I'm always truly amazed at Simmons' remarkable ability to vividly describe his characters' surroundings with such an incredibly rich level of detail.

It's truly a sight to behold as he weaves a tapestry of words that paint a clear and detailed picture in the reader's mind.

I found this particular work to be an extremely enjoyable and quick read.

It's quite different from some of his more famous and well-known books like Hyperion or Song of Kali.

However, it still very much adheres to his unique style of character development and descriptive language.

The way he brings the characters to life and makes the settings come alive is truly a testament to his writing prowess.

Overall, it's a great addition to his body of work and well worth the read for any fan of his writing.

When I closed the book for the first time, I couldn't help but say to myself: "Beautiful."

Dan Simmons, an author who has firmly established his place on my bookshelf, has a narrative style that I have become accustomed to. However, I must also admit that the style of this book is not for everyone.

The jumbled chronology in this book actually creates vivid pictures rather than simply telling a straightforward story. It's a unique approach that might seem a bit complex at first. But as I delved deeper, I realized that it's not just about the story itself.

What truly matters is the whole "finding oneself" journey that spans across the decades of one man's life. Beneath the seemingly simple plot, the story gradually unfolds into something deep, meaningful, and beautiful.

In the end, this book is about a man who reached for the stars but never quite managed to touch his own heart. It's about a man who pushed the boundaries of his self and discovered the endless possibilities within.

When I finally realized all of this, I couldn't resist opening the book to its first page once more and starting the reading journey all over again. And when I closed the book for the second time, I was left completely speechless, overcome by the profound impact it had on me.

Podivuhodná směs sci-fi a reality, kde vlastně žádné sci-fi nanejdete.

In one phase (chapter Glen Oak), I really didn't want to finish reading the book because precisely this chapter highlights everything that is wrong with it. The chosen name "Baedecker", which is repeated in every third sentence in the book, is annoying (yes, my special reason). It is supplemented by a terrible ordinariness, as if the author wants to excuse himself for everything he didn't manage to do in his life and what slipped through his fingers, or on the contrary, what he can no longer repeat. The banal part, the banal text.

Nevertheless, the book has interesting themes that are indescribable. The end of the chapter Uncompahgre is special but pleasing. The fourth chapter is confusing in the narrative style, but still perhaps the most interesting, and the final one is just a supplement. I wanted to stop reading at 1/3, but I still finished it and don't regret it. However, I still give it 2 stars. Special, very special...

Not his best.

This simple statement holds a world of meaning. It implies that the person in question has not achieved the level of performance or quality that is expected of them.

Perhaps they were having an off day, or maybe they were facing some challenges that affected their abilities.

It could also suggest that they have set a high standard for themselves in the past and this particular instance falls short of that.

However, it's important to note that not being at one's best doesn't mean failure. It's an opportunity for growth and improvement.

By reflecting on what went wrong and learning from the experience, the person can come back stronger and perform better in the future.

So, while "not his best" may be a disappointment in the moment, it can also be a stepping stone to greater success.

I came across this book while rummaging through an old box. There was nothing else to read at that moment, so I just picked it up out of boredom.

To my surprise, I ended up really enjoying the story. It was about an ex-Apollo astronaut going through a mid-life crisis, a topic that usually doesn't interest me. However, the twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued.

Unfortunately, the ending didn't quite live up to my expectations. It felt a bit too unlikely and cliché. But still, it had me hooked until that point.

It's truly amazing to think about how much the world has changed since this book was written in the late eighties. Technology has advanced so much, and our way of life has evolved in many ways. But at the same time, some things have remained the same. Human nature, for example, still has its flaws and virtues. The themes explored in this book, such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in life, are still relevant today.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book was a pleasant surprise and made me reflect on how much has changed and how much has stayed the same in our world.

“You think a new born know what it all means? It just happens … awareness comes later, if it comes at all.” This thought-provoking statement sets the tone for a story that is a well-told mélange of science and speculative fiction, with a touch of mysticism thrown in. The thirty-year-old tale has aged remarkably well, and it's worth the effort to sort out who's doing and saying what to whom. The strong male and female leads add depth and interest, and the good friction between them keeps the story engaging. There are also many emotional hooks that draw the reader in and keep them invested in the characters' fates.

“There’re places of power. You have to help make them … be in the right place at the right time and know it. By dreaming about it but not thinking about it.” The concept of places of power adds an element of mystery and wonder to the story. The tangled time lines can be confusing at times, but the origami plot structure keeps the reader close to Richard’s consciousness and leaves them wondering about Maggie. Just when you think the plot thread written in present tense is the main one, it isn't, adding an element of surprise and keeping the reader on their toes.

“All the while telling each other and yourself that the good times are coming, and then everything falls to pieces and you’re just waiting to die.” The wry humor in both the telling and the dialogue adds a light touch to what could otherwise be a heavy and depressing story. The time-appropriate jargon helps to pull the reader into that time and place, especially since America in the 1940s through 1980s is ancient history to many current readers. However, there are a few quibbles. For example, an F-104 can’t fly from Pensacola, FL to Homestead AFB, FL in ten minutes, and an F-104 lights its afterburner at brake release, not rotation. Additionally, the USAF anti-satellite missile (ASM-135) was not borne by the F-16; there wasn't enough power. Nevertheless, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

“To write something you have to have something to say.” This statement rings true for this story, which has a lot to say about power, fate, and the human condition. “Even places of power are useless unless you’re prepared to bring something to them.” This final thought leaves the reader with something to ponder long after the story has ended.

Richard Baedeker, a former astronaut who once walked on the moon, is now in the 1980s, reflecting on his life.

He has his job, a wayward son, a somewhat diminished fame, and several friends from his NASA days with whom he maintains a connection.

Then there is his son's girlfriend, who possesses wisdom far beyond her years.

I initially questioned why I was reading this. Dan Simmons was on my radar due to his SciFi reputation, but this isn't a SciFi novel, despite the mention of the past moon walk. It's not my typical kind of book.

However, I found it to be deeply moving and tender, with beautifully crafted prose. The characters, though having nothing in common with me, were fascinating to follow, and I grew to like them.

Despite being about a man in middle age looking back on his past, there is a clear narrative, events unfold, and there is even excitement. I was compelled to turn the pages to discover what would happen next.

This book is an unexpected and quiet delight that offers a unique and engaging reading experience.

Retired Astronaut Richard Baedecker often finds himself in a state of reflection.

As he looks back on his remarkable career with NASA, he can't help but also look forward, constantly seeking the true meaning of life.

This presents an interesting perspective on the male midlife crisis, especially when it involves a NASA astronaut in his middle-aged years.

Richard's story is not unique, as many men at this stage of life find themselves grappling with similar questions.

However, his experiences in space and his achievements with NASA add an extra layer of complexity to his search.

Despite having accomplished so much, he still feels a sense of longing for something more.

Perhaps it is the need for a deeper connection, a new purpose, or simply a different way of looking at the world.

Whatever it may be, Richard's journey is one that many can relate to, and it serves as a reminder that the search for meaning is a universal human experience.

With a score of 6 out of 12, his story has the potential to resonate with a wide audience and inspire others to embark on their own quests for self-discovery.

This book is rather lacking in plot and is quite depressing.

For the type A personalities who one would anticipate to be astronauts, the main characters seem to simply float through life. The people around him almost resemble shadow puppets, fulfilling the expected roles in a rather unremarkable way.

The main character appears to be bored with his kids. He claims to love his wife, yet he seems completely unmoved when she is dying. And when his friend passes away, he shows up merely because it seems like the expected thing to do.

Interestingly, he has more intense feelings about how his camping equipment compares to that of his early twenty-something fling than he does about her.

This is like a novel about someone who is attempting to find meaning in a life that they haven't truly engaged with enough to have a real experience. The flashbacks are reminiscent of Adam Sandler in Click when he is on fast forward, and these are the events and feelings in the character's life that had the most significant impact.

Surprisingly, it does inspire me to improve my own life and become more engaged, as the character's example shows just how badly things can turn out when one is not fully involved in their life.

The sentence "no es muy bueno, me deja inquieto sobre el cambio en la adultes, la búsqueda final" seems a bit unclear and perhaps lacking in context. However, I will try to expand and rewrite it as best as I can.

It is not very good. It makes me feel uneasy about the change in adults and the final search. Maybe this change is something unexpected or unwanted, causing a sense of disquiet within. The final search could refer to a search for something specific, such as meaning, purpose, or stability in life. As adults, we often face various changes and challenges that can leave us feeling uncertain and restless. This feeling of unease might drive us to search for answers or solutions to make sense of the changes and find a way forward. It could be a journey of self-discovery and growth, as we try to adapt and find our place in a changing world.

Overall, the original sentence seems to express a sense of dissatisfaction and concern about the changes and the search that comes with adulthood. By expanding on it, we can better understand the possible emotions and thoughts behind it.

I absolutely loved this book.

Being accustomed to the author's style, this book, which tells an existential journey, pleasantly surprised me.

The story takes the reader on a profound exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in life.

The author's vivid descriptions and engaging narrative made it impossible for me to put the book down.

Each character was well-developed and added depth to the overall plot.

The themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth were beautifully woven throughout the story.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and inspiring read.

It will leave you with a new perspective on life and a sense of hope and possibility.

Whether you're a fan of the author's previous works or new to their writing, this book is sure to captivate and delight you.

So, don't hesitate to pick up a copy and embark on this amazing literary adventure.

You won't be disappointed!

Richard Baedecker, a former astronaut who once walked on the moon, now finds himself in a rather lackluster existence as an aircraft engineering salesperson. His life has become a shade of grey, filled with loneliness and a sense of aimlessness. A visit to his son's ashram in India, however, sets him on a new path of self-discovery.

reviews.metaphorosis.com

3 stars

"Phases of Gravity" is a science fiction novel in the sense that it features an ex-astronaut and uses some technical jargon. But at its core, it's a contemporary story about a man searching for meaning and a reason to live. Baedecker is a grey man with a grey life, and unfortunately, the novel itself often feels just as grey.

I'm a fan of some of Dan Simmons' work, but this book didn't quite hit the mark for me. It's well-written, but the theme of an aging ex-astronaut's midlife crisis didn't hold my interest. Baedeker drifts through life, emotionless and passive. The main external force driving the story is a younger woman who is attracted to him for no particularly clear reason. He meanders from place to place, showing little interest in much of anything and doing even less. It's difficult to understand why anyone would really care about him, and I found myself not really caring either.

The story is further hampered by its structure, which is largely composed of flashbacks. "Baedeker suddenly recalled" seems to be a recurring phrase. Occasionally, the story jumps forward, only to have the skipped time reviewed in flashbacks later. This makes the narrative feel awkward and not particularly engaging.

Baedeker spends a great deal of time reflecting on his moonwalk and the moments surrounding it. He has a vague interest in a transcendent experience and in evaluating experiences in general. But he also comes across as a bit of a complainer. He feels that his life has amounted to very little beyond his brief moment of glory, but because he's so passionless, I didn't really sympathize with him.

It's possible that there are hidden levels of meaning in the novel. For example, the name Baedeker might hint at the Baedeker travel guides, given that he's trying to find his way in life. But I'm not sure if Simmons intended such subtleties. I think he was simply trying to tell a story about a man in middle age, but he ended up with too much focus on the age and not enough on the man. By page 16, I was already finding the book dull, and despite its smooth writing, it never really managed to pick up the pace.

The story is loosely grouped around Baedeker's reunions with his two former mission-mates. In the second reunion, he seems to wake up a bit, but only slightly. He's generally in a fog, more focused on memories than on the present. Simmons has clearly done his research on the proper terminology, so the conversations between the men feel realistic. But sometimes, he's so intent on getting the details right that he forgets to make the jargon interesting.

A portion of the novel involves a book that a character is writing, which is supposed to be about profiles of ex-astronauts. Clearly, this is part of what Simmons is attempting, but I don't think he succeeds as well as his character does. The introduction of colorful but extraneous characters doesn't really add much to the story.

Open Road Media's proof-reading is also a bit uneven in this book, with a few dozen incorrect paragraph breaks scattered throughout. The lack of scene breaks doesn't help either.

All in all, "Phases of Gravity" offers a decent look at what an astronaut's post-mission life might be like. But if you're looking for an exciting and engaging story, this might not be the book for you. If you're the dispassionate type, it will probably just seem dull.