I'm really enjoying this series, Troy. And I loved what Nathan said here: "But holding these books, leafing through them again and smiling at the many marginalia I have scrawled—my amazement at certain revelations, my rife speculation, my double-underlining of the sheer poetry of much of Wolfe’s writing—filled me with a certain, indescribable calm." A real hymn to the power of books in our lives.
Wow wow, Troy this series is really coming along so well and I adore the intro!
Nathan, what an endorsement. I’m not sure why I’ve never had a go at Wolfe’s work. The concept of tackling something by him has been brewing as you mention him in other comments as well. Now I need to know for myself. The quotes are truly beautiful and you know I’m always up for an unreliable narrator. Thanks for sharing your passion for his work despite your concern to get it right and thanks to Troy for hosting you.
It is, I'm so pleased with these introductions to "old magic" (rather than current bestsellers) - and it had such a spectacular first entry, how could it not appeal? 😘 Thanks Kate!
“…best—cough, unfinished—pieces of modern fantasy”, right, neither of these brilliant writers have finished their masterful series, George R.R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss. Not that you need it, but it does give you a certain amount of permission to relax about not having time for your own incredible work. Maybe it comes down to, great writers require an occasional update in ‘jammie wear’. Change up the scenery and the river of creativity begins to flow. I patiently wait for both. How could I not fall in love with this entire quote, from the beginning;
“These were shaggy barked…” to the end,
“…the wounds of their wars with wind and lightning.”
“…to leaf through the pages and remember and marvel and I can feel the wry smile touching my lips even as I glance now at the page.” A perfect description, Nathan , of every book that I have fallen in love with. You have convinced me to climb aboard. I am setting sail , destination , Amazon .
Loved this. It’s no surprise at all to see Nathan recommend something that sounds so magnificent. I was struck by how well he conveys what these books do to him: "But holding these books, leafing through them again and smiling at the many marginalia I have scrawled—my amazement at certain revelations, my rife speculation, my double-underlining of the sheer poetry of much of Wolfe’s writing—filled me with a certain, indescribable calm. And that, above anything, is why I love these books." That is precisely what I always look for in a reading experience: calm. Calm and isolation. This title is already on my TBR list, as I recall Nathan mentioning it on a few other occasions. Alas, I haven’t picked it up yet -- but I will very soon. :)
I feel the same, Silvio - I've often described reading a book as being more "home" than the place I live, especially certain books and certain passages which I return to again and again. Thank you and Welcome!
“Unslakeable joy of reading and writing.” That just about sums it up. I could read Nathan reviewing favorite books for days on end—vicariously feeling his calm savoring and delight for the written word. And three cheers for slow reading!
I'm at chapter XVII and am loving it. Thankfully, there are no spoilers in this post! All I can do is fully agree with Nathan before dashing off to Urth again.
I love this guest post by Nathan and everything that Jeffrey Streeter said is perfect, Troy.
Thanks Mary! Really appreciate you swinging by to read.
Glad you enjoyed it, Mary! 💜
I'm really enjoying this series, Troy. And I loved what Nathan said here: "But holding these books, leafing through them again and smiling at the many marginalia I have scrawled—my amazement at certain revelations, my rife speculation, my double-underlining of the sheer poetry of much of Wolfe’s writing—filled me with a certain, indescribable calm." A real hymn to the power of books in our lives.
Thanks Jeffrey. Pleased this resonated with you. :)
It really is, Nathan captured the uniquely immersive quality of books we return to again and again. Thanks Jeffrey!
Wow wow, Troy this series is really coming along so well and I adore the intro!
Nathan, what an endorsement. I’m not sure why I’ve never had a go at Wolfe’s work. The concept of tackling something by him has been brewing as you mention him in other comments as well. Now I need to know for myself. The quotes are truly beautiful and you know I’m always up for an unreliable narrator. Thanks for sharing your passion for his work despite your concern to get it right and thanks to Troy for hosting you.
Thanks for reading, Kate! There are too many books. It’s impossible to get to them all. ;)
Let me know what you think if and when you do get to read.
It is, I'm so pleased with these introductions to "old magic" (rather than current bestsellers) - and it had such a spectacular first entry, how could it not appeal? 😘 Thanks Kate!
🤗
You had me at the word ‘jammies’, Troy.
“…best—cough, unfinished—pieces of modern fantasy”, right, neither of these brilliant writers have finished their masterful series, George R.R. Martin and Patrick Rothfuss. Not that you need it, but it does give you a certain amount of permission to relax about not having time for your own incredible work. Maybe it comes down to, great writers require an occasional update in ‘jammie wear’. Change up the scenery and the river of creativity begins to flow. I patiently wait for both. How could I not fall in love with this entire quote, from the beginning;
“These were shaggy barked…” to the end,
“…the wounds of their wars with wind and lightning.”
“…to leaf through the pages and remember and marvel and I can feel the wry smile touching my lips even as I glance now at the page.” A perfect description, Nathan , of every book that I have fallen in love with. You have convinced me to climb aboard. I am setting sail , destination , Amazon .
Thank you both🙏.
Thanks so much Lor. I do hope you enjoy when you get to the book!
Thanks Lor! I'll admit I am inspired - if a little daunted - to give it a try, too. ;)
Loved this. It’s no surprise at all to see Nathan recommend something that sounds so magnificent. I was struck by how well he conveys what these books do to him: "But holding these books, leafing through them again and smiling at the many marginalia I have scrawled—my amazement at certain revelations, my rife speculation, my double-underlining of the sheer poetry of much of Wolfe’s writing—filled me with a certain, indescribable calm. And that, above anything, is why I love these books." That is precisely what I always look for in a reading experience: calm. Calm and isolation. This title is already on my TBR list, as I recall Nathan mentioning it on a few other occasions. Alas, I haven’t picked it up yet -- but I will very soon. :)
Thank you, Silvio. I hope you do enjoy it whenever you get to it!
I feel the same, Silvio - I've often described reading a book as being more "home" than the place I live, especially certain books and certain passages which I return to again and again. Thank you and Welcome!
I couldn't agree more, Troy!
I think this is the second time your book club has introduced me to a book, Troy.
And since Nathan covered it so well — it’s also the second time I’ve been sold on a book your book club has presented. :)
This makes me very happy, Michael! Thanks for sharing. Happy reading!
Wonderful! Thanks Michael!
“Unslakeable joy of reading and writing.” That just about sums it up. I could read Nathan reviewing favorite books for days on end—vicariously feeling his calm savoring and delight for the written word. And three cheers for slow reading!
🙏 Thank you thank you. Too kind.
I know, right? Our Reading Buddha.😘
I'm at chapter XVII and am loving it. Thankfully, there are no spoilers in this post! All I can do is fully agree with Nathan before dashing off to Urth again.
Thanks for reading, Alexander! So pleased you're enjoying the book.
A ringing endorsement! Thanks A!