HAHAH I relate to this so hard. When I can think and write and process, I'll have book recommendations until I die. But when someone asks me on the spot I'm like, books? Never heard of them.
!!! Love a multi-recommendation post, and truly connect with the neurotic identity attachment to book recs lol. Gotta tailor the rec to the requester!!
If I’m asked for vague book recs, I always have to ask more questions. Do you want an easy read where you probably won’t have to look up words or do you like learning new vocabulary? Etc etc I usually just avoid book recs altogether unless it’s sharing an opinion on a specific book.
Sooo…are you going to read Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen? I DO NOT need to add to my existential dread but I’m feeling a bit masochistic 😬
Excellent follow up questions! I did that with my friend and realized I don't actually read much of what she was looking for because I found them unsatisfying so I had reach far back (hence inspo for this post!).
I am 100% going to read it. Jordy at Jordy's book Club said it was hands down the scariest thing he's ever read and I am ready. I am not secretly obsessed with world ending stories so why not add to the existential dread! Also looking at Wanderers by Chuck Wendig to throw on top of it :D
I am also enjoying James—there is a great piece in Slate on Everett and Colson Whitehead. Recommendations on the fly: Cloud Atlas and Sea of Tranquility. Also, jumping back to the Atlantic’s great American novels, would add Stoner by John Williams, great overlooked novel and writer.
Cloud atlas and sea of tranquility are two of my very favorites! I need to read Stoner and your other rec Bolanos. I purchased three of his books on thrift store finds and now just need to read at least one :)
Books… don’t know her. Hahaha. Here’s my trick if put on the spot: I will dig IN to that person’s taste like it’s my job, then say: I’ll text you some recs when I get home. Maybe it’s unsatisfactory but at least I learn something and buy some time! I’m so glad you did not let James intimidate. I’m getting into the wind down now and look forward to your thoughts.
This was another reminder that I still need to read Cloud Cuckoo Land which is ON MY SHELF. I’ve also actually never been recommended A Visit from the Goon Squad so consider me intrigued! This was a good cover all bases list. Maybe I’ll maybe my own!
And I can’t wait for what you think of James! It’s had so much commentary but not a lot from people w book opinions I trust yet (you).
I am trying so hard not to read too many reviews so I can form my own opinion! And I would love to see your version of your go-to recommendations, my TBR from you is so long it might help me prioritize them lol
It’s so hard to avoid reviews so you can form your own opinion!! You can do it - I believe in you! Hahaha omg okay maybe I will go a version of my go to recommendations to help prioritise! Feeling inspired I’ll get my serious book thinking cap on 😎
The second reason is I am desperate to recommend the exact right book for the requestor so that they will like the book and by extension like me.
-me. this is me. the whole paragraph is me. as an overthinker and occasional people pleaser, I can relate.
People pleasers unite!!! And get nothing done or decided 😂
HAHAH I relate to this so hard. When I can think and write and process, I'll have book recommendations until I die. But when someone asks me on the spot I'm like, books? Never heard of them.
Books? Cant be me!
Also I DNF'ed Goon Squad. Idk, it wasn't my style!!
Maybe it isn't such a safe rec then!!! haha. Iike I said, i love weird stuff :)
I do too! Which is why I had to write an entire post about my specific taste, because people try to read what I loved and their like, you’re weird!
!!! Love a multi-recommendation post, and truly connect with the neurotic identity attachment to book recs lol. Gotta tailor the rec to the requester!!
neurotic is a great descriptor of the experience!! you absolutely have to otherwise my future as a book recommender is on the line lol
If I’m asked for vague book recs, I always have to ask more questions. Do you want an easy read where you probably won’t have to look up words or do you like learning new vocabulary? Etc etc I usually just avoid book recs altogether unless it’s sharing an opinion on a specific book.
Sooo…are you going to read Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen? I DO NOT need to add to my existential dread but I’m feeling a bit masochistic 😬
Obsessed with the kitties 😍
Excellent follow up questions! I did that with my friend and realized I don't actually read much of what she was looking for because I found them unsatisfying so I had reach far back (hence inspo for this post!).
I am 100% going to read it. Jordy at Jordy's book Club said it was hands down the scariest thing he's ever read and I am ready. I am not secretly obsessed with world ending stories so why not add to the existential dread! Also looking at Wanderers by Chuck Wendig to throw on top of it :D
I started it last night before bed and it is indeed scary AF. Ouuuuu going to look up Wanderers now!
I am also enjoying James—there is a great piece in Slate on Everett and Colson Whitehead. Recommendations on the fly: Cloud Atlas and Sea of Tranquility. Also, jumping back to the Atlantic’s great American novels, would add Stoner by John Williams, great overlooked novel and writer.
Cloud atlas and sea of tranquility are two of my very favorites! I need to read Stoner and your other rec Bolanos. I purchased three of his books on thrift store finds and now just need to read at least one :)
Books… don’t know her. Hahaha. Here’s my trick if put on the spot: I will dig IN to that person’s taste like it’s my job, then say: I’ll text you some recs when I get home. Maybe it’s unsatisfactory but at least I learn something and buy some time! I’m so glad you did not let James intimidate. I’m getting into the wind down now and look forward to your thoughts.
Thanks for the shout out! 😎
Love your Substack so much you are welcome ☺️
This was another reminder that I still need to read Cloud Cuckoo Land which is ON MY SHELF. I’ve also actually never been recommended A Visit from the Goon Squad so consider me intrigued! This was a good cover all bases list. Maybe I’ll maybe my own!
And I can’t wait for what you think of James! It’s had so much commentary but not a lot from people w book opinions I trust yet (you).
I am trying so hard not to read too many reviews so I can form my own opinion! And I would love to see your version of your go-to recommendations, my TBR from you is so long it might help me prioritize them lol
It’s so hard to avoid reviews so you can form your own opinion!! You can do it - I believe in you! Hahaha omg okay maybe I will go a version of my go to recommendations to help prioritise! Feeling inspired I’ll get my serious book thinking cap on 😎