16 Comments

The photos are great...makes me want to be "there." Thank you for the recommendations as well!

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Matthew, thank you for thinking to mention my Singapore piece. The journey that took me there began with my own retirement. Every new beginning starts with an ending!

If you appreciate Joan Didion's writing in The Year of Magical Thinking, I strongly recommend Blue Nights. Equally beautiful, fragile writing.

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You’ve been a busy writer this month, Matthew! I enjoy these posts filled with recommendations, and I am so grateful to you for including a link to my essay. Have a wonderful day! 🙏💚

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Oct 31Liked by Matthew Long

Hiya, Matthew, and best wishes in the vast retirescape, where I'm sure you will have grand adventures! I was delighted to find in today's post your blurb recommending my book, The Singing Stick. You're a dear to have read it amongst all those other pages of other books that were tugging at you. I'm so grateful that you enjoyed it and took the care to suggest it to your readers. Keep doing what you do! Deep bows of appreciation . . .

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Oct 31Liked by Matthew Long

Thanks for the shout-out, Matthew, and congrats on your retirement!

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Thank you my friend for the shout out! That was unexpected and thrilling. To be recognized by someone I admire, in so many ways, is humbling. I just reread that post of yours you referenced, “In the Heart of the Void.” And again I’m struck by the strength, vulnerability, and courage one must have to share that. Ironically, all essential for healing. This is Substack at its best. So grateful to be a part of your community here Matthew. Thanks again.

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I'd love to know what you thought of your first Didion, Matthew! No pressure if you didn't like it though...we can still be friends ;)

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Congratulations on your retirement and on leading the way for the rest of us. (Just had to add that The Year of Magical Thinking made a deep impression on me as well. So vulnerably beautiful/beautifully vulnerable.)

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I saw the play adapted from the book,don't know who by or how. On stage at Bath Theatre Royal just Vanessa Redgrave and one chair. I only booked because I didn't know what 'magical thinking' was. Once I saw the play not only did I know but realized I've been doing it all my life and she would have been happier if she had too.

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Matthew, Thank you for including me in your list of recommendations! I feel so honored. Your format here is giving me some ideas for my own publication - love it! I hope you continue to settle into this next new and exciting chapter of your life (and with your lovely wife, too!). Your dedication and service in the Navy is admirable and appreciated. I look forward to seeing what this next year brings as a reader of Beyond the Bookshelf.

P.S. I love the photos!

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What beautiful photos, Matthew. A man of many talents! Nice to see a Damon Galgut novel on your list. I’m a big fan of his work. The Imposter is a favourite.

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20 hrs agoLiked by Matthew Long

Matthew, so much good stuff here. You’re going to keep me very busy reading this weekend. 😁

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Congratulations on your retirement and I sit in awe that you’ve listened to the whole of War & Peace in one month!! Please tell me that’s not so? 😆

Great recommendations🙏🏻

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author

Ha! No, I just finished it this month.

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And Wicked Little Letters was great fun. 🤩

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