Damon, have you read any of Yannis Ritsos, Greek poet, 1909-1990? His poems dance, as many Greek poets do. Ancient and modern. Said to be a communist, but honestly a simple leftist, and not a poltician at all. Great poems.
Thank you, Cedric. Yes, certainly, Cosmopolis, was a fantastic read. Clean, smart, a kind of slickness that in another storyteller's hands could very have landed with sad, hard thunk.
I have not, Cedric. How was it, presuming you have seen it? I suspect it has potential to translate well enough into film. Yet some books are books. There's been talk for years, for instance, of making Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian into a film. I don't believe the movie would translate so well, should it get made. I loved the novel, The Road, but the movie was ho-hum, even with a great cast. One of the books I hope to read this year is Elmore Leonard's Cuba Libra. I mention this because I thought Get Shorty was a good film, shifting from book to movie.
There are some omissions made from book to film, but I found cosmopolis to capture the spirit of the book. I read Get Shorty and I prefer the book to the movie, but Leonard’s writing is so good that I can’t really complain. It’s staged like Glengarry Glen Ross, where there is more emphasis on dialogue than the filmmaking.
I went deeper into Donald Hall this past year, and his poetry very much rewards our attention. Also, I LOVE Jane Kenyon's OTHERWISE. I was thrilled when I found her book at a used bookstore in Trumansburg, New York.
Because of the job I had years ago, I had the opportunity to actually meet and get to know a good deal of the poets on your list. They came to dinner and my husband, also a poet and novelist, had merry times. Anthony Hecht and Robert Lowell were favs, and Richard Howard. Hecht won the Pulitzer Prize twice and the National Book award. Worthy of your list. He took us around the Smithsonian Museum when we stayed with him and his wife, Helen. Long time ago, now. But still so alive in my memories. He was very regal. Another famours male poet was a drinker. Had five martinis and went into the ladies room, and that was before we ordered food. After dinner he took a whiz on the parked taxicab. I didn't dine with him again. Told my husband I don't babysit. Thought you might enjoy those tales. And Yes Jane Kenyon and Donald Hall. We knew him, but not Kenyon. Not showing off. Just life. C.
Thank you, John. On my "to read" list, there are 3 or 4 titles that you have recommend on BOOK RANTS. You are such a strong reader, and I very much value your recommendations.
An expert reader and admiral book lover. Wonderful list. Cavafy one of my favs. so many other interesting books. Can't wait to pick and choose where to start. Thank you so much for your sharing all the titles. I've got "The Man Who Planted Trees" by Jean Giono, "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey, "Soul of the Octopus" by Sy Montgomery, and "The Remains of the Day," by Kazuo Ishiguro in my pile now. I would say I'm addicted to reading, quite honestly. My cats aren't fond of the habit and they let me know in countless interruptions. I think Virgil again next. Best to you and your loved one for the New Year, Damon. Constance
Thank you, Constance. "Soul of the Octopus" is wonderful. "The Remains of the Day" is quietly brilliant. Cavafy should be read and re-read. And I keep hearing about "Orbital," which several friends have recommended to me, including Tabby Ivy. Guess it will go on the list now! Thank you for the kind words.
Wow, that is an amazing list. I can only think of 4 books I've read in 2025, and two of those were by Paul Vlachos! A lot of my reading this year is on Substack, heavily weighted toward politics. By the way, the book on your list that caught my attention is "The Green Hills of Africa". If you want a better book I strongly recommend "Under Kilimanjaro", set in the same place with many of the same characters. The African characters in "Green Hills" aren't well developed but they become real people in "Under Kilimanjaro". Also, Hemingway is much more mature and self-critical in the later book.
Thank you, Jeffery. I loved that you're reading Paul Vlachos! A good choice. I have, in fact, read "Under Kilimanjaro," which is fascinating. There are certain authors to whom I return every year. Hemingway is one of them. I presently have 16 volumes piled on my desk--all to read or to re-read. I am hopelessly old-fashioned in what I read and enjoy, but I'm always looking for what is new and interesting. My current new book is Katherine Rundell's "The Poisoned King," which Book Two of her "Impossible Creatures" series. I am also reading Alberto Manguel's "Curiosity." I am very, very fond of Mr. Manguel's work. The expanse of his knowledge is tremendous, and his work is tirelessly interesting, especially if you are into books, the history of reading, and all the madness of being a collector.
Hi Damon, thanks for the reply and the book tips! I also return to Hemingway fairly often, mostly the short stories. There are still a few of Hemingway’s books I haven’t read. I need to get Paul Vlachos’ newest book! Happy New Year!
Thank you, Ellen. Yes, so delightful to learn that you're a fan of Philip Larkin. He is a poet who gives us pause. Years ago, in a used bookstore in York, England, I found a first edition of "High Windows." The store, fortunately, had misassigned the value. And what a lovely, lovely collection to read and read again.
What a sweet piece of serendipity, Damon! :-) Larkin first got my attention in college, when I saw that one of my all-time favorite book (LUCKY JIM, by Kingsley Amis) was dedicated to Philip Larkin.
thanks Constance. I do wish I could get more reading time in, tho. I just started Sally Mann's new book, Art Work. loved her first, Hold Still. do you know her? a wonderful photographer.
Can you put Bleak House on a scale of "ambitious reading" compared to your other 2025 works. I'm always happy when a year's reading includes such a wonderful work. But is it harder than Proust for example?
I've been puzzling over Bleak House since reading it. I'm a fan of Dickens--Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and David Copperfield are novels to which I could return again and again. This year, I may read A Tale of Two Cities or perhaps The Pickwick Papers. I read Dickens to enter another world, and Dickens constantly opens the world for his readers. But I found Bleak House a bit of a struggle. There are sections of the novel in which Dickens seems to have no where to travel. He must travel somewhere, of course, but I sense he picks his way, at least sometimes, more out of necessity than intentionality. There are other sections of the novel, especially in the later half, in which I am enthralled. Similarly, when I read Proust, I try not to hurry. Yes, in Swans Way it takes young Swan something like fourteen pages to turnover in bed (or whatever it is), but the observations, the depth of an individual's memory--sighs over roses, dinners, windows, a mother's kiss--are all made rich for Proust's language, for his hesitations, for his stops. To read Proust well, I must not make demands of his work. I cannot ask him to hurry or beg what's next or skip a page. He cultivates characters and memory in such a way to cultivate us, his readers. And yet, I write this and wish that I had read A Christmas Carol again this year. Maybe next year.
Oh my goodness, I just don't get tired of A Christmas Carol. I read his other Christmas story, The Bells, last year and it was also very meander-y and its themes didn't quite ring as true as A Christmas Carol. And I read Demon Copperhead last year and now I need to reread David Copperfield. It's just those difficult moments - I imagine readers not enjoying those installments if they were serialized like Netflix shows. Now we binge. Remember when the bad
guy spontaneously combusts in Bleak House? That took me a while to understand (and then look up for clarity and then re-read again). But then, yes, I was totally in love with the second half. Anyway, I will endeavor to take your advice and let Proust lead the way - I intend to start reading Swann's Way (again) and this time to persevere.
Yes! I do remember that scene. I remember thinking, "What? He just caught on fire." And then I remember thinking, "Okay. He caught on fire." A Christmas Carol is a marvelous book. I very much agree with you. It transcends the season (maybe makes the season), in a way similar to how all the best children's books are for us grown-ups. Thank you for the conversation, Jodie. If you care to, find me sometimes and let me know how Proust is coming along. I haven't decided my hard books for the year, but I will.
Damon, have you read any of Yannis Ritsos, Greek poet, 1909-1990? His poems dance, as many Greek poets do. Ancient and modern. Said to be a communist, but honestly a simple leftist, and not a poltician at all. Great poems.
Thank you for the recommendation, Constance. I will look for his work!
Nice list. I also read Cosmopolis, and I really enjoyed it.
Thank you, Cedric. Yes, certainly, Cosmopolis, was a fantastic read. Clean, smart, a kind of slickness that in another storyteller's hands could very have landed with sad, hard thunk.
Have you seen the film?
I have not, Cedric. How was it, presuming you have seen it? I suspect it has potential to translate well enough into film. Yet some books are books. There's been talk for years, for instance, of making Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian into a film. I don't believe the movie would translate so well, should it get made. I loved the novel, The Road, but the movie was ho-hum, even with a great cast. One of the books I hope to read this year is Elmore Leonard's Cuba Libra. I mention this because I thought Get Shorty was a good film, shifting from book to movie.
There are some omissions made from book to film, but I found cosmopolis to capture the spirit of the book. I read Get Shorty and I prefer the book to the movie, but Leonard’s writing is so good that I can’t really complain. It’s staged like Glengarry Glen Ross, where there is more emphasis on dialogue than the filmmaking.
Thank you, Cedric. Thank you for your insights. They are appreciated.
All great poets. Had second look and had to add praise for them and you for them being on your list.
I went deeper into Donald Hall this past year, and his poetry very much rewards our attention. Also, I LOVE Jane Kenyon's OTHERWISE. I was thrilled when I found her book at a used bookstore in Trumansburg, New York.
Because of the job I had years ago, I had the opportunity to actually meet and get to know a good deal of the poets on your list. They came to dinner and my husband, also a poet and novelist, had merry times. Anthony Hecht and Robert Lowell were favs, and Richard Howard. Hecht won the Pulitzer Prize twice and the National Book award. Worthy of your list. He took us around the Smithsonian Museum when we stayed with him and his wife, Helen. Long time ago, now. But still so alive in my memories. He was very regal. Another famours male poet was a drinker. Had five martinis and went into the ladies room, and that was before we ordered food. After dinner he took a whiz on the parked taxicab. I didn't dine with him again. Told my husband I don't babysit. Thought you might enjoy those tales. And Yes Jane Kenyon and Donald Hall. We knew him, but not Kenyon. Not showing off. Just life. C.
I am thrilled that you have shared these connections, Constance. Thank you so much. What an honor that you have shared this.
Impressive, Damon.
Thank you, John. On my "to read" list, there are 3 or 4 titles that you have recommend on BOOK RANTS. You are such a strong reader, and I very much value your recommendations.
An expert reader and admiral book lover. Wonderful list. Cavafy one of my favs. so many other interesting books. Can't wait to pick and choose where to start. Thank you so much for your sharing all the titles. I've got "The Man Who Planted Trees" by Jean Giono, "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey, "Soul of the Octopus" by Sy Montgomery, and "The Remains of the Day," by Kazuo Ishiguro in my pile now. I would say I'm addicted to reading, quite honestly. My cats aren't fond of the habit and they let me know in countless interruptions. I think Virgil again next. Best to you and your loved one for the New Year, Damon. Constance
Thank you, Constance. "Soul of the Octopus" is wonderful. "The Remains of the Day" is quietly brilliant. Cavafy should be read and re-read. And I keep hearing about "Orbital," which several friends have recommended to me, including Tabby Ivy. Guess it will go on the list now! Thank you for the kind words.
Wow, that is an amazing list. I can only think of 4 books I've read in 2025, and two of those were by Paul Vlachos! A lot of my reading this year is on Substack, heavily weighted toward politics. By the way, the book on your list that caught my attention is "The Green Hills of Africa". If you want a better book I strongly recommend "Under Kilimanjaro", set in the same place with many of the same characters. The African characters in "Green Hills" aren't well developed but they become real people in "Under Kilimanjaro". Also, Hemingway is much more mature and self-critical in the later book.
Thank you, Jeffery. I loved that you're reading Paul Vlachos! A good choice. I have, in fact, read "Under Kilimanjaro," which is fascinating. There are certain authors to whom I return every year. Hemingway is one of them. I presently have 16 volumes piled on my desk--all to read or to re-read. I am hopelessly old-fashioned in what I read and enjoy, but I'm always looking for what is new and interesting. My current new book is Katherine Rundell's "The Poisoned King," which Book Two of her "Impossible Creatures" series. I am also reading Alberto Manguel's "Curiosity." I am very, very fond of Mr. Manguel's work. The expanse of his knowledge is tremendous, and his work is tirelessly interesting, especially if you are into books, the history of reading, and all the madness of being a collector.
Hi Damon, thanks for the reply and the book tips! I also return to Hemingway fairly often, mostly the short stories. There are still a few of Hemingway’s books I haven’t read. I need to get Paul Vlachos’ newest book! Happy New Year!
Yes, the short stories are brilliant! A Happy New Year to you, Jeffrey, and thank you for the connection.
Amazing selection of sundry books! What a beautiful world of reading. I too love Philip Larkin.
Thank you, Ellen. Yes, so delightful to learn that you're a fan of Philip Larkin. He is a poet who gives us pause. Years ago, in a used bookstore in York, England, I found a first edition of "High Windows." The store, fortunately, had misassigned the value. And what a lovely, lovely collection to read and read again.
What a sweet piece of serendipity, Damon! :-) Larkin first got my attention in college, when I saw that one of my all-time favorite book (LUCKY JIM, by Kingsley Amis) was dedicated to Philip Larkin.
I am such a loser
You are not a loser. You probably use your time better. Even so, happy FURTURE reading, Tabby Ivy.
Thx, D
Loser???? I don't think so. Your work is confounding and just wonderful.
thanks Constance. I do wish I could get more reading time in, tho. I just started Sally Mann's new book, Art Work. loved her first, Hold Still. do you know her? a wonderful photographer.
I will now. I'm sure her work will excite me. Thank you so much for the recommendation. C.
Can you put Bleak House on a scale of "ambitious reading" compared to your other 2025 works. I'm always happy when a year's reading includes such a wonderful work. But is it harder than Proust for example?
Jodie,
I've been puzzling over Bleak House since reading it. I'm a fan of Dickens--Great Expectations, Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and David Copperfield are novels to which I could return again and again. This year, I may read A Tale of Two Cities or perhaps The Pickwick Papers. I read Dickens to enter another world, and Dickens constantly opens the world for his readers. But I found Bleak House a bit of a struggle. There are sections of the novel in which Dickens seems to have no where to travel. He must travel somewhere, of course, but I sense he picks his way, at least sometimes, more out of necessity than intentionality. There are other sections of the novel, especially in the later half, in which I am enthralled. Similarly, when I read Proust, I try not to hurry. Yes, in Swans Way it takes young Swan something like fourteen pages to turnover in bed (or whatever it is), but the observations, the depth of an individual's memory--sighs over roses, dinners, windows, a mother's kiss--are all made rich for Proust's language, for his hesitations, for his stops. To read Proust well, I must not make demands of his work. I cannot ask him to hurry or beg what's next or skip a page. He cultivates characters and memory in such a way to cultivate us, his readers. And yet, I write this and wish that I had read A Christmas Carol again this year. Maybe next year.
Oh my goodness, I just don't get tired of A Christmas Carol. I read his other Christmas story, The Bells, last year and it was also very meander-y and its themes didn't quite ring as true as A Christmas Carol. And I read Demon Copperhead last year and now I need to reread David Copperfield. It's just those difficult moments - I imagine readers not enjoying those installments if they were serialized like Netflix shows. Now we binge. Remember when the bad
guy spontaneously combusts in Bleak House? That took me a while to understand (and then look up for clarity and then re-read again). But then, yes, I was totally in love with the second half. Anyway, I will endeavor to take your advice and let Proust lead the way - I intend to start reading Swann's Way (again) and this time to persevere.
Yes! I do remember that scene. I remember thinking, "What? He just caught on fire." And then I remember thinking, "Okay. He caught on fire." A Christmas Carol is a marvelous book. I very much agree with you. It transcends the season (maybe makes the season), in a way similar to how all the best children's books are for us grown-ups. Thank you for the conversation, Jodie. If you care to, find me sometimes and let me know how Proust is coming along. I haven't decided my hard books for the year, but I will.