"You can't buy happiness...but you can buy books..." YEEEEES

Shout out to Corey for the awesome editing lately. I love the random memes and sounds effects. They add just that little extra to your videos. Knowing he's doing the editing makes them feel like the kind of loving teasing that speaks volumes about friendship in marriage and that's so fun.

I'm actually very excited to see more dedicated reviews. Have a great November, everybody!

I loved This is How You Lose the Time War, so I’m super excited to hear more of your thoughts whenever you reread it!

I'm almost done with the Way of Kings and am really looking forward to watching your spoiler review!

@toenailairconditioner7406

3 жыл бұрын

i finished it a few days ago and am in the middle of words of radiance and so far imo its somehow *better*

@coffeeloveandbooks5423

3 жыл бұрын

@@toenailairconditioner7406 It took me a while to connect with the story, but once I did WOW am I loving it.

@toenailairconditioner7406

3 жыл бұрын

same! luckily, i feel like words is better for the beginning and especially shallan’s beginning is better

@Harrysmababyhorse

3 жыл бұрын

I’m nearly seven hundred pages through!

Stephen King’s “On Writing” is the best book on discovery writing I’ve read, though it also blends some autobiography (which I enjoyed as a fan of King) I also loved “My Cousin Rachel”! That grey fog mixed in with the plot to try and throw you from thinking she’s guilty to thinking she’s innocent was done masterfully ☺️

Every time you mention Backman I think of Richard Bachman, which was Stephen Kings pen name where he tended to write grittier and somewhat bleaker novels.

@aunthegeek5788

3 жыл бұрын

Same! Always confuse the two.

So happy to see a new video! I adore your channel, you are also my inspiration to start my own channel. Thanks for creating your wonderful channel and keeping my days entertained.

Sometimes I feel like you are playing "Taboo" when you are describing books because there are words that you can't use because of spoilers

Seeing you calms me down and makes me happy....thank you! You are precious :")❤️

Merphy almost finished seven books in the month and I'm here with my little one read in the month...

@prabhavsthapit653

3 жыл бұрын

I haven't read a book in 3 months lol

@bluerectangle5794

3 жыл бұрын

Well, that's alright. As long as you enjoy the process. I actually take about 3 months sometimes. It's fine. All you have to know is that you have to love the act of reading. That's advice from a certified rectangle.

@joseangelnunezcova8655

3 жыл бұрын

I actually finished 8 books this month, which didn't expect AT ALL being this the first time I actually started to get really into books. But yeah don't force yourself to read books just 'cause of quantity; do it when you want to and enjoy it ^^

@spiffybumbleteeth

3 жыл бұрын

1 book is great and you should be proud of that!

@onfaerystories

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a university student and have a husband. I've read 4 books this month, but could've technically have been done with the fifth (but it's the kind of book you don't rush). Two of them had around 350 pages, another 250 and the last one 150 pages. You don't have to read chonky books, you just have to prioritize it a little bit more (for example, I'd rather read than watch TV). But remember reading is now a big part of Merphy's job as her YT channel contributes to her family's income. Don't compare yourself to booktubers, you won't win haha.

I love your reviews and videos and you are amazing!

I love your reaction to How To Lose the Time War! You described how I felt perfectly!

Can't wait for your dedicated video on This is how you lose the time war!!!

Please keep doing the wrap-ups! I love them!

I am currently binging your dear authors series and I am very happy that youtube recommended me your channel.

" I don't know how many people are going to be interested in me ranting about it here" ME throughly enjoying the next minute of merphy ranting about it here

We need a positive video today ❤️ Thanks, Merphy!

De Maurier is the queen of atmosphere. It’s like there’s a fog of unease surrounding her stories

Merphy, your rants are always welcomed. Even rants that I disagree with, are welcomed.

really happy you told me to read Rebecca. only on chapter 3 but it's so easy to read and I'm already super into it. thank you for saving me from my oncoming slump 🥺

Waiting for you to finish Rhythm of War! So excited to hear your thoughts on all of these. Edit: I was so hoping Jade City would win the poll and it did, but alas it decided to go out of stock just after.

My heart hurts for the 11/22/63 rating. I completely understand, I get where you're coming from, but it hurts. It hurts! :(

It was only a few days but I was already missing you and your videos...

Thank you for the reviews!

Excited for your review about rhythm of war

Merphy to be very honest , whenever i see your video i get the boost of reading my books and your recent book writing volg ... really inspired me and started to write my story which wasn't writing for 1 months

Super excited for your in depth reviews:)

Really excited about the dedicated reviews, also completely agree with This is How you Lose the Time War, it shouldn’t have worked for me based on what I like but I really loved it and need to re-read it one day.

I love that sweater, it looks so good on you!!

So totally unrelated to the actual video, but I love your shirt! Also, great content as always! 🙂

Definitely planning on picking up a Daphne du Maurier novel because you hyped it up so much! Also I LOVE your sweater

Excited to see your reviews of each book, even if I do like the wrap up structure! Whatever you do, I'll watch. I'd be so intimidated doing a review for every book I read, holy heck. :O

Great videos Merphy love how you describe your feelings about books you love, like or hate lol

The Loving Spirit by Daphne Du Maurier was such a powerful family story for me when I read it last month. Her writing style is awesome. I can't wait to read more of her books.

GREAT video Merph keep up the great work!❤😁

I'm happy to hear you will be continuing with these vids. You can just keep it short and just say which books you read with maybe the star rating. I thin saving going into detail for the full review videos is the better way to go.

I enjoyed Korrey's editing with the memes and GIFs. It was fun to see memes pop up on the screen.

I need to read more of Daphne DuMaurier - thanks for sharing your reading with us

It's kind of weird because I usually find Backman's novels lukewarm and I absolutely loved Anxious people 😶

Great update! I like the way you do the stats. You've been reading some great books. I think it'll be even better when you start doing videos for individual books. Peace!

here for a distraction from election stuff. Also, Merphy’s cool.

@romae.22

3 жыл бұрын

Dune. That is all I have to say.

@willlexie

3 жыл бұрын

I fear your account picture. Is that pain?

@OraNui

3 жыл бұрын

Was about to say the same lol

Love your channel, Its very different.

Just ordered the way of kings and I think I’m ready to tackle this series

I decided to pick up a Fredrik Backman book, since I heard only good things from you. I saw My Grandma in a local bookstore and bought it since I was really close to my grandma, and thought it was a good place to start. After finishing it I ran to see your review, and couldn't believe it was your least favourite Backman book, since it became my all time favourite !! People's tastes really differ :P But I am so glad I picked up a Backman book because of your recommendations!! Love your videos

Always good, Merphy.

I like the idea of a short wrap up or monthly check in or review of statistics every month

Fun fact about du Maurier: she was also a cousin of the Llewelyn Davies boys, who served as J. M. Barrie's inspiration for the characters in the play Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up (source: Wikipedia)

@Minosdu

3 жыл бұрын

Another fact but not so fun, she was accused multiple times of plagiarism, including the book Rebecca

My Cousin Rachel is such a complex and genius book! Years later, I am STILL trying to figure out exactly what happened. There are so many details that could have gone either way. What were her REAL motivations? Was she a villain or was she just misunderstood? I love it so much, and I'm glad you enjoyed it too!

@alyssap9233

3 жыл бұрын

I very much lean towards Rachel was a good person who made some mistakes. The book was written from the point of view of a very sexist man in a very sexist society. He, despite being 25, was very immature and entitled. He wasn’t a bad person either, but certainly wasn’t a good one. Nor was he a reliable narrator. He had this image of a glorified father figure in his head and couldn’t let it go. Couldn’t believe he actually was delusional in his final weeks. Rachel maybe have been secretive and did some things she should’ve have done, but look at the time she was living in and the life she had lead. We meet her right after she went through the trauma of her husband turning on her due to his illness. I know there are other interpretations of what happened and they’re valid, but I think Rachel was a good person with a tragic life.

@britneynicole8903

Жыл бұрын

I really need to try Du Maurier’s books!

Can't wait for more Rhythm of War impressions!

The buddy reads are crazy!!

I love Daphne du Maurier and her slow-paced plot and beautiful prose and her creepy characters

I’m so glad you liked My Cousin Rachel! I actually liked it a little more than Rebecca!

I’m halfway through Oathbringer! I have KZread to thank for finding this series lol I cannot wait for Rhythm of War! Your reviews always make my tbr bigger. Which is great. PS: Brandon Sanderson writes extensive outlines and it works for him so idk You can do it either way imo

I definitely agree with your points on Anxious People and 11/22/63, granted I gave them both slightly higher ratings than you did. I’m patiently waiting for an update from you for The Shadow of the Wind because I have mixed feelings at the moment!

I highly recommend you to read some of Jennifer Donnelly's books. I have only read two, but I have fallen in love with her writing style. Many of her books have a dark concept, so I think you would enjoy them. My favorite is Stepsister. Happy reading!

I'm really looking forward you reading Jade City 🤩

3.5 for anxious people. For me it was awesome, I loved it

You have pretty much taken the words right out of my mouth on 11/22/69. Loved a lot of the details, but some could have been omitted. There definitely could be a little more and less in parts of it, and the ending definitely needed more.

Just added more to my reading list!!

Excited about the reviews but not the spoilers. I love to read but never know what to read.

Thanks for the recommendations, I was in a reading rut.

The effect of Ai and Machine Learning is insane. Discussion on opinions about everything I watch is something that has a deep place in my heart but I did not expressed it anywhere online explicitly but youtube still recommends me your channel and it just feels like a dream, or somekind of "universe conspires you to give what you want" thing. I know it's all fictional but moments like these make us believe that.

Just finished Jade City yesterday night. So good!

@bluerectangle5794

3 жыл бұрын

Will it be good for a person who's normally into more of an urban fantasy?

@Morfeusm

3 жыл бұрын

Yay I just ordered them last week and I am so excited!

@KK-ef1ow

3 жыл бұрын

@@bluerectangle5794 yes! Its an alternate world that takes place in mostly a single city that mixes modern and "clan wars". I think you'll love it.

@bluerectangle5794

3 жыл бұрын

Seeing the overwhelmingly positive praise for this book, I HAVE to order it now.

Ooo I've been looking into Jade City, I might need to join the buddy read! That sounds like fun!

Oh, Bobby Robot sounds interesting ..... adding it to my tbr :)

I think I'm gonna have to read Rebecca soon with that description of the writing 👀

Fredrick Mackman was doing his best when he wrote "anxious people".

Fires of Vengeance and RoW! Yessssssss. And Jade City has been on my list for a minute. and I feel you about the 11/22/63. I read it YEARS ago but I remember enjoying it. Mainly because I like a lot of stephen king's early work and he has a decent shout out to the universe in this one. But I agree the pacing a payoff might not be all there lol

@jamesduggan7200

3 жыл бұрын

It's useful to understand the way- and quality-of life the hero is tasked to preserve. It's also helpful to consider the super sleeper spy enjoying the good life and becoming less enthusiastic about the mission.

I love reading, but I only really read when I'm on vacation. School makes my brain too tired to read most days otherwise. When I read on vacation I can read almost a book a day depending on the books and whether I have to do anything else.

Keeping reading alive. More people should do this. Read books and talk about them.

I went and bought If It Bleeds earlier this year along with Salem's Lot thinking I'd grow to love Stephen King but realized I was mistaken halfway into If It Bleeds. As you said, King will go into a tangent about something else and it's like, "bro, we're still in the story get back and finish the story". At first, I thought maybe it was the book so I read four other books and decided to get into Salem's Lot. Same shit, different story pretty much. Suffice to say, I'm not a Stephen King fan but I won't discourage anyone else from reading him since his work does have a large following. Also, I remember you're still writing that mermaid story. I recommend you read "Undine" by Friedrich De La Motte Fouque. It's a fantasy novella (my copy was 62 pages) about a water sprite/mermaid/water spirit (whatever you prefer) who marries a Knight to obtain a soul. It has fantasy elements and, despite there being a marriage, it isn't an upbeat story where everyone lives happily ever after. Fouque does a great job writing people instead of good or bad characters and is a great example of a story that feels human without trying too hard. It was published in 1811 so the text might be a bit dense compared to popular fiction of today, but I recommend it as a story that's in a similar vein of water creatures. Good luck on the writing!

The king book reminds me of how I felt like I was missing something in umbrella academy season 2 because my historical knowledge on it was very basic

If you still want to read about discovery writing and writing in general, I highly recommend Stephen King's sort-of-memoir "On Writing". He's a pantser and he touches upon that, but the book also offers many other valuable insights. :) From what I recall, his tone can be summed up as: "This is how I do it, and I suggest you try it, too, because... *solid, sound reasoning." He also intersperses his own thoughts with interesting anecdotes about other writers and their own varying quirks.

You keep talking about this gothic author, im starting to think I’ll have to check her out!!

Merph your November buddy read schedule is legendary lol

Wonderful planning to read Anxious people I got it at the library and some other fellow readers want to read it with me

I just joined your public discord and I’m loving Jade city so far :)

Wow! It's fascinating how similar Merphy's opinion is to mine when it comes to fantasy, and how polar opposites our opinions are on everything else xD

I need to read my copy of anxious people 🤗

I really enjoyed 11/22/63. I read that a few years ago and flew through it. I’m not sure if books like that are better as audiobooks or physical reads. Sometimes the audiobook is hard to stay invested in, especially when they are excessively long.

WOAH. I NEED to read My Cousin Rachel, that sounds sooooo incredible! And also Rebecca!! And I'm so sad to hear about Anxious People! I am so curious to see how I feel about it since I liked My Grandmother Asked me to Tell You She's Sorry more than Beartown so maybe that means I will like this one more considering it's your least favorite!? Lmao we shall see!!!

Beartown is now a tvseries! I haven't watched it yet though, I hope it will be as good as the book!

I'll glean whatever advice i can get from your review and not bother reading the Writing in the Dark book

Would love to see a short video on the good advice you took from "Writing into the Dark", a "I read it so you don't have to" type of video.

I don't know if you've read it, but my favorite book series is the Throne of Glass series. I definitely recommend it. I really enjoy your videos

Merphy I miss you on Sunday.

I FINALLY read a man called Ove (okay, I read it in Dutch because it would be a translation anyway because i don't speak Swedish) and am now starting anxious people (also in Dutch) because that's what's lying around in the house where I'm currently cat sitting. Can't wait to read all of his books because a man called Ove absolutely blew me away

I agree with what you said about This is how you lose the time war. In the end I liked it but can't quite shake the feeling I would have enjoyed it more if I'd had the opportunity to either read it in print or listen to it in my native language (as opposed to listening to it in English).

Lord Brocktree I've not finished (although I'm finally into part 3, which means the Brocktree v Trunn fight literally on the front cover is getting there...eventually lol). The other two are are fun combo (I swear I didn't do a MG/YA/grimdark adult sci-fi combo intentionally lol). Avenging Son was the odd mix of violent fight scenes, quiet contemplation and admin work, ending with a SIX CHAPTER long battle and, basically, the equivalent of "The Battle for Middle-Earth has just begun" line from the 2nd LOTR movie. I mean, I liked it but...not a great point to decide to test the 40k universe with lol. Quicksilver...I'll avoid a long discussion here unless Merphy (or anyone else) REALLY wants me to, but it's a very different book to Ultraviolet. You know at least roughly where the plot's going from the get go, it has two/three VERY clear antagonists (one of whom you will absolutely detest even though he...kind of has a redemption moment at the end?), it has my favourite...all I'll say is fake couple ever and it has an ending which even though plenty of people might have been tempted to do an "And then..." sequel you don't feel TOO sad ends there. If that makes sense? That's my short but somehow still incredibly rambly way to say I think it's worth reading Merphy, although I will forgive you not prioritising it when you have about 20,000 other books to read first XD My next reads are gonna be fun though, especially because they couldn't be much more different from Quicksilver/Avenging Son lol

I’m really interested in Anxious People. It’s been on my radar for a while. I think I should re-read This is How You Lose a Time War. Loved the concept but i had trouble following it sometimes

I found it funny that in the end you still follow the old schedule

@merphynapier42

3 жыл бұрын

This week is my last week on the old schedule which is why I still ended the video like that. Next week will be the new schedule :)

@ScientistsReadingWorld

3 жыл бұрын

@@merphynapier42 It was not pointing something just made me laugh xD i am excited with the new schedule hope you doing well

I tried to get through This Is How You Lose The Time War a couple different times - I only got 21% through at the most and then I had to move on because I just found it too confusing. Your review gives me hope, though! I'm currently having some medical issues that make it difficult to concentrate, so I'm definitely not going to try again until those get resolved, but I feel like I could try again at some point in the future and stick it out longer! Also, my main problem with Stephen King has always been pacing - going back to....who knows what year, when I tried to read The Shining and just did. not. care. because it was so slow. The concept of 11/22/63 seemed interesting, but recently reading poorly-written women has been getting to me, so between that and the pacing, I think I may pass on this one. Thank you as always!

Please read Du Maurier’s short stories. Especially, The Birds. It’s my favourite story by her.

Read 1 book in october was the stand by stephen king still reading reading it much bigger than 11/22/63

11/22/63 is one of my favourite books ❤ I read the whole thing in three days and I'm a slow reader 🤣

I finished 9 books last month. I went horror heavy with 6 horror, 2 sci-fi and 1 fantasy. I was also almost through a 7th horror.

22/11/1963: I have this love-hate relationship with this story, and I really liked your review of it. My first contact to this story was the TV mini series. I enjoyed it, but I only watched like half of the episodes and then my subscription to this streaming service ended... Then a year later I tried the audio book. Again I liked it very much, but it's so long the audio reading feels like it goes on for a week or so and I think I stopped around the point you also didn't like. Next attempt should be reading the actual novel, but I really have no idea how to make this happen. I somehow need to completely shut me away for a week or so, and I now there will be ups and downs, but I want to finish this damn story :) P.S. Also loved your review of How to lose a time war. Want to read it now!

I feel like Ian McEwan writes some of the best human emotion. The child in time, Saturday and Atonement are some of his best imho

@irena7777777

3 жыл бұрын

I didn't like Atonement but Saturday, Child In Time and Enduring Love I thought were great

@sanne8287

3 жыл бұрын

I had to read machines like me of his for school and I didn’t like it but i still really want to read the child in time and the cement garden!

@irena7777777

3 жыл бұрын

@@sanne8287 Read Cement Garden a long time ago. It's a strange book

@onehappybuddhist

3 жыл бұрын

@@irena7777777 Yeah his earlier stuff is bizzare. Especially First Love, Last Rite. Some of those stories in that one scarred me

@onehappybuddhist

3 жыл бұрын

@@sanne8287 Really? I loved machines like me, but i guess it isn't his usual sort of novel. I appreciate that you haven't given up on him though!

Merphy. Merphy I just finished Republic of Thieves. Merphy my HEART HURTS.