My favorite read of 2025 was actually my re-read of George Eliot's "Middlemarch". But sticking to new works as usual: I read 38 works of fiction and nonfiction for the first time in '25, and of those I've picked out again my favorite ten. This year I went somewhat dark, for me. I took in … Continue reading My favorite reads of 2025
second Death Starsecond world warsecond atomic bombsecond frontsecond blitzsecond tower second wonderSecond Templesecond sitesecond kingssecond princesecond armysecond populationsecond citizenssecond history second looksecond chancesecond surgerysecond opinionsecond principlesecond explanationsecond introductionsecond sightsecond beautysecond homesecond cropsecond firesecond stormsecond snowseconds to go second birthsecond thoughtsecond soundsecond tracksecond timesecond lifetimesecond attachmentsecond proposalsecond polesecond noonsecond startsecond sidesecond handsecond choicesecond bestsecond bestiesecond voice … Continue reading on the second hand
There’s a popular belief that Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” is a warning about science “going too far”. But she actually presents Victor Frankenstein as something of a pseudo-scientist, at least when left to his own devices. In his resting state, or when working in isolation, Victor Frankenstein is a romantic more inclined to enjoy nature than to study it, and disinclined to the unglamorous work that scientists must do.
I dreamt about 9-11 early this morning, having watched Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” last night. I don’t know why, because there’s nothing in the movie that obviously connects to such an event. And I didn’t think or read about 9-11 yesterday, so I think in some way this movie did something. I'm not even a … Continue reading Dreaming with classics
My favorite read of 2024 was actually my re-read of The Lord of the Rings. But sticking to new works as usual: I read 28 works of fiction and nonfiction for the first time in '24, and of those I've picked out again my favorite ten. For each book, I've listed some excerpts, not necessarily … Continue reading My favorite reads of 2024
At one point in Frank Capra's "It's A Wonderful Life," George Bailey tells Mr. Potter, "the meanest and richest man in town," what he really thinks of him. You sit around here and you spin your little webs and you think the whole world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn't, Mr. Potter. … Continue reading It’s A Wonderful Life
Very near the end of the "Divine Comedy", Dante and his beloved Beatrice leave behind the planets of our solar system and enter what was known as the sphere of the Fixed Stars. "Before you enter further here," Beatrice tells Dante, "look down and see how vast a universe / I have put beneath your … Continue reading Dante’s Pale Blue Dot
Below are my ten most memorable reads of 2023, fiction and nonfiction, out of my 33 first-time reads. Actually I've thrown 11 chariots into the race, and an honorable runner-up. For each book, I've listed some excerpts, not necessarily the "best" -- there are countless great quotes in all of these -- but just a … Continue reading Favorite reads of 2023
I don't know how I've never read John Milton's "Paradise Lost," but I'm here for it now and it's already blowing me away. The first two of its twelve parts are densely filled with poetry that's surprisingly easy to read, and with so many dramatic images that I've lost count. The first surprise for me … Continue reading Discovering Paradise Lost
Ivan Karamazov issues the following challenge to his devout brother Alyosha, before sharing with him the now-famous parable about the Grand Inquisitor, in Fyodor Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov": Tell me straight out, I call on you—answer me: imagine that you yourself are building the edifice of human destiny with the object of making people happy … Continue reading The Grand Inquisitor and Rebellion
