Something I've noticed is that the books I most frequently recommend are usually 4 stars. Which I think is interesting! My hypothesis is that 4+ means it's a great book, but the 5th star is more personal and may be from things I connect with that aren't as universal? I don't know! But it's interesting!
I understand that. Even some of my 3 star reads I can acknowledge are still rather good books, for example are written well and have a good plot. However, it's my 5 stars that have hit me more on a deeper level.
So true. Most of my 5 star books are pretty disturbing and can have quite a lot of triggers. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor, and Beloved by Toni Morrison are both 5 star reads for me, but they're not necessarily something I would recommend to a person I just met.
I completely agree! My 5 stared books have made me feel something others haven’t, and it’s not to say the other books are bad, but to me they don’t quite match to the same degree.
You should do a video called “Every book I’ve rated 5 stars in my life described in one or two sentences” I think is a way for us to discover hidden gemes. And for you to talk about books you love that you haven’t talk about them in a long time
I think it would be easier to just scroll through his goodreads tbh! I really enjoyed this video, I feel like Jack hasnt had the time recently to film a video where he talks about a book for more than 1 minute (each), which I think is such a shame. I love it when the description of the book goes beyond a mere summary. It seems like Jack doesnt have that much time, and I would rather encourage him to make longer video essay-ish content.
Engaging with books has significantly elevated my perspective on investing. True wealth isn't built through mere savings; financial freedom stems from strategic investments. I've learned that accumulating wealth hinges on making prudent investment decisions|
Books have also changed my perspective on investing. Understanding that real wealth is built through strategic investments rather than mere savings is crucial. Working with an adviser has pointed me in the right direction.
There's a book called Hidden Time Wealth, and it talks about how using some secret techniques, you can overcome procrastination and accomplish anything in life. It's not just a bunch of empty promises; it's the real deal.
Not me watching a Instagram reel where someone said "When you're stupid every book is 4-5 stars" and then I got the RUclips notification. Hahahahahaha I can't this is so funny
Oh, I'm toooo nice. The only books I've rated less than 4 stars are two I really did not enjoy and even then I rated them 3.5 and 3.75. I'm studying a masters in literature and writing so I don't think I'm stupid lol, but I can see merit in most books I read. But I have been reading (trying to read) The Beautiful and Damned by Gatsy for the last 12 months and as soon as I get through it, it's getting 1 star. I don't care how much merit is has, it does not deserve any more (and even as I say that, I feel guilty).
That's a stupid thing for someone to say XD you can rate books for any reason you want, and none of them are depended by your "IQ," education, or literary analysis skills. You can rate books based on how much you enjoyed the story, by how well it was written, how well the characters were developed, how well it connected with you, or conversely how well it connected you to a different group of people. For how much it made you laugh, for how corny it was. If I'm looking for a corny read, I want to know if it was an ENJOYABLE corny. Don't anyone fall for that classist rhetoric, the way you review things does not determine nor is determined by your intelligence. ❤
adding some of these to my tbr! My five star reads so far are: - martyr! - kaveh akbar - In memoriam - alice winn - idlewild - james frankie thomas (queer chaos speaks to my soul) - the rachel incident - caroline o'donoghue - east of eden - john steinbeck - bellies - nicola dinan - words of radiance - brandon sanderson !!!! i've had a really incredible reading year so far it feels so good
Aw the fact you mentioned James Baldwin as one of your favourite authors made me want to comment. I'm producing a James Baldwin festival in Berlin from 6 - 8 September, to honour that James would've turned 100 this year :) Great video as always! I've only had Boulder on my radar, and now excited to hunt down the others. The way you speak about books just radiates enthusiasm ☺
I read white nights after you recommended it, literally finished flipped back a few pages, read the end again and stared at the wall. Whenever I think about it which is at least once a week I still just stare into a wall. But like honestly yeah one of the best books about love
thanks again jack!! you are my favorite place to get book recs and just added these to my want to read list my five star books this year have been - open water by caleb azumah nelson - young mungo by douglas stuart - in memoriam by alice winn - the kite runner by khaled hosseini - funny story by emily henry - song of achilles by madeline miller
If you haven’t read Circe by Madeline miller I recommend that one. I just did and now I’m going through Achilles and probably every other book she wrote lol
Laurie Colwin was also a food writer for the now defunct Gourmet magazine and other publications. She also wrote 2 memoirs about food and cooking. I was so surprised to see her book on your list, since I haven’t heard about her in so long…she died suddenly at a pretty young age sometime in the 90s. Thanks for bringing back the memory of her.
Glad you mentioned this. I re-read Laurie Colwin's Home Cooking and More Home Cooking every few years - they are an absolute delight. Embarrassingly, I didn't know she wrote fiction!
I read The Details after you recommended it in a prior video and I loved it! I then recommended it to my mom, and she read it and enjoyed it too! Really made me think about characters and how to write in a detailed way - which is important to me as a writer myself. Your recommendations always hit.
Jack! I was just going to look up the publishing date for "Happy All the Time", because I read that book DECADES ago, and I remember it as a very satisfying read with no big conflict, sweet and calming. I couldn't believe it was the same book, but it IS! I feel very validated in really liking a book that does not follow the traditional "conflict-resolution" pattern of most plots.
Jack’s vlogs are great!! If you’d like, here’s my recommendation for some really good but not as well known book creators you can watch in between Jack uploads! My favorite is allisonpaiges. She’s my queen, she is an icon, she’s the moment. Unfortunately she’s on an indefinite hiatus, but if you’re interested, just take a look at her stuff! Her editing is some of the best I’ve ever seen on the site period. She encourages self care, positive mindsets, and living life to the fullest to the best of your capabilities. Her videos are comfort videos for me and I rewatch them all the time! JesseTheReader is a channel I’ve watched for years. I’ve even met him in person at a book event lol! He’s an OG booktuber and I think his content still holds up today! He has a nice balance of chatting about both currently popular books as well as lesser known titles! He has a fun personality and a lot of original video ideas! Finally, plantbasedbride. I’m still new to her content, but it’s been so good! She gives cozy, long haul type videos and she’s been great from what I’ve watched! I hope this helps fill the need for good book creator content, lol!
I heard about White Nights because of the aforementioned Jack video. A week later I noticed that different versions of White Nights were on the “Trending on Goodreads” tab on Audible and I’m so glad I listened to it.
and my tbr keeps growing. The meanest thing about Kairos is that I'm German but the English cover is so much prettier than the German one TT My favourite books of the year so far (no particular order): In Memoriam, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Beartown, A Half-Built Garden, Young Mungo, Notes of a Crocodile and Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow
I just got done reading a new book on Goodreads called The Lost Chronicles of Asauria, which is a dinosaur fantasy series. I found myself really growing attached to the old male character. I am very excited for the rest of the series to be released. I personally fell in love with each and every character that was introduced. Tia managed to give them each a very unique personality, that made them all so much more lovable. The pacing of the entire piece feels just right, nothing too slow or too fast. I had a very easy time with picturing anything that was described, the authors writing really made it easy! Would definitely recommend checking this one out.
Currently reading white nights per your recommendation! And I literally underlined the paragraph: "we thank some people for merely living at the same time as we do"this morning. It was just so stunningly frased. Made me think of all my wonderful, wonderful friends without whom I could simply not live! At least not in such bliss as I am currently living.
love these recs!! my five star reads so far: everything begins and ends at the kentucky club - benjamin alire sáenz, there there - tommy orange, childhood’s end - arthur c. clarke, and wellness - nathan hill
The home library is my Barbie dream house as well. I want to convert my current bedroom into a self-contained personal library at some point. I'm thinking paint the room white, put floor to ceiling shelves, stained a mahogany color, with an attached ladder to the bookshelves in the same shade. I don't have nearly enough books, but I'll get there someday. The creme de la fresh comment was hilarious.
My absolute favourite 5-star read from this year is Toward Eternity by Anton Hur. He's already an award-winning translator, and now his own debut novel is out and it's extraordinary. If you read the summary and think it borders too much on sci-fi for you, I encourage you to pick it up anyway-it balances on the line between literary and sci-fi so perfectly that it really extends beyond both genres. It only came out a few weeks ago, but it's not getting the attention it deserves imo. And thanks for the extra push to read White Nights and Boulder. Coming up soon on my list ✍
Literally within the first 10 seconds of describing each of these books I had them on my tbr list. This was insane, the way you describe these books is beautiful, thank you
Dostoevsky is one of my favourite writers. I highly recommend to also read "The Gambler" and "Crime and Punishment". Both of these books are soooo good!!
Ive read notes from underground and white nights and felt that it was a little boring cuz nothing was really happening. Do you think crime and punishment or another such book would be better?
@@jkn.01 yeah, crime and punishment is so much better. but honestly, it still can get a little boring for some people, because even though there are many things happening, Dostoevsky describes emotions and thoughts which are necessary for the sake of understanding the book better. but tbh, it not once got boring for me
Hidden Time Wealth is so unique. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it sooner. It’s amazing how life-changing this can be for anyone battling procrastination.
I'm very much a 'Judge a Book by the cover' person. Just recently I borrowed a book called 'Grace's Table' from the library based solely on the cover and having no idea what it was about, and I loved it. ----- My 5 Star Reads so far this year are: * Vignettes from the End of the World by various (it's a flash fiction collection edited by Jacob Haddon) * Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller -- I'd give this 6 stars if I could.
I LOVE HAPPY ALL THE TIME. It's so wholesome and normal and funnily enough the seemingly "ordinary" exterior it exudes it what makes the book feel so unique to me.
SAME I finished it a while back and it was so beautiful. I loved each character, and I resonated with them so many times. The simple relationships, the conversations - it was beautiful.
I feel like every book you recommend is a book I end up falling in love with. Definitely adding all of these to my never ending TBR list! My ONLY 5 star book so far is "The Book of Everlasting Things" by Aanchal Malhotra. I truly loved this book and I think it's so exquisitely written and it delves into such a heart-wrenching topic (The India-Pakistan Partition). Malhotra's writing style is so beautiful and it's one of those books where I thought every line was frame-worthy.
I just got Kairos (while traveling in Germany)… so I’m excited to read it! Recently read “The details” and enjoyed it but it was more like a 4 stars for me. I think we have slightly different taste but coincide in some titles. Thanks for your reviews and for bringing so many new titles to my TBR!! ❤ “Boulder” is also in the lineup! 📚
Feel the urge to tell you that Boulder is the 2nd of the "triptic" of novels that the author (Eva Baltasar) wrote about women and the times we're living. First one is called Permafrost and the third is Mamut. In case you want to explore her writing any further
I am so happy to see "White Nights" in this list! This wonderful piece of literature was what got me seriously back into reading when I was fourteen, and I truly believe if has changed my life and my perception of love forever. I reread it at least once a year and a goal of mine is to read it in as many languages as possible!
You make me want to start reading books again😢 I've been reading only fanfiction for the past 2-3 years because of my mental health and severe anxiety. I was and still am very scared to take a random book, read it and be affected by it's ideas/characters and feel depressed because of the plot or the ending. But the way you talk about books makes them look less scary than usual. And maybe I'll read at list one book till the end of this year..
Thanks for sharing your best books of 2024! Great book recommendations. I loved the 2024 mystery, "May the Wolf Die," by Elizabeth Heider. Fast-paced, intriguing characters, and gorgeous setting.
My favourite read so far this year was Long Island by Colm Toibin. I was a big fan of Brooklyn for the love story, but Long Island really introduces some of the complexities of relationships and it made me think of the characters in Brooklyn in a different light.
so happy that “white nights” has made it to your list because that book is a required reading for an obligatory literature class at high school in russia. we need more people to know how good it is!
That paragraph of Blue sisters !!!!!! *instantly adds to cart* My absolute fav this year has been These impossible things by Salma El-Wardany. It's so beautifully written, I want to read it for the first time again.
The way Hidden Time Wealth dives into the concept of productivity is mind-blowing. Hidden Time Wealth tips are pure gold, and I wish more people knew about them.
Jack you must read “talking at night” It's just so up your alley and normal people coded My most recent 5⭐️ so beautifully written and character oriented Please please please I'm dying to hear your thoughts on it ❤
Discovering Hidden Time Wealth has been one of the best things I've done for my productivity. It feels like I’ve finally cracked the code to overcoming procrastination.
My five star books so far: The Secret History by Donna Tartt The Hurting Kind by Ada Limon Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown Vietnam by Stanley Karnow The Hundred Years War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
Okay! I had the ARC of Blue Sisters sitting in my bookshelf, now you've convinced me! My favorite reads of the year so far would be : - Babel by R.F. Kuang - The Guest by Emma Cline - Lie with me by Philippe Besson - Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - The Great Believers, Rebecca Makkai
I live in Germany and the funny thing is that Jenny Erpenbeck is not a big name over here! Her books are so much more successful in translation which is so strange to me
I studied Russian Literature (yes I enjoy sadness) and Dostoyevsky is my favorite author. I've always admired how despite the turmoil Russian authors faced, they manage to write themes that mimicked the historical times they were living through in Russia.
I absolutely loved Kairos. I read it in the original German and is honestly one of the most affecting books I've ever read in my second language. It's so beautiful
What I want to say is that I spent less than $ 100 from the fake LV I bought from a aunt *luxdups* . The quality is very good. I spent four years on the plane, the bus, and anywhere. As a rag. I specially smelled the bag and compared the stitching color. This is the most authentic I have ever seen. To this day, this bag is still very strong. Although it has been abused, the material is still great.
I couldn't agree more with you, Jack! I was also intrigued to pick up Kairos because of its historical context. The Cold War is fascinating, and I feel most authors shy away from this gripping historical event. I am currently reading it, and I can't help but wonder: where will this book take me when it ends? It has left me reeling. In addition, I love Dostoyevsky, and I highly suggest you read, if you haven't already done so, Brothers Karamazov. It is beyond perfection. I am glad to see Dostoyevsky getting a shout-out because he's worthy of not only our attention but also our admiration and time. Great content!
I read the Booker short lists every year. I usually consume that media by audiobook or kindle, but I always buy a physical copy of the winner, and usually 1-2 others that were my favorites. This year my favorite buy was The Details, and last year it was Boulder. So right with you there, man.
Every book i own is 4-5 stars. I just won’t pick up a book unless i truly think i’ll like it. Although I did just pick up Beach Read by Emily Henry because I’ve never read a romance book before.
A recommendation for you is an Australian book called Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, published early 90s. It’s a classic aust novel following the individual lives of 2 grieving families living in one house over a 20 year span from mid 40’s to mid 60’s. very much about the human condition with Aust post war backdrop
I have just finished reading "Tell me your dreams" by Sidney Sheldon. I'm a thriller fan and I really really wish this book have a movie adaptation, like it would be great! I watched a lot of thrillers too but have not watched with this plot line type
It's so funny, I just reread normal people and then picked up Kairos as my next read and I was like...wait...this writing style is so similar!! I think if I hadn't gotten used to the way normal people was written I wouldn't understand what was going on. Funny that you bring that exact thing up here too on the day that I started reading Kairos. I'm now scared about the ending lol.
I always anticipate videos with your favourite books. I adore the way you describe books and the feelings they evoked in you. I genuinely think you have incredible taste, so finding the books you've rated so high is incredibly refreshing and exciting, because I know that I have the chance to read a masterfully written or thought-provoking book that I might not have found otherwise. Sooo excited for these books. When you compared the writing in Evenings and Weekends to Baldwin's and Morrison's I actually gasped. What a high praise. I will definitely read Boulder soon, because that's one I've been eyeing for a long time because of you. Funnily enough, my only 5-star read of this year is Alice Winn's In Memoriam that I discovered thanks to you. Forever grateful for that recommendation, that book broke me to pieces and mended me back together. This reading year was quite mediocre for me, but I did get some 4,5 stars. I might need more of your 5 star reads to get some myself this year 😂
Something I've noticed is that the books I most frequently recommend are usually 4 stars. Which I think is interesting! My hypothesis is that 4+ means it's a great book, but the 5th star is more personal and may be from things I connect with that aren't as universal? I don't know! But it's interesting!
i feel the exact same way!
I understand that. Even some of my 3 star reads I can acknowledge are still rather good books, for example are written well and have a good plot. However, it's my 5 stars that have hit me more on a deeper level.
So true. Most of my 5 star books are pretty disturbing and can have quite a lot of triggers. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor, and Beloved by Toni Morrison are both 5 star reads for me, but they're not necessarily something I would recommend to a person I just met.
I completely agree! My 5 stared books have made me feel something others haven’t, and it’s not to say the other books are bad, but to me they don’t quite match to the same degree.
Completely agree!!
You should do a video called “Every book I’ve rated 5 stars in my life described in one or two sentences”
I think is a way for us to discover hidden gemes. And for you to talk about books you love that you haven’t talk about them in a long time
Omg yes I’d love this!!
I think it would be easier to just scroll through his goodreads tbh! I really enjoyed this video, I feel like Jack hasnt had the time recently to film a video where he talks about a book for more than 1 minute (each), which I think is such a shame. I love it when the description of the book goes beyond a mere summary. It seems like Jack doesnt have that much time, and I would rather encourage him to make longer video essay-ish content.
Omg yes yes to this video idea! Tier-ranking all the books Jack rated 5 stars also sound exciting
*gems
@@adnkfnwjnjo1io2nieojuwfx14r thank you, I’m sorry, english is not my first language
Keeping us fed with this crème de la fresh content, I see.
Right lol
Great list of 5-star reads! But if you're looking for even more game-changing books, Nixorus has some hidden gems that aren't on most people's radar.
The way you can so beautifully and casually describe books is unparalleled !!!! Also I highly recommend you read Sunburn ☀️ the writing is incredible
queen i love you please make book content!!
OMG Brittany! I DID NOT expect to see you around here, but I’m so glad we both like him!! I love your book recs btw
My TBR did not need to get longer but here we are…
Seriously, same!
sAme
Same I refuse to buy more though 😂
same, i have like two pages of books i want to read now.
Engaging with books has significantly elevated my perspective on investing. True wealth isn't built through mere savings; financial freedom stems from strategic investments. I've learned that accumulating wealth hinges on making prudent investment decisions|
Embarking on the investment journey at 40, I envision a triumphant testimony of significant success by the age of 55.
Books have also changed my perspective on investing. Understanding that real wealth is built through strategic investments rather than mere savings is crucial. Working with an adviser has pointed me in the right direction.
'Angela Lynn Schilling’ maintains an online presence. Just make a simple search for her name online.
which book about investing did you like the most/found the most useful?
There's a book called Hidden Time Wealth, and it talks about how using some secret techniques, you can overcome procrastination and accomplish anything in life. It's not just a bunch of empty promises; it's the real deal.
Bullshit.
The Blue Sisters opening paragraph gave me CHILLS I have to buy it now
'The Hidden Truths Of Wealth by Oliver Mercer' is a must read for everyone
Not me watching a Instagram reel where someone said "When you're stupid every book is 4-5 stars" and then I got the RUclips notification. Hahahahahaha I can't this is so funny
All my books are 4-5 stars bc if they're not I don't finish them 🚮
Oh, I'm toooo nice. The only books I've rated less than 4 stars are two I really did not enjoy and even then I rated them 3.5 and 3.75. I'm studying a masters in literature and writing so I don't think I'm stupid lol, but I can see merit in most books I read.
But I have been reading (trying to read) The Beautiful and Damned by Gatsy for the last 12 months and as soon as I get through it, it's getting 1 star. I don't care how much merit is has, it does not deserve any more (and even as I say that, I feel guilty).
That being said, I only have two books that I actually consider 5 star books... I just have a lot of 4, 4.25, 4.5, and 4.75's.
That's a stupid thing for someone to say XD you can rate books for any reason you want, and none of them are depended by your "IQ," education, or literary analysis skills.
You can rate books based on how much you enjoyed the story, by how well it was written, how well the characters were developed, how well it connected with you, or conversely how well it connected you to a different group of people. For how much it made you laugh, for how corny it was.
If I'm looking for a corny read, I want to know if it was an ENJOYABLE corny.
Don't anyone fall for that classist rhetoric, the way you review things does not determine nor is determined by your intelligence. ❤
@@teentitansrock88 yass!!!
You should do a tier ranking of all the books you have rated 5 stars
i will!!
so much new content bros really been blessing us
As a french person, "la crême de la fraîche" actually makes sense lmao
Je suis d’accord
RIGHT lmaooo
I listened to White Nights on the Sleepy Bookshelf (on Spotify) and this story made me go through all the emotions 💙
adding some of these to my tbr!
My five star reads so far are:
- martyr! - kaveh akbar
- In memoriam - alice winn
- idlewild - james frankie thomas (queer chaos speaks to my soul)
- the rachel incident - caroline o'donoghue
- east of eden - john steinbeck
- bellies - nicola dinan
- words of radiance - brandon sanderson
!!!! i've had a really incredible reading year so far it feels so good
Ooooh I want to read bellies!
Loved the rachel incident !
In memoriam was AMAZING!!!
in memorian and words of radiance , ❤
EAST OF EDEN MENTION🗣🗣
"how could you do this to me but also thank you" is the review I am looking for 😂
Your content really helps me find good reads
Lots of love from Balochistan
Aw the fact you mentioned James Baldwin as one of your favourite authors made me want to comment. I'm producing a James Baldwin festival in Berlin from 6 - 8 September, to honour that James would've turned 100 this year :) Great video as always! I've only had Boulder on my radar, and now excited to hunt down the others. The way you speak about books just radiates enthusiasm ☺
I read white nights after you recommended it, literally finished flipped back a few pages, read the end again and stared at the wall. Whenever I think about it which is at least once a week I still just stare into a wall. But like honestly yeah one of the best books about love
I agree, the same happened to me. Dostoevsky is incredible! I would recommend so many books of his
u explain books in such a unique way I love hearing it .
thanks again jack!! you are my favorite place to get book recs and just added these to my want to read list
my five star books this year have been
- open water by caleb azumah nelson
- young mungo by douglas stuart
- in memoriam by alice winn
- the kite runner by khaled hosseini
- funny story by emily henry
- song of achilles by madeline miller
what a great list
If you haven’t read Circe by Madeline miller I recommend that one. I just did and now I’m going through Achilles and probably every other book she wrote lol
Love this lighting! So relaxing 😊
Reading that excerpt of blue sisters convinced me to put it into my tbr
Laurie Colwin was also a food writer for the now defunct Gourmet magazine and other publications. She also wrote 2 memoirs about food and cooking. I was so surprised to see her book on your list, since I haven’t heard about her in so long…she died suddenly at a pretty young age sometime in the 90s. Thanks for bringing back the memory of her.
Glad you mentioned this. I re-read Laurie Colwin's Home Cooking and More Home Cooking every few years - they are an absolute delight. Embarrassingly, I didn't know she wrote fiction!
I read The Details after you recommended it in a prior video and I loved it! I then recommended it to my mom, and she read it and enjoyed it too! Really made me think about characters and how to write in a detailed way - which is important to me as a writer myself. Your recommendations always hit.
Jack! I was just going to look up the publishing date for "Happy All the Time", because I read that book DECADES ago, and I remember it as a very satisfying read with no big conflict, sweet and calming. I couldn't believe it was the same book, but it IS! I feel very validated in really liking a book that does not follow the traditional "conflict-resolution" pattern of most plots.
* searching a new video to watch bc I’ve caught up on jack’s vlogs *
* jack uploads *
Jack’s vlogs are great!!
If you’d like, here’s my recommendation for some really good but not as well known book creators you can watch in between Jack uploads!
My favorite is allisonpaiges. She’s my queen, she is an icon, she’s the moment. Unfortunately she’s on an indefinite hiatus, but if you’re interested, just take a look at her stuff! Her editing is some of the best I’ve ever seen on the site period. She encourages self care, positive mindsets, and living life to the fullest to the best of your capabilities. Her videos are comfort videos for me and I rewatch them all the time!
JesseTheReader is a channel I’ve watched for years. I’ve even met him in person at a book event lol! He’s an OG booktuber and I think his content still holds up today! He has a nice balance of chatting about both currently popular books as well as lesser known titles! He has a fun personality and a lot of original video ideas!
Finally, plantbasedbride. I’m still new to her content, but it’s been so good! She gives cozy, long haul type videos and she’s been great from what I’ve watched!
I hope this helps fill the need for good book creator content, lol!
I heard about White Nights because of the aforementioned Jack video. A week later I noticed that different versions of White Nights were on the “Trending on Goodreads” tab on Audible and I’m so glad I listened to it.
the book leo also reviewed it this week. she's great!
Kairos is my book club's August selection. Glad to see it on your list.
every book you talk about immediately gets put on my wishlist
and my tbr keeps growing. The meanest thing about Kairos is that I'm German but the English cover is so much prettier than the German one TT
My favourite books of the year so far (no particular order): In Memoriam, Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Beartown, A Half-Built Garden, Young Mungo, Notes of a Crocodile and Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow
I just got done reading a new book on Goodreads called The Lost Chronicles of Asauria, which is a dinosaur fantasy series. I found myself really growing attached to the old male character. I am very excited for the rest of the series to be released. I personally fell in love with each and every character that was introduced. Tia managed to give them each a very unique personality, that made them all so much more lovable. The pacing of the entire piece feels just right, nothing too slow or too fast. I had a very easy time with picturing anything that was described, the authors writing really made it easy!
Would definitely recommend checking this one out.
Currently reading white nights per your recommendation! And I literally underlined the paragraph: "we thank some people for merely living at the same time as we do"this morning. It was just so stunningly frased. Made me think of all my wonderful, wonderful friends without whom I could simply not live! At least not in such bliss as I am currently living.
love these recs!! my five star reads so far: everything begins and ends at the kentucky club - benjamin alire sáenz, there there - tommy orange, childhood’s end - arthur c. clarke, and wellness - nathan hill
Thank you, brother. I will give these a try. 😊📚
I am excited about ‘Happy all the Time’! I cannot wait!!
The home library is my Barbie dream house as well. I want to convert my current bedroom into a self-contained personal library at some point. I'm thinking paint the room white, put floor to ceiling shelves, stained a mahogany color, with an attached ladder to the bookshelves in the same shade. I don't have nearly enough books, but I'll get there someday. The creme de la fresh comment was hilarious.
My absolute favourite 5-star read from this year is Toward Eternity by Anton Hur. He's already an award-winning translator, and now his own debut novel is out and it's extraordinary. If you read the summary and think it borders too much on sci-fi for you, I encourage you to pick it up anyway-it balances on the line between literary and sci-fi so perfectly that it really extends beyond both genres. It only came out a few weeks ago, but it's not getting the attention it deserves imo.
And thanks for the extra push to read White Nights and Boulder. Coming up soon on my list ✍
i can't help but smile while watching these videos. just feels so cosy idk.
Literally within the first 10 seconds of describing each of these books I had them on my tbr list. This was insane, the way you describe these books is beautiful, thank you
Omg..when you read that part in blue sisters I teared up. I have 3 sisters so this book will probably kill me.
you and i, both!
You’ve literally convinced me to read ALL of them! They sound amazing! Can’t wait to get started ❤️
12:19 Jack telling me about a book I had never heart about and can read in my first language in original lol. Going to the tbr instantly.
I read Foster this month after seeing one of your videos and I loved the book. Thank you very much for this video, Jack. I added it all into my tbr 🤗
Dostoevsky is one of my favourite writers. I highly recommend to also read "The Gambler" and "Crime and Punishment". Both of these books are soooo good!!
Ive read notes from underground and white nights and felt that it was a little boring cuz nothing was really happening. Do you think crime and punishment or another such book would be better?
@@jkn.01 yeah, crime and punishment is so much better. but honestly, it still can get a little boring for some people, because even though there are many things happening, Dostoevsky describes emotions and thoughts which are necessary for the sake of understanding the book better. but tbh, it not once got boring for me
Hidden Time Wealth is so unique. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about it sooner. It’s amazing how life-changing this can be for anyone battling procrastination.
I'm very much a 'Judge a Book by the cover' person. Just recently I borrowed a book called 'Grace's Table' from the library based solely on the cover and having no idea what it was about, and I loved it.
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My 5 Star Reads so far this year are:
* Vignettes from the End of the World by various (it's a flash fiction collection edited by Jacob Haddon)
* Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller -- I'd give this 6 stars if I could.
I LOVE HAPPY ALL THE TIME. It's so wholesome and normal and funnily enough the seemingly "ordinary" exterior it exudes it what makes the book feel so unique to me.
SAME I finished it a while back and it was so beautiful. I loved each character, and I resonated with them so many times. The simple relationships, the conversations - it was beautiful.
i hated it lol it was like the worst book i have ever read and im really not a picky reader
I feel like every book you recommend is a book I end up falling in love with. Definitely adding all of these to my never ending TBR list!
My ONLY 5 star book so far is "The Book of Everlasting Things" by Aanchal Malhotra. I truly loved this book and I think it's so exquisitely written and it delves into such a heart-wrenching topic (The India-Pakistan Partition). Malhotra's writing style is so beautiful and it's one of those books where I thought every line was frame-worthy.
I just got Kairos (while traveling in Germany)… so I’m excited to read it! Recently read “The details” and enjoyed it but it was more like a 4 stars for me. I think we have slightly different taste but coincide in some titles. Thanks for your reviews and for bringing so many new titles to my TBR!! ❤ “Boulder” is also in the lineup! 📚
Feel the urge to tell you that Boulder is the 2nd of the "triptic" of novels that the author (Eva Baltasar) wrote about women and the times we're living. First one is called Permafrost and the third is Mamut. In case you want to explore her writing any further
loved your recs - your enthusiasm makes want to read them all.
jack is in his lover era; loving books about love❤
I am so happy to see "White Nights" in this list! This wonderful piece of literature was what got me seriously back into reading when I was fourteen, and I truly believe if has changed my life and my perception of love forever. I reread it at least once a year and a goal of mine is to read it in as many languages as possible!
' i think i'm a tough critic' U THINK JACK U THINK ?????????
Crème de la fresh content indeed! Adding each and everyone of them to my TBR as top priorities right now!
You make me want to start reading books again😢 I've been reading only fanfiction for the past 2-3 years because of my mental health and severe anxiety. I was and still am very scared to take a random book, read it and be affected by it's ideas/characters and feel depressed because of the plot or the ending. But the way you talk about books makes them look less scary than usual. And maybe I'll read at list one book till the end of this year..
Literally went and placed holds on ALL of these at my local library!
You and me, baby!
Hidden Time Wealth blew my mind. I’ve shared it with friends, and they’re all amazed at how much more productive they've become.
you reading that blue sisters paragraph… amazing!
I can't wait for Blue Sisters to release here in the States. I also just grabbed Evenings and Weekends and I'm so looking forward to it!
Thanks for sharing your best books of 2024! Great book recommendations. I loved the 2024 mystery, "May the Wolf Die," by Elizabeth Heider. Fast-paced, intriguing characters, and gorgeous setting.
Dang it!! I went to Barnes and noble today I and I was going to buy Evenings and Weekends!!! I’ll have to go back now
I love how much you love these books!
another video so soon? i’m the happiest
The concept of Hidden Time Wealth blew my mind. It’s like finding a cheat code for productivity and defeating procrastination.
random but i just finished re-reading the kite runner (6 years after the first time i'd read it) and it still hurts me so damn much i can't😭
My favourite read so far this year was Long Island by Colm Toibin. I was a big fan of Brooklyn for the love story, but Long Island really introduces some of the complexities of relationships and it made me think of the characters in Brooklyn in a different light.
so happy that “white nights” has made it to your list because that book is a required reading for an obligatory literature class at high school in russia.
we need more people to know how good it is!
Picked up White Nights after your recommendation and what a book! One od favorite reads of the year.
That paragraph of Blue sisters !!!!!! *instantly adds to cart*
My absolute fav this year has been These impossible things by Salma El-Wardany. It's so beautifully written, I want to read it for the first time again.
The way Hidden Time Wealth dives into the concept of productivity is mind-blowing. Hidden Time Wealth tips are pure gold, and I wish more people knew about them.
Jack you must read “talking at night”
It's just so up your alley and normal people coded
My most recent 5⭐️ so beautifully written and character oriented
Please please please
I'm dying to hear your thoughts on it ❤
Jacks video’s are the crème de la fraîche of booktube 👌
EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS WAS AMAZING! Great video as always!
Discovering Hidden Time Wealth has been one of the best things I've done for my productivity. It feels like I’ve finally cracked the code to overcoming procrastination.
Honestly so real about buying books because of the cover, I found my favourite book that way
My five star books so far:
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Hurting Kind by Ada Limon
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
Vietnam by Stanley Karnow
The Hundred Years War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi
Okay! I had the ARC of Blue Sisters sitting in my bookshelf, now you've convinced me! My favorite reads of the year so far would be :
- Babel by R.F. Kuang
- The Guest by Emma Cline
- Lie with me by Philippe Besson
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- The Great Believers, Rebecca Makkai
OMG JACK we share the same birthday !!!! I’m a bit older tho but I’m so happy to see someone cool with the same birthday as me ❤
I live in Germany and the funny thing is that Jenny Erpenbeck is not a big name over here! Her books are so much more successful in translation which is so strange to me
My friend got me happy all the time based on your review and it is easily one of my favorite books! LOVE
This video is a game-changer! So much helpful information packed into one clip. I personally don't like promoting anything in comments,
You had me at “modern day Love Actually.” Adding to TBR!
I studied Russian Literature (yes I enjoy sadness) and Dostoyevsky is my favorite author. I've always admired how despite the turmoil Russian authors faced, they manage to write themes that mimicked the historical times they were living through in Russia.
I absolutely loved Kairos. I read it in the original German and is honestly one of the most affecting books I've ever read in my second language. It's so beautiful
JACK EDWARDS UPLOADED AT 3 AM OFC IM GONNA WATCH IT RN
Please read intermezzo, love it and hype it up even more 😭 I can't wait!
you reading that paragraph of blue sisters made me genuinely start crying… perhaps i need to check it out
What I want to say is that I spent less than $ 100 from the fake LV I bought from a aunt *luxdups* . The quality is very good. I spent four years on the plane, the bus, and anywhere. As a rag. I specially smelled the bag and compared the stitching color. This is the most authentic I have ever seen. To this day, this bag is still very strong. Although it has been abused, the material is still great.
I couldn't agree more with you, Jack! I was also intrigued to pick up Kairos because of its historical context. The Cold War is fascinating, and I feel most authors shy away from this gripping historical event. I am currently reading it, and I can't help but wonder: where will this book take me when it ends? It has left me reeling. In addition, I love Dostoyevsky, and I highly suggest you read, if you haven't already done so, Brothers Karamazov. It is beyond perfection. I am glad to see Dostoyevsky getting a shout-out because he's worthy of not only our attention but also our admiration and time. Great content!
I read the Booker short lists every year. I usually consume that media by audiobook or kindle, but I always buy a physical copy of the winner, and usually 1-2 others that were my favorites. This year my favorite buy was The Details, and last year it was Boulder. So right with you there, man.
What an amazing video! Thank you for sharing such valuable insights.
Every book i own is 4-5 stars. I just won’t pick up a book unless i truly think i’ll like it. Although I did just pick up Beach Read by Emily Henry because I’ve never read a romance book before.
i'm convinced this man is a wizard or something. the energy he radiates is just so beautiful. like hello? you're helping me through my anxiety sir.
Always find great books on your page Jack! Thanks for sharing great content
A recommendation for you is an Australian book called Cloudstreet by Tim Winton, published early 90s. It’s a classic aust novel following the individual lives of 2 grieving families living in one house over a 20 year span from mid 40’s to mid 60’s. very much about the human condition with Aust post war backdrop
I have just finished reading "Tell me your dreams" by Sidney Sheldon. I'm a thriller fan and I really really wish this book have a movie adaptation, like it would be great! I watched a lot of thrillers too but have not watched with this plot line type
It's so funny, I just reread normal people and then picked up Kairos as my next read and I was like...wait...this writing style is so similar!! I think if I hadn't gotten used to the way normal people was written I wouldn't understand what was going on. Funny that you bring that exact thing up here too on the day that I started reading Kairos. I'm now scared about the ending lol.
I always anticipate videos with your favourite books. I adore the way you describe books and the feelings they evoked in you. I genuinely think you have incredible taste, so finding the books you've rated so high is incredibly refreshing and exciting, because I know that I have the chance to read a masterfully written or thought-provoking book that I might not have found otherwise. Sooo excited for these books. When you compared the writing in Evenings and Weekends to Baldwin's and Morrison's I actually gasped. What a high praise. I will definitely read Boulder soon, because that's one I've been eyeing for a long time because of you.
Funnily enough, my only 5-star read of this year is Alice Winn's In Memoriam that I discovered thanks to you. Forever grateful for that recommendation, that book broke me to pieces and mended me back together. This reading year was quite mediocre for me, but I did get some 4,5 stars. I might need more of your 5 star reads to get some myself this year 😂
Same about In Memoriam + 2 by Nathan Hill (Wellness and The nix)