UMG has claimed the ad revenue for this video, which means Justin Bieber is officially making money off a review of Babyf*cker. Get yourself something nice, Biebs!
I learned your apple lesson the hard way very early in life. My kindergarten teacher asked us to color in a row of apples on a coloring sheet. Because I had just been to the grocery store with my family, I made some of them yellow and some of them green and some of them have pink cheeks on the yellow and some of them red. I got points deducted because they weren't all red and I was very upset. It's amazing how these little moments lead us to understand such huge ideas.
Haha, yeah, learning about the difference in our cognition is always bound to be bizarre. We go through so many existential crises as children as the world opens before us.
this is so upsetting- i’m so sorry😕 your teacher should’ve never been a teacher if that’s how they react to students having their own opinions and interpretations.
King! Only you could review this, and I mean that 100%. Where most would just squirm or exploit the subject matter for “freaking out” for the sake of content, you stand as intelligent, levelheaded, and incredibly insightful. I’ll echo everyone else in the comments: You’re a GENIUS!
Ain’t gonna lie, I felt like I was in school during the opening semiotics exercise but as soon as “I fuck-“ came onscreen it felt like someone walked in the class room with a gun. You’re one hell of a teacher Juan, lol.
Dude I can listen to you talk about books all day. Your insight into your 15 Favorite Books was one of the most personal, truthful and whole dialectic I've seen. This examination cements you as the one of the best. Your honesty when discussing books is just extraordinary.
Hey, thank you so much! I’m just happy you’ve been enjoying the videos! That’s what this is all about. My aim, first and foremost, is to talk about these books in a way that disarms their perceived unreadability. Someone needs to talk about stuff like this! 😂
HOW. DO. YOU. DO. THIS?? This became one of my favourite videos from you!! It's crazy! Your analysis is so engaging and the pacing is like a talk I could've had at any high-n-absurdly-expensive university, but infinitely better! A true gift from knowledge (I say this because I didn't finish school XD LOL! I stopped institutionalization at Middle-school and I've been learning entirely from books, films and "chingadazos de la vida" since I was 13). I read MIMESIS long ago, thanks for refreshing that book into my memory, I'll consult it again soon. Anyway, I digress :3 This was beyond amazing. I was so excited by this that I watched it all over again with my wife and popcorn. She also was amazed and excited! (she's a professor in literature) Every time I watch your videos, I feel so much smarter, like CriminOlly said a few comments below. I confess that my first image from the title was that gruesome assault from A SERBIAN FILM... you know, THAT scene. Now I really have to read this book! An attempt that wins and fails in unison? Sounds like a manifesto on perception, imagination and more... Thank you, my dear friend, for always making my mind happier ^^
Thank you so much, as always, for such kind words! And I dropped out of grad school, so, not the same thing, but I feel you. I feel like eventually one just has to choose passion over decorum and follow their own path, and knowledge is gained everywhere. A Serbian Film is what crossed a couple other people’s minds, apparently!
This is truly excellent. Nice use of psychoanalysis and semiotics to try to explain what’s going on. I know professors who couldn’t have explained the themes as well as you did (and I’ve been in academia for a while). Don’t know that I’ll read this, mostly because it sounds kinda like an academic exercise rather than an engrossing or evocative narrative. But I can respect what’s going on here, and I appreciate your explaining it.
Oh wow, thank you so much!!! I honestly don’t know what to say to this comment, other than, I’m glad I withdrew from my doctorate program, since I find Booktube discussions much more fulfilling and appreciative of what I have to say, so thank you for being part of this journey. Yes, this isn’t really much of a story, but I will say: The prose style is really captivating!
These were really some fantastic thoughts on the power of language and especially the power of the harshest and most painful language. You approach your videos with such an air of humility but they are truly brilliant.
"You approach your videos with such an air of humility but they are truly brilliant." You articulated what I have been meaning to say to Juan for the longest time and I could not agree with you more!
Bravo! This is the most insightful review this book will ever get. This book, whose title I can’t bring myself to type, has justified it’s existence by inspiring this video.
Thank you so much, Michael King Vaughan, for your always touching words! Indeed, upon searching, I don’t think anyone else has reviewed this book on RUclips. I wonder why?
You are absolutely fantastic kid! One of the most fascinating subjects I have ever heard! You need to consider a teacher position or a writer yourself! You got heart my friend and I can’t wait to see what you do next! Or just when you thought it was safe to go back and open a paperback book!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! My dream was to be a college professor, but I had to withdraw due to mental health reasons. I really appreciate the beautiful audience I’ve garnered here on Booktube, always willing to hear me review books like this one. 😂
I was completely spellbound and enraptured by your excellent presentation of a work I have zero interest in reading, and then you topped it off by ending with Bieber's "Baby" which brought me back to reality cuz I literally LOL'ed. So glad to see you making consistent content again, your channel is a gem!
You really need to ease the tension at the end with videos like these! 😂 Thank you so much for such kind words! I’m just happy you got something out of… this.
this is the first video i’ve ever come across by you and i just have to say i love how you structured the video. you are truly engaging! it’s not what i was expecting in the least but i was pleasantly surprised.
Honestly, I’m not sure how to feel about this video with this title being your first impression of me, but I guess it’s as good as any! 😂 Jokes aside, thank you so much. I really appreciate the supportive words!
Do you do this for a living? You are very well spoken, and you use metaphors and great examples in previous literature to explain this gargantuan book. It’s truly impressive how you use psychoanalysis here. You could be a college professor of literature or philosophy.
Far, far from it. 😂 I drive a van for a living lol. I just do this for the passion of it, I guess. But thank you so much for your kind and flattering words! I’m here solely so that people will gain some insight they never would’ve stumbled upon before. I think that’s just as fulfilling as teaching!
Brilliant. When it comes to literature, you are truly an analytical genius, my friend… never cease to amaze me. This was such an incredibly sophisticated and illuminating analysis of the nature of language and its generation of affect. I’m going to have to watch this one a second time (and maybe pick up that source material to educate myself further). Nice work.
That’s a nice way of saying you’re gonna buy a book called Babyf…trucker. 😂 I’m glad you enjoyed the video, Dave! As always, I really appreciate your support.
Your intro had me ROLLING! Thanks for taking one for the team and making a video on this. I assumed the book was purely about the act of *insert vague hand gestures here* so I have been too scared to even google the book summary LMAO. Pleasantly surprised that it's rather the opposite. Only you could convince me to get my hands on a book with *that* kind of title.
Thank you, Romeo! I myself was surprised by what it was actually about-I didn’t think I’d make it past page 1. 😂 It’s definitely worth a try if you like experimental fiction!
Interesting discussion of taboo and the power of language. I’d also say it’s a brave video. Keep making your excellent content Juan. Thanks for uploading this.
Thank you so much, Gareth! It really means a lot that you could appreciate this video beyond the obvious veneer of shock. I was honestly nervous about posting it, but everything seems fine. 😂 Cheers!
My birthday was on the 13th and it was easily one of the hardest days of the year for me. Getting a very intellectual dive into a book with suck a shocking title, and in such a funny manner, really helped me brighten up. Thanks king, cheers!
Happy belated birthday to you! I’m really sorry to hear things were rough for you. I’m happy that this video (of all things lmao) was able to provide some comfort. You’re always welcomed here!
Thank you so much, Toby! It is honestly an interesting exercise when reading extreme horror. I always ask myself, “What am I actually picturing when reading books of this nature?” The answer is: Not good things. 😂
2nd comment but IDC... Best video yet IMO. A great explanation of something I want to read in the future whilst not being overly descriptive of what actually occurs. Just as the book you review, this video packs a PUNCH. Great videos! I'll be back for more. I'm not sure I can say that I fully grasp the theories and literary themes you allude to, but it was a great deal of cool info! KEEP THAT ISH COMING JUAN!
I came to your channel for book reviews, I definitely stayed for your incredibly intelligent explanations of not only a book, but everything surrounding a book.
Sign me up for your class on transgressive fiction/abjection/semiotics, this was really cool. Those exercises made your point so clear! Outro song 10/10 selection btw.
You continue to amaze me! This is a fascinating analysis of a book that I probably would never have come across. I need to watch this again, and probably in one sitting, to fully grasp what you’re saying about this book. I wonder how many Beliebers will stumble across this… 😜
Thank you so much, Justin! I don’t know what will happen if you watch this more than once-that’s your choice. 😂 Babyliebers will probably get a kick out of it, or not!
This was excellent, I genuinely feel like I’m smarter now than I was before I watched it. I don’t think anyone else could have made this video. The book sounds very interesting, I’m going to add it to my Christmas list.
Thank you so much, my homie! If I had known this would be the video everyone would throw such nice compliments at me on, I would’ve named it something else. 😂 Yes, have the wife pick this one up for you.
subscribed for this one. fantastic analysis here and one that vindicates me as someone who owns this book and has to defend its place on my shelf lmao! it seems impossible for so many people to take anything away from art and media like this other than just that feeling of abjection, without even realizing (or wanting to realize) what they're feeling or where it comes from, but you handled it so tastefully and even succeeding in making this book seem a lot more approachable, i'm sure, to someone who hasn't read it but is interested in philosophy of art and the mind. keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!!! To unmask abjection as a conduit of dialogue and not a repellent is always the mission. Seeing the powers in abjection is how the marginalized like me gained their voice, after all!
@@PlaguedbyVisions you're so right about that! that's what's always drawn me to work like this, as a queer weirdo myself haha. thanks for the thoughtful response too, i honestly wasn't even expecting it! you're my new favorite channel on youtube, i think! i agree with the other commenters that you should absolutely be teaching english classes or something! you just have the perfect mind for this stuff!
You are brilliant. You have the teacher's touch, and your presentation could easily be a paper at an academic conference. I use "Odysseus' Scar" in my teaching when we cover Genesis from the Bible as literature. Auerbach makes an interesting juxtaposition between Homeric and Biblical texts.
Wow, thank you! I did present a few times at graduate conferences-never a paper like this though! 😂 I feel like this is better appreciated here. I really appreciate your kind words, and yes, I actually have plans to use this first chapter of Mimesis again in a video I want to make on animal literature-particularly with how Auerbach discussed animals in the Bible!
I have aphantasia, I can't literally picture anything. I can think about things and it's like stuff is going on behind a black curtain and I know what's happening but I can't literally see it. It's like I conceptualize it if that makes sense. I don't even want to conceptualize ... that. Great video!
This is definitely a situation where most people would want to have aphantasia. I actually think it’s awesome that you’re able to experience art in such a singular way!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Thank you. I usually like having aphantasia, it's the way my brain has always worked. I see pros and cons to it. This is definitely a pro. Probably a factor in why I can read such disturbing books.
This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, and I’m in loveee. I love messed up shit and creepy books but this one was way too far for me to even want to read but I wanted to know what it was about, and your analysis was a much better watch then I’m sure the book would have been as a read
Good lord, this might be the best video on RUclips. Ending it with that song!🙈😂 Juan, you are not right.(😉) Wasn’t sure I had the stomach to watch this one but goddam that was enlightening. You’re fire, Juan.
I rarely comment here but OMG!!!!! This was an amazing analogy!!!! Please tell me that you are some kind of literary teacher or professor. If not, they don't know what they're missing!!! I felt like I was back at school!! Yea, it just reminds us to "not judge a book by it's cover" for sure!! I myself am guilty!! I was thinking this was going to be another book on your "most disturbing or disgusting" list!! lol. What means something to one person can mean something totally different to another! I've been watching this channel for a while now, and today, I'm subscribing!!!! I have to say, you picked an awesome song to end this video. I was LMAO!!!! 🤣🤣 It was perfect!!
Wow, thank you so much! No, I withdrew from my doctorate program because of mental health reasons. Best decision in my life imho, since now I get to make videos like this with a beautiful and understanding audience! This is definitely a disturbing book, but not in the way one would believe from the title. I myself was surprised to find how different it was from what I imagined. Thank God! 😂 Thank you so much for subscribing! I really appreciate the support, and hope you enjoy the rest of the videos!
I TOTALLY ASKED ABOUT THIS LAST STREAM I WATCHED! Like I said then, I wanna read it, but don't wan't the unfair judgements... lol... or fair judgements. Love it buddy!
I remember! Well… Here ya go! 😂 I read this as quickly as possible shut in my room and it is not displayed on my shelf… Although maybe hiding it makes it seem worse than it is!
Holy sh*t, this is one of the most beautiful things anyone’s ever told me! 🥲 Thank you so much! So glad your brain’s being plagued by the good kind of visions!
I may be lucky in that I’m literate and have a strong imagination and know the area of both Soledad and Salinas California. I have deep familial roots which stem from there and I have a love and appreciation for Mr. Steinbeck. Why do I feel like apologizing?
@@PlaguedbyVisions that made me relate with you big-time, because, I "live" in English now, and I am currently writing my dissertation about horror films! I adore the abject in all its forms, but I seek the sickening and disturbing often. I'm very excited to be able to peruse your content!
King of going to prison! You’re not alone. The entire time I kept wondering if they were a dumb reference to Paul and Linda McCartney, and that just made it funnier.
I am not a native english speaker, so when i tried to read this book, i just didn't get a lot of the aspects, like the semiotics one. But your explaining is so good that i just understood
Well done, well done. Now add to this philosophy the fact I found it on Amazon, as proudly displayed as any other book. And one of their cheapest. And it arrived fairly quickly too. So they wanted to sell it, get it into my hands, and yet... Look at all the other books they are taking away. On their face nothing up to this.
In response to your very thoughtful video, for some reason all I can offer is that Tracks by Louise Erdrich is excellent. Lot of time to peruse your bookshelf.
@@PlaguedbyVisions Ha. Yeah. I didn't think of that. "What's the literal first thing you did in 2023?".... "Ummmm. I watched a babyfucker video..." *blush* 😂
OMG 10 seconds in and DYING 🤣 Okay edit after watching....my sweet god Juan. If you EVER...EVER....doubt yourself and your absolutely amazing ability to state your thoughts in such a cohesive and intelligent way...please revisit this video. This could be played in college classes. No joke!
I totally agree with Pax Panic in the comments. This was so well done and is a testiment to how eloquently you come across discussing whatever subject you dive into. Plus it was a lot of fun! And yes, the use of baby as a "pet name" and used in the sexual context is really fucked up. But then, so is a lot of other go to terms.
Thank you so much, Catherine! I’m so happy you enjoyed the video! I think calling someone “baby” is fine, but it really becomes… not fine the more you think about it. 😂
Juan, I feel like I’m back in school when I watch you. And that’s a good thing-I loved school! I’m really glad I found your channel, despite wanting to barf at some of the content you address. Here (again) you manage to cover some truly wild shit with tact and a critical eye. Thanks for taking one for the team here, although I hope it doesn’t do too much of a number on your mental health. 10/10 would sign up for a class of yours in a heartbeat.
Thank you so much, Caitlin! I really appreciate the kind words. I think part of my mission statement is sort of unmasking these kinds of texts and showcase them as approachable and digestible, however difficult it might be at times. My mental health is not at its best, but it has nothing to do with books. 😂 If you watch all my videos, you get a certificate!
This was a trap to finally get me to read Steinbeck. Truly fascinating. Seeing the line as it is in this cover it is immediately shocking. But when it's introduced as a line in 'Book of Mormon' it comes to represents absurdism and that made millions on Broadway. In my brain it can still only exist as absurdity, even though I know full the horrific reality in which we live in. This video was incredibly interesting and intelligent.
I wonder what Steinbeck would think if he was around to see where his prose ended up? I think the title can definitely be taken as just incredibly absurd, but that absurdity is part of its abject power. I think by laughing we disarm it of its unsettling and very real implication, perhaps jettison it to a part of our mind that is in some form of denial. I mean, as you saw in this video, the title kept making me laugh. 😂 Thank you so much for watching, Andrew! I really appreciate it!
Hi, there, and welcome to the channel! Thanks for the support! I did have a server once upon a time, but was AWFUL at managing/moderating it, so I had to let it go. 😔
Well, I spoiled almost nothing about the actual contents of the book, so I’d say it’s up to whether you like to go into books with some analytic context, or with a fresh mind!
You really should be a teacher...but, I guess you are, in a way. I'm fairly new to your channel but have wondered if you have tried your hand at writing and/or publishing anything (if you have, please forgive my ignorance). You have such a profound grasp on the English language. I know that is not the only ingredient required to be an author, but you seem to be someone who knows what they like and could tackle such a project. Just curious. It would be cool, though. Peace, brother. Keep up the great work!
Oh wow, thank you so much for such kind and supportive words, Josh! I’m actually currently trying to get a short story collection together. I’m really hoping to get it out within 2022. So stay tuned! I was working towards a doctorate in literature, but had to withdraw due to mental health reasons. I say this without an ounce of sacasm: Booktube has honestly been a hundred times more rewarding. Seriously, thank you so much for such kind words, friend!
I called the cops, and they have the little one in custody now: no f*cks given. Thanks for the thoughtful analysis. I am fascinated by the concept of the unreliable narrator. Whenever you read a story, almost everything that transpires in that story is 'true' from the writer's perspective and conveyed to the reader. In fact, you can say that both the writer and reader enter into an agreement in which both sides agree that what is consumed is true, and when it turns out to be untrue, you hear the cry wolf.
Hehe, thank you! ☺️ Check out my latest video if you wanna see how much I’ve changed! (This isn’t promo, I swear-I just genuinely think you’ll be shocked!)
Some of us have a condition called "Aphantasia", which means that consciously, we literally cannot imagine anything. It is estimated that only 2% of the world's population have it (I suspect more, but what do I know...)
I would suspect more as well, because even in my tiny comment section, there’s been three others who have said they have it, so it seems at least more common than 2%. I say that it is awesome that you get to experience art in such a unique way, and it may definitely help with literature of this kind…
"what did you see when you closed your eyes?" Easy , I have aphantasia, so I saw what I always see, the only thing I can see with my eyes closed--blackness.
How do you feel your experience as a gay, brown man has informed your perception of transgressive literature? Do you think that your identity of "otherness" (for lack of a better term) drives, or at least at some point drove, you towards non-mainstream forms of entertainment and more specifically towards things that are extreme and taboo?
A lot of sickos on the internet are going to be very disappointed with this video. It is an excellent explanation of semiotics, though. Thanks to this video I can imagine a lot of police officers who monitor the dark web noticing a strange trend towards conversations about poststructuralism on certain chatrooms.
While I certainly wasn't keen on the content of the book (despite it becoming less central later in the text), I was entranced by the diction and the psychotic self-referential way that Allemann dealt with "The Babyfucker" and their obsessions. A hypnotically repulsive read if ever there was one.
Развлечения
UMG has claimed the ad revenue for this video, which means Justin Bieber is officially making money off a review of Babyf*cker. Get yourself something nice, Biebs!
…… LMAO DAMN IT BIEBS
OMG I was laughing at the end song 😂
Baby fucker is what p diddy is to Justin Bieber
I learned your apple lesson the hard way very early in life. My kindergarten teacher asked us to color in a row of apples on a coloring sheet. Because I had just been to the grocery store with my family, I made some of them yellow and some of them green and some of them have pink cheeks on the yellow and some of them red. I got points deducted because they weren't all red and I was very upset. It's amazing how these little moments lead us to understand such huge ideas.
Haha, yeah, learning about the difference in our cognition is always bound to be bizarre. We go through so many existential crises as children as the world opens before us.
That's highly frustrating to hear. Your kindergarten teacher should've been teaching drivers ed, not little kids.
this is so upsetting- i’m so sorry😕 your teacher should’ve never been a teacher if that’s how they react to students having their own opinions and interpretations.
“Literature that can get you 25 to life.” Classic.
We’re slowly inching closer to that reality, evidently.
Your channel is so underrated! Can't get enough of your analysis... Got me motivated to write more again.
This is the goal right here! I’m so happy you’ve found motivation in my videos. Keep going!
King! Only you could review this, and I mean that 100%. Where most would just squirm or exploit the subject matter for “freaking out” for the sake of content, you stand as intelligent, levelheaded, and incredibly insightful. I’ll echo everyone else in the comments: You’re a GENIUS!
Thank you, king! 😭 I just really want to dispel this myth that shock is worthless and frivolous.
Ain’t gonna lie, I felt like I was in school during the opening semiotics exercise but as soon as “I fuck-“ came onscreen it felt like someone walked in the class room with a gun.
You’re one hell of a teacher Juan, lol.
Jesus Christ… This vibe sounds downright dangerous. I didn’t know this video would provoke that… but I’m not entirely angry that it did. 😂 Thank you!
Dude I can listen to you talk about books all day. Your insight into your 15 Favorite Books was one of the most personal, truthful and whole dialectic I've seen. This examination cements you as the one of the best. Your honesty when discussing books is just extraordinary.
Hey, thank you so much! I’m just happy you’ve been enjoying the videos! That’s what this is all about. My aim, first and foremost, is to talk about these books in a way that disarms their perceived unreadability. Someone needs to talk about stuff like this! 😂
HOW. DO. YOU. DO. THIS?? This became one of my favourite videos from you!! It's crazy! Your analysis is so engaging and the pacing is like a talk I could've had at any high-n-absurdly-expensive university, but infinitely better! A true gift from knowledge (I say this because I didn't finish school XD LOL! I stopped institutionalization at Middle-school and I've been learning entirely from books, films and "chingadazos de la vida" since I was 13). I read MIMESIS long ago, thanks for refreshing that book into my memory, I'll consult it again soon. Anyway, I digress :3 This was beyond amazing. I was so excited by this that I watched it all over again with my wife and popcorn. She also was amazed and excited! (she's a professor in literature) Every time I watch your videos, I feel so much smarter, like CriminOlly said a few comments below. I confess that my first image from the title was that gruesome assault from A SERBIAN FILM... you know, THAT scene. Now I really have to read this book! An attempt that wins and fails in unison? Sounds like a manifesto on perception, imagination and more... Thank you, my dear friend, for always making my mind happier ^^
Thank you so much, as always, for such kind words! And I dropped out of grad school, so, not the same thing, but I feel you. I feel like eventually one just has to choose passion over decorum and follow their own path, and knowledge is gained everywhere. A Serbian Film is what crossed a couple other people’s minds, apparently!
This is truly excellent. Nice use of psychoanalysis and semiotics to try to explain what’s going on. I know professors who couldn’t have explained the themes as well as you did (and I’ve been in academia for a while). Don’t know that I’ll read this, mostly because it sounds kinda like an academic exercise rather than an engrossing or evocative narrative. But I can respect what’s going on here, and I appreciate your explaining it.
Oh wow, thank you so much!!! I honestly don’t know what to say to this comment, other than, I’m glad I withdrew from my doctorate program, since I find Booktube discussions much more fulfilling and appreciative of what I have to say, so thank you for being part of this journey. Yes, this isn’t really much of a story, but I will say: The prose style is really captivating!
These were really some fantastic thoughts on the power of language and especially the power of the harshest and most painful language. You approach your videos with such an air of humility but they are truly brilliant.
"You approach your videos with such an air of humility but they are truly brilliant." You articulated what I have been meaning to say to Juan for the longest time and I could not agree with you more!
Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear I made sense. 😂 I’m glad you enjoyed the analysis, and your kind words are truly appreciated!
I love your channel and your dry sense of humor. These videos always hit the spot. I'll probably be passing on this book though.
I do not fault you for that. I appreciate the kind words! More such gross videos to come!
Bravo! This is the most insightful review this book will ever get. This book, whose title I can’t bring myself to type, has justified it’s existence by inspiring this video.
Thank you so much, Michael King Vaughan, for your always touching words! Indeed, upon searching, I don’t think anyone else has reviewed this book on RUclips. I wonder why?
Your outlook on literature is so precious. i feel so lucky.
I love your narration, Juan. It truly is the thinker's theme park. So articulate!
You are absolutely fantastic kid! One of the most fascinating subjects I have ever heard! You need to consider a teacher position or a writer yourself! You got heart my friend and I can’t wait to see what you do next! Or just when you thought it was safe to go back and open a paperback book!!!
Thank you so much for the kind words! My dream was to be a college professor, but I had to withdraw due to mental health reasons. I really appreciate the beautiful audience I’ve garnered here on Booktube, always willing to hear me review books like this one. 😂
I was completely spellbound and enraptured by your excellent presentation of a work I have zero interest in reading, and then you topped it off by ending with Bieber's "Baby" which brought me back to reality cuz I literally LOL'ed. So glad to see you making consistent content again, your channel is a gem!
You really need to ease the tension at the end with videos like these! 😂 Thank you so much for such kind words! I’m just happy you got something out of… this.
You’re so well spoken. I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos :-)
Thank you so much! ❤️
I’ve recently had a few of your vids pop up and enjoyed them but this made me subscribe, thank you 😁😁
this is the first video i’ve ever come across by you and i just have to say i love how you structured the video. you are truly engaging! it’s not what i was expecting in the least but i was pleasantly surprised.
Honestly, I’m not sure how to feel about this video with this title being your first impression of me, but I guess it’s as good as any! 😂 Jokes aside, thank you so much. I really appreciate the supportive words!
Do you do this for a living? You are very well spoken, and you use metaphors and great examples in previous literature to explain this gargantuan book. It’s truly impressive how you use psychoanalysis here. You could be a college professor of literature or philosophy.
Far, far from it. 😂 I drive a van for a living lol. I just do this for the passion of it, I guess. But thank you so much for your kind and flattering words! I’m here solely so that people will gain some insight they never would’ve stumbled upon before. I think that’s just as fulfilling as teaching!
Amazing analysis! I learned a lot from the video that I never knew before. 😊keep up with the great work!
Really happy to hear! Thank you so much for watching!
Juan, King Madlad. This is amazing. Thank you.
Thank you for watching! 👶
Brilliant. When it comes to literature, you are truly an analytical genius, my friend… never cease to amaze me. This was such an incredibly sophisticated and illuminating analysis of the nature of language and its generation of affect. I’m going to have to watch this one a second time (and maybe pick up that source material to educate myself further). Nice work.
Also, had me laughing out loud again, and loved that outro!
That’s a nice way of saying you’re gonna buy a book called Babyf…trucker. 😂 I’m glad you enjoyed the video, Dave! As always, I really appreciate your support.
Your intro had me ROLLING! Thanks for taking one for the team and making a video on this. I assumed the book was purely about the act of *insert vague hand gestures here* so I have been too scared to even google the book summary LMAO. Pleasantly surprised that it's rather the opposite. Only you could convince me to get my hands on a book with *that* kind of title.
Thank you, Romeo! I myself was surprised by what it was actually about-I didn’t think I’d make it past page 1. 😂 It’s definitely worth a try if you like experimental fiction!
Interesting discussion of taboo and the power of language. I’d also say it’s a brave video. Keep making your excellent content Juan. Thanks for uploading this.
Thank you so much, Gareth! It really means a lot that you could appreciate this video beyond the obvious veneer of shock. I was honestly nervous about posting it, but everything seems fine. 😂 Cheers!
My birthday was on the 13th and it was easily one of the hardest days of the year for me. Getting a very intellectual dive into a book with suck a shocking title, and in such a funny manner, really helped me brighten up. Thanks king, cheers!
Happy belated birthday to you! I’m really sorry to hear things were rough for you. I’m happy that this video (of all things lmao) was able to provide some comfort. You’re always welcomed here!
A transgressive installment indeed! I like your exploration of the use of pros to paint a picture in the readers mimd. The outro music killed me lmao
Thank you so much, Toby! It is honestly an interesting exercise when reading extreme horror. I always ask myself, “What am I actually picturing when reading books of this nature?” The answer is: Not good things. 😂
i'm only about halfway through the video but i just wanted to say, you're such a great speaker!! i wish i could have a class like this lmao
2nd comment but IDC... Best video yet IMO. A great explanation of something I want to read in the future whilst not being overly descriptive of what actually occurs. Just as the book you review, this video packs a PUNCH. Great videos! I'll be back for more. I'm not sure I can say that I fully grasp the theories and literary themes you allude to, but it was a great deal of cool info! KEEP THAT ISH COMING JUAN!
Wow, thank you so much! My next batch of videos is going to include reviews of similarly monstrous texts, so stay tuned!
I came to your channel for book reviews, I definitely stayed for your incredibly intelligent explanations of not only a book, but everything surrounding a book.
Thank you so much! 🥲 I really appreciate your kind and supportive words!
You have a great ability to effortlessly break down these difficult complicated topics in a way that is fun and educational.
SERIOUSLY THANK YOU. That is so kind of you to say, and what I always strive for. 🥲
Sign me up for your class on transgressive fiction/abjection/semiotics, this was really cool. Those exercises made your point so clear!
Outro song 10/10 selection btw.
Haha, the class is free and it’s called Plagued by Visions! 😉 The outro song seems to have been a hit. Maybe I’ll use it in all my videos from now on.
You continue to amaze me! This is a fascinating analysis of a book that I probably would never have come across. I need to watch this again, and probably in one sitting, to fully grasp what you’re saying about this book. I wonder how many Beliebers will stumble across this… 😜
Thank you so much, Justin! I don’t know what will happen if you watch this more than once-that’s your choice. 😂 Babyliebers will probably get a kick out of it, or not!
This was excellent, I genuinely feel like I’m smarter now than I was before I watched it. I don’t think anyone else could have made this video. The book sounds very interesting, I’m going to add it to my Christmas list.
Thank you so much, my homie! If I had known this would be the video everyone would throw such nice compliments at me on, I would’ve named it something else. 😂 Yes, have the wife pick this one up for you.
subscribed for this one. fantastic analysis here and one that vindicates me as someone who owns this book and has to defend its place on my shelf lmao! it seems impossible for so many people to take anything away from art and media like this other than just that feeling of abjection, without even realizing (or wanting to realize) what they're feeling or where it comes from, but you handled it so tastefully and even succeeding in making this book seem a lot more approachable, i'm sure, to someone who hasn't read it but is interested in philosophy of art and the mind. keep up the great work!
Thank you so much!!! To unmask abjection as a conduit of dialogue and not a repellent is always the mission. Seeing the powers in abjection is how the marginalized like me gained their voice, after all!
@@PlaguedbyVisions you're so right about that! that's what's always drawn me to work like this, as a queer weirdo myself haha. thanks for the thoughtful response too, i honestly wasn't even expecting it!
you're my new favorite channel on youtube, i think! i agree with the other commenters that you should absolutely be teaching english classes or something! you just have the perfect mind for this stuff!
You are brilliant. You have the teacher's touch, and your presentation could easily be a paper at an academic conference. I use "Odysseus' Scar" in my teaching when we cover Genesis from the Bible as literature. Auerbach makes an interesting juxtaposition between Homeric and Biblical texts.
Wow, thank you! I did present a few times at graduate conferences-never a paper like this though! 😂 I feel like this is better appreciated here. I really appreciate your kind words, and yes, I actually have plans to use this first chapter of Mimesis again in a video I want to make on animal literature-particularly with how Auerbach discussed animals in the Bible!
Such a good video. I'm going to subscribe!
I have aphantasia, I can't literally picture anything. I can think about things and it's like stuff is going on behind a black curtain and I know what's happening but I can't literally see it. It's like I conceptualize it if that makes sense.
I don't even want to conceptualize ... that.
Great video!
greetings, fellow aphantasia person! What color was YOUR apple? Oh yeah, same as mine...nonexistent. LOL
@@untroubledwaters2137 Lol. Nonexistent apples for the win xD
This is definitely a situation where most people would want to have aphantasia. I actually think it’s awesome that you’re able to experience art in such a singular way!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Thank you. I usually like having aphantasia, it's the way my brain has always worked. I see pros and cons to it. This is definitely a pro. Probably a factor in why I can read such disturbing books.
Amazing Analysis Juan!!! I was leaning back in my chair, eyes closed....🤣🤣🤣...#community 🥰🥰🥰
Thank you! I hope you did that for the Steinbeck passage and not the other one. 😂😂😂
This is the first video of yours I’ve seen, and I’m in loveee. I love messed up shit and creepy books but this one was way too far for me to even want to read but I wanted to know what it was about, and your analysis was a much better watch then I’m sure the book would have been as a read
Hahaha, I love that this was my first impression. You passed the vibe check with flying colors. ❤️
Good lord, this might be the best video on RUclips. Ending it with that song!🙈😂 Juan, you are not right.(😉) Wasn’t sure I had the stomach to watch this one but goddam that was enlightening. You’re fire, Juan.
Thank you so much 🥹 This may not be the best video on RUclips, but I do think it’s got the best title!
Your analysis is as excellent (if not more than) the books you recommend
Wow, legit one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received. Thank you so much. ❤️
I rarely comment here but OMG!!!!! This was an amazing analogy!!!! Please tell me that you are some kind of literary teacher or professor. If not, they don't know what they're missing!!! I felt like I was back at school!! Yea, it just reminds us to "not judge a book by it's cover" for sure!! I myself am guilty!! I was thinking this was going to be another book on your "most disturbing or disgusting" list!! lol. What means something to one person can mean something totally different to another! I've been watching this channel for a while now, and today, I'm subscribing!!!! I have to say, you picked an awesome song to end this video. I was LMAO!!!! 🤣🤣 It was perfect!!
Wow, thank you so much! No, I withdrew from my doctorate program because of mental health reasons. Best decision in my life imho, since now I get to make videos like this with a beautiful and understanding audience! This is definitely a disturbing book, but not in the way one would believe from the title. I myself was surprised to find how different it was from what I imagined. Thank God! 😂 Thank you so much for subscribing! I really appreciate the support, and hope you enjoy the rest of the videos!
Great vid! I love your humor!
Thank you! I think one needs to use at least a bit of humor when it comes to stuff like this.
@@PlaguedbyVisions Agreeeeeeeeed! You're the best!
Thank you for talking to me in a way that makes me feel smart.
You are absolutely smart. ❤️
Wow! You are amazing. Great video.
Aw, thank you so much! ❤️
I TOTALLY ASKED ABOUT THIS LAST STREAM I WATCHED! Like I said then, I wanna read it, but don't wan't the unfair judgements... lol... or fair judgements. Love it buddy!
I remember! Well… Here ya go! 😂 I read this as quickly as possible shut in my room and it is not displayed on my shelf… Although maybe hiding it makes it seem worse than it is!
Haha I have to read this. This is the first I've heard of it. Hey, have you read Matthew Stokoe's Cows?
The way you combine dry delivery humor with thoughtful analysis gives my brain that Good Chemical™ bath that it so desperately needs - thank you 🤠
Holy sh*t, this is one of the most beautiful things anyone’s ever told me! 🥲 Thank you so much! So glad your brain’s being plagued by the good kind of visions!
You’re a smart guy! Thanks for the tutorial! Now I want to read Mimesis.
Aw, thank you so much! Mimesis is one of the most incredible works on literary criticism of the 20th century.
I may be lucky in that I’m literate and have a strong imagination and know the area of both Soledad and Salinas California. I have deep familial roots which stem from there and I have a love and appreciation for Mr. Steinbeck. Why do I feel like apologizing?
Your opening made me laugh so hard.
holy fuck he did it, the absolute madman
See y’all in prison!
Definitely a book to read in public. Purely for the pleasure to see the looks of passers lol
Starbucks gonna ban reading books with this lol.
I own a couple of such books. 😂
Would be curious to hear your take on Hogg by Delany
Oh, that review is definitely coming soon!
Excellent analysis. BF is not what I thought it was going to be. I may actually read it.
It really wasn’t! I was surprised by how much I got out of this strange little book.
You got me at Kristeva. You have gained a subscriber.
An honor, Dr. Speedweed. 💖
@@PlaguedbyVisions I noticed that you have at least one video about literature in Spanish. Was it your first language? That's the case for me.
@@dubitataugustinus simón!
@@PlaguedbyVisions that made me relate with you big-time, because, I "live" in English now, and I am currently writing my dissertation about horror films! I adore the abject in all its forms, but I seek the sickening and disturbing often. I'm very excited to be able to peruse your content!
Shit… King of literary analysis! 👏🏻👏🏻 Also am I the only one who found the narrator’s paranoia and obsession with Paul and Linda funny? 🤣🤷🏻♀️
King of going to prison! You’re not alone. The entire time I kept wondering if they were a dumb reference to Paul and Linda McCartney, and that just made it funnier.
I am not a native english speaker, so when i tried to read this book, i just didn't get a lot of the aspects, like the semiotics one.
But your explaining is so good that i just understood
Well done, well done. Now add to this philosophy the fact I found it on Amazon, as proudly displayed as any other book. And one of their cheapest. And it arrived fairly quickly too. So they wanted to sell it, get it into my hands, and yet... Look at all the other books they are taking away. On their face nothing up to this.
In response to your very thoughtful video, for some reason all I can offer is that Tracks by Louise Erdrich is excellent. Lot of time to peruse your bookshelf.
It really is! I love that novel. Haha, anything to not make eye contact!
Holy shit bro this was funny informative and unsettling. I'm scared to share this vid lmfao. CONTROVERSY
Share it with the family!
I feel like I should have paid for this college course. Bravo! ❤
So glad I found your channel. Just subscribed.
What a way to start the year, huh! Welcome, and thank you!
@@PlaguedbyVisions Ha. Yeah. I didn't think of that. "What's the literal first thing you did in 2023?".... "Ummmm. I watched a babyfucker video..." *blush* 😂
@@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101 Idk about the people in your life but at least here you’re among friends. 😂
@@PlaguedbyVisions Glad to hear it. No one I know personally would get it. 🤣
OMG 10 seconds in and DYING 🤣
Okay edit after watching....my sweet god Juan. If you EVER...EVER....doubt yourself and your absolutely amazing ability to state your thoughts in such a cohesive and intelligent way...please revisit this video. This could be played in college classes. No joke!
Thank you so much for such kind words, Pax! 💚 I’d honestly be curious as to what college would play this. 😂 I’d definitely want to go there!
I totally agree with Pax Panic in the comments. This was so well done and is a testiment to how eloquently you come across discussing whatever subject you dive into. Plus it was a lot of fun!
And yes, the use of baby as a "pet name" and used in the sexual context is really fucked up. But then, so is a lot of other go to terms.
Thank you so much, Catherine! I’m so happy you enjoyed the video! I think calling someone “baby” is fine, but it really becomes… not fine the more you think about it. 😂
Great discourse. Enlightening, even! :)
Thank you so much for watching! Enlightening?! 🥹❤️🙏
Juan, I feel like I’m back in school when I watch you. And that’s a good thing-I loved school! I’m really glad I found your channel, despite wanting to barf at some of the content you address. Here (again) you manage to cover some truly wild shit with tact and a critical eye. Thanks for taking one for the team here, although I hope it doesn’t do too much of a number on your mental health. 10/10 would sign up for a class of yours in a heartbeat.
Thank you so much, Caitlin! I really appreciate the kind words. I think part of my mission statement is sort of unmasking these kinds of texts and showcase them as approachable and digestible, however difficult it might be at times. My mental health is not at its best, but it has nothing to do with books. 😂 If you watch all my videos, you get a certificate!
Juan, the choice of outro music was pure evil. Well done.
The Biebs always wins in the end.
The ending song is just, lol.
People seem to have really appreciated it! 😂
It's odd, but when I read the title I thought you'd be discussing _Lolita_! I was all, Woah, he loathed it! :D (I'm still slowly reading it.)
There’s a few books I’ve read that that title could apply to, and that’s a bad thing I think.
Brilliant video!
And of all videos, of course the one with this title gets the most praise. 😅 Thank you so much, all jokes aside! ❤️
This was a trap to finally get me to read Steinbeck.
Truly fascinating.
Seeing the line as it is in this cover it is immediately shocking. But when it's introduced as a line in 'Book of Mormon' it comes to represents absurdism and that made millions on Broadway. In my brain it can still only exist as absurdity, even though I know full the horrific reality in which we live in.
This video was incredibly interesting and intelligent.
OH MY GOD THE ENDING SONG hahaha.
I wonder what Steinbeck would think if he was around to see where his prose ended up?
I think the title can definitely be taken as just incredibly absurd, but that absurdity is part of its abject power. I think by laughing we disarm it of its unsettling and very real implication, perhaps jettison it to a part of our mind that is in some form of denial. I mean, as you saw in this video, the title kept making me laugh. 😂
Thank you so much for watching, Andrew! I really appreciate it!
THE OUTRO BRO 😭😭😭😭😭
recent subscriber but do you have a discord server for your subscribers? i’ve been waiting for a channel like yours!
Hi, there, and welcome to the channel! Thanks for the support! I did have a server once upon a time, but was AWFUL at managing/moderating it, so I had to let it go. 😔
Commenting this before watching the video and before reading the book, but should I watch this video before or after I read it?
Well, I spoiled almost nothing about the actual contents of the book, so I’d say it’s up to whether you like to go into books with some analytic context, or with a fresh mind!
Your video saved my sanity. For the longest time I thought I was the only person on planet earth who owned a copy of this :D
Ah yes, this is most _definitely_ the side of Booktube that I _definitely_ want to be/associate in. Truly a Beherit in the rough.
You really should be a teacher...but, I guess you are, in a way. I'm fairly new to your channel but have wondered if you have tried your hand at writing and/or publishing anything (if you have, please forgive my ignorance). You have such a profound grasp on the English language. I know that is not the only ingredient required to be an author, but you seem to be someone who knows what they like and could tackle such a project. Just curious. It would be cool, though. Peace, brother. Keep up the great work!
Oh wow, thank you so much for such kind and supportive words, Josh! I’m actually currently trying to get a short story collection together. I’m really hoping to get it out within 2022. So stay tuned! I was working towards a doctorate in literature, but had to withdraw due to mental health reasons. I say this without an ounce of sacasm: Booktube has honestly been a hundred times more rewarding.
Seriously, thank you so much for such kind words, friend!
I called the cops, and they have the little one in custody now: no f*cks given. Thanks for the thoughtful analysis. I am fascinated by the concept of the unreliable narrator. Whenever you read a story, almost everything that transpires in that story is 'true' from the writer's perspective and conveyed to the reader. In fact, you can say that both the writer and reader enter into an agreement in which both sides agree that what is consumed is true, and when it turns out to be untrue, you hear the cry wolf.
i have to tell you i laughed out loud multiple times on this one
You sick puppy! 🐶
My mind stopped and analyzed the shape of the letters… and before i could get past it you faded the words and I was free to dislodge
And I own a copy of A Serbian Film 😳
The music at the end has me dead.
Once I got the idea, I couldn’t NOT do it.
You sound like a wise wizard in the best way
Hehe, thank you! ☺️ Check out my latest video if you wanna see how much I’ve changed! (This isn’t promo, I swear-I just genuinely think you’ll be shocked!)
@@PlaguedbyVisions catching up! 🧙♀️🫶
that outro was fucking diabolical
This video is fantastic!!! I'm so glad i found this channel
Thank you so much! First impressions are crucial. 😂
Mmmmm
I heard about this book in a Disturbing Books Iceberg
Oh, nice! I should really watch some of those. I almost made one of those videos, but didn’t really think it was my kind of thing.
Some of us have a condition called "Aphantasia", which means that consciously, we literally cannot imagine anything.
It is estimated that only 2% of the world's population have it (I suspect more, but what do I know...)
I would suspect more as well, because even in my tiny comment section, there’s been three others who have said they have it, so it seems at least more common than 2%. I say that it is awesome that you get to experience art in such a unique way, and it may definitely help with literature of this kind…
@@PlaguedbyVisions ah, gotta read more comments, then ;)
Bravo!
Haha, thank you so much! Never thought I’d hear “bravo” on this video. 😂
Outro song choice 🏆
Well worth getting a copyright claim. 👶
"what did you see when you closed your eyes?"
Easy , I have aphantasia, so I saw what I always see, the only thing I can see with my eyes closed--blackness.
As far as transgressive fiction goes, perhaps that is for the best! 😬
I think subscribing to this channel was a mistake. I've bought 3 books today already based on your discussions.
And this was one of them? Oh my. 😂 All jokes aside, I’m really happy you’re enjoying the recommendations! 🥲
I just imagined some jerk saying it out loud for shock value and everyone angrily looking at the person.
Hey, just say you imagined me. Lol jk.
@@PlaguedbyVisions never, they loves you and your grad school analysis 😉
HANDS DOWN KING 😭😭😭
🙏🙏🙏
How do you feel your experience as a gay, brown man has informed your perception of transgressive literature? Do you think that your identity of "otherness" (for lack of a better term) drives, or at least at some point drove, you towards non-mainstream forms of entertainment and more specifically towards things that are extreme and taboo?
That's so weird I pictured a guy writing the words down on paper.
A lot of sickos on the internet are going to be very disappointed with this video. It is an excellent explanation of semiotics, though. Thanks to this video I can imagine a lot of police officers who monitor the dark web noticing a strange trend towards conversations about poststructuralism on certain chatrooms.
😂😂😂 I just know this video is going to come back to haunt me later. Oh, well, such is art.
This is a fantastic video! Thank you so much.
Thank YOU so much for watching! Glad you got something out of it!
That's a book? I thought it was a GWAR song
The lines blur in the realms of the transgressive.
While I certainly wasn't keen on the content of the book (despite it becoming less central later in the text), I was entranced by the diction and the psychotic self-referential way that Allemann dealt with "The Babyfucker" and their obsessions. A hypnotically repulsive read if ever there was one.