Weekly Update: January 25th, 2025 | The One Where I Have To Do The Whole Video Standing Up

[@AuntieBooks]

Your awards are fun! Sometimes the low tech everything has an extra charm. You keep doing you! 💛 I am very intrigued by Lightfall. Looking forward to your thoughts 😊 Fabulous sweater by the way-who’s your favorite doctor/companions? I’m a Ten/Donna fan.

[@momo_genX]

It wasn't cringe, Mike, the awards. It was goofy and you had fun and it showed. Matt Walsh had a great video today about the Oscars. He got snubbed as well for one of the best satirical documentaries of all time. Of all Time!!!

[@christiantgolden]

Gasp! You've mentioned a name that should not be mentioned in the BookTube-o-sphere! 🤣

[@momo_genX]

@christiantgolden Don't I know it. Being a conservative, in particular a gay one who has gender dysphoria, I am all kinds of vilified, blocked, and banned from many in the BookTube circle. I disagree with a lot of what Matt Walsh says, but since we see eye to eye on a lot of important issues, I'm ok with him, even though he works for the Daily Wire, even! 😇

[@nightmarishcompositions4536]

@@momo_genX Respect your bravery and integrity brother. You keep doing you.

[@shawnturpin197]

Matt Walsh is a genius. And hilarious.

[@abnushagnasty805]

Just started Rise of the Ranger by Quaintrell and I’m enjoying it so far! I’m watching the Solo Leveling anime and American Primeval and I’m loving them both! And yeah I’m right there with you about the Academy….haven’t taken them seriously for a while now.

[@Popsiclestand86]

Really enjoyed the first two nights and will be tuning in for the third as well. Thank you for the time you put into the channel, it’s entertaining but also a great source for finding what to read next. So thank you, good sir

[@PreacherReads]

If Dune Part 2 wins best picture you have to binge the Fourth wing series and give us an in depth review 😆

[@mikesbookreviews]

You know, I'm up for the challenge. 😉

[@PreacherReads]

That Hurt cover by Cash is 💯

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah I got it backwards. He covered NIN.

[@PreacherReads]

@ oh I didn’t notice you said it wrong so…😅

[@KristyBryson]

@@mikesbookreviews Even Reznor admitted it became Cash’s song !

[@randomdude3620]

Just finished On Call on Amazon Prime. Really solid, no frills cop drama, a la End of Watch. Definitey worth checking out.

[@KyleRieman]

I haven't read really anything this week. As you know, my wife has been fighting cancer since October and unfortunately she took a turn this week and never really recovered and her fight ended last night. Life is so unfair sometimes. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer

[@radudumanovschi3387]

Since yesterday I have been reading Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes. The book is different from the movie. I admit that although it brings back memories of my time living in Italy, I find the movie more enjoyable. In addition to Under the Tuscan Sun, I also started Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti... I am reading them in parallel.

[@alynam82]

I'm reading a Puerto Rican horror this week, called House of Bone and Rain by Gabino Iglesias. My first time reading this guy, and it's really good so far. It's brutal!

[@PhineasPlauche]

I'm glad you got the awards thing through. It was pretty fun and I'm happy we got it

[@SusansColorfulExpressions]

You inspired me to finally watch Dune last night, Part 1 and 2 in one go. It was the best adaptation I've seen so far. It inspired me to finally read the next books. I read Dune Messiah when it first came out, but I didn't like it much, so I stopped with the series. I need to give it a second chance.

[@Marcus-id5ur]

Just finished Eversion, 5 stars. Back to Legacy of Steel, really enjoying Matt Wards huge multi pov fantasies heavy on the intrigue and politics.

[@kingzzz6509]

I’m from West Virginia Mike, so 31 degrees sounds pretty good, though it must be a shock to your guys system. We were getting single digit temperatures, and some negative temperatures at night. Last week I finished Plato’s Apology which was just fascinating. It’s something that I imagine I will return to over and over because it was incredible, even though I knew how it would end. I also finished The Citadel of the Autarch by Gene Wolfe yesterday. The Book of the New Sun is absolutely incredible. Is it difficult? (Yes). Is it dense? (Yes). Is it amazing? (Absolutely). This week I will either get back to reading Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio, which has been great. I may also get back to reading The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington, which was interesting as well. There’s also a slim chance I could return to the Bloodsworn Saga with The Hunger of the Gods, but I’m not sure. I’ve had a lot of trouble getting motivated for Bloodsworn. It’s not bad, there’s just something not clicking about it with me. I’m also starting Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz which is pretty interesting so far.

[@CARancourt]

Mike - really liked the awards videos. Great format and a fun approach. Thank you

[@jonskogen9477]

Love the Oscar shade. Well deserved

[@samofWinterfell]

I try other books but there’s something about Roshar I love it so much. I think I should also read Persuader cause it’s the book for season 3 of Reacher. Been watching Longmire all week, playing my new acoustic, and wishing I was as cool as Willie Nelson.

[@MrCubsfan2020]

Mike, you should check out the ferryman by Justin Cronin. Way different from the passage and really good

[@brandoncordeau7277]

The awards shows are pretty fun and amusing hope you had a lot of fun like it looked like you were having can’t wait for night three. I have started the licanius trilogy by James islington I’m about 150 pages in book one and loving it so far

[@No8Named8Shadow]

The Academy has many problems, but they are getting better at Sci-fi/Fantasy. Two years ago Everything Everywhere All At Once won best picture. A non-IP scifi film. A couple years before that The Shape of Water. Dune Part Two’s biggest problem was coming out at the beginning of last year. That’s way too long to sustain Oscar buzz when campaigns go full force in November.

[@Yannis-dq6ri]

True and it was an amazing film too, definitely my favourite that year. Do you think maybe the diversity vote also pushed it forward for the academy, even though it was sci-fi? Like with the new academy favourite this year? I’ve yet to see a single person saying it deserves the 13 nominations. Feels like their choices are always more political than actually just about the films, which can be very frustrating.

[@No8Named8Shadow]

@ I don’t think the ‘diversity vote’ had much to do with anything. It’s still an old white male centric field of voters. EEAAO was just a great film about fractured family, and the academy loves that. Although Emilia Perez is a baffling pick. I’ve only heard bad things. Honestly The Brutalist feels more like the (silent) front runner.

[@toddJM1015]

What's great is hearing you talk about Royce's darkness because I'm only on Theft of Swords (finisning up my Jan TBR then will be going into Heir of Empire) and I can totally see what you mean about Royce and whatever is happening in the prequels because thats sort of a point of tension between the two in Theft, Hadiran's moral code vs Royce's cold pragmitism, which I love. Also thank you for being spoiler free for even the Revolations series. Much appreciated. I'll be very curious to see what you think of Lightfall. I liked it, but had some issues, and I'll be curious to see if you have the same issues. In all, I will be reading the sequel whenever it is released. And I can't wait if you have an interview with Ed Crocker in the works. I really liked your commitment in your awards series. I enjoyed the hell out of it. Fun and creative and differnent. You posted online that it's not doing as well, but I'm glad you're going to do it again next year. You're probably right, it's probably the fact that people are already into 2025 stuff. The Hans Zimmer thing is really weird cause didn't Howard Shore get nominated for eact movie but win for King? I may be wrong but I'm pretty sure he got nominated for each film. I am starting Silo S1 today actually. I DNF'd book 1 but hearing your commentary on the show vs the book I'm excited to see what changes they make. My biggest issues with the book is pacing and it seems even from the trailer it seems maybe they fix those issues. We'll see. Any chance you give us a review/thoughts on Severance? I keep telling my friends it's Office Space by way of Total Recall.

[@Tim_with_Tomes_and_Tales]

Fire Marshall Bill. 😉 Stay safe, Mike & happy reading.

[@benconlin3557]

My kids are obsessed with sonic. Took them to see it on Xmas eve and they still haven’t stopped going on about it 😂

[@boisemalone]

Just finished reading Desperation by Stephen King. I watched your video on it and I agree with everything you had to say about it.

[@PsilocybeJedi]

How did you like it? I've read 30 King novels so far and own that one but haven't tried it yet

[@boisemalone]

@PsilocybeJedi it was just alright for me but glad I read it that was my 33rd King book.

[@PackCrackin]

Some perspective on the lack of interest in the second awards video from someone who was interested but didn't watch, I was too worried that the inherit nature of those types of awards would contain spoilers. When you start reading a book, you might not know who the love interests or villain is. I'm sure the second video was just as well done as the first, but that's what held me back as a viewer.

[@Biskit_Rising]

Haters gonna hate and the awards videos are awesome and can’t wait for night 3! I’m about 30% into Nightfall and finally starting to feel more invested in the story. Really interested to see what you think in next week’s video.

[@neondemon5137]

My PC motherboard died 3 weeks ago and I haven't gone outside in a month because I have a pinched nerve so I can barely get around so that MB is gonna be a pain to get fixed or replaced. At least I have some books to go through. 🎉

[@Jeremy-PhoenixBooks27]

Over here in Pensacola, we got like 9 inches. It was crazy!

[@momo_genX]

@@Jeremy-PhoenixBooks27 Weather control is working overtime... Satire!

[@michaelkibble740]

It's 8 here now in West Virginia Mike

[@mikesbookreviews]

No thank you.

[@texaspipeman8973]

Pretty good fire marshal bill you have there

[@Im_A_Saltine]

Given how it took over the Oscar nominations, I can gurantee you right now that Emilia Perez will win. Wicked, The Substance, and Dune are the films they put on the ballet to make them seem hip. That being said, I have never pulled for a movie to win more than I have for The Substance. I guess I’ll be satisfied with a best actress award for Demi Moore though. Also, why was Dennis not nominated for best director? Makes no sense.

[@Theworthlessopinion]

Hey Mike! Followed your channel for a while. New reader. What are some books you’d recommend to get someone into reading just in general?

[@stevenstewart782]

I agree with you I think night 2Of your awards show went a lot smoother and that was a much Snappier suit😀

[@deelak2329]

Empire of dirt reminds me of the Alice In Chains album Dirt

[@benconlin3557]

Read 40% of Under the Dome. Enjoying King’s usual character quality with a large cast. Not heard you talk about this book much Mike? What did you think of it?

[@Tralala001]

Silo season 2 ends eight where book 2 starts. I really hope it jumps between book 2 and 3 for the last 2 seasons. They could easily do that and not make us feel were abandoning both Silos

[@RealHumanBean4U]

Nine Inch Nails are touring again Mike

[@Twiceborn_by_grace]

Your sweatshirt is NOT blue. I can lie. I love the pen scene in Lia Liar. It’s almost as good as the “I’m kicking my own a$$” scene. 😂

[@mallaryroberts3346]

I’m in FL and it’s been those same temps. It’s COLD lol And I can’t even with the Academy Awards….its dumb. And you can’t have a totally different score from the first. There is a theme throughout the first film. Changing that up would be confusing and a huge mistake.

[@epiphoney]

Emilia Pérez is sweeping the oscars! Impression Blend is pissed.

[@TBaggins96]

How can you have the best picture without the best director? Makes no sense.

[@Coolto22]

If you’ve never read either of these series, would you recommend starting with the prequel series?

[@NeedsMorePinchHarmonics]

The awards were awesome, Mike, the haters can stop yapping

[@thecaffeinatedbookwyrm3051]

It wasn't cringe. It was innovative. Also, yes, sci fi/fantasy gets snubbed regularly. But man, you spoke to my soul about the metal. Dear lawd. I talk about Nightwish, Oceans of Slumber, etc. etc. and my old boss said I listen to obscure bands. (We're both Texas native transplants in Ohio...) I said Nightwish isn't obscure, they played at Wakken. They've been around for over 20 years. They're the feckin epitome of symphonic metal. Nope. They're obscure, they're not playing on the radio. Well, heh, maybe not the radio you're listening to. Then I went to a 5FDP concert and again... You listen to such weird, obscure heavy metal. Dude. 5FDP...is not obscure. They're even... 😮 On the radio. Sorry. I don't use the word triggered, but I'll make an exception here. I got triggered. Am I even using that right? Rant over.

[@heidi6281]

Do you have the date wrong or did I time travel back a week!

[@timothyzeiler2902]

really enjoying rise of the ranger, my. favourite characters are Gideon, gallanor, and Asher, I am watching Yellowstone.

[@jakobwetzel7065]

I haven’t watched the Academy Awards since I became a thinking adult. Garbage.

[@PixReads]

Woah im first 🥳 great vid ! 😊

[@dpeady78]

Dude It’s a Nine Inch Nails song - Cash covered it but Reznor has since said “he made the song his”

[@mikesbookreviews]

I know, I misspoke.

[@dpeady78]

Haha, all good my dude. I’m such a massive Trent / NIN fan and every time I hear someone say “Johnny Cash’s Hurt” I be cracking them keyboard knuckles 😅

[@jacketernity4609]

TBF Wicked is fantasy & The Substance & Nosferatu are horror but I agree he got robbed. Maybe Dune Messiah will pull a ROTK. Keep it up Mike!

[@cwesley2005]

Yo i just finished fires of heaven and im going to take a break from wheel of time. Going to start First law.

[@scotts1912]

Denis Villeneuve not being nominated for best director is a complete embarrassment. Dune Part 2 is one of the best movies ever made. Period. It's like the Oscars are deliberately trying to be irrelevant

[@mikesbookreviews]

The selection committee should be embarrassed

[@Jeremy-PhoenixBooks27]

The Oscars have become such a joke

[@RobynHoodeofSherwood]

Agree. I"m not going to watch it but I will be curious to see what their audience share is.

[@realkevenzelaya]

Let’s do a top ten worst YA stories

[@demidrek-heyward]

Toll the Hounds?

[@amattrey]

The academy is not for us. The Saturn Awards are what we should only care about. The Academy has always been a social club that has its favorites. Just watch the Saturn Awards

[@GenuinelyCurious120]

Who cares if something feels cringe. I feel cringe commenting on your videos. But I also feel a need to let you know your effort is noticed and appreciated 🤷‍♂️

[@austinmoore1113]

Division 3 regular season basketball games get more tv viewers than the Oscars, so whatever.

[@ashleyholbird4287]

Hey mike did you finish rise of the ranger? If so can you direct me to which video you spoke about your thoughts? I want to start and was waiting for your opinions!

[@texaspipeman8973]

SAGA!

[@ptannous27]

-7 in Ohio. Get me out of this place. Im not Jon Snow. I’m Arab. I need Dothraki weather.

[@Jewell-5280]

You'll have Biker Calves by the end of the video.

[@brianwiggins7924]

You are giving the Acadamy grief for not recognizing fantasy/sci-fi and GRUDGINGLY awarding ROTK right after you claim it will award Wicked, a fantasy, as best picture. That makes little sense.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Eh sorta fair. Musicals are adored by the Academy.

[@brianwiggins7924]

@mikesbookreviews for the record, I'm not a big fan of the Academy either.

[@kevinwalsh9704]

Did Mike just explain the lord of the rings thing “they threw all the awards at the third one” like Villanueve isn’t directing a third dune movie? 😂😂😂 also a multiverse sci fi martial arts movie won best picture, director, lead actor and actress as well as supporting actress two years ago. Let’s settle down with the “they hate genre stuff”.