What a very wise piece, brimful of possibilities. Love the memory of ‘the world of books’ being unlocked for you. And what a rich gathering of quotes. Put me in mind of “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it”. Samuel Johnson, Works of Samuel Johnson
I’m not sure I would have been able to put my finger on it before reading this essay, but you’ve hit upon one of the reasons I think you are such a great readalong host! Not all people are willing to be so generous about readings of their favorites that differ widely from their own. But you have handled all our speculation about Helene’s fertility etc. with aplomb. 😂 So looking forward to Wolf Crawl!
Lots of insight here Simon. Thank you. I read War and Peace in the spring over about three months. Truly a deep and masterful work. It definitely took me down some rabbit holes in my mind.
There must be some synchronicity at play in the book realm. I finished writing my newsletter last night for release tomorrow and it is heavy on memories!
I read the whole 1200 or so pages, but I can certainly see how a long slow read would add tremendous value. It will be due for a relatively some point with a slower pace.
It was mostly tongue in cheek, because I think I must have read it in a couple of months the first time around. My plan is to create a solid 52-week reading course on subtstack that anyone can access in the future.
There are many possibilities but I decided I’d like to pitch Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane (but I’ve heard there’s such a long backlog of scheduled posts I’m in no hurry). There’s a tab on the page with instructions :)
I have yet to read all of his books (currently working on Mountains of the Mind); they're pretty dense. But I thoroughly enjoy them all! I can also recommend The Old Ways, and Ness (a short one that I think you would LOVE).
What a very wise piece, brimful of possibilities. Love the memory of ‘the world of books’ being unlocked for you. And what a rich gathering of quotes. Put me in mind of “A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it”. Samuel Johnson, Works of Samuel Johnson
More fabulous words, Simon, thank you.
Oh yes, I love that. The reader finishes it. And then another reader finishes it. And again. With books, it's turtles all the way down.
So many delightful morsels of wisdom about books and reading here 😁 and we will make our first fire of the season tonight!
Thank you! OH and yes we need to do this too!
This was a really lovely listen. Thank you, Simon. I’m even more excited to read W&P with you in the new year now.
Oh thank you! I'm glad it has piqued your interest further!
I’m not sure I would have been able to put my finger on it before reading this essay, but you’ve hit upon one of the reasons I think you are such a great readalong host! Not all people are willing to be so generous about readings of their favorites that differ widely from their own. But you have handled all our speculation about Helene’s fertility etc. with aplomb. 😂 So looking forward to Wolf Crawl!
Thank you Laura. It's a tricky business finding the balance and keeping most people happy. I'm glad you think it was a success!
Laura I agree with you completely, you've captured so succinctly why Simon is such a fantastic readalong guide
Oh thank you Sarah. You guys do make me blush!
I have so very much enjoyed all those fabulous diversions we've explored in W&P this year. Imagination is such a wonderful gift...
Lots of insight here Simon. Thank you. I read War and Peace in the spring over about three months. Truly a deep and masterful work. It definitely took me down some rabbit holes in my mind.
There must be some synchronicity at play in the book realm. I finished writing my newsletter last night for release tomorrow and it is heavy on memories!
Thanks Matthew, I'll look out for it. Your reading of W&P was speedy compared to ours! Hope you didn't skip bits. 😂
I read the whole 1200 or so pages, but I can certainly see how a long slow read would add tremendous value. It will be due for a relatively some point with a slower pace.
It was mostly tongue in cheek, because I think I must have read it in a couple of months the first time around. My plan is to create a solid 52-week reading course on subtstack that anyone can access in the future.
*reread at some point
Is this your pitch for The Books that Made Us? “Simon Haisell on Dragon Pirate Stories” ;)
Ha maybe! Although I'd think War and Peace would be a more obvious candidate... 🤔
Hence the wink haha
Oh yes. Maybe I'll look into how one submits to that. What book would you choose?
There are many possibilities but I decided I’d like to pitch Landmarks by Robert Macfarlane (but I’ve heard there’s such a long backlog of scheduled posts I’m in no hurry). There’s a tab on the page with instructions :)
I must read Landmarks. I have still only read Underland.
I have yet to read all of his books (currently working on Mountains of the Mind); they're pretty dense. But I thoroughly enjoy them all! I can also recommend The Old Ways, and Ness (a short one that I think you would LOVE).