Thanks David. I had only read Station Eleven so I was expecting another sci-fi/dystopian novel but it was quite different in a good way. Sea of Tranquility is next up.
Another fine collection of rabbit holes to dart down, Matt. In awe of your prolific reading! Not just the books, but your Substack in-box too. I have saved the Jay Adler for a read later. Happy reading.
Thanks my friend! I find myself in the enviable position of having little to do other than read and write about it! Perhaps if I were restoring a farm in France my hands would be a bit more full but alas I have few distractions other than my books and random walks with Lola.
I fill a lot of reading time with cycling … and some wood cutting! It’ll soon be Spring and the growing will start again. But there are plans for books aplenty!
So much to love here! I am definitely going to sign up for the 10 Minute Artist with Adam Ming. And I enjoyed the chorus video of “Go Your Own Way” — really great. Thank you for brightening up my day.
Matthew, Thank you for providing us with a window into so many amazing writers here on Substack and for your commitment and dedication to your work here. The energy is felt.
Matthew, I'm a new subscriber who will join your excursion through The Iliad. How do you keep all this from becoming a muddle? Share your secret, please. Something to do with discipline instilled during your time in the Navy? I expect the substack helps. And thank you for that! And all I've picked up in the last couple of weeks.
Thanks, Beth, and welcome! I am a bit OCD, but I have spreadsheets, checklists, and lots of discipline from my career! Mostly, it is just an absolute joy to share my passion with others.
Tangentially yes but not directly. I would say there is a thread of discipline that runs through most of my personal writing beginning with my early biographical essays, to the various times I have written about intentionality, and most recently in my essay on my lifelong learning philosophy. But I don’t believe I have addressed it explicitly on my publication. In my unpublished journals, yes, extensively.
I would love to read your thoughts about it, especially because it has been such an integral part of your career and life. I’m always trying to find the right balance with it—what does a disciplined life look like? Feel like? When is it ok to be lax and to what degree? What is the aim of being disciplined? Can you overdo it? Everyone has to find their own answers, but I’m curious to know yours + any questions/ observations you came across in your journey.
Really struck by your reading list. My son recommended Calvino’s “Six Memos…” which I read last year, and found interesting, and he gifted me a Borges book for Christmas! I’m putting “The Glass House” on my list, thanks! (If I can get to it. My own reading project is taking a lot of time!)
You have a lot on your hands with that reading list of yours! This was my first Calvino and I am eager to explore more of his work. It was also my first Borges and I will definitely be reading more of his writing.
I was so impressed! I have a soft spot for flash mobs and other random groups performing spontaneously. Such a great way to show connection through art.
I hope you read the new translation of Madam Bovary by Lydia Davis. I read the original translation long, long ago but now own Davis as well. Flaubert, considered the first modern novel--heavily influenced by him, D.H. Lawrence, and as I've said, Colm Toibin (modern and brilliant) and Joyce and Woolf. And so many more. I would love it if you were reading _Who by Fire_--
Mary, I just ordered a copy of Who by Fire for my personal library. Sometimes I have trouble keeping up with the serialization so now that I have my own copy I will make it happen! I have loved everything of yours that I have read so I am sure this will be equally brilliant.
My translation of Madam Bovary was by Geoffrey Wall. It was the Penguin Classics edition. I will have to check out the Lydia Davis translation.
You are welcome and I hope you enjoy Mandel's writing.
Hi Matthew,
I loved the Glass Hotel and its quasi-sequel, Sea Of Tranquility.
Thanks David. I had only read Station Eleven so I was expecting another sci-fi/dystopian novel but it was quite different in a good way. Sea of Tranquility is next up.
I don't like dystopian novels so I never read Station Eleven. Enjoy Sea of Tranquility!
I am very hit or miss with dystopian stuff. In this case I liked the book but then I tried watching the show on HBO and didn't care for it.
Mandel’s three latest books will always have a special place in my heart and mind.
Jam, glad to hear you are a fan. This is only the second book of hers I have read but looking forward to more.
Another fine collection of rabbit holes to dart down, Matt. In awe of your prolific reading! Not just the books, but your Substack in-box too. I have saved the Jay Adler for a read later. Happy reading.
Thanks my friend! I find myself in the enviable position of having little to do other than read and write about it! Perhaps if I were restoring a farm in France my hands would be a bit more full but alas I have few distractions other than my books and random walks with Lola.
I fill a lot of reading time with cycling … and some wood cutting! It’ll soon be Spring and the growing will start again. But there are plans for books aplenty!
"Hairy looking trees stand out
in long alleys
over a wild solitude."
Gorgeous. Thank you for sharing that poem!
I love William Carlos Williams and thought this poem was perfect for the season.
Thank you and happy new year
You are welcome. Thanks for reading Susan.
Thank you for the generous mention, Matthew. Wishing you much wonder and joy in the year ahead!
You are welcome. Keep up the great work and hope you have a blessed year as well.
So much to love here! I am definitely going to sign up for the 10 Minute Artist with Adam Ming. And I enjoyed the chorus video of “Go Your Own Way” — really great. Thank you for brightening up my day.
Thanks Zina! Glad to bring some joy your way.
Matthew, Thank you for providing us with a window into so many amazing writers here on Substack and for your commitment and dedication to your work here. The energy is felt.
You are quite welcome Charlene. Glad to have you along for the journey. Hope you are staying warm up there in Maine!
Calvino, Borges and Flaubert in December. That's a great month of reading! Thank you for your very kind mention, Matthew, and all the best for 2025.
Thanks Jeffrey. It was a stellar month for sure. I look forward to reading more of your work in the coming year.
I think Horse by Geraldine Brooks is her best. Don’t miss it. And thanks for all these great suggestions!
I will add it to my list. Thanks for the recommendation.
Matthew, I'm a new subscriber who will join your excursion through The Iliad. How do you keep all this from becoming a muddle? Share your secret, please. Something to do with discipline instilled during your time in the Navy? I expect the substack helps. And thank you for that! And all I've picked up in the last couple of weeks.
Thanks, Beth, and welcome! I am a bit OCD, but I have spreadsheets, checklists, and lots of discipline from my career! Mostly, it is just an absolute joy to share my passion with others.
Have you written about discipline here before?
Tangentially yes but not directly. I would say there is a thread of discipline that runs through most of my personal writing beginning with my early biographical essays, to the various times I have written about intentionality, and most recently in my essay on my lifelong learning philosophy. But I don’t believe I have addressed it explicitly on my publication. In my unpublished journals, yes, extensively.
I would love to read your thoughts about it, especially because it has been such an integral part of your career and life. I’m always trying to find the right balance with it—what does a disciplined life look like? Feel like? When is it ok to be lax and to what degree? What is the aim of being disciplined? Can you overdo it? Everyone has to find their own answers, but I’m curious to know yours + any questions/ observations you came across in your journey.
Really struck by your reading list. My son recommended Calvino’s “Six Memos…” which I read last year, and found interesting, and he gifted me a Borges book for Christmas! I’m putting “The Glass House” on my list, thanks! (If I can get to it. My own reading project is taking a lot of time!)
You have a lot on your hands with that reading list of yours! This was my first Calvino and I am eager to explore more of his work. It was also my first Borges and I will definitely be reading more of his writing.
I'm in love with Pub Choir now. I like the Choir! of 1999 Voices singing When Doves Cry by Prince too.
I was so impressed! I have a soft spot for flash mobs and other random groups performing spontaneously. Such a great way to show connection through art.
Me too. If I'm not careful I go down the youtube flashmob rabbit hole for hours.
Wow, I need to up my game 😎
Jon, I couldn't do what you do. Much respect my friend.
I hope you read the new translation of Madam Bovary by Lydia Davis. I read the original translation long, long ago but now own Davis as well. Flaubert, considered the first modern novel--heavily influenced by him, D.H. Lawrence, and as I've said, Colm Toibin (modern and brilliant) and Joyce and Woolf. And so many more. I would love it if you were reading _Who by Fire_--
Do take gander. I truly need a reader like you! Here's a link that tells you what some famed authors have thought about it: https://marytabor.substack.com/s/who-by-fire-a-novel xoxo Mary
Mary, I just ordered a copy of Who by Fire for my personal library. Sometimes I have trouble keeping up with the serialization so now that I have my own copy I will make it happen! I have loved everything of yours that I have read so I am sure this will be equally brilliant.
My translation of Madam Bovary was by Geoffrey Wall. It was the Penguin Classics edition. I will have to check out the Lydia Davis translation.
Oh, my goodness: My heartfelt thanks, Matthew ...💕