Make Graham Read A Book*
*With qualifications
Hi guys.
Two years ago I did my Five-Minute Silmarillion series and had a fantastic time. Last year I started the Five-Minute Witchy War. This year’s Five-Minute Iliad was just as satisfying and I can tell from the analytics that readers were interested in it too. In that same spirit, I’m continuing with the Five-Minute Odyssey, and I’ve announced other great pieces in the future.
I like doing these essays, and I gather that a lot of you have some measure of interest in my takes on these things. I also figure that you want to make recommendations from time to time.
Since a few of you are paying subscribers, I’ve wanted to give you special perks but haven’t really known what those might be. Today I finally came to a conclusion: you guys can choose a particular title and I’ll give it the essay treatment.
It may not be as in-depth as the Five-Minute series. You might pick a book I’ve read before, in which case I’ll read it again to get a refresher. You might pick a book I hate, or outright refuse to read, in which case we can have a discussion about it. Chances are my subscribers (and especially the paying ones) will pick a book I’m likely to enjoy, or at the very least appreciate on its own merits. I look forward to stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying something new.
Since I do have a full docket for reviews and other planned reads, setting an exact timetable will be tricky, nevertheless I’ll make it a point to cover 1-2 of these books per month.
To make it clear: this offer is only open to paid subscribers. Whether you’re monthly at $5 or annual at $40, it mattereth not. (Though subscribers who pay the annual fee will get preferential treatment. If you only pay the monthly fee once, I will put your book on the docket and get to it eventually. I understand things are snug and if you really want to plug a title, that way is fine.)
So. Hit me with your preferred pieces. The only books I will categorically refuse to read are:
—Erotica (this includes “romantasy.” I don’t do porn.)
—LitRPG (and you’ll have to make a case for progression fantasy)
—Books about critical race, critical gender, or critical whatever theory
—Books that are inimical to America’s Founding (you guys know what I’m about.)
—Books that you wrote. (Send your review copies to Declan Finn at Upstream Reviews, our stable of writers handles those.)
Other than that, suggest fiction or nonfiction (and do try to keep it within a reasonable length—let’s say 500 pages in print, or 20-ish hours of audio). I trust you not to waste my time because I know you won’t waste your own money.
As of right now I have ten paying subscribers. Those ten get to be the first in line because they signed up before this was announced. Anyone who signs up after this will also get to participate according to the terms set above.
Thank you guys for reading. This site has enjoyed growth and success this year, and I look forward to more. I love books, I love talking with you about books, and I’ll make the effort to include some books that you really care about—provided you give me money, lol.
I’m excited to see what you come up with. Talk to you soon.