Years after I read this book, I still think about it often.

The writing, which is an early hint of the fantastic works of what I believe is the best science fiction writer of the last decade (Dan Simmons), is not only easy to read but also full of eloquence.

The story might not be to everyone's taste, and the way it is presented most definitely won't appeal to everyone. However, for those who it does resonate with, this book will remain with them for a long time.

Don't anticipate anything overly profound or completely unlike what you've read before. What you should expect is to have an emotional reaction. I find it rare to come across a work of fiction that feels more like an autobiography than a fictional tale. Something that feels real, human, and entirely honest.

The overall tone of the book is similar to the way Sophia Coppolla's Lost In Translation unfolds. You feel as if you are immersed in someone else's world. You witness the ups and downs of their daily life and experience the love, lust, hurt, and regret just as they do.

But, as I said earlier, it's inexplicable why I still think about this book so frequently. It's not that I'm constantly rehashing what happened in the book and being amazed by how great the story was. Yet, I can't get it out of my mind (nor would I want to).

Part of me is afraid to read it again because reading the book for the first time was like a moment in time when everything seemed to align perfectly. It's like that trip you took at a certain age, with certain people to a certain place; you can never return to exactly how it was. The trees have grown and been cut down, the buildings have risen and fallen, and you and the people with you have all changed and become different individuals.

Sometimes, it's best to simply accept the fact that you can never go back to that same place and that it's better to live with the wonderful feelings and memories of that moment in time, even if it means you'll never get to experience that beauty firsthand again.

The best book I've read all year is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It has captivated my attention from the very first page and held it until the very end. The story is filled with rich and vivid characters that I have grown to love and care about. The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat. The author's writing style is beautiful and descriptive, painting a vivid picture in my mind of every scene and setting. I have learned so much from this book, not only about the story itself but also about life and human nature. It has made me think deeply about my own beliefs and values and has inspired me to be a better person. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It is truly a masterpiece that will stay with me for a long time.

This is a remarkable novel that emerged from the early stage of his career. It defies easy categorization into any specific genre pigeonhole.

Following the great success of the Hyperion books and his subsequent long literary masterpieces, this particular novel often gets unjustly overlooked. It's truly a shame because it is well deserving of being read.

It has the trappings of science fiction as it delves into the post-lunar life of an Apollo astronaut. However, it is more than that. It is a profound romance and a character study of a man who has achieved a great deal at an early age and is now on a quest to find meaning in his life.

The pacing of the novel can be quite slow at times, but this only adds to its charm. It presents a challenging and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, making it a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned.

A good collection of science fiction stories is truly a captivating treasure trove.

It offers a diverse range of imaginative worlds and thought-provoking concepts.

Readers can embark on thrilling adventures through distant galaxies, encounter strange and wonderful alien species, and explore the boundaries of human knowledge and technology.

These stories often challenge our preconceived notions and make us question the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and our place in the universe.

Whether it's a heart-pounding space opera, a mind-bending dystopian tale, or a charming exploration of the future, a good collection of science fiction stories has something to offer for every reader.

It allows us to escape from the ordinary and enter a realm of infinite possibilities, where the only limit is our own imagination.

So, if you're looking for a thrilling and intellectually stimulating read, look no further than a good collection of science fiction stories.

Surprisingly good.

Simmons, who usually writes horror or SF, has taken a different approach this time and written a novel in a more realistic tone.

I went into reading this with a great deal of uncertainty, not really knowing what to expect.

However, as I delved deeper into the story, I found myself rather unexpectedly affected by it.

While the novel is far from perfect, there is something about the premise that really grabs hold of you and doesn't let go.

The denouement, in particular, had a certain impact on me, leaving me with a sense of reflection and emotion.

Overall, I would say that this novel is definitely worth a look in.

It offers a refreshing change of pace from Simmons' usual fare and shows his versatility as a writer.

If you're looking for something a little different, something that will engage your emotions and make you think, then this might just be the book for you.

Give it a try and see for yourself.

I give up at 20%.

There are simply too many other wonderful books out there waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.

Instead of spending countless hours searching for a plot that seems to never materialize, I choose to move on.

Life is too short to waste on a book that fails to engage and captivate.

I believe that there are better literary treasures just around the corner, ready to transport me to different worlds and introduce me to unforgettable characters.

So, with a sense of liberation, I put aside this particular book and look forward to the next literary adventure that awaits me.

After all, there is no shortage of great books to explore, and I am eager to embark on new reading journeys.

Poignant and inspiring.

I truly loved this novel. It stands out as not being a typical Simmons novel. His works usually fall into either the category of far-future hard sci-fi or horror. However, this particular one is based on character development.

The story delves deep into the lives and emotions of the characters, making them come alive on the pages. We get to witness their growth, their struggles, and their triumphs.

It's a refreshing departure from the norm and shows Simmons' versatility as a writer. The focus on character allows the reader to form a stronger connection with the story and become fully invested in the outcome.

This novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-written, character-driven story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling inspired.

If you thought that this is a science fiction novel, then let the title and the cover of the book not mislead you. In fact, this is pure prose by Dan Simmons and it is quite good. Although "Gravity's Phase" cannot be compared with masterpieces like "Hyperion", "The Terror" or at least "Ilium", still the novel is worth reading. The author's trademark style is present here. The narration here is not hasty and the book should be read without hurrying. In general, the book is about the rebirth of a person and the search for oneself. It is not the best book by Dan Simmons, but still very good. After all, D. Simmons is a master of writing.

The story unfolds in a unique way, taking the reader on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Simmons' writing is细腻 and engaging, drawing the reader in and making them care about the characters and their fates.

While "Gravity's Phase" may not reach the heights of some of his other works, it still offers a satisfying reading experience. It explores themes such as identity, purpose, and the meaning of life in a thought-provoking manner.

Overall, if you are a fan of Dan Simmons or enjoy well-written prose that delves into the human psyche, then "Gravity's Phase" is definitely worth checking out.

Quiet classic is a term that evokes a sense of elegance and timelessness.

It represents a style or piece of art, literature, music, or any other form of creative expression that has endured the test of time.

Quiet classics often have a simplicity and understated beauty that makes them stand out.

They are not flashy or overly trendy, but rather possess a certain charm and grace that continues to captivate audiences.

These classics can be found in various fields, such as the works of Shakespeare in literature, the paintings of Monet in art, or the compositions of Beethoven in music.

They have become an integral part of our cultural heritage and are studied, admired, and enjoyed by people of all ages.

Quiet classics remind us of the power of simplicity and the importance of quality over quantity.

They inspire us to look beyond the fleeting fads and discover the true beauty and value that lies within.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, quiet classics offer a sense of stability and continuity.

They are a source of inspiration and a reminder of the rich history and traditions that have shaped our society.

I calmly relate to the various manifestations of talent of my favorite literary heroes, and in general, I was morally prepared for full self-digging and reflection on a book that is completely different from "Hyperion". For a couple of weeks, I stared at the spine of the cover and got rid of any prejudices that could spoil my acquaintance with the new side of Simmons.

Unfortunately, all my preparatory actions did not help me avoid disappointment. The book turned into a 384-page equivalent of a cactus that I chewed with the thoughts of "Lord, will you ever end or not?". Reading brings me a sea of pleasure and an ocean of possibilities that can be explored until the end of life, and the time irretrievably spent on mediocrity accelerates the flow and increases the value of each subsequent second. Therefore, I do not give well-written books high scores for their literary value if the content does not leave thoughts and ideas behind. Spoilers are possible further.

"Phases of Gravity" is a midlife crisis of a former astronaut who only starts to live truly after a good drink. Naked realism with accompanying everydayness. Any hint of philosophizing could have sweetened the pill, but it is not even in memory, only cheap religiosity. The uncle has bad relationships with his family, an unloved job, and no goals - in which he is himself to blame. Of course, he gets up on his feet, adding the word "Gravity" at the end of each chapter to give his everyday experiences a metaphysical meaning, but I just don't want to feel sorry for him. To be honest, I don't care about his problems. He is alive, healthy, and yet he whines about the rubbish that he is unable to change due to his weakness of will. After a couple of dozen pages, I was already shuddering, waiting for the moment when he would curl up into a ball and cry "nobody loves me", and some girl would jump into bed with him just out of pity. And that's exactly what happened, because the sympathy of a young, beautiful, and not stupid girl for an old loser does not withstand the test of reality - either she is with him out of pity or she endows him with the qualities that she wants to see. And the completely unromantic approach to the flight to the moon finally killed it - it was the last opportunity to hold on to something in all this mess. He says that this flight did not change him at all. Well, screw this jerk.

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4.5 Stars

This rating of 4.5 stars indicates an extremely high level of satisfaction. It suggests that the product or service being evaluated has almost reached perfection.

Customers who have given this rating are likely to have been highly impressed with various aspects. Perhaps the quality of the item was outstanding, with no noticeable flaws or defects.

The performance might have exceeded expectations, providing a smooth and efficient experience.

In addition, the customer service could have been excellent, with friendly and helpful staff ready to assist.

Overall, a 4.5-star rating is a great achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the company or individual behind the product or service. It is sure to attract more customers and build a positive reputation in the market.

This was truly disappointing. I used to have a great love for Dan Simmons. His works always had a certain charm and allure that kept me hooked from start to finish.

However, this particular book failed to live up to my expectations. The blurb of my edition seemed to give the impression that this was a horror or fantasy novel. But alas, it was neither. Instead, it was a mainstream book that delved into the life of an ex-astronaut.

The protagonist of the story was a man who was clearly frustrated and bored with his life. He had once been a part of something great, but now he felt lost and unfulfilled.

Unfortunately, he was a bore himself. There was nothing particularly interesting or engaging about his character. As a reader, I found it difficult to connect with him or care about his story.

After struggling through 90 pages, I finally decided to call it quits. I just couldn't bring myself to continue reading. It was a shame, really, because I had such high hopes for this book. But sometimes, even the best authors have an off day.