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genteelblackhole.bsky.social
Ally (they/he), late 30s, UK. Musician, BookTuber, wheelchair user. Fan of Shakespeare, Pratchett, weird old music, terrible puns and exhaustive lists. Music here: http://bugprentice.bandcamp.com BookTube here: https://youtube.com/@genteelblackhole
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Chekhov’s Gnu: If there’s an obvious typo in the first draft, it must be fixed by the third.

Time for me to chekhout some more Chekhov! #books #reading #currentlyreading #BookTube #Booksky #AntonChekhov #ThreeSisters

Friday Haiku #9: Daylight stretching out, Feeding my animal self: Winter retreating.

My latest #BookTube video is the Bookish Elements Tag — my rambly responses to prompts about reading habits and preferences. So if you want to hear about the old family photo I once found in a book, or what kind of bookmarks I favour, you can give it a watch here: youtu.be/Rr_oxQEwQNM

My latest #BookTube video is about the coming changes to Amazon Kindle’s terms of service, why it matters to me, and why I’m ditching my Kindle: youtu.be/x3jkRtE5LHo #Kindle #Kobo #ebooks #ereaders

Friday Haiku #8: Cool air fills my lungs; I feel myself expanding — New CPAP machine.

My new video, Reciting Friday Haiku, Has just gone online. youtu.be/hMSyQOkuYvY #haiku #originalhaiku #poetry #poem #booktube #booksky

Friday Haiku #7: I love you too much  For seventeen syllables  Ever to encompass.

This morning I finished a reread of Agatha Christie’s ABC Murders. Next reread: The Farthest Shore, by Ursula K. Le Guin. Nice to always have something familiar on the go. #currentlyreading #TheFarthestShore #Earthsea #UrsulaKLeGuin #booksky #booktube

Friday Haiku #6: Glistening tarmac Glimpsed through a clouded window — Staying in today.

To determine whether Schrödinger's Cat is dead or alive, they may have to perform an or-topsy.

This morning I made a start on this absolute chonkster! I may be some time… #Tolstoy #AnnaKarenina #currentlyreading #books #booksky #booktube

This morning I finished reading Henrik Ibsen’s Rosmersholm. Hmm. It’s taking me a while to decide what I thought of this one.

“I hate unreliable narrators,” he lied.

Friday Haiku #5: When writing haiku, Please don’t use ChatGPT: Suck on your own terms. (Remembered juuust in time this week!)

My latest #BookTube video is all about translation, and the challenges faced by translators and readers alike. I reflect on some translated books I read recently, including works by Anton Chekhov and Henrik Ibsen. youtu.be/H_jnrCRzOzI (The title of the video is very clever and I deserve a medal.)

My latest BookTube video is up now. It's an unscripted, extra-rambly response to a set of New Year themed prompts. I chat about some highlights from last year's reading, some goals for this year, and my favourite comfort read. youtu.be/VW9b3pipjxM

Another classic play from my reading list that I’ve decided it’s time to Check Off.

it was me that sent that blue shell

Friday Haiku #4: Victory is mine Until the blue shell descends: Mario Karted!

My latest #BookTube video is about my top three reads of 2024 — including a classic novel, a classic play, and a new non-fiction book by @gralefrit.bsky.social which takes comedy seriously. Something for everyone (as long as you're a massive nerd). youtu.be/8YK00Okg1qs

Friday Haiku #3: Hollow red chamber Invaded by silver blade — Slicing a pepper.

First stupid little walk of the stupid little year.

My latest #BookTube is a wrap-up of everything I read in December. There's some Pratchett, Christie, Chekhov... Something for everyone! youtu.be/Ux3mPa6wa7M

Friday Haiku #2: An old favourite show: Never used to watch alone — Blindsided by grief.

After a week of crappy moods and low energy, today was an excellent day. I finally managed to record TWO new #BookTube videos — a December reading wrap-up, and my favourite reads of 2024. Excited to share them when I’ve finished editing.

Friday Haiku #1: Lingering malaise. Bartók on headphones, eyes closed — Time to recover. (I aim to write and post a new haiku every Friday this year. Will I keep up with it? Time will tell!)

Just spent 45min recording a new video *without capturing any audio*. I would say my time was wasted, but it's definitely a lesson I won't soon forget! Still. Blergh.

Today is my first BookTube anniversary! I made a little video to celebrate: youtu.be/fXz4PUFLvIY

I've started reading Far from the Madding Crowd. I'm loving it so far. But thanks to @johnfinnemore.bsky.social, I can't stop thinking of it as Far from the Madding Crow.

My latest #BookTube video reflects on this past year, and shares my reading plans for 2025: There will be more #Discworld, #Shakespeare, classics and plays. youtu.be/Tv3KeLwnNKE

The Wild Duck is a very last-minute addition to my favourite reads of the year. What a play! I definitely need to read more Ibsen.

In the words of Noddy Holder: 🎶 So hairy tits, merry Christmas! 🎶

This morning I started reading The Wild Duck, my first Henrik Ibsen play. I’ve been reading a lot of plays this month. I mean, it’s a lot cheaper than actually going to the theatre!

Fucksake government. You can’t issue a consultation document that insists that “two pillars of the UK economy” are the “AI sector and the creative sector.” Because if you are allowing one to do its job, profitably, the way it wants, then the other one ceases to exist. And vice versa.

My latest #BookTube video is out now! It’s a wrap-up of everything I read in November, including some #Discworld and #Cadfael. youtu.be/CmcSqvxsaRg

Time for my seasonal reread of Hogfather. #TerryPratchett #Discworld #reading #books #BookTube