Reviews
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“I've listened to this podcast from the beginning. I love listening to MIB, even the bits about his personal life (though he does sometimes go on a bit too much). I especially like when he stops to look up meanings and pronunciations. So many podcasters and YouTubers just go with wrong...”Read full review »
ggurman via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/25/24
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“I have loved MIB since I love the 80s and he hits everywhere. Reading classic novels is an original and hilarious way to showcase his unique sense of humor. I love his reading style and his comments.”
J00l33bug via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/25/24
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“I’m a returning fan of this podcast after a few years absent. Season 1 was my companion in lockdown, but season 2 didn’t deliver the same vibe and I fell off the wagon. Now after catching up on all of s4, I’m giving Frankenstein another go. My favourite thing about this podcast is the parallels...”Read full review »
Posy May via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/04/24
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“I’ve started from the very beginning & have really enjoyed the show. At some points, I’ve listened with my 9th-grade daughter & she has loved it too. I’m also inspired now to look for Michael Ian Black’s other work.”
mkolody via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/27/24
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“I’ve enjoyed every season of this show, even when the story was bad (sorry, Frankenstein). I think I would listen to Michael Ian Black read a technical manual, if he were to comment as he went. It’s my first listen every Tuesday.”
aimbcdefg via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/28/24
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“I had no interest in reading any of of these novels but the hilarious and also thoughtful commentary from Michael Ian Black not only makes the content digestible but also very enjoyable. If I had to read or listen to a regular audiobook for any of these novels I would have given up after the...”Read full review »
ekordulak via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/06/24
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“I love this podcast and all things MIB. My friend and I text each other funny lines from the episodes all the time. However, I’m begging you to take the music out. There are woodwind and brass melodies jumping all over the place, it’s loud, and I can’t concentrate on the book.”
Open Face via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/09/24
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“For four years Michael Ian Black has been reading me classic works of literature that I would never have picked up on my own, and I’m forever the better for it. This podcast is simply a delightful way to take a weekly 35-minute pause from the drone of noisy life and just… read… while occasionally...”Read full review »
Bwbausman via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/08/24
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“This show is worth the listen.”
apppleamy via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/05/24
“He is a fine narrator with blend of personal stories and story critique. Worth listening to.”
Yellow Pillow 1960 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/19/24
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“Whenever I see a new episode of Obscure has been released, it makes me smile! I enjoy MIB’s intelligent and humorous observations on life and the book. One of my favorite podcasts. MIB’s substack is also great. Highly recommend it.”
MissMyrtle79 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/16/24
“Michael recaps a lot and keeps my attention on the book. Great for my adhd brain. If you’re not familiar with MIB’s schtick, it helps to take everything he says with a grain of salt.”
JB10million via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/17/24
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“I am loving this season of Obscure, it’s my favorite one yet. It’s the literature & commentary together that make the magic.”
Jezz A Belle via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/08/24
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“Welcome back for another season Michael. Thank you for the weekly dose of Obscure
you were missed.”
Try walks in the parks via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/09/23
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“Do you like audible but wish it had infinitely more commercial breaks? Do you wish there was a pseudo-intellectual hang out for alt-comedian hacks? Do you enjoy reading a book with cliff notes, but wish they were more sarcastic? This is the podcast for you!”
flakmomanbeemongo98887 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/09/23
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“Here is the review you are constantly asking for on season 1 of Obscure. I am not a podcast listener or big reader, but this podcast has kept my attention. I’m an empty nester on summer break from my job as a school based Speech/language Pathologist. Thanks for entertaining me this summer...”Read full review »
Nanukani via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/05/23
“I love this show! He asks the same questions we all have. What does that archaic word mean? What is this character feeling? How can we get an Italian accent in this thing? Love it up one side and down the other. You might love it, too. Please read another Great American novel, sir. This is a...”Read full review »
realLM via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/30/23
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“Laugh and cry with Micheal Ian Black as he reads classic literature and comments on it as he goes! I don’t even know why this podcast is so good, but it is!! I look forward to it every week, can’t wait for the next season. Thank you for doing it!!”
Tannaaaaaa via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/19/23
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“I've listened to every episode, and I always look forward to listening each week. I love the idea of comedic commentary while reading a book, and I'm surprised more people don't do this! Looking forward to next season. My sister recommends "Of Human Bondage." The top review on...”Read full review »
SMKilgs via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/18/23
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“Sad that it’s over but the ride was great (edit: he’s back and just as brilliant!). The concept of the podcast is brilliant, and might not have worked if Michael weren’t such a thoughtful and fun mansplainer in chief. I hope this is a great success and becomes a new art form. I don’t think I’d...”Read full review »
GrandpaBoner via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/15/23
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“Thank you Michael! This is an unusual way to revisit some classics, love how you bring our modern ways of thinking to these novels. Can’t wait for the next book!”
TG, Calgary via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
03/14/23
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“You’re feeling better. Me too! You’re brave.”
Tap of Sanity via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/01/23
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“One of my favorite podcasts. Just what I want to hear. I learn, I laugh, and I appreciate Michael’s candor on issues such as family, marriage, mental health, gun control, feminism, and how boring old books are sometimes. Please don’t ever stop making this podcast!”
GillnMaureen via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/28/23
“Season 1 was Jude the Obscure. He did an amazing job and was very funny. Probably the best season of any podcast ever
Season 2 was Frankenstein. He quickly fell into hate-reading it, and it affected the entire podcast as all humor died as well
Season 3 was Wuthering Heights. Maybe the worst...”Read full review »
The Real Zen Boy via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
02/08/23
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“We all know he’s a legitimate idiot (his words). I found out about this podcast only recently and was intrigued because I love Jude the Obscure. Yes, I had read it before this podcast!
Michael is a delightful reader and his insights and interpretations are very wise. [I cringed and got very...”Read full review »
ehmerrell via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/13/23
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“Love this podcast. Could never have gotten through Wuthering Heights without it.”
Trp4398 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
01/03/23
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“Love Michael Ian Black and it’s just fun listening to him read these books!”
valfresno via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
12/18/22
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“Have always been a Jane Eyre girl and no time for Wuthering Heights. I found myself getting moved very much at Michael’s reading of this bizarre story and am grateful, it’s worth knowing. Amazing how some literature can speak to emotions and experiences across all boundaries. And then this guy...”Read full review »
BuckDes via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
11/07/22
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“I adore this podcast, and grateful for multiple seasons to listen to after Jude the Obscure. I read a lot, including 19th-century literature, and it’s actually such an enjoyable way to experience a book. MIB is a total delight - insightful and funny, and he has great guests. I used to watch The...”Read full review »
ninapost via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
10/15/22
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“The day this podcast drops I have a spring in my step. Highly recommend.”
GameLover39 via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
09/22/22
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“Curling up with this weekly has been the most relished pod fixture of 2022. Michael should not only get a load of Audible narration work offers on the back of this - he is dazzlers at it - but a special public health award. He has a nice voice and a hilariously unique way of deflating the hyped...”Read full review »
Lizzold via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
09/20/22
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“This podcast keeps walking me through the “Great Books” and I appreciate it!! Michael Ian Black is insightful and a master humorist.”
Emily H R via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/17/22
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“Great idea but unlistenable. Couldn’t make it thru episode one waiting in vain for him to stop adoring and dithering.”
JJRROMI via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/20/22
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“I tuned into this podcast because I love Wuthering Heights. Have read it many times since reading it the first time at age 12. (Um yes, it damaged me!)
But, as one of my all time favorite classics, I felt it was time to read it again and Hello Michael Ian Black!
I am so enjoying listening to...”Read full review »
Kiwi-Louise via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/03/22
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“Michael,
For your next selection, I’d like for you to choose an American obscurity. My choice would be Theodore Dreiser’s “Sister Carrie.” I’m guessing that most readers know Dreiser, if they know him at all, for “An American Tragedy” (Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift in the movie version,...”Read full review »
dougtex via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
08/01/22
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“Everything I want in a podcast. Entertaining, engaging, funny.”
NWPete1111 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/30/22
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“I’ve read Wuthering Heights too many times to count. I’ve seen most film versions. And, I’m a girl who’s been steeped in Brontes and Austin and Trollope and the like since I could basically read. I have honestly never enjoyed this work as much as I have listening to Season 3 of Obscure. The...”Read full review »
KateChickES via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/29/22
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“I just started listening to season three and cannot put it down. This podcast is a perfect combination of comedy, reflection, and—of course—classic literature. I came expecting the first and am not disappointed. But what has kept me here, in addition to Emily Brontë’s excellent story, is Black’s...”Read full review »
jmihok16 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
07/29/22
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“This podcast has been a game changer! I like to read the classics when I can, but having just had my first child I was not prioritizing any reading except about diaper rashes and ear infections. Along comes Obscure, and now I’m “reading” a classic that I can say with 100% surety I would never...”Read full review »
hannah.sherlock via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/21/22
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“It’s an excellent show. I enjoy hearing the classics being read and Michael’s very comical narration. But please, for the love of god; as a person bingeing the 2nd season after blowing through the third- There are commercial breaks too often and I can’t hear the same ones any more!!!”
bridgey_smalls via Apple Podcasts ·
Canada ·
07/07/22
“This podcast is an absolute delight. If only it had been around when I was studying to get literature degree! Literary analysis + thoughtful insight + hilarity = good times.”
fortean event via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/29/22
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“I loved re-reading Jude the Obscure with Michael Ian Black in season one. I recently stumbled on the good news that there is a season 2 and 3! I have been binging Frankestein and Wuthering Heights and am finally caught up. I can't wait to hear the next episode! Michael is hilarious,...”Read full review »
Mikemandsager via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/27/22
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“If you want to laugh, learn and “read” classic books ….. you will love this podcast. Michael Ian Black is smart and hilarious . . . My new virtual best friend.”
Karen from CT via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
06/23/22
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“I’m one of those obscure people who has actually read Jude the Obscure, and I can’t wait for Michael to get to and react to the really dark parts that are seared into my brain. I love the classics, and I love MIB, so as soon as I heard this was a thing (super late,) I jumped on.
I really enjoy...”Read full review »
jellyfishingsb via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/20/22
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“Thank you for such a thoughtful take on Louis CK. Like you, I really enjoyed his comedic insight…before he was brought down, and rightly so. If only he could show some atonement for his poor judgement. You got it just right. This is why I love listening to this podcast, there is so much more to...”Read full review »
chaseandgray via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/27/22
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“I really love this podcast. It’s been funny, insightful, and touching. I hope very much that not only will Michael continue with another book, but that others will pick up this format. I cannot listen to audio books. I space out. But this totally keeps my attention. Genius idea.”
tapanapa via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
04/12/22
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“A sensitive, sardonic, snarky soul reads Victorian literature, and like Natasha Leggero, I AM HOOKED!”
Sh'lissa via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
03/21/22
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