Some of my absolute favorite books of all time! | A Mixed Book Discussion

Hey all,
In this video, I take you on a journey through some of my favorite books, discussing each one in no particular order. We dive into the timeless wisdom of Middlemarch by George Eliot, a profound exploration of society and personal ambition, and the romantic elegance of Persuasion by Jane Austen, where love and second chances take center stage. From there, we move to An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine, a beautifully written tale about solitude and the power of literature in one woman’s life.

I also share my thoughts on the gripping narrative of Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, a mystery that weaves together multiple stories to uncover deep-seated truths. Cheryl Strayed's Dear Sugar brings a different kind of storytelling, offering heartfelt advice and life lessons through her compassionate and candid columns.

Historical fiction lovers will appreciate my take on M: Son of the Century by Antonio Scurati, a compelling account of Mussolini’s rise to power, and 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion by Morgan Llywelyn, which vividly captures the passion and turmoil of Ireland's fight for independence. We also delve into the classic tragedies of Sophocles' Theban Plays, exploring fate and morality through the stories of Oedipus and Antigone.

On a lighter note, I discuss Daphnis and Chloe by Longus, a charming tale of pastoral love, and the whimsical beauty of A Treasury of Flower Fairies by Cicely Mary Barker, with its enchanting poems and illustrations. Each of these books has left a lasting impression on me, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts and reflections with you. Whether you're a fan of classic literature, contemporary fiction, or historical narratives, there's something for everyone in this video.

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[joeykremple]

Looking around BookTube I've discovered a troubling author omission that is kind of shocking to me, at least where late 19th century fiction is concerned. Perhaps you can help explain it to me? Here are a few hints: A case can be made that he's the greatest American novelist to have lived, although his stories aren't quintessentially American. There is an ENORMOUS amount of critical scholarship done on him, so he's clearly seen as having value. One of his shorter stories/novellas is widely considered one of the greatest ghost tales ever written. His last three "late" novels are considered masterpieces, albeit difficult ones. One of his mid-period novels is on every great books list, and features a much celebrated female protagonist up there with Madame Bovary and Jane Eyre. I'm currently working through his prodigious output, and I'm baffled by the lack of YouTube commentary on his works. He writes action packed novels (wink), but the action is contained almost entirely in the language itself.