I am deep into prepping courses and reading pieces I might want to teach, as well as reading manuscripts for a stint teaching at Breadloaf, and I’m noticing one specific aspect of writing that really sings and captivates—simply how one sentence leads, pours, or feeds into the next actively, in forward motion.
Why not read Goodbye, Columbus? It is great. I got a lot of notes from people saying they reread it often. I also love The Human Stain, and American Pastoral...the big books he wrote in his sixties. There are many literary experiments as well, and some people loves this most. Reading a bit about his huge oeuvre may help you decide.
Great comments. I am in my third reading of Transit of Venus and what you say applies so accurately to Hazzard's writing style. It flows, even when it jumps from one decade to another, from one place to another. Thank you!
New word for me, profluence; it is a beaut. It also evoked the Susan Sontag line I have scribbled all over the place sometimes as a reminder, sometimes as a mantra, " Love words, agonize over sentences and pay attention to the world. Thanks, Al, I needed that.
“The reader, who has experience of how the world turns, recognizes in the movement between sentences that are cognizant of forward motion that they are in a rushing river in a safe boat.”
That is one of my favorite paragraphs of all time. I’ve often read it with a sense of awe. It’s so perfect it feels magical. Thank you for the deep dive info why it’s so good at casting a spell that draws (yanks?) the reader in . 💕
Alice, I have not read any Phillip Roth and now want to, what would you recommend as my first Roth read?
Why not read Goodbye, Columbus? It is great. I got a lot of notes from people saying they reread it often. I also love The Human Stain, and American Pastoral...the big books he wrote in his sixties. There are many literary experiments as well, and some people loves this most. Reading a bit about his huge oeuvre may help you decide.
ok just bought Goodbye, Columbus and The Human Stain! Oh happy day!
Great comments. I am in my third reading of Transit of Venus and what you say applies so accurately to Hazzard's writing style. It flows, even when it jumps from one decade to another, from one place to another. Thank you!
Wonderful lesson! Thank you, Alice.
New word for me, profluence; it is a beaut. It also evoked the Susan Sontag line I have scribbled all over the place sometimes as a reminder, sometimes as a mantra, " Love words, agonize over sentences and pay attention to the world. Thanks, Al, I needed that.
Love that! Yes, same idea indeed.
Thanks, Alice. I’ll save your advice and reread it over and over until it’s attached to my writing DNA.
“The reader, who has experience of how the world turns, recognizes in the movement between sentences that are cognizant of forward motion that they are in a rushing river in a safe boat.”
Love this, Alice. Such a great reminder. 💕
Did Chat GPT write the second version?
I haven't tried Chat GPT yet. Am I missing out?
I'll never know as I'm sure it's going to suck out my soul.
That is one of my favorite paragraphs of all time. I’ve often read it with a sense of awe. It’s so perfect it feels magical. Thank you for the deep dive info why it’s so good at casting a spell that draws (yanks?) the reader in . 💕