Poetry Party 2: Booktubers read their favourite poems A Genteel Black Hole 2026-09-21 | Poetry Party 2: Booktubers read their favourite poems
My Haiku Diary, Episode 5... Every haiku I wrote in May & June A Genteel Black Hole 2025-07-24 | Here, at long last, are all my weekly haiku for May & June 2025: I lament missed opportunities, complain about the stifling weather, pay tribute to George Wendt, Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, and ultimately write myself a rallying call. Plus some summery views between haiku, including my own music.Full 'Trees' music video on my music channel @AllyCraig - youtu.be/xINV1V4V0AAFind my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.com Find me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:11 - May & June haiku introduction01:42 - 2nd May: Opportunities02:03 - 11th May: Totally on time...02:22 - 16th May: Mathew Baynton's tiny shorts02:33 - 23rd May: So that's where George went03:06 - 30th May: Thwart the precedent03:32 - Interlude03:55 - 6th June: Gormenghast04:23 - 13th June: Brian and Sly05:09 - 20th June: Heat wave05:31 - 27th June: Hope is mere kindling06:18 - The bit at the end#poetry #haiku
Poetry Party Update A Genteel Black Hole 2025-07-05 | Just a little chat about the upcoming Poetry Party.Find my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.com Find me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social#poetryparty #poetry #booktube
High School Re(quired) Reading Tag A Genteel Black Hole 2025-07-04 | This is the High School Re(quired) Reading Tag, a set of prompts about the books we read in secondary school. Stay tuned to hear which books I loved and hated, which ones I've forgotten, and what I wish I could forget! This tag was created by Nicole @noteworthyfiction and Alex @stayathomereader, and I was tagged by Nicole in her original video.Nicole's video (@noteworthyfiction) - youtu.be/dyL5A-IxY9cAlex's video (@stayathomereader) - youtu.be/HLVPi5wC5JkThe prompts:1. High School Crush: Name a book you were assigned in high school and LOVED at the time. Have you re-read it, and did it hold up?2. Gym Class: Name a book you were assigned that you hated. Have or would you give it a second chance?3. Locker Combo: Is there a book you remember having to read… but can’t actually remember?4. CliffNotes: Was there a book you were SUPPOSED to read but didn’t?5. Electives: Did you read “just for fun?” What book(s) were you reading outside of your assignments?6. Rebound: What book would you replace from the typical assigned reading list?7. Teacher’s Pet: What book got you excited about reading for class?8. Study Hall: What was the most difficult book you read in High School? (i.e. The one you spent the most time studying.)9. Nails on a Chalkboard: What was the book that made you groan when you found out you’d have to read it AGAIN?10. Extra Credit: What book do you think should be added on to every HS reading list?11. BFFs: Tag some people you’d like to hear answers from.Find my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.com Find me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start00:51 - 1. High School Crush03:29 - 2. Gym Class07:36 - 3. Locker Combo08:18 - 4. CliffNotes09:14 - 5. Electives10:59 - 6. Rebound12:02 - 7. Teacher's Pet12:58 - 8. Study Hall13:46 - 9. Nails on a Chalkboard15:38 - 10. Extra Credit16:50 - 11. BFFs17:31 - The bit at the endTagging people whose answers I'd like to hear. As always, no pressure! And if I didn't tag you but you want to take part, consider yourself tagged.Aaron @AaronReadABook Anna @nymeria941 Becca @ReadBecca Gavin @GenreBooks23 Jack @spreadbookjoy James @JamesRuchala Jenny @jennyjaybles Kelly @booksimnotreading Kevin @kevintowle9665 Lekden @arockinsamsara Mark @TheBookThing Mollie @TheReadingHour1 Nick @DrCrankyPantsReads Pat @BookChatWithPat8668 Phillip @apoetreadstowrite#booktube #tags
Book review: Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake A Genteel Black Hole 2025-06-26 | Titus Groan is long, slow, weird, hard to categorise... and I had an absolute blast reading it! In this video I ramble about what makes Mervyn Peake's first Gormenghast book so unique and why I loved it.Find my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.com Find me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:27 - What's it about?03:48 - Why is it unique?06:03 - A caveat07:50 - Comparisons11:07 - The bit at the end#titusgroan #gormenghast #mervynpeake
You are cordially invited to a Poetry Party A Genteel Black Hole 2025-06-20 | In a recent video I spoke about the poetry parties my parents used to host. The response to that video got me thinking... could I host a poetry party here on YouTube? In this video I share my plan, and invite my fellow BookTubers to participate. I really hope you'll join me!Find my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.com Find me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:40 - How to register03:09 - Deadlines05:00 - Summary#poetry #poetryparty
The Gratitude and Joy Tag A Genteel Black Hole 2025-06-14 | The Gratitude and Joy Tag is a series of prompts focusing on gratitude and joy. (Which I somehow managed to turn maudlin!) The tag was originally created by @BookChatWithPat8668, and I was tagged by both @book-ramble and @TheBookThing. Big thanks to you all!Pat's original video (@BookChatWithPat8668) - youtu.be/S66WU5BhEsAMark's video (@book-ramble) - youtu.be/UupUa9btfRcMark's video (@TheBookThing) - youtu.be/7vMzEjs6qQYAlso mentioned:My band's Cardiacs cover - youtu.be/DgEeBebz1cgCardiacs cover with @kimabrams97 and co - youtu.be/ROBymAeY4MIMy John Hegley poetry reading - youtu.be/XkJoOoVO2qUFind my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.com Find me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole Find me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start00:42 - Joy in books05:16 - Joy in BookTube08:59 - Friendship12:14 - Laughter14:54 - Community19:58 - Communal reading21:54 - Gratitude in books25:40 - The bit at the endTagging people whose channels bring me joy. No pressure to participate — and sorry if you've already done the tag, I didn't check before tagging:Aaron @AaronReadABook Anna @nymeria941 Becca @ReadBecca Heather @heathereads Jack @spreadbookjoy James @JamesRuchala Jenny @jennyjaybles Kelly @booksimnotreading Keri @BookishAdventuresInWellbeing Lekden @arockinsamsara Mollie @TheReadingHour1 Nick @DrCrankyPantsReads Nicole @noteworthyfiction Phillip @apoetreadstowrite
Book review: Exterminate! Regenerate! The Story of Doctor Who A Genteel Black Hole 2025-06-07 | I recently read Exterminate! Regenerate! The Story of Doctor Who, by John Higgs. It's a comprehensive history of the making of Doctor Who, covering everything from 1963 all the way to 2025. In this video (after a preliminary ramble which you're more than welcome to skip), I share my thoughts on Higgs' book, and what I learned about Doctor Who and the people behind it. From Jon Pertwee's encounters with Winnie the Pooh and Winston Churchill, to Jodie Whittaker being the only Doctor to literally have two hearts, it's a wild ride through time and space!Find my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.comFind me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFind me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start00:38 - Preliminary ramble06:02 - Exterminate! Regenerate! review18:54 - Some favourite quotes and tidbits21:04 - The bit at the end#doctorwho
My Haiku Diary, Episode 4... All the haiku I wrote in April A Genteel Black Hole 2025-05-30 | I recorded this video weeks ago but really struggled with the edit. Here, at last, are all my weekly haiku for April 2025: I ponder the flight and the language of birds, bemoan my continued struggles with insomnia, and pay tribute to the late David Thomas of Pere Ubu. Plus some springtime views between haiku, including my own music.Find my music on Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.comFind me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFind me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:33 - April haiku introduction01:58 - 4th April: In flight02:30 - 11th April: Insomnia02:47 - 18th April: Inscrutable03:11 - 25th April: In the ground03:42 - The bit at the end
Two Silly Poems What I Wrote... Podcast Blues & Abbaschlocky A Genteel Black Hole 2025-05-24 | One of my hobbies is writing silly poems. In this video I recite two of them, as well as sharing the stories behind them. One is a lament for my failed attempt to record a podcast. (Content warning for Podcast Blues: Swearing.) The other is parody of Lewis Carroll's Jabberwocky, replacing the nonsense words with the names of my favourite (or, in some cases, least favourite) musicians.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:07 - The story behind Podcast Blues01:36 - Podcast Blues (CW: swearing)02:46 - The story behind Abbaschlocky04:05 - Abbaschlocky05:25 - The bit at the end
How I fell in love with the Moomins A Genteel Black Hole 2025-05-05 | The Moomins were created, written and illustrated by the Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson. I always ignored them as a kid, but recently I read my first Moomins books and fell instantly in love! In this video I discuss Tove Jansson's timeless creations, the two Moomins books I've read so far, and what makes these stories and characters so appealing.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:42 - What are Moomins?03:49 - Comet in Moominland06:01 - Finn Family Moomintroll09:29 - Why I love the Moomins12:19 - The bit at the end
My favourite comedic poems by John Hegley A Genteel Black Hole 2025-04-28 | I've been a fan of John Hegley since I was a teenager. He's a comedic performance poet and singer-songwriter whose favourite subjects include spectacles, dogs, potatoes, and his home town of Luton. In this video I read a selection of my favourite John Hegley poems, and tell a story about going to see John Hegley live in Oxford.'I Need You' performed live by John Hegley himself: youtu.be/OjplFRIp35gMusic used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:17 - Poem About Losing My Glasses01:43 - Grandad's Glasses02:28 - Uncle and Auntie03:18 - Omo03:57 - Mr McNaulty04:26 - The Play04:38 - Bad News05:08 - Scottish Country Dancing06:05 - My story about John Hegley07:40 - The bit at the end
Cadfael, Discworld, more classic plays... March 2025 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2025-04-21 | March was a decent month for me (apart from the exhaustion), featuring some pleasant surprises and a new favourite of my reading year so far. I finished four books, including a Cadfael murder mystery, a new-to-me Discworld book, and classic plays by Chekhov and Ibsen. In this unscripted video I'll ramble about all of them — plus a little bit about the TV I watched and music I listened to.Thanks for the recent shout-outs:Kevin @kevintowle9665 - youtu.be/zE90oQCbZ8IMark @TheBookThing - youtu.be/CLiIwo1OLnIJack @spreadbookjoy - youtu.be/cIeZ7nwFkO8Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:46 - Ellis Peters: The Devil's Novice08:31 - Anton Chekhov: Three Sisters15:23 - Terry Pratchett: The Last Continent22:06 - Henrik Ibsen: The Lady from the Sea26:19 - Other media28:12 - The bit at the end
My Haiku Diary, Episode 3... All the haiku I wrote in March A Genteel Black Hole 2025-04-04 | Here are all my weekly haiku for March: I ponder the science of music, struggle with youtube housekeeping, spook a curious cat, and get a Sondheim song stuck in my head. Plus some springtime views between haiku, including my own music.The Sondheim earworm in question, with thanks to my friend Mike: youtu.be/iCd3c0RbOPIMy music is available from: bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.social00:00 - The bit at the start01:11 - March haiku introduction01:53 - 7th March: Vibrating02:31 - 14th March: Squinting03:00 - 21st March: Curious03:24 - 28th March: Earworm04:15 - The bit at the end
The Snob-O-Meter Tag A Genteel Black Hole 2025-03-31 | Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.socialThe Snob-O-Meter Tag was created by Isaiah @ThatReadingGuy28. It's a series of prompts all about book snobbery. I was tagged by both James @JamesRuchala and Mark @TheBookThing. Videos mentioned:Original tag by Isaiah @ThatReadingGuy28 - youtu.be/EAzy7a5V-xAJames @JamesRuchala - youtu.be/StgK-11rpzwMark @TheBookThing - youtu.be/4s1KYANHOlsLekden @arockinsamsara - youtu.be/QTOzTZxlqiMThe prompts: 1. What is your definition of book snobbery? 2. Is there a genre or type of book you would never consider reading? (Such as, would you ever read a romance? Or if you regularly read romance, would you ever try a science fiction novel?) 3. Does erotica count as literature? 4. Is it better to read classic books than popular bestsellers? 5. Have you ever bragged about reading a classic in order to sound smart? 6. Do audiobooks count as reading? What about comic books or graphic novels? 7. Have you ever looked down at someone for reading a popular fluff book (a book with little substance to it; for example, a self help book or celebrity memoir)? 8. Have you ever been the recipient of someone else’s snobbery? 9. Would you ever be friends with a snob? (Maybe you already are?) 10. Are people who don’t read less sophisticated than people who do? 11. Measure yourself: based on your answers to the previous ten questions, would you qualify as a book snob? 12. Tag some people!Most people I would've tagged have already done their take on this subject, so I opted to link to their videos instead of tagging people. Here are some recommendations:David @davidnovakreadspoetry - youtu.be/fEL4zEuyx5QHeather @heathereads - youtu.be/4ldkr5JDTJAJames @JamesRuchala - youtu.be/StgK-11rpzwKelly @booksimnotreading - youtu.be/kMr-R2xFYDALekden @arockinsamsara - youtu.be/QTOzTZxlqiMMark @TheBookThing - youtu.be/4s1KYANHOlsMollie @TheReadingHour1 - youtu.be/P-YJUBwUpBs00:00 - The bit at the start01:15 - 1. Book snobbery defined06:15 - 2. Genres rejected09:05 - 3. The erotica question10:47 - 4. Classics or bestsellers?12:42 - 5. Bragging rights14:38 - 6. The audiobook question17:22 - 7. Fluff books19:46 - 8. A victim of snobbery21:24 - 9. Befriending snobs21:38 - 10. Sophistication25:15 - 11. Self assessment25:53 - 12. Tagging others26:48 - The bit at the end
Ibsen, Poirot, Earthsea & more... February 2025 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2025-03-24 | Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comFollow me on The Storygraph: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackholeFollow me on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/genteelblackhole.bsky.socialFebruary was a good reading month for me. I re-read books by Agatha Christie and Ursula K. Le Guin, continued exploring the plays of Henrik Ibsen, and paid a visit to Cold Comfort Farm. As well as books, I also review the films I watched, and share my most-played music of the month.(The Farthest Shore review was originally published as a separate video. If you've already seen that video, you can safely skip that segment — it's the exact same thing!)Other videos mentioned:My Best Reads in 2024 youtu.be/8YK00Okg1qsHenrik Ibsen: The Master Playwright documentary youtu.be/U2Glw642vWM00:00 - The bit at the start00:17 - February overview01:59 - The A.B.C. Murders04:36 - Rosmersholm08:46 - The Farthest Shore13:45 - Cold Comfort Farm18:48 - Work in progress: Anna Karenina19:42 - David Copperfield19:58 - Poems of the Sea21:11 - Top Science Fiction22:22 - Other media: Telly22:56 - An Inspector Calls24:04 - The Boy and the Heron25:00 - The Birdcage26:26 - Music27:27 - The bit at the end
The Farthest Shore review... the life affirming work of Ursula K. Le Guin A Genteel Black Hole 2025-03-17 | This review of Ursula K. Le Guin's The Farthest Shore (1972) is an excerpt from my forthcoming February reading wrap-up. I was so pleased with how it turned out, I decided to share the review as its own video. The full wrap-up will follow next week.00:00 - The bit at the start00:20 - Synopsis01:54 - Spoiler warning02:13 - Le Guin's themes05:13 - The bit at the end
My Haiku Diary, Episode 2… All the haiku I wrote in February A Genteel Black Hole 2025-03-14 | I set myself a new creative goal at the start of the year — to write one haiku every Friday in 2025. They don't have to be great or profound, they just have to be done. So here are all my February haiku.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start01:27 - February 2025 haiku02:37 - The bit at the end
Chekhov, Pratchett, Thomas Hardy and more... January 2025 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2025-03-09 | January was a rough month for me. So rough, in fact, that it's taken me until now to make my wrap-up video! But the wrap-up is finally here. Watch if you want to hear about the (mostly disappointing) book with which I started 2025. There's Thomas Hardy, J.L. Carr, Terry Pratchett, and Anton Chekhov. I also share some thoughts on a film I watched, and some music I listened to.Shoutout to @jennyjaybles for her recent insightful review of Uncle Vanya: youtu.be/H5dpcGJLLvsMusic used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start00:20 - January overview02:25 - Far from the Madding Crowd05.24 - Steeple Sinderby Wanderers08:59 - Jingo12:39 - Uncle Vanya17:53 - Telly viewing18:16 - The Small Back Room20:31 - Music listening21:27 - Duke23:13 - The bit at the end
The Bookish Elements Tag... created by @Sarah_Coller A Genteel Black Hole 2025-02-28 | The Bookish Elements Tag was created by Sarah @Sarah_Coller. I was kindly tagged by Mark @TheBookThing. Thanks Mark!Sarah's original video: youtu.be/L2kTVV4Rqt8Mark's video: youtu.be/bdJjLd9N-8U00:00 - The bit at the start00:36 - 1. Foreshadowing02:06 - 2. Bookmarks04:08 - 3. Forgotten bookmarks05:51 - 4. Inscriptions & annotations07:58 - 5. Introductions & footnotes10:40 - 6. Accessories11:30 - 7. Art & illustrations15:08 - 8. Format18:02 - 9. Tags18:39 - The bit at the endThe prompts: 1. How do you feel about foreshadowing or dropped hints?2. Bookmarks: what do you use? How do you feel about bending the corner down?3. Forgotten bookmarks: Have you ever found something strange in a book?4. Inscriptions and annotations: how do you feel about writing in a book and how do you annotate, if you do?5. Introductions & footnotes: do you read them or avoid? What makes a good introduction?6. Accessories: do you use bookish accessories like a clip-on reading light, book sleeve, annotation materials, bookstand, etc.?7. Art & Illustrations: how do cover art and illustrations affect your reading experience?8. Format: which format of books do you prefer? Hardback, paperback, audio, digital? Do you do different things for different situations?9. Tag some people!
Ditching Kindle... Why Im doing it, and why it matters to me A Genteel Black Hole 2025-02-21 | As you've probably heard, Amazon Kindle is changing its terms of service soon, preventing people from downloading their ebook purchases directly and back them up. I've been considering leaving the Kindle ecosystem for a while now, and this was the last straw. Here's a little chat about why the changes matter to me, and why I'm ditching Kindle.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com0:00 - The bit at the start0:16 - Changes to Kindle2:31 - Why it matters to me6:26 - The bit at the end
My Haiku Diary, Episode 1… All the haiku I wrote in January A Genteel Black Hole 2025-02-15 | I set myself a new creative goal at the start of the year — to write one haiku every Friday in 2025. They don't have to be great or profound, they just have to be done. So here are all my January haikus.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start01:58 - January 2025 haiku03:04 - The bit at the end
Lost in Translation... Chekhov, Ibsen, and the language barrier A Genteel Black Hole 2025-01-31 | Lately I've been thinking a lot about translation. Inspired by the translated works I've read lately, and a recent video by Mark from book-ramble, here are some inconclusive thoughts on the challenges faced by translators and readers alike.The @book-ramble video that inspired mine: youtu.be/9Rz8buxXfmUMusic used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start01:22 - Reading as collaboration03:17 - Japanese regional accents04:10 - Russian naming conventions06:25 - Norwegian modes of address07:54 - The bit at the end
The New Year New Me Book Tag... created by @kevintowle9665 A Genteel Black Hole 2025-01-26 | The 'New Year New Me' book tag was created by @kevintowle9665, and I was tagged by @booksimnotreading. Thanks to Kevin and Kelly! I had a fun time pondering my answers. This video is unscripted, with minimal editing, so brace yourselves — things might get rambly!Kevin's original video: youtu.be/H8jvQase9y4Kelly's video: youtu.be/A2P0eaqYi88Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start01:04 - Fears02:53 - Patience04:15 - Growth05:57 - New paths08:04 - Self care11:59 - Forging ahead12:37 - Goals14:02 - Breaking walls15:28 - Teamwork16:47 - The bit at the endPrompts:1. (Fears) What is one book from your 2025 reading goals that scares you?2. (Patience) What is the one book on your 2025 reading goals you want to start immediately?3. (Growth) What book last year pushed you to reflect and/or grow as a reader?4. (New Paths) What is one author you plan to try for the first time in 2025?5. (Self Care) What is one book and/or series you revisit for comfort?6. (Forging Ahead) What is you favorite debut book or first book in a series you read last year?7. (Goals) Do you have a specific reading goal or challenge for the year ahead?8. (Breaking Walls) ***Bonus - Do you have a none book-related goal for 2025 you wish to share?9. (Teamwork) Tag Others: I tag:@AaronReadABook @TheBookThing @book-ramble @noteworthyfiction (No pressure!)
Forster, Ibsen, and getting serious about comedy... My Top Three Reads of 2024! A Genteel Black Hole 2025-01-19 | Of all the books I read in 2024, these were my absolute favourites. There's a classic novel, a classic play, and a new work of non-fiction — plus honourable mentions for murder mystery, epic fantasy, and more. Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start01:14 - Be Funny Or Die03:28 - The Wild Duck06:19 - Honourable mentions07:47 - A Room with a View10:55 - The bit at the end
Chekhov, Pratchett, Christie and more... December 2024 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2025-01-12 | December turned out to be a bumper reading month. I finished books by Seicho Matsumoto, Anton Chekhov, Agatha Christie, Terry Pratchett, and Henrik Ibsen. Plus more books started, and my favourite TV, films and music of the month.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The bit at the start00:49 - Content warning01:26 - Inspector Imanishi Investigates04.47 - The Seagull10:36 - Scoop (DNF)10:58 - Sparkling Cyanide13:57 - Hogfather18:47 - The Wild Duck19:20 - In progress: Steeple Sinderby Wanderers19:57 - In progress: Far from the Madding Crowd20:45 - In progress: David Copperfield21:21 - Other media: TV and Films25:01 - Other media: Music27:57 - The bit at the end
My First BookTube Anniversary! A Genteel Black Hole 2024-12-31 | Just a little video to celebrate my first year on BookTube, with thanks to everyone who has watched, liked, commented or subscribed. I'll talk about how my first year went, how my videos have changed, and my hopes for 2025.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The intro bit00:59 - What I've learned05:15 - My plans for 202506:31 - The outro bit
Reading Hopes for 2025... My TBR for the year ahead! A Genteel Black Hole 2024-12-27 | It's that time of year when I find myself in a reflective mood. This is a video looking back at my reading in 2024, tracking my annual TBR, and making some plans for 2025.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 - The intro bit00:55 - Reflections on 202403:50 - 2024 TBR08:52 - Anticipating 202511:35 - 2025 TBR16:25 - The outro bit
Discworld, Cadfael, and more... November 2024 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2024-12-15 | After a month on the Struggle Bus, I finally seem to have regained my reading equilibrium. Here's a review of all the books I read in November, plus my most-played bands and most-watched shows.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 — The intro bit00:52 — The Sanctuary Sparrow04:00 — Feet of Clay08:14 — Of Mice and Men11:22 — The Dark is Rising14:21 — Other media16:45 — The outro bit
Why I DNFed Evelyn Waughs Scoop A Genteel Black Hole 2024-12-11 | I recently started reading Evelyn Waugh's Scoop. The first two chapters were hilarious, but I ended up DNFing after 100 pages. Here's why.Music used is available from http://bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 — The intro bit00:16 — Scoop06:14 — The outro bit
How To Start Reading... Some rambling thoughts A Genteel Black Hole 2024-12-03 | The other day I watched a video with advice on how to get into reading. The advice didn't connect with me at all, so I felt compelled to make my own video on the subject. If my own advice doesn't fit your needs, please disregard it! Music used is available from http://bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 — The intro bit 02:17 — Book length03:45 — Familiar stories08:16 — Familiar genres13:45 — DNFing19:50 — The outro bit
Used Bookstore Tag (created by @booksimnotreading) A Genteel Black Hole 2024-11-24 | This tag was created by Kelly @booksimnotreading. Thanks for tagging me!Kelly's original video: youtu.be/-vrGD8maL8EIf you want to take part, consider yourself tagged.Music used is available from http://bugprentice.bandcamp.comThe questions: 1. What is your favorite (or most often visited) used bookstore, and what sets it apart or makes it special? 2. Does your used bookstore take credit? If so, how much credit do you get for your books? Do they give cash for your books? 3. How often do you go to your used bookstore? Can you share how much credit you have there? 4. What, if any, restrictions does your used bookstore have on how you can use your credit? 5. How is your used bookstore organized? What do you like and/or dislike about how it's organized? 6. What is the best find or deal you got at a used bookstore? 7.Is there something you saw at your used bookstore and now you regret not purchasing it? 8. Is there a book you are always on the hunt for at your used bookstore? 9. If you could run your used bookstore for a day, what changes would you make? 10. If you could go used book shopping with any Booktuber in any city, who would you go with and where? 10. Tag some Booktubers!00:00 — The intro bit00:39 — Question 101.37 — Question 202:20 — Question 303:29 — Question 404:30 — Question 508:46 — Question 609:51 — Question 711:21 — Question 812:33 — Question 913:19 — Question 1015:26 — Question 1116:01 — The outro bit"The truth is that even big collections of ordinary books distort space, as can readily be proved by anyone who has been around a really old-fashioned secondhand bookshop, one that looks as though they were designed by M. Escher on a bad day and has more stairways than storeys and those rows of shelves which end in little doors that are surely too small for a full-sized human to enter. The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." ~ Terry Pratchett, from 'Guards! Guards!'
All aboard the struggle bus... October 2024 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2024-11-13 | A little chat about the books I read (or tried to read!) in October, plus my most-played bands and most-watched TV shows.Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.com00:00 — The intro bit02:08 — Maskerade04:31 — Troilus & Cressida11:00 — Howards End14:06 — DNF: Chekhov plays / The Road to Roswell18:18 — Other media21:13 — The outro bitOther channels mentioned:@ReadBecca @stephenevens4410
Reluctant TBR Tag... Books I kinda sorta wanna read A Genteel Black Hole 2024-11-05 | This tag was created by @ChloeFrizzle, and I was invited to participate by @booksimnotreading. Thanks Kelly!Chloe's original video: youtu.be/anOCno6BEMcKelly's video: youtu.be/IB8ubeRW8sAOther channels mentioned:@noteworthyfiction @AaronReadABook Music used is available from bugprentice.bandcamp.comThe questions:What is a book you want to read, but... 1. It was a soft DNF (unable to finish it the first time, want to try again) 2. You’ve read another book by that author and didn’t enjoy it3. It's brand new, and you don't know when you'll get around to it.4. The cover is painfully ugly5. It's a classic book that might be good for you, but you're not that interested6. It's humongous and intimidating7. You feel like you need to read it because it's hyped (but you're not excited)8. You need to be in a specific mood to enjoy9. You're on the fence about continuing the series10. It's been on your TBR for a very long time11. It's a genre outside your comfort zone12. Despite owning it, you'll likely never read it (can include unhauled books, library loans)13. It's only out of obligation to a book club/friend’s recommendation14. Negative reviews have made you less excited15. It hasn't come out yet16. Tag 5 people!00:00 — The intro bit01:28 — Question 102:50 — Question 204:51 — Question 306:14 — Question 408:15 — Question 509:04 — Question 611:01 — Question 712:21 — Question 814:33 — Question 916:16 — Question 1018:29 — Question 1118:49 — Question 1220:03 — Question 1321:33 — Questions 14 & 1522:10 — The outro bit
Shakespeare Sunday 5: Sonnet 116 from memory A Genteel Black Hole 2024-10-27 | Just me reciting Shakespeare's Sonnet 116 from memory. Any inaccuracies are because I misremembered it.
Maskerade review... Pratchett does Phantom! A Genteel Black Hole 2024-10-25 | I re-read Terry Pratchett's Maskerade recently, and I have thoughts...Other channels mentioned: @TheBookThing 00:00 — The intro bit01:28 — What's it all about?05:53 — What I could do without08:02 — Here be spoilers10:28 — And in conclusion11:30 — The outro bit
Shakespeare Sunday 4: Sonnet 18 from memory A Genteel Black Hole 2024-10-20 | Just me reciting Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 from memory. Any inaccuracies are because I misremembered it.
Shakespeare Sunday 3: Sonnet 130 from memory A Genteel Black Hole 2024-10-13 | Just me reciting Shakespeare's Sonnet 130 from memory. Any inaccuracies are because I misremembered it.
Shakespeare Sunday 2: Sonnet 61 from memory A Genteel Black Hole 2024-10-06 | Just me reciting Shakespeare's Sonnet 61 from memory. Any inaccuracies are because I misremembered it.
My best book of the year... September 2024 Reading Wrap-up A Genteel Black Hole 2024-10-05 | A little chat about all the books I read in September 2024, including my favourite book of the year so far!00:00 - The intro bit01:26 - A Room with a View06:44 - Ashenden (DNF)09:05 - Cymbeline11:21 - The Enchanted April15:26 - All's Well That Ends Well18:06 - Still in progress: 3 Shades of Blue / Maskerade19:15 - The outro bitStorygraph link: app.thestorygraph.com/profile/genteelblackhole
Shakespeare Sunday 1: Sonnet 29 from memory A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-29 | Just me reciting Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 from memory. Any inaccuracies are because I misremembered it.
Playing Shakespeare - a sonnet to recommend John Bartons Shakespeare workshop series A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-26 | A sonnet I wrote in celebration of Playing Shakespeare, the 1982 acting workshop series by John Barton of the RSC.
A Hard Twelfth Night - that time I made a Beatles / Shakespeare crossover album A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-24 | A little story about my school days, when I made a mock Beatles LP sleeve full of Shakespeare puns.
Goblin Punks - a TTRPG by Grant Howitt A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-22 | Grant Howitt's indie tabletop roleplaying games can be found on his Patreon: patreon.com/gshowitt
Cymbeline: Mess or Masterpiece? (Shaketember 2024) A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-20 | I read Cymbeline for the first time, so here's my thoughts on this lesser-known Shakespeare play.Shaketember is Booktube's annual Shakespeare celebration. This year it's hosted by Kelly @booksimnotreading, Jason @OldBluesChapterandVerse, and Nicole @adayofsmallthings. They will be hosting readalongs for six Shakespeare plays, so be sure to check out all their channels.Other videos mentioned:Nicole's Shaketember Cymbeline video: youtu.be/R6FbTKjnmj0My Shakespeare Journey Tag video: youtu.be/3rEghEcd5o400:00 — The intro bit04:02 — An attempt to summarise Cymbeline11:42 — An attempt to appraise Cymbeline19:55 — The outro bit
What Is It About Books? Tag... Why do we love these things? A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-13 | What is it about books? Why do we love them? What's so special about them? Mark @book-ramble tagged me in his new tag video: youtu.be/-EXNuLmBmmMSo I thought I'd try my best to answer the question.I tag:@AaronReadABook @TheBookThing @ReadBecca (No pressure to respond — just consider this a recommendation of your channel!)
Shakespeare Journey Tag (Shaketember 2024) A Genteel Black Hole 2024-09-01 | Shaketember is Booktube's annual Shakespeare celebration. This year it's hosted by Kelly @booksimnotreading, Jason @OldBluesChapterandVerse and Nicole @adayofsmallthings. They will be hosting readalongs for six Shakespeare plays, so be sure to check out all their channels. They also created the Shakespeare Journey Tag, so here's my long, rambling response!Original tag videos:Kelly: youtu.be/KA6oUTXQHrwJason: youtu.be/RjARSqXUWCANicole: youtu.be/QzOq_KU_DM8That is the question:1. What was your first experience reading Shakespeare and what was it like?2. Has the reading of a Shakespeare play ever brought you to tears? What scene was it and where were you when it happened?3. Are there any people that have played a significant role in your Shakespeare journey?4. Do you have a favourite book or film about Shakespeare?5. Which character in Shakespeare most resembles you and in what ways?6. Which play would you most like to see performed in a theatre and why?7. What actor, throughout history, would you most like to have seen play Hamlet while in his prime?8. Deliver your favorite speech or soliloquy from a Shakespeare play.9. Do any of Shakespeare's plays intimidate you? If yes, what play and why?10. What tips would you give to intimidated readers coming to Shakespeare for the first time?11. Which is your favorite Shakespeare play and why?12. Tag other Booktubers.Time stamps:00:00 — The intro bit00:17 — What is Shaketember?01:09 — First experiences reading Shakespeare04:44 — Brought to tears by Shakespeare08:12 — Significant people in my Shakespeare journey13:15 — Favourite book about Shakespeare21:09 — Relatable characters (CW: Grief)25:59 — Plays I want to see live in the theatre29:45 — My dream Hamlet32:03 — Intimidating plays36:29 — Tips for new readers43:18 — My favourite play(s)44:17 — Consider yourself tagged44:57 — A speech from Richard II51:15 — The outro bitI didn't tag anyone directly, so if you see this video and want to join in, consider yourself tagged.
All My Reads in August 2024... Passing, Solaris and more! A Genteel Black Hole 2024-08-30 | A little chat about all the books I read in the month of August 2024: The best, the rest, the hard to digest, and the still in progress!00:00 — The intro bit00:47 — Medical Grade Music 02:15 — Passing05:08 — The Diary of a Nobody07:35 — The Virgin in the Ice10:38 — Piranesi13:23 — Solaris17:34 — 3 Shades of Blue (still in progress)18:45 — A Room with a View (still in progress)19:37 — The outro bit
Medical Grade Music book review... Steve Davis & Kavus Torabi on their favourite prog rock! A Genteel Black Hole 2024-08-21 | Medical Grade Music is a 2021 book by world snooker champion Steve Davis and cult musician Kavus Torabi, detailing their shared passion for weird music music. As a longtime Cardiacs obsessive, I consider it essential reading (or listening). So I thought I'd have a shot at reviewing it, in my own rambling manner.Videos mentioned:Tantacrul - Cardiacs: Why I Love Them youtube.com/watch?v=gFKg09GBFQEThe Utopia Strong - Brainsurgeons 3 (⚠️ CW: flashing lights) youtube.com/watch?v=gG02P9j406IYou can also hear my band covering a Cardiacs song, which we contributed to a Cardiacs tribute album in 2010:Bug Prentice - My Trade Mark youtube.com/watch?v=DgEeBebz1cg
A Trip to the Bookshop... Found an intriguing sci-fi anthology! A Genteel Black Hole 2024-08-06 | Join me on a trip to my favourite local second-hand bookshop, and see what I found there.00:00 — Intro00:17 — A trip to the bookshop01:33 — Book haul: Top Science Fiction04:29 — Shameless self promotionAlso mentioned:My Bandcamp: bugprentice.bandcamp.comRegent Furniture & Books: regentfurnitureandbooks.co.ukFull list of stories featured in Top Science Fiction:1. Brian W. Aldiss — All the World's Tears2. Isaac Asimov — The Last Question3. Alfred Bester — The Men Who Murdered Mohammed4. Ben Bova — A Small Kindness5. Ray Bradbury — There Will Come Soft Rains6. John Brunner — The Totally Rich7. L. Sprague de Camp — Internal Combustion8. Terry Carr — Hop-Friend9. Arthur C. Clarke — Transit of Earth10. Jack Dann — Going Under11. Alan Dean Foster — Why Johnny Can't Speed12. Harry Harrison — Rescue Operation13. Ursula K. Le Guin — Mazes14. Fritz Leiber — Endfray of the Ofay15. Barry N. Malzberg — A Galaxy Called Rome16. Anne McCaffrey — The Ship Who Sang17. Larry Niven — The Green Marauder18. Doris Piserchia — A Typical Day19. Frederik Pohl — Day Million20. Robert Silverberg — Capricorn Games21. Brian Stableford — The Engineer and the Executioner22. A.E. van Vogt — Film Library23. Jack Williamson — The Cosmic Express24. Connie Willis — Daisy, in the Sun25. Gene Wolfe — In Looking-Glass Castle
