why dont you let your cat review a book or two? I think your talking book reading cat with intellectual opinions might be your popular than you.
@uktruecrime7 күн бұрын
stuffed cats are much quieter
@bibliomania15813 күн бұрын
I just found your KZread channel, I love your videos, great books, and a great collection.... (watching from America) I hope to see more videos 🙏👍
@CurtisBooksandFilms12 күн бұрын
Thank you and welcome!
@josmith599219 күн бұрын
I was feeling a bit slumpy this weekend and realized I just wanted to read non fiction although I do think letters are something that take a long time to get through. I’m reading Anthony Trollope’s and they are basically about the post office or his books, still fun for a fan but not something you just want to spend hours reading. Glad to hear Star 111, maintained the quality, I always appreciate a good translators note and I think I have Jelinek’s book Greed on the shelf somewhere so interested to see what you make of her writing.
@CurtisBooksandFilms18 күн бұрын
To be fair Trollope writing about the post office does sound more entertaining than the Beckett I've been reading...
@ToReadersItMayConcern19 күн бұрын
You have fantastic literary taste. I've been steadily making my way through your videos and you've helped me discover some great books. Thank you!
@CurtisBooksandFilms18 күн бұрын
Thank you, same to you! I've been drooling over your bookshelves
@ameliareads58919 күн бұрын
It was the other pronouncation of Seiler. 😂 And yes, it is a so-called Wenderoman. I put it on hold at the library. I am very curious about the prose in the original German. I really like the look of the English edition. I have to admit that I was never able to get into Elfriede Jelinek's books. But she is definitely an interesting writer and if I remember correctly you have already read some of her work, haven't you? And are you still interested in reading Dag Solstad together? Or have you already read the book, we agreed on, on your own meanwhile? I actually can't remember which one we picked?
@CurtisBooksandFilms19 күн бұрын
I hadn't even heard of Elfriede Jelinek until quite recently, let alone read her. Although some people seem to have a better idea of what I've read than I do just based on watching my old videos, so maybe I did read something... Very happy to read Solstad together :) Except I may have accidentally read the one we were supposed to do... Shyness and Dignity. And before that I read Novel 13. But I'm sure there are others if you still want to - hit me up on voxer or email :)
@heathergregg997519 күн бұрын
Byron. "Mad, bad and dangerous to know... but he does write a good letter." Yes? No? I don't know where he found the time. I love 'your' Christopher Marlowe. What a name to be be given and have to live up to - but sounds like he did this very successfully, combining Elizabeth literature and Dr Who as his interests and knowledge areas.
@CurtisBooksandFilms19 күн бұрын
Does he write good letters? Oh yes. Good ol' Chris Marlow (no E on the end for him) -- and talk about nominative determinism.
@heathergregg997519 күн бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms Nominative determinism - yes, that's the word for it. I recently met a poet called Mr Page. And almost all the BBC gardening team have names like "Green" and "Flowerdew" etc. The titles on Masterchef are sometimes hilarious apt or inapt too. Recent series less so, but still had Fisher, Crumpton, Cox, Jackett (potato?), and Savage.
@TaraAmrit19 күн бұрын
I have one of those inconveniently noisy cats. I think she enjoys being banished to the bedroom during video conference calls. Really interesting book choices and reviews as always. Thank you!
@CurtisBooksandFilms19 күн бұрын
They just have to be the centre of attention at the most inconvenient times. Gotta love em
@josmith599223 күн бұрын
I’m with you on environment Curtis, noise of any kind just doesn’t work when I’m reading but I’m lucky in that I too live where that’s not a problem. I like what you said about those times you just don’t want to read or are in a slump. Picking up a book at whim or a reread has worked for me although I don’t really get slumpy, just busy or tired. My goals, if they can be called that are reading certain types of books each month, for my own interests and I’ve started coming up with projects where I focus on certain authors or topics which I’m enjoying.
@CurtisBooksandFilms22 күн бұрын
Thanks Jo. It's great to have a reader's paradise, let's not take it for granted!
@heathergregg997523 күн бұрын
Totally agree with the importance of undisturbed audio background for beginning to read - if the book is good, that may absorb concentration after the first few minutes. There are such a thing as "noise cancelling" headphones - which work by sampling the sound around and then blocking it. They are used for people who are neurodivergent and easily distractible - but can equally be useful for reducing constant noise pollution. Libraries used to be quiet spaces but now have computer keyboards imported - some of which are a false economy - ie loud and clackety. But most libraries should have a corner where you can find quiet to read. The writer of Creativity Inc is Ed Catmull. Reading 100 pages a day would certainly carve a path through anyone's TBR.
@CurtisBooksandFilms23 күн бұрын
I've tried many things in the past: noise cancelling headphones (too heavy), earplugs (too uncomfortable), and listening to white noise (fine for a while).
@heathergregg997523 күн бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms ahhh. good to know
@heathergregg997523 күн бұрын
Curtis, you have all those poetry books?! Please give us some Poetry Thursday readings. I'm going to look through your back catalogue now and see what you've said about poetry. Those shelves look like a glorious poetry festival waiting to happen.
@CurtisBooksandFilms23 күн бұрын
I must confess I am quite proud of my poetry shelf, and I think it's about time to double it now. I will try to make more of a point of talking about poetry in future videos because -- I'll save you the time of going through my back catalogue (most of which is unavailable anyway) -- I rarely do.
@ProseAndPetticoats23 күн бұрын
Thank you for using our tag! It's lovely to see other BookTubers talking about it.
@CurtisBooksandFilms23 күн бұрын
Thank you for creating it! And my sincere apologies for not giving you the joint credit. I have now corrected this in the description.
@ProseAndPetticoats23 күн бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms Aww that's okay! Thank you so much 🥰
@ToReadersItMayConcern24 күн бұрын
Your remarks on the imposing quality of loud environments are essential to remember: we're not all fortunate enough to have silence. It's helpful to appreciate our space if we happen to have a pleasant one. This is my introduction to your channel, and I find this tag such a fantastic way to get to know you. Thank you so much for participating! FYI, this tag was created in collaboration with @proseandpetticoats, not just by myself alone.
@ProseAndPetticoats23 күн бұрын
Thank you for mentioning me! 🙏♥️ I'm having a great time discovering these new channels!
@CurtisBooksandFilms23 күн бұрын
My apologies, I have now corrected the description to include ProseAndPetticoats (I hadn't watched your iteration yet as I don't like to be influenced by other people's answers before doing my own). Thanks again for creating this fantastic tag.
@HannahsBooks24 күн бұрын
Excellent! I think your comment about reading just one novel at a time is what I do by necessity--but I had not realized it before. I just put up my own version of this tag, and I am intrigued by how similar some of our conclusions are. I too talk about reading for pleasure, needing a quiet environment, motivation coming primarily from actually wanting to read what I'm trying to read, not much distraction from my phone, etc.
@CurtisBooksandFilms23 күн бұрын
Perfect timing, Hannah, will watch your version now!
@TriumphalReads24 күн бұрын
Really enjoyed your rendition of this tag Curtis. Particularly with your thoughts on goals and how it is helpful for people new to the hobby and that sort of thing. Glad I found your channel through the tag and looking forward to more!
@CurtisBooksandFilms23 күн бұрын
Thank you and welcome to the channel!
@ameliareads58927 күн бұрын
Your first pronouncation of Seiler was correct. Thanks for reminding me of this author. He has won a couple of important literary book prizes in Germany and that usually pushes sellings a lot. I definitely have to pick up this book soon. One of the reasons for the success of this book is that there is still a lot to learn about each other in Germany, even after more than thirty years of the reunification. Unfortunately the rest of the world doesn't seem to be particularly interested that much in this topic, so these books usually are hard to sell for translation. That's one of the reasons I was very pleased to see Jenny Erpenbeck winning the International Booker, although Kairos is not her strongest work imo. But she's a great writer and all her books are dealing with the history of East Germany and the former GDR.
@CurtisBooksandFilms27 күн бұрын
Yes I saw that Erpenbeck won so did pick the book up in Toppings the other day but wasn't a fan of the cover. However I will definitely get it now (or one of her others if you suggest) as the subject definitely interests _me_ . Thanks Amelia
@ameliareads58927 күн бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms I would recommend to start with reading Visitation. Please take the translation of the title in the more religious sense of a Visitation, although the book is not religious at all. But the meaning of the German title has a stronger sense of meaning than just visiting a place.
@CurtisBooksandFilms24 күн бұрын
@@ameliareads589 here's hoping my local bookshop stocks it 🤞
@josmith599228 күн бұрын
And Other Stories always seem to publish interesting titles, I’m not sure I’ve read many but when I see their new releases I often want to buy a whole slew. I do remember reading about this one but I think it was the group of young men thing that probably put me off, maybe I’ll rethink that. I also quite like their rebranding with the opening paragraph on the front. How are they to read, do they open easily? Fitzcarraldo , with similar minimalist covers, are a bit of a pain. It’s often weird what sells well in one country versus another and unfortunately I think there is still a bit of a hang up about translated books being widely read.
@CurtisBooksandFilms27 күн бұрын
I was also reminded of Fitzcarraldo editions, that's definitely the vibe they're going for. I would say it's ever-so-slightly easier to read, but feels similar, especially with the french flaps. Strangely the text on the front is not the opening paragraph, nor has it appeared anywhere in the first 100 pages I've read so far. Keeping my eyes peeled. You don't want to read about young men? Shocker!
@josmith599227 күн бұрын
Groups of young women might have been just as bad 😉 I know it’s how it’s executed that counts but I have to narrow down my book choices somehow 😉If the writing is good though, that’s normally the clincher for me so looking forward to your final thoughts Curtis.
@southernbiscuits127529 күн бұрын
Star III sounds very interesting. I'll look into it. As you were discussing the books you've read, a couple of things came to mind. You seem to be someone who reads for the literary value of the books you read. As you discussed Star III, some books came to mind. I may have mentioned them to you before. Pure challenging literature can be found in the novels of Laszlo Krasznahorkai. I've read Santantago and The Melancholy of Resistance. Krasznahokai's construction of his stories is mesmerizing. They are challenging but well worth the effort. You mentioned that you like the idea of a poet writing novels. I probably have mentioned Thomas Wolfe to you before. My all time favorite novel is his Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe is not a popular author because of the poetic feel of his language. Look Homeward, Angel is one of the most moving books I've ever read. It may be because Wolfe was a North Carolinian like myself. We view life in the same way. The book begins "A stone, a leaf, an unfound door; of a stone, a leaf, a door. And of all the forgotten faces." The implications of "all the forgotten faces" moves me every time I read this extract.
@CurtisBooksandFilms27 күн бұрын
Funnily enough I've read 2 of Krasznahokai's novels in the last year or so, but haven't got round to Satantango yet (despite owning it and having seen the 7-hour film). Thanks SB
@er1nyes_29 күн бұрын
It's the first time I hear about this book and the premise sounds really interesting, and given that I was born in the late eighties the setting is pretty interesting to me as well. I wasn't even aware of the author, so thanks for talking about it on the channel, Curtis. Will be curious to see your review, once you finish it.
@CurtisBooksandFilms27 күн бұрын
Thank you!
@7DAYS_ATSEAАй бұрын
I kinda wanna read it but I hated my struggle
@josmith5992Ай бұрын
Got to say Knausgård isn’t an author I’ve ever been interested in but I always thought he was the, ‘My struggle’ books and nothing else. When I took a look, he’s written a whole boat load of stuff but, based on your reaction to this novel, can’t say I’m anymore intrigued by him. Maybe if you do end up reading his magnus opus you’ll convince me otherwise Curtis. 🤔
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
I'll do my best!
@ameliareads589Ай бұрын
I think you would probably enjoy the My Struggles books by Knausgaard a bit more. But honestly, although I have read the first book and enjoyed it, I didn't really get all the hype about his writing, so I never felt the urge to continue with the series. Also I'm 100% sure that if a woman would have written seven books, in which she is reflecting page after page about her life in so much detail, the critics would have looked at lot differently.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Sad but true... This novel does keep getting better in fairness to Knausgaard, so will definitely go back to try another one by him. Thanks Amelia :)
@southernbiscuits1275Ай бұрын
Curtis, when you get to be as old as I am (75) you realize reading is more enjoyable when what you're reading is fun. Screw the bestsellers, screw the literary awards. Bring on the quick, meaningless reads that bring joy into what is often a joyless world. I love serial cozy mysteries and feel no guilt in admitting it. From his book titles alone, Knausgard doesn't sound like someone I'd want to have a very long conversation with. I do still read serious books but if the subject matter does not interest me or if the writing is not very good, I move on to something else. Life's too short to be tethered to something that doesn't hold up its end of the bargain. Happy reading, kiddo!
@J0zBАй бұрын
It’s always a pleasure, Curtis.
@mildrumpusАй бұрын
I discovered your channel through this video. Happy Reading!
@J0zB2 ай бұрын
It’s good to see you, Curtis. Read on.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thanks :)
@MarcNash2 ай бұрын
I think Quin's "Passages" is by far her best of the 4 novels.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction as always Marc
@MarcNashАй бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms She's a really important female avant garde British author, but of the 4 books of hers, one I loved, one I couldn't get through and two 'Berg' & 'Three" were so so. I prefer the works of BS Johnson tbh
@er1nyes_2 ай бұрын
So glad to see you back, Curtis. As for my part, I think the quality of your videos is fine, imo the content itself matters way more than the camera quality or the editing. I guess that you still haven't reached 1k subs more because of the few hiatuses than anything else. That being said, I'll stick around whether you post more consistently or not, because I myself struggle with keeping any hobby consistent throughout the months or years. Also, I really relate to what you say regarding reading less now than in the past, I struggle with the same issue. I'd also love to be able to read more books a month like I used to, but being an adult with a full time job, plus the routine of everyday life, are demanding not only physically but also mentally, so I guess it is expected that the dedicated time reading for leisure slows down. Would love to see a future review of your reading of the Beckett's letters, if you feel like reviewing it.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thanks for the nice comment. I am now getting stuck into the letters again so hopefully shouldn't be too long before I move onto vol 2.
@josmith59922 ай бұрын
Always good to see you after a break Curtis and you are now a cat person! I’d never had one until three years ago and suddenly you understand the whole cat love thing 😻 Before I started watching booktube I read about 30 books about a year, that seems a decent amount of books to read and appreciate though I do read more now. And Other Stories is such a great publisher, if I lived in the U.K I think I’d be tempted to get their yearly subscription and I don’t mind Library books. I kind of like seeing where they come from and usually you can take the plastic off and the book is in great condition underneath. Hope we get to see more of you this year!
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thanks Jo. I was an immediate convert after never having cared about cats in any way my entire life... Now I can't get enough of them!
@shawnbreathesbooks2 ай бұрын
I see Vargamae on the shelf!
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Your fault probably 🤣. I forgot to mention I recently read Blue Postcards thanks to your incredible mystery guest a few weeks ago.
@shawnbreathesbooks2 ай бұрын
👏👏🥳🥳🥰🥰 You’re back! Love the new look. Now I’ll watch the video.
@southernbiscuits12752 ай бұрын
Well, howdy, stranger! I never thought to see you on KZread again. I hope this isn't a one-off. As you talked about Berg, it reminded me of Iris Murdoch's hilarious novel, A Severed Head. Murdoch's book deals with all sorts of combinations of couplings but does so as she brilliantly satirizes the guilty sexual secrets of the bourgeois. In my old age, I've found there's very little I get serious about. Life's tough enough without having a good laugh. I've read many of Murdoch's books and she cuts through the crap other authors unhesitatingly accept without thought. It's fascinating the way she adapts her approach to the story in order to mesh with her attitudes towards the subject matter she's writing about. Concerning not reading as much as you used to, a good reader (in my opinion) is a fluid reader. One day there may be a need to read voraciously. The next day that voraciousness may have experienced an ebb. It doesn't matter how much you read but that you are receptive to reading when the need arises. Otherwise, you change from being a reader to being nothing more than a machine that happens to read. There are a lot of people on the dinosaur called BookTube who are machines that read rather than normal readers. I'm seventy-five and throughout my life I've gone through spells of reading followed by dry spells of not reading much to speak of. Rather than be concerned about it, I just strive to make the time that I do read count. I do this by choosing my reading material purposefully and paying attention to what I read. How many BookTubers talk about books they've read and they don't even remember the name of the main characters? Pitiful. No pressure for you to continue making videos. It's just nice to see you back at it again. Take care.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Howdy SB, thanks for your comment as always. That's one Murdoch I haven't read yet (and truth be told I don't think I even own that one). But I love her. I think you're right about adapting and being fluid with your reading, but I also think you should always push yourself to read more. Otherwise you might end up making poor excuses for not reading at all. But I defer to your superior wisdom.
@ameliareads5892 ай бұрын
I couldn't believe my eyes! I just checked today, if there's anything on your community page, saying that there's a chance of you coming back. And then there you are. Hopefully no one is coming for me for a witch hunt.😜
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Ah, so you're the reason I had the sudden urge to make a video then. I call voodoo!
@ShawnDStandfast2 ай бұрын
Great to see you back. Thanks for showing the Beckett letters. Had wondered about the notes. Hope you are able to make more videos.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thanks Shawn. Hope you are on the mend and enjoying life up north?
@smoothseas12 ай бұрын
Welcome back! :)
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thank you!
@ianp90862 ай бұрын
Great to see you again. Good also to hear someone now reading as many books as I have ever managed - 4-5 a month is a good number for me. Quality not quantity.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Agreed!
@heathergregg99752 ай бұрын
... and he's back! welcome! Yes to the idea of best books you've read this year video. You pick such interesting books. Especially want to hear about the Dixon book as it rates so highly on humour.
@CurtisBooksandFilmsАй бұрын
Thanks for the vote of confidence as always, Heather.
@heathergregg9975Ай бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms Looking forward to hearing more from you and your shelves.
@Godovgrind4 ай бұрын
👍👍👍
@heathergregg99756 ай бұрын
Missing your voice on Booktube. Please switch on a camera and tell us how you're doing and what you're reading.
@CurtisBooksandFilms6 ай бұрын
thanks Heather, I keep thinking about it...
@heathergregg99756 ай бұрын
Well, kind thoughts don't help your fans hear you! Grab a few books you've liked or are about to read, switch on a camera, speak to it. Listen back, if it makes any sense at all, upload it. None of us is working to BBC standards, it's a chat about books with friends. (Even the immaculate Britta Boehler makes bloopers - and showed them on her video "6 years on Booktube" uploaded May 2022. Total brainfades and some blue language) Even after uploading your vids, you can always delete any.@@CurtisBooksandFilms
@Wilsonn_esquire3 ай бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms I quite concur!
@josmith5992 Жыл бұрын
I’m not usually interested in bookshelf tours but I’ve been wondering about that huge wall of books behind you for some time. Appreciate that they are not all new and glossy editions!
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
Thank you my friend. Just smelly old books for me thank you very much
@TaraAmrit Жыл бұрын
When I bought my house I immediately set up an Ikea Wall of Books too. I just need to borrow your dad to secure them properly so we aren't dicing with death every time we stand in front of them. If he is ever in Australia with his drill maybe he can swing by.
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
I'm sure it can be arranged if it includes an all expenses paid outback tour?
@heathergregg9975 Жыл бұрын
Looks great, the film books shelf an unexpected bonus. Couldn't help noticing the oddity of synchronicity that places so close together the titles: "Your duck is my duck" and "Ducks, Newburyport". What are the odds?!
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
I never actually noticed that, haha. Thanks again for giving me the excuse to do this.
@ianp9086 Жыл бұрын
I’m hoping to read all of Denis Johnson’s novels - inspired by how good Train Dreams was. Nothing has yet lived up to that for me unfortunately. I needed a trigger warning on this video though - what kind of order are they in!!
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
Alphabetical! Although there are some out of order (as you say) as some of the shelves are too short to house taller paperbacks/hardbacks unfortunately.
@heathergregg9975 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic! This should be grrrreat! You haven't even started listing the books yet, and I'm agog with interest.
@EamonnSheehy Жыл бұрын
Very cool to see Stuart Dybek represented 😎 - the stories of his I've read are great. There is a clip of Stuart Dybek reading his story 'Cordoba', and it remains one of my favourites. I think it is on either soundcloud or KZread. He is great reading his own material. True storyteller. Really nice to see Solzhenitsyn's 'Cancer Ward'. Looks like a nice copy. My copy is a shredded paperback I picked up in a charity shop. If I take it from my shelf now it may just disintegrate. It's a brilliant book that has stayed with me years on.
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching. I haven't seen/heard that Dybek reading so will definitely seek it out. Cheers Eamonn
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
Roth is great, probably very American but try out his later book Nemesis and American pastoral and of course the ghost writer/portnoy/sabbath
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
I look forward to your shelf tour response/take down, sir
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms I disassembled most of them to renovate but will do, get to rub in all my library of America's 😈
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
Tom Wolfe!!!! ❤️ I picked up Liberation Day last week at a bookstore and I'm not sure Saunders is for me. I keep trying but never connecting.
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
There were only 1 or 2 stories in Liberation Day that I really liked. The rest was too much of Saunders doing Saunders.
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
@@CurtisBooksandFilms right felt kinda twee/obvious/goofy/ too intentionally obtuse
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
Was that that Dutch novel the evenings!? Oh my. I love that book I've never seen it on KZread before haha I hate when people compare it to salinger
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
It was! You're right to recoil at that comparison. He's no Salinger.
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
Gotta get you into Naipaul, think you'd like enigma of arrival and bend in river (oops I posted before seeing him on your shelves)
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
And yet I still haven't read him. Will try to prioritise this year.
@7DAYS_ATSEA Жыл бұрын
Did you like fortune smiles? I loved that story about Kurt Cobain ... love Denis Johnson so great to see him featured! RIP
@CurtisBooksandFilms Жыл бұрын
Yes I did. Due for re-read probably as it's been a good five years. Need to follow up on that author, not sure what he's done since.
Пікірлер
why dont you let your cat review a book or two? I think your talking book reading cat with intellectual opinions might be your popular than you.
stuffed cats are much quieter
I just found your KZread channel, I love your videos, great books, and a great collection.... (watching from America) I hope to see more videos 🙏👍
Thank you and welcome!
I was feeling a bit slumpy this weekend and realized I just wanted to read non fiction although I do think letters are something that take a long time to get through. I’m reading Anthony Trollope’s and they are basically about the post office or his books, still fun for a fan but not something you just want to spend hours reading. Glad to hear Star 111, maintained the quality, I always appreciate a good translators note and I think I have Jelinek’s book Greed on the shelf somewhere so interested to see what you make of her writing.
To be fair Trollope writing about the post office does sound more entertaining than the Beckett I've been reading...
You have fantastic literary taste. I've been steadily making my way through your videos and you've helped me discover some great books. Thank you!
Thank you, same to you! I've been drooling over your bookshelves
It was the other pronouncation of Seiler. 😂 And yes, it is a so-called Wenderoman. I put it on hold at the library. I am very curious about the prose in the original German. I really like the look of the English edition. I have to admit that I was never able to get into Elfriede Jelinek's books. But she is definitely an interesting writer and if I remember correctly you have already read some of her work, haven't you? And are you still interested in reading Dag Solstad together? Or have you already read the book, we agreed on, on your own meanwhile? I actually can't remember which one we picked?
I hadn't even heard of Elfriede Jelinek until quite recently, let alone read her. Although some people seem to have a better idea of what I've read than I do just based on watching my old videos, so maybe I did read something... Very happy to read Solstad together :) Except I may have accidentally read the one we were supposed to do... Shyness and Dignity. And before that I read Novel 13. But I'm sure there are others if you still want to - hit me up on voxer or email :)
Byron. "Mad, bad and dangerous to know... but he does write a good letter." Yes? No? I don't know where he found the time. I love 'your' Christopher Marlowe. What a name to be be given and have to live up to - but sounds like he did this very successfully, combining Elizabeth literature and Dr Who as his interests and knowledge areas.
Does he write good letters? Oh yes. Good ol' Chris Marlow (no E on the end for him) -- and talk about nominative determinism.
@@CurtisBooksandFilms Nominative determinism - yes, that's the word for it. I recently met a poet called Mr Page. And almost all the BBC gardening team have names like "Green" and "Flowerdew" etc. The titles on Masterchef are sometimes hilarious apt or inapt too. Recent series less so, but still had Fisher, Crumpton, Cox, Jackett (potato?), and Savage.
I have one of those inconveniently noisy cats. I think she enjoys being banished to the bedroom during video conference calls. Really interesting book choices and reviews as always. Thank you!
They just have to be the centre of attention at the most inconvenient times. Gotta love em
I’m with you on environment Curtis, noise of any kind just doesn’t work when I’m reading but I’m lucky in that I too live where that’s not a problem. I like what you said about those times you just don’t want to read or are in a slump. Picking up a book at whim or a reread has worked for me although I don’t really get slumpy, just busy or tired. My goals, if they can be called that are reading certain types of books each month, for my own interests and I’ve started coming up with projects where I focus on certain authors or topics which I’m enjoying.
Thanks Jo. It's great to have a reader's paradise, let's not take it for granted!
Totally agree with the importance of undisturbed audio background for beginning to read - if the book is good, that may absorb concentration after the first few minutes. There are such a thing as "noise cancelling" headphones - which work by sampling the sound around and then blocking it. They are used for people who are neurodivergent and easily distractible - but can equally be useful for reducing constant noise pollution. Libraries used to be quiet spaces but now have computer keyboards imported - some of which are a false economy - ie loud and clackety. But most libraries should have a corner where you can find quiet to read. The writer of Creativity Inc is Ed Catmull. Reading 100 pages a day would certainly carve a path through anyone's TBR.
I've tried many things in the past: noise cancelling headphones (too heavy), earplugs (too uncomfortable), and listening to white noise (fine for a while).
@@CurtisBooksandFilms ahhh. good to know
Curtis, you have all those poetry books?! Please give us some Poetry Thursday readings. I'm going to look through your back catalogue now and see what you've said about poetry. Those shelves look like a glorious poetry festival waiting to happen.
I must confess I am quite proud of my poetry shelf, and I think it's about time to double it now. I will try to make more of a point of talking about poetry in future videos because -- I'll save you the time of going through my back catalogue (most of which is unavailable anyway) -- I rarely do.
Thank you for using our tag! It's lovely to see other BookTubers talking about it.
Thank you for creating it! And my sincere apologies for not giving you the joint credit. I have now corrected this in the description.
@@CurtisBooksandFilms Aww that's okay! Thank you so much 🥰
Your remarks on the imposing quality of loud environments are essential to remember: we're not all fortunate enough to have silence. It's helpful to appreciate our space if we happen to have a pleasant one. This is my introduction to your channel, and I find this tag such a fantastic way to get to know you. Thank you so much for participating! FYI, this tag was created in collaboration with @proseandpetticoats, not just by myself alone.
Thank you for mentioning me! 🙏♥️ I'm having a great time discovering these new channels!
My apologies, I have now corrected the description to include ProseAndPetticoats (I hadn't watched your iteration yet as I don't like to be influenced by other people's answers before doing my own). Thanks again for creating this fantastic tag.
Excellent! I think your comment about reading just one novel at a time is what I do by necessity--but I had not realized it before. I just put up my own version of this tag, and I am intrigued by how similar some of our conclusions are. I too talk about reading for pleasure, needing a quiet environment, motivation coming primarily from actually wanting to read what I'm trying to read, not much distraction from my phone, etc.
Perfect timing, Hannah, will watch your version now!
Really enjoyed your rendition of this tag Curtis. Particularly with your thoughts on goals and how it is helpful for people new to the hobby and that sort of thing. Glad I found your channel through the tag and looking forward to more!
Thank you and welcome to the channel!
Your first pronouncation of Seiler was correct. Thanks for reminding me of this author. He has won a couple of important literary book prizes in Germany and that usually pushes sellings a lot. I definitely have to pick up this book soon. One of the reasons for the success of this book is that there is still a lot to learn about each other in Germany, even after more than thirty years of the reunification. Unfortunately the rest of the world doesn't seem to be particularly interested that much in this topic, so these books usually are hard to sell for translation. That's one of the reasons I was very pleased to see Jenny Erpenbeck winning the International Booker, although Kairos is not her strongest work imo. But she's a great writer and all her books are dealing with the history of East Germany and the former GDR.
Yes I saw that Erpenbeck won so did pick the book up in Toppings the other day but wasn't a fan of the cover. However I will definitely get it now (or one of her others if you suggest) as the subject definitely interests _me_ . Thanks Amelia
@@CurtisBooksandFilms I would recommend to start with reading Visitation. Please take the translation of the title in the more religious sense of a Visitation, although the book is not religious at all. But the meaning of the German title has a stronger sense of meaning than just visiting a place.
@@ameliareads589 here's hoping my local bookshop stocks it 🤞
And Other Stories always seem to publish interesting titles, I’m not sure I’ve read many but when I see their new releases I often want to buy a whole slew. I do remember reading about this one but I think it was the group of young men thing that probably put me off, maybe I’ll rethink that. I also quite like their rebranding with the opening paragraph on the front. How are they to read, do they open easily? Fitzcarraldo , with similar minimalist covers, are a bit of a pain. It’s often weird what sells well in one country versus another and unfortunately I think there is still a bit of a hang up about translated books being widely read.
I was also reminded of Fitzcarraldo editions, that's definitely the vibe they're going for. I would say it's ever-so-slightly easier to read, but feels similar, especially with the french flaps. Strangely the text on the front is not the opening paragraph, nor has it appeared anywhere in the first 100 pages I've read so far. Keeping my eyes peeled. You don't want to read about young men? Shocker!
Groups of young women might have been just as bad 😉 I know it’s how it’s executed that counts but I have to narrow down my book choices somehow 😉If the writing is good though, that’s normally the clincher for me so looking forward to your final thoughts Curtis.
Star III sounds very interesting. I'll look into it. As you were discussing the books you've read, a couple of things came to mind. You seem to be someone who reads for the literary value of the books you read. As you discussed Star III, some books came to mind. I may have mentioned them to you before. Pure challenging literature can be found in the novels of Laszlo Krasznahorkai. I've read Santantago and The Melancholy of Resistance. Krasznahokai's construction of his stories is mesmerizing. They are challenging but well worth the effort. You mentioned that you like the idea of a poet writing novels. I probably have mentioned Thomas Wolfe to you before. My all time favorite novel is his Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe is not a popular author because of the poetic feel of his language. Look Homeward, Angel is one of the most moving books I've ever read. It may be because Wolfe was a North Carolinian like myself. We view life in the same way. The book begins "A stone, a leaf, an unfound door; of a stone, a leaf, a door. And of all the forgotten faces." The implications of "all the forgotten faces" moves me every time I read this extract.
Funnily enough I've read 2 of Krasznahokai's novels in the last year or so, but haven't got round to Satantango yet (despite owning it and having seen the 7-hour film). Thanks SB
It's the first time I hear about this book and the premise sounds really interesting, and given that I was born in the late eighties the setting is pretty interesting to me as well. I wasn't even aware of the author, so thanks for talking about it on the channel, Curtis. Will be curious to see your review, once you finish it.
Thank you!
I kinda wanna read it but I hated my struggle
Got to say Knausgård isn’t an author I’ve ever been interested in but I always thought he was the, ‘My struggle’ books and nothing else. When I took a look, he’s written a whole boat load of stuff but, based on your reaction to this novel, can’t say I’m anymore intrigued by him. Maybe if you do end up reading his magnus opus you’ll convince me otherwise Curtis. 🤔
I'll do my best!
I think you would probably enjoy the My Struggles books by Knausgaard a bit more. But honestly, although I have read the first book and enjoyed it, I didn't really get all the hype about his writing, so I never felt the urge to continue with the series. Also I'm 100% sure that if a woman would have written seven books, in which she is reflecting page after page about her life in so much detail, the critics would have looked at lot differently.
Sad but true... This novel does keep getting better in fairness to Knausgaard, so will definitely go back to try another one by him. Thanks Amelia :)
Curtis, when you get to be as old as I am (75) you realize reading is more enjoyable when what you're reading is fun. Screw the bestsellers, screw the literary awards. Bring on the quick, meaningless reads that bring joy into what is often a joyless world. I love serial cozy mysteries and feel no guilt in admitting it. From his book titles alone, Knausgard doesn't sound like someone I'd want to have a very long conversation with. I do still read serious books but if the subject matter does not interest me or if the writing is not very good, I move on to something else. Life's too short to be tethered to something that doesn't hold up its end of the bargain. Happy reading, kiddo!
It’s always a pleasure, Curtis.
I discovered your channel through this video. Happy Reading!
It’s good to see you, Curtis. Read on.
Thanks :)
I think Quin's "Passages" is by far her best of the 4 novels.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction as always Marc
@@CurtisBooksandFilms She's a really important female avant garde British author, but of the 4 books of hers, one I loved, one I couldn't get through and two 'Berg' & 'Three" were so so. I prefer the works of BS Johnson tbh
So glad to see you back, Curtis. As for my part, I think the quality of your videos is fine, imo the content itself matters way more than the camera quality or the editing. I guess that you still haven't reached 1k subs more because of the few hiatuses than anything else. That being said, I'll stick around whether you post more consistently or not, because I myself struggle with keeping any hobby consistent throughout the months or years. Also, I really relate to what you say regarding reading less now than in the past, I struggle with the same issue. I'd also love to be able to read more books a month like I used to, but being an adult with a full time job, plus the routine of everyday life, are demanding not only physically but also mentally, so I guess it is expected that the dedicated time reading for leisure slows down. Would love to see a future review of your reading of the Beckett's letters, if you feel like reviewing it.
Thanks for the nice comment. I am now getting stuck into the letters again so hopefully shouldn't be too long before I move onto vol 2.
Always good to see you after a break Curtis and you are now a cat person! I’d never had one until three years ago and suddenly you understand the whole cat love thing 😻 Before I started watching booktube I read about 30 books about a year, that seems a decent amount of books to read and appreciate though I do read more now. And Other Stories is such a great publisher, if I lived in the U.K I think I’d be tempted to get their yearly subscription and I don’t mind Library books. I kind of like seeing where they come from and usually you can take the plastic off and the book is in great condition underneath. Hope we get to see more of you this year!
Thanks Jo. I was an immediate convert after never having cared about cats in any way my entire life... Now I can't get enough of them!
I see Vargamae on the shelf!
Your fault probably 🤣. I forgot to mention I recently read Blue Postcards thanks to your incredible mystery guest a few weeks ago.
👏👏🥳🥳🥰🥰 You’re back! Love the new look. Now I’ll watch the video.
Well, howdy, stranger! I never thought to see you on KZread again. I hope this isn't a one-off. As you talked about Berg, it reminded me of Iris Murdoch's hilarious novel, A Severed Head. Murdoch's book deals with all sorts of combinations of couplings but does so as she brilliantly satirizes the guilty sexual secrets of the bourgeois. In my old age, I've found there's very little I get serious about. Life's tough enough without having a good laugh. I've read many of Murdoch's books and she cuts through the crap other authors unhesitatingly accept without thought. It's fascinating the way she adapts her approach to the story in order to mesh with her attitudes towards the subject matter she's writing about. Concerning not reading as much as you used to, a good reader (in my opinion) is a fluid reader. One day there may be a need to read voraciously. The next day that voraciousness may have experienced an ebb. It doesn't matter how much you read but that you are receptive to reading when the need arises. Otherwise, you change from being a reader to being nothing more than a machine that happens to read. There are a lot of people on the dinosaur called BookTube who are machines that read rather than normal readers. I'm seventy-five and throughout my life I've gone through spells of reading followed by dry spells of not reading much to speak of. Rather than be concerned about it, I just strive to make the time that I do read count. I do this by choosing my reading material purposefully and paying attention to what I read. How many BookTubers talk about books they've read and they don't even remember the name of the main characters? Pitiful. No pressure for you to continue making videos. It's just nice to see you back at it again. Take care.
Howdy SB, thanks for your comment as always. That's one Murdoch I haven't read yet (and truth be told I don't think I even own that one). But I love her. I think you're right about adapting and being fluid with your reading, but I also think you should always push yourself to read more. Otherwise you might end up making poor excuses for not reading at all. But I defer to your superior wisdom.
I couldn't believe my eyes! I just checked today, if there's anything on your community page, saying that there's a chance of you coming back. And then there you are. Hopefully no one is coming for me for a witch hunt.😜
Ah, so you're the reason I had the sudden urge to make a video then. I call voodoo!
Great to see you back. Thanks for showing the Beckett letters. Had wondered about the notes. Hope you are able to make more videos.
Thanks Shawn. Hope you are on the mend and enjoying life up north?
Welcome back! :)
Thank you!
Great to see you again. Good also to hear someone now reading as many books as I have ever managed - 4-5 a month is a good number for me. Quality not quantity.
Agreed!
... and he's back! welcome! Yes to the idea of best books you've read this year video. You pick such interesting books. Especially want to hear about the Dixon book as it rates so highly on humour.
Thanks for the vote of confidence as always, Heather.
@@CurtisBooksandFilms Looking forward to hearing more from you and your shelves.
👍👍👍
Missing your voice on Booktube. Please switch on a camera and tell us how you're doing and what you're reading.
thanks Heather, I keep thinking about it...
Well, kind thoughts don't help your fans hear you! Grab a few books you've liked or are about to read, switch on a camera, speak to it. Listen back, if it makes any sense at all, upload it. None of us is working to BBC standards, it's a chat about books with friends. (Even the immaculate Britta Boehler makes bloopers - and showed them on her video "6 years on Booktube" uploaded May 2022. Total brainfades and some blue language) Even after uploading your vids, you can always delete any.@@CurtisBooksandFilms
@@CurtisBooksandFilms I quite concur!
I’m not usually interested in bookshelf tours but I’ve been wondering about that huge wall of books behind you for some time. Appreciate that they are not all new and glossy editions!
Thank you my friend. Just smelly old books for me thank you very much
When I bought my house I immediately set up an Ikea Wall of Books too. I just need to borrow your dad to secure them properly so we aren't dicing with death every time we stand in front of them. If he is ever in Australia with his drill maybe he can swing by.
I'm sure it can be arranged if it includes an all expenses paid outback tour?
Looks great, the film books shelf an unexpected bonus. Couldn't help noticing the oddity of synchronicity that places so close together the titles: "Your duck is my duck" and "Ducks, Newburyport". What are the odds?!
I never actually noticed that, haha. Thanks again for giving me the excuse to do this.
I’m hoping to read all of Denis Johnson’s novels - inspired by how good Train Dreams was. Nothing has yet lived up to that for me unfortunately. I needed a trigger warning on this video though - what kind of order are they in!!
Alphabetical! Although there are some out of order (as you say) as some of the shelves are too short to house taller paperbacks/hardbacks unfortunately.
Fantastic! This should be grrrreat! You haven't even started listing the books yet, and I'm agog with interest.
Very cool to see Stuart Dybek represented 😎 - the stories of his I've read are great. There is a clip of Stuart Dybek reading his story 'Cordoba', and it remains one of my favourites. I think it is on either soundcloud or KZread. He is great reading his own material. True storyteller. Really nice to see Solzhenitsyn's 'Cancer Ward'. Looks like a nice copy. My copy is a shredded paperback I picked up in a charity shop. If I take it from my shelf now it may just disintegrate. It's a brilliant book that has stayed with me years on.
Thanks for watching. I haven't seen/heard that Dybek reading so will definitely seek it out. Cheers Eamonn
Roth is great, probably very American but try out his later book Nemesis and American pastoral and of course the ghost writer/portnoy/sabbath
I look forward to your shelf tour response/take down, sir
@@CurtisBooksandFilms I disassembled most of them to renovate but will do, get to rub in all my library of America's 😈
Tom Wolfe!!!! ❤️ I picked up Liberation Day last week at a bookstore and I'm not sure Saunders is for me. I keep trying but never connecting.
There were only 1 or 2 stories in Liberation Day that I really liked. The rest was too much of Saunders doing Saunders.
@@CurtisBooksandFilms right felt kinda twee/obvious/goofy/ too intentionally obtuse
Was that that Dutch novel the evenings!? Oh my. I love that book I've never seen it on KZread before haha I hate when people compare it to salinger
It was! You're right to recoil at that comparison. He's no Salinger.
Gotta get you into Naipaul, think you'd like enigma of arrival and bend in river (oops I posted before seeing him on your shelves)
And yet I still haven't read him. Will try to prioritise this year.
Did you like fortune smiles? I loved that story about Kurt Cobain ... love Denis Johnson so great to see him featured! RIP
Yes I did. Due for re-read probably as it's been a good five years. Need to follow up on that author, not sure what he's done since.