Books I DNF'd in 2019 & a Genre Unhaul | 12 DAYS OF VLOGMAS DAY 7
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- Опубликовано: 2 окт 2024
- In which I discuss books I DNF'd in 2019 and unhaul some books from a particular genre...
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Something I've discovered about myself, and I hope you can relate to this, is that I love darkness in books but I HATE bleakness. I hate the feel of everything is awful and nothing will ever get better. For some reason it just drops the curtain between me and the author's story and I see them trying to emotionally manipulate me, and I instantly resent it.
THIS. I think that's a very important distinction, and I'm 100% with you on that.
Exactly! Personally I feel like books that are 100% bleak all the time aren't even realistic? Life is full of light and shade and honestly I'm only going to get emotionally invested and cry if something sad does happen if a book also makes me smile/laugh.
What a fantastic way to put it! That must be why I like horror, but can’t stand grimdark.
Nicole E. I totally agree with you
I'm a hospice nurse and I know EXACTLY how you feel. I never read any sad books and try my hardest to stay away from books about death BECAUSE how would it be an escape for me if I'm surrounded by it all day? I love my job but it Is very mentally and emotionally draining. I definitely feel for you!
First of all: Salty Sam is my favorite Sam! Just saying!
Second: good for you!!! Really. A lot of people don't want to embrace the fact that literature (and all forms of entertainment to a point) can be escapism and that it's OK to want that!
The world is a dumpster fire right now and I think it has pushed a lot of people -- me including -- to admit they want their books, films, and/or TV shows to be a safe haven!
Sam, your takes on literary fiction really hit home for me. I never read fantasy and instead would go for literary fiction. And I would love some of them (All the Light We Cannot See is one), but then not pick up a book for months. Then I read Uprooted by Naomi Novik, and it really sparked a love for reading that I don't think I've had since I was a kid. As it turns out, I love fantasy -- especially YA fantasy that is well written. DNF-ing has kept me reading consistently and enjoying it. And finally, like you, I unhauled a lot of lit fiction books I thought I would read but am never in the mood for.
A Little Life was a Great book but I practically needed a support group when I was done. Not for everyone.
I've described the Goldfinch as a walk through a large garbage dump to get to a 2 acre garden. I liked about 100 pages out of the 700. Jonathan Franzen is just the same.
I absolutely hated The Goldfinch. Long and depressing nonsense.
I love your unhauls so much. You always have great videos.
I haven’t DNFed anything this year actually, but I also haven’t picked up any books that I thought I was going to dislike. This year has been all about reading what I want when I want and it’s been great!
I had a friend make me promise that I wouldn't read A Little Life. She was like "Ashley, it will more than wreck you and you don't need that." Honestly I appreciated it.
I feel the same way about most literary fiction. Also never understood the serial killer podcast craze, basically for the same reason. So this extends to all media for me.
Oh God. A Little Life wrecked me. I had a feeling it might be one unhauled based on your description of literary fiction feels. I listened to it on audiobook, I'm glad I did because it was well written, immersive and I missed the characters after I finished it. But holy crap, I'll never forget poor freaking Jude and all of the terrible shit he went through. I read a review afterwards that compared it to 'torture porn' and that felt pretty spot on in hindsight.
I unhauled all my thrillers this year (and there were a lot!). I love mysteries, but thrillers cause me too much anxiety. I finally decided that as much as I like the idea of reading thrillers, I do not actually enjoy the experience. I also unhauled A Little Life, for the same reason you did.
Omg the way you talked about how some books are tragic and it's totally different in fantasy because there is usually some hope is EXACTLY how I feel and I hate when I feel like a book is manipulating me to feel strong negative emotions by being tragedy porn. I wanted to read The Goldfinch but maybe not :- D And I think I've been sufficiently warned against A Little Life by enough people as well :- )
Totally agree with you on literary fiction. Props to people who can write it well, but if I have to read about shit that happens in real life, I'd rather contend with it in a fictional setting that doesn't remind me so much of the real world that has this crap in excess.
I'm with you on literary fiction, 100%. In general, I think the most freeing thing that I've done for myself in recent years is slowly dismantling the idea that there are books that I "must" read, particularly when it comes to award-winning books, and to be at peace with not trying to force interest when there isn't any. And I'm definitely with you on escaping the tragedy of real life!
As someone who read and loved A Little Life, I understand why people may not want to approach it, it's def a book you need to be in the right mindset for to go through all the shit that happens. I read it during a bad mental anxiety time and it fucked me up, but it was a book I was glad I read.
I DNF'd 6 books this year which is tbh low for how average my reads were this year. Somehow I put myself through the torture that was Space Opera and read the whole thing this year. A book that is only like 300pgs with barely much depth should not be so exhausting and give me constant headaches trying to read it
i bought we the drowned because it was so pretty, and i dnfed it even though i was stuck on a 12 hour train ride with no cell reception so you know... also... there is ZERO light at the end of a little life
I red the luminaries. To anyone reading : don’t do this to yourself.
A book without an ending and with 247 loose threads shouldn’t be so praised.
Thank you! I am now doubly motivated to take it off my TBR 👍
I tried to read it as well,.. didn't get very far. 🤔
I have no time in my life to allow something as pleasurable to me as reading to effect my mental health
I have a friend that always recommends literary fiction to me. So I finally picked up a little life and oh boy. It is the only book I wish I never read. No hope no light at the end of the tunnel. I really don’t think you’d like it. Love your vids by the way ❤️
I second this. After reading this I felt bad and hollow for a week and I don't suffer from anxiety or have any triggers. In the End it felt like torture porn.
strangegirl440 yes! Exactly! Also I refuse to believe that every man in the world is a predator. Like EVERY SINGLE MAN he encountered.
@@rennemalfoy5482 Yes, it started to feel unrealistic. Also it is full of tropes I dislike: No, beeing a survivor of sexual abuse doesn't make you per definition asexual, therapy is not a waste of time and would've made Jude's Life significantly better, also she killed every lgbtq+ person in the book and let's not forget as a survivor of abuse who must be perfect at all things all the time or you'll never succeed.
Hi Sam, I do enjoy your videos and opinions re books. I am sorry you have been through so much so early in life but on the other hand you have gained much wisdom and I am sure you share this with your clients. You appear quite centred and know your mind more. So, I wish you a happy Yule/ and I look forward to watching you next year, or earlier. I send this from hot Western Australia. Your nails reminded me of my granddaughter who proudly showed me her new look yesterday. Indigo, with a purple sheen, and silver sparkles, almost invisible, but upon close inspection with the sun shining on them they were visible. You must have Taurus in your Horoscope, somewhere I think, as you like pretty things, cookery etc.
I completely understand your feelings about literary fiction. It's pretty unusual for them to be uplifting reads. You do your thing!!
While I am also a mainly fantasy/sci-fi reader I did a challenge this year that included some literary fiction....and I must admit that A Little Life was my favorite book of the year. HOWEVER, I dont think that I will ever have the strength to read it again.
Reading is my escape. I’ve let go of most literary fiction for the same reason as you. I was a hospice chaplain and while it’s a beautiful job to accompany people in those last vulnerable days, it’s haaard. My entertainment is my escape from the stress of real life.
I finished Space Opera but had all the same concerns that you mentioned. There is resolution at the end but honestly, at that point, I no longer cared. You are not missing much. I wanted to DNF it- you are stronger than I am. Hopefully I can develop this skill in the coming year and not waste my time on books that are not to my taste.
Also: kitsune.
It really hurts my heart seeing you unhaul "We, the drowned" :D it's probably the best book I've ever read. It's action packed and okay sometimes sad, but it has a lot of hope and friendship in it. And the characters are really likable. There still might be a slight chance that you actually would like it. It's nothing like "A little life" or "The Goldfinch". I didn't like those two either.
YAS! I’m so happy you’re DNFing things! I’ve been waiting to see how you felt about Barbary Station as well because I struggled to get to page 232. The whole time I was like, Sam was excited for this, you should try it. But now, in the words of Captain Raymond Holt, VVVIIIIIIINNNNNNDDDIIIIICCCCAAATTTTIIIIOOOOONNNN!
I absolutely lost it at the “drop test.” What a mood!
There are some really thick books out there that’d I love to read, but not a lot of them are literary fiction. That genre is an absolute crap shoot for me. I only finish them if I’m experiencing them as an audiobook. Reading the physical versions often feel like a chore to me and cause my reading slumps.
I enjoyed The Book of Strange New Things but I DNFed all the other literary ones you did. I got a significant way through A Little Life and We the Drowned and ended up frustrated with how much editing both needed. IMO, you made good choices getting rid of them!
That’s exactly why I don’t like literary fiction either. I read Angela’s Ashes years ago and it was a sad SLOG to get through and at the end I remember thinking, “what is the point? The character didn’t learn or grow.” I dnfed 3 books and I’m glad. They were boring 😌
Space opera sounds like that one rick and morty episode where they need to perform a song for those giant heads that make earth be part of a planet song contest haha anybody know what i mean?
Show me what you goooooottttt 😂
I love your videos and especially the longer videos. Have a Merry Christmas and a happy new year! I’m headed to Minneapolis next week. Why does that always make me think of you? Lol
I’ve done the same thing with a handful of these books. The Luminaries & The Goldfinch have been hovering over me for literal years 🙄
A Little Life is so good it’s kinda got a raven boys vibe with the friendships but the sadness/abuse gets so bad it’s almost unbelievable at one point. Definitely see why people call it torture porn, even if it was a book I loved & that stayed with me for weeks after.
I DNF'd the Goldfinch too! I just thought it was so boring and depressing and I would dread having to push through it until I realized that I didn't Need to read this book so I put it down and didn't pick it back up. DNF'ing is a magical thing and my life has been so much better since I started doing it
I literally could not get more than 50 pages in..
Yup.. me 2. I was reading and thought why am I forcing myself.
A Little Life will always be a book that haunts me, and not in a good way. Girl, when I tell you there is genuinely NO light at the end of that hellscape of a book....there is NO light at the end of that book: only trauma and sadness.
Thank you! Since being diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis two years ago my reading has changed so much and I’ve felt a bit embarrassed by that. But seriously, when your life has become a constant struggle and you spend more time with doctors than friends books need to be happy and easy! So nice to know others do the same thing.
I agree with you about literary fiction. One wants to read them because they are acclaimed and have won many awards and then one struggles reading them. They are so tragic and depressing and looooonnnnngggggg... Also, my fantasy ME also reads all the genres but mostly fantasy and sci-fi. For the last three years I have been doing Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge and each year it becomes more and more difficult because I don't enjoy the books that I put on that list. They are a chore to read and just... no. (maja)
Literary fiction is, sure, beautiful and important but it's also just like any other genre in that if it doesn't appeal to you, you don't have to read it. No one should feel guilty for not wanting to read something they won't enjoy just because it's critically acclaimed. I feel this especially strongly about classics by old white men lol, even though I genuinely love some of those
off topic but i love your nails 💅🏽
First!!! I want my cookie
Dhara Barot 🍪
I never thought I would DNF a book, but good lord “The Girl He Used To Know” became the exception.
I Dnfed King of Scars because I came for Nikolai, my fav, but let's face it, it's not his book. And I dont think i ll be reading the second book.
I love Lit Fic, but damn sometimes it’s just too depressing. I try to find a strike of “happy” endings in Literary fiction and it’s a game changer.
I keep dnfing Sarah j Maas books. They’re pretty and all but boooy can she ramble on for chapters and chapters about nothing. I was literally having the ‘just get on with the story’ internal monologue in most of her books.
I feel the same way about literary fiction. I am sure it's awesome, but I just can't. It's just so emotionally draining, and especially when my anxiety is bad it's just too much.
I only DNFed three books this year, which is surprising to me, I thought it was more. Two were non-fic and one was an occult fantasy. One of the nonfics wasn't bad, the last chapter just didn't apply to me. The other was a history on black Tudors written by a white woman that was hecka boring. And the fantasy just... wasn't my taste. It was interesting, but there were so many better books that I wanted to read so I yeeted it back to the library.
I am current reading A Little Life
I didn’t get to dnfs books yet i give them second chances and they mostly endup being GEMS and when i endup reading a very bad book i analyse it like why this book is bad so I won’t read something similar in the future. And one advice don’t buy a book that HAS A VERY GOOD TITLE NOR A VERY GOOD COVER!
I 100% agree about Space Opera by Catherynne Valente but I finished it because I found it funny. To me it read like a stand-up comic reading a hilariously bad plot about hilariously bad characters. I feel like it was trying for that Hitchiker’s guide to the galaxy type of absurdism.
I don’t read much literary fiction because, like you said, it’s mostly depressing and sad and that’s not what I want from my reading. It also tends to be “slice of life” which is also not something I like - I want to read about a quest with a defined resolution. Which is why I enjoy SFF so much. Even romance books have a resolution. The one literary fiction book I did end up enjoying is Life After Life.
I've never worked in your field but I still will never pick up A Little Life. Same reason as you. I can't un read something and don't want that horror in my brain. I'm done with reading about missing or worse re: children for the same reason. I love your videos and how you express yourself. And can we talk about your make up and beautiful face??? Enjoy your holidays!
Omg the space opera sounds like an episode from rick and morty 😂. Spaceheads arrive and yell show me what you got.. good episode, but a terrible book idea
I also DNF'd Shadow of the Fox.
I got a good way though, but kinda got fed up with the fox chick. I was just fed up with her being the one to solve every problem and frankly, she was tiresome to read about.
I much preferred the assassin guy. I liked the concept of him being trained to weild a sword with a demon soul, and how if he showed even a tiny bit of emotion, the demon would poeses him.
But i have found, thanks to that book. I can't read multiple first person prospective. I am dyslexic and can find the switching of prospective confusing.
I have also read another of that author's books called Talon, which was about dragons taking human form. I ended up getting pissed off with the story. So it's safe to assume that i won't be ready anymore of her works. As i find she has interesting concepts, but the execution is horrible.
I feel the exact same way as you. Lit fic just doesn't do it for me. I find a lot of them quite boring and way too long for what they are trying to do. And ya, most of them are depressing the whole book. I DNF'd 'The Goldfinch' as well and do not plan on picking it up ever again.
Sam! Stop feeling guilty. This is exactly why I don't read literary fiction either. It's mostly depressing
A Little Life is full on torture porn, even people who like sad books would be best walking away from that one.
I feel the same about dark literature vs dark fantasy. I dislike reading about real tragedy, even if it's technically fiction its something that easily could happen and probably has happened. In fantasy, it's much easier to disassociate. Also, have you read the Master and Margarita? Whenever people who love fantasy mention literary fiction (and not liking it) it always comes to mind. Not that everyone has to like literary fiction either way.
The Luminaries is amazing one of the best books I read last year. A little life however is terrible and actually quite offensive to both gay people, and people who suffer from self harm.
A Little Life seems to be so polarizing but regardless of people's enjoyment, everyone agrees its traumatizing so I'm like.... no thanks
Rock on with you bad self Sam! Embrace who you are, she rocks! Letting go of my fantasy self has been the best thing of getting older. I just keep shedding the idea that I have to be something other than what I am. I am just so much happier, because of it. Green haired, tattooed granny here I come.
I just looked up the plot of a Little Life and I can't imagine anyone reading that for fun. Nothing good happens. It's just sadness all around to a point that it's just not realistic anymore. I can deal with trauma in a story if it serves a point but this just seems bleak all around. Damn, I'm sad from just reading the summary.
Goldfinch just looks like too much... Doubt I'd like it. A few people who spoke of that book too felt the same kinda way you did.
I realized in 2019 I'm not a fan of contemporaries. Especially slice of life contemporaries. Contemporary with a little bit of magical realism or romance, totally my jam however. I'm probably not going to like literary fiction either tbh
2019 has been a banner year for DNFs for me: 28. Not to mention the 150 books I decided to remove from my TBR shelf due to lack of interest. I DNFd more books than I rate 1, 2, -‘d 3 stars combined.
The only book I read that was a contender for a man booker prize was Normal People by Sally Rooney. It was also only less than 300 pages and it wasn’t that sad there was hope at least for me!
I have a similar relationship with lit fic-I feel like I SHOULD enjoy them (because they are Important Books for Smart People), but I rarely do. They’re great for dissecting the symbolism and themes (if that’s your thing), but I don’t want to read them for fun or relaxation.
I HATE literary fiction with a passion. All the books are either so sad or there is literally no point to them and they take forever to read. I realized this several years ago and just stopped buying them, sadly this was to late to return the ones on my kindle I am never going to want to read in my life. I hate pointless sadness.
I am currently going through my Moms book cases, She recently passed and boy is their alot of books. Suffice it to say I amy have kept too many of hers, and I may go back and get rid of some of them. But there were books she spoke so highly off that it was a way of keeping her alive or at least near.
I would say keep as many as you can until you’re ready to let them go. That’s perfectly fine, even if you never read them. If they make you smile and think of her, you don’t have to let them go just yet. I’m so sorry and though I don’t know you, you have my condolences. Losing a parent is terrible.
I loved shadow of the fox but I listen to the audiobook. It gave me slight inuyasha vibes.
Yes to the don’t read books that make you bummed! Just because someone has deemed it profound because of its emotional response that it can elicit does not mean it is amazing or worth reading.
tell it how it is with that unhaul sam honestly!
Show me what you've got. Schwifty.
Do you count your DNFs as part of your overall number of books you read that year?
This was just an amazing way to talk about literary fiction and just unhauling genres in general. I used to have so many book that I thought o NEEDED to read and had like zero interest in.
Aw, I love the luminaries! It’s not depressing imo. Discovering the mystery was very fun.
Great video. Random question - is your Ikea bookshelf the "Billy" bookcase?
yep!
I need that Mass Effect sweater 😍😍😍
it's from the Bioware Store when that was still open. RIP.
What a sexy cover Barbary Station has
I love seeing how much you're learning about your reading by working through your owned TBR! I had the same experience and also realized I was buying a lot of books for the type of reader I wanted to be, and not the reader I actually am. Part of that included letting go of lit fic, too! And as a long-time romance reader, I'm so glad you've found romance and that it gives you a nice break in your reading! Good luck as you continue whittling down your TBR!!
I also work in hospice and I relate so hard, I read for enjoyment and as an escape! Also unrelated but I love your eyeshadow
thank you!
It’s called a kitsune😉
I also DNF'd Space Opera. I was so bummed because the ideas were something I would really enjoy if it...made any sense at all. Even JUST A LITTLE.
"Sometimes you have books for your fantasy self" fucking Real omg. - - Rebecca
ugh SAME about Space Opera. I just needed a tiny bit of sense!
I like literary fiction, and I still want to read The Goldfinch and The Luminaries, but I COMPLETELY agree as far as depressing books with no hope. I read purely for escapism, and while I can appreciate beautiful writing, I do NOT appreciate endless pain and suffering. I wouldn’t read A Little Life for anything. Ever. Lol. I discovered this year that domestic thrillers aren’t for me. I love mysteries, but those? I have yet to read a good domestic thriller. They’re all drug addicted or alcoholic or misunderstood unreliable narrators with twists for the sake of twists. I’m over it. Have you listened to Daisy Jones & the Six? I’d recommend it on audio.😊
I plan to listen to it on audio for sure!
Dear Sam, you inspired me with this video. I'm a medical intern, and work weekends in hospice care to pay for college, so I go through a lot of these phases where I don't need any more bleakness in books. I always felt a little silly for that, but watching you talk about it, I realized that that in itself is silly. So, I'm joining you and taking The Luminaries, We The Drowned and The Goldfinch off my shelves aswell, as I've felt the exact same dread for them as you did but never took the step to remove them.
Also: good riddance on A Little Life: it's one of my most hated books ever...
I'm glad! We do put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and reading is supposed to be a fun hobby in the end.
Not just adult fiction, but even childrens' fiction with tragedies get tons of praise and awards (ie Bridge to Terabithia).
very true! and where the red fern grows..
All the books are the same color. I didn't realize it this year, but some point I realized romance isn't for me and neither is YA contemporary..
lol beige = lit fic apparently
Haha, I still haven't finished the Goldfinch. xD
Goodness me you are gorgeous. Seems a little crass to say it but that was my first thought. Looks like you read the same stuff as me so I have to sub. Look forward to more.
Agree 100% about books being my escapism. Need my worlds to be better than this one.
welcome :)
My wish for 2020 is to learn to let go of books like this. I cling to books so hard.
this was a skill that I still STRUGGLE with and had to learn over years but wow is it such a relief
Your N7 sweater, ICONIC.
Can I buy your copy of A Little Life?! I love that cover sooo much better! Pretty please 😃😃
sorry! it's already gone!
Some literary fantasy you might like is The Binding by Bridgit Collins. It's so heartwarming. It's a romance, but it looks a lot at the impact of memories on people and who they are.
EDIT: I like my lit-fic, but I'm critical with which ones I pick up. Same goes for historical fiction and magical realism. I like it when lit-fic or historical fiction is combined with magical realism a lot of the time. It satisfies that magical thinking part of my brain :).
On the other end: thrillers don't really seem to be for me. I've never rated one above 3 stars, no matter how well constructed. I was never truly surprised by the ending in any way shape or form and neither were they the most satisfying endings I've seen in my life. It's a shame. Maybe my analytical brain just doesn't go well with that kind of story. They also don't really thrill me. Suspense though, that does work for me.
I just DNF'd several books this year -- which is something I haven't done in the longest time! (Books in question being: 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, The Family by Mario Puzo, The Vatican Princess by CW Gortner, and Girl by Blake Nelson)
Ohh, no: there is no light at the end of the tunnel for A Little Life. The author meant to write it like a literary version of ombré cloth; basically, things get worse and worse for the character(s). But, I'm willing to give it a shot--mainly because Emily Fox and paperbackdreams have read and talked about it this year!
All these books have white covers...
it seems to be a theme with lit fic
I DNF’d one book which was The Host. It was weird because I was really enjoying it, but half way through I was just so tired of reading it. I liked it but I knowing I still had half the book to go made me feel exhausted. I DNF’d at about 400 pages. I wanted to go back and finish it after a bit of a break, but it’s been 3 months so I just checked it off on my list. Maybe I’ll rent the audiobook and cap it off that way.
My heart breaks that you’re getting rid of A Little Life. It is the most beautiful book I have ever read, absolutely terrible, heartbreaking, horrific book EVER but i picked it up this year and no book has ever reached the heights of this book. But I completely understand your reasons behind unhauling it
DNF! I discovered this two years when stuck on one book for like, two months...determined to finish and wasn't going to read anything else until finished. It was set in Russia. Well, didn't want to read ANYTHING for another few months. ALL THE BOOKS I COULD HAVE READ!!! Anyway, now books only get 50 pages to engage me, otherwise it goes back to the library or to library donation. Life is too short to struggle through a book.
This year's DNF was The Watchmen. Just couldn't get into it, and while the movie wasn't that great, thought the book would MORE. Ugh.
In 2020...find the genre that speaks to me. YA dystopia used to be something I love but maybe not anymore and that’s Ok. I don’t have to finish a book if I’m hating it. I don’t have to love all genres. I don’t have to read Lit Fiction because it’s award winning and popular when it makes me feel crummy.
I put so many of my own burdens on myself that I barely read this year. An embarrassing number actually. This video was eye opening!!!
When are you moving? Did you find a job and apartment?
I have a video life update coming up later that goes into this :)
I read quite a lot of fantasy but a lot more literary fiction, and I’m so glad that you’re getting rid of A Little Life. I really don’t think the snatches of good writing outweigh how long and bloated it is. I’m sure you’ve seen the reviews saying how traumatic it is (MercysBookishMusings rant review from a few years ago is one of my fave booktube vids and I would highly recommend it even though I didn’t hate it anywhere near as much), but for merge biggest issue is it could easily be 200+ pages shorter. And this coming from someone who loved being immersed in The Goldfinch and The Luminaries!
I can't read the last piece of literary fiction I've read... or if I've read any... So can't really comment on that genre, but I do understand your reasoning for not reading it - if I in general read too many devastating books in a row I have to read something with some happiness after.
Great video all around! Even if I had no interest in reading these books to begin with, I always enjoy your videos, and at least stay to ogle at your perfect makeup XD
What you said about award winning literary fiction really hit home for me. Most of it is just depressing and completely without hope. I dipped my toes into books that combine contemporary romance with historical fiction like the books by Lucinda Riley or by Kate Mosse if I want a pinch of magic in it (is there a genre for these kind of books?) Anyway, I enjoy those from time to time but I will forever be a proud fantasy fan 😊