Annihilation Was AMAZING - Spoiler Free Book Discussion

Thanks to you, I went out today and bought the whole trilogy. 😁 The Southern Reach Trilogy, if anyone is interested.

Also Hello Mrs Talking Story. 👋

This intro is so bitter sweet. I love this. I just had my first baby in December. I hope my husband and I have this type of relationship with each other and with our "the kid" in the future. Inspirational relationship goals.

Annihilation has been on my shelf for about a year now, it was given as a gift. I know I need to read this book, but it’s like what happened to Hyperion- I say I’m going to read it every few months but then I put it off for whatever reason. TOO MUCH TO READ!

The first book is amazing. Unfortunately, the 2nd & 3rd book are pretty meh. Vandermeer's strength & weakness are part of the same issue, IMO. He can successfully not flesh out an idea to have its mystery stay with the reader. But in the trilogy format, it is what brings it down. Eventually, I got frustrated with the story. Its kind of a common theme with his works.

The Mrs. Book Club now three episodes in “feels good” almost like an English class versus a booktube video. I think Amy elevates the book discussion.

This book sounds like Hyperion’s Time Tombs meets Stephen King’s The Mist as a guess.

Maybe Amy would be interested in reading Farseer or Boudica… would love to see her opinion of these female writers.

Reminds me of a cooperative board game called Unsettled, where you are a group of explorers who visit different planets and face a variety of challenges, and a ton of ecological issues

Was the film a good adaptation?

Looove the level playing field from that character device.

Here's a question, would you recommend the book to someone who didn't care for the movie?

And I love these videos with you two! Great conversations are had and well enjoyed.

I love this segment ❤

I'm so very glad that you enjoyed Annihilation John, I had a feeling that you would since it does get very...Lovecraftian in parts. I remember when I first read it, and my world was completely rocked by the vision that VanderMeer demonstrated here. It's really hard to put it into words. It might be the best Lovecraftian fiction I've read this decade, and I dare say that VanderMeer is the finest science fiction writer living today.

A great video as always uncle, glad to see Mrs. Minton out and about. You two are very sweet together. Keep it up!

I loved the movie so I bet the book will be 5/5 for me too!

Loved the movie,
Loved the book even more.


Both of them do a great job of not telling us much about what's exactly happening in the area and keeping things open ended. And I like that the most about cosmic horror, the fear of the unknown.

Had me on the edge of the seat, had to finish it in less than 48 hours (which tells a lot because I'm not much of a fast reader).
Definitely one of my favourite reads this year so far.

However, I'm not sure about getting into the trilogy, I kinda liked where things ended.

I absolutely love Book Club w/the Mrs.! These are great videos 😁 I can’t wait to get into Vandermeer soon. Also, I just picked up my copy of Ordinary Grace so I can read along with the Quilluminati 😃

love this kind of video! Really brings such a fun and insightful element to the channel. Amy Rocks!

Your insights into this book were fantastic. Both of you. I read it years ago…enjoyed book 1…hated book 2 but now I feel I need to reread and apply some of these concepts.

I JUST got this book, loved the movie, can't wait to read it!

You have me pumped to try this! Love this couple’s book club!

Awesome video! You guys are too cute together, love it. I have the Southern Reach omnibus and have wanted to read it, this is perfect timing!

Drivibg to my local library right now. Thanks for reminding me I wanted to read it😊

What a delightful conversation! I haven't read Annihilation, but I like to support reviews and deep dive discussions around here with a full view, a like, and a comment. It was also fun to listen to the two of you bounce thoughts off of each other!

"Hit me" don't say that when she's already swinging her fist around :D Liked the movie. I think I need to read the book. "If you've seen the movie you..." (haven't seen the book) :D

This is my first time watching Book Club With The Mrs. and it was wonderful! Ahab, 😅 I could tell you were a writer emediately. You have an insightful take on the book and I think we're all blessed to hear you talk 😊 I have a cat named Kali and she is the embodiment of the Hindu Goddess ... I appreciated that reference to no end! You two reviewing a book was a great balance, thanks 🎉

I loved this book when it came out and I really want to reread it so looks like I am going to get a copy of the trilogy and try to get it done before the new one comes out. I did see where you can preorder a signed copy of the new book on his website for $29 which is pretty cool

Who needs Jakob when we can have Amy?!?! Another amazing book discussion, I already can't wait for more collab videos with you two.
I personally bounced off Annihilation on my first read, but I think I might have to give it a second chance someday when I am in the right mood. Somehow, I do still agree with everything you guys were gushing about here, this is truly one of the most uncanny stories and it just has a way of creeping under your skin. Thanks for the fun!

"About 200 pages long but 600 pages deep." - that describes perfectly what JVM did in this book. So my experience of reading this book (and I went in blind) was akin to reading JM Coetzee - everything you guys said about VanderMeer's writing I find true of Coetzee's as well.
Almost everyone who likes the first book tends to dislike the second. I'm probably in the miniscule minority that liked it - it took me in a direction that I wasn't expecting. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on Authority.

This has been great, looking forward to seeing further collaborations from you both!

So much fun! Always makes my day and or week better! Thank you guys! ❤

What a great video! Love the collaboration ones. Now I have to decide if I want to read or take a nap!!

I forgot to ask- when do you both like to read? Evenings, mornings etc. I’m pretty haphazard and probs it need a better schedule lol

Great discussion you two! You did just fine without “The Kid”, no worries 😉. I will definitely be checking out this trilogy!!!! Thanks 😊.

Happy Birthday 🎈 Amy’s Dad!

Great discussion! I read this about 10 years ago or so, and I was on the fence with it. I liked it, but it was a little disconcerting as I felt I didn't know enough afterwards as I thought I needed to. I've not continued the series yet, but seeing the two of you discuss it makes me want to give it another shot. May just order book 2.

Holy moly, now I know who Jakob looks like! Momma's got the genes! Great to see you on here MOM/WIFEY! Maybe this will convince my wife to take the PLUNGE! Great video!

I used to read for pleasure a lot as a kid, but fell off from it during college while pursuing an English degree and didn't read much for years after I'd graduated. This book brought me back into the fold several years ago. I'm so glad to have read it, and you both perfectly encapsulate why it's such a great read and it comes down to the atmosphere. If the setting, the characters, the prose, and the enigma of all of those working in tandem.

Finally got around to this one as I have just finished the book. Really enjoyed both the book and discussion. Will be ordering book 2 as well. Now onto Ordinary Grace!

What an fantastic video. I am loving the Mrs Book Club and looking forward to more. I need to read the books your discussing in all of these videos before watching again as the way you both understand the books and your insights is on another level.