You are THE first male book lover creator that I actually enjoy watching. You and your wife are the best! I’m excited to see what else is in store ❤

I gave dark Vanessa a 5 star. It felt weird to give it a 5 star but the writing is sooo good. She makes you feel so many emotions. Vanessa thought process was so enlightening to understand the mentality of victims of sexual abuse. I will remember this book forever. It gave me a lot of compassion.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

SAME!! My heart breaks for Vanessa and those that experience what she went through. There is no amount of justice that can be served to make up for what is lost.

@xepherauden7647

7 ай бұрын

Same here! As someone who was a victim of sexual abuse in a power imbalance relationship it was both fascinating and sickening in the best way because the writing was beautiful and I do think the author handled the topic so so well.

@annaschwirian7548

2 ай бұрын

There's a book with similar threads that I had to give a 5. The books called runaway by Lisa child's. It was really good but extremely disturbing and dark.

Little fun fact- I believe RFKuang was only 19 when she wrote the poppy war…

reading my dark vanessa and the poppy war back to back is insane 😦 probably 2 of the books that have impacted me the most

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

It was a heavy few days😂

I had to DNF my dark Vanessa. I literally still remember it vividly. It was too triggering and now every time a book uses words like can I fxxk you immediately transports me to my dark Vanessa and it goes down a star. The fact that I DNF'd it I think 2 years ago and I still remember it breaks my heart I wish to forget it but I'm glad when people read it so it opens them up to just how painful and confusing these emotions are for people who've been through this trauma 💔

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I 100% agree. This book exposes a terrible evil. There are moments of this book I will never forget.

Oh the fact that you read My Dark Vanessa.... What a ride. Loved seeing this experiment for you!!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! And, yeeaaahh…My Dark Vanessa was hard

First of all, congrats on the sponsorship! You deserve it! 😊 My Dark Vanessa is one of my favorite books, but I can never reread it because of how heavy it is. I rated it 5 stars because of how beautiful the writing is and how impactful it is, but I will NEVER recommend this book to anyone. The author did a great job in writing about Vanessa's life, not sugarcoating anything, but man.. it was a very hard read. It's sad that it's happening in real life. It's so heartbreaking. The Poppy War is in my physical TBR, and watching you talk about it makes me want to read it very soon.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! MDV was a very good read. I see why it’s received all of its critical acclaim. I’m still so unsure of what to rate it🙈 The Poppy War is totally worth it!!

If you liked My Dark Vanessa would definetely recommend A Little Life. It's pretty chunky and pretty heavy, but it does a brilliant job of weaving the really dark, triggering moments with sudden moments of joy, friendship, love... it very much contextualises trauma and reminds you that those with these traumas can be all around us, with lives and friends and jobs and moments of joy and happiness. But would definetely recommend googling trigger warnings as there is every single one under the sun 😅

Yes to men talking about therapy! Love it! And congrats on the sponsorship 👌🏆 Poppy War is one of my faves so I'm hoping you enjoy it 👀 back to the video to find out! Edit: watching you read poppy war is making me want to re-read 😂

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! Poppy War was so much fun!

I’m literally sitting in front of the door waiting for my Amazon order of my dark Vanessa. I cannot wait to read this book. I have heard such great things about it.

And I need you to read house of leaves. It’s a crazy book, but I think it deserves more praise than it gets. Please read!!!

Heck yeah it’s Ian time! Look at you getting sponsored! Go on Dude, so proud of you!! Spinning Silver and Poppy War are both on my TBR. This was a super cool idea. I’m glad you had fun with the two books at least lol I’ll be staying away from Vanessa. That’s a nope!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Vanessa was…rough😅 you’ll love the other two books! They were so much fun. And thank you for all of your support!! This channel isn’t possible without your encouragement and love!! Thank you so so much!!

@joalgustas6498

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli always have yours and Ashlynn’s backs…your little Mother Hen in Buffalo, NY lol

Yes my dark vanessa is an intense book i had a hard time reading it at times because it brought back some painful memories from my childhood but still worth a read

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I’m sad to hear you went through something like this…it’s an evil that should never happen. This book was…rough..

ive been too scared to read my dark Vanessa because of own trauma but im so glad you picked it up and felt outraged, thats exactly how people should respond to that kind of injustice.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

That book is so heavy. It’s a triggering book for sure. But it brings to light so many important issues. A very important book.

I recently read “Babel” by R. F. Kuang and it’s easily worked its way into my favorite reads of all time. Might have to check out Poppy War next!

@g.IRL21

8 ай бұрын

I WAS LITERALLY ABOUT TO COMMENT ON BABEL! I'm currently reading it and it's honestly the best book I've read in a while. RF Kuang is SUCH a good writer! Can't wait to read Poppy War next!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I need to get my hands on that book! I have heard nothing but amazing things!

@joalgustas6498

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli “Babel” was in my top three last year. It’s excellent!

@luffyswaifu420

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli I read it via Hoopla!

One of my favs videos ever 🙌 As a daily bookseller it fulls my heart when someone random ask me for a recomendation blindly and they like it. People, dont be shy or afraid to do this at the book Shop, nobody knows better about good books than the people behind the counter 😅❤

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! I will definitely be going to book sellers for my recs now! So much fun!!

Glad that the reading vlog ended in a high note after that particular book almost derailed the reading experience. TFS!

Oh I'm so happy to see you read Spinning Silver and the Poppy War. I love these books! The Poppy War is incredible

Love this idea. The experts helped you out

Congratulations on your first sponsorship on this channel, Ian! I'm incredibly proud of you and your dedication. Keep up the amazing work!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Glad you read Poppy war. I really enjoyed that series.

Naomi novik is very good at historical fantasy. Her series temraire really had me hooked for a while.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Excited to check more of her work out!

My dark Vanessa is one of my all time favourites, the writing and how the author tells Vanessa’s story is incredible. I always think about it and it has stuck with me and will forever be with me

It's so exciting that you've got a sponsor!! And, awesome job for the ad as well - one of the few that I can easier watch all the way through without getting bored 💛

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

I could tell you wanted to cry tears anger when talking about that Dear Vanessa book. And if my assumption is right, I’m right there with you.

I love these concept of videos you do! Where other people mostly strangers choose what you read 😊 always so different. It makes me add books to my tbr i never heard of and I love that. Thanks man!

I am so glad that you got some good recommendations!! That’s so fun. Congratulations on your sponsor!! Love the videos

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so so much!!

Super proud on how much your channel is growing!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! Especially for all of your support and encouragement!

This is such a concept! It was such a great video, and it feels like the quality just gets better and better! All of these are getting added to my tbr - though My Dark Vanessa is going to be farther down the list, for when I'm emotionally ready for that 😂

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! Yes, MDV was…something I needed to be more prepared for.

i've never seen a vid idea like this before, really cool, and your summary of these books are really entertaining and funny! putting spinning silver on my tbr!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

You’ll have so much fun with that book! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Love this idea ! As others have mentioned, the library might be a better option OR you do this on a book haul/buying day and you buy all the books you read ^^ love your and Ashlynn's content

Omg I just started the video but just had to come here and congratulate you on your first sponsor on your channel!! That’s so awesome! I love seeing your channel grow and get bigger!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!!! Thank you for all of the support and encouragement you bring to this community!!

Congrats on the sponsorship, Ian! Very well deserved. Maybe a random thought, but I love the music that is picked out for your video, and I think it complements the books well.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! It’s so hard sometimes to pick music that fits with the books. I am so happy it works!!🙈

Ian's back!!!!

I love these types of videos! Hope u do more in the future 😁 and congrats on the sponsor!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

the other 2 books in the poppy wars are soooo gooddd

Yay! So happy for you and your first sponsorship! You deserve it 😆 And Kuang's writing is killer, can't wait to hear your thoughts on the rest of the trilogy, you will need to try Babel by her as well!!!!!!!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! Kuang has definitely impressed me. I will be checking out the rest of her books!!

Congratulations on your sponsorship! This was a great video idea. I read the poppy war trilogy at the beginning of the year it was really good! I have not read the other two. I see Ashlynn got another bookshelf 😊!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! Definitely going to check out the rest of the series. And yes, she did! It looks amazing!

The Poppy War is on my Christmas list! I LOVED Babel so I really want to read Kuang's other works. Great video!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! You’ll love The Poppy War! It was so fun!

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🤩🤩🤩 awesome video this was something new hope you all continue to do this. Love how your willing to try other reads that you may not typical read.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I will definitely be doing this again in the future!!

Congratulations on your first sponsorship that’s a big deal ❤

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

congrats on the sponsorship! not sure why but i loved the car reading vlog parts. it was fun to see because it felt so..real? like i often am reading in the car or in between work things. so it was cool to see. just downloaded the spinning silver audiobook and you definitely convinced me to get to poppy war some time too! my dark vanessa.. not sure if I'll ever get to that because i know it will take a lot out of anyonr who reads that.

@iangubeli

7 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I like filming on the go! Makes my life seem real rather than just sitting in front of my bookshelf🙈 I would love to hear what you think of the books once you read them!!

Just finished the first book in “the inheritance games “ and I’m hooked ! Thank you for the recommendation!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

My pleasure!! That series is amazing!!

I love Spinning Silver ❄️

Love the video! Such a fun idea! Now I want to ask barnes and noble employees for book recommendations haha. God bless you!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

It’s totally worth asking them!! Such a fun experiment! God bless!!

Such a great video idea I really enjoyed seeing what everyone picked for you to read and I really enjoyed your thoughts on the books as well xxx

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! It was such a fun video to make!

What an awesome idea especially if you’re in a slump. I really need to read The Poppy Wars. I have been on the fence about it, but your review of the book decided for me. Another great Vlog!!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!! Yes, you have to read it!! Such a good book.

such good recommendations 😍🌟

I love this idea a lot and congrats on getting sponsored! I have heard of Spinning Silver and the Poppy War. When you read the synopsis for Dark Vanessa I definitely was like nope, I'll pass. Hope you find some other great books to read.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! This was a fun experiment!!

I love these type of videos

Just stumbled upon your channel and you read two books I really love and one that I have been highly anticipating for awhile now! I feel icky saying that I loved Dark Vanessa but the writing was so powerful and I think the overall message is very important. The Poppy War is one of my favorite series with THE BEST final book imo. Very excited to follow along with your reading journey 😊

@iangubeli

7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! I will say, My Dark Vanessa is a very beautiful book, but I am with…I feel gross saying so🙈

Wow I got lucky with this video that I have read and loved all of these books! Spinning Silver is one of my favorites, great winter/holiday read.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I agree!!

What a great video. Hope you do this again in the future

Hi Ian! I love your videos!! and Ashlynn's videos♥

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!

Congratulations on the sponsorship, Ian ❤❤

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!

Great video!! Loved your reactions. I read the first two books and have the Poppy Wars but haven't read it yet. My Dark Vanessa is very dark and emotionally difficult. It will stay with you for a long time.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

That is a book that will stick with me for a LONG time. And thank you so much!!

I started Spinning Silver last December but then decided to save it for this year.. Now I might have to add My Dark Vanessa and The Poppy War to my TBR... too many books too little time ! Lol Thank you !

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Isn’t that the truth!! Too many books! I recommend all three of these books for sure! Spinning Silver is perfect for the winter!!

Another great video!😊

Oh my gosh A SPONSOR!!! I'm *beaming* with pride! You've made it as they say! So happy for you. Took me a bit to get time to watch your video but this was a nice surprise!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!! And thank you for all your support and encouragement on this channel!!

@dianaisme

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli Ofc! I can't wait for the next video. Always a great time here 👌

This was a great video! Now I want to go to BN and ask for a random recommendation!

Love these types of videos

IANNNNNNNN. what a great heckin video idea. and sponsored?!! I LOVE THAT im so proud to be a fan for so long and see this channel grow and keep growing my man. its such a pleasure to see such a positive and lively community for books!!! God bless brother. I'll always be a fan. Don't forget me when ur famous ! ;) lol

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Forget you!?!? I could never do that my friend!! You’re one of the O.G. supporters on this channel! This channel wouldn’t be anywhere near where it’s at without your support!!! I cannot thank you enough!!

@user-bm7zg7sj3u

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli much love man. I’m so glad I made a difference in this community and was here since the start to watch it grow . It means a lot that you’re so interactive with us and actually truly care it’s obvious. God bless brother I’ll always be here 🙏

Can't wait to see what you think of My Dark Vanessa.

Yeahhhh.....My Dark Vanessa was....a lot...I'm glad that you loved The Poppy War and be prepared to go through it in the next two books. So worth it though.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I can only imagine what the next two books are like that series😅

I absolutely enjoyed the poppy war and grew to love the character rin 😎

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I think Rin will grow on me!

Thanks for the interesting video format and reviews. I avoided My Dark Vanessa because I know it will trigger me and send me into a depression. My only five stars this year are also heavy subject matter and could be considered grimdark, but not about SA, so I could read them. I highly recommend them both: Hex by Jenni Fagan, a novella about a real woman executed as a witch, and a short story by Alix E. Harrow, The Six Deaths of the Saint.

@iangubeli

3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the recs!! I like a darker story, but My Dark Vanessa was….too real

❤📚📚❤️ I loved Spinning Silver, glad you enjoyed it. The Poppy War is on my tbr. I could no way read My Dark Vanessa. Sorry you put yourself through that, but now I won't be picking it up. 😅

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Yeah, I didn’t see My Dark Vanessa coming. At least I can say I have read it😅 but at what cost😂

Just subbed to your channel, love your content so much!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! Welcome to the community!!

My Dark Vanessa was pretty dark, definitely a hard read, interested to see your final thoughts on it

After you finished My Dark Vanessa, your reaction made me think it would take you a while to recover and that is what you described. So sorry. I am intrigued regarding the story and writing, but will wait since I am going through a difficult life event. Your emotional reactions make your videos interesting and fun. 😊

I’m currently reading uprooted by naiomi novk and a court of thorns and roses 😊

Poppy War is great!

I bought My Dark Vanessa at a library sale for $1. Had no idea what it was about but when I found out I have been scared to read it. You’ve convinced me and I am choosing violence and reading it tomorrow. Send prayers my way. 😅

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Will definitely send prayers your way! That book was…ROUGH!!!

this is such a fun idea!

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

It was very fun!!

I do not think I would pick up either of these books. Maybe the first, then the third. The second would be triggering for me, and end up in my DNS pile and donated to an English speaking university department for the students here in Denmark or just recycled. I love how. You use the filming of yourself reading the last book, much like an accountability buddy to get you through a reading slump. My TBR is full of non-fiction, and I am not sure I would take many new books for a TBR. Also those books takes me longer to read because I take notes. I am in the process of struggling to finish one fiction book, and then change genres again. I am kind of burnt on detective fiction. It is the one that changes viewpoints without a white space between the differing POV. I was thinking about what you said about No Country for Old Man, and how the guy does not use quotation marks. As an Autistic person, I would get peeved thinking and trying to figure out if the character said it out loud or only thought it. It leaves too much to interpretation to me… so was it like that for you, did the book lead you to wondering this?

I too live in Tennessee but where I'm at we do not have a Barnes and Noble. Sure wish we did.

Another great video.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you!!!

THE GOAT IS BACK 🕺🏻🕺🏻

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

You’re too kind😏

I have Spinning Silver on my shelf. Now I think I may have to read it asap. You made it sound so good! I’ve heard great things about My Dark Vanessa but I’ve also heard it’s super dark. I’m still interested in picking it up at some point. Curious to see what you’ll end up rating it.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I would love to see you read Spinning Silver!! You’ll love it!

@AmandasBooktopia

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli I’ll definitely try and fit it in asap!

Hello! Please do a review on the patricia Briggs mercy Thompson series! You won’t regret it, the world has to know how good this fantasy world and amazing characters! ❤

Dark Vanessa crashed me. This book is so real. 5 stars. I also need a time before picking another book

I absolutely love poppy war trilogy ♥️ you should read Sword of Kaigen and Blood over Bright Haven from M.L.Wang, they are soooo goood!

@iangubeli

7 ай бұрын

Just added these to the TBR!!

Woah Nelly My Dark Vanessa is… difficult. That’s for sure. 100% worth the read but you gotta be in a good head space before you go in😂

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

It blindsided me🙈 I was NOT prepared for that book!

@NotSoAverageJo

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli Even if you ARE prepared, you are not prepared🤣

BN nook app had the whole poppy war trilogy for $7.99! Of course I had to snag that deal. I couldn't refuse 3 books for $7.99. I will probably get to that trilogy in January.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

What a deal!!!

Awesome vlog as usual 💯‼️😊😅 I have decided to try Spinning Silver and the Poppy War again thanks to you. 😊 Someone else on another KZread channel said that My Datk Vanessa is one of her best books and that everyone should read. I am might check My Dark Vanessa on someone’s vlog review because if I read/listen to this it will just put me in a reading slump and make me hate this genre just like when I read the Never After series which I dnf’d after 3 books and I only read them because they were dark romance retellings of stories with the villian getting the happily ever after but they had so many trigger warnings and now I don’t want to read any kind of romance genre except for series that I have already started and not yet finished like Sarah J. Maas. Also congratulations 🥳 on your first sponsorship for your channel you have inspired me to want to start a KZread channel. 😊Did you get the audiobook for all the books in this vlog ?

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Yes, I got the audiobook for all three of these books! Very worth the time to get them. My Dark Vanessa was…rough! I think you would love Spinning Silver and The Poppy War!! Definitely up your alley!

@logann-mackenziefroste563

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli awesome and thanks for the recommendations.

@logann-mackenziefroste563

8 ай бұрын

@@iangubeli I listened to My Dark Vanessa and I gave it a 3.50 rating only because the story is an important topic but I also listened to this at 3x speed and I definitely skipped over the darker parts and this helped me to understand and the book My Dark Vanessa.

My Dark Vanessa is a really strange recommendation to give to a stranger, I think... It's an amazing book and beautiful written. It was also highly validating for me, as a grooming survivor. But definitely not an easy recommendation if you don't know the other person.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

My thoughts exactly. It was a strange rec, but at the end of the day I am very happy I read it. It was very eye opening.

I read Dark Vanessa as part of my own Banned Book month challenge. It was also after I took this mandatory minor abuse training for work and a volunteer program. Grooming was one of the topics in the training. It was hard to stomach as I had just finished the training. Note: It was a week after training that I read the book.

@iangubeli

4 ай бұрын

Oh my goodness🙈 that’s rough…

Spinning Silver is def hard to describe without spoilers. Well, Poppy War just moved up my list. I've read her other books, not in this series. And I'd prob react the same way to Dark Vanessa.... So I'll just avoid. Thanks for the video :)

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

It’s my pleasure!! Glad you enjoyed!! Yes, Spinning Silver is just best left as “You just have to read it and find out!”

I had to DNF My Dark Vanessa, I think the story was necessary and well-written, but it just wasn't my kind of book. but I enjoyed Spinning Silver when I read it. I actually forgot all about the demon aspect of that book though lol. I own The Poppy War and have been meaning to read it for a long time, so I'm glad to hear your thoughts on it.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I could see where people would DNF My Dark Vanessa. I almost did. The Poppy War is worth the read!

My dark Vanessa is a really heavy book, I couldn't finish it. Hope you can power through the slump or just have a reading break.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thankfully the slump didn’t last long!

Wow- after finishing a heavy, dark book like MDV you pick up The Poppy War! I have not read it yet but hear it is dark for other reasons. I did buy all 3 thru Audible b/c they had the trilogy for 1 credit

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Poppy War was intense in a different way than MDV😂 I thought I was going to get a break from intensity…NOPE!!

I've got a challenge for you! With the release of "The Fall of Numenor" this year, I challenge you to read all middle earth books that have been released. "Lost Tales", "Unfinished Tales", even "Silmarillion"

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I love this idea!! I actually need to read all of those books m, so that helps me do so creatively!! Thank you!!

My Dark Vanessa was such a uncomfortable read but also one of the best books I read last year

You should do reading strangers recommendations UNTIL i receive a 5 star read 😂

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

I freaking love this idea! I will definitely be doing this video rec! I can’t get over how awesome this is!!!

As a bookseller, I could never recommend My Dark Vanessa, unless it was more specifically requested. That is some difficult shit.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

It was such a hard read! Very strange how that was what was recommended. But I guess I did give the employees no boundaries.

Awsome idea, great video. I definitely would not have the ballz to follow thru and read a random rec like that feom a random person. Awsome outcome! Btw I just re read Babel bc I missed the characters and writing style. Highly recommend

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! It was certainly a gamble with letting strangers pick what I read. Definitely going to check Babel out!!

I know i read spinning silver when it came out because I even pre-ordered it but every time someone talks about it I'm Gandalf in moria...I have no memory of this place.

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

This quote made me laugh so hard!!😂

I can't stop giggling. When you don't have kids and randomly hear kids crying. 🤣

@iangubeli

8 ай бұрын

There was some kid wailing in the hallway🙈

You should do reading strangers recommendations UNTIL i receive a 5 star read 😂 might be a fun challenge

I honestly feel like you probably made that worker's day by asking for a recommendation.