I have atleast 6 books to finish 2024 TBR' Golden Son, Morning Star by Pierce Brown, Through My Window, Through You by Ariana Godoy, The Testament by John Grisham and EoD by Jay Kristoff. I will see if I can read more when that moment comes.
Firstly, I didn't really appreciate your comment about "Old people telling me 'you have to read this.'" The classics are classics for a reason. It will be interesting to see if some of your contemporary favorites will still be on your list in say 5 years time. That said, this is a good list. Edited to add that your summary of To Kill a Mockingbird is superb. And I really need to bite the bullet and read East of Eden!
Hello again Luke, I have read two books of this list. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith i read a long time ago I remembered enjoying it, good little mystery but i didn't continue with the series though I do watch the adaptations when they are released on the BBC. The other is Godkiller again I enjoyed so I would start with them. I am currently nearly finished a histological fiction book called The Betrayal of Thomas True by A J West didn't think I would like it but it is another banger. Thanks again for another video. You have made a rather boring afternoon good again 😅
Don't know several of these, so looking forward to hear your opinion! I am currently finishing stormlight archive 4, after which I am planning to try out some new authors, such as: - Robin Hobb - Cormac mccarthy - Joe Abercrombie - Jeff Vandermeer So, my 2024 TBR is mostly filled with those.
Why is trying not to swear the hardest thing ever? I’m American and it’s just so normal here and I hate it 😂 I hate sounding like a sailor it’s feels unattractive
@@lukesblog2 I never asked you a question but if I had I might have asked you what you thought of the tendency amongst some readers to talk about books as though they were merely a collection of ‘tropes’. I’m sure it’s generally harmless but I have a vague suspicion that it tends to make them think of books as though they were manufactured from components like machines. It just seems to encourage stereotyping and to stand in the way of creativity or originality. What do you think?🤔
@@user-nt5ex6ph2f a BIG question. In short: I try to avoid using the term as I think “trope” is often just a cliche and I like to think authors think way more into their books rather than to just slap in an easy story. However, I understand “trope” has been brought in, especially in the romance genre, to help sell books in the exact same way “genres” help people decide what they might find interesting to read! Maybe next time I’ll get people to ask questions and I’ll answer those!
I totally get the whole romance thing at the moment, I do like reading romance but in the past few years, I don't know whether writers either don't know how to write it anymore without going to straight smut or whether its a conscious decision as instant smut sells, I blame Bridgerton 😄 The same is slowly happening in the horror genre too, it jumps to straight up body horror gorefest without the psychological torment build up.
I love how Lisa Jewell got back to you! I haven’t read any of Clair Douglas’s books but maybe I should.. I’m not a famous author lol, but possibly my favorite thriller, definitely my most recommended one is The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard, it’s fantastic.
Here are some suggestions to getting your channel to grow and potentially be profitable: (1) You mentioned your casual tone, that's not a problem at all. However, if you get a proper setup with a good camera angle (currently it's too close and you're looking up to the camera instead of at it), good lighting, a good mike, and a pleasing (not too cluttered or spartan) background, that will go a long way to making your channel more accessible. Examples of channels with good setups (these are all fantasy BookTube because that's what I mostly watch, but it likely translates): Merphy Napier; Philip Chase; 2ToRamble; Talking Story; The Fantasy Nuttwork (these last two are little too dark, but otherwise good). I genuinely think investing a little in this change will see a difference in your channel engagement. (2) Getting involved (such as by commenting on their videos) with other channels, who may then invite you on or at least give you support and community. I don't know the not-specifically-fantasy BookTube space so well, so I can't give good suggestions there; but since fantasy is one of your top three favorite genres, and fantasy BookTube is what I know, that's where I'll focus my advice (and many fantasy BookTubers also read and post outside the genre): for example, the likes of Philip Chase and Talking Story, who both bring other BookTubers onto their channels and help get them known. Philip Chase specifically seeks out newer BookTubers (not always fantasy BookTubers either) for his Dear Dr. Fantasy series. Other great fantasy BookTube channels, in addition to all the previous ones I've mentioned, if you're curious: Johanna Reads, The Library of Allenxandria, Library of a Viking, The Brothers Gwynne, Mike's Book Reviews, BellTube, and Captured in Words. (3) The most tried-and-true way to get a channel to take off is to create a presence off RU-vid first (e.g., on Instagram or TikTok), then once that's been built up, move to RU-vid and ask your followers to move with you. The sudden influx of followers (even if it's not _that_ many) tricks the YT alg into promoting your work, and thus really gives you a leg up. This is how Library of a Viking did it, for example; 2ToRamble also discuss frankly their road to 'success'. Unfortunately it's too late for you to truly do that, but perhaps there is a way to adapt the principles there to your circumstance. (4) In-depth long-form content (see for example Talking Story or 2ToRamble) is also a very good way to stand out, though of course it doesn't always work out, and some channels like that go unnoticed. BookTube channels are a dime a dozen, but those that actually put some focus, effort, time, and thought in are more unique and stand out. BookTube watchers generally have longer attention spans than usual RU-vid watchers, by virtue of their interest in books, something that requires long attention spans. (5) Do what you want, of course. However, focusing in on a topic is usually more successful than generalizing. You mentioned possibly doing movies or games on your channel. If you really want to do this, it is advisable to start a different channel, because the variety of content confuses both viewers and the YT alg. Regularly RU-vidrs who try this end up having to create a second channel. Good luck!
I’m re-reading East of Eden right now! It’s also one of my favorite books ever. For another fantastic classic, I would recommend Sophie’s Choice by William Styron. I never hear any booktuber talk about it, but it’s another favorite of mine!
Sadly this one was my least favorite and it didn't do it for me. I was frustrated a lot with her character and her husband's character during the book...I gave it 2.5 stars but it is always refreshing to hear another perspective!
@@juliehughes1258 I have read the first 6 pages of the first chapter of 'Beyond Good and Evil' by Friedrich Nietzsche but I found it hard going. Even if Nietzsche explained his thoughts as simply as anyone could, his mind would still be unfathomable to such a mind as mine.
@@MikeFuller-ok6ok Holy cow. You are brave. I’d never attempt anything by Neitzsche. Sometimes I just re-read books I read at a very young age. I can finish those and it’s easy.
@@juliehughes1258 I didn't really intend to understand the book, Julie, but I just thought I'd see what It's like. I buy books far, far more than read them. I have bought a book on Quantum Statistical Mechanics, and I have Wittgenstein's 'Tractus' of which Wittgenstein said "I have made everything clear in my book by being silent about it." I think I have as much chance of memorizing all of Milton's 'Paradise Lost' as understanding those two books!
Can you recommend new English beginners reading books. Not a native English reader. How to start English beginners. We can't understand more words and long sentences 😢
My TBR list has over two thousand books, and I add to it at a way greater rate than I can tick books off. I read about 210-280 books a year, including re-reads. I'll never read ALL of my TBR books, but that's okay! I treat my TBR more as inspiration for when I don't know what to read next. It's also there to remind me to see what's available in my audiobook apps or at the library. I can't imagine having to read books just because someone else liked them, even if I don't like the genre. I'm not in high school anymore, which means that a) nobody can dictate what books I must read anymore and b) I don't give a shite about peer pressure.
I enjoy your channel! But I think just saying "there's some drama around the author" re JKR is pretty dismissive of some seriously damaging transphobia that shouldn't be waved away so lightly. Also a lot of the stereotypes within the HP books themselves have not aged well at all.
I don’t see how people cannot disconnect the author from the books. The fact this author is saying unacceptable things does not take away the awesomeness of the books. I will never forget the feeling I got from reading this series and I will not let the author’s behavior change that. It is and will always be one of the best series ever written and everyone should read it to experience it for themselves.
A very fair comment Matt! I just didn’t want to get into it. We don’t need every discussion of Harry Potter on the internet to be a discussion on JK Rowling’s opinions too. Sorry if it seemed dismissive of the matter!
Oh shut up man. I don't even know what most of the authors I read do in real life, they might even be murderers for all I know. Just because JKR showcases her shitty opinions online doesn't change the fact that Harry Potter is worth a read.
Hi there Luke, I really enjoy your videos as it is so refreshing to here a man talk about books on RU-vid and i have to say I have very similar tastes in books, i.e mainly Thrillers/ Fantasy in fact a lot of my current reads are inspired by your chanel so thank you for that 😊 Just wondering if you considered doing a bookshelf tour, you don't have to go though every book you own just a quick overview of home library. BTW congratulations on 500 plus subs great achievement 🙂
Great video Luke :) I feel like not enough people recommend children's books as a good start. Another tip I would add in here, is once you've found that book or series that gets you into reading, look at the kinds of TV shows or movies you like and start to explore that genre a little bit. There are tons of videos people make comparing books to movies and TV shows, and for most popular shows and movies, you're bound to find something you like. Also, just try a couple of bootok/ booktube books. Sure they're not going to be the best thing you'll probably read, but they're popular enough that if you have friends who read, they might've read them or at least heard of them. And there's nothing more readers love than talking about books :)
I would say that about nonfiction too. On a lot of true crime, history, science, nature etc shows, there are people interviewed who have written about the topics/people.
I am surprised Project Hail Mary did not make the list (I saw a short where you said you were reading it, but not sure if you have finished it already). It is one of my favorites and based on this video I think our tastes are very similar. Have added a few to my TBR, thanks! In return I can maybe suggest these: - Tress of the emerald sea by Brandon Sanderson - The door to door bookstore by Carsten Henn Keep up the good work!
It would have if I’d finished it earlier - yeah! I’ve got Tress on my bookshelf. I’ll have to pick it up. Not heard of Carsten Henn, I’ll check them out, thanks!!
Luke I like your reviews, but answer me this how come all the books you’ve read and reviewed are brand new and look like the spines haven’t even been broken. I know when I’ve read particularly large paperbacks they look nothing like yours. ?
I have got so many recommendations from you that I have loved - The Housemaid and One Day to name two now I find out one of your favourite books is To Kill a Mockingbird which must be why our tastes are similar. My eldest was named Harper after that book.
