Novels are incredibly important. A reprieve from nonfiction, from reality. Now I'm going to find this one, thank you. Here's one for you: Do You Remember Being Born? by Sean Michaels. Happy reading!
The novel sounds great! I understand your point about our attention span getting shorter and retaining the information that we just consumed. I used to read a lot of novels until Dfg ride down the infamous escalator and now I struggle. To add that it’s difficult to get through a 2 hour movie I hear what you’re saying. I will say that hubby and I watched Nayd last night and it was a testament to the desire and determination to keep trying to achieve her goal to swim from Cuba to Key West! I kept thinking that she was going to give up as I couldn’t recall any news about her great feat. But she did it at the age of 64 (I think)! So going forward I will try to get back to being mindful of being in the moment and not worrying about politics so much! Terrific work 🙏🙏 Greg.
I agree that American politics take too much of our precious time that could be way better spent. I can’t wait to see the GQP MAGA traitors ride off into the sunset.
Thanks, Christine. For me, part of it is attention span, and part of it is, I have so many things swirling around my brain that it's daunting to have to learn new character names and all that stuff. My brain just refuses to accept any unnecessary new data. I remember when Nyad did that swim. Very cool!
The Transit is Brilliant. One of the most profound novels I've ever read, and it only slips its way into your heart, taking measured steps, but always keeping you dangling a bit and always probing you with different aspects of each unique personality, each well-seasoned relationship, each recognizable but ineffable premise...
At the end I felt I knew something profoundly deeper about life, about my life.
Thanks Greg, I will look for this book at my library. I have rediscovered my public library for about the last 13-14 years. Just in time to escape to the world of novels. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
Beautiful description of this great novel! I do love a book that you can lose yourself in. I also suffer from ADD and have a hard time staying engaged. For me, my favorite thing about books is that they transport you to another time and another place as well as strengthen your imagination. Your writing stands in strong contrast with Timothy Snyder's "The Strongman Fantasy" Substack today. All you discuss would be lost if the "Strongman" gets back into power. But the "Strongman" can not take away our imaginations! https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/the-strongman-fantasy?r=d8w6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
One of the worst things about MAGA is the creative, emotional, and intellectual energy spent combating it. He's such a parasite, sucking all the energy away.
I must confess that it has been a long time since I’ve read a novel. My current life just doesn’t seem to give me much opportunity. I too marvel at the speed with which the digital age has changed the way we do things, and even the way we think! Thank you for these Sunday Pages, in which I get a glimpse of past mental journeys and some fleeting vicarious chances to stop time.
During the Trump Era (because every. fucking. thing. in the world seems colored by that buffoon's ERA), I started reading a lot of non-fiction, mostly about law, the Supreme Court, Nixon (for some reason), and then when they started coming out, books about Trump's presidency. I finally realized, after more years than I want to admit to, that I was not only engulfing myself in politics during the day, but also at bedtime, which is my "reading and unwinding time." The truth is that there are no more surprises from the Trump ilk, or Trump himself. There's nothing unpredictable anymore because the guy has ONE strategy. I did say a week or two ago that it was time for him to start his rhetoric about the election being rigged, and sure as the sunrise, he started in with his "if I'm not elected" bloodbath comments. Stochastic terrorism always precedes him.
So, with no surprises, no revelations, no understanding possible of HIM or frankly, a good portion of the country, I've turned back to novels. I ACTUALLY unwind now at bedtime, getting lost in worlds that don't exist in Trumpworld, or if they do, they're spoken of as they should be from here on Earth One. It's been very satisfying. I've put "The Transit of Venus" on my Amazon Wishlist; it sounds like something I could sink my teeth into! The further away from reality, the better -- save me from Sci-Fi Fantasy, though because I'm never able to keep track of that stuff, but anything else? Yes!
It's so so so enervating, the constant Trump in our face all day long. It's been much better under Biden, but if Trump returns, heaven help us. Especially in the bad Trump years, I'd just read poetry at night, because it was short and helped me focus. I'm glad to hear you've reclaimed your unwinding time!
Just gorgeous, Greg -- and so appropriate for today's Sun-Neptune conjunction at 27 Pisces, which is only too happy to facilitate a magical, mystical escape. Venus is also in Pisces, which is considered an "exalted" placement for the planet associated with who, what, and how we need to love. Venus is on her way to a meet-up (a "conjunction") with Saturn (also in Pisces), demanding we take all that Venus represents -- women, money, aesthetics and social expression -- with gravitas.
FWIW, a transit of Venus -- i.e., the one astronomers recognize as Venus traveling across the disc of the Sun -- is a recognized phenomenon in astrology, too. A transit of Venus is not unlike a lunar or solar eclipse in how it operates and what it may portend, though one big difference is that transits of Venus are extremely rare. There was a transit of Venus in 1882...and we've only had two since then -- in June 2004 and June 2012. The next one will not happen in this century -- imagine that.
Here's a truckload of info on what Venus symbolizes in the language of astrology, including historical research about powerful women whose ascendance has "coincided" with transits of Venus. https://www.skyscript.co.uk/venustransit.html
For clues on how the 2004 and 2012 transits of Venus are likely to manifest, I'm keeping my eye on any planet that connects with 15-17 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. This year, hot zones include the back half of May and especially mid-August, when Jupiter will be at 15-17 Gemini, squaring Saturn at 17 Pisces.
I was hoping you're weigh in, Elisabeth. Thank you. I was trying to figure out last night if the upcoming eclipse is considered a transit or if it's something else. Hand calls the eclipse "a special kind of transit."
Venus and Saturn also suggests a May/December relationship, no? Or: Saturn the teacher bringing the power of Venus down to earth? I'll go read the Skyscript now...thank you!
EG beat me to it. I was going to suggest that the so-called "weather event" that waterlogged your protagonist reminded me of Venus in Pisces, since he saw her there, on a pedestal, exalted, which is what Venus is in Pisces. (What is a weather event, anyway? Didn't they used to be called storms?)
The "throw away" passages were so well observed. That is fine writing.
I’m trying to “defrag” my brain, too. Very difficult these days. I’ll add the Transit of Venus to my fiction list, although I suffer the same inability to focus on fiction like in days past. I am allotting an hour or so each afternoon to take a break from non fiction, the Times & txittler to read novels. I am going through my mother’s old paperbacks from the 1960’s so I can donate them after reading. I’m currently savoring “The Magus” by John Fowles. (You’ve brought back a lovely memory of stopping in Lyon with my sister to pick up supplies for a picnic as we drove down to Nice. Now I’m having a Proustian moment thinking of French bread & cheese).
I miss reading, but like so many I can no longer focus long enough to really get lost in a book. But this book Venus in transit, really makes me want to try again. I love clever meaningful and a unique style of writing. Trump does suck the air out of everything and I’m so tired of him and his cult. I want them to all just disappear.
I find myself skipping or skimming through most things I read online. But when I read a novel (I like crime or mystery stories), I slow down and read every word. It may be the characters who slow me down, or it may be the plot, but I read more slowly and absorb more.
Novels are incredibly important. A reprieve from nonfiction, from reality. Now I'm going to find this one, thank you. Here's one for you: Do You Remember Being Born? by Sean Michaels. Happy reading!
Thanks for the rec!
Thank you. I’m going to find and read this book.
Let us know what you think!
The novel sounds great! I understand your point about our attention span getting shorter and retaining the information that we just consumed. I used to read a lot of novels until Dfg ride down the infamous escalator and now I struggle. To add that it’s difficult to get through a 2 hour movie I hear what you’re saying. I will say that hubby and I watched Nayd last night and it was a testament to the desire and determination to keep trying to achieve her goal to swim from Cuba to Key West! I kept thinking that she was going to give up as I couldn’t recall any news about her great feat. But she did it at the age of 64 (I think)! So going forward I will try to get back to being mindful of being in the moment and not worrying about politics so much! Terrific work 🙏🙏 Greg.
I agree that American politics take too much of our precious time that could be way better spent. I can’t wait to see the GQP MAGA traitors ride off into the sunset.
...or ridden out of town on a rail. : )
🙏🏻
Or maybe tied to that rail…
May your wishes come truth.
Thanks, Christine. For me, part of it is attention span, and part of it is, I have so many things swirling around my brain that it's daunting to have to learn new character names and all that stuff. My brain just refuses to accept any unnecessary new data. I remember when Nyad did that swim. Very cool!
The Transit is Brilliant. One of the most profound novels I've ever read, and it only slips its way into your heart, taking measured steps, but always keeping you dangling a bit and always probing you with different aspects of each unique personality, each well-seasoned relationship, each recognizable but ineffable premise...
At the end I felt I knew something profoundly deeper about life, about my life.
Yes! That's it exactly. I feel wiser now, like I learned about myself. Thanks for that, Jeff; you expressed how I feel!
“The power of the novel,” she said, “lies in its ability to stop time.”
Slow down and enjoy the ride - life is not a race to the grave. 🤷♀️
No clocks! Novels are like baseball games...you never know how long they will take to get through!
I’m retired and have the luxury of time now. 🧘
Thanks Greg, I will look for this book at my library. I have rediscovered my public library for about the last 13-14 years. Just in time to escape to the world of novels. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.
I'm glad to hear that, Helen! Both parts!
Beautiful description of this great novel! I do love a book that you can lose yourself in. I also suffer from ADD and have a hard time staying engaged. For me, my favorite thing about books is that they transport you to another time and another place as well as strengthen your imagination. Your writing stands in strong contrast with Timothy Snyder's "The Strongman Fantasy" Substack today. All you discuss would be lost if the "Strongman" gets back into power. But the "Strongman" can not take away our imaginations! https://open.substack.com/pub/snyder/p/the-strongman-fantasy?r=d8w6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thanks, Gail.
One of the worst things about MAGA is the creative, emotional, and intellectual energy spent combating it. He's such a parasite, sucking all the energy away.
Yes, a vortex of chaos. The prescient song by David Bowie comes to mind: “The Man Who Sold the World”.
My library doesn't have a copy in English, so I bought a paperback from 'a' ...
That means you can mark the good quotes!
I must confess that it has been a long time since I’ve read a novel. My current life just doesn’t seem to give me much opportunity. I too marvel at the speed with which the digital age has changed the way we do things, and even the way we think! Thank you for these Sunday Pages, in which I get a glimpse of past mental journeys and some fleeting vicarious chances to stop time.
Thank you, Earl!
During the Trump Era (because every. fucking. thing. in the world seems colored by that buffoon's ERA), I started reading a lot of non-fiction, mostly about law, the Supreme Court, Nixon (for some reason), and then when they started coming out, books about Trump's presidency. I finally realized, after more years than I want to admit to, that I was not only engulfing myself in politics during the day, but also at bedtime, which is my "reading and unwinding time." The truth is that there are no more surprises from the Trump ilk, or Trump himself. There's nothing unpredictable anymore because the guy has ONE strategy. I did say a week or two ago that it was time for him to start his rhetoric about the election being rigged, and sure as the sunrise, he started in with his "if I'm not elected" bloodbath comments. Stochastic terrorism always precedes him.
So, with no surprises, no revelations, no understanding possible of HIM or frankly, a good portion of the country, I've turned back to novels. I ACTUALLY unwind now at bedtime, getting lost in worlds that don't exist in Trumpworld, or if they do, they're spoken of as they should be from here on Earth One. It's been very satisfying. I've put "The Transit of Venus" on my Amazon Wishlist; it sounds like something I could sink my teeth into! The further away from reality, the better -- save me from Sci-Fi Fantasy, though because I'm never able to keep track of that stuff, but anything else? Yes!
It's so so so enervating, the constant Trump in our face all day long. It's been much better under Biden, but if Trump returns, heaven help us. Especially in the bad Trump years, I'd just read poetry at night, because it was short and helped me focus. I'm glad to hear you've reclaimed your unwinding time!
What a marvelous review. Makes me want to find a copy meownself !
It also reminded me of your annoucement, Greg, of your own novel, set, as I recall, in Constantinople. How are sales? gb
Thanks, Greg.
Sales are...steady. ; )
Just gorgeous, Greg -- and so appropriate for today's Sun-Neptune conjunction at 27 Pisces, which is only too happy to facilitate a magical, mystical escape. Venus is also in Pisces, which is considered an "exalted" placement for the planet associated with who, what, and how we need to love. Venus is on her way to a meet-up (a "conjunction") with Saturn (also in Pisces), demanding we take all that Venus represents -- women, money, aesthetics and social expression -- with gravitas.
FWIW, a transit of Venus -- i.e., the one astronomers recognize as Venus traveling across the disc of the Sun -- is a recognized phenomenon in astrology, too. A transit of Venus is not unlike a lunar or solar eclipse in how it operates and what it may portend, though one big difference is that transits of Venus are extremely rare. There was a transit of Venus in 1882...and we've only had two since then -- in June 2004 and June 2012. The next one will not happen in this century -- imagine that.
Here's a truckload of info on what Venus symbolizes in the language of astrology, including historical research about powerful women whose ascendance has "coincided" with transits of Venus. https://www.skyscript.co.uk/venustransit.html
For clues on how the 2004 and 2012 transits of Venus are likely to manifest, I'm keeping my eye on any planet that connects with 15-17 degrees of Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. This year, hot zones include the back half of May and especially mid-August, when Jupiter will be at 15-17 Gemini, squaring Saturn at 17 Pisces.
I was hoping you're weigh in, Elisabeth. Thank you. I was trying to figure out last night if the upcoming eclipse is considered a transit or if it's something else. Hand calls the eclipse "a special kind of transit."
Venus and Saturn also suggests a May/December relationship, no? Or: Saturn the teacher bringing the power of Venus down to earth? I'll go read the Skyscript now...thank you!
EG beat me to it. I was going to suggest that the so-called "weather event" that waterlogged your protagonist reminded me of Venus in Pisces, since he saw her there, on a pedestal, exalted, which is what Venus is in Pisces. (What is a weather event, anyway? Didn't they used to be called storms?)
The "throw away" passages were so well observed. That is fine writing.
"The power of the novel lies its ability to STOP TIME"
I just finished
"A happy Death" by Albert Camus
I’m trying to “defrag” my brain, too. Very difficult these days. I’ll add the Transit of Venus to my fiction list, although I suffer the same inability to focus on fiction like in days past. I am allotting an hour or so each afternoon to take a break from non fiction, the Times & txittler to read novels. I am going through my mother’s old paperbacks from the 1960’s so I can donate them after reading. I’m currently savoring “The Magus” by John Fowles. (You’ve brought back a lovely memory of stopping in Lyon with my sister to pick up supplies for a picnic as we drove down to Nice. Now I’m having a Proustian moment thinking of French bread & cheese).
I miss reading, but like so many I can no longer focus long enough to really get lost in a book. But this book Venus in transit, really makes me want to try again. I love clever meaningful and a unique style of writing. Trump does suck the air out of everything and I’m so tired of him and his cult. I want them to all just disappear.
Whoops…The Transit of Venus
I find myself skipping or skimming through most things I read online. But when I read a novel (I like crime or mystery stories), I slow down and read every word. It may be the characters who slow me down, or it may be the plot, but I read more slowly and absorb more.