A lot of people would probably have taken getting screwed over like that very badly and got bitter. It's awesome that Sanora Babb just picked herself up and carried on doing what she loved and helping others. I was so glad to her she saw Whose Names Are Unknown published before she died- when you said how long it was after it was written that was at the beginning, I was expecting that it had come out posthumously. It's great she clung on so long and got at least a bit of the credit she was due. I'll definitely try to read it.

The Hive is buzzing as the queen bee presents her latest creation

Petting her cat on her lap, Zoe Bee was shaping into a fine super villain.

@johnjordan3552

3 жыл бұрын

Steinbeck is a bad influence on her

As a Steinbeck fan, I was a little nervous during the video that a favorite author was going to be shown to be a monster actually. I’ll definitely put Babb’s book on my reading list. Your reading recommendations have yet to disappoint

@malcolmhill6534

2 жыл бұрын

As a Steinbeck fan I prefer “Who’s Names Are Unknown” to “The Grapes Of Wrath”. I hope you’ve picked up Babb’s book.

@marissashantez6051

Жыл бұрын

You must realize this is nothing but alt left wishful thinking. Of course he didnt plagiarize it.

I must say I find it almost beautifully ironic that the book is called "Whose Names are Unknown" and we don't know her name, the one with the actual experience living in poverty and among FSA workers.

Sounds like real villain is Random House. The capitalists decided 'we can only maximize profit off *one* book about the plights of the poors, so no publish :)'. America, land of the fee o7

@KuLaydMahn

3 жыл бұрын

"Land of the *fee*" I dont know if that was intentional but I like that!

@kacperNFS

3 жыл бұрын

Land of the Tip

@quelorepario

3 жыл бұрын

Hey it is an expensive venture, especially back then, if it is a flop the publisher loses lots of money maybe falling into bankruptcy. Also her reputation might have taken a hit, especially when a famous writer publishing almost the same work, she might have been accused of being derivative or even worse as a plagiarizer by the PR machinery that attempted to protect Steinbeck's interests, so you never know how that would have affected her in her career, she might have never had one. Getting her work discovered this late may have been a blessing in disguise that allowed her to be recognized objectively placing her rightful place in history.

@thebrutusmars

2 жыл бұрын

@@quelorepario Random House ain’t gonna fall into bankruptcy lmaoo

"So why haven't we heard of her. So here is this woman..." DING DING DING!

@alexjohnson9798

3 жыл бұрын

yeah sure bub

The Grapes of Wrath was my dad's favorite book. But then he was a union man. I wish he was still here. He would have loved to read Whose Names Are Unknown if it was translated.

Great video, ZB! It makes me wonder how many other fascinating lives out there came and went with no one to record them, how many unseen manuscripts and drawings and paintings and songs have been stuffed in desk drawers, sold off at estate sales, and thrown away thoughtlessly.

@zoe_bee

3 жыл бұрын

An infinite amount. Such a vast amount that if I think about it too much I'll never recover. And I think that's why I focused on Sanora Babb. Because she is one incredible person that I can hold on to and - hopefully - help memorialize her.

@grmpEqweer

3 жыл бұрын

Yup. Tons.

My god, that is a huge cat.

@richardwilliams877

3 жыл бұрын

HIS NAME IS DESMOND 😍😍😍😍😍

@beautifulcarpetdiagram

3 жыл бұрын

Or a small tiger

@marcoscarrasco92

3 жыл бұрын

@@beautifulcarpetdiagram True. A large cat would be more ferocious

@unacomn

3 жыл бұрын

@@beautifulcarpetdiagram True, true.

@SylviusTheMad

3 жыл бұрын

Or a tiny person.

Zoe is seriously underrated. This is aweosme!

For over two decades The Grapes of Wrath has been on my “I really should read this” list, but I never have. I’ve never even gotten as far as buying a copy. Now I’m buying Whose Names are Unknown instead, and I feel excited rather than obligated to read it. Thank you.

Thank you for making this video. Babb's book is definitely going to be on my reading list. BTW, I've recently gotten into writing poetry and taking it more seriously. I might even try to publish some day.

@anonymousguy121277

3 жыл бұрын

Remind me in a few years when you've published some poetry. We'd all like to read it.

I wish all my english teachers made me cry like you make me cry.

Hey Zoe, I'm a subscriber and Patreon from the other side of the world to you. I just thought you'd like to know that my 70+ year old mother who is not at all overly "online" was reading this book and I told her I'd heard about it online and she linked me your video about it! Glad that both your and Babb's content is starting to get the recognition it deserves.

Great timing. I'm currently rereading some Steinbeck books because I feel like I was too young to appreciate them when they were required reading in school. I'll have to give Babb a look too!

One of the few 'Tubers I click the LIKE button before I've watched the video. Another insightful, thought-provoking vEssay from that quirky cat lady. 😼 Tnx.

this is why I signed up. It was when you said "her people". I got that from one of your poems and I come from the hard scrabble so can recognise it. Her people. Our people. OHHHHH Poems ! Thank you

Thank you so much for this! Thinking about migrant labor, I'd like to give a shoutout to a book by Tomás Rivera, ...y no se lo tragó la tierra (and the earth did not devour him). Very modern, very moving.

im calling it now, its Karl Marx

@ariespisces7965

3 жыл бұрын

Hahaha!

@catarinabarbosa2247

3 жыл бұрын

that's next video

@amellirizarry9503

3 жыл бұрын

based ✊🏴

@aservant1284

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

@DEarls-ye9tz

3 жыл бұрын

🙄

My wife loves Grapes of Wrath so Whose Names are Unknown seems like a great gift idea for her!

My grandfather bought a farm near the east coast ahead of the dust bowl. My father, aunts and uncles thought of themselves as very lucky, even during the great depression. I want to read Sanora Babb's novel, partly because Zoe Bee recommends it, and partly to get a better understanding of my own family. Thank you, Zoe.

This was a really, really fantastic one. Thanks for makin it

I couldn't stop paying attention to the neck-stabbing swords while watching your video. Great literary journalism Zoe!

WOW. What a incredible story! Thanks for signal boosting this author. She sounds so amazing! I have to try and get a copy of this.

I've actually never read grapes of wrath. we had of mice and men on our high school required reading list, but not that one, so i had added it to my reading list, after i finished all of orwell's books, i was gonna move onto steinbeck's. but i think ill read Sanora Babb's books first!

I hope you end up writing a screenplay for this biopic, great video!

Thanks for sharing this incredible story! I don't have much to say this time (strange). I love your earrings! They are so cool. And Dez hopping up at the end was perfect. I wish everyone a good week!

I just ordered the book as soon as you said the title. Thanks

Getting home from a hard days work to see a new Zoe Bee video is a great feeling

Thank you so much for telling her story. I actually got chills during this video… she was an amazing woman. Adding her book to my reading list ♥️

What a story. I'm definitely adding this book, and Sanora Babb overall, to my list. She sounds like a remarkable woman and author.

What an absolutely heartbreaking story - I mean, her book WAS eventually published, but...💔 You're right, though - this needs to be a film and you really should be involved with it 🙏

@zoe_bee

3 жыл бұрын

I would LOVE to. It would be a dream.

Thanks for the closed captions!

I remember you agonising on twitter over what to call this; I have to say, you nailed the title.

Well, I know what book to put in my reading queue. This video worked really well as something to listen to while driving.

OMG I was wondering around in search of this week episode and found it hidden in the playlist. 😍 I'm feeling special. Great work as always, greetings from Italy

omg your ear rings are SO cool thank you for sharing her story! it was lovely to hear

I'm blown away by learning of her. Thank you for enlightening us in your usual sincere and forthright way.

I haven't read Grapes of Wrath, so I'll read this instead (eventually). Also, those long-sword earrings look gorgeous!

I really enjoyed this one. A wonderful telling of a terrific story. Thank you so much.

One of my fav vids so far, so touching, such a cool specific story, such a great nugget of history!! Thank u and keep em coming 💖💖💖

Dagger Earrings, precious cat, AND historically underscored writers? 11/10

Thank you so much for sharing and the way you are sharing. I am totally balled over by this news. Keep it up and keep well

the poems/haikus you wrote for your patrons are so wonderfully written! i adore them

Amazing Video as always Zoe. It's an important story and I am glad you shared it. I'll try to get a copy of the book, it sounds excellent! Also oh my god those earrings, amazing

This was excellent! 👍👍 Thank you for the history lesson, and for shining some well deserved light on Sanora Babb. Your cat is absolutely gorgeous by the way, and makes a cool addition to your video. My cats occasionally sneak in to my videos as well, but since the work I do always requires safety glasses, I have to limit their access! Cheers! 😁

Thank you for this video and for presenting the facts about this author. I was introduced to you by my grand nephew, and you are one of the best gifts he ever gave me. I also like your cat.

This video is very pog. So pog that this is my 2nd time watching it today. Thanks for making a pog video, Zoe!

I can't believe how long its taken me to find this channel! Love the content sooo much, I've watched multiple of the videos many times over!! Keep up the amazing work Zoe :)

Thanks for this great video Zoe! Really enjoyed learning about the history here and I’m excited to add Babb’s work to my reading list 🙂 (also, 2 unrelated things: 1. The sound quality was really nice on this video and I really appreciate having the CC option again! 2. Love the green ribbon choker - reminds me of a very odd but fabulous book I used to read all the time as a kid!) I hope you’re taking time to rest and take care of yourself in between each video. Looking forward to the next one and wishing you well in the mean time! All best 💕

Thank you for shedding a light on this whole thing, and giving us a great book recommendation!

The art is amazing. And the video was great, I can't imagine where else I could have known this awesome story.

You have a "hypnotizing" like voice that puts me to sleep with ease. I thank you for that. To be clear, I mean it as a compliment. I fell asleep to one of your videos last night and I'm about to fall asleep to this one. Your voice is a cure to my insomnia. Bonne nuit 🌃

@brianarbenz7206

3 жыл бұрын

It's the kitty cat's big strapping furry presence that hypnotized me.

Very interesting story! Thanks for sharing! Love your content!

What a great video! I definitely want to read this book and make Sanora known!

I teared up... lil bit..🥺

Thank you for sharing her story ❤️❤️

Your channel is absolutely amazing, also I love how delicate your haikus are

What an inspiring woman! Thank you for giving a shining light to her story❤❤❤

This was great:) loved the video, and I love your love for books. It’s infectious! I’ll try and read it soon:)

this was a great story. also, your outfit in this video is EVERYTHING

Oh my fucking god. I JUST read this book.

another book for my tbr! Excellent video and beautiful art!

Thanks for sharing this story

I learned something today. Thanks for sharing this story.

Thanks for this video. I just started writing a short story about her life and this was extremely helpful in getting info.

Fascinating. I'm convinced. I'm buying one of her books right now.

I love your earrings, I have the same pair! thank you for doing the work to make sure Sanora Babb's name does not go unknown

Love this. Just found Babb's book to listen right after finally reading The Grapes of Wrath. Super excited to hear this amazing woman's voice. I really needed a new hyperfocus/special interest to drown all my friends in details with.

Thank you for another great video. I will enjoy getting ahold of Babb's book and comparing for myself. Sounds like a suggestion for my favorite book club who are working through some classics from that period. 👌 😏👍📚❤

I just want to say I'm so happy I found your channel🤞🥺

This is so good!

I really want to read this book now. Loved the video; thanks! :)

The cat purring was so incredibly calming throughout the video.

great vid thanks for sharing!!!

💜Fascinating story!

I disagree with the title... The true greatest writer you've never heard of ist Machado de Assis. He was a black Brazilian epileptik and a son of a former slave all 100 years ago. He wrote in a modern style with much irony and in his books he often addresses the female (because he thought that only women would buy his books) reader. His most famous work - most famous outside of Brazil (but still sadly not that famous) - is "The Posthumous Memoires of Bras Cubas". The character Bras Cubas writes his memories not before but after he is dead which makes him want to write the truth and nothing but the truth (a satire on conventional autobiographies). Susan Sontag wrote review about the Posthumous Memoires and there she writes that if he was born in a different country he would have been more famous. Sadly, there are still works by him untranslated because his undeserved obscurity. This writer is truly amazing and a HUGE recommendation.

@berniekatzroy

7 ай бұрын

Woah I'm adding this to my list.

I AM NOT CRYING OK?!

Absolutely love this. Commenting for the engagement

Wow. Thank you for this. You’re right; I’d never heard of any of this. What a story-and what a woman!

Thanks for this! They made us read TGoW in high school (or Tess of the D'Urbervilles, they only had enough of each for half the class... I was in the TGoW group and couldn't finish). Even though I'd never heard of her before today, I get the feeling Sanora Babb's book might have been more interesting and engaging. Maybe there's a timeline where she didn't show whats-him-name her notes...?

Thank you so much for teaching me about her

Thank you for informing me about Sanora Babb.

I just got done reading this book after seeing this video and it was great. The ending line sticks with me and I think it always will.

That was fascinating, thanks. And love for Aud's Art.

I love The Grapes of Wrath so much. Will definitely check this out too.

I actually picked up Babb's book a few years ago, when I first heard about its decades-long journey to publication. It is a well written work, better than Grapes of Wrath in my opinion. I just found that it flowed better -- and sounded more authentic. I was familiar with the background story. But it's always better to get a refresher course, and you are so good at what you do.

Are you a really small person or do you have a giant cat?

@zoe_bee

3 жыл бұрын

Both 😅

@jadefalcon001

3 жыл бұрын

@@zoe_bee Embrace the power of "AND"!

@StillGamingTM

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

I always appreciate seeing any discussion Babb, though the video could probably have done without the tabloid title. I'll be happy when literary circles manage to discuss her writing as though it has some merit of its own, and without constant reference to other writers. Also worth shouting out Joanne Dearcopp at Muse Ink Press who was the primary force behind the eventual publication of Whose Names Are Unknown, and who has worked tirelessly to get everything Babb ever published back into print.

I loved the art style illustrating the video.

Ok steinbock did actually had good intention, but he later, should have agnowledged her as source later, or promote her otherwise. I get the whos name are unknown is a pr nightmare, but h could have helped her otherwise getting into the lines. Another book of hers. Thats what i would blame steinbeck for, not promoting the author sanona babb who helpd him in an akward, i hope accident. That lack of supporting her afterwards aftr he knew, and he had to know, is where he is to blame really, and probably more, his agents. She should also be present in culture, and get a movie, for the sake of showing more diverse voices.

@rhodesj

3 жыл бұрын

There's a possibility, even a probability, that Steinbeck had no idea she existed beyond an anonymous set of notes that Cotton passed to him; he died in 1968, which would have been 36 years before Babb's work was first published. That said, I read the Grapes of Wrath in my Sophomore year of High School, and found it more than a bit patronizing; I grew up in Appalachia, and I've got pretty good radar when someone from away is trying to be 'helpful'. I'm going to give Babb's a read, and I suspect it's going to be a bit more powerful, if a bit less likely to attract the attention of respectable literary people.

What an amazing story! Thank you :)

I had actually heard this story. I am not an American and English is not my first language, but Steinbeck is my favorite author. While I am sure her notes were integral to the plot of the book the heart of the book itself comes from the discussions about life and existence, the comedic yet tragic depiction of people living in the edges of society, which are always an integral part of any Steinbeck book, be it The Pearl, Of Mice and Men, Cannery Row or The Grapes of Wrath. Thanks for sharing ms. Babb's story though. She led a very interesting life.

I knew there was a woman who wrote a book before The Grapes of Wrath which could arguably be called the original, and that she had a more authentic relationship with the situations she was writing about. I had no idea she had such an incredible life outside of that, and that she'd gone on to write even more. Thank you for talking about her life, and for avoiding the temptation to oversimplify history and make an individual villain out of a systemic injustice.

@3tangents

3 жыл бұрын

Also, nice green ribbon. I have one too.

I think at this point, the things you get really into *are* my niche. Thanks for raising this author up!

As a lit student who focuses on American modernism, I love stuff like this!

Aud, that’s gorgeous art!

Thanks, Zoe. 💖

Huh, I started at the University of Oklahoma in 2003, so I'm kinda surprised I don't remember hearing about it getting published at the time. (I mean, I was in an unrelated field of study at that point, but still)