didn't quite like the story, but question if it was the translator and not the original author? How do you go about it and do you recommend certain translations over others as a rule of thumb? Thank you!

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Really good question, Ernie. And one I will have to give real thought to. Picking translations is not my strength, but it is something I am trying to get more knowledge on.

[@gracetaylor7351]

I really like this it’s good video I havnt thought about this way before .I really like your videos about classics .how go about them reading them .grace from Australia .❤

[@jaynefederici9140]

I have recently got into the classics. I think that a story that has survived so long has to be good. They are classics for a reason. The Painted Vale sounds good. I'm now going to look that one up. Just come back to add that I am reading one hundred years of solitude and was following your guidance of reading 10 pages a day but I wasn't liking the book that much but something happened in chapter 12 and I wanted to keep reading. However because so much happens in this book that I thought now is the time to get off the train and write down my thoughts and the main points because I know I will forget. This author certainly had an imagination 😳

[@usddcm]

Just a tip. Have a dictionary handy or use an eReader with a built in one. You will run across archaic or literary words that you don't understand.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

So pleased that you put this here, Dan. I meant to add it after the readings but forgot to. So thank you.

[@Yesica1993]

I wish I had done that with Jane Eyre! Most of the time I could glide over it and the context would more or less inform what it meant. But not always. But I'm so lazy that I didn't mark those words/write them down.

[@Tuesdaymayhew]

Insightful video, and I enjoyed your reading! Also added The Painted Veil to my TBR 😊

[@garyrobinson8665]

What I did is try shorter classics first and read in short 15 to 20 minute daily bursts over a few weeks i just finished reading Silas Marner which took me a couple of weeks. I also listen to audiobooks when I'm out walking the dog. For example I listened to Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. I thought I might struggle to read the book but I enjoyed listening to it even though it was challenging. I'm currently listening to three men in a boat it's hilarious.

[@latoyabolt9459]

Read to me all day, Tristan! 😉👍🏾

[@Yesica1993]

Yes, please! I vote that he reads us all the books!

[@ValePrensa]

did you read The Exterminating Manuscript by Gema Clouds?

[@laurels7892]

Who is joining me this weekend in finding out what happened to Kitty in The Painted Veil? Lol Thanks, Tristan, for another great video! 😁

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

It is a sublime book. You'll never ever guess what happens to her. The book slows down to a very quiet but powerful mood. Very introspective. And I love the ending.

[@laurels7892]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Haha. You are a big tease! I love it! Fortunately the book is inexpensive and appears to be an afternoon read! 😁

[@BookZealots]

I'm currently reading Villette by Charlotte Bronte and one of the things that annoys me about the Bronte's is the French they include. I don't speak French and of course they don't give translations. sigh. Did all the young girls of that era speak French? (I don't think so, but it feels very pretentious of the Bronte's.) It's been so very long since I've read Great Expectations, but I remember liking it. But I like Dickens. =) I tried a chapter in a modern book today and a character offered a plaster to another character. A plaster? What is that? I surmised it was a bandage/bandaid. LOL I have to remind myself to slow down when I read Nathanial Hawthorne. It is us. We need to slow down and enjoy the stories. Great video.

[@Rara-zm2ps]

Goodness I just finished reading Villette haha and I agree the French was intimidating, fortunately I read it digitally and was able to copy and paste the dialogue through Google Translate. It was a chore but worth it. (I think French was more vigorously taught in faculties of academia moreso in the Victorian era compared to our era) I thought it was quite charming and I suppose tried to be encouraging as well as pretentious from Brontë's perspective XD I hope you're still reading it and enjoying it so far!~☆

[@BookZealots]

@@Rara-zm2ps I've soft dnf'd it, mostly because I'm buddy reading it and she hasn't even started. LOL Because Lucy Snowe didn't speak French until traipsing 😬 (panick moment for me), off to Villette France, Charlotte must have known she was in an elite class and not everyone spoke Frech. Charlotte is my least favorite of the three sisters right . LOL I'm on chapter 14. Sorry for the delay in responding. KZbin isn't giving me all of my response comments and so I'm having to find the videos I've commented to and see if there's a comment to respond to. Hopefully YT gets it fixed soon. Thank you for the encouragement. I realy appreciate it. 🤗

[@xaviercrain7336]

Just with how you live literature in your reading of it--especially recitations--would encourage people to drop their anxiety and short attention spans

[@josephwalsh7546]

Reading novels is just like baseball -- a slooow pastime designed for the 19th cent when people had loads of time and few other leisure activities to spend it on ( especially at night helping novels enourmously )

[@Yesica1993]

As a 50-something old who grew up in the Dinosaur Era pre-internet, I can tell you with full certainty that my attention span has shortened enormously. I've even timed it at times. It's horrifying. But what is more horrifying is knowing that children are growing up this way, never having formed that capacity to concentrate on one thing for any amount of time. I see small kids (even toddlers/babies!) with cell phones/iPads and I just want to weep. But no one seems much bothered by it. And if it's not your child, there's nothing much you can do.

[@radiantchristina]

Alright , then. I'm done with work for the day and have the time to re watch and comment . I hope you'll forgive my long rambly comments :) As usual, you have so many nuggets of bookish wisdom. Thank you for the time you put into putting these videos together. I can relate to breaking a sweat from books from the 1800s . I'm that way with Dickens . Whenever I begin one of his works , if I'm not in the right frame of mind , it is daunting. However, if I am in the right frame of mind (no rushing and no impatience ) then I find his works very lovely and easy to read . I don't know that I would recommend Dickens as a place to start with Victorian lit but he is not as difficult as people think. I think Jane Eyre is a great gateway drug to Victorian literature. I always recommend that to folks looking for advice on where to start. The language is very accessible. If someone regularly reads thrillers, they may pick up a Victorian novel and think it's too difficult. But you're right - it's not the book, it's our impatience. I have in the past mistook my impatience for thinking a book was too difficult ( again , Dickens!) As for impatience - Last time I was in a major reading slump, I just could not finish books. I would read and re read passages , then just give up, thinking I just could not understand what was going on (this was mostly with classics). I noticed around the same time that I couldn't even finish watching a KZbin video either. I would exit out mid way, or fast forward . I was always in a rush. I was a slave to impatience and a slave to trying to read too many books. I have a long way to go but I'm much better at reading slower. My only reading goal next year has nothing to do with quantity. It is to read slowly and deeply, to really immerse myself in the book I am reading....and NO RUSHING . The slower I read, the more I get out of a book. I want to get better at that. I'm in my 50s …if not now, when ?! I'm also being more selective with the youtube videos I watch. My free time is limited, so I am choosing quality videos and allowing myself to sit and enjoy them . I'm watching fewer videos but getting more out of them. I would say only about 25% of my reading in any given year consists of classics, but I have a feeling that the more I train myself to slow down, the greater that percentage will be. oooooh The Painted Veil ! That is one of my favorites! You should be an audio book narrator! I loved that you read a sample of both books. You are right, you could tell people over and over that classics are not difficult, but giving the example by reading , really gets the point through. P.S. I just tried to tell my husband that I couldn't cook for him anymore because I don't have a degree in cooking. That didn't go over well 🤣

[@Yesica1993]

"P.S. I just tried to tell my husband that I couldn't cook for him anymore because I don't have a degree in cooking. That didn't go over well" HA!

[@GreggMikulla]

Can we discuss 'Ulysses' now?

[@johnjackson374]

Another classic book that is easy to read is To Kill a Mockingbird

[@richardbenitez1282]

I’ve read lots of classics just because of my long commute to work. Problem is once you read euro or American classics popular literature seem like 3rd grade readers. I got into classics just because life in California suburbs was boring and home life with folks was awful. I wanted to read about life in another time and another place. Something had to be better than Orange County California. Gee!

[@inspirationlab1444]

why didn't KZbin recommend me this before?

[@anilmlalwani]

If i can't complete a video, how would i complete a book. Wow. That's true.

[@junaidmariya99]

I want to read more and more classic literature but I have a bit struggle in understanding could you plz recommend me some literature course books that I can study???

[@NerdishlyActive]

Do you typically read with a pen as a pointer? Have heard it’s very helpful.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Yes I do. Or a finger. It helps the eyes focus as they find it easier to follow movement. Also, a pen means you can annotate as you go. Little bonus tip. When using a pen or a finger, do not let it touch the paper. It actually interrupts the flow. A curious detail, but true.

[@NerdishlyActive]

@@tristanandtheclassics6538 Interesting! I will give this a try. Appreciate it 👍🏼

[@sebastiangray50]

A lot of us want to be well read, but we don’t want to read. Reminded me of Ronnie Coleman’s quip on bodybuilding.

[@NoNo-s9h]

I have dyslexia and learned to read only in third grade.I only read comics.

[@ralphjenkins1507]

Motivational.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Thanks Ralph.

[@Dolllala]

I like it!!

[@psychnstatstutor]

Hmmm~ and here I was starting with Ulysses ~:-)

[@MichelleFalco]

Hello dear Tristan! Unfortunately for me I did not win a new car or the lottery 😕 but there is always this week. Warning, novella ahead! Yes, yes, yes to all you said in this video. A few things came to mind as I was watching and please forgive me if you have said these things before. I have watched so many of your videos I may have absorbed your thoughts. Firstly, sometimes the trouble can be language and pacing. Victorian English for example is very different than tik tok, Marvel Universe language and regardless of whether you like either one of those things they are a reflection of our times and how we think. I think that's where one angle of impatience can come in. Getting to the point, if someone were to take your 12 classics list and read them chronologically starting from the most recent and working back it might help to learn the language, if you catch my meaning. Secondly, sometimes it can be helpful to watch the movie first. There, I said. It can help with patience if you have an idea where the story is going. If you do that for a few books you will get the hang of it and it takes some of the terror out of large tomes. Lastly, you don't have to read a book a month. If you just read 3 classics a year for the next 20 years you have read 60 great books. That is something a lot of people haven't done, not that it's a competition mind you. Anyhoo, as always thanks for being inspiring and delightful. And please forgive me any unintentional thought plagiarism.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

Oh, I say, bad luck on the lottery and car front, Michelle. Still, i love the positive attitude 😅 Some excellent points you posted here. Watching the film is very useful. I really liked the idea of reading the books in chronological reverse. That was an excellent suggestion. Thanks for this, Michelle, and as always, it's great to hear from you.

[@Yesica1993]

"Getting to the point, if someone were to take your 12 classics list and read them chronologically starting from the most recent and working back it might help to learn the language, if you catch my meaning." Now that is a genius idea! I never would have thought of this in a million years.

[@Realyash]

I couldn't understand when you read great expectations tho

[@cristianmicu]

i have lived until 18 yo under the iron wall, waiting for hours in line to buy some food( i'm not kidding when i say hours, there were hours plural, so the idea that you can't wait minutes for something baffles me

[@Yesica1993]

I'm still new here, so this is going to sound like complaining. Is there any way you could make the volume of your speaking the same as it was when you were reading from the books? I'm sorry. Again, I hate to be THAT PERSON. But I'm loving your content and it's just hard to hear sometimes. Also, just from that bit, I hate that Mrs. Joe! What a bully!

[@kurtfox4944]

Tristan: "People want a beach body but don't want to put in the work." Me: I have a beach body without working for it. Ever hear about beached whales?" LOL (j/k)

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

I love this. "I don't have a beach body. I have a beached body." 😅

[@mr555harv]

I love the reasoning, but Tristan’s choice of literature is very British. The style and vocabulary may not appeal to everyone.

[@JayReacio]

Why anyone would think they need a worthless degree and hundreds of hours of liberal indoctrination to read a book is beyond me. A grade school education and access to a dictionary will give you all the tools you need to read a book

[@captainnolan5062]

Perhaps you can also explain in a future video that when you are looking at a thick book like Bleak House, it is similar to looking at a collection of DVDs with all 6 seasons of Downton Abbey. You aren't going to watch all 6 seasons in one sitting. You are going to watch them episode by episode, which is exactly how the "book" Bleak House was issued originally. The book was issued in newspapers or magazines bit by bit, and the public read it in episodic form. People would then have a week to talk about it with their friends and fellow readers, thinking it through and trying to figure out what might happen next. You can go online and get the original publication schedule; and you can read it in installments just as the Victorians would have done. The Wikipedia article on Bleak House states: "Like most Dickens novels, Bleak House was published in 20 monthly instalments, each containing 32 pages of text and two illustrations by Phiz (the last two being published together as a double issue). Each cost one shilling, except for the final double issue, which cost two shillings." The article also contains the original publication schedule: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bleak_House.

[@joshcornell8510]

I have the furthest thing from a degree, but I love the classics. Frankenstein was my gateway drug.

[@tristanandtheclassics6538]

That's a good book for a gateway. It's so rugged and atmospheric.