Vermont is a beautiful state located in the northeastern United States.

It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and lakes.

The Green Mountains run through the center of the state, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

Vermont is also famous for its charming small towns and villages, each with its own unique character and history.

The state is home to many art galleries, museums, and theaters, as well as a vibrant food and drink scene.

From maple syrup to craft beer, Vermont has something to offer everyone.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in the mountains or an exciting adventure in the great outdoors, Vermont is the perfect destination.

Nice reading but slow towards the end.

It was a captivating piece that held my attention throughout most of it. However, as it neared the conclusion, the pace seemed to drag a little.

Nevertheless, the subject matter was truly interesting. It was about an interesting man.

This man had a story that was worth telling. His experiences and adventures added depth and flavor to the narrative.

Despite the slight slowness at the end, I still found the overall reading to be enjoyable. It made me think and reflect on various aspects of life.

I would recommend this article to others who are looking for an engaging read, even if they might have to endure a bit of a slower pace towards the finish.

Perhaps with a bit of editing and tightening up of the conclusion, it could have been an even more outstanding piece.

Overall, it was a nice effort that left me with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to know more about this interesting man.

This is an in-depth and thought-provoking biography of Robert Frost, both the public figure and the private individual. Jay Parini, a discerning critic with a great admiration for Frost, closely and brilliantly analyzes his poems. He believes that previous biographers have unjustly marred Frost's reputation.

I haven't read the other biographies, nor do I intend to. I appreciate Robert Frost's poetry, but after reading this book, I have a profound dislike for his personality, despite Parini's efforts to present him in a more favorable light.

Naturally, the spotlight is on Frost, the renowned New England poet. However, the tragic fates of his children are only briefly touched upon. A son committed suicide, a daughter was confined to an insane asylum, and the only daughter who seemed happy died in childbirth. According to Parini, Frost was deeply affected by these losses. Yet, I was astonished to discover how quickly he resumed his public appearances and was willing to speak for hours.

Elinor, Frost's long-suffering wife, a university graduate, became a housewife, a mere shadow who endured continuous pregnancies and illnesses while taking care of her husband and children. She had no personal desires, projects, or career. Presumably, she was there solely to support her great husband, as Frost undoubtedly believed.

Parini defends Frost, arguing that his blatant selfishness and insensitivity are "within the normal range of behavior" (!). He glosses over incidents that are embarrassing to Frost, treating them lightly.

One such incident that was the final straw for me was that shortly after Elinor's death, despite allegedly being devastated and depressed, Frost proposed to Kay Morrison, his friend (much younger than him, of course) and secretary. Kay was happily married, and Frost was her husband's friend, but this did not stop the great man. Parini promptly explains that "the relationship between Frost and Kay appears to have slipped into the platonic realm rather quickly" and then moves on to another topic.

Another aspect of the biography that made me uneasy was the excessive focus on financial details. Apparently, Frost earned a significant amount of money. Parini provides a detailed breakdown of all his earnings, including how much he was paid for each presentation, job, and document he sold. Money mattered to Frost, and it seems to matter to Parini as well.

The biography is well-researched, and it's clear that Parini admires Frost and sometimes goes to great lengths to present him in the best possible light. This may be the most balanced biography available, but I found Frost's behavior lacking in ethical integrity in many aspects, and his biographer too willing to overlook his flaws. I rated it 4 stars, but in reality, I would give it 3.5.

Jay is an outstanding biographer.

If you have a passion for Frost's poetry, then you are sure to relish this book.

There are two key points that I would like to leave with you.

Firstly, I was astonished to discover that Frost was somewhat eager for recognition and fame.

One might assume that a poet of his caliber would be more focused on the art itself rather than seeking external validation.

Secondly, "The Road Less Traveled" means precisely the opposite of what the majority of people believe it to mean.

This well-known poem has been misinterpreted by many, and it is interesting to learn the true essence behind its words.

Overall, this book offers valuable insights into the life and works of Frost, making it a must-read for any poetry enthusiast.

See Evernote.

It is a platform that contains a wealth of information. The content there is often quite detailed, perhaps even too long and with an abundance of details. However, it also presents several interesting ideas regarding writing and life.

For example, the concept of "ploughing under to build soil" can be related to the process of writing. Just as ploughing enriches the soil for better growth, in writing, we might need to dig deep within ourselves, explore our thoughts and experiences, and use them as the foundation for our creative work.

Another interesting idea is that "locality is art". This emphasizes the importance of the specific place and context in which we live and create. Our surroundings, the people, the culture, and the environment all have an impact on our writing and can add a unique flavor and authenticity to our work.

Furthermore, the idea of "stories in nonfiction" challenges the traditional boundaries between fiction and nonfiction. It suggests that even in nonfiction writing, there is room for telling engaging and captivating stories that can bring the subject matter to life and make it more accessible and interesting to the readers.

I finished it!

I can't believe that after 2 long years, I have finally completed this mammoth of a book. As I had suspected all along, Robert Frost is truly a national treasure that should be safeguarded at any cost.

I have to admit that I have never wished for someone to be my father more than I do for Robert Frost. I love this man with all my heart. Every time I read his work, it serves as a poignant reminder of his brilliant yet tragic life story.

His words have the power to transport me to another world, a world filled with his unique perspectives and profound insights. It's as if I can see him standing right before me, sharing his thoughts and experiences.

Robert Frost's literary contributions are truly remarkable, and I feel honored to have delved into his works. I will cherish these memories and continue to be inspired by his genius for years to come.

On a cold winter evening,

when the wind is howling outside and the temperature is dropping rapidly,

there is truly no better companion than a warm fire crackling in the fireplace.

The soft glow of the flames casts a cozy light throughout the room,

chasing away the darkness and the cold.

Sitting in a comfortable chair by the fire,

wrapped in a thick blanket,

one can relax and unwind after a long and tiring day.

The heat from the fire seeps into the bones,

providing a sense of warmth and comfort that is truly indescribable.

Listening to the gentle popping and hissing of the logs,

one can let their mind wander and dream,

forgetting all the troubles and worries of the world.

On a cold winter evening, the fire is not just a source of heat,

but a true friend and companion,

bringing joy and comfort to those who gather around it.

Worth the trip, worth the time, worth revisiting.

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. Every journey we take is an opportunity to discover new places, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When we say a place is worth the trip, it means that the experience we gain from going there is valuable and fulfilling. It could be a beautiful natural景观, a historical site, or a bustling city.

Worth the time implies that the time we spend on the trip is well-spent. We are able to relax, unwind, and enjoy the moment.

And worth revisiting means that the place has left such a lasting impression on us that we want to go back again and again. It has become a part of our hearts and memories.

So, the next time you are planning a trip, remember these words. Choose a place that is worth the trip, worth the time, and worth revisiting. You won't regret it.

What is the measure of a man?

It lies in how well he stands up to uncertainty, doubt, and even failure. When faced with the unknown, does he cower or does he bravely face it? Can he maintain his composure in the face of doubt, both his own and that of others? And when failure strikes, does he give up or does he rise again, stronger than before?

It also lies in how well he weathers the storms of life. Life is full of challenges and difficulties, but a true man can ride out these storms with grace and dignity. He doesn't let the hardships break him; instead, he uses them as opportunities to grow and learn.

Furthermore, the measure of a man is seen in how well he considers his neighbor as well as himself within the common bonds of human suffering. He understands that we are all in this together and that we must help one another. He shows compassion and kindness to those in need, and he doesn't put his own interests above those of others.

Finally, a man's measure is determined by how well he overcomes his fear of darkness and uncertainty and how uncrippled by his own inadequacies he remains. He acknowledges his flaws and weaknesses, but he doesn't let them hold him back. He strives to be the best man he knows how to be,不断努力提升自己，成为一个更好的人。

Parini successfully achieves that delicate equilibrium which results in a remarkable biography. He portrays the subject as a human being, making him relatable and accessible, while still maintaining the respect and a retrospective hint of mythology associated with the figure, without being overly sycophantic.

Parini vividly depicts Frost's public persona and beautifully describes how it was formed. He also makes some quite informed speculations (which is all any of us can do) about the real person hidden beneath the mask.

Since Parini is a poet himself, he is able to gain some insights into Frost's mind through his poetry. I must admit that my least favorite aspect of Parini's biography was his analysis of some of Frost's poems. However, fortunately, he does this sparingly and devotes most of his efforts to understanding Frost's life.

I had no inkling that Frost endured so much darkness and illness throughout his life. It is truly astonishing that such experiences could give rise to such magnificent and meaningful poetry.

It is especially a delight to read as a fellow New Englander who can identify many of the places and motifs that permeated Frost's poetry.