I love the way you review books you didn't like, saying "I got on with it a little bit less" and "not all books are for everyone". It's lovely how you respect every book and every author, even if it wasn't for you.
I listened to Mars House and it was so captivating and I just flew through it. I really enjoyed it and there was so much in the book that I will need to revisit on a second listen.
You did such a good job with clearing out your shelves because you read so much! It pains me to say I have never felt called to Rushdie's writing... And I'm so glad to see you liked Shuggie Bain. It's a sad one, but very well done as well. I highly recommend Young Mungo as well, which I loved even more. And very interesting to hear your thoughts on the mars house as that is one my friend and I were considering doing a buddy read for, but couldn't quite decide!
Katie, I love Rushdie but I do think The Satanic Verses is his hardest book to read, I think you’d love some of his historical novels like The Moors Last Sigh, The Enchantress of Florence or Victory City. 👍
📚 I have been thinking of reading "The Satanic Verses" for a loooong time but I'm always hesitating. I'll probably check it out at the library before buying it. Thank you!!❤
Katie, who ever notices the length of your videos when the content is so rich? Not me. April’s reading wrap-up was really informative, especially The Mars House. The enjoyment and pleasure you expressed for this novel was genuine, authentic, and contagious. I appreciated each detail you revealed and would like to read this book, even though sci-fi is not something I normally enjoy. I read C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy, and admittedly, I had to slog through much of it. I guess I don’t have an ethereal mind! Yet, I love a lot of his other writings.
I love Midnight's Children and Satanic Verses, and generally, I can say Rushdie is a hero for my generation. These are both very good books and modern classics.
I haven't read the book you presented by L.P. Hartley but really loved The go-between. I didn't really love The watchmaker of Filigree street yet, ok, I'll give Mars a go 😁 Thank you for sharing, you (greatly) increased my TBR pile. Again 😂 - not a bad thing , never !
To be honest, I love Natasha Pulley so much, but I can also see how not everyone would get on with her books, so if you didn't get on with Watchmaker, you might find you just don't love her books!
Your story of reading Rushdie on holiday reminds me of when I was twenty and I went on a trip to Montreal at Chriatmastime, it's beautiful and one of the oldest cities in Canada, I was sitting in cafes and skating and walking historic streets and the book I brought was The Catcher in The Rye. I think I would have hated the book at any time but it was just so not the time but I hadn't brought anything else to read.
Well done on finishing Satanic Verses. Don't know how many times I've read the opening scene and then got distracted by another book. Fast becoming my Moby Dick, so maybe SV too will become a favorite one day. Thinking I should move on to Haroun and the Sea of Stories as my SR starter. Despite being written for kids, I hear adults can get a lot out of it about the importance of stories and not remaining silent. 📖
📖 I felt exactly the same way about A Town Like Alice. I would've been happy if it had ended at about the midway point. The second half was like a completely different book and I ended up really disliking the two main characters.
April 1. Robin Hood by Henry Gilbert 2. The Winter’s Tale by Shakespeare 3. A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by: T. King Fisher 4. A History of the Philippines by Luis H. Francia 5. Rebecca’s Tale by Sally Beauman 6. Anne of Avonlea by LM Montgomery 7. Pocahontas and Captain John Smith: The Story of the Virginia Colony By: Marie Lawson 8. When Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe Rebecca's Tale was my favorite for April and I enjoyed Anne of Avonlea and A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking. They were fun. I read most of Robin Hood in March, but read the last few chapters in April. I had fun with it, but was surprised by some of the aspects in the story. The Winter's Tale was disappointing, but I might like it better watching the play. I appreciated all the information that A History of Philippines gave me and helped me learn more about my grandmother's homeland. Pocahontas and Captain John Smith was a good starting point for young readers, but focuses more on the English Colonists than the Native Americans. I didn't finish When Elephants Dance until May. It's sad and intense. It is set during WWII when the Japanese took over the Philippines reminding me of what Hitler and the Nazi's did to the Jews. I enjoyed the stories that older characters tell to the younger characters throughout.📚
If you want to try more Nevil Shute I recommend Requiem for a Wren, set in and after the Second World War: I can't say more as it might spoil the mystery!
I read Midnight's Children this March and I really struggled with it. I'm used to the Borges-García Márquez magical realism books so I was really surprised that I did not enjoy MC. Knowing you didn't enjoy Satanic Verses, I might not pick it up any time soon. 😅 Thanks for that.
Hey, I am listening to a review of the book the Darcy Myth by Rachel Feder. Have you heard of this? From what I heard it is poorly written and is terribly research. I am curious with your background and your own personal Jane Austen scholarship your opinion. It would be amazing to hear your views for Jane Austen in July.
I love the way you review books you didn't like, saying "I got on with it a little bit less" and "not all books are for everyone". It's lovely how you respect every book and every author, even if it wasn't for you.
Thanks! :)
I just love hearing you say "Right,so hello" I know a great video is coming!!!😊🎉
Thank you ☺️
I listened to Mars House and it was so captivating and I just flew through it. I really enjoyed it and there was so much in the book that I will need to revisit on a second listen.
I agree with your comments on A Town Like Alice. I did enjoy his book On The Beach if you want another of his to read.
📚 Great wrap up video. I really love how you describe books…even ones I’m not that interested in have me more intrigued after listening to you!
Thanks, Jen :)
You did such a good job with clearing out your shelves because you read so much! It pains me to say I have never felt called to Rushdie's writing... And I'm so glad to see you liked Shuggie Bain. It's a sad one, but very well done as well. I highly recommend Young Mungo as well, which I loved even more. And very interesting to hear your thoughts on the mars house as that is one my friend and I were considering doing a buddy read for, but couldn't quite decide!
Love your reviews thanks.
I ordered The Revels, The Stranger's Companion and The Heroines while watching this video!
Excellent!
Katie, I love Rushdie but I do think The Satanic Verses is his hardest book to read, I think you’d love some of his historical novels like The Moors Last Sigh, The Enchantress of Florence or Victory City. 👍
Yes, I definitely want to read other things by him at some point!
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I made it to the end. You have a few books here that I’d like to give a try
Great TBR clear out! I would be very, very happy if I could read occasionally just one fourth of what you read in April!🧡
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📚 I have been thinking of reading "The Satanic Verses" for a loooong time but I'm always hesitating. I'll probably check it out at the library before buying it. Thank you!!❤
I’m straight out to buy the Mars house, love your review and can’t wait.
Katie, who ever notices the length of your videos when the content is so rich? Not me. April’s reading wrap-up was really informative, especially The Mars House. The enjoyment and pleasure you expressed for this novel was genuine, authentic, and contagious. I appreciated each detail you revealed and would like to read this book, even though sci-fi is not something I normally enjoy. I read C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy, and admittedly, I had to slog through much of it. I guess I don’t have an ethereal mind! Yet, I love a lot of his other writings.
Thank you very much, Larry!
17 books, geesh, that is incredible!
📚I heard cult and I'm instantly intrigued 😅
I love Midnight's Children and Satanic Verses, and generally, I can say Rushdie is a hero for my generation. These are both very good books and modern classics.
I haven't read the book you presented by L.P. Hartley but really loved The go-between. I didn't really love The watchmaker of Filigree street yet, ok, I'll give Mars a go 😁 Thank you for sharing, you (greatly) increased my TBR pile. Again 😂 - not a bad thing , never !
To be honest, I love Natasha Pulley so much, but I can also see how not everyone would get on with her books, so if you didn't get on with Watchmaker, you might find you just don't love her books!
Thank you for recommending Leeward. I loved it. Is there a follow up/ sequel?
I think that must have been someone else - I haven't read Leeward.
📚I made it to the end! I read A Town Like Alice maybe 50 years ago, and found it dated then!
Your story of reading Rushdie on holiday reminds me of when I was twenty and I went on a trip to Montreal at Chriatmastime, it's beautiful and one of the oldest cities in Canada, I was sitting in cafes and skating and walking historic streets and the book I brought was The Catcher in The Rye. I think I would have hated the book at any time but it was just so not the time but I hadn't brought anything else to read.
Haha, sometimes it's just not the right time for a book, is it?
Well done on finishing Satanic Verses. Don't know how many times I've read the opening scene and then got distracted by another book. Fast becoming my Moby Dick, so maybe SV too will become a favorite one day. Thinking I should move on to Haroun and the Sea of Stories as my SR starter. Despite being written for kids, I hear adults can get a lot out of it about the importance of stories and not remaining silent. 📖
I have heard good thoughts about Haroun and the Sea of Stories!
📚 this serves as my reminder that i still have to read Natasha pulley!!!! Her latest scifi sounds very interesting
📖 I felt exactly the same way about A Town Like Alice. I would've been happy if it had ended at about the midway point. The second half was like a completely different book and I ended up really disliking the two main characters.
Good to know I wasn't alone there!
April
1. Robin Hood by Henry Gilbert
2. The Winter’s Tale by Shakespeare
3. A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by: T. King Fisher
4. A History of the Philippines by Luis H. Francia
5. Rebecca’s Tale by Sally Beauman
6. Anne of Avonlea by LM Montgomery
7. Pocahontas and Captain John Smith: The Story of the Virginia Colony By: Marie Lawson
8. When Elephants Dance by Tess Uriza Holthe
Rebecca's Tale was my favorite for April and I enjoyed Anne of Avonlea and A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking. They were fun. I read most of Robin Hood in March, but read the last few chapters in April. I had fun with it, but was surprised by some of the aspects in the story. The Winter's Tale was disappointing, but I might like it better watching the play. I appreciated all the information that A History of Philippines gave me and helped me learn more about my grandmother's homeland. Pocahontas and Captain John Smith was a good starting point for young readers, but focuses more on the English Colonists than the Native Americans. I didn't finish When Elephants Dance until May. It's sad and intense. It is set during WWII when the Japanese took over the Philippines reminding me of what Hitler and the Nazi's did to the Jews. I enjoyed the stories that older characters tell to the younger characters throughout.📚
If you want to try more Nevil Shute I recommend Requiem for a Wren, set in and after the Second World War: I can't say more as it might spoil the mystery!
I read Midnight's Children this March and I really struggled with it. I'm used to the Borges-García Márquez magical realism books so I was really surprised that I did not enjoy MC. Knowing you didn't enjoy Satanic Verses, I might not pick it up any time soon. 😅 Thanks for that.
Hey, I am listening to a review of the book the Darcy Myth by Rachel Feder. Have you heard of this? From what I heard it is poorly written and is terribly research. I am curious with your background and your own personal Jane Austen scholarship your opinion. It would be amazing to hear your views for Jane Austen in July.
Not one I've read, I'm afraid!
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