I'm ill and grumpy, so Internet Woman Yells At Cloud is about the best you're going to get :) Book buying happens here: books2read.com... #tressoftheemeraldsea #thedragonprince
It's nice to be back, even if I am a Grumpy Internet Lady Yelling at a Cloud. Looking forward to reading your recommendations! Fantasy Heroine video compilation is here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-m-axbuh6v68.html My Mask of Zorro video is here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PnNy6E55Ht8.html
I love how you greeted your husband like a grumpy hovel witch being brought new herbs and doubting their quality. "What have you brought me? Nothing but whilted weeds I bet" then when he explains it's something good you're like "oh, ok, thank you and I love you (눈‸눈)"
@@rachaelknudsen8801 I know, I wasn't say it as a bad thing, I feel all was done in good humor regardless of illness, sort of like how one would pretend to be so terribly put upon with a large dramatic sigh when a loved one asks for a hug. Just playful banter
The Enchanted Forest Chronicles is my go to nostalgia read. A princess who runs off to live with dragons instead of marrying a prince with rocks for brains still appeals to me years later.
These are delightful! Patricia C. Wrede is the author. Dealing with Dragons is the first book. (Though I'm pretty sure the fourth book was written before the others, so you could start there.)
When you realize that Jill's commentary on The Dragon Prince is also her commentary on the nature of ranting in general (don't tell us what not to do, show us something good to do) and you realize what advertised itself as a directionless rant has actually come full circle and has a unified theme with a positive message...You come to appreciate the genius of Jill Bearup! (Also, 10/10 for Tress of the Emerald Sea. One of my favorite Sanderson novels, and definitely my new favorite standalone of his. Some Cosmere knowledge lets you get Easter eggs, but you can read it if you haven't read anything else of his.) (Also, I'm not sure if I have a single piece of media I always go back to, but my wife's go-to thing after a busy day is Monk.)
I love that book. I've read it so many times my copy is falling apart. The TV show was okay, they just missed out so much. I understand why parts get cut out, but no Greasy Johnson and the Johnsonites, Pigbog, Big Ted, Grease & Scuzz and other stuff. I'm looking forward to The second season but I do worry that it will suffer for the lack of Sir PTerry as part of the writing genius.
My comfort read is anything Discworld. I take a journey there when I want something that is engaging, and thought provoking, but generally just an easy read where there are so many memorable bits you forget most of the story hasn't happened yet. And because it's clear all Terry wanted was for people to treat people like people and be nice to one another. Good reads.
i recommend starting with "Guards! Guards!", "Mort" or "Equal Rites"! Moist's books are great too, if you're just looking for a quick & done comedy. each Discworld book CAN stand on its own but the character arcs spread across books are richly rewarding, making it Advisable to join said characters in their journeys chronologically. oh! Small Gods is almost entirely self-contained so that's even less "commitment" than Moist's books! and, yes, his being named Moist is Deliberately Awful.
When I'm sick, I turn on the 1995 Pride and Prejudice miniseries. I've watched it so many times in my life that I can basically quote the whole script verbatim, so it's really easy for me to zone in and out of. When I'm feeling emotionally awful, I watch My Neighbor Totoro. It's very reassuring and validating.
1995 Pride and Prejudice is one of the very few movies that I say are better than the book. This is the highest praise I can give without actually owning a physical copy, but I can go watch it at my parents place if I go visit.
Stardust is my go to movie when blue or under the weather. It has such a good blend of fantasy, romance, action and comedy. It warms the cockles of my heart every time.
Have you read the illustrated novel? It's sooo pretty. Also, it's very well written. The tone is a little different from the movie, but it is still basically a fantasy action comedy romance.
Same! I was just about to comment this. I love this film. It’s heartwarming, romantic, very funny, and exciting. As you say it’s a perfect blend of everything.
@@ceilinh6004 I enjoyed the non-illustrated novel, and I'm generally a big fan of Gaiman's comic books, so I should probably look at that. I liked the movie fine, but it's one of those where I keep seeing the adaptation rather than sitting back and enjoying what the film does.
I like to watch Princess Bride when I'm on my cycle or in a bad mood. I think it's funny, the main characters have good chemistry, and I personally love all the tropes. It's also got really pretty scenery and I love the script.
I love to watch The Princess Bride when I'm not feeling great. I know the plot and dialogue by rote but it always has something new to focus/pick up on. The familiarity is so comforting, but also the humor and heart are exactly what I need to cheer me up!
It is so genuinely lovely to hear someone "yelling at cloud" like this. I used to struggle to find stuff I wanted to watch/read. Now I'm exhausted by the Internet talking about how BAD everything is. They're usually right, for a limited definition of "right", but it doesn't help. Your channel has become one of the most reassuring things online, Jill. Thank you.
True story for me though. There was another channel I watched where she talked about books she liked for book reviews. There was one book she loved and always suggested it in every video. I read it and hated it so much that I will never watch her channel again for that reason.
Keep in mind the "right side of history" people have ignored/dismissed decades of work to make things right/good, only to claim they created the right/good things in the last decade. Limited definition of "right" is their definition of "right".
My go-to author is the late Terry Pratchett due to his comedic take on fantasy. They are the sort of books that I discover something new with each re-read. When it comes to TV shows Daria as it is a fairly easy show to follow, Daria's sassy attitude and I have watched it for around 20 years so it is comforting.
if you like reading Terry Pratchett, might I recommend "the everything box"? the book wasn't written by Pratchett, but it has a very similar feel :) (edit: author is Richard Kadrey)
The Mummy, as in the original (ish) with Brendan Fraser. The chemistry between all of the actors is excellent. Entertaining action-comedy that I can watch again and enjoy. That is my go-to for illness watching. And often the second one as well, but not the third. Also, glad you are feeling somewhat better!
Those first two movies are *so good*, and props to the sequel for giving us an entirely successful family with the parents having such a happy marriage, even thought the first is overall better.
The first Mummy was damned good. The second one was… decent. The third one was a total waste of my time. The replacement actress just didn’t work in the part of Evelyn IMNSHO. Just… no.
I reread Howl's Moving Castle about once a year. I love the characters, the plot, and the world building. Sophie, Howl, Michael, and Calcifer feel like friends at this point, and somehow their character growth is satisfying and doesn't feel the least bit forced like some books do.
I also love the audiobooks of HMC and the sequel; House of Many Ways. The narrator is called Jenny Sterling and she has a very soothing and suiting voice. Haven't been able to get a hold of the third book yet, sadly. Also, her Chrestomanci series is like the original Harry Potter and you can tell were JKR got a lot of her inspiration from! And just like HP, the start is a bit slow, but it is really worth a read! (The author is called Diana Wynne Jones for anyone wondering.)
@@sarahisatitagain There are books most if not all of the Ghibli movies were derived from. Interestingly, not all from Japanese novels. Howl's Moving Castle is a British novel.
I've watched Labyrinth so many times! It's my go-to movie when I'm sick or having a bad day in terms of chronic pain because I can still follow it if I'm a little loopy on painkillers, but it also never gets boring.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things
Princess Bride is my feel good movie for when I’m down and it’s literally setup for a nice watch when you’re sick. And episode 3 of Good Omens. You can’t beat just going through all of Crowley and Az’s history together. Such a lovely expansion from the novel. ❤ Also, excellent rant. Louder for the people in the back.
I've also been poorly in January and impatient with media. I relistened to As You Wish by Cary Elwes about the making of Princess Bride, apparently it's a book too but you need the audio version with lots of cast and crew reading their own comments. It truly makes you feel a part of the film in a whole new way plus there is lots about all the fencing.
I always enjoy re-reading Terry Pratchett's works: the humor, the stories, the characters and just the general atmosphere is such a wonderful combination of fun, heart and thought. Though, if I'm ill and have nothing to do, I usually start another playthrough of one of my favorite game series (lately, those are Mass Effect and Dragon Age). Probably because of the same things I like in a good story, regardless of a medium. Or, you know, I can always spend another dozen of hours preparing for the next D&D session -- worldbuilding is fun!
For me, my comfort book for a long time has been Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. For anyone who doesn't know, it's a retelling of Cinderella, with Ella being cursed to obey any direct order given to her. Ella is just the right mix of intelligent and spunky heroine for my taste, Char (the prince) has character beyond "rich and not a bad dude". There's some fun world building, some great additions to plot, and is just a fun journey! I've read a lot of Levine's other books and enjoyed them as well, but there's just something extra magical to me about Ella. If you know Ella Enchanted from the movie: do not read this book expecting that! The movie is fun for a totally different reason than the book. The movie emphasized the trope-y romp through a magical land, and changed some central aspects of the world. The first time I watched it, I was sad it wasn't exactly like the book, but having watched it since then, I can appreciate it for the wacky weirdness.
I love Ella Enchanted!! I reread it all the time :) I actually watched the movie first and didn't care much for it-- but then I read the book and I adored it ^^
EXACTLY on all points! I come back to it again and again. I was so upset when I first watched the movie but have grown to love it on its own. Anne Hathaway singing somebody to love? Incredible. I’d love to see a faithful adaptation some day though.
Thank you so much for calling out Honor Harrington's bogged-down nature in the back end of the series. It is one of my frequent comfort reads and I always feel like bailing out after the whole Solarian League arc starts and you have to be simultaneously reading the Saganami Island and Slavers serieses.
@@pirateyarn6331 "On Basilisk Station" through to "Ashes of Victory" are great. Fast-paced Horatio Hornblower / Richard Bolitho / Jack Aubrey in space. After that the books slow down an awful lot.
I love Galavant. The music great, Alan Menken wrote it. The lyrics are clever & hilarious. The cast is so funny, most of them are wonderful singers, & the ones who aren't it works really well with the song written for them. Even the costumes are good, especially given their budget. It is so quotable. Just binge the first season (it works best as a binge), it's not a big time commitment, it will give you all the giggles.
Yessss Galavant! So much love for that show ❤!!!! It's so selfaware and fourth wall breaking, I love the humor. Going to listen to the opening song right now haha
I love Over The Garden Wall. It's a wonderful combination of child like whimsy, 1700s American culture, grim macabre, and classic animation homage. Watching it makes me feel nostalgic for all the times I played make believe with my little brothers when we were kids.
Tamora Pierce books are my comfort read. Sometimes I start in chronological order with Beka Cooper and sometimes I just skip to the Protector of the Small quartet as it's my favorite. I'm also very fond of the Mystic Bayou series by Molly Harper. It's a bit predictable and can be a little formulaic but I adore the characters and have listened to the audiobooks at least ten times. It's witty and fun, and I always re-listen from the first book whenever a new one comes out.
@@verilidaine91 The Protector of the Small books are probably my most re-read books. I've probably read them fifteen times by now. I have never been able to re-read the Wild Magic books however, because the relationship between Daine and Numair is just so unhealthy.
I really liked her Circle of Magic series, but the Lady Knight series comes first. I think for me the ranking goes: 1. Trickster's Duet (Choice and Queen) 2. Protector of the Small Quartet 3. Circle of Magic Quartet 4. The Circle Opens Quartet
I watch Xena from start to finish at least once a year. It takes you through all of the emotions in a brilliant and creative way. The overall story really was ahead of its time.
I am generally a massive re-reader and re-watcher, but something I always come back to is the first How to train your Dragon movie (because it is just THAT good) and Hercules (because Nostalgia, it's been my favourite Disney film since like, ever). In terms of books I often find myseld re-reading the Revenant-saga by Amy Plum and also the Little Lord. The first because it was one of the first series I genuinely devoured when I got into reading fantasy-modern-stuff (and because *spoilers* we don't get an unneccessary break-up in the third book of the trilogy) and the little lord was the first book I read on my very first kindle and I really like the writing style and the perspective of the story. Love this video, couldn't agree more on the Dragon Prince Verdict xD
As a fellow writer, I can tell you that the first draft being finished is a HUGE milestone, so congrats and keep up the great work! Can't wait to read it!
So true! I started writing a novel length story (currently 80k+ words right now) over 2 years ago, and I was stuck on chapter 8 for over a _year_ . A good friend of mine is the only reason I was able to complete the chapter, and I am forever grateful to them for encouraging me to keep writing, and they are even beta reading it for me. I was literally crying with relief and joy after finishing that chapter. Now, to finish chapter 9 and every other chapter beyond. At this rate, I might finish the first draft of the first book by 2026. Wooooo....
I always come back to the Dragonriders of Pern book series, specifically the early and middle ones by Anne McCaffrey. She has a great way of writing from a single character's perspective and making you not only care about that character, but fully understand their wants, their dreams, their fears, and their motives at all times. Some of the stories are a bit droll. Many are quite predictable. But I can always pick up one of those stained cracked paperbacks and just be amused for a few hours.
Me too. I did get a personal autograph from he son....He said that he had his mom's permission to sign her books! (She was still alive at the time). Ther are memories too as one of my sons birthday called was "The White Dragon" And I think Morettas Ride is almost a current topic.
@@Tourmaline200 The White Dragon has a special place in my heart, so points to you for that. I generally enjoy the books her son worked on both solo and in collaboration with her, and I'm thrilled to see him continuing her legacy. I just think her earlier solo novels and short-stories are better for the simple enjoyment this video was referencing.
@@mithrane I definitely agree. My go to while suck would be the Harper Hall Trilogy....unfortunately I only own 1 in that Trilogy (Dragonsong) and the rest are hard to find
Leverage and the Librarians are my go to rewatch shows! Especially when I'm feeling bad. They are amazing. They're positive instead of depressing and they don't take themselves too seriously, but the characters are being at least In World clever all the time and they're just thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Leverage is about a group of thieves and con men who get brought together to be Robin Hood's basically in a modern setting and they work so well as a team it's great to watch. The Librarians has a similar sort of team dynamic but is about a group of super smart academics who find magic artifacts and bring them back to the Library to protect them. Note: I'm talking about the Librarians show not the movies beforehand cuz movies beforehand are men but the show is incredible! Both shows are mostly episodic with more background overarching series plots so they don't require a lot of focus to enjoy in the moment.
I miss the original Leverage show! I haven't gotten to see it in years. I saw an episode of the new season, and really don't like it, some of the characters changed and the writing is way worse...😞 But the original is great to see again and again!😁
@@KickyFut it did take them a bit to hit their stride again, I didn't enjoy those first 4 episodes or so as much as the original but I do still like them better than most other shows!
_I Don't Want to get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense_ is a delightful anime that I keep coming back to, and in fact just finished rewatching (and also catching up on the second season I just found out is currently airing.) It's a delightful story about a girl who doesn't know much about VRMMOs playing one and immediately uncovering a bunch of balance issues that neither devs nor playtesters were bonkers enough to come across, before proceeding to charm her way into the hearts and minds of everyone both in her world and in ours by being completely cheerful and friendly essentially all the time, even when talking to people who she was mere minutes of watchtime ago fighting vicious battles against to win whatever the latest in-game event was. In a world where competitiveness and rivalry are all over the place and it often feels like forgiving someone who has wronged you is simply unthinkable, even if all they did was something completely insignificant beating you at a video game or targeting all of your weaknesses in said game to make the fight properly challenging and frustrating. But Maple-chan takes that line of thinking and cheerfully ignores it, in no small part because she's playing the game to have fun (and also sometimes to win, but that's honestly mostly her friends' influence at work the way I see it.) And in the end, not even the people that she steamrolls with absolutely game-breaking bullshit can stay mad at her, because at the end of the day it _is_ all a game and thus losing a fight generally loses you nothing significant. Also, she's just so adorably and unflinchingly friendly despite how fiercely she was fighting them earlier that it's totally disarming and they can't help but relax their guard. Also, watching the devs tear their hair out in frustration as Maple continually finds ways to make her already unconventional and ridiculously OP build even stronger _yet again_ is hilarious. She hasn't even unlocked all of her final forms and nonsense "you thought you had won, but aha, you've activated my trap card!" moves and they're already calling her 'more of a final boss than the actual final boss.' And watching a player like that roll through the PVP scene, with other, more sensical players desperately trying to either figure out what in crying hell has just happened or find a way to feign nonchalance is absolute comedy gold. Not to mention that it's kind of hilarious to take some screencaps out of context and marvel in the fact that, if you didn't know who the main character was, you'd think that the show was about the unstoppable monster that all the heroes are trying and failing to beat.
Oh yeah, def. seconding this one. Currently started to read the LN myself after watchign the first season waay back. Unlike other Shows with a similar premise, there's no big bad dangerous plot to solve, no 'die in the game and you are killed for real' nonsense. It's just a group of friends having fun in a (slightly buggy) game. And honestly, many of the things maple does remind me of all the things young me did when I played an MMO for the first time. It is also one of two, maybe three anime Videogames that actually seems like it would be fun to play when looked at with a decent amount of scrutiny. The various areas seem nicely done, the bosses overall seem well thought out (until someone does the way out of left field stuff Maple does), and in general the idea of shaping a Character through unlocking skills via quests and achievments reminds me of Point buy based TTRPG ala shadowrun, the Dark Eye or WoD, rather the class based stuff most popular current MMos do. It's Just that one palyer manages to fumble her way into all the really broken special skills. (For reference the other 1.5(ish) games on that list would be Elder Tales from log Horizon(and the TTRPG to that one is actually a fair bit of fun too) and Gun Gale Online, as shown and used in SAO Alternative GGO.)
So true! I keep coming back to this because it never fails to make me smile, and every episode has something charming about it. its also not just stupid humour or fluff- its genuinely feel good content with adventure!
It's definitely one of those shows where it's silly and the main character is OP and there's no consequences for anything because that was the point. Watching her just cheerfully destroy a quarter of the player base or something in the first PvP event because she's too slow to avoid battles but OP enough to win them is glorious.
Fun fact: my sisters and I watched Princess Bride for the first time when we were just getting over being sick one year. Best introduction ever. One of my sisters wandered in when we were almost done, so we had to back up and show them the fencing duel (!). So we ended up watching it twice the first day and twice again over the next 3 days! As for my go-tos when sick - I'm currently hooked on Chinese wuxia and thr Rurouni Kenshin movies (which are amazing and have wonderful fights, if you ever want to review them - especially The Final and The Beginning)
Strictly Ballroom deserves a watch for how any dance can be a duel and what any ordinary movie would make a duel turns into a dance. Arguing with your dad? Passa doble! Arguing with your partner? Tango!
You can tell how well I am doing (both physically and mentally) by how much fanfic I am reading. I almost never rewatch anything unless I am showing it to someone else. There is something deeply comforting about reading the same characters over and over again though.
Oh gosh yes. Half my comfort reads are fanfic. Scifigrl47's Botverse is definitely one of my happy verses. And when she and Copperbadge play together I am delighted.
for the last couple years fanfiction has been my only reading material (books, despite sometimes being shorter, feel like too much commitment) currently am sick and not been able to read any as been unable to focus on reading words so just had videos on in the background i get attached to characters so understand to joy of just rereading the same characters but almost never go back to the source material (unless like you, am showing it to someone else 😄)
I've reread Lord of the Rings about once every two years since I was 16. It was the first high fantasy novel I read, it's a foundational classic, and I love how it displays different kinds of heroism. I might have to give Tress of the Emerald Sea a shot. I've been a little intimidated by Sanderson, but TOTES sounds like a fair entry point.
I think I've read or listened to the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells like 10 times by now. The first 4 are short, for a novel at least, and cover one complete story arc, the 5th I think (depends how you count) is more full sized. Anyway, it's fast paced, complex in a way, but the story is very easy to follow, and most importantly the main character is *so relatable*. It's refreshing to have a character that isn't some paragon of wisdom and prowess, and never gets there, but still keeps moving forward. The books are a bit pricier, but I think it is more than worth it and I have no issue supporting authors.
I'm a huge fan of the Vorkosigan saga, by Lois McMaster Bujold. It can either be started at Shards of Honor/Barrayar (often collected as "Cordelia's Honor") to read about the primary protagonist's parents and their enemies-to-lovers arc, or by jumping right in with the Warrior's Apprentice (often collected with the next books in the series as "Young Miles" for the start of the Miles Vorkosigan stories that compose the majority of the series. Miles's method of problem solving is forward momentum (keep talking so fast and maybe the other guys won't realize you're making it all up as you go along).
I love how frenetic those books are. Also, her Penric and the Demon series is great. Similar vibes but also a young (at first) man stuck with a demon with the personality of 12 women in his head. It's hilarious.
Absolutely start with Cordelia's Honor. I wouldn't have liked Miles quite at all without it to be honest. My newish boyfriend has been reading me a chapter a week over the phone of this series to me over most of the pandemic. It's the absolute highlight of my week. Sooooo very good! Read it Jill!
I adore her books of the Realm of the 5 God's! I found Cordelia's honor hard to take though. Was that because I have 4 kids, and thus strong feelings about pregnancy and pregnant ladies? Maybe. What do you think, should I jump on to the main Miles train?
Your finalle here is deserving of an actual mic drop. So very true. I also love how well you said 'I could care less if I really tried'. That oxymoron is just a delightful thought experiment of it's own. Almost as delightful as cheese.
If I'm mildly sick, I very much enjoy rewatching 'Leverage,' as it makes me feel like there are people in the world who still want to see good people get an even break, even if it's only the show's creators. If I'm very sick, I go with mildly military comedies like 'Sgt. Bilko' or 'Down Periscope,' as they are very silly, but are easy to follow and giggle at. Either way, I'm glad you're starting to feel better, and I hope you're back in fighting shape soon.
Leverage is one of those shows me and my wife always go back to. Even watched it all with commentary, that made me appreciate the camera work of it and became more critical of other shows lack there of.
"Don't waste my time with your verses or curses About what you are against, despise or abhor. Tell me what _inspires_ you, what fulfils and fires you. Put your god damn pen to paper and tell me what you're FOR" From "Silver-lined Heart" by Taylor Mali. Brilliant video, Jill. Bravo. I'm scrolling through my watch list and assessing my own negativity bias.
Your Fantasy Heroine series was something I looked forward to every night (since I slept so god damn late everyday) and seeing it turned in a novel is exciting for lack of a better word (not that there isn't one, it's that my vocabulary is horrendous). A recommendation I have for reading is called Mother Of Learning, which has some of the best world building I've seen in a novel!
I rewatch Babylon 5 (at least through season 4) about once a year. Sure, the VFX are hokey by today's standards and the costumes are VERY 90s, but the story holds up and once it finds its footing the show really moves along!
YES. Babylon 5 is a childhood favorite of mine that is way better than I could've appreciated as a kid. It manages its story and characters so well. Pity about the season 4 cancellation and pick-up by a different channel mess, but I still find season 5 worth watching. Also, G'Kar and Londo have some of the best character arcs in serialised media, that's a hill I'd totally fight on.
A book I always enjoy going back to when I want to laugh is Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. It's both very whimsical and pragmatic, and the contrast is very funny. I also love the Queen's Thief books, although they're probably better when you have the ability to concentrate (there are so many layers!)
Came here to say Diana Wynne Jones!! And Howl's might be my favorite, although I also dearly love the Dark Lord of Derkholm. (Also, controversial opinion that Jill just told us not to share: I didn't love the Howl's movie. Lost the plot in translation)
"I've been ill for almost the whole of January..." said while wearing a hoodie that says "Just Stab Me Now". That is either coincidence or literary genius. Your husband sounds like a very sweet and supportive guy. Please give him my regards.
I'm signed up to Jill's Patreon and the draft is really fun. Needs work and I feel like there is some stuff missing at the start, but it's really good and seeing things from Leo's perspective occasionally is really sweet. I love Charlotte, and I loved how Rosamund and Hugo met. Reading the story also helped me get a better feel of the politics in the world. 8/10, I look forward to the completed book.
Currently Re-reading Tamora Pierce again. They’re YA which makes for nice easy reading but engaging stories. It has a lot of female warriors in it and they do wear the appropriate armour. I recommend starting with the Lioness Quartet because the characters reappear in later series so it’s nice to go chronologically. But having said that, I like Protector of the Small better.
Favourite things and why I like them: One you're very familiar with is The Princess Bride. Peter Faulk's grandfather character has just this enchanting voice that makes me want to curl up and bed and listen to the story he's going to tell. The perfect movie for when I'm feeling sick. Also, the movie is just filled with so many perfect moments. I don't need to tell you! The original Star Wars trilogy I'll go back and watch constantly whenever I feel that itch. Something that the prequels and sequels didn't do is the original 3 movies made the universe feel real. When Luke first steps into the Cantina and you see the dozens of different species of aliens all in the same place it really expands the universe into this massive, "There is so much going on in the galaxy" sense of scale. Most of the movie is filled with British White Men being evil, or American White men and women saving the day, but because of that cantina scene we know there is so much more going on. Random lines that elude to many more adventures and locations such as, "The bounty hunter we ran into on Ord Mantell", or "We'll be sent to the Spice Mines of Kessel", or "The Anoat System? There's not much there." just flowing so naturally from the characters that it feels like they live in a real universe, and its incredibly immersive. I can lose myself in those movies any time. Superman: The Movie. Watching one of my favorite comic book characters come to life in a way that no other actor in other versions has been able to capture, combined with the perfect and inspiring score by John Williams, just such an inspiring and comforting movie. Filled with wholesome tiny details that really hit home just how good we can be.
I can always watch or read Howl's Moving Castle no matter what mood I'm in. Even though it takes place in a fantasy world, I feel like it could be happening right down the road to people I might know, and it's just so pretty! I'm also always in the mood for Ever After, which is, by my estimation, the most timeless version of the "Cinderella" plot and always worth the watch.
@@snailinthegrass5761 the whole series is fantastic. I always love her dry, matter-of-fact humor. Any suggestions for other books she has written? I read and enjoyed Hexwood, but she's written so much I'm not sure where to go next.
You're an absolutely delightful person. I was going to tell you what I watch when I'm depressed or anxious, but you said "something you watch when your sick." and it made me think of the last cold I had where I binged your armor critique videos. They were funny, informed me of new things to look into, and made me scream "Thank you! I thought I was the only one that thought that was a stupid design." Keep up the good work. Also, don't forget the cheese.
I personally really like Elementary. But that's because I love detective shows and I love watching the friendship between Sherlock and Joan develop. The mentalist is also one I quite enjoy because detective shows and shenanigans. As well as Psych!
Psych is 100% my comfort show. I've watched it several times through, and it never fails to make me laugh. Also a big fan of Elementary; such an interesting take on the Sherlock-Watson dynamic.
@@cass6020 Leverage is such a good show!! I found it recently (so you might say dated, but for me it was quite new 😂) and it was so enjoyable that I finished it within a few weeks!! (I initially heard about it while watching overly sarcastic productions character breakdown of "the big guy."
@@Miniredfoxette oooh, I'm so thrilled that OSP has started talking about that show, I find the cast makes a great 5 man band. The show hits a really good balance for me of the cast being great at what they do and having a great time with over the top writing but really earnest emotions, they all feel so human
For movies I watch when I’m sick: I know they’re meant for children, but Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron and The Prince of Egypt are two that I’ll always go back to. Good music, good stories, and easy for the sick-brain to appreciate!
Every year or two I end up re-reading Elizabeth Moon's "Deed of Paksenarrion" omnibus. In part simply because it's a fun sword-n-sorcery trilogy with all that entails. But also in part because a pivotal character arc comes from a person being grievously mentally traumatized, and ultimately having to heal not through miraculous magic, or a perilous quest, or true love. Instead it's gentle conversion, patience, comfort, and acceptance that are needed. It's...therapy, pretty much. More humanely depicted than any I've encountered in "medieval fantasy."
Paksenarrion's problem was how very heavily weighted it was on the negative side. Elizabeth Moon didn't do a good job at all of convincing the audience of the stakes and why Paksenarrion should bother at all. The positive motivation was almost absent, so the overarching plot that wasn't self-involved felt very cut-rate and cheap. It was very disappointing, especially after reading her collaborations with Anne McCaffrey.
I get ‘books on tape’ online from my library. I can wholeheartedly recommend any book read by Barbara Rosenblatt. Her acting takes me into the world of the book and I can forget this isn’t a room full of people but one woman with a microphone and heaps of talent.
There’s a book series I always revisit when I’m sick or just feeling less than great. It’s called Finishing School, written by Gail Carriger. It’s centred around a girl who is sent to a finishing school to improve her manners. Little does she know, the true purpose of the school is to train young ladies to be intelligencers. Super fun read, and it sounds relatively up your alley!
I do hold out hope that Dragon Prince will greatly improve in season 5 (the perils of opinion about ongoing media), but considering the many changes for the worse over the timeskip that aren't really improved by the time 4 ends and that these seasons were sketched out together, it's not a great hope. My personal biggest frustration (bigger than any one character arc squandering, but OH BOY are they squandered) is that the writers can't seem to grapple that they made a great complex and interesting dilemma in dark magic. Humans suffer at the boot of magical creatures, uncover a magic they can use, but it has costs, this is interesting! But no, Callum proves humans could use the regular magics all along, and dark magic is bad because bad man gave it to humans for bad reasons. Dragon destroying city, trail of tears, whaaaaaat? No idea what you're talking about, dark magic BAD! Oh, and humans genocided the unicorns. Just... such a waste.
I love the evolution of your channel but I have such nostalgia for Stuff You Like. It was such a lovely breath of fresh air to see someone praising media they enjoyed with such warmth, positivity and wit. I still rewatch those videos sometimes :)
I also go back all the time and rewatch Stuff You Like. I particularly enjoy the way Jill talks about Terry Pratchett's books. I don't know why, but hearing her explaining a plot and then what's good about something is just a great way to pass the time.
Books that I keep coming back to are the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce. They have interesting characters who are unique enough to be significant in the setting, but not so over powered or unique that their every action has world shaking consequences. I also really love seeing female characters use determination and will to develop skills that ultimately make them special. As for my go-to while sick? NCIS is great. The plots always hit the same beats, to the point where you can figure out where they are in the plot by looking at the clock. Better yet, while they are mysteries, the critical piece of evidence only ever gets revealed in the last five minutes, so there's no pressure to try and figure out the mystery before the team (because its impossible) but rather you get to just enjoy watching them putting the pieces together while knowing they win 99/100. Very much a visual comfort food with low stakes and no pressure if your mind wanders for a bit.
Diane Duane's Young Wizard series and Patricia C. Wrede's Enchanted Forest Chronicles are both series in the same vein as the Protector of the Small quartet that I first discovered as a teenager and keep coming back to every few years.
I love Spirited Away 😊 - It just sends me somewhere else for a little while and that can be really nice. Howls Moving Castle - Because I adore the soundtrack Laputa - the world It’s beautiful the side characters are hilarious. Have re-read Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books many times I particularly enjoyed the guards series, the characters in his books are fab. His writing style is a comfort food for me. When I sit and read his books it’s like meeting an old friend who you could never grow tired of.
I identified with the description at the start on a profound level. Jill described exactly what sickness is like for me. In my mind, I'm like, "great an excuse to lay in bed all day I can read so much" and then the reality is "noooooooo everything is soooooo booooooring I haaaaate it" until I find the thing my brain can tolerate until I get better. Most recently it was Vampire Survivors, the perfect game for being ill.
I really enjoy the disk world and other books by terry Pratchett. - The Artwork is phenomenal and you often get a preview of the story from the book cover, but i also sometimes get back to the artwork to find a certain scene from the story and compare it to what i built in my head. The art style really influences how i see the world in those books. - He shows characters with depth and flaws, most are weird in some way, but everyone tries to make the most of what they have and in the end, they either work great as a team or have an interresting outcome as a single character that follows a unexpectedly different path "out of the book" than they came into the story. Pratchett doesn "tie up loose ends" at the end of the book, he uses them to weave the stories together into his book universe. - Combat pragmatism is encouraged by at least on character in each book, and the story actually includes a deep background on why characters have certain abilities. "Everything can be a weapon, every part of the body can be a target" "And for close-up fighting, as your senior sergeant I explicitly forbid you to investigate the range of coshes, blackjacks, and brass knuckles sold by Mrs. Goodbody at No. 8 Easy Street at a range of prices and sizes to suit all pockets, and should any of you approach me privately I absolutely will not demonstrate a variety of specialist blows suitable for these useful yet tricky instruments."
I love those books, currently slowly reading through them. One thing I noticed in the artwork of Jingo was the wind vane showing not N, E, S and W, but H, W, R, and T because navigation on the Disc is just different (which is, I think, never explained in that book but just part of the lore of the world).
I love Discworld audiobooks when I am sick. It's like getting to visit old friends. Going Postal, Carpe Jugulum, Thief of Time and Masquerade are some of my favorites. If I fall asleep while listening, it's okay, plus as a bonus I don't drop them on my face!
@@criseastman6503 oh heck yes! ive relistened to a dramatized (german) version of guards guards sooooo damn much... and i usually prefer the original english^^
Cinderella (2015) is SUCH a comfort movie. A proper healing experience. And Tress of the Emerald Sea is definitely going to be a new addition to the list of comfort books.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi is just so calming and there's something about watching him work and the seriousness he gives everything that always helps my brain.
I love returning to the movie Ever After. Also, not sure why, but your energy in this brought much joy. So glad you're feeling better! I pretty much love all your content, and my kiddo loves your fight scene break- downs. 💞
The thing I like is this channel - I’m the melancholic type, but whenever I watch one of your videos, whether positive or negative, you’re always *constructive* and I feel like it’s spring and I have energy for things and life can and should be fun and I’m going to go energetically watch a silly movie - so thank you for that ;)
I always go back to Lois McMaster Bujold! I’ve read all of her series multiple times. Her Penric and Desdemona series of novellas are perfect comfort reading. Penric has accidentally (or not?) been possessed (kind of) by a chaos demon who consists of 12 bossy older sisters (if you count the lioness and the mare). Edited to add: the reason I love Bujold is because her work is always witty and character-focused. Delightful.
I love Vorkosigan and the series that starts with The Curse of Chalion, but I didn't know about the Penric and Desdemona series. Looking it up, It seems like Kindle-only, which creates a challenge for me, but I am now motivated to figure something out. In the "Why this is good", I really like LMB's plots and pacing, there's often unexpected shifts between contemplative character work and then suddenly a whole bunch of action - it keeps the stories feeling fresh and organic for me, and distinguishes them from more formulaic (but still perfectly good) genre books. Plus, yes, great dialogue and interesting characters always helps.
For me, what I truelly love is the 'dark kids cartoons' from when I was younger. "Secret of NIMH", "Flight of Dragons", and "The Hobbit" (1977) are great examples of it... I realy don't know what it is about them. It may just be nostalgia, but they realy are special to me.
The secret of nihm is a great book, I never watched the cartoon adaptation but I loved the book. I read and loved the hobbit as a kid too. Never saw that cartoon either. But reading those types of books as a child in the 90’s was my life
I have a couple things that are my comfort stories and go-tos when I feel stressed/tired. 1) The Murderbot diaries series by Martha Wells. I adore these books! 2) Critical Role, in particular the second campaign about the Mighty Nein. Yes it is over 500 hours of content so it is definitely not for everyone, but I love the characters and I love the story! And I always go back to specific episodes or compilations when I want something easy but good to watch.
I loved Stuff You Like. I was blown away to find so much positivity on the internet and it drew me to your chanel for the new awesome things and the positive commentary on things other people were just dragging in the mud. I love what you do now too because you are still so positive and enthusiastic about things and I loved the heroine series because under the gentle and funny ribbing you were showing your love for the thing. Thank you for your many years of bringing joy to the internet.
The need to immediately watch a new video from my favorite stabby lady, versus the want to skip the 5 minute long ad for something I want but can't afford... Edit: Coming back after the video is finished to hype up my favorite binge when I'm unwell shows! I'm a big fan of The Good Place, though I realize it isn't everyone cup of tea. I just like watching it and thinking to myself "Things might feel bad, but at least you're not these people!" Also, it's genuinely just a very funny show that's good for when I'm feeling especially melancholic. For the D&D nerds out there that want a little more sci-fi in their TTRPG, I cannot recommend Dimension 20's A Starstruck Odyssey enough. Extremely light hearted, over the top action, and general tomfoolery and skullduggery expected from a group of mercenaries in space. I don't even want to give an in depth description of anything for fear of tainting anyone's first viewing. Just do yourself a favor and go watch it. First episode is free on the D20 YT page. And for my final pick... The Great British Bake Off. Preferably one of the earlier seasons when Mary Berry was still on the show, but I think the more recent seasons are excellent as well. I basically can't get anxious at all while watching this, and I dare say it's the same for most people. It's just so soothing! Fair warning though, you'll probably get hungry while watching. Would highly recommend to anyone!
Agree with the suggestion of Mary Berry Bake Off seasons. It’s relaxing to watch. She’s cheerful and positive. You don’t have to concentrate so it’s a great watch for when you are sick or down and you learn something about baking traditions.
I would definitely agree that the Great British Baking Show is definitely a good choice for something chill to watch when sick and Mary is my favorite! I was so sad when she left! I think my favorite season is the one that has James in it.
I always watch Bambi when I’m sick. There’s a lot more to it than the one scene where Bambi’s mom dies, and even that scene, while sad, is powerful, it evokes such strong emotion, that’s what I want a movie to do sometimes.
As someone who has also been ill since mid late December, I'm so bored right now! You have my sympathy and thank you for fun content to watch while I'm flat out in bed far too early in the evening! And media I come back to is Stargate, which is very easy to watch, and doesn't require much brain power, David Suchet's Poirot and Bob Ross. Also, any of any of Critical Role's second campaign live streams, feels like a safe place and never fails to get an emotional response.
I probably rewatch Clue and the Scarlet Pimpernel at least twice a year and I consistently re-read Howls Moving Castle and the Vorkorsigan saga books. They aren’t the media I’d recommend to a book or film club but when I’m down or just bored, they’re what I’m reaching for ❤
I finally got into The Owl House while sick recently and it's honestly so good. Destroyed me emotionally lol but in the best way that good writing and characterization does.
I don't know if you're much of a gamer, but I always find myself replaying the Portal series every couple years; usually just long enough that I've completely forgotten how to solve the puzzles and get frustrated xD
@@JillBearup Portal is one of the best designed puzzle games. Everything it teaches you is something you need again later, and it is teaching you things even in the final act, so you never stop learning things. As an aside, it has a really fun story, but honestly some of the biggest emotional moments in the game were accidental on the part of the developers in the pursuit of "Things needed to know to solve things" Portal 2 is a dang good story, that also happens to be in an really well designed puzzle game. To this day, people have been asking for a Portal 3, but honestly, if there is one, it needs a different main character, because the character you play in Portal 2's story is done to an incredibly satisfying degree, and to do anything more would be a disservice. Edit: Portal isn't required for Portal 2, but partially because [plot spoilers] it will make more sense if you play the less story heavy game, before the better story. Portal is great at teaching you how to play the game, while telling a story. Portal 2 is great at telling a story, while teaching you how to play.
@@JillBearup If nothing else, I think you will appreciate the writing in Portal. The dialogue (or monologue, I guess, since there's only one speaking character, at least in the first one) is wickedly funny.
I've really enjoyed the One Crisis at a Time shorts and realized Jill has an entire RU-vid channel only this week. And Gosh, I already love this creator 😂 What a gem of a human being
I have always enjoyed reading Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson and Alpha and Omega books. I can't tell you how many time I come back to them but it has been several. As far as television media I really enjoyed a Chinese show called The Untamed. I've watched it through four times now and own all fifty episodes. Almost every years around the same time (December) I start watching it again and I will catch something that I missed before. It's a great show and I think anyone who likes Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery type shows should give it a watch.
I keep coming back, time and again, to the Aubrey - Maturin novels of Patrick O'Brian. There's something about them that just makes my soul happy, it's like a hug. If ever I am lost, I can go back to the octagonal music room in Port Mahon.
Fun, fun, fun vid! Something I haven't gotten back to, and something I have viewed so many times I can pretty much quote the movie verbatim is The Dark Crystal. There were some scenes that scare the bejesus out of me as a kid, but the world, that physical, visceral, mystical world created by the Frouds and Jim Henson kept brining me back. The snark of Augra, the conniving Chamberlain, the bravery of Kira and the kindness of Jen kept making more an more impact on each successive viewing. And it still has my favorite definition of writing in any media. KIRA: What's writing? JEN: Words that stay. Pure magic. And oh yeah, the prequel was pretty dang good, too!
The one show I watch over and over again, regardless if I'm sick or not is The Disastrous Life Of Saki K. I think it's because of how good the first voice actor was, and just how much fun it pokes at other animes and itself.
You're just at the "Yelling at Clouds" stage? I am currently working through my "Screaming into the Wind" phase. "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns" are my go-to comfort movies, who doesn't feel better watching Rick and Evie frolic with the undead?
Best line from the director’s commentary on the original, about the cgi flood of scarab beeetles: “Look at thst poor guy at the back. He’s not going to eat _anybody_.”
"support the artist you like" is the best advice you can give today. I have to say I found your channel because of the fencing, but went in the older videos and really liked a lot of "stuff you like" Regarding things I always come back to, specially as "confort food": The Stallone version of Judge Dredd Pacific Rim Kill la Kill
Thanks for doing what you do! Glad you're feeling better. I know what they say about first drafts, but I prefer this quote. “Every first draft is perfect, because all a first draft has to do is exist.” ― Jane Smiley
for me, i always come back to the 'Cats' movie (1998) it's weird and a lot of people find it offputting with the inherent um.. sexual? nature of the choreography and its uncanny costumes. But its quite literally a genius way of storytelling with how it flips the different uses of song types in musicals on its head by giving the antagonist (Grizabella) the only 'i want' song (which is usually only sung by the protagonist) and the rest of the cats getting 'i am' songs (manly sung by the antagonist) all while having an INCREDIBLY simple plot to follow (each sing to represent themselves/ honour each other in case they're picked to get a new life) with great visuals and catchy songs! Plus after a few rewatches you start noticing really funny character moments in the back so it still stays entertaining lol that and its one of the few musical movies actually filmed on a stage!!
Glad you’re feeling better! If you’re looking for a good book series while you finish recovering, the Kate Daniels books by Ilona Andrews are great. She carries a sword and she’s slightly snarky 😎
Love Ilona Andrews, but my comfort searies of their's is definitely the Hidden Legacy searies. Especially the audio. I have White Hot on my phone and will sometimes just listen to favorite scenes when down.
Glad to see you feeling better enough to make a video! When I had Covid I couldn't focus on anything for too long, it hurt my head too much (which was very frustrating). So I rewatched the entirety of Miss Fischer's Murder Mysteries and Firefly.
My current go-to is a Korean drama called Extraordinary Attorney Woo. It's super cute and heartfelt and makes me happy. I have no idea how well it represents the Korean legal system or what it's like to be a lawyer in Korea, but I'm pretty sure that that is not even in the top five for concerns when they were making it. One of the things that I particularly enjoyed about it is that unlike a lot of k-dramas it's not a marathon of suffering. There are some downer moments but you never finish an episode feeling like you've just been flogged by the universe. For the most part it's a very warm and cozy show, even when it's dealing with uncomfortable topics.
The Secret Garden is the most comforting book I know. I also love listening to the Redwall audio books. The stories get predictable but the different voices and songs are a treat.
YESS! Redwall audiobooks are a TREASURE. I don't think I would make it through the books if I were to just sit down and read them, but the voices make everything magical, and they're perfect for long car rides.
@@evah3136 😁 yeah I really love them! especially the descriptions of all the food they eat 😋 do you know there's a Redwall cookbook? I checked out from the library once and the recipes are actually pretty good!
I re-read more than I re-watch. The Secret Garden has had many reads because it is about a little girl who is unhappy and unloved and all alone in the world who gradually finds her place and learns to love herself. Also Terry Pratchett. I read Mistborn because of this channel, I liked it but the ending felt weak. I read all of Robin Hobb in about a year because her story telling and world building is epic and consistent and there are pay offs that are worth getting to. Oh and Priscilla Queen of the Desert is iconic and I love it.
So lowkey one of my favorite movies made by Studio Ghibli is "Whisper of the Heart." It's a movie you almost never see talked about as it one of the least fantastical movies the studio ever made. In fact, IIRC if you watch the American dub trailer you might be completely confused what the movie is actually about. But once you get past that it's a very quiet little movie about a young girl who reads a lot, both because she enjoys it but also because she's avoiding the fact that she's getting closer to adulthood and everyone is expecting her to figure out what she's going to do with her life even though she has no idea. The movie is about her moving forward through that, not even necessarily making a big statement of what she'll eventually be, but realizing there are possibilities. It's also a movie about being willing to follow a passion, and giving yourself permission to be bad at it at first, which I greatly appreciate.
The Cat Returns is more fantastical but a worthy sequel/prequel/spinoff also. Along the same lines, pretty much any Shinkai-verse dubbed movie is an easy watch when too sick/too tired. If you don't mind a little melancholy, thematically.
My go to relax media is The Incredibles or Lord of The Rings. Incredibles because the heroes are 'heroes' who just want to do good in a world that just wants to be left alone. I also relate to and enjoy the family dynamic. LoTR was a formative book in my younger years and Peter Jackson brought my mind's eye to life and I just love to watch the visuals. My wife has either Hunt for Red October or The Fifth Element. She loves sub movies and this one has her Sean Connery and good action. The Fifth Element is just a fun ride.
Downton Abbey is my mom’s and my go-to. Last year she was super stressed with her job and trying to sell our house, and so every evening after she came home we’d sit down and watch an episode or two. Just the opening theme would give an instant serotonin boost. It’s the most wonderful mix of “pretty clothes in a pretty house in a pretty countryside” and witty banter, and heartfelt emotional scenes, like you straight up go from ogling Lady Mary’s dress to snickering at Mrs. Patmore’s latest iconic line, to wanting to jump into the screen and give Mr. Barrows a hug. It’s so good
I loved scrolling through this comment section - so many of these are good ones. Some of my favorite comfort books, in no particular order: - The Chronicles of Chrestomancy, by Diana Wynne Jones: same author as Howl's Moving Castle, same warm off-kilter magical fun. She's brilliant. - Fruits Basket, by Natsuki Takaya: Heartwarming rom-com manga about a family that can turn into animals. Bring tissues. - Sunshine, by Robin McKinley: Coffeehouse baker fights vampires. Mature content warning for violence and (some) sex, but there's something weirdly wonderful about the cast of characters and their kindness to each other.
I love watching Studio C! I'm a fan of the original cast (up to season 9), but the new cast has some good sketches too! Their skits are usually short and the comedy often comes from unexpected places or from them taking a concept to the extreme. It can be a little repetitive, but when you just want something simple, repetitive with a twist is great!
Oh my! Your sideswipe at latter Honor Harrington books absolutely hit the nail on the head. Early to Mid series? Absolutely fantastic military sci-fi. The Honerverse spin-off series books? Great stuff, at least those that I read! Then David Weber reached some sort of critical mass where the world took over from telling a good story. The last Honor Harrington book I read was like a compilation of vignettes, mostly spotlighting on other characters of the Honorverse, and Honor herself only seemed tp feature in about 10% of the book. It was as if Weber became so wrapped up in his worldbuilding he wrote a novel that only really served as a hub that linked the various spin-off series together and was trying to weave the big picture story together. But in doing so turned the book in its own right into an unsatisfying slog. But to comply with the request for positivity, I'd repeat that early-to-mid series books that told Honor's story are fantastic. The other media property I return to time and again, having just finished my umpteenth rewatch of series+movie is Firefly/Serenity.
My favorite movie to watch while I'm sick is 'The Princess Bride' which is known as the 'sick person' movie in my family! It's funny and so very quotable. I sometimes judge people if they don't recognize the source of my quotes, and think they are lacking in taste, intelligence or probably both! And I loved your breakdown of the sword-fights, because I grew up watching 'Captain Blood' or Errol Flynn or...
My comfort read is basically anything ever written by Ilona Andrews. Especially their humourous slice of life fantasy series the Innkeeper Chronicles (comforting bed and breakfast vibes + pure chaos + space vampires are guaranteed to get a smile out of me). Or nostalgic favourites like Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness series. Honestly - I just reread something from one of my favourite authors anytime I need to relax
