A harder read for me.

The author describes everything in such great detail.

It forces you to slow down, very much like the character in the book.

You have to take your time to truly understand and appreciate all the nuances.

At first, I was a bit frustrated by the slow pace, but as I got deeper into the story, I started to see the beauty in it.

The detailed descriptions made me feel as if I was right there with the character, experiencing everything along with them.

Ultimately, I loved it.

The book has inspired me in a way I never expected.

Now, I want to build my own hut, just like the character in the story.

I want to create a place of my own, a place where I can get away from the hustle and bustle of the world and just be myself.

I can't wait to start this new adventure.

Beautiful,

is a word that holds profound meaning. It describes something that is visually appealing, aesthetically pleasing, and has the power to capture our hearts and minds. A beautiful object, a beautiful landscape, or a beautiful person can all leave us in awe and inspire us.

However, beauty is not just skin deep. It can also refer to qualities such as kindness, compassion, and inner strength. A person with a beautiful soul is someone who radiates warmth and love, and makes a positive impact on the world around them.

True beauty is worth reading slowly and savoring. It is like a fine wine that gets better with age. We should take the time to appreciate the beauty in our lives, whether it is the beauty of nature, the beauty of art, or the beauty of a human connection. By doing so, we can enrich our lives and find greater happiness and fulfillment.

This statement is truly very thought provoking.

It makes one wonder about the profound impact that a particular book can have on a person. The fact that reading this particular work motivated the individual to go out and purchase Tolstoy's "A Calendar of Wisdom" is quite significant.

It shows the power of literature to inspire and drive people to explore further. Tolstoy is a renowned author, and his works are known for their depth and wisdom. "A Calendar of Wisdom" is likely to be a treasure trove of valuable insights and life lessons.

By purchasing this book, the reader is likely to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It will be interesting to see how the reader engages with the content and what new perspectives and understandings they gain from it. Overall, this simple statement about being motivated to buy a book by Tolstoy holds the promise of a rich and rewarding literary experience.

Brewer isn't nearly the writer that Wendell Berry is. However, this novel does remind me a bit of Berry. Just as Berry tells the story of Harlan Hubbard, Brewer gives witness to the life of Henry Stuart. Both of them live life at a depth that our fast-paced society doesn't allow. (Even though both men lived in decades that were a lot slower than the present one). I was truly inspired by the way Stuart took a sabbatical from reading, writing, and overthinking. Instead, he dedicated himself to the physical labor of building his house. I also really liked Chapters 31 and those that follow, which deal with his healing. In fact, his healing begins in his solitude and work and reaches its climax in the hurricane, as he turns toward his community. It's a three-pronged approach to healing. I'm glad to have known of Henry Stuart.

Book Description: “The more you transform your life from the material to the spiritual domain, the less you become afraid of death.” These words spoken by Leo Tolstoy became Henry Stuart’s raison d’être. The Poet of Tolstoy Park is the unforgettable novel based on the true story of Henry Stuart’s life. He reclaimed his life from his doctor’s belief that he wouldn't live another year.

Henry responds to the news by slogging home barefoot in the rain. It's 1925. The place is Canyon County, Idaho. Henry is sixty-seven, a retired professor and a widower. He has been told that a warmer climate would make the end more tolerable. San Diego would be a good choice.

Instead, Henry chose Fairhope, Alabama, a town with utopian ideals and a haven for strong-minded individualists. Upton Sinclair, Sherwood Anderson, and Clarence Darrow were among its inhabitants. Henry bought his own ten acres of piney woods outside Fairhope. Before dying, inspired by the writings of his beloved Tolstoy, Henry could begin to “perfect the soul awarded him” and rest in the faith that he, and all people, would succeed, “even if it took eons.” Henry believed that human existence continues in a perfect circle, unmarred by flaws of personality, irrespective of blood and possessions and rank, and separate from organized religion. In Alabama, until his final breath, he would pursue these high ideas.

But first, Henry had to answer for leaving Idaho. His dearest friend and intellectual sparring partner, Pastor Will Webb, and his two adult sons, Thomas and Harvey, were baffled and angry that he would abandon them and move to the Deep South. He lived in a barn there while he built a round house of handmade concrete blocks. His new neighbors were also perplexed by his eccentric behavior. On the coldest day of winter, he was barefoot, a philosopher and poet with ideas and words to share with anyone who would listen. And, mysteriously, his “last few months” became years. He had gone looking for a place to learn lessons in dying, and instead, he advanced to claim a vigorous new life.

The Poet of Tolstoy Park is a moving and irresistible story, a guidebook of the mind and spirit that seizes the heart. Henry Stuart shows the way through life's puzzles for all of us, becoming in this timeless tale a character of such depth that he seems more alive now than ever.

This is a truly wonderful story that has been told in the most beautiful way.

I have just completed reading it for the second time, and interestingly, it seems to have been a bit better this time around.

The details that I might have overlooked during the first reading became more prominent, adding depth and nuance to the overall narrative.

The author's skill in weaving together the plot, characters, and emotions is truly remarkable.

Each turn of the page brings new surprises and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

It's a story that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading, making you reflect on its themes and messages.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

It's a literary gem that deserves to be cherished and shared.

This would be an excellent choice for our book group.

There are several reasons why. Firstly, it presents a unique and engaging storyline that is sure to spark interesting discussions among the members. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats.

Secondly, the characters in the book are well-developed and complex. Each one has their own motives, desires, and flaws, which makes them relatable and easy to understand.

Thirdly, the writing style is captivating and流畅. The author has a way of painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind, making it easy to imagine the scenes and settings described in the book.

Overall, this book has all the elements necessary to make it a great choice for our book group. It will provide us with plenty of material to discuss and analyze, and will also give us an opportunity to explore different themes and ideas.

Philosophy is like a gentle light that guides us through the darkness of life, without being overly cheesy or trite. It has the power to illuminate our minds and hearts, opening our eyes to new perspectives and ways of thinking.

I have always had a deep love for philosophy. It allows me to explore the fundamental questions of existence, such as the meaning of life, the nature of reality, and the value of ethics. Through philosophical inquiry, I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.

One of the things I appreciate most about philosophy is its ability to challenge our assumptions and beliefs. It encourages us to think critically and independently, rather than simply accepting what we are told. This process of self-reflection and intellectual growth is truly invaluable.

In conclusion, philosophy is a source of inspiration and enlightenment for me. It helps me to make sense of the world and find meaning in my life. I will continue to study and explore the rich and diverse field of philosophy, and I look forward to the many insights and revelations that it has yet to offer.

This book is a prime example of why I have a passion for good reads.

It is quite likely that I would not have discovered this gem if I had not come across one of my connections' reviews.

This is a slow and meandering book, yet it is brimming with profound philosophy and thought-provoking ideas.

Surprisingly, I truly enjoyed it, despite it not being the kind of book I typically gravitate towards.

In fact, initially, I was rather dreading attempting to read it, fearing that it would be too slow-paced for my liking.

However, as I delved deeper into its pages, I found myself completely engrossed and could not put it down.

It goes to show that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zones and exploring different types of literature can lead to unexpected and delightful discoveries.

I purchased this book during my initial visit to Fairhope. I was completely enchanted by both the place and the little round house that Henry had built.

The book is beautifully crafted and it narrates a tale of the arduous life of the early settlers. It is interesting, yet it was a slow read for me at the beginning.

I finally managed to finish it during my second visit to Fairhope. I feel truly inspired by the story of Henry's life. However, I do wish that the author had written more about the utopian founders of the town.

It would have been fascinating to learn more about their vision, their struggles, and how they managed to create this unique community.

Nonetheless, the book still provides a valuable insight into the history and the people of Fairhope, and I am glad that I read it.

This is a book that is written quietly yet has the power to touch your inner self. Sonny's writing style is truly remarkable. It has such a captivating charm that it not only held my attention throughout but also inspired me to take a rather long trip from the Isle of Man to Henry Stewart's home in Fairhope, Alabama.

Despite the distance, it was well worth the detour. Henry, a stubborn Englishman, added an interesting layer to the story, and his character really appealed to me.

The book is based on facts, which makes the fascinating story even more engaging. It has the ability to lift your spirits and leave you with a sense of wonder.

I truly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to others who are looking for a captivating and inspiring read.

I cannot tell you if this is a great book or if I merely identified with the characters, the setting, the language and the conflicts.

Since the library had only an audio version, the sound by Rick Bragg's perfect-fit reading voice didn't hurt a speck.

It is set in the early 1900's, beginning in Idaho and soon moving to Fair Hope, Alabama.

The intentional reputation of the town as being progressive, philosophical, community-oriented, detached from the nearby cities, in a lovely unspoiled sub-tropical region, comprises a parallel and essential backdrop for the story.

The main character, Henry, recons openly but not morosely with his lessening control over all things, especially his mortality--a topic of more interest to readers of a certain age than to others.

Perhaps it is the combination of all these elements that makes the book so engaging.

The characters are well-developed and relatable, the setting is vividly described, and the language is rich and evocative.

The conflicts that Henry faces are both internal and external, and they add depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, I found this book to be a captivating read that kept me engaged from beginning to end.

An interesting tale based on fact unfolds. In 1925, a widowed college professor makes a significant decision. He leaves his adult sons in Idaho and heads to the warmer clime of Fairhope, Alabama. The reason behind this move is that he believes he has only months to live. However, fate has a different plan for him.

Upon arriving in Fairhope, something remarkable happens. Instead of succumbing to his supposed imminent demise, the professor begins to recover. The warm climate and the new environment seem to have a rejuvenating effect on him. He not only recovers but also thrives in this new place.

His sons back in Idaho are initially worried about their father's well-being. But as they receive news of his improving health and newfound vitality, they are both relieved and amazed. The professor's unexpected turn of events becomes a source of inspiration for him and those around him. It shows that sometimes, even in the face of what seems like insurmountable odds, there is always a glimmer of hope and the possibility of a new beginning.