How wonderful that the Booker Prize Committee recognized your commitment and expert book analyses! Congratulations on your sponsorship! Who knows, maybe in a few years you'll be one of the judges ;).
Wow, not going to lie, I’m sad about The Colony being waylaid, it seemed to be the book to beat. But I’m very happy to see Small Things Like These make the cut. Still have Trees and Glory in the queue at the library to read in the interim leading up to the final announcement. Eric congrats on your deeper involvement with the Booker, they picked an excellent ambassador to help promote the proceedings!
Incredibly annoyed that Treacle Walker was shortlisted when The Colony was overlooked. What were the judges thinking? Did they just pick the shortest books? Neil talked about language linking the books. What was The Colony about but language and culture? Delighted for The Seven Moons ( which I think will win) & Small Things.
I'm completely baffled by the choice of Treacle Walker - not only do I feel like it is the least-good book on the whole list, but it's one of the least enjoyable reading experiences I've had all year. I was shocked it was longlisted...and now shortlisted?? Things like this make me think that I must be really quite dumb and not understand literature at all, even though I have a literary degree and read hundreds of books a year, haha.
I was so surprised by the inclusion of Oh William. I had just finished it Sunday, it was a good book but not one I would have chosen Off this list I am most excited for Maali Almedia.
So pleased to see Seven Moons and Small Things. Treacle Walker I found had so many layers . Nearly finished The Trees and have Glory and Oh William on order. Fingers crossed for Claire Keegan so far.
Congrats on your sponsorship! That’s lovely. I am stunned by this shortlist. Extremely happy about Trees and Seven Moons. Really surprised that Colony and Maps are not there. Delighted to see Keegan on the shortlist. Completely confused that Oh William! is there even though I am a Strout fan. Befuddled by the Garner.
Thank you and yeah, it's a head scratcher. I would have loved to hear the judges' decision process. I'm reading Maps at the moment and enjoying it so far.
I came for the video AND the comments, lol. I finished The Trees yesterday and I'm thrilled it made it. Also excited to see Small Things Like These here.
Congratulations on the sponsorship, Eric - so deserved. I came across your channel last year when I wanted some Booker prize reviews/thoughts & have followed you ever since, you're a great reviewer & I always look forward to your videos. Of the shortlist I've read 'Treacle Walker', 'Small Things Like These'' & 'Trees' so far - although haven't read the others would like 'Trees' to win for the writing & subject. Disappointed not to see 'The Colony' shortlisted. Cheers!
I am a huge Strout fan. She is a must read author for me. I don't think Oh William is her best, but glad she will get further recognition from its place on the short list. Pretty stunned that The Colony didn't make the cut. That is the one that I thought for sure was going all the way to the win. So, as for what's left on the list I hope Claire Keegan takes it. Her book is a gem.
Excellent commentary as always, Eric and congratulations on the Booker sponsorship. Those judges have certainly been paying attention to who is promoting reading with your accessible approach and perceptive analyses. I read Glory and Small Things Like These as my two books that interest me from the long list. Both are exceptional and I am very happy they made the short list. Of the two, I would favor Glory for the prize since I feel humor is tricky to get across in such a politically dark story, but it was exquisite in Glory. I'm most interested in reading Trees and Seven Moons, but I'm not sure when I will get to them. Thanks again, Eric. You are doing great work.
Thanks so much! That’s kind of you to say and I’m so glad you found Glory to be so impactful. It’s definitely a strong contender. Hope you get time to read Trees and Seven Moons as well.
The one I'm most excited to read from the shortlist is The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. It sounds wonderful and unlike anything I've ever read before. Definitely want to read The Trees too ☺
Hey Eric, congratulations on the sponsorship. Very well deserved. I read 7 books out of the 13 from the longlist and 3 books from the shortlist. My favorite so far is The Trees.
Thank you for walking us through the shortlist. I've ordered Treacle Walker and can't wait to read it. I would love to have seen After Sappho make the shortlist.
Congratulations on the sponsorship! Looking forward to see your next videos. Also, I felt more excited about the longlist than I do about the shortlist... But I still have to actually read the books so I may be misjudging them!
Congratulations on your Booker sponsorship. They need to make you a judge. The long list for the Giller prize came out today and everything on the Booker short list is way more interesting this year.
An ok list and a very nice jacket! My favourite out of the 6 would be Maali Almeida, which I love but also loved The Trees and Treacle Walker... Couldn't even finish Glory.
Super happy with this shortlist!! I am gutted my favourite Maps Of Our Spectacular Bodies isn’t there but I think it’s fantastic list!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it with us 🥰 Moons for the WIN!!! 😉
I picked three. Surprised to see The Colony not there. I would have picked that over Small Things Like These. I hope The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida will win.
I only read The Trees so far and while I'm not an avid reader I've got to say it was fucking hilarious and I had a great time following the characters and seeing all the fucked up things they go through. It's a baby bit heavy with the discussion of lynching and the many victims of our MORE fucked up America of the past, but still manages to make you bust up out loud with how funny the characters are and how they take things in stride. Brill.
I havent read any of these books but from what I've heard others say about the books I'm very surprised at some of these inclusions and also some of the exclusions. Maybe time for me to read some of them
Thank you for creating a great introduction to the final stages of the Booker Prize. It's marvellous to have some unbiased and well considered thoughts to get things kick started, as this is where I jump in each year. So, shortlist now ordered and raring to go. Oh, and that's a splendid jacket by the way. Have fun evening.
I'm not a great follower of prize lists but have been taken in by your enthusiasm for the Booker. Delighted for you to be sponsored by them. Well deserved, you must be delighted. Fingers crossed for The Trees.
My shortlist prediction was: . Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies . Nightcrawling . The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida . Booth . The Trees . Glory As it turns out, I was half right. I am stunned about Treacle Walker - maybe I'm too dumb to understand the book but I really did not care for it at all. I was also surprised Maps didn't make it on the list. I was pleasantly surprised Oh William! made it - that's one I really liked but didn't think it had the right appeal to make the list. I'm going to put out a prediction that The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida wins the prize. It's not my favorite of the actual shortlist, but I think it's most likely to win. I managed to read the whole longlist before today. Here's my own personal enjoyment ranking of the books: 1. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies 2. Trust 3. Nightcrawling 4. Oh William! 5. After Sappho 6. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida 7. Case Study 8. Booth 9. The Trees 10. The Colony 11. Small Things Like These 12. Glory 13. Treacle Walker
Wow - congrats on the sponsorship and looking forward to what you do with it. I’m surprised The Colony didn’t make the list - I thought it was a bolt on. But glad to see Glory and Treacle Walker on the list, also my picks!
I was slowly working through the longlist, and was a bit surprised that the 4 I'd read are all on the shortlist. Should buy myself a lottery ticket, not often I pick winners! Of the 4, my order of favourites is Treacle Walker, The Trees, Small Things..., and Oh William.
I have to say I was a bit stunned when the shortlist was announced, especially wanted to see The Colony and Trust. I tried Nightcrawling but was put off by the writing, although I loved the premise and characters. I had planned to pick it up again if it made the short list. So... I guess I've got some reading to do! The Trees and Glory were available at my library so they'll be first. And congratulations on the Booker sponsorship, Eric! That's so wonderful! 😊
Congratulations on your sponsorship, and I think it is well deserved (and about _ _ _ _ time 😁) . I have always enjoyed and valued your videos on the Booker and International Booker.
I'm currently reading Treacle Walker and Glory. I've read the other four. As of now, I think my choice for winner would be The Seven Moons.... I think I'll reread Oh, William before the winner is announced.
Ah such a quick reaction! Yay! I'm definitely really disappointed by some of these picks, I just don't understand. But pleased for The Trees and Seven Moons.
I have yet to read Small Things, Seven Moons , Glory or Treacle Walker. I’m intrigued by Treacle Walker and it’s the man’s birthday come on. But it think Trees was excellent and Percival Everett is an excellent writer. I too enjoyed The Colony and found it to be a page turner and thought it might be predictable but never was.
I was soooo disappointed - from a great longlist I think the shortlist is very disappointing. I was sure the Colony would be on, and hoped also for Case Book and Trust. Two of my second place books are there, The Trees and Small Things Like These. But I have to say this was a downer for me.
Oooo, congratulations on being sponsored by the award/foundation Eric. That's amazing! I think this shortlist was... interesting. I got only 2 (technically 3) books right and I really wasn't expecting some of the books to be on here and really thought some others would be. So I'm shooketh!
I'd read eight of the longlist and five of them got through, so I've only got Glory to read before 17 October. I was surprised and disappointed to see Nightcrawler didn't get through, and I'd also have liked to see Case Study shortlisted (I haven't read The Colony so can't comment on that). Treacle Walker is my favourite of the books so far, but I can see why it divides people. I suspect people who are 50+ and were brought up in Britain will be the ones it appeals to most. It has vibes of family television shows of the 60s and 70s. As I child I remember seeing the television adaptation of Alan Garner's The Owl Service which utterly terrified me. A few years ago I read the book. As an adult I understood it better and absolutely loved it. I can see why Alan Garner doesn't like being labelled a children's author - he really isn't!
I'm 50 plus and brought up in Britain and had no idea about what was happening at Treacle Walker. Read The Owl Service as a kid but not read anything of his work since then. Need to revisit this book. Maybe 2nd time round it will make sense
I absolutely loved it - and do fit your description! I found it so playful, but that playfulness hides a profundity. I found it really helpful to hear AG explain that 'Treacle' in the title has the old meaning of 'an antidote to poison'.
Shocked about Trust not making the shortlist, although perhaps I shouldn’t be. Still thinking Small Things Like These will win (but with the Strout making the shortlist, who knows???)
Congratulations on your sponsorship.it is well deserved as your reviews are helpful and enlightened. Very happy for you. Of course being anIrish reader I am rooting for Clare Keegan,
So sad to see The Colony was bumped out.. wonder if having two books set in Ireland was just not acceptable 🤔 I’m in the middle of The Trees right now and am definitely engrossed and entertained by it. Reading Claire Keagan next although I was planning on waiting until December with it.
Did not not like Animal Farm, so I probably won’t read Glory. Will read The Trees, once I stop grieving over the exclusion of both The Colony and Case Study. 😩
I am so glad Strout, Keegan, Everett and Shehan K. are nominated. I am still disgruntled with Garner’s book being nominated. I wished some other book got the place instead. Also, I am so excited to read ‘Lucy by the Sea’!
Great video as always! Of the nominees on the shortlist, the only one I've read so far is The Trees. I found it disappointing and repetitive, and the satire missed the mark way too frequently for me. I look forward to reading Glory.
I’m not sure the Keegan book isn’t a novella and therefore not eligible - surprised it made it to the longlist, but to have it on the shortlist is a shocker. I don’t understand why Garner made the shortlist either. It’s not really on the same level as the rest. The other four are defensible.
Not happy that Maps is not on the shortlist. I'm about to start The Colony, I know many loved it. I love Strout but I don't think Oh, William should have been shortlisted.
interestingly, Treacle Walker has 46 blank/chapter numbered pages, which means it is only 106 pages of text.. making it the shortest book. 10 pages less than Small Things Like These. its odd this hasn't been noticed. I read it in 20 mins less time than Small Things Like These.
Very surprised ‘The Colony’ and ‘Maps..’ didn’t make it but pleased to see ‘Small things like these’ and ‘Oh William’. I hadn’t read any Elizabeth Stroud before and wasn’t expecting to enjoy it. I found her writing to feel effortless but with some edge and depth that surprised me. Both ‘Treacle walker’ and ‘The Trees’ have really remained in my imagination even though they didn’t really work for me. Without knowing enough about English Mythology and his other books ‘Treacle Walker’ felt quite garbled particularly with the comic book elements but there is something very powerful in it and I feel intrigued enough to want to find out more about the author and the references he’s conjuring.
I must say I am underwhelmed by this years Booker List. The only glimmer of hope was The Colony. I think the Booker would be much improved with the removal of novels from writers from the USA: they remove opportunities for better books from Australia, Ne Zealand etc. This years crop of US novels was appalling.
No South Africans this year, either. I agree with limiting the number of US books on the long list; however, I absolutely do not agree, as an American reader, with the absence of Trust on this shortlist.
How wonderful that the Booker Prize Committee recognized your commitment and expert book analyses! Congratulations on your sponsorship! Who knows, maybe in a few years you'll be one of the judges ;).
Thank you! Ooh, that'd be so exciting. 🤞
@@EricKarlAnderson Yes, keeping my fingers crossed ;)
Therefore TRUST will be the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Seven Moons or Treacle Walker.
omg I am SO suprised that maps of our spectacular bodies is not on the shortlist
Shameful oversight. Esp when Oh William made it. I am so put out I no longer care who wins.
I started reading it this morning and it is really striking
Just finished Glory. It was cleverly written but didn't grip me. Very pleased that Small Things made it to the shortlist.
The US cover of “The Trees” have the names of men who have been lynched in the background.
Wow, not going to lie, I’m sad about The Colony being waylaid, it seemed to be the book to beat. But I’m very happy to see Small Things Like These make the cut. Still have Trees and Glory in the queue at the library to read in the interim leading up to the final announcement. Eric congrats on your deeper involvement with the Booker, they picked an excellent ambassador to help promote the proceedings!
Thanks so much!
The Trees! Yeah!!
🎉
Incredibly annoyed that Treacle Walker was shortlisted when The Colony was overlooked. What were the judges thinking? Did they just pick the shortest books? Neil talked about language linking the books. What was The Colony about but language and culture? Delighted for The Seven Moons ( which I think will win) & Small Things.
I thought only one Irish writer would make the list, but I positive it was going to be The Colony! I don’t know how they chose this list. It’s nuts.
I'm completely baffled by the choice of Treacle Walker - not only do I feel like it is the least-good book on the whole list, but it's one of the least enjoyable reading experiences I've had all year. I was shocked it was longlisted...and now shortlisted?? Things like this make me think that I must be really quite dumb and not understand literature at all, even though I have a literary degree and read hundreds of books a year, haha.
I could not get through The Colony. I need more plot than what it was offering.
I found The Colony far too obvious.
Bit surprised by Oh William but glad that Claire Keegan is there.
I was so surprised by the inclusion of Oh William. I had just finished it Sunday, it was a good book but not one I would have chosen Off this list I am most excited for Maali Almedia.
So pleased to see Seven Moons and Small Things. Treacle Walker I found had so many layers . Nearly finished The Trees and have Glory and Oh William on order. Fingers crossed for Claire Keegan so far.
Congrats on your sponsorship! That’s lovely. I am stunned by this shortlist. Extremely happy about Trees and Seven Moons. Really surprised that Colony and Maps are not there. Delighted to see Keegan on the shortlist. Completely confused that Oh William! is there even though I am a Strout fan. Befuddled by the Garner.
Thank you and yeah, it's a head scratcher. I would have loved to hear the judges' decision process. I'm reading Maps at the moment and enjoying it so far.
I came for the video AND the comments, lol. I finished The Trees yesterday and I'm thrilled it made it. Also excited to see Small Things Like These here.
Just saw the list. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?
😅📚
i predicted 5 of the 6, unprecedented! I'm gonna go into professional betting now 😂
Britta! Well done! Should I put a bet on your predicted winner?
Well done! There’s a good living to be made from betting on book prizes! 😄
@@janethansen9612 I wouldn't if I were you, I'm never right with predictions, so this must be fluke! 😆
Well done!
My pick is Small Things to win, but from the pre-reveal speech, I have a feeling that the judges are leaning towards The Trees or Treacle Walker.
Congratulations on the sponsorship, Eric - so deserved. I came across your channel last year when I wanted some Booker prize reviews/thoughts & have followed you ever since, you're a great reviewer & I always look forward to your videos. Of the shortlist I've read 'Treacle Walker', 'Small Things Like These'' & 'Trees' so far - although haven't read the others would like 'Trees' to win for the writing & subject. Disappointed not to see 'The Colony' shortlisted. Cheers!
Thank you so much! That’s great to hear. So glad you’re a fan of Trees as well and yes, such a shame about The Colony.
I am a huge Strout fan. She is a must read author for me. I don't think Oh William is her best, but glad she will get further recognition from its place on the short list.
Pretty stunned that The Colony didn't make the cut. That is the one that I thought for sure was going all the way to the win.
So, as for what's left on the list I hope Claire Keegan takes it. Her book is a gem.
Excellent commentary as always, Eric and congratulations on the Booker sponsorship. Those judges have certainly been paying attention to who is promoting reading with your accessible approach and perceptive analyses. I read Glory and Small Things Like These as my two books that interest me from the long list. Both are exceptional and I am very happy they made the short list. Of the two, I would favor Glory for the prize since I feel humor is tricky to get across in such a politically dark story, but it was exquisite in Glory. I'm most interested in reading Trees and Seven Moons, but I'm not sure when I will get to them. Thanks again, Eric. You are doing great work.
Thanks so much! That’s kind of you to say and I’m so glad you found Glory to be so impactful. It’s definitely a strong contender. Hope you get time to read Trees and Seven Moons as well.
The one I'm most excited to read from the shortlist is The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. It sounds wonderful and unlike anything I've ever read before. Definitely want to read The Trees too ☺
Seven Moons is entirely original it’s such a pleasure to read.
Hey Eric, congratulations on the sponsorship. Very well deserved.
I read 7 books out of the 13 from the longlist and 3 books from the shortlist.
My favorite so far is The Trees.
Thank you! The Trees is very special.
Thank you for walking us through the shortlist. I've ordered Treacle Walker and can't wait to read it. I would love to have seen After Sappho make the shortlist.
Congratulations on the sponsorship! Looking forward to see your next videos. Also, I felt more excited about the longlist than I do about the shortlist... But I still have to actually read the books so I may be misjudging them!
Congratulations on your Booker sponsorship. They need to make you a judge. The long list for the Giller prize came out today and everything on the Booker short list is way more interesting this year.
Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?! Thank you!
An ok list and a very nice jacket! My favourite out of the 6 would be Maali Almeida, which I love but also loved The Trees and Treacle Walker... Couldn't even finish Glory.
Congrats on your sponsorship 🤩
I'm looking forward to diving into the shortlist now - have only read 2 of them.
Thank you! Hope you find some new favourites. 📚
So happy for Claire Keegan and The Trees has been one of those books that just stay with me. A fascinating shortlist
Yes, it’s haunting!
I love this shortlist!! I'm so happy that Treacle Walker made it!!!
Me too!
Congrats Eric 👏. So pleases to see Glory, The Trees and Small Things. Not a fan of Treacle Walker. The other 2 I haven't read
😊📚
Super happy with this shortlist!! I am gutted my favourite Maps Of Our Spectacular Bodies isn’t there but I think it’s fantastic list!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on it with us 🥰
Moons for the WIN!!! 😉
If it’s any consolation I’m reading Maps at the moment and really enjoying it. But yes, a great list overall.
Was hoping to see Trust. The Trees and Seven Moons definitely seem like my kind of thing.
I’m still keen to read Trust. I’ve had some strong personal recommendations for it recently.
Congratulations on the sponsorship! That's awesome! I'm really disappointed Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies didn't make the cut.
Thank you! 😊
I picked three. Surprised to see The Colony not there. I would have picked that over Small Things Like These. I hope The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida will win.
I only read The Trees so far and while I'm not an avid reader I've got to say it was fucking hilarious and I had a great time following the characters and seeing all the fucked up things they go through. It's a baby bit heavy with the discussion of lynching and the many victims of our MORE fucked up America of the past, but still manages to make you bust up out loud with how funny the characters are and how they take things in stride. Brill.
I havent read any of these books but from what I've heard others say about the books I'm very surprised at some of these inclusions and also some of the exclusions. Maybe time for me to read some of them
I'm really sorry "Case Study" wasn't shortlisted, I loved it!
I love the way you say "Oh William". I loved the book. Nice jacket. Looking forward to the awards . 2 AM for us in India!
Haha, I love saying it imagining I’m Lucy.
Thank you for creating a great introduction to the final stages of the Booker Prize. It's marvellous to have some unbiased and well considered thoughts to get things kick started, as this is where I jump in each year. So, shortlist now ordered and raring to go. Oh, and that's a splendid jacket by the way. Have fun evening.
Great, glad I could help and hope you find some new favourites among the shortlist. 📚
Congratulations Eric on being selected. You deserve only the best. I share your love for literature. Thank you for all your insights.
Thank you! 😊
I'm not a great follower of prize lists but have been taken in by your enthusiasm for the Booker. Delighted for you to be sponsored by them. Well deserved, you must be delighted. Fingers crossed for The Trees.
Thank you!
My shortlist prediction was:
. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies
. Nightcrawling
. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
. Booth
. The Trees
. Glory
As it turns out, I was half right. I am stunned about Treacle Walker - maybe I'm too dumb to understand the book but I really did not care for it at all. I was also surprised Maps didn't make it on the list. I was pleasantly surprised Oh William! made it - that's one I really liked but didn't think it had the right appeal to make the list. I'm going to put out a prediction that The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida wins the prize. It's not my favorite of the actual shortlist, but I think it's most likely to win.
I managed to read the whole longlist before today. Here's my own personal enjoyment ranking of the books:
1. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies
2. Trust
3. Nightcrawling
4. Oh William!
5. After Sappho
6. The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
7. Case Study
8. Booth
9. The Trees
10. The Colony
11. Small Things Like These
12. Glory
13. Treacle Walker
Wow - congrats on the sponsorship and looking forward to what you do with it. I’m surprised The Colony didn’t make the list - I thought it was a bolt on. But glad to see Glory and Treacle Walker on the list, also my picks!
Thank you! 😊 Yeah, I think it’s the most surprising omission.
I was slowly working through the longlist, and was a bit surprised that the 4 I'd read are all on the shortlist. Should buy myself a lottery ticket, not often I pick winners!
Of the 4, my order of favourites is Treacle Walker, The Trees, Small Things..., and Oh William.
I have to say I was a bit stunned when the shortlist was announced, especially wanted to see The Colony and Trust. I tried Nightcrawling but was put off by the writing, although I loved the premise and characters. I had planned to pick it up again if it made the short list. So... I guess I've got some reading to do! The Trees and Glory were available at my library so they'll be first. And congratulations on the Booker sponsorship, Eric! That's so wonderful! 😊
Your enthusiasm is catching! Am totally sold on The Trees, and Seven Moons ☺️
That’s great to hear. Hope you get a chance to read them!
@@EricKarlAnderson thank you! i just finished The Trees, what an amazing novel!
@@Nadia-ox8yo Great! I'm so glad you read it!
Congratulations on your sponsorship, and I think it is well deserved (and about _ _ _ _ time 😁) . I have always enjoyed and valued your videos on the Booker and International Booker.
Thank you! 😊😄
Treacle Walker to win!
really dismayed that The Colony didn't make it
I'm currently reading Treacle Walker and Glory. I've read the other four. As of now, I think my choice for winner would be The Seven Moons....
I think I'll reread Oh, William before the winner is announced.
Great! Seven Moons is so special. Hope you enjoy Strout.
Congrats! Looking forward to your videos concerning the short list! Happy that The Trees are on the list.
Congratulations on the sponsorship. It’s a well deserved honor for you. 👍
Thank you so much!
Congratulations Eric…very happy for you
Thank you!
I love seeing the Booker Prize Short List every year, but I rarely follow along. All the books look worth a read and I'll catch up this years list : )
Fab! Hope you find some new favourites. 📚
Ah such a quick reaction! Yay! I'm definitely really disappointed by some of these picks, I just don't understand. But pleased for The Trees and Seven Moons.
I have yet to read Small Things, Seven Moons , Glory or Treacle Walker. I’m intrigued by Treacle Walker and it’s the man’s birthday come on. But it think Trees was excellent and Percival Everett is an excellent writer. I too enjoyed The Colony and found it to be a page turner and thought it might be predictable but never was.
I was soooo disappointed - from a great longlist I think the shortlist is very disappointing. I was sure the Colony would be on, and hoped also for Case Book and Trust. Two of my second place books are there, The Trees and Small Things Like These. But I have to say this was a downer for me.
Oooo, congratulations on being sponsored by the award/foundation Eric. That's amazing! I think this shortlist was... interesting. I got only 2 (technically 3) books right and I really wasn't expecting some of the books to be on here and really thought some others would be. So I'm shooketh!
Thank you and yeah, it's a head scratcher of a shortlist.
Very, very happy for The Trees and The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida. I hope the winner is one of those two. But really, this list is nuts!
A couple big surprises! Maybe that means The Trees or Seven Moons has a better chance at winner? 😃
thanks for this.Lovely to hear from someone who has read most of them. congratulations on your well deserved new sponsorship
Thank you! 😊
Please read Hernan Dias. Both of his novels are excellent. And the fact that English is not his first language but his third is surprising.
I do hope to get to Trust.
Congrats!
The Colony and Maps of our Spectacular Bodies was left out, so I’m very disappointed. Pff Still, I’m holding out for Small Things Like These.
I'd read eight of the longlist and five of them got through, so I've only got Glory to read before 17 October. I was surprised and disappointed to see Nightcrawler didn't get through, and I'd also have liked to see Case Study shortlisted (I haven't read The Colony so can't comment on that). Treacle Walker is my favourite of the books so far, but I can see why it divides people. I suspect people who are 50+ and were brought up in Britain will be the ones it appeals to most. It has vibes of family television shows of the 60s and 70s. As I child I remember seeing the television adaptation of Alan Garner's The Owl Service which utterly terrified me. A few years ago I read the book. As an adult I understood it better and absolutely loved it. I can see why Alan Garner doesn't like being labelled a children's author - he really isn't!
I'm 50 plus and brought up in Britain and had no idea about what was happening at Treacle Walker. Read The Owl Service as a kid but not read anything of his work since then. Need to revisit this book. Maybe 2nd time round it will make sense
I absolutely loved it - and do fit your description! I found it so playful, but that playfulness hides a profundity. I found it really helpful to hear AG explain that 'Treacle' in the title has the old meaning of 'an antidote to poison'.
Would love to see Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These win and I'm not one bit biased 🇮🇪
👍
Alan Garner has said that 'Treacle' in the title of his book has the old meaning of 'an antidote to poison'.
Interesting! I’ll have to look up more of what he has to say about the novel.
Shocked about Trust not making the shortlist, although perhaps I shouldn’t be. Still thinking Small Things Like These will win (but with the Strout making the shortlist, who knows???)
Congratulations Eric: you are a dedicated Booker booker
Thank you! 😊
Congratulations on your sponsorship.it is well deserved as your reviews are helpful and enlightened. Very happy for you. Of course being anIrish reader I am rooting for Clare Keegan,
Thank you so much! Keegan’s novel is so special I’m thrilled to see it celebrated.
So sad to see The Colony was bumped out.. wonder if having two books set in Ireland was just not acceptable 🤔
I’m in the middle of The Trees right now and am definitely engrossed and entertained by it. Reading Claire Keagan next although I was planning on waiting until December with it.
Did not not like Animal Farm, so I probably won’t read Glory. Will read The Trees, once I stop grieving over the exclusion of both The Colony and Case Study. 😩
I am so glad Strout, Keegan, Everett and Shehan K. are nominated. I am still disgruntled with Garner’s book being nominated. I wished some other book got the place instead. Also, I am so excited to read ‘Lucy by the Sea’!
Yeah, I’m so curious to see where she takes Lucy’s story next!
Great video as always! Of the nominees on the shortlist, the only one I've read so far is The Trees. I found it disappointing and repetitive, and the satire missed the mark way too frequently for me. I look forward to reading Glory.
Thank you and hope you like Glory more!
Congrats on being asked to do that for the Booker ☘️
Thanks!
Shehan K may win
I’m not sure the Keegan book isn’t a novella and therefore not eligible - surprised it made it to the longlist, but to have it on the shortlist is a shocker.
I don’t understand why Garner made the shortlist either. It’s not really on the same level as the rest.
The other four are defensible.
What about no Nightcrawling?!?!?!
Very disappointing such a great book
Congrats Eric!
Thank you!
Audrey Magee was robbed!
Agreed, I loved The Colony 😢
I see a perfect set up Treacle Walker will win on his 88th birthday. Perfect.
🎉🎂
Not happy that Maps is not on the shortlist. I'm about to start The Colony, I know many loved it. I love Strout but I don't think Oh, William should have been shortlisted.
I’m reading Maps at the moment and It is very good!
I didn’t know you were from Maine! I’m from Portland 😊
interestingly, Treacle Walker has 46 blank/chapter numbered pages, which means it is only 106 pages of text.. making it the shortest book. 10 pages less than Small Things Like These. its odd this hasn't been noticed. I read it in 20 mins less time than Small Things Like These.
Thanks Batman!
Hey! Alan Garner and I have the same birthday. I hope he wins! 😂
A double celebration!
The Trees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🌳🌳🌳🎉
I thought you got this up quickly! Congratulations on getting sponsored
Thanks! 😊
Very surprised ‘The Colony’ and ‘Maps..’ didn’t make it but pleased to see ‘Small things like these’ and ‘Oh William’. I hadn’t read any Elizabeth Stroud before and wasn’t expecting to enjoy it. I found her writing to feel effortless but with some edge and depth that surprised me. Both ‘Treacle walker’ and ‘The Trees’ have really remained in my imagination even though they didn’t really work for me. Without knowing enough about English Mythology and his other books ‘Treacle Walker’ felt quite garbled particularly with the comic book elements but there is something very powerful in it and I feel intrigued enough to want to find out more about the author and the references he’s conjuring.
Crap shortlist. No Colony??!!
I really love your channel
Thank you so much!
Are your videos monetised?
I must say I am underwhelmed by this years Booker List. The only glimmer of hope was The Colony. I think the Booker would be much improved with the removal of novels from writers from the USA: they remove opportunities for better books from Australia, Ne Zealand etc. This years crop of US novels was appalling.
I am from the US and I agree. We should get one slot on the longlist. Period.
I was disappointed there were no Australian or NZ novels again.
Or Canada. They need to rethink this.
No South Africans this year, either. I agree with limiting the number of US books on the long list; however, I absolutely do not agree, as an American reader, with the absence of Trust on this shortlist.
@@drewnorth5545 sorry. I thought Trust was like a Netflix movie: too ordinary.