My month in reading - April 2024 in a Nuttshell
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- My month in reading - April 2024 in a Nuttshell
#booktube #reading #books
April 2024 in a Nuttshell is my April wrap up video of books I read in April as well as my May TBR.
Hardboiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Murakami
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
The Many Colored Land by Julian May
Black Leopard Red Wolf by Marlon James
The Changeling by Victor Lavalle
Patreon
/ thefantasynuttwork 
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here faster than kendrick can say you might pop ass with 'em
Stand next to sexy red
Yes! Let"s bring Julian May back to the masses and Booktube!
Yes!
Also interested in that!
so glad you got to see Book of Mormon. Hilarious. One of my favorite things of your channel (of which there are many faves), is that you are always reading something I've never heard of. It's weird how some books travel in circles that I never see. Good stuff here, and fear not, I will not be deterred by the rejected Olsen twin!
I’m always doing something weird tbh 😂
Your videos are one of the reasons I started Realm of the Elderlings. It's been so enjoyable reading them, and then watching your live discussions which were taped, I dunno, three or more years ago. Loving the channel! When I'm done delving into Hobb I'll widen my horizons a bit with maybe some of the titles you talk about in these videos. Thanks for doing your thing man, you're rocking it
Thank you for the kind words!
Thank you for describing exactly how I feel about Murakami; there is something in his writing, something that works on the subconscious level, that makes you want to pick up the book and keep reading even when your conscience self cringes. It’s been a while since I read Murakami, I’ll be curious to hear your opinion on 1Q84, maybe I’ll consider giving him another shot.
I’m really liking it so far but only 100 pages in out of like 1200 lol
My Dark Vanessa is a great book! I always appreciate it when an author tackles a very difficult topic and does it justice, delving unflinchingy into the darkness, but not reveling in the misery. Goodnight Punpun also falls into that category. One of my favorite manga of all time.
Def a manga I will read
@@thefantasynuttwork Be sure to be in a healthy state of mind though :D People always say it's the best manga you only read once. I can understand why
Thank you for your honest and candid thoughts on MDV. It’s a heavy heavy read but man, did she ever nail it! All I kept thinking when I was reading it was, yes! Exactly! THIS is what bejng a teen girl felt like! I didn’t have the same experience as the protagonist, but just the whole being a teen girl with issues that are way too serious for my age and how that affected my relationships as I grew into adulthood. The guilt and weight we take on because the world hyper-sexualizes young women, the obsession with our bodies and how we were taught that it’s basically for men to use and enjoy. I’m 41 and STILL have issues with my body and my self worth (thanks, 90’s diet culture!). You always impress me with what you read and your thoughts on them. Thanks for tackling sensitive subjects with such compassion and a willingness to listen and learn. You’re the best!
Thanks for the kind words, I just try to do my best. 90s diet culture was sooooooo toxic and the ramifications are still felt to this day
I'm so glad you read My Dark Vanessa. I had a similar experience with my boss as a teenager into my 20's. I still occasionally get messages from him. I'm 40 now. She did an amazing job describing the feeling of someone making you feel so special and cared for. And the obsession and confusion that comes along with that experience. The "danger"of having hide from the world because nobody will understand the "love". Then as an adult you look back and feel so stupid and ashamed that you didn't see what was happening.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I’m glad to know this book was able to speak to you on a deeper level, I feel like this book is really important. I hope you’re doing well and thank you for sharing your experience with me
Great wrap up Jimmy! I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the changeling, and I'm looking forward to hearing how you like Borne. I loved both!
Thank you! Will do!
I am so excited for the B-roll NYC content. Also more cats.
Glad it was another good reading month!
I’m excited too 😂
Holy cow a Little Life and My Dark Vanessa in back to back months-so heavy! For me I think you have me intrigued to try The Many Colored Land-I could do for some more classic sci-fi!
You should give it a go!
My Dark Vanessa is my favourite book of all time. People don't understand why she acts like that, but I can relate with that. That book is so real !
It’s brilliant
Really enjoying watching your journey through the works of Murakami Jimmy! Stoked to hear your thoughts on 1Q84, it became my favorite book of all time last year and started me down a literary rabbit hole leading to reading Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time'. The line between reality and the imaginary/subconscious and how the two riff on each other in our minds is a theme these two do so masterfully, making a reading experience that is in a category of its own almost.
I’d like to get to Proust eventually! I am almost 250 pages in 1Q84 and I love it so far.
Loved hearing your thoughts on MDV. It is such a dark book and so thought-provoking, I think you summed it up really well. ❤
Thank you so much. I’m always nervous when I talk about books that cover such a sensitive topic lol
You have got me really curious about Black Leopard Red Wolf, even though you also make so clear that you don't recommend it widely lol. Will check out the sample for sure! And beautifully said about My Dark Vanessa, I read that years ago and it still sticks with me to this day. Such a harrowing but powerful story. Hope May treats you well, happy reading!
Happy reading!
I went deep into Murakami about 15-20 years ago, before 1Q84 was published. My recollection is that all the books I read had wild and absurd scenarios. It's been a while but I'm definitely appreciate you digging into those books. You may nudge me to grab it, that and Black Leopard Red Wolf. Thank you Mr Nutts.
My pleasure!
I loved "The Ballad of Black Tom" and "Lone Women" bu Victor LaValle. I'l save up "The Changeling" for late autum. Thank you for all your thoughts.
I wanna try ballad of black Tom next
from wrestling to cool books! I used to watch you on Convey pro- it was so much fun watching you dismantle opponents. very entertaining!
Thank you!
My Dark Vanessa and BLRW in the same month…think you need a hug. Glad you loved MDV though, incredible book. I think Tampa almost works as a companion novel (totally different tonally, abuser perspective but exploring a similar subject) so when you’re feeling up to it it’s a short read definitely worth doing within a few months of MDV.
I definitely want to read it, I gotta take a break from all this darkness 💀
@@thefantasynuttworkTampa reminded me of Lolita but idk I felt creeped out reading it while Lolita didn’t.
Been watching your channel for many years, extremely confident that you'll love the soldier son trilogy, don't believe the haters, it's excellent!
I’m excited!!
Kafka on the shore is great and has no strongly weird scenes. I highly recommend reading it.
I definitely will!
Great wrap up man. I love the variety you’ve been reading on the channel the last maybe like year or so. It’s been so cool to see you branch out in so many different ways.
I’m having fun! I’m glad you’re enjoying it brother
I can see the reject-Olsen-twin in that audiobook graphic! 😂
Hopefully she doesn’t watch this 😅
I can't wait to hear about Black Leopard Red Wolf. I tried to read that book five times and failed before page ten
It’s incredibly dense
I loved My Dark Vanessa as well, I think it handles such a heavy topic really well and it's definitely a book that has stuck with me, though I read it a while ago. Your review of it was very thoughtful and well-put.
The Changeling sounds interesting!
Thank you so much
In April I finished Fool’s Fate. Plenty of books left to possibly go down and then back up, but for now Realm of the Elderlings has surpassed Dark Tower as my top fantasy series. 1Q84 is my all time favorite book!
Yessssss
I've never heard anything but great things about My Dark Vanessa, but I'm glad to hear you give it such high praise--I actually came across it in a Little Free Library on my street this week, and figured it was a sign to give it a try. I have a feeling it won't be a comfortable read, especially because of certain life experiences I've had, but there's something to be said about the cathartic effect of unpacking emotions through fiction. I'm a big fan of you branching out so much lately and giving lots of genres attention--after reading nothing but fantasy for months, I really need to do the same!!
Thank you so much! I hope you get something MDV, I think it’s one the most important books I’ve read
Jimmy, mate I follow all the big booktubers but I most look forward to your videos and reviews. You deserve a waaaay bigger audience. Keep doing what you do, you're the man.
That means a lot, thank you!
Now I need to read that book of the Month too! Yaay for the patreon pick!!! 🎉
Warning, it’s super sad lol
My Dark Vanessa is one that I go back and forth on wanting to read or thinking I should just leave it alone. It isn't an experience I had personally (thankfully and fortunately) but I have just heard how incredibly difficult it is to read those scenes and Idk how it would hit me... !
it extremley painful to read, I legit had to take breaks and cried. I do think it's an important book though. Hard to recommend lol also heyyyyy
Jimmy looking sharp! Love the content
Thanks!!
I love My Dark Vanessa so much! You did an excellent job summarizing the book & truly did it justice! 👏👏👏
my favourite line because I found it to be incredibly powerful was
“I just really need it to be a love story, you know? I just really, really need it to be that…because if it isn’t a love story, then what is it?…it’s my life. This has been my whole life.”
That’s the second line in the book that made me cry lol
Lots of books to put on my list! Both the Marlon james and Julian May books sound amazing. I’m glad you are trying out 1Q84, I think it’s probably his best work, followed by Norwegian Wood. There are definitely still strange sexual themes, but I think it’s much less flippant and gratuitous, and the main characters are relatable and more like able than his classic 30 yr old male schmuck. If you haven’t read the book North Woods by Daniel mason, I would highly recommend it! I just read it as a little break between reading the dune sequels and it was such a breath of fresh air. A really magical book.
Thanks for the rec!
Julian May is a favorite of mine. Great series.
She’s impressed me so far!
Book of Mormon is so good!
On the issue of Murakami, my experience was: Kafka on the Shore - wow this guy writes so well; 1Q84 - what a gigantic waste of my time; Norwegian Wood - no Murakami, I don't understand why you do this. Probably won't read more by him, at least in a long while.
I must pick up Julian May's book, it's been sitting on my shelf for over a decade! And added My Dark Vanessa to the neverending wishlist, thanks Jimmy 😅
Definitely give Julian May a shot!
I read several Julian May books decades ago, but not this one. I will have to check this one out.
She’s very prolific
Stoked for shamans crossing!!
Me too!
I would have been the perfect prey as a teenager because of parental neglect and verbal abuse, so your review on My Dark Vanessa really resonates with me. I'm glad she wrote that book but I know it would be too triggering for me. I might still try it one day. You impress me with how many disturbing books you've been able to read. I wonder if there are certain topics and scenes you would draw the line for (did you read Lolita?).
I watched your reading vlog and really enjoyed it! I added The Many-Colored Land to my TBR, it honestly sounds so fascinating to me!
I’d say Little Life crossed a line where I really didn’t want to read anymore
I don't know about that Murakami guy. I might have to check one of his books out just to see how strange they are.
You will like the pick of the month. I'm pretty mid on the series as a whole but I think the first book is better than the Goodreads average rating and the second one is one of the better "middle of a series" books I have read. The series goes to some dark places so you will enjoy them 🤣. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the book. It is my brother's favorite book series.
Great wrap up!
I’m ready to embrace the darkness hahah
I'm glad you are reading Shaman's Crossing. I am really tired of all of Booktube reading Robin Hobb, but this particular series is one NOBODY ever talks about, or even mentions.
People reallly dislike it hahah
Will be very interested to see how you like Shaman’s Crossing. I think it’s vastly underrated. I suspect that much of the reaction to it is from people who want Fitz, but a little different. It has a first person narrator, but he isn’t Fitz. It also goes in some very unexpected directions given its initial set-up.
I’m honestly really excited
Hi Jimmy. I've had The Changeling on my TBR fot awhile now. I WAS planning on not reading it after another Booktuber gave it a thumbs down revie. But after hearing your comments I think I'll give it a try and make up my own mind about it. I'm a huge fan of his novella The Ballad of Black Tom.
Definitely worth a shotb
«The Many Colored Land» sounds like a hoot!
After a slow March, I finished in april «The Fort» by Adrian Goldsworthy (City of Victory Trilogy #1, Historical Military Fiction set during the Campaigns of Roman Emperor Trajan, Sequel Trilogy to the «Vindolandia» Trilogy), «Empire of Silence» by Christopher Ruocchio (Sun Eater #1, Space Opera/Sci Fantasy), «Islands in the Net» by Bruce Sterling (80’s (Post-)Cyberpunk ), «Howling Dark» (Sun Eater #2) and «Idoru» by William Gibson (90s Cyberpunk ), having pushed back «The Green Pearl» (Lyonesse Trilogy #2) from April till May.
I have a feeling you’d really enjoy MCL
@@thefantasynuttwork To give you a sample: You might have caught in «Howling Dark» that Kharn Sagara says to Hadrian «Sibylla ti theleis». I am 100% sure that is a reference to the Epigraph of T.S. Elliot’s famous poem «The Waste Land» (which in a loose narrative deal with death and rejuvenation, faith and post-war depression, with multiple allusions and references to Ancient Literature, Religious Texts and Arthurian Myth), itself lifted from Petronius’ «Satyricon», meaning «Sibyl, what do you want?» (The Sibyl being a Roman Oracle, this specifically being the Cumaean Sibyl who in «The Aeneid» guides the Trojan Hero and Roman Ancestor Aeneas through Hades and who had been granted immortality (though importantly without eternal youth) by the god Apollo, being spoken to in Greek, to which she replies «apothanein thelo»: «I want to die»)!
Is it any wonder that it takes me some time to research and double check everything?! 😂
@@thefantasynuttwork I also believe that the «Chalcenterite» School of Scholarists (known for it’s asceticism in-universe) is a pun on «Call Center»! 🤣
That first love cliche’ is such and older person forgetting the pain of being young and creating an ideal that could be dangerous for young people who misunderstand. I haven’t read My Dark Vanessa so I hadn’t made that connection.
I completely agree! Appreciate you stopping by
I was looking up the Many Colored Land while you were still talking about it on audible. Saw the cover and had to do a double take to make sure it was the right book. Then you called it out. What a strange cover. Sounds like an interesting read though
One of the worst covers of all time lol
Some good books you're covering here. I'm also glad you finally read Black Leopard, Red Wolf and enjoyed it to boot!
The Changeling is a good one, it reminds me of Gaiman a lot in how LaValle weaves the fantastic into every day life. Now if he does it as well as Gaiman does it, I'm unsure. If there is a message in The Changeling, it's about the sacrifices we make for our kids, as well as an exploration of how Apollo wants to not be like his own father and be there for his son. That's what his whole arc is about. He is going to be there for his son no matter what, and he won't make the mistakes his father made.
Also glad you liked My Dark Vanessa, I read it back in January and I really liked it a lot. I don't want to say 'enjoyed' because it's a pretty messed up book. But the way Russell makes you feel what it feels like to be groomed was a deeply unsettling experience, and really shows how insidious grooming truly is. I don't think it'll hold a candle to Lolita, few books ever will as far as I'm concerned. But what we did get, I was very pleased with.
I hope you enjoy Borne! It's definitely my favorite science fiction of our century. Great video as always my man!
Borne is really good so far!
My dark Vanessa is one I always hear about and thinking it would be such a valuable experience but it never seems like the right time to pick up something that heavy
Completely understand that, it’s hard to explain how heavy it is
Glad to see you are doing well enough, here from the manga channel. Hope that you are still reading through One Piece and will maybe do an overall review once you are caught up; assuming that the spoiler(s) didn't ruin the series for you.
I still love one piece!
I thought Hard-Boiled Wonderland was pretty cringy haha. I might still try 1Q84 at some point but Murakami isn’t as high on my priority list at the moment.
The Many-Colored Land has been on my TBR for a while, so I’m glad to hear you think it’s a worthwhile read!
Def lots to cringe at
The Changeling - read last year. I think back and wonder what did I just read? Not bad just wow. I think it’s going to be an Apple show soon.
Yeah I wanna watch the show
When you pronounced “Shaman’s Crossing” like that, I immediately thought of the Pokémon Shaymin. So that’s how I spelled it when I looked it up. 🤣
😂😂😂
great video as always, Looking forward to reading more Philip k Dick, he is one of my favorite authors, shout out 3 stigmata of palmer eldritch, Ubik, and Flow my tears the policeman said,
And
im kinda scared for you reading 1Q84 , its intense on the murakami factor, though it is excellent, ----unsolicited advice here is to maybe wait , if this is your 3rd Murakami, thats a little too soon, itd probably be fine but in my estimation " A Wild sheep chase" and "Dance Dance Dance" in that order, idk people going rogue and trying 1Q84 for their 1st or 3rd Murakami seems too intense, i read them in publication order mostly and that worked for me , starting with Sheep chase and Norwegian wood.
I appreciate the advice!
@@thefantasynuttwork feel free to completely ignore it of course, you do you ,
My References: I have read almost all of Haruki Murakami’s books, and I have a very dapper cat named Prince
I haven't been able to read a single book since reading crime and punishment. Murakami is weird and i hate how he writes women but i still love his books 😂
Hes a strange guy lol
Currently reading parasite eve by Hideaki Sena, SI-FI/Horror
Sounds cool!
Have you read Song for Lya?
Not yet!
@@thefantasynuttwork You would love it.
Nice assortment of books this month! I've almost picked up My Dark Vanessa like six times but never feel like I'm in the right headspace for it, one day it'll happen. I added the Olsen twin audiobook to my audible 🤣 Excited to see what you think of Lord of Emperors and Shaman's Crossing!
The audio is pretty good for it!
Just started Malazan, and now another dense book, Black Leopard Red Wolf, is calling my name. How will I survive this 😔
Hahahah it’s the struggle!
You'll get the complete story in one book with Black Leopard, Red Wolf.
I very much agree with your thoughts on Murakami. I would've recommended Kafka on the Shore, its his most surreal and it isn't as long as 1q84 (also the only book of his that I still like)
I will def try it
You may need to do a name change, it's not all about the fantasy anymore. Btw, that is a good thing for me! 🤫😄
Hahaha fantasy at heart!
Unpopular opinion, I don’t care for Murakami.
Totally understand