I'd actually give this book 3.5 stars, but that's not an option available.

For the most part, it is well-written. Amazingly, the author had the ability to change venues and skip large portions of time right in the middle of a paragraph, yet still not lose the reader. I usually tend to give up when authors do this.

I'm not entirely sure where Simmons was guiding Baedecker in the narrative. Unless, perhaps, it was a search for enlightenment - and I suppose he was successful in that regard.

The ending of the book reminded me of Clarke's 2001. It was undecipherable, yet there was a glimmer of hope.

Overall, despite some of its quirks, the book held my attention and left me with a sense of wonder and a desire to think more deeply about the themes it presented.

It's not a perfect book, but it's definitely one that I would recommend to others who enjoy thought-provoking literature.

The cover of this book is really cool, and the story seems neat at first glance. However, as I started reading, I quickly realized that for the relatively small amount of story content I was getting, the number of words I had to read was quite extensive.

After about 50 pages, this started to become really frustrating. It felt like I was putting in a lot of effort to plow through the text, but not getting a whole lot of substance in return.

I was hoping for a more engaging and faster-paced narrative that would keep me hooked from beginning to end. Instead, I found myself constantly having to push myself to keep reading, which is not the kind of experience I was looking for when I picked up this book.

Overall, while the concept and the cover may have been appealing, the actual execution of the story left a lot to be desired in terms of the pacing and the amount of content delivered per page.

Peregrinación de un hombre para volver a encontrarse con su hijo y con sí mismo.

Just as he did with “Terror”, Dan Simmons masterfully develops the characters and engages us in their reflections and emotions by using a historical backdrop. Here, it is the space program of the 60s/80s.

This story takes us on a journey of a man's search. He is not only seeking to reunite with his son but also to find himself. Simmons' use of the historical context adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

We are drawn into the characters' world, sharing their joys and sorrows. The space program serves as a symbol of hope and exploration, mirroring the man's own inner journey.

As the story unfolds, we witness the man's growth and transformation. He faces numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but his determination never wavers.

Through Simmons' vivid descriptions and engaging writing style, we are able to experience the peregrination of this man and understand the significance of his journey.

It is a story that will stay with us long after we have finished reading, making us reflect on our own lives and the importance of finding ourselves and those we love.

The only aspect that I truly disliked was the blatant false advertising of this particular book as a science fiction novel. In fact, there is absolutely zero element of science fiction to be found within its pages.

Rather, it is a profound literary work that intricately describes the experiences that a person endures after attaining the zenith of their lives in their thirties. In this instance, our protagonist has the extraordinary feat of walking on the moon.

The book delves deep into various themes such as depression, loss, the joys and challenges of parenthood, the significance of friendship, and the arduous journey of growing older. It is also a poignant exploration of loneliness and the search for purpose in life.

Undoubtedly, it is an excellent piece of literature penned by the ever-imaginative Dan Simmons. His ability to craft a story that engages the reader on multiple levels and elicits a wide range of emotions is truly remarkable.

Given the length of this book, it perhaps took me longer to finish than it ought to have. Maybe part of that is because I've been delving too deeply into current events. However, it's also due to the fact that this was a challenging book to consume in large chunks. It's slow-paced, reflective, and almost devoid of a traditional plot. It truly rewards a patient and attentive reading approach. It is a ponderous, introspective, and lofty piece of literature - something that Dan Simmons has repeatedly proven himself to be a master of. It's also worth noting that Simmons himself cites this novel as his personal favorite among his own works. It's definitely a very personal book, and it will most definitely stay with me.

The so-called plot, if one can even call it that, centers around a man named Richard Baedecker. He's a marine, a pilot, and an astronaut - a man who walked on the moon. He's just gone through a divorce and has become distant from his son. The book has no chapters, only four parts, and is sort of a collection of vignettes as Baedecker travels across the country and even the world, visiting his son and the men who flew to the moon with him. I could disclose more, but I believe it's better if you approach it with an open mind and let Simmons unfold his story in his own unique way.

The ending unfolds in a manner that I simply could never have imagined. It was exquisitely done. A perfect conclusion - something that I've mostly come to anticipate from Dan Simmons. This was an early novel, released in 1989, the same year that saw the release of Hyperion AND Carrion Comfort. I have no idea what this man was ingesting, be it food, drink, or something else, around this time, but all three novels are brilliant and completely distinct from one another.

There's a review on the cover from Harlan Ellison that states, “Earth, air, fire and water: Dan Simmons. Warily, in awe, we watch him, and marvel.” And I wholeheartedly agree. 4.5/5

This is not the book you are looking for

If you are anticipating an astronaut's recollections regarding space travel or science fiction. Instead, this book delves into the aftermath: an ex-astronaut grappling with what remains after the missions have concluded and striving to make sense of the death (suicide?) of a fellow astronaut.

The book did not meet my expectations, and I did not particularly relish reading it, perhaps because I was still longing for something different. Having said that, certain elements of the book have lingered with me 18 months later. If I had approached the reading with an open mind, I suspect I would have had a much greater appreciation for the book... which is why I rounded up the 2.5 stars to 3 stars.

I still possess the book and may very well re-read (and re-review) it at a later time.

I'm not entirely certain that I would have had a liking for this book had I not reached the age I am at present. Having stated that, I firmly believe it would hold great appeal for the more enlightened younger readers who are out there.

Dan Simmons is rapidly emerging as one of my most favoured authors. His writing style is captivating and engaging, drawing the reader in from the very first page. The stories he weaves are filled with depth and complexity, exploring themes that are both thought-provoking and relevant.

Whether it's a science fiction adventure or a psychological thriller, Simmons has the ability to create vivid worlds and characters that stay with you long after you've finished reading. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read and is looking for something that will challenge their mind and expand their imagination.

**Phases of Gravity**

Phases of Gravity delves into the human journey, paralleled and explored by a middle-aged fictional astronaut, Richard Baedecker, and his personal meanderings. It presents a narrative about the aftermath of success and the void of fear left by failure. The book weaves together three levels of experience: that of Baedecker, America's space program, and mankind in general. Author Dan Simmons contends that his characters, and by extension his readers, are part of a culture choosing between a terrifying future of exploration and discovery or a retreat into the safe haven of internecine wars, stagnation, and decline.

Decades after his moonwalk, Baedecker is haunted by that moment. The illusory experience left him confused and in search of purpose. Now, he is daily hounded by gravity and the sight of the moon, reminders that his internal stability remains uncertain. Amidst broken relationships and a struggle for direction, he endeavors to find meaning in it all. The Challenger accident serves as a backdrop and a national focal point for the same sense of shaken courage and determination. Like the nation, Baedecker is at a crossroads, yet he can't clearly see what his options should be. As he travels across America, revisiting elements and figures from his past, he encounters the mundane, the invasive, the exalting, and the profane. He must create something coherent from these puzzle pieces if he is to find peace with himself and his world. All these serve to stir and catalyze his ideas, for better or worse.

His journey brought to my mind several crucial truths. There are numerous small things in life that can restore joy and peace if we remain mindful of them. Focusing on the journey while keeping an eye on the destination, maintaining flexibility and a good sense of humor with others, engaging in meaningful conversation, celebrating the beauty of the natural world, persevering in the face of feeling uprooted and denied one's truest desires – these are all aspects that make the journey worthwhile. If we can truly examine the experiences and people that cross our path and remain committed to deepening this life, we might be surprised to find that sometimes, even in a small way, the impossible wish can be granted.

Although I don't entirely share all the specific conclusions the author reaches, they are presented poignantly, with genuine effort on the part of the characters, and are skillfully used to bind the characters together in a semblance of hope and endurance. Simmons insists this is not a science fiction story, yet those who appreciate his particular style will recognize echoes of his other works. Ultimately, anyone who values thoughtfully gauging the individual, the nation, and the world at this crossroads in time will extract traces of merit from Phases of Gravity.

Charming recollections of a middle-aged former astronaut about his life, live, childhood, friends and the infinite beauty of the universe. It's like opening a door to a world that is both familiar and yet so incredibly vast. His childhood memories are vivid, painting a picture of a curious and adventurous boy. The stories of his friends add a layer of warmth and humanity to the narrative. And when he describes the universe, it's as if we are right there with him, marvelling at its beauty.

I was waiting for a climax or a distinct denouement, but there wasn't any. However, none is needed. The book is beautifully written, flowing smoothly from one topic to another. It's not about a grand adventure with a clear beginning, middle and end. Instead, it's about the journey of a life, filled with small moments of joy, wonder and discovery. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are not the big, flashy events, but the simple pleasures that we often take for granted.

I was rather astonished to discover that this book centered around an astronaut experiencing a midlife crisis yet lacked any real astronautical activities. Maybe I didn't conduct my research thoroughly enough, or perhaps I simply placed too much trust in Dan Simmons. However, had someone informed me that this book contained no science fiction apart from the spiritual odyssey of a middle-aged man, I likely wouldn't have bothered.

As it stands, the book is skillfully written (as one would anticipate from Simmons) and has sufficient depth. The climax of Dave Muldorf's tale, which is also the final piece of the puzzle that impels the protagonist into action and towards a better life, is truly heartbreaking and makes the tedium of the rest of the book well worthwhile.

It's interesting how the author chose to focus on the inner turmoil and growth of the character rather than on the more traditional aspects of being an astronaut. This unique approach adds a different layer of complexity to the story and forces the reader to engage with the character on a more emotional level.

Overall, while the lack of traditional science fiction elements may have been a disappointment at first, the book ultimately manages to deliver a powerful and moving story about self-discovery and redemption.

Haha, when I first saw the book, I thought it was a sci-fi!

It took me nearly 50 pages to get accustomed to the idea that I should relax and simply enjoy this character study, this deliberate observation of life that persists after the most significant events have already occurred. Significance in every sense: for example, what else could possibly happen after one has walked on the Moon?

It's just... counting the days and years without having a clue about how to define oneself 20 years later.

To be honest, I wasn't overly convinced by the described path. All the good things had already happened to Bedeker in the past - he just did what was necessary. And here, 20 years later, they just mysteriously start happening again, and all that is required of him - is just to realize that he could be a bit more proactive.

If only it were that simple.

While Simmons is very recognizable, the fantastic shines through its absence.

Genre. Novel.

What it tells us. The book "Phases of Gravity" (original publication: Phases of Gravity, 1989), and in the late 1980s, presents us with Richard E. Baedecker, an employee of an aerospace company who, three decades ago, was an astronaut and set foot on the Moon. Richard takes advantage of a business trip to India to try to see his son, Scott, but the young man is in the spiritual retreat of a well-known guru and they cannot meet, which allows him to meet Maggie Brown, a friend of Scott's.

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