Books #21 Reading Chats.

[ToxicPony]

I think the Millie Bobbie Brown book. I think theyve been honest that she had help to 'write' it though.

I really don't understand the point of this. Who is actually buying a book because Millie Bobby Brown wrote it? Why is she now supposedly an author?

 

[Caffeine Fiend]

I really don't understand the point of this. Who is actually buying a book because Millie Bobby Brown wrote it? Why is she now supposedly an author?

I find it all v strange. I wonder if people buy it on a whim. Its not the type of story that appeals to me anyway so I wouldnt even consider it, even on a 99p deal.

However I feel like a celebrity author makes me less likely to buy it. I just presume itl be crap

 

[SaintLeo]

However I feel like a celebrity author makes me less likely to buy it. I just presume itl be crap

Im exactly the same with the exception of Richard Osman and Graham Norton! I think because I can totally imagine both of them actually sitting down and writing they feel authentic, others - Anton du Beke being a great example - feel like an attempt to make a quick buck based on their names.

 

[ToxicPony]

I do believe Richard Osman writes his books because he's obviously quite clever and the books are decent but not literary genius.

 

[LaBlonde]

Im exactly the same with the exception of Richard Osman and Graham Norton! I think because I can totally imagine both of them actually sitting down and writing they feel authentic, others - Anton du Beke being a great example - feel like an attempt to make a quick buck based on their names.

graham norton’s writing style is instantly recognisable as him imo. his books aren’t amazing, but they’re witty and warm as you would expect!

i can’t really think of a celebrity author who i’ve genuinely enjoyed though. i mostly avoid them as i don’t trust them

 

[BWGossip]

Apparently, Richard Armitage writes books now (crime/thriller type), my first thought was 'if he using a ghost writer'

The only books written by celebrities I read are autobiographies, but I have no illusions that they didn't write them themselves. Honeslty, I'd like them even better if they were honest about not writing them and crediting the ghost writer. Writing is hard, there is no shame in not being able to do it alone.

 

[LaBlonde]

It just annoys me that Rooney has become the standard to which all new female writers are compared.

same. she has a very distinctive style too which you can tell a lot of younger female writers (in particular) are being told to mimic in some way.

i liked normal people a lot. i think it will always be the best thing she ever writes because it has a genuine connection at the heart of it which she’s never replicated again (yet). otherwise her writing is very clinical, very blunt, and over the same themes. she also frequently reuses dialogue and phrasing, which i find lazy

 

[Big_Summer_Blowout]

4.75hrs in... tolerable
I think it doesn't help that this is now 2 books in a row with no real "storyline". Need a good thriller next.

 

[Carapop]

I listened to Claudia Winkleman’s “book” earlier this year and it was a lovely easy warm chatty listen. I do like her as a person tho and her narration was perfect. It’s barely a book though. More a collection of big sister advice type columns in her inimitable style. If you like her you’ll like it.
---
Mindy Kaling did a few books but she’s originally a writer by trade so it’s not really comparable.

 

[ToxicPony]

I can't stand books that are all writing and vibes and no plot, so Beautiful World was a real chore for me. Normal People, I got the hype, it had actual characters and a storyline, but Beautiful World was just a few hundred pages of an author congratulating themselves on how writerly they are.

 

[Carapop]

I can't stand books that are all writing and vibes and no plot, so Beautiful World was a real chore for me. Normal People, I got the hype, it had actual characters and a storyline, but Beautiful World was just a few hundred pages of an author congratulating themselves on how writerly they are.

Amazing critique. Can I steal that for my next relevant netgalley review?

 

[daisynoon]

Apparently, Richard Armitage writes books now (crime/thriller type), my first thought was 'if he using a ghost writer'

The only books written by celebrities I read are autobiographies, but I have no illusions that they didn't write them themselves. Honeslty, I'd like them even better if they were honest about not writing them and crediting the ghost writer. Writing is hard, there is no shame in not being able to do it alone.

I discovered he'd turned to writing because I saw there was a Waterstones event featuring him. I decided not to go because the book doesn't sound like my sort of thing, but a lot of the reviews say it sounds like a beginner's effort, which makes me hopeful it could be him.

 

[twilightgarden]

I think Im going to stop requesting ebooks on borrow box and only use it for audio.

I really dont like reading on my ipad. I find it clunky and it hurts my eyes. Its a shame as its a way to access books for free but I am struggling to even want to pick it up despite the book being decent.

Same here, I hate reading on my iPad as it hurts my eyes yet I can use it for web browsing etc for hours no problem

 

[BWGossip]

I discovered he'd turned to writing because I saw there was a Waterstones event featuring him. I decided not to go because the book doesn't sound like my sort of thing, but a lot of the reviews say it sounds like a beginner's effort, which makes me hopeful it could be him.

Thank you, you have restored my crush on him! TBH I'd go to the event solely to see if he is as handsome irl as he is on screen

In undergrad it was impossible to read on my computer, couldn't focus at all. But with grad school then lockdown there was no other choice... Now I enjoy reading online! The only downside is you can't write in margin or highlight

 

[daisynoon]

Thank you, you have restored my crush on him! TBH I'd go to the event solely to see if he is as handsome irl as he is on screen

In undergrad it was impossible to read on my computer, couldn't focus at all. But with grad school then lockdown there was no other choice... Now I enjoy reading online! The only downside is you can't write in margin or highlight

Just talking about him makes me want to go watch him quote Far from the Madding Crowd in Vicar of Dibley

 

[L3moning]

The only books written by celebrities I read are autobiographies, but I have no illusions that they didn't write them themselves. Honeslty, I'd like them even better if they were honest about not writing them and crediting the ghost writer. Writing is hard, there is no shame in not being able to do it alone.

You can usually tell if autobiographies are ghostwritten or not. Most are these days, but you do still get some which aren't.

 

[Pinkii]

Finished ‘what July Knew’ by Emily Koch

I really liked it, totally not what I expected from the synopsis, thought it would be a lighthearted read.

Would definitely recommend

 

[twilightgarden]

Thank you, you have restored my crush on him! TBH I'd go to the event solely to see if he is as handsome irl as he is on screen

I've gone off him after the cushion scene in Obsession.

 

[LaBlonde]

I've gone off him after the cushion scene in Obsession.

i honestly yelled “richard armitage NO” during that scene

 

[Goujon]

Speaking of Sally Rooney. Did anyone actually try watching the TV adaptation of Conversations with Friends. And I really liked the Normal People TV series.
Jesus bleeping Christ. Was a more drab boring thing ever committed to film. Main character whiny insecure and miserable. Other characters miserable and deeply unlikable. Nothing happens except people giving each other funny looks. duck Off