Name a book that you think not enough people know about.

[Russell]

I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten there hands on.

You??

Russell

[Robert]

The Invention of Curried Sausage by Uwe Timm It is a brilliant World War II coming of age story/romance. Despite the ridiculous title everyone should read this Jewel of a novella.

[Rachel]

I wish more people would read The Few by Cathy McSporran it only has 20 ratings on goodreads and it's average rating is 4.35. I wish there was some news on the next book as i think it's meant to be a series :)

[Meredith]

Russell wrote: "I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten there hands on.

Y..."

I just read Pobby and Dingan last night after seeing you recommend it on your video. I loved it!!!

[Deb]

I have given The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell to three friends and my husband. (Thank you Ann Kingman for always talking about this book!!)

[Christopher]

What a wonderful topic! One I would recommend is The Bone People by Keri Hulme. It actually has a fairly decent amount of ratings on good reads but I think part of this is that it is much more well known in NZ than the rest of the world. All I know is that I never hear it discussed in the blogosphere about great modern classics and it really should. It's a novel about friendship, abuse and culture clash set in coastal New Zealand. Written in one of the strangest styles I have ever read yet it is intensely endearing. One of my favorite reads of last year.

[Megan]

Allegedly by Tiffany Jackson and Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

[Russell]

Rachel wrote: "I wish more people would read The Few by Cathy McSporran it only has 20 ratings on goodreads and it's average rating is 4.35. I wish there was some news on the next book as i think it's meant to be..."

I have not even heard of it Please tell me more

[Russell]

Meredith wrote: "Russell wrote: "I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten th..."

yes! one convert down!

[Russell]

Deb wrote: "I have given The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell to three friends and my husband. (Thank you Ann Kingman for always talking about this book!!)"

You know I am an Ann Kingman fan and I give that book to everyone. I have recommended it on my channel too. So good.

[Russell]

Christopher wrote: "What a wonderful topic! One I would recommend is The Bone People by Keri Hulme. It actually has a fairly decent amount of ratings on good reads but I think part of this is that it is much more well..."

Chris you are not the first person to mention The Bone People to me. I think it won the Booker right? I need to find a copy.

[Russell]

Megan wrote: "Allegedly by Tiffany Jackson and Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes"

I have allegedly on my shelf. I need to get to it ASAP.

[Russell]

Robert wrote: "The invention of curried sausage by uwe timm. It is brilliant"

The title of this book is just too much!

[Marcella]

Russell wrote: "I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten there hands on.

Y..."

I was very surprised to see this book at my local library the other day. My local library only has a small collection and about 9 out of 10 times I'm looking for a specific book they don't have it. So when they do I get very excited, especially when it's a book that's not so well known. I think I will pick it up soon!

[Marcella]

One of my favourites I don't see many people talk about is A Fraction of the Whole

Alsol, I second Chris with The bone people, that book is wonderful!

[Robert]

Marcella wrote: "One of my favourites I don't see many people talk about is A Fraction of the Whole

Alsol, I second Chris with The bone people, that book is wonderful!"

Well that has been Booker shortlisted so for a small time it was a popular book :) and the Bone People was a Booker winner! - one of the underrated ones though.

[Robert]

Here are some other books which I consider underrated, which should be read:

The Trick Is to Keep Breathing by Janice Galloway A book about a teacher suffering from depression.

The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat One of the best descriptions of madness I have ever read.

Stone Junction by Jim Dodge. A book about a boy who goes through a training rite in order to become a metaphysical wizard. This was written way before Harry Potter and is weird but extremely readable.

The Restraint of Beasts by Magnus Mills I like stories about banalities and this is about two farmers who are commissioned to put up a fence. A stunner of a novel.

Naïve. Super by Erlend Loe Totally underrated. Another book about banalities. This one is about a young adult who has certain rituals (all childlike like placing blocks in holes) who falls in love.

When I Was Five I Killed Myself by Howard Buten I see this book as a precursor to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and The Shock of the Fall but this is more disturbing so there's a trigger warning for sensitive people.

i'll add a couple more - hope you check these out :)

[Rachel]

Russell wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I wish more people would read The Few by Cathy McSporran it only has 20 ratings on goodreads and it's average rating is 4.35. I wish there was some news on the next book as i think i..."

Russell wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I wish more people would read The Few by Cathy McSporran it only has 20 ratings on goodreads and it's average rating is 4.35. I wish there was some news on the next book as i think i..."

The Few is a fantasy/magical realism book set in WW2 inspired by the historical fact (I had to google it lol) that Winston Churchill consulted witches throughout the war.
She also has one other book out that sounds interesting called Cold City which I have but haven't read yet. The description says it's speculative fiction which explores mental illness and it only has 39 ratings on goodreads.

[Jill]

Russell wrote: "I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten there hands on.

Y..."

Per your recommendation I read this and absolutely loved it. In fact, I loved it so much I picking it for my book group selection next month.

Anyone read The Dork of Cork? It came out years ago and I adored it.

[Russell]

Jill wrote: "Russell wrote: "I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten th..."

Oh I am so glad to hear that! I love that little book. I have not heard of The Dork of Cork.

[Russell]

Rachel wrote: "Russell wrote: "Rachel wrote: "I wish more people would read The Few by Cathy McSporran it only has 20 ratings on goodreads and it's average rating is 4.35. I wish there was some news on the next b..."

Oh interesting! This could be up a lot of peoples sweet spot I think.

[Peggy]

Girl, Interrupted by Suzanna Kaysen

[Peggy]

Susanna Kaysen*

[Simona]

The door by Magda Szabo

[Russell]

Simona wrote: "The door by Magda Szabo"

I love this book! I talk about it on my channel all the time LOL. I agree more people really should read her and it.

[Russell]

Peggy wrote: "Girl, Interrupted by Suzanna Kaysen"

I read this so long ago. The movie is always what sticks in my head when I think of the one. Good choice - get people back to the book.

[James]

Guapa by Saleem Haddad

[Russell]

James wrote: "Guapa by Saleem Haddad"

Tell us why James?? I have never heard of the book or the author --- introduce us please:-)

[James]

Russell wrote: "James wrote: "Guapa by Saleem Haddad"

Tell us why James?? I have never heard of the book or the author --- introduce us please:-)"

It's great intersection of gay & Muslim life in a Middle Eastern country in strife. I felt like I got a true life glimpse of these characters and their desires and struggles. The characters are likable and you want them to succeed.

I'll read this one, again!

[Russell]

James wrote: "Russell wrote: "James wrote: "Guapa by Saleem Haddad"

Tell us why James?? I have never heard of the book or the author --- introduce us please:-)"

It's great intersection of gay & Muslim life in ..."

Well that sounds so interesting. I am on it!

[Robert]

C.P. Snow's "The Affair", this is a really rare opportunity to experience a circle of highly educated people, couples, professors, research scientists, lawyers, all at Cambridge U., and the author is himself a Cambridge don! // Can anyone please recommend something similar? A "highly educated author" writing a novel about "highly educated" people?

[Robert]

Deb wrote: "I have given The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell to three friends and my husband. (Thank you Ann Kingman for always talking about this book!!)"

Why only mention The Sparrow? She's written a sequel, and 5 other books, and ALL are fabulous reads. The author (MDR) really is a highly trained physical anthropologist, and I can't wait for her next contribution.

[Nisreen]

The Dark Room is brilliant and sadly not a very known book. The book is divided into three standalone stories of Germans during and after WWII. It is beautifully written and the point of view it provides is unique and necessary.

[Deb]

Robert wrote: "Deb wrote: "I have given The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell to three friends and my husband. (Thank you Ann Kingman for always talking about this book!!)"

Why only menti..."
Agree!! I have read all of her books!!

[Russell]

Robert wrote: "Deb wrote: "I have given The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell to three friends and my husband. (Thank you Ann Kingman for always talking about this book!!)"

Why only menti..."

You are very right Robert! Mary Doria is just lovely too. Her facebook is all about her two wiener dogs! I enjoy being her friend! Her new book comes out in 2018 I think - it is going to be a dark one - just warning you.

[Varsha]

I just finished reading, How the Blessed Live by Susannah M Smith and it's so incredibly unique. Part Alice in Wonderland, part Egyptian myth, its based on the story of Isis and Osiris. The writing is probably the most beautiful writing I've come across. There isn't much focus on plot or characters, but rather the emotion, themes, ideas and experience is what lingers after you've read it. Would definitely recommend it!

It's got like 60 ratings on Goodreads and it definitely deserves more recognition.

[Russell]

Varsha wrote: "I just finished reading, How the Blessed Live by Susannah M Smith and it's so incredibly unique. Part Alice in Wonderland, part Egyptian myth, its based on the story of Isis and Osiris. The writing..."

This sounds amazing. I am going to look for it! A mix over myth and fairy tale.

[ColumbusReads]

2 fantastic LGBTQ books:

A most underated and overlooked book is Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo. What a fantastic British writer.

Christodora by Tim Murphy is another awesome one. You haven't read it yet. What are you waiting for?

[Lisa]

Columbus wrote: "2 fantastic LGBTQ books:

A most underated and overlooked book is Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo. What a fantastic British writer.

Christodora b..."

Mr Loverman sounds really good - I have added it to my list - thanks

[ColumbusReads]

Lisa wrote: "Columbus wrote: "2 fantastic LGBTQ books:

A most underated and overlooked book is Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo. What a fantastic British writer.

[book:Christ..."

Hope you enjoy it, Lisa!

[Mamey]

Russell wrote: "I know I have talked about this on my channel, but I want everyone to read Pobby and Dingan by Ben Rice. It is a little gem of a book that I don't think enough people have gotten there hands on.

Y..."
Yes! Based on your recommendation I did get this book and read it. It was a heart breaking story. I think my favorite part was when her brother finally came around and so desperately convinced everyone about Pobby and Dingan.....Yup, I cried!

[Ryan]

Stoner by John Williams
I know Russell will agree!

[Anna]

For all who loved "To kill a mockingbird" here's a book I think you would like..it's "The Pecan Man" by Cassie Dandridge Selleck..I haven't heard about this book in booktube, but from a friend. So I thought this is the perfect discussion group where it should recommended

[Shaun]

In the Orchard, the Swallows is a wonderful little book that I just finished last week. Sparse prose, but all the more beautiful and elegant for it. A story about the power of memory, imagination and longing, which packs a real emotional punch.

[Deb]

A huge thank you to you Russell for recommending Pobby and Dingan. What a beautiful, heartbreaking and moving story. The ending brought me to tears. I second Russell's recommendation. Put this on your To Read list now!!! :-)

[Russell]

Deb wrote: "A huge thank you to you Russell for recommending Pobby and Dingan. What a beautiful, heartbreaking and moving story. The ending brought me to tears. I second Russell's recommendation...."

Oh I am so glad you loved it. I think it is a hidden gem. I agree - it is a tear educing novel. Goodness!

[Russell]

Anna wrote: "For all who loved "To kill a mockingbird" here's a book I think you would like..it's "The Pecan Man" by Cassie Dandridge Selleck..I haven't heard about this book in booktube, but from a friend. So ..."

Looking for it now!

[Anna]

Russell wrote: "Anna wrote: "For all who loved "To kill a mockingbird" here's a book I think you would like..it's "The Pecan Man" by Cassie Dandridge Selleck..I haven't heard about this book in booktube, but from ..."

Hope you would find it good..

[Kiya]

The Bees by Laline Paull! I absolutely loved it! It is beautifully written and I think that the idea of a novel coming from the perspective of a bee in a literary way is so original!

[Bah Humpug]

I had never heard of Pobby and Dingan before but it sounds great and is totally going on my tbr!

One of the most fascinating non-fictions I've ever read is Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. Subject matter is interesting and the book is well written.

For fiction, I know it's got a lot of reviews but I feel like I don't see it much on Booktube or Bookstagram, I really enjoyed The Library at Mount Char. It was really weird, but really good. Also, Fever Dream. Read that one in one sitting. I read my first Patricia Highsmith this year or last with Carol and have been making my way through the rest of her books. She's got some really well known ones of course, but also lesser known ones like Deep Water. And, Till We Have Faces, which is a retelling by CS Lewis of the Psyche and Eros myth, told from the point of view of one of Psyche's sisters.

And for YA/children's, love The Search for WondLa series and Dogsbody (really almost anything Diana Wynne Jones writes).