CHAP'S BOOK REVIEW 2023 | 32 BOOKS READ IN 12-MONTHS
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- Опубликовано: 7 янв 2024
- In this video your enigmatic host discusses the books he read in 2023 and singles out his winners and losers in the literary world.
Amazon links to some of the books mentioned in this video:
Outback by Patrica Wolf: amzn.to/3S50LZK
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry: amzn.to/3TKv5uc
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton: amzn.to/47fIAVT
Did I ever Tell You This by Sam Neill: amzn.to/3S14vM2
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro: amzn.to/3TKvigY
The Moon's a Balloon by David Niven: amzn.to/47pDyGa
Moonraker by Ian Fleming: amzn.to/48Acoxp
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If you have a question to pose The Chap's Guide, please send it to: ash@chapsguide.uk
In this video your host is wearing:
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Equipment used in this filming of this video (Amazon links):
Camera - Canon Eos 250D: amzn.to/3bFaY7F
Lens - Cannon EFS 24mm f/2.8 STM: amzn.to/3aFT0kd
Tripod - K & F Incept Tripod: amzn.to/3eR5BEy
GorillaPod - Joby: amzn.to/35cJW5d
Shotgun microphone - Rode Video Mic Pro: amzn.to/3aKoSEw
Lavalier microphone: amzn.to/3cOEuYM
Studio lights - Neewer dimmable 2-pack LED studio lights: amzn.to/2Y6BsLB
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I read “The remains of the day” on your earlier recommendation. Agree it’s excellent.
Ash, I was just hoping you'd do more videos on books a couple days back and what a pleasant surprise this is! Keep em coming Ash. This is great content!
Thank you
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles, highly recommend. I also re-read every few years The Thirty Nine Steps by John Buchan - the original espionage novel.
Thank you for the great reviews. Hope to see more in the future.
Great video ash! Headed to library today! Greetings from USA! Love your honesty!
Have fun!
Thank You for the Video 😀
You're welcome 😊
Greetings, Ash you made a statement that made me sit up and pay extra close attention to this video "Invest in oneself" and I personally realize this is something I definitely need to do, moving forward this will be my mantra for the New Year, the door has open in 2024 time for me to explore!
Yes I have contacted an author to let them know how much I enjoyed their book. And by the way, being one of the 5% of your female followers, just to let you know I really enjoy your channel. And the military habits video was the one that got me hooked. Thanks Ash!
GREAT Video!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Good and motivational video👍
Glad you liked it
Great topic and video Ash. I've gone in reverse of you. I started with a goal to read as many of the classics as possible. Which I did. Moby Dick, The Count Of Monte Cristo etc...now I almost exclusively read nonfiction. There as so many great books out there. I won't fling a ton of books at you because I hate when people do that to me lol But may I humbly suggest The Splendid and The Vile by Erik Larson. It is about the Blitz and Churchill. It is not too dense and flows really well. You'll find yourself lost in the book and transported back to the dark early days of the Blitz when England stood alone. Cheers. P.S. Churchill was one bad ass Rockstar. What a character
Thanks for the tip. I'll keep a lookout for that book.
Cogent, there is an interesting word! I learned something from this video. I enjoy fictional books for the most part. I’ve read most of the Jack Reacher books, all of the Spenser series by Robert B. Parker. I’m currently reading W.E.B. Griffin books and Tom Clancy novels. Larry McMurtry books are enjoyable too, they go well beyond Lonesome Dove. The Last Picture Show is probably my favorite behind Lonesome Dove.
Thanks for uploading another inspirational video, Ash. I must confess to having experienced a twinge of envy when I learned that you'd read 32 books last year: I love reading, but tend to spend more time... watching RUclips! I will endeavour to equal your total in this New Year!
You can do it!
You're right! It's all a question of maintaining a positive mental attitude@@TheChapsGuide
Great video Ash , I’m so glad you mentioned Audible, as this is my chosen media when it comes to literature. I’ve always struggled with the idea of actually sitting down reading a book but I absolutely love listening to a book being read. My question is do you think that listening to a book has the same learning opportunities as physically reading the same book does , I’d love to hear your opinion on this . Many thanks
Well, it's a good second choice in my opinion. I think reading from a book as a more intimate and touching experience, as your mind will be doing all the work, opposed to an audio book, where the reader is doing the work.
Hi Ash .A bit leftfield but may I recommened Ben Eltons The first casualty ,a poignant and quite divisive WW1 novel .Quite dark, a smattering of humour and very thought provoking . Great channel content as always .👍
Thank you for the suggestion
Moonraker is one of my favourites too... very different to the film version. This year I quite enjoyed listening to 'With a mind to kill' by Anthony Horowitz narrated by Rory Kinnear,one of the latest 007 adventures. Depth Charge by Jason Heaton was one of my favourites from this year along a very similar vein to the original Fleming books. As far as non-fiction, the book 'ultra-processed people' by Chris van Tullekin was a great investigation into the modern food industry. 'A gentleman's wardrobe' sounds interesting, did you find the book provides additional insight alongside classics of the genre like 'Gentleman' by Bernhard Roetzel and 'Dressing the man' by Alan Flusser?
I hereby declare this fine channel to be my all time number one favourite on all of RUclips. So there.
Thank you sir.
Hey Ash, great video. I am an avid reader and get through that many books in a year. I am currently working through the US Presidents. A book on each of them. Really interested in 20th century history as well. Cold War, etc.
Hello my fellow chap. Yes I also am slowly going through each of the U.S. Presidents. I highly recommend Truman by David McCullough. Bit of a read but well worth it. What a story and I had no idea about Truman. Currently in JFK mode. I recently read Whitehouse By The Sea about the history of the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port. Last year I read a biography on Nixon. Learned a lot. Also, the more you read about World War 1 and 2 and the subsequent political and geopolitical fallout and how the pieces are set up on the board today, the more discerning eye you'll have gazing out upon this modern world and its various machinations and power plays. Cheers!
I'm glad that you like David Niven. His other book, Bring on the Empty Horses, is a Must Read!
For me, the hardest book to read this year has been Femina by Janina Ramirez. Tells the story of how the role of women in mediaeval times has been overlooked because men wrote all the records. Hard because she devotes entire chapters to saying the same thing at least three times. Best was Ancestors by Alice Roberts, which sets out how our understanding of humanity since the ice age is improving through archeology and DNA.
For fiction, I’ve been rediscovering the works of Joe Abercrombie. I’d missed that he had a new trilogy out set in the world he’d invented in the First Law set of books. I re read the first six books and I’ve now started on the next three.
Ash. I always like recommendations of books from like minded friends. I would like to give a couple of recommendations to you and the rest of the Chaps. Both books are by Bernard Cornwall. First is the history of the battle of Waterloo called Waterloo. And the other is a fictional story called Gallows Thief and is the story of a retired captain of the British army and veteran of Waterloo in London trying to prove an accused man Innocent in a race against Time. Set in 19th century England. Both are excellent reads and well worth your time. Best regards Ron
James Clavell's Asian Saga is incredible - check out Shogun.
Try Clive James first two autobiography’s, Unreliable Memories and Falling towards England
I've started this year with a new zeal for reading, although I'm also listening.
I'm between fiction and technical books, mostly maths and physics.
Excellent job Ash! Any suggestions on Philosophy books? I've been looking into possibly purchasing Meditations by Marcus Aurelius sometime in the future or perhaps any works by Schopenhauer as well. As I get older I've been gravitating more towards nonfiction with the exception of Don Quixote which in my opinion is a classic.
I've not walked down that street as yet, but maybe sometime in the future.
Can recommend 'Meditations' and other works of the stoic philosophers i.e., Epictetus and Seneca; Marcus Aurelius was very much influenced by and was implementing their teachings in what he wrote. I read 'Meditations' first of all, mainly due to it's fame, but would start with Seneca's 'On the Shortness of Life' (in 'Hardship and Happiness' by University of Chicago Press - it has published a whole series of Seneca's works) or 'The Enchiridion' ('Handbook') by Epictetus for a start in stoicism.
@@TheChapsGuide When the time comes I do look forward to your perspective on some Philosophy. I admit that I haven't read a physical book in so long but out of renewed interest I'm contemplating on buying at least a few as I don't have much space for a full on library at the moment. Nice job as always and hope you accomplish your 2024 goals. By the way I'm glad to return to your channel after taking a long break from social media in order to heal from personal matters. I continue to stay strong and optimistic so thanks as always for the hard work you put into these videos.
@@jonathanb2622 I appreciate your suggestions and will definitely look into all of these options. I am a beginner when it comes to reading Philosophy books for fun rather than for school purposes so do you recommend The Enchiridion by Epictetus first or Senecas On the Shortness of Life? Apologies if I missed a few punctuation marks. Meditations is definitely on my list. I'm currently watching a RUclips channel that focuses on Stoic philosophy but a physical book would be quite nice. Thanks again!
I’d highly recommend “Lonesome Dove” in either written or audio form. Such a great book that every man at any age should read. Much can be learned about life, getting on, and leading from this book alone.
Another I’d recommend is “Gentleman in Moscow”. If you enjoyed “Remains of the Day”, I think you’d enjoy “Gentleman in Moscow”. Again, the audiobook or a soft copy are good.
My favourite book of last year was "Waterloo sunrise " by John Davis, all about how London changed from the 60's to 1979. Each chapter is a separate article about culture, housing, employment and life style- absolutely fascinating. And If you enjoy books on the capital, try "West end girls" by Barbara Tate, a true story about the life of a prostitute 's maid just after WW2. I cannot rate this book enough. My wife also says "East West Street" by Phillipe Sands, in her words and many others, the most important book you can read.
In previous videos, you mentioned that you enjoyed reading about Ernest Shackleton and Antarctic exploration. A book you may consider is a 1999 autobiographical work by Dr. Jerri Nielsen. "Icebound" is the title. She was a 46-year old physician from Cleveland, Ohio in the U.S. who decided to take a year long sabbatical at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. During the year, she discovered that she had breast cancer. The book is about her efforts to self treat, continue her work as a physician for staff at the station, and survive for several months until the weather became favorable for chemotherapy meds to be flown in. Thanks as always for your work.
I have have heard of the lady concerned, but I did not know she had a book. I will track it down, thank you sir.
Sir , I bought A Gentleman's Wardrobe
The book , paper back arrived
I was unhappy that it felt a bit thin
But was shocked at the content
Up to date unbelievable
I real joy
Thank you
My suggestions if you like military fiction:
1. Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwall - this is set in the Napoleonic Wars era from the perspective of Richard Sharpe, a Rifleman officer promoted from the ranks
2. Hornblower Series by CS Forrester - a navy perspective of the Napoleonic Wars
I avoided both series for years out of snobbery - delighted to report that I got ober myself and enjoyed them😊
About ships:
Erebus - Michael Palin
The Voyage of the Beagle - Charles Darwin
Others:
The Song of the Dodo - David Quammen
Personal Memories of Ulysses S. Grant - by himself
"Beyond culture", Edward T. Hall.
"Watching the English: The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour", Kate Fox.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic self help book. Definitely worth a read.
I,ve read 36 books last year. Including all 60 Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
I am working through the Sherlock Holmes stories just now. They are brilliant and I am really enjoying them.
I would like to suggest the series of murder mysteries by Tony Hillerman. The main character is a Navajo Tribal Policeman and the novels take place in the American Southwest (Four Corners). Start with Coyote Waits.
I like the sound of that, I'll give one a try - in fact, I've just ordered it from Amazon.
If you like military history particularly the British Raj a Welshman called Frank Richards wrote his account of a privates life in the mystic of India. He served in the Welch Regiment and it is riveting. His book on his service in the Trenches 14 years later is also excellent
Have you ever read the Flashman novels? I read them all under lockdown and really enjoyed them. They are historically accurate works of fiction using a 19th century chap (he's a rogue and a cad but fun) as he turns up in some of the great battles and events of the 19th century.
Not yet, but I'll get to them eventually.
I set myself the goal of reading two books per month, Ash, giving me a total of twenty-four books read in the course of a calendar year.
Having taught English literature for thirty years, I find I am rarely reading anything in the genre of an extended prose narrative. History, biography, sociology, political science, and cultural anthropology are the fields that primarily hold my interest at this point in time, and while I concede that there is immense value in reading novels that allow us to develop empathy for people living lives very different from our own, in different geographical locations, and at different times in history, I personally find that I can learn a great deal more from reading in the genres of history, or political science, or cultural anthropology.
Of course, in an age where many people have been completely consumed by the internet and social media platforms, and in a world where very few boys, adolescent males, or even adult men read much of anything, I applaud any attempt to embrace reading books as a productive, nurturing, and highly civilized pastime.
2 books per month is a really good pace. I am able to supplement my own reading by audiobooks on the many business journies I make each year. It's a bit of a cheat, but it works for me!
Love from India...i read edgar allan poe and oscar wilde:)
Three books which I recommend
1. Geethanjali
2. The prophet
3. Atomic Habits
Perhaps "The Rational Optimist" by Matt Ridley
Reading is the best investment one can make towards becoming a well rounded genuine chap. It turns people into human beings.
Happy New Year Ash and thanks for another great video. I am currently reading "Dead Mountain: The Untold True Story of the Dyatlov Pass Incident" by Donnie Eichar. I think you will enjoy it as a non-fiction mystery incident which took place in very challenging outdoor terrain. Give it a whirl and see ehat you think. 👍
Sounds good, I'll add it to the list.
Best book I’ve read in 20 years is “How Not to Run a Nightclub” by Peter Hook of New Order, about the Hacienda. It’s so well written, so funny and very informative. You don’t even have to be a fan because I gave it to my 78 year old father and he thought it was great too. Highly recommended!!!
Atomic habits by james clear.
Sam Neill is a great actor! As a James Bond fan, are you familiar with one of the prototypes - Reilly? Played by Sam Neill in a Television masterpiece (cf. Ace of Spies by Bruce Lockhart)
I just about remember Reilly. It really launched Sir Sam's career I think.
@@TheChapsGuide Reilly is well worth a revisit! The director Martin Campbell went on the direct Goldeneye and Casino Royale. Sam Neill was considered to play Bond in Octopussy but the producers decided to play is safe and continue with Roger, as Sean was coming back in Never Say Never Again around the same time.
Very good, but leather bound books are so much nicer.... 📖
Here's a book that changed my life: "The Warmth of Other Suns," by Isabel Wilkerson. If you want to better understand race in the US this would be a good place to start.
Thank you for the tip.
Frank Richards Books were Old Soldier Sahib and Old Soldiers Never Die