A very rich post, Nathan, by which I mean there is plenty in it. I will have to check out L. J. Gearing's newsletter. I have ordered the Akex Bellos book: it arrives next weekend. You may be aware, his dad is David Bellos, who has translated several books by George Perec, such as his famous Oulipian work, Life: A User's Manual. My only minor criticism is that I don't think you should make assumptions: I've never read Mcarthy, and hopefully I'm not the only one, so your m8ni review was most welcome and encouraging
Do not listen to Nathan, readers, and watch Silo! (Nathan should also not listen to Nathan and watch Silo, as well as reading the books.)
Do listen to Nathan, readers, and love the language puzzles of The Language Lover‘s Puzzle Book! (You will, with a leap of linguistic logic, be able to deduce how to say “nine cucumbers“ in Japanese, amongst other things.)
For me the title did not clearly denote August morsels—possibly because I cannot remember what month it is—I read it and thought of ominous, portentous and prophetic morsels. I suppose you have predicted the arrival of the concluding part of “And it was lost“ next week; I hope your prediction proves correct, though I imagine that it does not bode particularly well for the main character…
Are there cones-of-curiosity interlaced with those rods-of-interest?
7. Did you also make your very own Tracy Island? Maybe that was after your time.
I’m intrigued that you need further explanation. What effect does reading have on you? How does a good book make you feel? Even a brilliantly written news article has this effect on me. Perhaps you are more a writer than a reader so you haven’t ‘lusted’? I love this comment though because Nathan may perhaps gift us with his version as a response! So thank you so much for raising it. (You AND Nathan.)
I have been chewing on this today, and I am fortunate to be in the middle of a book that I am immensely enjoying and so provides me a good example. Reading makes me feel many different things, and my favorite books often land me in the camp of exhilarated, intrigued, and excited. Well-articulated non-fiction books leave me satisfied and pleased. However, there is also an element of craving inspired by some books (mostly fiction) that gives the experience a different tinge. I would never have thought to describe it as lust, but the more I think about it, the less I can argue against that verbiage. Rare but exquisite are those jewels of literature that seduce and beguile!
I've tried to read Blood Meridian twice and did not finish both times - it really is too bleak for my taste. Looking forward to watching your conversation with Kim - I'm desperately behind on all my reading!
You write so beautifully about other works of art. Ah, to pause time and consume it all! I absolutely love your conversation with Kimberly. You two are radiant pearls.
Just reading this as I sit in Philadelphia Airport waiting to head home after a fun few days.
I really enjoy these catch up articles of yours even if they do highlight how little I’m reading just now. I’ve read The Road by Cormac McCarthy but nothing else. Will need to give Blood Meridian a go. Currently trying to read The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones which is pretty good. Even if I’ve only managed about 10 pages 🙄
Just to add to the Silo discussion, I’m afraid I need to agree with L.J. above and disagree with you and Alexander to say it’s a great show. Rebecca Ferguson is great in it and looking forward to the new series. When we eventually meet up for those beers we can sort all these things out 😁
Kneecap looks fantastic and it’s great the Irish language being properly celebrated after various governments trying to ban it in Northern Ireland. Will need to catch it when I get home 👍🏼
Right, I’m off to read all the other articles I’ve missed whilst I wait in my plane that will hopefully be on time ✈️
That’s us back in Heathrow and just waiting for flight back to Scotland. Was over seeing Springsteen as a birthday present. Was superb. Also got to see the Rocky statue after 40 odd years of watching the movies. Will need to write an article about it all 😁
I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Kim! I'm impressed with how much you're able to read. I read so slowly I have to really be selective if I want to have any time to write or do anything else. You mentioned the thrill of 'what next?' which is something I crave as well and also curse! Right now I'm grappling with what next on Departures as I have begun thinking about the endgame. Here's hoping I planted enough seeds along the way for something to grow.
I just came home from a hike, sank into a cushioned chair, and read, “Augorsels” and thought , is this about mushrooms🍄🟫? And then of course I scrolled down and saw the drawing, kinda looks like mushrooms…
I absolutely love the intro . The first two paragraphs are wonderful! But now, I am way out of my league here, as I bow my head ,mumbling, that I have not read any of your ‘morsels’.
So, I always trust where you’ll eventually take me as an author, I will once again allow you to entice me with a book selection.
Ok, first one, Vampire? I like that idea , but alas I wanna “lust” too.
Pale Fire, out. Just cuz.
Blood Meridian, hmm not bad, oh wait, “horrifying”and “nightmare”, pass.
Wool? Dystopian, I liked reading the Hunger Games, it’s a maybe. Though being in your selection, I have a feeling it is well beyond Mockingjay.
Anathem, quantum mechanics and Sci-fi in the same book, pass. Yes, I’m looking them up.
I’m heading back to Hell on Wheels (on Freevee).
Maybe next time.
“The Morsel tree” , what a great name. I’m thinking munchies and reading.
So much to unpack here, Nathan. I enjoy the pieces you sometimes share with your readings; so far, I've always liked the titles you've mentioned, and I'm sure this time will be no exception. I'm especially intrigued by the Nabokov and the McCarthy. We'll see. Meanwhile, let me just highlight the following:
1) Footnote number 3 is brilliant.
2) 'Well, there are other morsels, but the too-small wicker basket I carry is now full, and those I've left scattered on the ground will be gifted to nature’s dance of decomposition.' -- I absolutely loved how you crafted this one. But then again, no surprises there!
And I'm drooling with anticipation for the final part of 'And It Was Lost.'
You know you just make my pile bigger and bigger, the list of books to read while reading War and Peace, and err recording it (soon again) is ever-growing, then again, I thank you for these morsels. And just to say, I tried Silo but stopped after episode 2. Maybe the book is better? Sorry, L.J. Maybe I come back to it once the flooding has subsided.
Re. Neil S. I only read Cryptonomicon (and Snow Crash), which was enough not to read anything else.
I was going to ask you what you thought of Stephensen. I’ve heard such varied thoughts on some of his other books (including those two), but Anathem seems to be higher on the praise list.
I remember reading Cryptonomicon (1999) was a drag, I skipped pages at times. Maybe I read it at the wrong time. It's been too long to really give any recommendation but based on what I remember, I don't think I will return to it or any of his other books. However, Lex Friedman interviewed him two years ago and I have recently watched that.
Oh, nice. Didn't know that about Lex interviewing him. Thanks. Tried to pick up paperback of Anathem today but it wasn't available. I'm still keen on reading it, so will report back if I do so.
I would say that, in episode three of Silo, there is a shift towards Rebecca Ferguson as the main character, whom I found most compelling. The first two episodes establish the scenario, whereas what follows delves more into her story, which is the heart of the series. I would have given it one more chance!
However, personally I did enjoy it from the beginning already and liked it even more with time. Perhaps it is not for you; I am not going to be one of those people to say that you need to keep watching something because it gets good eventually… who has time for that?
(Note that this does not apply to Nathan—you, sir, I shall continue to pester!)
I’m certainly the most intrigued about her story, and I got the sense it was going that way and I am a big fan of RF, but… well, maybe reading the books will allow me to look past some of the screenplay and directorial decisions.
I may have another look down the line. You make a compelling argument. Time wise, there never is enough time to read or watch everything we want to, got to make choices.
Very true. It can also be rather difficult to make those choices when presented with so many options and conflicting recommendations. That is one of the reasons why I have not engaged so much with reading more on Substack—it is quite simply overwhelming. Plus the fact that so much time is already spent looking at screens, at home and at work, that I am a little resistant to losing more and more time to such devices.
Very true, I have my own list of books to read (1000) before the lights go out and I don't really need to add more. Then again, the potential discourse regarding recommended texts makes them perhaps more worth reading, choosing to read (or watch) "together" with others (sort of). In this sense, Substack is like a book club, and we're all members.
I do. I made it when I made the Page Turners YouTube channel. A challenge I set myself, read and record 1000 books one must read before we join the choir invisible.
Delicious morsels, indeed, Mr Slake. Your book and film recommendations make me lament at how hopelessly behind I am. My Substack inbox is packed. My watch-list on Amazon Prime has reached critical mass, and my night stand has six TBR books in a pile gathering dust. I'm going to go take a nap...
Also, I haven’t read Blood Meridian either but after this reflection of yours “Cormac’s ability to distil poetic beauty from nightmare” oh my I must queue it up immediately.
Love that you’ve now read Blood Meridian. I enjoyed footnote #3 😁
I must read Pale Fire. Always enjoy your recs and know I can trust them. I guess we have similar tastes.
I’ve just started Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton and it’s wild and ambitious (there are no chapters and Part 2 starts 200 pages in!). I also went back to that Modiano I mentioned to Silvio and you the other day. I’m feeling the desire to dip into stuff I know is good (ie slow read a few pages) whilst focusing on a large text to devour.
Always enjoy also your interludes. Thanks for keeping us in your inner world as fiction awaits.
I love this Nathan, only you could fill a newsletter with such gorgeous prose! I so get that you want to ‘lust when you read’ that’s exactly it!
I haven’t read any of the books you speak of except Lolita which I think I’ve already mentioned and it was so long ago it doesn’t count - but Pale Fire is in my pile burning its way slowly to the top!
Ah but I beg to differ; you seemingly effortlessly fill posts with gorgeous prose. Which reminds me Susie I am behind and I have a post of yours to read 😱!
Yes, I remember your words about snatching sneaking reads of Lolita. ;)
Hope that lists incinerates itself to Pale Fire soon!
An enjoyable read. Sometimes your fiction requires more energy than I can summon at any given moment. (SubStack is quite a way down my list of priorities in my day and your words require full attention and a handing over of self! Brilliant writing, but it requires its own space.) But this was an easy and interesting read. Thanks so much.
Thanks Beth, and I totally and completely understand. (Thanks for your honesty, too.) I get that feeling with all fiction; it often requires a particular moment and space within the mind.
Pleased to have given you an easy and interesting read. I always think of you now whenever I'm writing non-fiction. 😊
Thanks, Vanessa. Appreciate. Never quite know if these are just random rambles of little interest.
When I wrote that paragraph I was thinking of you because of you saying previously about Stephenson and Snow Crash. Very happy to hear Anathem has your endorsement. Hopefully I can handle the long sections of maths and physics (if such things are truly in there).
Blindsight is worth your time. I think it had just been a bit overhyped for me.
Re: Anathem, if I didn't find the hard science sections too long or convoluted, you'll probably be fine -- or is that you don't want to read about science in your fiction at all? He does a good job at only adding exposition as needed for understanding & enjoyment of the story & in a reader-friendly way too, at least I thought so.
A very rich post, Nathan, by which I mean there is plenty in it. I will have to check out L. J. Gearing's newsletter. I have ordered the Akex Bellos book: it arrives next weekend. You may be aware, his dad is David Bellos, who has translated several books by George Perec, such as his famous Oulipian work, Life: A User's Manual. My only minor criticism is that I don't think you should make assumptions: I've never read Mcarthy, and hopefully I'm not the only one, so your m8ni review was most welcome and encouraging
I thought you might be one to like that book by Alex. Had no idea who his father is, but ahh that’s great!
😃
Ps sorry for typos but I'm doing this on the app on my phone and there's no option to edit.
Do not listen to Nathan, readers, and watch Silo! (Nathan should also not listen to Nathan and watch Silo, as well as reading the books.)
Do listen to Nathan, readers, and love the language puzzles of The Language Lover‘s Puzzle Book! (You will, with a leap of linguistic logic, be able to deduce how to say “nine cucumbers“ in Japanese, amongst other things.)
For me the title did not clearly denote August morsels—possibly because I cannot remember what month it is—I read it and thought of ominous, portentous and prophetic morsels. I suppose you have predicted the arrival of the concluding part of “And it was lost“ next week; I hope your prediction proves correct, though I imagine that it does not bode particularly well for the main character…
Are there cones-of-curiosity interlaced with those rods-of-interest?
7. Did you also make your very own Tracy Island? Maybe that was after your time.
August morsels have been known to be prophetic and portentous when consumed.
Cones-of-curiosity ... Very good, sir. If only I could go back in time and insert that into the post.
“I want to lust when I read.”
I am…scared to but also kinda wanting to ask for a further explanation… 😀
I’m intrigued that you need further explanation. What effect does reading have on you? How does a good book make you feel? Even a brilliantly written news article has this effect on me. Perhaps you are more a writer than a reader so you haven’t ‘lusted’? I love this comment though because Nathan may perhaps gift us with his version as a response! So thank you so much for raising it. (You AND Nathan.)
Hehe. Erm… yes… let's see … 😆
This is partly in that direction already, actually: https://slake.substack.com/p/the-square-root-of-a-sentence
Ah yes. That post did cover it beautifully.
I have been chewing on this today, and I am fortunate to be in the middle of a book that I am immensely enjoying and so provides me a good example. Reading makes me feel many different things, and my favorite books often land me in the camp of exhilarated, intrigued, and excited. Well-articulated non-fiction books leave me satisfied and pleased. However, there is also an element of craving inspired by some books (mostly fiction) that gives the experience a different tinge. I would never have thought to describe it as lust, but the more I think about it, the less I can argue against that verbiage. Rare but exquisite are those jewels of literature that seduce and beguile!
Wonderful, Renee. You closing line in that comment is chef kiss!
Spot on. 😃
Maybe that's an entire other post ... 🤭
I've tried to read Blood Meridian twice and did not finish both times - it really is too bleak for my taste. Looking forward to watching your conversation with Kim - I'm desperately behind on all my reading!
Totally fair, Troy. It's certainly bleak and a very specific style.
No worries, and don't stress if you don't get to the interview. I'm buried under a million reads at the moment and know how it can get.
I just watched! My new favorite TV show: "Nathan and Kim Being Adorable"... ;) 💜
🤗
You write so beautifully about other works of art. Ah, to pause time and consume it all! I absolutely love your conversation with Kimberly. You two are radiant pearls.
Aw, thank you Nadia. Your words are too kind. 🤗
Hi Nathan
Just reading this as I sit in Philadelphia Airport waiting to head home after a fun few days.
I really enjoy these catch up articles of yours even if they do highlight how little I’m reading just now. I’ve read The Road by Cormac McCarthy but nothing else. Will need to give Blood Meridian a go. Currently trying to read The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones which is pretty good. Even if I’ve only managed about 10 pages 🙄
Just to add to the Silo discussion, I’m afraid I need to agree with L.J. above and disagree with you and Alexander to say it’s a great show. Rebecca Ferguson is great in it and looking forward to the new series. When we eventually meet up for those beers we can sort all these things out 😁
Kneecap looks fantastic and it’s great the Irish language being properly celebrated after various governments trying to ban it in Northern Ireland. Will need to catch it when I get home 👍🏼
Right, I’m off to read all the other articles I’ve missed whilst I wait in my plane that will hopefully be on time ✈️
Thanks, Dan!
Philadelphia Airport -- ooh, cool. Have you been on holiday, or travelling for work?
Hehe, will gladly discuss over the beers. ;)
I shall endeavour to return to Silo, either via the books or show or both.
Hope you have a smooth trip home.
That’s us back in Heathrow and just waiting for flight back to Scotland. Was over seeing Springsteen as a birthday present. Was superb. Also got to see the Rocky statue after 40 odd years of watching the movies. Will need to write an article about it all 😁
I thoroughly enjoyed your interview with Kim! I'm impressed with how much you're able to read. I read so slowly I have to really be selective if I want to have any time to write or do anything else. You mentioned the thrill of 'what next?' which is something I crave as well and also curse! Right now I'm grappling with what next on Departures as I have begun thinking about the endgame. Here's hoping I planted enough seeds along the way for something to grow.
Thanks, Ben!
I have every confidence that seeds have been sprinkled and have germinated for the endgame. Exciting!
Yeah, I place reading at the same tier of importance as writing, though it’s a real struggle to find the time for both.
I just came home from a hike, sank into a cushioned chair, and read, “Augorsels” and thought , is this about mushrooms🍄🟫? And then of course I scrolled down and saw the drawing, kinda looks like mushrooms…
I absolutely love the intro . The first two paragraphs are wonderful! But now, I am way out of my league here, as I bow my head ,mumbling, that I have not read any of your ‘morsels’.
So, I always trust where you’ll eventually take me as an author, I will once again allow you to entice me with a book selection.
Ok, first one, Vampire? I like that idea , but alas I wanna “lust” too.
Pale Fire, out. Just cuz.
Blood Meridian, hmm not bad, oh wait, “horrifying”and “nightmare”, pass.
Wool? Dystopian, I liked reading the Hunger Games, it’s a maybe. Though being in your selection, I have a feeling it is well beyond Mockingjay.
Anathem, quantum mechanics and Sci-fi in the same book, pass. Yes, I’m looking them up.
I’m heading back to Hell on Wheels (on Freevee).
Maybe next time.
“The Morsel tree” , what a great name. I’m thinking munchies and reading.
Hehe, thank you Lor! Love your thoughts as you worked through this post.
I think if you enjoyed Hunger Games then you’ll likely enjoy Wool. If you ever happen to read or watch then let me know.
Completely understand about the pass on the others.
So much to unpack here, Nathan. I enjoy the pieces you sometimes share with your readings; so far, I've always liked the titles you've mentioned, and I'm sure this time will be no exception. I'm especially intrigued by the Nabokov and the McCarthy. We'll see. Meanwhile, let me just highlight the following:
1) Footnote number 3 is brilliant.
2) 'Well, there are other morsels, but the too-small wicker basket I carry is now full, and those I've left scattered on the ground will be gifted to nature’s dance of decomposition.' -- I absolutely loved how you crafted this one. But then again, no surprises there!
And I'm drooling with anticipation for the final part of 'And It Was Lost.'
Thanks as ever Silvio, so appreciate your thoughts!
I’m really hoping I can deliver with that upcoming final part of And it was lost!
I have no doubt you will. :)
You know you just make my pile bigger and bigger, the list of books to read while reading War and Peace, and err recording it (soon again) is ever-growing, then again, I thank you for these morsels. And just to say, I tried Silo but stopped after episode 2. Maybe the book is better? Sorry, L.J. Maybe I come back to it once the flooding has subsided.
Re. Neil S. I only read Cryptonomicon (and Snow Crash), which was enough not to read anything else.
I was going to ask you what you thought of Stephensen. I’ve heard such varied thoughts on some of his other books (including those two), but Anathem seems to be higher on the praise list.
I remember reading Cryptonomicon (1999) was a drag, I skipped pages at times. Maybe I read it at the wrong time. It's been too long to really give any recommendation but based on what I remember, I don't think I will return to it or any of his other books. However, Lex Friedman interviewed him two years ago and I have recently watched that.
Oh, nice. Didn't know that about Lex interviewing him. Thanks. Tried to pick up paperback of Anathem today but it wasn't available. I'm still keen on reading it, so will report back if I do so.
Alexander, when have I ever led you astray?!
I would say that, in episode three of Silo, there is a shift towards Rebecca Ferguson as the main character, whom I found most compelling. The first two episodes establish the scenario, whereas what follows delves more into her story, which is the heart of the series. I would have given it one more chance!
However, personally I did enjoy it from the beginning already and liked it even more with time. Perhaps it is not for you; I am not going to be one of those people to say that you need to keep watching something because it gets good eventually… who has time for that?
(Note that this does not apply to Nathan—you, sir, I shall continue to pester!)
I’m certainly the most intrigued about her story, and I got the sense it was going that way and I am a big fan of RF, but… well, maybe reading the books will allow me to look past some of the screenplay and directorial decisions.
I may have another look down the line. You make a compelling argument. Time wise, there never is enough time to read or watch everything we want to, got to make choices.
Very true. It can also be rather difficult to make those choices when presented with so many options and conflicting recommendations. That is one of the reasons why I have not engaged so much with reading more on Substack—it is quite simply overwhelming. Plus the fact that so much time is already spent looking at screens, at home and at work, that I am a little resistant to losing more and more time to such devices.
Very true, I have my own list of books to read (1000) before the lights go out and I don't really need to add more. Then again, the potential discourse regarding recommended texts makes them perhaps more worth reading, choosing to read (or watch) "together" with others (sort of). In this sense, Substack is like a book club, and we're all members.
Do you actually have a list of 1000? 😲
Do share, if so.
I do. I made it when I made the Page Turners YouTube channel. A challenge I set myself, read and record 1000 books one must read before we join the choir invisible.
Delicious morsels, indeed, Mr Slake. Your book and film recommendations make me lament at how hopelessly behind I am. My Substack inbox is packed. My watch-list on Amazon Prime has reached critical mass, and my night stand has six TBR books in a pile gathering dust. I'm going to go take a nap...
Hehe, it’s so easy for this to happen. My inbox is overflowing and my TBR pile is enormous!
Thanks for swinging by, Sharron.
Rare instant friendship indeed. 💛
Also, I haven’t read Blood Meridian either but after this reflection of yours “Cormac’s ability to distil poetic beauty from nightmare” oh my I must queue it up immediately.
Thanks for a bite from your morsel tree!
Hehe thanks Kimberly. It’s pretty dark stuff and a very different written style, but I hope you enjoy whenever you get to it.
I think you already know, I like dark and different, so I’ll report back with my thoughts!
Love that you’ve now read Blood Meridian. I enjoyed footnote #3 😁
I must read Pale Fire. Always enjoy your recs and know I can trust them. I guess we have similar tastes.
I’ve just started Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton and it’s wild and ambitious (there are no chapters and Part 2 starts 200 pages in!). I also went back to that Modiano I mentioned to Silvio and you the other day. I’m feeling the desire to dip into stuff I know is good (ie slow read a few pages) whilst focusing on a large text to devour.
Always enjoy also your interludes. Thanks for keeping us in your inner world as fiction awaits.
Thanks Kate. Yes, pretty sure we have very similar tastes. :)
Thanks for these recs in return!
I love this Nathan, only you could fill a newsletter with such gorgeous prose! I so get that you want to ‘lust when you read’ that’s exactly it!
I haven’t read any of the books you speak of except Lolita which I think I’ve already mentioned and it was so long ago it doesn’t count - but Pale Fire is in my pile burning its way slowly to the top!
Ah but I beg to differ; you seemingly effortlessly fill posts with gorgeous prose. Which reminds me Susie I am behind and I have a post of yours to read 😱!
Yes, I remember your words about snatching sneaking reads of Lolita. ;)
Hope that lists incinerates itself to Pale Fire soon!
An enjoyable read. Sometimes your fiction requires more energy than I can summon at any given moment. (SubStack is quite a way down my list of priorities in my day and your words require full attention and a handing over of self! Brilliant writing, but it requires its own space.) But this was an easy and interesting read. Thanks so much.
Thanks Beth, and I totally and completely understand. (Thanks for your honesty, too.) I get that feeling with all fiction; it often requires a particular moment and space within the mind.
Pleased to have given you an easy and interesting read. I always think of you now whenever I'm writing non-fiction. 😊
I loved Anathem. Have read Snow Crash too but Anathem remains my favourite & his other books don't sound nearly as interesting.
Now I'm more curious about Blindsight too, even though it was just fine for you. Forgot it has vampires in space!
You offer these morsels as if they were somehow less than your fiction but they're not. It's fun to explore what has been feeding your writing too.
Thanks, Vanessa. Appreciate. Never quite know if these are just random rambles of little interest.
When I wrote that paragraph I was thinking of you because of you saying previously about Stephenson and Snow Crash. Very happy to hear Anathem has your endorsement. Hopefully I can handle the long sections of maths and physics (if such things are truly in there).
Blindsight is worth your time. I think it had just been a bit overhyped for me.
Re: Anathem, if I didn't find the hard science sections too long or convoluted, you'll probably be fine -- or is that you don't want to read about science in your fiction at all? He does a good job at only adding exposition as needed for understanding & enjoyment of the story & in a reader-friendly way too, at least I thought so.