DNF 50%

Abandoned at the halfway point. I like Simmons when he writes fantasy, science fiction, and even mystery. But this novel about the existential crisis of an ex-astronaut, with abundant descriptions of rural America, couldn't interest me less.

The story seems to lack a clear direction. The protagonist's journey through his inner turmoil and the exploration of rural landscapes feel disjointed. There are moments when Simmons' writing shines, but overall, the pacing is slow and the plot fails to grip me.

Perhaps if I had continued reading, something might have changed to capture my attention. However, at this point, I'm simply not invested enough to see it through to the end. It's a shame, as I had high hopes for this book based on Simmons' previous works. But sometimes, even the best authors have off days.

No one writes like Dan Simmons.

His remarkable ability to create and evolve characters is truly unrivalled.

In this book, the moving portrait of one man's journey is not only believable but also incredibly compelling.

Dan's skills as an author are on full display throughout.

The gentle yet broad plot keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

It weaves a story that is both touching and thought-provoking.

Each character is developed with such care and detail that they come to life on the page.

The narrative unfolds in a way that draws the reader in and doesn't let go.

Whether it's the protagonist's internal struggles or the external forces that shape his path, every aspect of the story is crafted with precision.

Dan Simmons has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller with this captivating work.

The moon has always been a source of mystery and inspiration. In India, there are various beliefs and stories associated with the moon. However, when it comes to a melting narration and a dubious plot, things start to get a bit strange.

We are bombarded with words, words, words. But what do they really mean? Do they have any substance or are they just a jumble of letters?

Eventually, we need to look beyond the words and try to understand the deeper meaning. Maybe the melting narration and the dubious plot are trying to tell us something about ourselves or the world around us.

It could be a warning, a message of hope, or just a random thought. But until we take the time to analyze and interpret, we will never know.

So, the next time you come across a strange story or a confusing narrative, don't just dismiss it. Take a closer look and see if there is something hidden beneath the surface.

At the moment, this is the weakest book of Simmons among all the ones I have read. It is the second one written in his bibliography. I think this is the reason. So I don't judge it too strictly, but I can't give it more than three stars.

In the plot, there is a middle-aged man with an obvious complex. And we read about his thoughts, feelings and attempts to change his life, to turn it into the right direction instead of just floating along with the current. It was interesting in some places, but sometimes it was frankly boring. I just read it to find out how it would all end.

It is remarkable that there is no mystical component at all in this book.

Astronauts, those remarkable individuals who reach for the stars, may also experience a mid-life crisis. This stage of life can bring a range of emotions and challenges even to these space explorers. In the midst of their careers, they might find themselves reflecting on their achievements and wondering what lies ahead. The excitement and novelty of their early days in space may have waned, leaving them with a sense of restlessness. They may question the meaning and purpose of their continued existence in the astronaut program. However, this mid-life crisis can also be a catalyst for growth and transformation. It could prompt them to seek new opportunities, both within and outside of the space realm. Maybe they will explore different fields of science or take on leadership roles to inspire the next generation of astronauts. Despite the difficulties, astronauts in their mid-life crisis have the potential to emerge stronger and more fulfilled, ready to embrace the future with newfound determination.

Finito nel 01/gen/1970 00:00:00. This date holds a certain significance. It marks the end of a particular era or the completion of a specific task.

Perhaps it was the conclusion of a long project that had consumed much time and effort. Or maybe it was the moment when a chapter in someone's life came to a close.

The year 1970 was a time of change and progress in many aspects of the world. Technology was advancing, social movements were emerging, and people were looking towards the future with hope and anticipation.

Although the specific details of what was "finito" on that date may be unknown, it serves as a reminder that all things come to an end. It is a time to reflect on the past, learn from experiences, and look forward to new beginnings.

As we move forward from this date, we can carry with us the lessons and memories of what has come before and use them to shape a better future.

Phases of Gravity is not the kind of book that I typically pick up to read.

In fact, if it hadn't been penned by the renowned Dan Simmons, I probably would have never given it a chance.

Thankfully, I decided to take the plunge and read it.

The story revolves around Richard Baedecker, a former astronaut from the glorious Apollo days.

Richard has seemingly lost his sense of direction and finds himself constantly reminiscing about his mission and that momentous walk on the moon.

The book chronicles his arduous search for the next purpose in his life.

He is desperate for something fresh to live for, something in the future that can reignite his passion and excitement.

Dan Simmons masterfully weaves this tale of self-discovery, making it an incredibly interesting read.

Those who have a penchant for stories of human growth and transformation will undoubtedly fall in love with this captivating narrative.

However, for those who are coming to this book as die-hard fans of Simmons' horror or science fiction works, be prepared for something entirely new and unexpected!

It offers a different side of Simmons' literary prowess and is sure to leave readers both intrigued and inspired.

A Bittersweet Astronaut Story

I truly had a great affection for this book initially. In fact, I really liked it a lot until approximately 60% into it. Then, for some inexplicable reason, it took a nosedive for me. Up to that point, it was a solid 5 stars, but after that, it might have been a 2-star, resulting in an overall rating of 3. I'm not entirely sure what transpired. Eventually, I just felt so extremely weary of it. Additionally, I was also confronted with a significant number of formatting errors in the Kindle version.

So, if you have an interest in the Kindle version, be forewarned. The paragraph indents are almost non-existent, at most resembling an en-dash. Moreover, a large number of paragraph returns occur right in the middle of a paragraph! It is quite evident that the Kindle version really requires a thorough revision if whoever is responsible for creating it has enough concern to undertake that task.

This bittersweet experience with the book and its Kindle version serves as a reminder that even the most promising reads can sometimes disappoint, and that proper formatting is crucial for an enjoyable reading experience.

I've had numerous conversations with people regarding Dan Simmons's body of work. Strangely enough, nobody ever brings up this particular book.

Why is that? It truly is a magnificent piece of writing, on par with his finest creations. I sort of understand, though. There isn't that really alluring'selling point' in this book. No outrageously fantastical plot, no hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered. In fact, it's not even one of those books that keeps you on the edge of your seat, compulsively turning the pages.

But here's the thing: in the hands of a truly talented writer (and this aspect is crucial), something extraordinary occurs when you take away those elements. The novel suddenly comes alive, it gets to breathe freely, and as a result, so do its characters.

This book has a quality that makes it feel like real life, and you have the opportunity to experience it through the perspective of a fearless writer. For this very reason, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for reading. It offers a unique and profound literary experience that is not to be missed.

Not a Soap Opera…


So much of what gets written and read these days seems to be nothing more than recycled soap operas and romance novels. They might be presented in a language and structure that is perhaps a little less obvious, but at their core, they are still the same old stories. Blended with the adventure tales that have been passed down from the stone age campfires of our ancestors, these types of stories still manage to move us, and to be honest, I have a certain liking for them.

However, this particular story is not one of those. It doesn't conform to the typical norms of mainstream literature either, the kind that floods the shelves of used book stores with millions of copies.

To give you an idea, think of a piece that combines the early works of Carlos Castaneda with those of early JD Salinger, and then throws in a bit of Aldous Huxley for good measure. Maybe Harold Lamb also had a hand in its creation. And let's not forget a touch of James Joyce in the mix.

It is highly recommended that you read this story with no prior knowledge of the plot or the ending. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and discover the story as it unfolds.

The Kindle version of this story has fewer errors and anomalies than what is usually found in such works.

If you are over 40, it is time to pick up this book and start reading. And if you are under 40, read it now and then come back to it again later in life. You might be surprised at how your perspective changes and how much more you can appreciate the story with each reading.

Simmons really surprised me. When I approached the book with the knowledge that "it will be some kind of sci-fi", after reading it, I must state that sci-fi completely missed the author this time.

It is a very well-written piece. The only complaint? Apparently, the proofreader ran out of strength on the last 40 pages.

This book has its own unique charm. Although it deviated from the expected sci-fi genre, it still managed to engage me with its interesting plot and well-developed characters. The writing style is vivid and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.

However, the editing on the last 40 pages could have been better. There were a few minor errors and typos that slightly disrupted the flow of the story. Nevertheless, this does not overshadow the overall quality of the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking read, regardless of their preference for the sci-fi genre.

This slender, largely understated and unpretencious novel showcases Simmons at his finest.

It lacks the bloat often seen in other works and doesn't have extraneous literary criticism essays crammed into it.

Despite having mostly rather low stakes, it quietly grips the reader's attention.

You journey to the moon, walk on its surface, and then return.

Now what? Richard Baedecker accomplished this as part of the Apollo programme.

Years later, he is adrift, divorced, and estranged from his son.

He struggles to understand the personal significance of an experience that only 12 people have ever had.

Then enters the Manic Pixie Dream Girl - yet she defies the cinematic trope in a couple of significant respects.

This novel offers a unique and engaging exploration of human emotions and the consequences of extraordinary experiences.

It delves into the themes of identity, purpose, and the search for meaning in a post-Apollo world.

Simmons' writing is细腻 and nuanced, drawing the reader into the lives of his characters and making them care about their fates.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that stands out for its simplicity and depth.