I absolutely love that you chose to organize the books by first line! Sometimes I find wrap-ups to be dull but you always find a way to make them interesting :)
That’s almost a book a day. You are a rockstar. I’ve had a couple on my list even before this video from your other videos and now I want to dive in even more. 😂
I gave Razorblade Tears 5 stars. I feel like it isn't necessarily for dads, but for people that have dads similar to Ike and Buddy Lee. There was something about seeing this style of action-based media my dad would have consumed used to break down the harmful ideas he has harbored that was very cathartic.
I gave it 5 stars too. But I am a huge fan of action movies, which is what this book felt like. And I loved seeing the growth of the two main characters throughout the book and how they used their regrets to shape their future behavior.
I highly recommend a short novel called Sphinx, by Anne Garréta, originally written in French. It is a genderless tragic love story. It leaves you thinking, and also wondering why you’re trying so hard to figure out the main characters’ genders.
Omg I’ve been thinking about this book myself every time Recitatif is mentioned. Hardly anyone knows about it and I’m so glad to have found one other person🙌🏼
Yesss so happy to hear you loved Leave the World behind. It was one of my favorite books of 2021. Loved the clever ironies and atmospheric feel and how we don't really get any answers. So good
Razorblade Tears was a five star for me, and I know you didn't love it, but I would not have picked this up were it not for Literally Dead, so THANK YOU!! 💜
Some great reads and great discussions. A variety of genres too and publication dates. I enjoyed the ranking by first line. It would be interesting for another video whether the book cover represents the story, or if the blurb represents the story, or reviewing by favourite colour on covers / cover design. As always, thank you for your wonderful content. Love you as a friend ❤️
Totally agree with how you articulate Leave The World Behind - it's atypical but completely aware what it wants to be, I'm also a fan of that book! I do think Razorblade Tears is kind of the same - I read it as a intentional take on 'masculine', Michael Bay revenge action flick, but with an unexpected backstory, I ended up really enjoyed it also!
I've heard so many people say they hated The Last Final Girl but as someone who envisions books cinematically in my brain while I read, I like the idea of having screen directions instead of a normal narrative. Glad you liked it. I'm def going to give it a try now!! 🎬🔪
I DNFed Razorblade Tears :( which was shocking bc it sounds right up my alley! The writing style was way too dry for me to get into it. I totally agree that it would be a perfect dad-book!
The only time I’ve paid attention to a first line is when the blurb on the cover said that the book had the best first line ever. So, naturally, I was intrigued. The first line was: “The first thing you find out when yer dog learns to talk is that dogs don't got nothing much to say. About anything.” I bought the series and loved it!
in february and march I've read actually a few books from your list of "weird books recs" and they were * for the most part * so fun! I especially liked the wilder girls. leave the world behind was a weird one for sure and also fun. I also read the entire book within one day, almost in one sitting, so the weirdness was even more amplified by that! from what you read in february I'm super interested in black chalk and somebody's daughter. I'm midly interested in razorblade tears, it's a little bit out of my comfort zone since I don't really like revenge stories, especially in books, but I low-key want to give it at least a try. also because it's one of Gabby's favourite books of 2021.
@@melissabereading Yes! It totally felt like watching an action movie. And I freaking love action movies, so maybe that’s why I liked it so much. I definitely want to check out S. A. Cosby’s other book as well.
i think somebody’s daughter speaks very specifically to the complex relationship that black girls have with their mothers and fathers. it spoke to me for that very specific reason, and her relationship with her mother was something that resonated with me a lot.
What Should Be Wild sounded interesting in principle, but the review makes me think I wouldn't necessarily like it. Does anyone have a recommendation for books that realise what the book says it would be in the synopsis? Or what Kayla thought it could do? 😄
I love the way you explain your feelings about the books from the craft perspective and the readers perspective! I'd love for you to review my manuscript!
don’t be sad that you read 3 for the year so far. readers are people who read books and enjoy doing it, not by how many books you read in a year. in 2020, i read 105 and in 2021, i read 33. that’s a huge difference but i didn’t put so much pressure on myself because i knew that i should read when i want to.
One line that always comes to mind when people talk about first lines is “Somebody stabbed you in the neck, young lady.” Took me by surprise the first time.
Leave the World Behind said so much and so many people missed it. I think because it whispered it's point rather than yelling.. It was so interesting to me to watch rant reviews and the like all saying that this book said nothing. I got so much about race and class and gender and how we respond to catastrophe. It even opened my eyes up to how I was responding to the pandemic. I kept thinking (in 2020) any day now this I'll be over we can go back to. Normal and the like (when in reality I ended up homeschool and locking down for 18 months) and the middle class couple were saying the same thing not knowing that the world had basically ended.
Oh god! I hated Cherish Farrah omg! I don't even think what she was trying to say about class was unique or fresh or even coherent. Like there isn't a real world correlation between what she was trying to do with the two characters who were brought into the adopted kids' homes. Like what?
I haven’t read the book. But if it gets adapted, it’s like the story would revolve around film direction and cinematography than actual dialogue and plot. Like scene filler or B roll, but that’s the point of the story?! As in, the mannerisms of a character and the way they are filmed is more of a focus than what the character says. Like you have to read between the lines of behavior? Edit: my response is to your original comment.
@@krispy777 there would be lots of dialog actually. The success or lack there of would be down to good screenwriters to adapt the material well and casting actors that are good with quiet, understated, and nuanced performances to speak to not just what's going on on the surface but also as what's underneath.
Yes Kayla ! I feel like Leave The World Behind is hated by everyone but I think it was creepy AF!!!!! I did read it physically so I don’t know if that made a difference 🤔
It's SO tough to say, cause Zadie Smith's analysis is so strong, but it tells you the whole story essentially. But reading it *after* might make it a bit dull since you *just* read the story. I wouldn't say there are a lot of things to spoil necessarily so I think reading the intro first is fine, especially if you find guided reading enjoyable.
Do you know if your going to read Christine Riccio’s second book? I don’t know if you’ll like it or not but it does have some magical realism (I think that’s what it’s called lol) in it so you might like that aspect. Imo it’s written better than her fist book, Its interesting to see a author grow over time.
I'm definitely intrigued by The New Age of Empire. I'm gonna read that one after I finish They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers.
I think I had similar thoughts with cherish farrah. I was on the edge of my seat but then felt like I had no emotional payoff even though I thought the final ending was… important??
🤷🏻♀️ Book Recommendation: Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez. I have been reading some of the nominees for Canada Reads and this one is my favourite so far. It has absolutely heartbreaking content, but the hope and found family components makes it worth the read. More importantly, it contains perspectives of marginalized people in an urban community that need to be heard (not Cory, fuck that character in particular). It’s fictional. Based in an Ontario city; urban setting in 2011/2012. Multiple POV including adults & children and their stories intertwine as story progresses. Significant trigger warnings for racism and child abuse. Many other TW like bullying, fat shaming, death of child, harassment, etc. There are characters you love and are rooting for (like Ms. Hina) and others that are racist human trash that infuriate you. I didn’t get confused with the multi POV because if you forget who someone is, there’s a clue/reminder within first paragraph or page. If all else, it illustrates how important community programs and shelters are and the ongoing fight to keep them funded. Everyone deserves love, education, and basic human needs.
@@stevenjohnson9842 OMG WHAT THERE’S A MOVIE?!? The book almost made me cry, but a movie definitely will. Ms. Hina and those children deserve the world.
@@krispy777 HAHA I cried in both!! The movie was so fascinating, it was written by the author and it protrayed it so well, plus it was filmed in Scarborough. The local actors are so great, Ms Hina's character was everything it should have been. it just came out, if you can get your eyes on it, do so!!!
I read What Should Be Wild in February also since I was trying to clear books about curses off my physical TBR and I felt much the same about it. The curse started out so interesting, I was really looking forward to seeing how it came together with the mysterious forest stuff and then it just didn't. I think that's the first time I've felt a book cheated me. 😂
a comp title to the "The New Age Empire" would be " The Looting Machine". it gives examples of what corporations do and how corruption works in Africa and how it is "looted" making its population to be so poor when the country is so rich
I’m so sad you didn’t love Razorblade Tears. I’m waiting for it and plan to read it so I skipped over your comments but I’ll come back. I sure hope I like it.
Have you ever read Panic by Lauren Oliver? I know you're into dark games in books and this one was turned into a show too and I'd love to know your thoughts if you have read it!
I'm shocked that you gave Cherish Farrah 1 star. I gave it 3 stars because I really liked what it was trying to do but don't think it was executed very well. I think with some tweaking it could've been 4/5 stars, and I normally hate YA.
I will say I had to read Roughing it in the Bush as part of a Canadian literature course in university and it's awful LMFAO. I use it now to hold up my makeup mirror, that's how much I disliked it LOL
I do not know how you can read so many books in such little time. You must be a very fast reader. I wish I had read when I was young and more as I got older. I am trying to read more now but I am a slower reader and I get carried away with watching youtube. I am also very picky with what I read and it is not very exciting or varied as yours. I love your videos and hearing about your books and life.
kayla i was Just about to be productive
🤭🤭🤭
I can only be productive when she’s talking
I love that you do wrap-ups like this!! Brings new, fun insight to your reading experience with books we may have already heard you speak about 🤗
I absolutely love that you chose to organize the books by first line! Sometimes I find wrap-ups to be dull but you always find a way to make them interesting :)
That’s almost a book a day. You are a rockstar.
I’ve had a couple on my list even before this video from your other videos and now I want to dive in even more. 😂
I gave Razorblade Tears 5 stars. I feel like it isn't necessarily for dads, but for people that have dads similar to Ike and Buddy Lee. There was something about seeing this style of action-based media my dad would have consumed used to break down the harmful ideas he has harbored that was very cathartic.
I gave it 5 stars too. But I am a huge fan of action movies, which is what this book felt like. And I loved seeing the growth of the two main characters throughout the book and how they used their regrets to shape their future behavior.
I highly recommend a short novel called Sphinx, by Anne Garréta, originally written in French. It is a genderless tragic love story. It leaves you thinking, and also wondering why you’re trying so hard to figure out the main characters’ genders.
Omg I’ve been thinking about this book myself every time Recitatif is mentioned. Hardly anyone knows about it and I’m so glad to have found one other person🙌🏼
ooo i was obsessed with this book a few years ago! i need to reread it
Yesss so happy to hear you loved Leave the World behind. It was one of my favorite books of 2021. Loved the clever ironies and atmospheric feel and how we don't really get any answers. So good
As a first line lover, this was INCREDIBLE!
Razorblade Tears was a five star for me, and I know you didn't love it, but I would not have picked this up were it not for Literally Dead, so THANK YOU!! 💜
the first line for the last final girl is so amazing, it made me want to read that book asap!!
You make these books sound SO GOOD but I know our reading taste is opposite. Maybe I need to add Cherish Ferrah to my Goodreads 🤣
yay!! the first line ranking is everything! 😂
Toni Morrison...Fav Author of ours ! Nice Bookish Month of Feb
Some great reads and great discussions. A variety of genres too and publication dates. I enjoyed the ranking by first line.
It would be interesting for another video whether the book cover represents the story, or if the blurb represents the story, or reviewing by favourite colour on covers / cover design.
As always, thank you for your wonderful content. Love you as a friend ❤️
This is perfect timing! I had a really bad day and just wanted a long video that I could sulk with and snack! Thank u for the wonderful content 💖
Totally agree with how you articulate Leave The World Behind - it's atypical but completely aware what it wants to be, I'm also a fan of that book!
I do think Razorblade Tears is kind of the same - I read it as a intentional take on 'masculine', Michael Bay revenge action flick, but with an unexpected backstory, I ended up really enjoyed it also!
I've heard so many people say they hated The Last Final Girl but as someone who envisions books cinematically in my brain while I read, I like the idea of having screen directions instead of a normal narrative. Glad you liked it. I'm def going to give it a try now!! 🎬🔪
I DNFed Razorblade Tears :( which was shocking bc it sounds right up my alley! The writing style was way too dry for me to get into it. I totally agree that it would be a perfect dad-book!
The only time I’ve paid attention to a first line is when the blurb on the cover said that the book had the best first line ever. So, naturally, I was intrigued. The first line was: “The first thing you find out when yer dog learns to talk is that dogs don't got nothing much to say. About anything.” I bought the series and loved it!
Love this!! Added quite a few of these to my TBR! ❤️❤️
I only put Razorblade Tears on my TBR because so many people were raving about it but now hearing you talk about it I might take it off again.
I’m so relieved you felt the same way I did about What Should Be Wild.
Omg I have that cardigan and that tank top! The cardigan is one of my favesss
It's gorgeous isn't it!
Ahhhhh I love this cardigan! Where is it from??
in february and march I've read actually a few books from your list of "weird books recs" and they were * for the most part * so fun! I especially liked the wilder girls. leave the world behind was a weird one for sure and also fun. I also read the entire book within one day, almost in one sitting, so the weirdness was even more amplified by that!
from what you read in february I'm super interested in black chalk and somebody's daughter. I'm midly interested in razorblade tears, it's a little bit out of my comfort zone since I don't really like revenge stories, especially in books, but I low-key want to give it at least a try. also because it's one of Gabby's favourite books of 2021.
So many good books! I'm definitely a dad because I loved Razorblade Tears lol
😂😂 I guess I’m a dad too because that book was 5 stars for me!
Bring on the jokes, cuz I’m a dad over here too! It got 5 stars from me too.
@@hudfamfour ugh it was amazing! I read it in 1 sitting!! It was like a movie playing in my head. I already want to reread it lol
@@melissabereading Yes! It totally felt like watching an action movie. And I freaking love action movies, so maybe that’s why I liked it so much. I definitely want to check out S. A. Cosby’s other book as well.
@@hudfamfour I love action moves too! And I also want to check out more of his work because I am impressed
this outfit is awesome and your hair looks so good in this video! youre so pretty all the time but it really hit me in this video 😍
I loved the idea of first lines so glad you went with it haha!
Wow so many books! Definitely taking some recs, and a rec for my dad too lol
i think somebody’s daughter speaks very specifically to the complex relationship that black girls have with their mothers and fathers. it spoke to me for that very specific reason, and her relationship with her mother was something that resonated with me a lot.
Thank you 🙏 getting me through the last report I need to do at work
What Should Be Wild sounded interesting in principle, but the review makes me think I wouldn't necessarily like it. Does anyone have a recommendation for books that realise what the book says it would be in the synopsis? Or what Kayla thought it could do? 😄
Your hair looks so good in this video!
I love the way you explain your feelings about the books from the craft perspective and the readers perspective! I'd love for you to review my manuscript!
Wholly smoke thats a shit ton of books! Well done u. I have read 3 since jan 22 😖❣ never mind aslong as u read 📚
don’t be sad that you read 3 for the year so far. readers are people who read books and enjoy doing it, not by how many books you read in a year. in 2020, i read 105 and in 2021, i read 33. that’s a huge difference but i didn’t put so much pressure on myself because i knew that i should read when i want to.
One line that always comes to mind when people talk about first lines is “Somebody stabbed you in the neck, young lady.”
Took me by surprise the first time.
45 minute! Love that!!!!! 😍
My girl be reading reading!
Leave the World Behind said so much and so many people missed it. I think because it whispered it's point rather than yelling.. It was so interesting to me to watch rant reviews and the like all saying that this book said nothing. I got so much about race and class and gender and how we respond to catastrophe. It even opened my eyes up to how I was responding to the pandemic. I kept thinking (in 2020) any day now this I'll be over we can go back to. Normal and the like (when in reality I ended up homeschool and locking down for 18 months) and the middle class couple were saying the same thing not knowing that the world had basically ended.
Oh god! I hated Cherish Farrah omg! I don't even think what she was trying to say about class was unique or fresh or even coherent. Like there isn't a real world correlation between what she was trying to do with the two characters who were brought into the adopted kids' homes. Like what?
I haven’t read the book. But if it gets adapted, it’s like the story would revolve around film direction and cinematography than actual dialogue and plot. Like scene filler or B roll, but that’s the point of the story?!
As in, the mannerisms of a character and the way they are filmed is more of a focus than what the character says. Like you have to read between the lines of behavior?
Edit: my response is to your original comment.
@@krispy777 there would be lots of dialog actually. The success or lack there of would be down to good screenwriters to adapt the material well and casting actors that are good with quiet, understated, and nuanced performances to speak to not just what's going on on the surface but also as what's underneath.
@@KatrinaReads7 oh ok. Cool! Thanks for replying! Have a good day/weekend!
Kayla ! I love your wrap ups! Do you plan to read Sundial anytime soon? I would love to hear your thoughts !
Yes Kayla ! I feel like Leave The World Behind is hated by everyone but I think it was creepy AF!!!!! I did read it physically so I don’t know if that made a difference 🤔
“I continue to hate the movie, but I support you if you like it” 😆😆😆
"Woman on a farm listens to podcast" sounds genuinely quite appealing to me lol. Both as a book and a lifestyle.
Same
25 IN ONE MONTH? AND THE SMALLEST MONTH OF ALL??? 😭✋
She basically read a book a day
Omg this sweater I LIIIIIIIIVE
That sweater !!!!!!! 😍
One of my favorite first lines was in Verity by Colleen Hoover!
“I hear the crack of his skull before the spattering of blood reaches me.”
Yay new lala video!!! :)
“Faking your own murder…Fuuunnnnn.” Lmao
Do you recommend reading the intro of recitatif before or after the short story?
It's SO tough to say, cause Zadie Smith's analysis is so strong, but it tells you the whole story essentially. But reading it *after* might make it a bit dull since you *just* read the story. I wouldn't say there are a lot of things to spoil necessarily so I think reading the intro first is fine, especially if you find guided reading enjoyable.
I love swim fan, black swan and get out so now I have to read this damn book, I feel like I’m you 🤣 prove to me you’re a 1 star cherish Farrah lol
Do you know if your going to read Christine Riccio’s second book? I don’t know if you’ll like it or not but it does have some magical realism (I think that’s what it’s called lol) in it so you might like that aspect. Imo it’s written better than her fist book, Its interesting to see a author grow over time.
having also just finished cherish farrah i get the not getting it... but i think i got it.
Most of the shopaholic series books start with "ok don't panic don't panic" 😂
I'm definitely intrigued by The New Age of Empire. I'm gonna read that one after I finish They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers.
I think I had similar thoughts with cherish farrah. I was on the edge of my seat but then felt like I had no emotional payoff even though I thought the final ending was… important??
I just am bad at rating things low 🤣
I think I wanted payoff for how much Farrah was “manipulating” everyone else. Coz it could have been super meta
Great video!
I’ve heard such amazing things about Razorblade tears
I loved it! Gave it 5 stars 🌟
For recitatif would you recommend reading the story first? Or the introduction goes better first?
Wow, that is a lot of books!
I just added recitatife to my tbr
🤷🏻♀️ Book Recommendation: Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez.
I have been reading some of the nominees for Canada Reads and this one is my favourite so far. It has absolutely heartbreaking content, but the hope and found family components makes it worth the read. More importantly, it contains perspectives of marginalized people in an urban community that need to be heard (not Cory, fuck that character in particular).
It’s fictional. Based in an Ontario city; urban setting in 2011/2012. Multiple POV including adults & children and their stories intertwine as story progresses. Significant trigger warnings for racism and child abuse. Many other TW like bullying, fat shaming, death of child, harassment, etc. There are characters you love and are rooting for (like Ms. Hina) and others that are racist human trash that infuriate you.
I didn’t get confused with the multi POV because if you forget who someone is, there’s a clue/reminder within first paragraph or page.
If all else, it illustrates how important community programs and shelters are and the ongoing fight to keep them funded. Everyone deserves love, education, and basic human needs.
wow this sounds interesting im gonna check it out. Thanks for the rec!
FANTASTIC BOOK, just watched the movie and it was amazing
@@stevenjohnson9842 OMG WHAT THERE’S A MOVIE?!? The book almost made me cry, but a movie definitely will. Ms. Hina and those children deserve the world.
@@krispy777 HAHA I cried in both!! The movie was so fascinating, it was written by the author and it protrayed it so well, plus it was filmed in Scarborough. The local actors are so great, Ms Hina's character was everything it should have been. it just came out, if you can get your eyes on it, do so!!!
I read What Should Be Wild in February also since I was trying to clear books about curses off my physical TBR and I felt much the same about it. The curse started out so interesting, I was really looking forward to seeing how it came together with the mysterious forest stuff and then it just didn't. I think that's the first time I've felt a book cheated me. 😂
I'm so glad I DNF'd it! 😂
You just gave away the entire story of Carrie lol damn.
Amazing! We read almost the same amount in February! I got 24!
and i thought i was going to to homework
I'm weirdly very very intrigued by Black Chalk, I need to read it
a comp title to the "The New Age Empire" would be " The Looting Machine". it gives examples of what corporations do and how corruption works in Africa and how it is "looted" making its population to be so poor when the country is so rich
I’m ready to add 25 books to my tbr
Do you think that “if I disappear” would be better had you not read the synopsis ?
What should be wild kind of sounds like the strange and beautiful sorrows of Ava lavender
I love how you did not review according to book ratings. I also appreciate the first sentence review.
I’m so sad you didn’t love Razorblade Tears. I’m waiting for it and plan to read it so I skipped over your comments but I’ll come back. I sure hope I like it.
Have you ever read Panic by Lauren Oliver? I know you're into dark games in books and this one was turned into a show too and I'd love to know your thoughts if you have read it!
I know you’re not a movie gal, but I just really think you’d like the movie Silent Night starring Keira Knightley
I'm shocked that you gave Cherish Farrah 1 star. I gave it 3 stars because I really liked what it was trying to do but don't think it was executed very well. I think with some tweaking it could've been 4/5 stars, and I normally hate YA.
I'm super disappointed to hear this about Mercury Boys. I hadn't looked at the reviews at all but the concept, the synopsis...it sounds so amazing. 😩
💖💖
I will say I had to read Roughing it in the Bush as part of a Canadian literature course in university and it's awful LMFAO. I use it now to hold up my makeup mirror, that's how much I disliked it LOL
I do not know how you can read so many books in such little time. You must be a very fast reader. I wish I had read when I was young and more as I got older. I am trying to read more now but I am a slower reader and I get carried away with watching youtube. I am also very picky with what I read and it is not very exciting or varied as yours. I love your videos and hearing about your books and life.
Life Lately… … … am I right 🎤😆
Where are you from?
You shoulda done best to worst lines so you could end on a good note 🤣
Hello from British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦👍👋♥️🤔💛💙💡
Hello from Ontario 👋🏻
😻
Perfect for my after shower sandwich
i GASPED at 27:28 bc august 17th is my birthday lol
It’s Dee-gear-o-types
I hadn't heard of Recitatif before; I'm going to look for it. Thanks!