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Video essays are just about essentially the most entertaining content material on YouTube. Some of them are ten minutes lengthy, and a few are hours lengthy. But irrespective of the size, they seize our consideration as a result of they problem us to take a look at the world we all know from a brand new perspective. Video essays are supposed to educate the viewer a few specific subject, argue a degree, analyze a topic, and/or critique issues. YouTube is stuffed with video essays about films, tv, popular culture tendencies, style, and every thing in between. So, are there video essays about books and literature? You guess there are.
BookTubers are out right here making a lot entertaining content material about books, and sure, that features video essays. Check out these eight extremely entertaining video essays. Some are from BookTubers you already love, and a few is perhaps from BookTubers who’re new to you (you’re welcome). Fair warning to guide lovers: these video essays will make you rethink a few of your favourite works of literature. You may by no means take a look at books like Twilight, The Green Mile, or, sure, even Prince Harry’s Spare the identical approach ever once more. But get able to get educated and have slightly enjoyable when you’re at it.
Twilight is a Psychological Thriller, Not A Love Story
Can you imagine Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight is sort of 20 years previous? Where is my eye cream? I’m feeling very previous. If you’re like me and skim this guide again when it first got here out, it is perhaps time to return and revisit this textual content. The story shouldn’t be what you assume it’s. In truth, Shanspeare argues that Twilight isn’t a love story in any respect. It’s extra of a psychological thriller. Do you agree? Watch this video and give it some thought. Then, be sure you take a look at Shanspeare’s different video essays, together with one among her most up-to-date ones: The Feminine Rage Pipeline. Good stuff!
White Authors Don’t Define What’s Scary
Real discuss: I take into consideration this video essay on a regular basis. And it’s positively modified the way in which I learn critiques about thrillers by authors of shade. In this video essay, Jesse on YouTube discusses thrillers by BIPOC authors and the way they’re acquired otherwise than thrillers by white authors. The video largely attracts examples from When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole, however Jesse additionally explains how this problem pertains to lots of books by BIPOC authors and the way in which white folks assessment them.
The Queer History of Loki (It’s Weirder Than You Think)
YouTuber Jessie Gender‘s channel includes so many great video essays, mostly focusing on science fiction, fantasy, “nerd” culture, and how this medium is confronting issues of gender and sexuality. Check out this in-depth video essay Jessie did on comic book anti-hero Loki. Loki has become a queer icon, but why is the LGBTQ+ community resonating so much with this character? Watch the video to find out! This video explores Loki’s historical past, from Norse mythology, to his look in Marvel comics, to his portrayal within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Magical Negroes of Stephen King
Princess Weekes shouldn’t be the primary particular person to level out Stephen King’s problematic depiction of BIPOC characters. But this video essay might be the perfect, most thorough rationalization of “the magical negro” trope and the troubling approach King deploys this trope in a number of works. Disclaimer: This YouTuber needs viewers to know that she is not calling Stephen King racist, and she or he’s truly an enormous fan of the creator. This video is a superb instance of how one can take pleasure in an creator’s work whereas nonetheless critiquing it and wanting extra from the tales you learn. Vampire followers, be sure you additionally take a look at her video essay Why Are There So Many Confederate Vampires?
Authors Behaving Badly Series
One of my favourite video essay sequence on YouTube needs to be Authors Behaving Badly from Reads with Rachel. If you wish to hear somebody spill all the literature tea, then it’s essential to take a look at these movies. But beware: you may not be capable to take a look at your favourite authors the identical approach ever once more. Just take this video on Sarah J. Maas, for instance, which confronts all the creator’s problematic habits. And if you wish to see Rachel take down a guide little by little over the course of many hours (I do know I did), watch her deep dive into Fourth Wing. Even in case you actually loved Fourth Wing, it’s a enjoyable watch.
Scary Stories to Tell within the Dark: History of the Pale Lady
Love Scary Stories to Tell within the Dark? Then it’s a must to take a look at CZsWorld’s sequence of movies trying on the historical past of the tales in these books. I at all times discovered the pale woman extremely creepy, so this can be a nice one to begin with. But the channel additionally has movies concerning the historical past of the Jangly Man and Harold the Scarecrow. If you’ve learn the Scary Stories books, then you already know these characters, and their photos in all probability hang-out your nightmares. Now be taught extra about the place they got here from.
Medusa Then and Now: A Monster’s Feminist Reclamation?
Speaking of the historical past of monsters, right here’s one everyone knows and love: Medusa. In this video essay, historian and creator Jean of Jean’s Thoughts breaks down the story of Medusa, why she stays a popular culture icon, and the way she has modified over the previous 1000’s of years. Jean actually is aware of her stuff, so if you need extra video essays about mythology, she’s received you lined. For occasion, right here’s why Hades and Persephone aren’t the lovable couple you assume they’re. Enjoy!
The Complicated Ethics of Ghostwriters and Celebrity Books
Okay, folks like to hate on ghostwriting and superstar memoirs. Maybe particularly as a result of so many ghostwritten superstar books have turn out to be common best-sellers over the previous few years. But why will we hate on them a lot when ghostwriting has been happening for the reason that daybreak of literary time? And are these books as dangerous as folks make them out to be? Jack Edwards breaks all of it down on this video essay.
Looking for extra BookTube content material? Same. Always. Here are 10 thriller BookTube accounts to comply with. Or you possibly can comply with these Nonfiction BookTube accounts. Want to know extra about BookTube and the place it’s heading? Here’s the previous, current and way forward for BookTube, in keeping with BookTubers. Happy watching!
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