I remember Linus Van Pelt making a solid argument in favor of reading this book "Tolstoy's wife Sofia copied it for him seven times. By candle light! With a dip pen! And you're telling me you can't read it once?"
I m 325 pages in and im totally hooked. This novel has transported me to a different time and place. Additionally, the characters in the novel are real people to me. I celebrate when they celebrate and mourn when they mourn. Yes, this novel is initially a hard read. I myself have had a few failed attempts at tackling it.i recommend that everyone watch a few videos first on how to approach it and also buy a study guide to help you keep track of the characters and events in the voluminous plot. The extra expense and effort and maybe a little research about the Napoleonic Wars will help too. Furthermore, don't be afraid to change translations if you are not satisfied with the first one you try ; this helped me tremendously. Bottom line.....this may be the greatest novel ever written and for me, so far reading it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I couldn't believe how this book opens when I first picked it up. "They did what? With a bear? And a cop?" Great book. Super entertaining as well as deep, rich and thoughtful. I don't think that aspect gets talked about enough.
You are absolutely right about everything you said regarding this book. It is a page turner even though you might not think it. I feel there are only 3 things that 'put off' readers: the size, the strange sounding names and the total number of characters. Truthfully, if you did not have all of those characters you would come away from this book feeling let down. You need the size, so that Tolstoy can give you almost a world view of this unbelievable war and the total dead and the opposite side of the coin, the peace and what we do with it. It doesn't matter whether you are a slow reader or not, it really doesn't. Just sit back and enjoy and learn. Michael is right, you honestly need to read this book don't give up on it or yourself. Try it !!
I am reading War and Peace right now. I am really enjoying it. It is not as daunting as it looks. I listened to it as well as physically reading it. It takes you a couple of chapters to get the lay of the land Next month is The Count of Monte Cristo!
I read Anna Karenina back in my early 20's and I loved it, but I don't know why War and Peace intimidated me, I finally read it this 2021 (in my latest 40's) and I adored this book has become one of my 5 favorites books of all time, (Anna Karenina, Notre-Dame de Paris, The name of the Rose, Gone with the wind and of course this amazing one) definitely see myself re-read it Great video!
I had never thought I would read War and Peace, but a couple of years ago Ange, from Beyond the Pages, cohosted a readalong. I thought I could just try it and, I ended up loving it! I hoped that you convinced others to also give it a try. Breaking it up into small daily reading bits makes it not only easier to tackle, but gives pause for reflection before the next day’s reading.
I'm currently 100 pages into War and Peace. It's definitely a difficult book to read with all the characters and varying themes and views in the book, but so far I'm loving it! Pierre is ridiculous but oddly likeable even if I want to shake him for his silly decisions. I look forward to seeing him change as the story continues. And I love that copy! It's beautiful!
Great video! I started War and Peace years ago and gave up 60 pages in. My reading tastes were quite different then. I have a huge book about the Napoleonic wars I’m dying to read also. But I’ve recently been feeling a big push back to this novel. I even bought a different edition to freshen the experience. And now you’ve convinced me here again. Thank you for that. That is also a beautiful edition you have there.
I loved War and Peace. Beautiful edition. I have that one and another in that Anthony Briggs translation. I agree, it’s mostly about those 2 characters and everyone else revolves around them. I did love Denisov. I’m wanting to re-read it next year. But who knows my TBR seems to already be filling up. It wasn’t challenging but Herodotus is 😆. I always enjoy when you read to us! And you may be a bit of a genius. Those last 300 pages, yes, his thoughts, very interesting. Your dogs 🤗
it's a good point about the length of books; Many a young reader have read Pratchett's Discworld series or Sanders Wheel of Time series, but are intimidated by classics - don't be. Those mentioned series are >11,000 pages. Each!
Nicely executed video. I like the reading you did at the beginning and overall enthusiasm for the book. I looked up other reviews and was convinced it’s not worth it. You’ve convinced me to give it a try. I just bought Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, but I’ve had my eye on the B&N edition of War and Peace. Which book should I read first? I’ve heard highest praise for Karenina over W&P. Curious what you think about that. Thanks.
It's one of the books I get evangelical about. I think most folk get put off by the size. As you point out, though, there are plenty epic fantasy books with massive page counts...and they tend to be part of a multi book series. I recently read Tolstoy's The Cossacks And Other Stories. Much sorter, obviously, and semi-autobiographical. Very good.
Mike, great video! How timely. You’re interesting me in War and Peace. You can really talk books. Very enjoyable. Steve Donoghue JUST talked about War and Peace because Hannah from Hannah’s Books requested a long, slow read along. Donoghue said he’d want it to be an epic read along with 30+ booktubers hosting. Can I interest you in hosting a chapter or section if we do an epic read along in 2022?
I'm reading it right now, I got it for my 11th birthday and I am also about 100 pages in, and the only thing I have a problem with is the setting. All I heard about was, "There are about 600 characters," or "It's very, very long." But, the main thing I really don't understand is the setting, with drawing-rooms, or sitting-rooms, the whole nine yards. I also wanted to read it for its Philosophy. (Yes, I may be eleven, but I love philosophy, and psychology, where it can talk about utilitarianism and stuff like Crime and Punishment). I have re-read the beginning about nine---or so times, and now it's just getting tiring. But, I will always say that it's my favorite out of every single one because of how realistic everything is. I also probably think the setting was hard to imagine because it takes place in a royal; aristocracy mansion things in Russia. I think I might re-read it again, because now I have a bit of information, but it is still quite hard to imagine. I took some reference from the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) and saw its halls. I also am going to read Les Miserables before re-reading War and Peace, since it is in my preference, an "easy target" because it also helped inspired Leo Tolstoy in some of his writing. Is there any tips you can give me?
I know I have to read this. As such a slow reader, yes, the length has always intimidated me too much. But I know I have to. And now you've done a superlative job of shaming me into it as well 😜
That edition and translation was the one I had my eye. But looks HUGE. It's not cumbersome to carry around? I can't even believe you can hold it up with one hand throughout the video! Must really build up your bicep. ;)
Are there good, bad, ugly translations of this to consider ? I guess the Penguin classics edition should be ok ? I like the Steve D idea of 30 plus booktubers doing a read along for this next year.
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I remember Linus Van Pelt making a solid argument in favor of reading this book "Tolstoy's wife Sofia copied it for him seven times. By candle light! With a dip pen! And you're telling me you can't read it once?"
Ha! Linus was right!
I found the clip ruclips.net/video/Faw5qcCSMv4/видео.htmlsi=qW9PD0x6uOdLOI3u
I m 325 pages in and im totally hooked. This novel has transported me to a different time and place. Additionally, the characters in the novel are real people to me. I celebrate when they celebrate and mourn when they mourn. Yes, this novel is initially a hard read. I myself have had a few failed attempts at tackling it.i recommend that everyone watch a few videos first on how to approach it and also buy a study guide to help you keep track of the characters and events in the voluminous plot. The extra expense and effort and maybe a little research about the Napoleonic Wars will help too. Furthermore, don't be afraid to change translations if you are not satisfied with the first one you try ; this helped me tremendously.
Bottom line.....this may be the greatest novel ever written and for me, so far reading it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
I couldn't believe how this book opens when I first picked it up.
"They did what? With a bear? And a cop?"
Great book. Super entertaining as well as deep, rich and thoughtful. I don't think that aspect gets talked about enough.
You are absolutely right about everything you said regarding this book. It is a page turner even though you might not think it. I feel there are only 3 things that 'put off' readers: the size, the strange sounding names and the total number of characters. Truthfully, if you did not have all of those characters you would come away from this book feeling let down. You need the size, so that Tolstoy can give you almost a world view of this unbelievable war and the total dead and the opposite side of the coin, the peace and what we do with it. It doesn't matter whether you are a slow reader or not, it really doesn't. Just sit back and enjoy and learn. Michael is right, you honestly need to read this book don't give up on it or yourself. Try it !!
Yes! Everything you said!
I am reading War and Peace right now. I am really enjoying it. It is not as daunting as it looks. I listened to it as well as physically reading it. It takes you a couple of chapters to get the lay of the land Next month is The Count of Monte Cristo!
A great book. I've just finished it. I read an old penguin popular classic edition and really recommend it. Two and half months well spent.
I read Anna Karenina back in my early 20's and I loved it, but I don't know why War and Peace intimidated me, I finally read it this 2021 (in my latest 40's) and I adored this book has become one of my 5 favorites books of all time, (Anna Karenina, Notre-Dame de Paris, The name of the Rose, Gone with the wind and of course this amazing one) definitely see myself re-read it Great video!
Thanks! I really appreciate it.
When you finished reading War and Peace it is as though you have lived twice ...
I had never thought I would read War and Peace, but a couple of years ago Ange, from Beyond the Pages, cohosted a readalong. I thought I could just try it and, I ended up loving it! I hoped that you convinced others to also give it a try. Breaking it up into small daily reading bits makes it not only easier to tackle, but gives pause for reflection before the next day’s reading.
On vol 3 epilogue 2. So glad ive read this mamouth book. What a wordsmith Tolstoy is.
I've acquired the Maude translation (2010 update) and will begin reading War and Peace soon. Looking forward to it.
What a classic! Wonderful reading and discussion, as usual. Your edition has a nice cover. Sometimes Penguin gets it right.
Yes! Sometimes!
I am also shamed. I am up to reading War and Peace. I loved Anna Karenina and would love to read it again now that I’m older.
I'm currently 100 pages into War and Peace. It's definitely a difficult book to read with all the characters and varying themes and views in the book, but so far I'm loving it! Pierre is ridiculous but oddly likeable even if I want to shake him for his silly decisions. I look forward to seeing him change as the story continues. And I love that copy! It's beautiful!
Pierre is so ridiculous, at least for a while. I’m glad you are enjoying it.
Love your videos.
Thanks so much! I really appreciate that!
Loved Anna K, so I look forward to the multi-mega booktube read-a-long that will surely be happening next year. Great teaser!
Well… you’ve got me closer to putting it back on my TBR. Not yet! Just closer…
Great video! I started War and Peace years ago and gave up 60 pages in. My reading tastes were quite different then. I have a huge book about the Napoleonic wars I’m dying to read also. But I’ve recently been feeling a big push back to this novel. I even bought a different edition to freshen the experience. And now you’ve convinced me here again. Thank you for that. That is also a beautiful edition you have there.
I hope you do read it, just so I can watch the well thought out, in depth analysis video you will do.
I loved War and Peace. Beautiful edition. I have that one and another in that Anthony Briggs translation. I agree, it’s mostly about those 2 characters and everyone else revolves around them. I did love Denisov. I’m wanting to re-read it next year. But who knows my TBR seems to already be filling up. It wasn’t challenging but Herodotus is 😆. I always enjoy when you read to us! And you may be a bit of a genius. Those last 300 pages, yes, his thoughts, very interesting. Your dogs 🤗
My dogs always sneak into my videos. It’s hard to control the TBR, I know!
So intimidated by this book! I have to read it at some point! 😳 ok… starting to feel more confident in reading it after listening to you.
Ha! You could read this in a couple days. It will be easy money after some of the things you’ve read.
@@michaelk.vaughan8617 especially after Pamela! 🤣
it's a good point about the length of books; Many a young reader have read Pratchett's Discworld series or Sanders Wheel of Time series, but are intimidated by classics - don't be. Those mentioned series are >11,000 pages. Each!
Nicely executed video. I like the reading you did at the beginning and overall enthusiasm for the book. I looked up other reviews and was convinced it’s not worth it. You’ve convinced me to give it a try. I just bought Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, but I’ve had my eye on the B&N edition of War and Peace. Which book should I read first? I’ve heard highest praise for Karenina over W&P. Curious what you think about that. Thanks.
It's one of the books I get evangelical about.
I think most folk get put off by the size.
As you point out, though, there are plenty epic fantasy books with massive page counts...and they tend to be part of a multi book series.
I recently read Tolstoy's The Cossacks And Other Stories. Much sorter, obviously, and semi-autobiographical. Very good.
I was hoping that you'd actually open the book to show the font and page color.
Mike, great video! How timely. You’re interesting me in War and Peace. You can really talk books. Very enjoyable.
Steve Donoghue JUST talked about War and Peace because Hannah from Hannah’s Books requested a long, slow read along. Donoghue said he’d want it to be an epic read along with 30+ booktubers hosting. Can I interest you in hosting a chapter or section if we do an epic read along in 2022?
I think so. Thanks. That seems like the distant future right now.
I'll be reading this next year. I've heard it's much less daunting than it looks and it very good once you know who all of the characters are.
True. You will have no problem with this book.
I'm reading it right now, I got it for my 11th birthday and I am also about 100 pages in, and the only thing I have a problem with is the setting. All I heard about was, "There are about 600 characters," or "It's very, very long." But, the main thing I really don't understand is the setting, with drawing-rooms, or sitting-rooms, the whole nine yards. I also wanted to read it for its Philosophy. (Yes, I may be eleven, but I love philosophy, and psychology, where it can talk about utilitarianism and stuff like Crime and Punishment). I have re-read the beginning about nine---or so times, and now it's just getting tiring. But, I will always say that it's my favorite out of every single one because of how realistic everything is. I also probably think the setting was hard to imagine because it takes place in a royal; aristocracy mansion things in Russia. I think I might re-read it again, because now I have a bit of information, but it is still quite hard to imagine. I took some reference from the Palace of Versailles (Château de Versailles) and saw its halls. I also am going to read Les Miserables before re-reading War and Peace, since it is in my preference, an "easy target" because it also helped inspired Leo Tolstoy in some of his writing. Is there any tips you can give me?
Another great review, I imagine you’ve already read The Count Of Monte Cristo, I’m guessing that review isn’t too far away.
I will be talking about Cristo soon. Great book!
The trouble with The Count of Monte Cristo is it's childlike storyline.
It's ridiculous when you think about it.
I know I have to read this. As such a slow reader, yes, the length has always intimidated me too much. But I know I have to. And now you've done a superlative job of shaming me into it as well 😜
Sorry! Didn’t mean to shame you! You should totally read it though.
I also absolutely really enjot reading about Pierre, and Prince Andrei, and even (although she is very spoiled, and a brat) Natasha.
That edition and translation was the one I had my eye. But looks HUGE. It's not cumbersome to carry around? I can't even believe you can hold it up with one hand throughout the video! Must really build up your bicep. ;)
I have no problem with it due to my Kryptonian heritage.
Actually makes war and peace sound interesting
Are there good, bad, ugly translations of this to consider ? I guess the Penguin classics edition should be ok ? I like the Steve D idea of 30 plus booktubers doing a read along for this next year.
I don’t know any ugly translations! Yeah, the epic read along thing sounds fun.