34 Comments
May 12Liked by Books on GIF

What a wonderful newsletter this week!! I am very intrigued in ‘The Black Prince’!! I might read that as part of my classic goal this year. Equally jazzed to see ‘Pedro Páramo’ up next as I have been meaning to read that for a while - so I can’t wait to hear what you think!

8 years is a wildly impressive amount of time to have been running BOG Mike - while I appreciate you wondering if it was time to stop, we’re all so pleased you haven’t. BOG 4eva ❤️

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author

Thanks so much, Martha! I appreciate the support and good vibes! Maybe we'll go for another 8 years, who knows? I hope you read this book. (Have you read other Murdoch? She's so great!) Donna enjoyed Pedro Páramo, so I'm really excited for it, too.

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May 12Liked by Books on GIF

I haven’t read any Murdoch before!!!!! Would Black Prince be a good place to start or would you recommend something else? Seeing as you’re a Murdoch extraordinaire!

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😂 thanks! I started with The Sea, the Sea, and I know to many folks it’s their fave. I’d say, though, maybe start with The Bell. But there is no wrong choice!!

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May 12Liked by Books on GIF

Noted! I’ll keep that in mind when I choose which one to read.

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May 12Liked by Books on GIF

Happy anniversary and (I think?) happy birthday! I always think of you when I see an Iris Murdoch book, I think of you.

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May 12·edited May 12Author

Thanks so much, my friend!! Yes, the BoG anniversary was this past week, and my human birthday is this week lol!

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May 12Liked by Books on GIF

Happy 8th Anniversary! So glad you are continuing with your creative and thoughtful reviews. I have never read Iris Murdoch, so a new author for me. Happy Birthday!!

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author

Thanks, Kate! And thanks for sticking with us all these years. I think you'd enjoy Murdoch's work!

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Happy Anniversary BoG and Happy Birthday Mike! 8 years is not enough. we want more!

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author

Thanks, Jam! Yes, 8 is not enough! I'm excited to start year nine and looking forward to more years of writing BoG!

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May 13Liked by Books on GIF

I loved The Bell (and I read it upon BOG's recommendation!), so I'm eager to get my hands on another of Murdoch's books. Thanks for this newsletter - your reccos never disappoint! (Happy BOG day, and happy birthday!)

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author

Thanks, Andrea! I'm glad the newsletter has been helpful and that you enjoyed The Bell! Iris Murdoch is wonderful and I want to read all her books. I just need to figure out how to fit it all into the newsletter without becoming Iris on GIF lol!

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May 13Liked by Books on GIF

happy big 8 to BOG! and happy birthday to you, MVP! grateful for all the wonderful reviews you’ve gifted us through the years. my tbr list is better because of BOG. adding Murdoch to that list now. many thanks. 🫶🏻

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author

Thanks so much, Manki! I'm so glad you've enjoyed the newsletter all these years and found some books to enjoy! Your note made my day!

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May 13Liked by Books on GIF

Thanks for another well-done review. You have such a distinctive voice for a reviewer—glad you are continuing your work. I recently read Pedro Paramo—can’t wait to read your review.

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author

Thanks so much, Brian! Very kind! I'm excited to read Pedro Paramo. I've heard good things.

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May 13Liked by Books on GIF

Wow, HUGE congrats on eight years of BOG! That's truly a staggering achievement in the world of newsletters, and I totally understand how that anniversary could prompt some big questions about continuing. I'm so glad you've decided to keep going. Congrats - and happy bday, too!

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author

Thank you, my friend! I really appreciate it. Where does the time go? I'm going to try to hang in there for an even 10 and then see what's what.

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Happy 8 year anniversary! All of the books you shared today are new to me!

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author

Thanks, Renee! I hope the books are of interest!

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Happy birthday to BOG. I am glad you decided to keep it going so we can continue to discover classics, works in translation and off the wall memoirs to love. Speaking of love, I am also glad that you are feeling it as you celebrate this milestone. 8 is Enough is indeed a terrible song.

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author

Thanks, Abra! I've definitely been feeling the love over these last few days. It's been great. And I listened to that song again and wow it's awful lol!

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May 13·edited May 13Liked by Books on GIF

Great review and happy anniversary! I'm going straight to pluck The Black Prince off my library's shelves...

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author

Thanks, Sonia! I hope you enjoy the book!

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I'm super jealous about all the cool people you share your birthday with. I only get to claim Dame Julie Andrews, Brie Larson, Zach Galifianakis and Jimmy Carter - i cant find any authors! although this person sounds cool: Bonnie Parker, outlaw

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author

Thanks, friend! Those are some pretty cool people to share a birthday with. Outlaws, presidents, Mary Poppins and Captain Marvel. Seems pretty rad to me!

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May 14Liked by Books on GIF

Hell yeah, Iris Murdoch! I haven't read this one -- excited to check it out. Happy anniversary and happy belated birthday! My dead best friend also shares a birthday with you -- truly a great day to be born!

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author

I am honored to share a birthday with someone so special, Karen. And saddened to hear they died. ❤️

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Firstly happy birthday! My birthday is in May as well so I love seeing May babies😂. I absolutely love your newsletter. Firstly the genius idea of using GIFs to review books👏. I always enjoy your reviews. Always so honest and well written. Congratulations on doing this for eight years.

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author

Thank you so much for this lovely note, Emmanuella!! I’m so happy to know you enjoy the newsletter and find it helpful. And yes, May is the best month to be born. So many amazing May people!

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Jul 5Liked by Books on GIF

Hi! New to Substack and just discovered your account. Murdoch is my all-time favourite author and so glad you put the spotlight on her!!! Her writing is just so amazing.

Have you read The Philosopher's Pupil, that's the latest of hers that I've read and it's sublime!

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Thanks, CC! Welcome to Books on GIF! We hope you enjoy the newsletter. I love Murdoch, too. In addition to The Black Prince, I've reviewed The Bell and The Sea, the Sea. I have The Philosopher's Pupil on my bedside pile and I hope to get to it soon. She's so great!

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The Bell is possibly my absolute favorite! I'll find your review!

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