I finally read The Secret History... (*spoilers included*)

Today I'm sharing my reading vlog for The Secret History.

✏️ COMMENT and let me know if you've read The Secret History and what you think of it!

TIME STAMPS
0:00 intro
1:07 the setup
4:58 first impressions
7:35 next update
9:01 SPOILERS
13:04 next updates
15:13 final updates
17:15 SPOILERS for the end
20:31 wrap up

#booktube #thesecrethistory #darkacademia

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[iheartcatslife_]

This is my favorite book of 2024 this year so far. 😅😅 Since you didn't like Babel it makes sense this one didn't click either. I think for me the appeal is the overly satirical writing and long winded inner monologues of learning a lot about the characters. I LOVE books like that and am always looking for more.

[yokoooo]

This video really solidified for me that just because the other person didn’t like it does not mean you will too please read this book before you follow other people’s opinions because this book is very much loved for a reason

[tawnyachristensen]

Underwhelmed is the word that best describes my experience with the secret history as well.

[amberrhea]

this one hurts. i love this book so much.

[Juless]

I’m in the middle of it rn and don’t get the hype and I’m so happy I see someone else feeling the same way lol

[ankur-chauhan]

Why am I not surprised 😅

I had same experience. I don't get hype at all except pretentious writing. I believe that lot of people might not have rated below thinking they are not smart enough.
But seriously this book dragged. I remember I read it in long time. And the reason was it was boring and I was forcing myself to read it even though I was not enjoying the experience. It was my ego not letting go of how can I not like this book which everyone apparently does. But whoever I talk to or watch on YouTube, no one is a fan of this book. There are very few people who liked it but I would rather read other books if my main motive was reading good literature. Overall, a pretentious book with pretentious characters without a gripping story.

[kierancullenofficial]

I think a lot of the dislike for this book lies within the thought of it being a mystery, which in some cases it is. However, I think the crystal clear (and sometimes overbearing) description that Tart gives her characters really envelopes you into the plot. (SPOILER) Within the prologue you find out that Bunny dies and as you learn more and more about these characters you go from a state of loving them, to hating them, and in Henry’s case, mourning them. It is through and through a character piece, otherwise it would have ended with Bunny being found and everyone going to jail.

[chayab]

They can never make me like the secret history

[-AtomsPhere-]

You’re so right about the Saltburn comparisons. The difference is that Saltburn moved beyond the aesthetics and crafted and interesting and engaging story.

[АннаЧікалова]

Just finished the book. Hate it.

-what’s wrong with him?
-he’s a mysterious✨
*there is platon’s quotes*

[YogawithKaylee]

I feel your pain. I hated this book. It sounded so up my alley and I couldn't have been more disappointed!! The characters were flat, Richard couldn't be more boring, and the worst part for me was that every bit of action happened while Richard wasn't present - so you hear about them second-hand. So much telling, very little showing.

[andrewf]

Not sure if you knew that Donna Tart narrated the audiobook and I couldn’t’t stand her narration. Wish they would re-record with a professional VA but honestly I’m never reading it again. I liked it more than you but it was more for the writing and mood than the plot.

[selver]

You experienced the exact same thing as i was reading the book and took the words out of my mouth! LOL

[sueture]

Thank you for taking the hit and sparing me the agony of reading it! You're a champ 😂

[mlcoffey]

Oh good. I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[Micmezle]

I also gave it a 2 star. I just don't understand how this book is the mother of dark academia when it's just boring as f*ck academia. before Henry shot himself, I was hoping he'd just kill the rest of them and be done with it. I wanted to enjoy the book, I've heard others saying how much they enjoy it, but not really why/how they enjoy it.

[michellecgb]

I feel like that book gaslighted me into thinking I liked it because I liked it when I started it, then I started hating it cause the chapters were insanely long and everyone was unbearable, then I actively hated it and continued reading it out of spite, I liked it again, I was like “what the fuck is this even about anymore?” and then I liked it again when I finished it so I gave it 5 stars. Like??? How does that make sense??? 😂

[_foreverabookaddict_]

Well, I was interested in it, but not anymore 🤣🤣. Thanks for taking one for the team 👍. I will not be picking it up, lol. Great vlog 💜🤗

[TheresaD]

I really enjoy your vlogs & how you summarize books!

[selver]

I was so disappointed when i finished the book. I dont get the hype at all. I was expecting so much more but i had to force myself to get to the end. I liked the first half and it grabbed my attention, so i was expecting the same (or even more) from the second half but it was a whole lot of yapping up until the last like 10 pages. It felt like a waste of time for 290 pages, until the plot happened💀 yea i was pissed when i finished, to say the least...