I should probably re-read this sometime.

Looking back, I realize that I could have gotten more out of it.

This piece isn't about science fiction.

Rather, it's a middle-aged reflection on life and what truly matters within it.

As I reach this stage of life, I find myself pondering the significance of various aspects.

Is it the material possessions we accumulate?

Or perhaps the relationships we cultivate?

Maybe it's the experiences we have and the lessons we learn along the way.

This reflection serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the present moment.

To focus on the things that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

It makes me wonder if I've been spending my time and energy on the right things.

And it encourages me to make any necessary adjustments to ensure that I'm living a life that aligns with my values and priorities.

Re-reading this will likely offer new insights and perspectives, helping me to further understand the complexity and beauty of life.

It's a journey of self-discovery and growth that I'm eager to embark on once again.

Wow, this was truly terrific.

I've delved into just about everything Dan Simmons has penned. His works encompass some of the finest sci-fi I've ever encountered, along with hard crime stories, meta-fiction/alt-history renditions of Dickens, Custer, and Sherlock Holmes. Additionally, there are two all-time great horror novels, namely The Terror and Song of Kali.

However, this particular novel, his second, appears to be his sole non-genre work. It could easily find its place on a shelf beside the likes of John Irving or Pat Conroy. I initially picked it up more out of a sense of completionism rather than eagerness. But I was soon captivated by its charms. It's a remarkable character study that weaves through the years and across continents in the life of a former lunar astronaut striving to discover himself. Filled with extraordinary episodes and poignant moments, it truly is a gem.

This book is by no means your ordinary novel from Simmons.

It lacks the elements of Science Fiction, fantasy, or even horror that one might typically expect from his works.

Instead, it offers a detailed character study of an astronaut who once had the remarkable experience of walking on the moon but now finds himself adrift in life.

Although some aspects of this book are rather cliched, like an older man falling in love with a woman half his age, Simmons is a talented enough writer that the absence of a clearly defined plot doesn't overly detract from the excellent character development.

Nonetheless, this book simply isn't to my taste. I had been anticipating something more in the realm of genre fiction, but if you can set aside all your preconceived notions of a Simmons book, it's an okay read.

I give this book 3 stars based on its character study. If it had possessed any sort of plot, the rating would无疑 be higher.

Overall, while it may not be a masterpiece, it does have its redeeming qualities in terms of character exploration.

This is a rather peculiar offering within the Dan Simmons oeuvre.

I wholeheartedly approve of the utilization of Baedecker as a character name. However, this piece feels more akin to a short story or a novella rather than a full-fledged novel.

It commences rather well, with the typical robust writing style that Simmons is known for. But then, it devolves into a tiresome and absurd "tale" of a middle-aged man experiencing a midlife crisis. What's more, the situation of him getting involved with his son's girlfriend is a highly unbelievable setup.

There also appears to be a lack of effort in understanding what the life of a former astronaut is truly like, aside from some overly obvious observations regarding fame.

Consequently, this work seems to be solely for the die-hard Simmons completists.

Read the French version, but overall, it presents an interesting marriage between science and something surreal.

A man who has been to the moon is crafted into a very relatable character. It is fascinating to witness how he makes sense of life after accomplishing such an incredible feat.

This shows that there is just as much significance in the past and the future, as well as the "smaller" aspects of life.

And it emphasizes that it is never too late.

We often focus on the grand achievements and overlook the importance of the ordinary moments. However, this story reminds us that every part of our lives has value.

The man's experience on the moon may have been extraordinary, but his journey of finding meaning in life after that is something we can all relate to.

It teaches us that no matter what we have done in the past or what lies ahead in the future, we can always find significance and purpose in the present.

So, let us not be too quick to dismiss the "smaller" parts of life, for they may hold the key to our happiness and fulfillment.

I truly and deeply enjoyed this time that I spent with Richard Baedecker. It was an incredibly nice existential journey, one that I will cherish for a long time. Richard is such a cool guy, with his unique perspective on life and his ability to make me think about things in a whole new way. We talked about various topics, from the meaning of life to our personal dreams and aspirations. His insights were profound and thought-provoking, and I found myself constantly engaged in our conversations. It was as if time stood still during those moments with him. I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to embark on this journey with him and to have gained a new friend in the process. I can't wait to see where this new friendship takes us and what other adventures we will have together.

Richard Baedecker, who once had the remarkable experience of walking on the moon, now finds himself in search of a new direction.

There is an unwavering belief within him that there is still fulfillment waiting to be discovered in life. This particular novel was the first one I read by this author, and it had such an impact that it inspired me to explore his other works.

However, to my disappointment, he never penned anything else in the same vein.

This story serves as a powerful parable, drawing a parallel between the lost focus of space exploration and a man's journey of self-reflection.

It makes one question what truly matters in life and how a single event, like walking on the moon, can overshadow and even corrupt one's perspective.

Baedecker's experience on the moon seems to have left him with a sense of emptiness, prompting him to seek something more meaningful.

This novel forces us to consider our own priorities and the ways in which our past achievements may have influenced our present and future.

It is a thought-provoking piece that challenges us to look beyond the surface and find true fulfillment in our lives.

Stephen King is a highly regarded and influential figure in the world of literature. When he recommends an author, it often catches the attention of readers and the literary community alike.

The author recommended by Stephen King is likely to possess unique storytelling abilities and a talent for captivating audiences. Their works may explore various themes and genres, appealing to a wide range of readers.

Such a recommendation can give the author a significant boost in terms of exposure and recognition. It can open doors to new opportunities, such as increased book sales, media coverage, and a larger fan base.

Readers who trust Stephen King's judgment are likely to be eager to explore the recommended author's works, curious to see what makes them stand out.

In conclusion, being recommended by Stephen King is no small feat and can have a profound impact on an author's career. It is a testament to their talent and potential, and it offers readers the chance to discover new and exciting voices in the literary world.

I happened upon this 1989 novel and am so happy I found it.

In 1989, looking at our society from a moonwalker's perspective was a truly great device. It offered a unique and captivating lens through which to view the world.

After 33 years, Phases of Gravity still remains a delicate love story. It weaves together the emotions and relationships of its characters in a way that is both touching and engaging.

Moreover, it is also a compelling generational portrait. It shows the differences and similarities between different generations, and how they navigate through life.

Searching for "places of power" in India, Oregon, Florida, South Dakota, and space, Baedecker, Maggie, and Scott embark on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, they find out about themselves and, in doing so, offer beguiling perspectives on time, love, and the cosmos. Their experiences and insights add depth and richness to the story, making it a truly remarkable read.

Overall, Phases of Gravity is a novel that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and thought-provoking work that continues to charm readers even after all these years.

This is a truly remarkable book that defies easy categorization. It's a far cry from what one might expect, especially when considering Simmons as an SF writer. Indeed, many on Goodreads have mislabeled it as Science Fiction. However, in no sense is it that.

It's a deeply poignant story about a man's profound search. Richard, a former astronaut who walked on the moon, is now divorced, estranged from his son, and stuck in a dead-end job. When his son, Scott, gets involved with a suspicious cult, Richard flies to India in a desperate attempt to see him. Instead of bringing Scott home, he meets Maggie, his son's girlfriend.

Maggie takes Richard on a unique sightseeing tour of India, showing him places that hold special meaning for her rather than just the typical tourist attractions. She also introduces him to the concept of "places of power." Through the remainder of the story, Richard embarks on a journey to find these places of power, sometimes consciously and sometimes not. He engages in thrilling adventures like hang-gliding from the peak of Un­com­pah­gre, discovers a concrete replica of Stonehenge in Oregon, rebuilds a cabin on an artificial lake, and visits Maggie's favorite, Bear Butte in South Dakota.

While his relationship with his ex-wife is beyond repair, Richard manages to rebuild his relationships with his old friend and crewmate on the moon mission, Dave, and with his son. Dave, now a multi-faceted individual with terminal cancer, dies in the crash of an Air Force T-35, leading everyone, including his pregnant wife, to suspect suicide. Richard inserts himself into the investigation to uncover the truth.

And, of course, Richard finds himself falling in love with Maggie. But there's a complication – she's his son's girlfriend. This complex web of relationships and emotions makes for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

A book that seems to have not a whole lot happening. But what truly occurs when a middle-aged man who once walked on the moon has to navigate through life? Well, this book presents 5 snippets of that very life. Surprisingly, it was not as dull as it might initially sound. In fact, it managed to hold my interest throughout all 310 pages. I find myself longing for more details about his days at NASA or the actual experience of walking on the moon. Apart from the brief mention in part one, which is just a short bit in every other paragraph, there is so much more that could have been explored.

Subterranean Press 181/500.

Dan Simmons is widely renowned for his remarkable works in the genres of science fiction and horror. However, this particular piece is something different. As he himself states in the afterword, it is a novel.

Richard Baedecker, a former Apollo astronaut who had the extraordinary experience of walking on the moon, takes center stage. In this novel, which is structured as a series of interconnected short stories, he travels to India on what seems to be a business trip. But in truth, he is actually going there to check on his son, who has chosen to live on an ashram under the guidance of a guru.

The second story presents a somewhat disillusioned Baedecker. He finds himself as the guest of honor for the annual parade in a town that he can barely recall. It is in this situation that he rediscovers some of his long-lost childhood.

I was completely captivated by this book when I first read it, and over the past 10 or 15 years, its charm has not waned in the slightest. Simmons writes with great mastery and sensitivity. He has a profound understanding of memory and the often-frustrating inability of parents to effectively communicate with their children. Moreover, he has a wonderful sense of the deep bonds that exist between old friends. In conclusion, this is a very good book that is well worth reading.