Interesting you posted an Irish theme video. I randomly found Caimh McDonnell “The Dublin Trilogy “ on kindle unlimited a week or so ago and really enjoying it.
This is SO cool. Ireland has such a rich literary history. James Joyce, Johnathon Swift, Yeats.. amazing! Also Dracula lol. I’m from the United States so traveling to Ireland is a bigger journey but definitely seems worthwhile. Kinda makes me wonder why Ireland produced such great works while England produced some of the most over-written, boring imperialist books I’ve ever read SMH. Nice video tho
Is english a second language for you? You're Polish, correct? Your english is incredible. I wouldn't even have noticed but your pronunciation is almost too good. Unnaturally good.
Very jealous 😅but also incredibly excited for your opportunity to study abroad in such a beautiful country with a rich history and culture! Hope you continue to enjoy your time there!
Lovely to see a bit of Ireland and hear your thoughts on all these. I thought The Rachel Incident was OK but found it hard to get a foothold in the story as nothing about their decision-making, actions or relationships felt relatable. I don’t mind unrelatable if I learn a new perspective on something but I didn’t get that, either. Not a bad book, but it didn’t grab me. The premise of Prophet Song sounded great, but I struggled with the prose style and never got into the flow of the story. From what you said, I don't think I’ll continue. The Bee Sting sounds like it'll be worth a read. You might like Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. It’s a heartwarming novella set in the 80s that explores kindness and doing the right thing. The Magdalene Laundries feature in it. I’m not sure if you read thrillers, but The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard takes an interesting view of the genre and it’s set in Cork. I see somebody has suggested Caimh McDonnell’s crime series. I read the first book and enjoyed it. However, his comedy urban fantasy series, The Stranger Times, which he writes as C.K. McDonnell is even better IMO. It’s set in Manchester and it’s actually funny. The audiobook narration is Steven Pacey level. If you fancy a bit of Irish history and fantasy, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless might interest you. It’s set in the 10th century and sticks close to actual history while bringing in a fantasy element inspired from mythology. There are some things I disliked, but it was worth reading.
wow RD what a thoughtful comment! I look forward to your thoughts on every video :) Yeah Prophet Song's prose was definitely... a struggle. The Rachel Incident for me was very relatable because of my age and where I am in life overall so I had fun. Like I said it wasn't too deep but it was a good time for me. I think I might check out Small Things because I really want to read some Claire Keegan because she keeps popping up in my literary circles! And for The Stranger Times- see, you know how to sell me on a book because Steven Pacey level narration is something I will forever look for haha. The Children of Gods and Fighting Men sounds the most interesting premise wise. I'm adding it to my goodreads. Thanks for commenting!
I’ve never read a book with so little paragraph breaks, I think I would find it hard to read a book like that! The Rachel Incident sounds interesting though more of a book for my mother,she’s the mystery suspense reader in the family! Really cool to read a book that mentions places you’ve visited! Ireland just looks so beautiful! Some day… lol
Oh, you were really in the thick of it with reading "artistic lack of grammar". I totally get why you were concerned XD. Very cool themed video and glad you did an Irish road trip. I lived in the UK a couple of years and got to see much of England and southern Wales, but very much need to visit Scotland and Ireland.
Even tho i did not read these books it was interesting to hear your thoughts and of course the lovely experiences you had exploring such beautiful places! Great video ❤
Ireland looks so so beautiful 🫶 I hope I get to visit someday! I read Beautiful World, Where Are You a few years ago and wasn’t a fan, but I can’t remember why now 🤔 I enjoyed Normal People and Conversations with Friends. Maybe I’ll give it a reread to see if my feelings have changed.
I loved Ireland when I had the chance to visit a few years back. It's definitely on my list to revisit. FYI I just discovered the channel not too long ago. It's a big reason I decided to pick up The Witcher series. Love the vids!
Oh my gosh I hope you like it! About the Witcher: I recommend watching the Book Guy’s video presenting the Witcher because he does a good job of setting expectations straight. Do let me know what you think! (Book 1 is the last wish)
@@valliyarnl I love it so far! I’m a big fan of political intrigue. I started on Blood of Elves and I’m finishing Tower of Swallows today or tomorrow. I plan getting to the short stories (Last Wish, etc.) after the fact. What got you into The Witcher series? Also do you have a community Discord of some kind? I don’t use socials at all so I just catch your videos.
@@Gibsomething nononono blood of elves is book 3. Do not continue without read the first 2 books. It’s a mess up or more likely a cash grab from the side of the English publishers. In Poland and our neighbouring Slavic countries it is very clear that it is book 3!!! I don’t have a discord. Maybe in the future? I just made an account a few months ago so I’m figuring out how it all works for the moment
@@valliyarnl Ahh okay, I got told to start at Blood of Elves. I guess I’ll finish Tower of Swallows and go back to The Last Wish 😅 I was told that the 5 novels were where the core of the story were and books 1, 2 and 8 were collections of short stories, but weren’t extremely pertinent to the story and could be read whenever. If you feel like setting a Discord up I’d be willing to help (no pressure obviously)! It just struck me that it might be a great way to field questions when I watched your Dune and Witcher “hot takes” videos were you to do stuff like that in the future.
@@Gibsomething season of storms is a prequel and it is the only “extra” / “optional” one. There’s another one coming out this year and I think it’s gonna be a similar deal. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series :D Yeah I definitely want to do something with a discord in the future I just need to get more adept at it I think. Thank you for watching 😊
Hey if you are looking for an Irish author can I suggest two.First the watchers by a.m shire (which film adaptation is in cinema currently) and I highly recommend skulduggery pleasant series by derek landy (which have 16 main-line book) best of luck with the channel x
Watching your video such a pleasant and inspiring thing at the same time, I immediately want to get acquainted with as many literary universes and cultures as possible and for me, as a resident of Eastern Europe who studies languages, it is also amazing how good is your English. Probably, one of the most cosy channels on YT for book related topics
I didn't know that Ireland looked this gorgeous I guess they call it the Emerald Isle for a reason all I heard about Ireland was the troubles and the IRA and rarely do you see in the media talking about Ireland in this kind of light which I think is disappointing but really enjoyed the video not a massive bookie but I enjoyed the video a lot and looking forward to more
Thank you! The IRA times are a good few years past but yeah ig they are still a big part of history so they are talked about. And thank you for commenting :)
As an Irish guy it’s embarrassing that I haven’t read any of these. Prophet Song and The Bee Sting have been sitting on my TBR for a wee while now and Prophet Song was the one I was eyeing up. I might have to reappraise. Maybe go for The Bee Sting first. Maybe give Brave New World another shot instead. Great video and lovely to see the country through fresh eyes. ☘️
Thank you for commenting! Hope I did an ok job in presenting your country 😅 as for Prophet Song, I truly do hope you enjoy it if you pick it up. A lot of people really respect it and it does have that one shining moment at the end of chapter 8. The Bee Sting is definitely wackier in terms of narrative structure but I found it much more rewarding ☺️ Happy reading!
@@valliyarnl thanks I’ll give them both a go. If you feel like some Irish literature that’s a bit less current but not as intimidating as something like Joyce, then try Strumpet City by James Plunkett. It’s pretty unique as a period social novel that ISN’T about Irish independence
Did you kiss the Blarney stone? I was too much of a wuss the last time I visited 🙈 Also, thank you for saying Normal People is overrated. The second half of that book bored me to tears 😭
I did yes! The kissing part wasn’t too bad (tho they took the most terrifying photo of my face I’ve ever seen… even the photo seller guy laughed). BUT the last part before you reach the landing where the stone is?!? That was AWFUL. My legs were jelly and I was holding the wall for dear life. … doesn’t make it better that a lady fell the same day I was there (she survived i think)
@@valliyarnl gway, seriously? Ok I was gonna kiss that damn stone the next time I was down that way but knowing my luck I would also fall and end up mute (the irony!) so no thank you! Haha yea like how good could anyone look while shifting a rock 😄
So, I watched the video again and I must say that Ireland looks breath-taking. The shot at 0:14 tho... Forget the cake. She got the whole bakery back there. 😂😂 Worry not, this comment isn't only for appreciation but I'll be also suggesting a book, or more. One is from a very famous Irish Poet (Oscar Wilde) so I fear you might know it already: "The picture of Dorian Gray". Lovely book, but it's set in London, UK. In the case you've already read it, the only other book, this time set in Ireland that I remember having read is "The Likeness" by Tana French. I have no idea if you'll like the genre, mystery novel, I've read it some time ago and I enjoyed it. Peace 🤙🏼
This comment made me very uncomfortable. If it was the only contents of the comment you’d get blocked. Don’t get me wrong thank you for watching the video and making now two comments because that’s what boosts it the most. But that’s uncalled for. I adore the picture of Dorian grey and I read the first Tana French mystery of that series but thought it was mid so I haven’t continued yet. Maybe one day tho bc I want to give it another go.
@@valliyarnl That wasn't my intention but if that's the case, I'm sorry. I'm commenting quite a-lot about several different topics but if you feel weirded out, go ahead block me. I won't beg you not to. I don't really like passing for a creep either, especially when I'm not, alas you know nothing of me, Im younger than you and Im often sarcastic on certain remarks. I respect your opinion but if you take such a famous meme remark as creepy, you should be considering leaving the Internet, Sadly, much worse happen, you'll notice as you get a bigger audience, Im not saying I condone this, that its normal or that you'll have to get used to this, on the opposite, it's something awful but if you take my comment as very uncomfortable, well, good luck with the rest.
I forgot to say the most important thing somehow, which is, if you decide not to block me obviously, I won't comment on your looks again since I don't want to upset you in any way. I'm from Italy, I might be used to behave differently but anyhow that's about it. Have a good day
Common Wera W
🫶🏻
Interesting you posted an Irish theme video. I randomly found Caimh McDonnell “The Dublin Trilogy “ on kindle unlimited a week or so ago and really enjoying it.
Ahhh yes another one I’ve been eyeing up! Hope you enjoy the rest of it!
This is SO cool. Ireland has such a rich literary history. James Joyce, Johnathon Swift, Yeats.. amazing!
Also Dracula lol.
I’m from the United States so traveling to Ireland is a bigger journey but definitely seems worthwhile.
Kinda makes me wonder why Ireland produced such great works while England produced some of the most over-written, boring imperialist books I’ve ever read SMH. Nice video tho
Is english a second language for you? You're Polish, correct? Your english is incredible. I wouldn't even have noticed but your pronunciation is almost too good. Unnaturally good.
Yes it is my second language! Polish is my first :) thank you for the compliment!
Very jealous 😅but also incredibly excited for your opportunity to study abroad in such a beautiful country with a rich history and culture! Hope you continue to enjoy your time there!
Ireland looks so beautiful! I really enjoy reading books that take place somewhere I have been or talk about something I have a lot of knowledge on.
Yessss it’s such a lovely experience
Lovely to see a bit of Ireland and hear your thoughts on all these. I thought The Rachel Incident was OK but found it hard to get a foothold in the story as nothing about their decision-making, actions or relationships felt relatable. I don’t mind unrelatable if I learn a new perspective on something but I didn’t get that, either. Not a bad book, but it didn’t grab me. The premise of Prophet Song sounded great, but I struggled with the prose style and never got into the flow of the story. From what you said, I don't think I’ll continue. The Bee Sting sounds like it'll be worth a read.
You might like Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. It’s a heartwarming novella set in the 80s that explores kindness and doing the right thing. The Magdalene Laundries feature in it. I’m not sure if you read thrillers, but The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard takes an interesting view of the genre and it’s set in Cork. I see somebody has suggested Caimh McDonnell’s crime series. I read the first book and enjoyed it. However, his comedy urban fantasy series, The Stranger Times, which he writes as C.K. McDonnell is even better IMO. It’s set in Manchester and it’s actually funny. The audiobook narration is Steven Pacey level. If you fancy a bit of Irish history and fantasy, The Children of Gods and Fighting Men by Shauna Lawless might interest you. It’s set in the 10th century and sticks close to actual history while bringing in a fantasy element inspired from mythology. There are some things I disliked, but it was worth reading.
wow RD what a thoughtful comment! I look forward to your thoughts on every video :)
Yeah Prophet Song's prose was definitely... a struggle. The Rachel Incident for me was very relatable because of my age and where I am in life overall so I had fun. Like I said it wasn't too deep but it was a good time for me. I think I might check out Small Things because I really want to read some Claire Keegan because she keeps popping up in my literary circles! And for The Stranger Times- see, you know how to sell me on a book because Steven Pacey level narration is something I will forever look for haha. The Children of Gods and Fighting Men sounds the most interesting premise wise. I'm adding it to my goodreads.
Thanks for commenting!
your videos are awesome and your enthusiasm makes me want to pick up reading again
awhhh that's so kind. You totally should!
I’ve never read a book with so little paragraph breaks, I think I would find it hard to read a book like that! The Rachel Incident sounds interesting though more of a book for my mother,she’s the mystery suspense reader in the family! Really cool to read a book that mentions places you’ve visited! Ireland just looks so beautiful! Some day… lol
If your mom does check it out I hope she likes it 😄
Oh, you were really in the thick of it with reading "artistic lack of grammar". I totally get why you were concerned XD. Very cool themed video and glad you did an Irish road trip. I lived in the UK a couple of years and got to see much of England and southern Wales, but very much need to visit Scotland and Ireland.
Scotland is beautiful as well! And as for “artistic lack of grammar”, whoever thought it was a good idea should count their days 😅😇
Even tho i did not read these books it was interesting to hear your thoughts and of course the lovely experiences you had exploring such beautiful places! Great video ❤
That’s so kind thank you ! ☺️
Ireland looks so so beautiful 🫶 I hope I get to visit someday! I read Beautiful World, Where Are You a few years ago and wasn’t a fan, but I can’t remember why now 🤔 I enjoyed Normal People and Conversations with Friends. Maybe I’ll give it a reread to see if my feelings have changed.
Maybe. I think I would’ve liked it less closer to the pandemic. Idk. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts!
@@valliyarnl I also read it after a break up so maybe I just wasn’t in the right headspace lol
i loved beautiful world, where are you! also def gotta visit ireland this sem
definitely do come visit! :)))
I loved Ireland when I had the chance to visit a few years back. It's definitely on my list to revisit.
FYI I just discovered the channel not too long ago. It's a big reason I decided to pick up The Witcher series. Love the vids!
Oh my gosh I hope you like it!
About the Witcher: I recommend watching the Book Guy’s video presenting the Witcher because he does a good job of setting expectations straight. Do let me know what you think! (Book 1 is the last wish)
@@valliyarnl I love it so far! I’m a big fan of political intrigue. I started on Blood of Elves and I’m finishing Tower of Swallows today or tomorrow. I plan getting to the short stories (Last Wish, etc.) after the fact.
What got you into The Witcher series? Also do you have a community Discord of some kind? I don’t use socials at all so I just catch your videos.
@@Gibsomething nononono blood of elves is book 3. Do not continue without read the first 2 books. It’s a mess up or more likely a cash grab from the side of the English publishers. In Poland and our neighbouring Slavic countries it is very clear that it is book 3!!!
I don’t have a discord. Maybe in the future? I just made an account a few months ago so I’m figuring out how it all works for the moment
@@valliyarnl Ahh okay, I got told to start at Blood of Elves. I guess I’ll finish Tower of Swallows and go back to The Last Wish 😅 I was told that the 5 novels were where the core of the story were and books 1, 2 and 8 were collections of short stories, but weren’t extremely pertinent to the story and could be read whenever.
If you feel like setting a Discord up I’d be willing to help (no pressure obviously)! It just struck me that it might be a great way to field questions when I watched your Dune and Witcher “hot takes” videos were you to do stuff like that in the future.
@@Gibsomething season of storms is a prequel and it is the only “extra” / “optional” one. There’s another one coming out this year and I think it’s gonna be a similar deal. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series :D
Yeah I definitely want to do something with a discord in the future I just need to get more adept at it I think. Thank you for watching 😊
Hey if you are looking for an Irish author can I suggest two.First the watchers by a.m shire (which film adaptation is in cinema currently) and I highly recommend skulduggery pleasant series by derek landy (which have 16 main-line book) best of luck with the channel x
Oh gosh I haven’t heard of those! Thank you for the recommendation:D
Watching your video such a pleasant and inspiring thing at the same time, I immediately want to get acquainted with as many literary universes and cultures as possible and for me, as a resident of Eastern Europe who studies languages, it is also amazing how good is your English. Probably, one of the most cosy channels on YT for book related topics
Thank you that’s very kind!
I didn't know that Ireland looked this gorgeous I guess they call it the Emerald Isle for a reason all I heard about Ireland was the troubles and the IRA and rarely do you see in the media talking about Ireland in this kind of light which I think is disappointing but really enjoyed the video not a massive bookie but I enjoyed the video a lot and looking forward to more
Thank you! The IRA times are a good few years past but yeah ig they are still a big part of history so they are talked about. And thank you for commenting :)
As an Irish guy it’s embarrassing that I haven’t read any of these. Prophet Song and The Bee Sting have been sitting on my TBR for a wee while now and Prophet Song was the one I was eyeing up. I might have to reappraise.
Maybe go for The Bee Sting first. Maybe give Brave New World another shot instead.
Great video and lovely to see the country through fresh eyes. ☘️
Thank you for commenting! Hope I did an ok job in presenting your country 😅 as for Prophet Song, I truly do hope you enjoy it if you pick it up. A lot of people really respect it and it does have that one shining moment at the end of chapter 8. The Bee Sting is definitely wackier in terms of narrative structure but I found it much more rewarding ☺️
Happy reading!
@@valliyarnl thanks I’ll give them both a go.
If you feel like some Irish literature that’s a bit less current but not as intimidating as something like Joyce, then try Strumpet City by James Plunkett. It’s pretty unique as a period social novel that ISN’T about Irish independence
Omg is that the Star Wars Island??? Also so sad abt Prophet Song :(
It was!! And abt PS I do hope you like it more than I did :)
Did you see much in Northern Ireland?
Didn’t go there this time. Planning to for a weekend sometime next semester tho!
Did you kiss the Blarney stone? I was too much of a wuss the last time I visited 🙈 Also, thank you for saying Normal People is overrated. The second half of that book bored me to tears 😭
I did yes! The kissing part wasn’t too bad (tho they took the most terrifying photo of my face I’ve ever seen… even the photo seller guy laughed). BUT the last part before you reach the landing where the stone is?!? That was AWFUL. My legs were jelly and I was holding the wall for dear life. … doesn’t make it better that a lady fell the same day I was there (she survived i think)
@@valliyarnl gway, seriously? Ok I was gonna kiss that damn stone the next time I was down that way but knowing my luck I would also fall and end up mute (the irony!) so no thank you! Haha yea like how good could anyone look while shifting a rock 😄
@@marblerye123 😂😂😂😂
So, I watched the video again and I must say that Ireland looks breath-taking.
The shot at 0:14 tho...
Forget the cake. She got the whole bakery back there. 😂😂 Worry not, this comment isn't only for appreciation but I'll be also suggesting a book, or more.
One is from a very famous Irish Poet (Oscar Wilde) so I fear you might know it already: "The picture of Dorian Gray". Lovely book, but it's set in London, UK. In the case you've already read it, the only other book, this time set in Ireland that I remember having read is "The Likeness" by Tana French. I have no idea if you'll like the genre, mystery novel, I've read it some time ago and I enjoyed it.
Peace 🤙🏼
This comment made me very uncomfortable. If it was the only contents of the comment you’d get blocked.
Don’t get me wrong thank you for watching the video and making now two comments because that’s what boosts it the most. But that’s uncalled for.
I adore the picture of Dorian grey and I read the first Tana French mystery of that series but thought it was mid so I haven’t continued yet. Maybe one day tho bc I want to give it another go.
@@valliyarnl That wasn't my intention but if that's the case, I'm sorry. I'm commenting quite a-lot about several different topics but if you feel weirded out, go ahead block me. I won't beg you not to.
I don't really like passing for a creep either, especially when I'm not, alas you know nothing of me, Im younger than you and Im often sarcastic on certain remarks. I respect your opinion but if you take such a famous meme remark as creepy, you should be considering leaving the Internet, Sadly, much worse happen, you'll notice as you get a bigger audience, Im not saying I condone this, that its normal or that you'll have to get used to this, on the opposite, it's something awful but if you take my comment as very uncomfortable, well, good luck with the rest.
I forgot to say the most important thing somehow, which is, if you decide not to block me obviously, I won't comment on your looks again since I don't want to upset you in any way. I'm from Italy, I might be used to behave differently but anyhow that's about it. Have a good day