The Count of Monte Cristo is great - much more adventurous than I expected. Looking forward to hear more about Midnight's Children - I only read one Rushdie, The enchantress of Florence, and loved it, but still Rushdie scares me a little 😬
Travels by Michael Crichton I really enjoyed. His life is pretty insane and you can see all the inspiration for his work! Ooo and best of luck with the new job - jeeze 15 private students a day that's intense!! 😮💨
Oooo, so interesting. I've known about what the British did to hold onto power in India (cuz well, I'm from here) but this book from Kenya sounds super interesting and need to read it stat! I have his other book "Wizard of the Crow", but haven't gotten to it. So maybe this first? lol Hope the new job is treating you well! :) oooo, birthday month? Do the Mahabharata! There's lots of stuff you can watch or read to add onto that experience as well. Also, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here.
Omg thank you for the offer! I've started watching the Peter Brook film so I think I'll finish watching that this month then start it in November. And definitely read Grain of Wheat it's really enlightening!
oh the count of monte cristo as a birthday present to yourself..it's so so good...i read it last year and i was hooked from the first page. and happy birthday..libra? wow..fifteen students a day is really quite an ambitious workload...i hope it's rewarding. i will be giving hesiod a pass but do want to read 'a grain of wheat' maybe in 2023...
I swear, every time I watch a video by you, I have this strong urge to cuddle you and read together. However, seeing as we are strangers, and I live thousands of kilometers away from south west England... I'll just smile radiantly and write a hearty thank you kindly good sir for the joyfull content you give us.
What you said about children characters* in desaster films reminded me of what I once read about Erich Kästner, the German, turn of the 20th century children's book author (he wrote a lot more than than but is most known for his children's tales). He is assumed to have said that, in order to write children's books successfully, the adult author had to still be a child themselves. Not just think like a child, or envision what a child would do, but to retain this innocence, both in mind and in actions, that children have. I guess this mindset would also help a screenwriter. At the same time, do we really know what the screenwriter is capable of? They also have to compromise to the vision of the producer, or the financiers and so on. Of course, then there are the child actors* themselves, who may look for direction and find it in adults that focus on other things than 'appropriate and convincing child behavior". * P.S. I have no clue whether it should be 'child characters' or 'children characters'. 'Child actors' sounds fine (analog to 'adult actors') but 'child characters' sounds weird. What's the plural rule here?
That's interesting. It's definitely true that in a big disaster film there are many other things that are prioritised ahead of authentic depictions of child trauma, it still has to work as an enjoyable action film so there is that to it!
I know i see you on ig (oo and now tt) but i actually miss you like a long lost friend between your yt videos. So great to listen to you talk about books. A Grain of Wheat sounds grim but fantastic and I’m also interested in reading more from that time period but from nonwestern perspectives. And oh my so many thicc books you’re currently reading!! I also vote count of bread bread for your birthday 🎂🥖🥪
Count of Monte bread bread! Aww this is a lovely message thank you 😭 Would def recommend Grain of Wheat even if just for the writing, although it is a tough read at times.
new subscriber here, nice to see someone else's point of view on these novels. jurassic park was a favorite of mine you should consider narrating something on audible you have a wonderful speaking voice if you have the time.
Nice to see you back and congratulations on the new job! I must read Mrs D again!, My favourite was always To the Lighthouse, but all these reads were long ago!
A Grain of Wheat has been on my shelf for ages, definitely need to pick it up soon. Amazing what doesn't enter the syllabus or get discussed on TV often.
The count of Monte Cristo is a masterpiece.Its an easy read,you can't stop to turn the pages and it's captivating.I read it when i was 11 years old ,my first classic and it gives me the love for classic books.
Despite apparent brickliness, The Count of Monte Cristo is a much easier read than what it looks: one must look beyond appearances you know 👀 This is especially so for the first quarter or third which will have you whizzing through. It then drags a bit until towards the end when it picks up again. And at the risk of inducing the wrath of hardcore fans, am willing to say an abridged version is probably a stronger book🤫
Also, go to India to read the Mahabharata. I haven't read all of it there, but have read the Bhagavad Gita there (which forms part of it). Is magical reading people's literature in the environment it comes from, you know, a bit like reading Proust in Paris 😉
Hi Ben, feels like you have been away for ages! Lovely to see you and hear your thoughts. Both of your birthday books look a challenge, go for which one suits your mood the best at the time, that way you are more likely to complete it. Happy birthday month 🎂
I’ve just finished my 4th read of Mrs. Dalloway. It is one of my all-time favorite novels. You’ve reminded me that I should probably reread The Hours. Woolf’s technique in Mrs. Dalloway is called free indirect discourse. A lot of people will call it stream of consciousness, but it is different. It’s more mediated and the character’s thoughts are presented in a narrative rather than an unfiltered stream of words. Interestingly, Jane Austen was one of the pioneers of free indirect discourse. Ah, Proust! I can’t wait until you get to the end. It’s just so perfect.
Words to live your life by - (the ladle in the drinking bowl). You seemed to spend a lot of time on crying and terror this video, I hope this is not a current reflection of your life. I have just finished Midnight's Children and think I will try another Rushdie. I have not read The Count of Monte Cristo but it has a big fan base.
If you want a great Crichton book, I highly recommend TIMELINE. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time (and the movie version went WAY off the rails).
Oh, you should definitely read The Hours while Mrs. Dalloway is still fresh in your mind. It's gorgeous. Birthday book? I guess I'll throw my vote behind the Count. Seems like more fun.
I'd love to finally read The Hours, and rewatch the film been ages since I've seen it. And thanks! The Count seems like the major choice! Hope you're well!
Love that you loved Ngugi wa Thiongo! If you want to buddy read the toilet paper book, I am up for it. Also, decolonising the mind is a brilliant non fiction from him to understand his thinking on writing in Gikuyu
Great video once again! I heard that The Count of Monte Cristo is a really fun and surprisingly quick read so maybe give yourself the gift of a fun book for your birthday! Havent read it myself so Ill just wait for your review to see if it is actually as fun and quick as I say
Definitely you should read the Count...I read it as a March Mammoth one year and now it's in my top ten...it reads so fast and has everything : Betrayal, Greed, Love, Lust, Loneliness, Secrets, Escape, Riches, Poverty, Loyalty...all the stuff and I read it in March my bday month so.....but I think you should summarize it in facial expressions with remarks to the side of the screen.....you could do it. As for your PM, as a spectator here in the States, besides the failed first economic policy, she seems very awkward physically and socially...that first curtsy... 🤮. Finally, I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, yes I said Bham, AL and was never taught about the civil rights movement!!?!!?! WTF🤯🤯
Of the 2 choices I've only read *the Count of Monte Christo* . But I can really recommend it. It is huge of course, but I got through it surprisingly quick and I enjoyed it a lot. It is very engaging. Good luck with al the tomes of books you are reading!
I got Mrs Dalloway from the second hand shop in London (in Pinner, to be precise) today. Tbf this is in preparation to read The Hours by Michael Cunningham. I'll read them in succession in hopes of getting the most of it.
I read The River Between by Thiongo this year and really enjoyed it, even tho I found the non western style hard for a western raised brain. I think this it's one of his more novelly novels, but still very interesting.
your hair is fab in this!!!!!
Thanks! 😃🙍♀️
The Count of Monte Cristo is great - much more adventurous than I expected.
Looking forward to hear more about Midnight's Children - I only read one Rushdie, The enchantress of Florence, and loved it, but still Rushdie scares me a little 😬
Midnight's Children is proving really enjoyable! It's long but very interesting. Thanks for the rec!
Travels by Michael Crichton I really enjoyed. His life is pretty insane and you can see all the inspiration for his work! Ooo and best of luck with the new job - jeeze 15 private students a day that's intense!! 😮💨
Thank you! Ooo I'll check Travels out thanks! ☺️
Oooo, so interesting. I've known about what the British did to hold onto power in India (cuz well, I'm from here) but this book from Kenya sounds super interesting and need to read it stat! I have his other book "Wizard of the Crow", but haven't gotten to it. So maybe this first? lol
Hope the new job is treating you well! :) oooo, birthday month? Do the Mahabharata! There's lots of stuff you can watch or read to add onto that experience as well. Also, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here.
Omg thank you for the offer! I've started watching the Peter Brook film so I think I'll finish watching that this month then start it in November. And definitely read Grain of Wheat it's really enlightening!
oh the count of monte cristo as a birthday present to yourself..it's so so good...i read it last year and i was hooked from the first page. and happy birthday..libra? wow..fifteen students a day is really quite an ambitious workload...i hope it's rewarding. i will be giving hesiod a pass but do want to read 'a grain of wheat' maybe in 2023...
Will be starting Count very soon! Hope you enjoy Grain of wheat when you get to it :)
I swear, every time I watch a video by you, I have this strong urge to cuddle you and read together. However, seeing as we are strangers, and I live thousands of kilometers away from south west England... I'll just smile radiantly and write a hearty thank you kindly good sir for the joyfull content you give us.
Thank you! 😄😊
I loved this comment!
Walk into a bar 😂 I love your video editing
What you said about children characters* in desaster films reminded me of what I once read about Erich Kästner, the German, turn of the 20th century children's book author (he wrote a lot more than than but is most known for his children's tales). He is assumed to have said that, in order to write children's books successfully, the adult author had to still be a child themselves. Not just think like a child, or envision what a child would do, but to retain this innocence, both in mind and in actions, that children have. I guess this mindset would also help a screenwriter. At the same time, do we really know what the screenwriter is capable of? They also have to compromise to the vision of the producer, or the financiers and so on. Of course, then there are the child actors* themselves, who may look for direction and find it in adults that focus on other things than 'appropriate and convincing child behavior".
* P.S. I have no clue whether it should be 'child characters' or 'children characters'. 'Child actors' sounds fine (analog to 'adult actors') but 'child characters' sounds weird. What's the plural rule here?
That's interesting. It's definitely true that in a big disaster film there are many other things that are prioritised ahead of authentic depictions of child trauma, it still has to work as an enjoyable action film so there is that to it!
I read Count of Monte Cristo as my birthday book last year and it was a wonderful time!
That's good to know!
I know i see you on ig (oo and now tt) but i actually miss you like a long lost friend between your yt videos. So great to listen to you talk about books. A Grain of Wheat sounds grim but fantastic and I’m also interested in reading more from that time period but from nonwestern perspectives. And oh my so many thicc books you’re currently reading!! I also vote count of bread bread for your birthday 🎂🥖🥪
Count of Monte bread bread! Aww this is a lovely message thank you 😭 Would def recommend Grain of Wheat even if just for the writing, although it is a tough read at times.
new subscriber here, nice to see someone else's point of view on these novels. jurassic park was a favorite of mine you should consider narrating something on audible you have a wonderful speaking voice if you have the time.
Nice to see you back and congratulations on the new job! I must read Mrs D again!, My favourite was always To the Lighthouse, but all these reads were long ago!
Thank you! I've never read To the Lighthouse! I'd like to tick off more Woolf soon :)
To the Lighthouse is such a brilliant read!!Every time you re-read it, you gain something new!
A Grain of Wheat has been on my shelf for ages, definitely need to pick it up soon. Amazing what doesn't enter the syllabus or get discussed on TV often.
I'd definitely recommend it!
The count of Monte Cristo is a masterpiece.Its an easy read,you can't stop to turn the pages and it's captivating.I read it when i was 11 years old ,my first classic and it gives me the love for classic books.
It's a brick but I'm intrigued now! Thanks :)
@@somebenfen It's like a Netflix series, so try it!
Despite apparent brickliness, The Count of Monte Cristo is a much easier read than what it looks: one must look beyond appearances you know 👀 This is especially so for the first quarter or third which will have you whizzing through. It then drags a bit until towards the end when it picks up again. And at the risk of inducing the wrath of hardcore fans, am willing to say an abridged version is probably a stronger book🤫
Also, go to India to read the Mahabharata. I haven't read all of it there, but have read the Bhagavad Gita there (which forms part of it). Is magical reading people's literature in the environment it comes from, you know, a bit like reading Proust in Paris 😉
I've heard others say an abridged is fine to read too. I'd love to go to India!
Hi Ben, feels like you have been away for ages! Lovely to see you and hear your thoughts. Both of your birthday books look a challenge, go for which one suits your mood the best at the time, that way you are more likely to complete it. Happy birthday month 🎂
Good advice thank you!
I’ve just finished my 4th read of Mrs. Dalloway. It is one of my all-time favorite novels. You’ve reminded me that I should probably reread The Hours. Woolf’s technique in Mrs. Dalloway is called free indirect discourse. A lot of people will call it stream of consciousness, but it is different. It’s more mediated and the character’s thoughts are presented in a narrative rather than an unfiltered stream of words. Interestingly, Jane Austen was one of the pioneers of free indirect discourse. Ah, Proust! I can’t wait until you get to the end. It’s just so perfect.
Thank you! That's good to know. And I think I'm looking at finishing Proust by December, it's been such a journey!
I vote for The Count of Monte Cristo.
Yes! :D
The Count for sure!
Words to live your life by - (the ladle in the drinking bowl). You seemed to spend a lot of time on crying and terror this video, I hope this is not a current reflection of your life. I have just finished Midnight's Children and think I will try another Rushdie. I have not read The Count of Monte Cristo but it has a big fan base.
Ha! Crying and terror is reserved for Mondays generally 😄 I'm looking forward to finishing Midnight's Children!
If you want a great Crichton book, I highly recommend TIMELINE. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time (and the movie version went WAY off the rails).
Interesting, thank you! I'd also be interested in reading The Lost World too, I'm intrigued now haha
Oh, you should definitely read The Hours while Mrs. Dalloway is still fresh in your mind. It's gorgeous. Birthday book? I guess I'll throw my vote behind the Count. Seems like more fun.
I'd love to finally read The Hours, and rewatch the film been ages since I've seen it. And thanks! The Count seems like the major choice! Hope you're well!
Love that you loved Ngugi wa Thiongo! If you want to buddy read the toilet paper book, I am up for it. Also, decolonising the mind is a brilliant non fiction from him to understand his thinking on writing in Gikuyu
That would be fun :p I've heard decolonising the mind is good, I might look that one up too!
The problem with Crichton is that he's more interested in the science than the fiction.
Cristo!
I think you're right. It was still an enjoyable read, a good break from all the durgey stuff I usually go for haha
Flippen Count of Monte Bread Bread for 🎂🎁🥳 pick 📚 . Watch out for ladles 🥄 👀 😱
😄😄👀
Great video once again! I heard that The Count of Monte Cristo is a really fun and surprisingly quick read so maybe give yourself the gift of a fun book for your birthday! Havent read it myself so Ill just wait for your review to see if it is actually as fun and quick as I say
Thanks! Maybe I'll try that then :D
Definitely you should read the Count...I read it as a March Mammoth one year and now it's in my top ten...it reads so fast and has everything : Betrayal, Greed, Love, Lust, Loneliness, Secrets, Escape, Riches, Poverty, Loyalty...all the stuff and I read it in March my bday month so.....but I think you should summarize it in facial expressions with remarks to the side of the screen.....you could do it. As for your PM, as a spectator here in the States, besides the failed first economic policy, she seems very awkward physically and socially...that first curtsy... 🤮. Finally, I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, yes I said Bham, AL and was never taught about the civil rights movement!!?!!?!
WTF🤯🤯
The first curtsy! 🤣🤣 I forgot about that. I'm really looking forward to starting Count!
I feel like rereading Mrs Dalloway 💐 and I want to read The Waves. I didn’t like Orlando though.
The Waves is pretty dense but I think a lot of the writing is astounding!
Thank you! I didn't know Hesiod but definitely interested now.
It's not the most exciting read, but they are very short works and ancient Greece has always been fascinating to me :)
Of the 2 choices I've only read *the Count of Monte Christo* . But I can really recommend it. It is huge of course, but I got through it surprisingly quick and I enjoyed it a lot. It is very engaging. Good luck with al the tomes of books you are reading!
Thank you! Hopefully I'll get to the Mahabharata this year haha
Go for the Count
I got Mrs Dalloway from the second hand shop in London (in Pinner, to be precise) today. Tbf this is in preparation to read The Hours by Michael Cunningham. I'll read them in succession in hopes of getting the most of it.
I'd love to read The Hours soon too! (And rewatch the film been so long since I've seen it ha)
I vote for the Count of Monte Cristo! Basically cos I want to know if you like it and then I might😂 try it!
Haha fair enough 😄
I read The River Between by Thiongo this year and really enjoyed it, even tho I found the non western style hard for a western raised brain. I think this it's one of his more novelly novels, but still very interesting.
I'd love to read more of his work. Will check that one out, thank you!
Loving the very DIY fanfares! 😄
PS: The first Woolfe I read was The Waves when I was in my late teens. Blimey, that was a baptism of fire.
I love The Waves! I read it about the same time funnily enough.