Here’s
the most amazing things about novels, vs any other storytelling form.
When the
author does it right, it’s absolutely inconceivable that this story isn’t
completely real, that everything didn’t happen in actuality, exactly as
written, even while, in this case, the story was set in mythic Greece,
thousands of years ago. The characters are so vivid, fascinating, and real,
their yearning is so heartfelt and their flaws so relatable, this cannot be
possibly be anything but reality.
Madeline Miller writes about the hero,
Achilles, in a story narrated by his friend and lover, Patroclus. I read this a
few months ago, and my power of recall, which was never amazing, has gotten
worse with time. Details I leave to you to find. Just to say: this writing is
art.
**OVER 1.5 MILLION COPIES SOLD** **A 10th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION, FEATURING A NEW FOREWORD BY THE AUTHOR**
WINNER OF THE ORANGE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION THE INTERNATIONAL SENSATION A SUNDAY TIMES AND NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
'Captivating' DONNA TARTT 'I loved it' J K ROWLING 'Ravishingly vivid' EMMA DONOGHUE
Greece in the age of heroes. Patroclus, an awkward young prince, has been exiled to the court of King Peleus and his perfect son Achilles. Despite their differences, Achilles befriends the shamed prince, and as they grow into young men skilled in the arts of war and medicine, their bond blossoms…
I
found this book by accident, scrolling around TikTok with my new account
(joestillmanauthor) while attempting to get the word out about my own novel.
The author was highly recommended, so I chose this particular book by chance,
and instantly got caught up in a crime novel set in Cromwell’s England, circa
the 1650s. The world was so vivid and reel, I became a civilian reader, carried
along from one amazing scene to the next.
This simply had to be written by someone who was there at the time. The danger
and stakes were fraught, the mystery engaging, and the long length of the novel
only made me glad there was so much of this book to enjoy.
When a friend's niece is charged with murder and threatened with torture for her refusal to speak, 1540 lawyer Matthew Sharklake is granted an unexpected two-week reprieve to investigate the case if he will also accept a dangerous assignment to find a legendary weapon of mass destruction. By the author of Dissolution. 25,000 first printing.
Yes,
I’m supposed to report on books that I’ve read in their entirety, and I’m still
reading this one.
I’ll tell you why I chose it. First, because it’s current, I
can actually remember it. Plus, I already know I’m going to wind up reading
this at least half a dozen times. This book is steeped in non-duality, a spiritual movement that questions our attachment to concepts of duality,
such as “me and other”.
O’Keeffe has coined the term Default Mode Network (DMN) which refers to the orthodoxy of thoughts and identities. Her teaching is meant to create a little space between the reality we hold dear, and Actual Reality. I don’t agree with every word, but her style is clear, and her message is profound and helpful.
Don't let fear stand in the way of experiencing your authentic self. In this courageous, non-dogmatic guide, spiritual rebel and internationally renowned teacher Jac O'Keeffe offers the keys to moving beyond the limited perceptions you have about yourself and toward boundless, fearless freedom.
Do you ever feel flawed, anxious, or afraid-like something might be wrong, but you're not sure what? The truth is, we all feel that way sometimes (or even most of the time!). We're trapped by a limited sense of self, held back by our own anxieties, fears, and compulsions. Mindfulness can offer intermittent relief from these contrived…
Fifteen-year-old Belutha Mariah, our storyteller, is the oldest of three kids from three different fathers. Her life’s goal is to keep her dysfunctional mom, Maybell, from procreating yet again and then to leave the coffin-sized town of Hadley, Arizona when she graduates high school.
Along comes the new grill cook at Maybell’s Diner, Bill Bill, a mysterious drifter with the ability to mind-read orders. As word spreads, the curious and desperate pour into this small desert town to eat at Maybell's.
Some believe Bill knows the secrets of the universe. Belutha figures he’s probably nuts. But his cooking starts to transform the lives of locals and visitors, and Belutha finds her angry heart opening, as Bill begins to show her the porous boundary between this life and what comes after.
