Today’s blog post highlights several sentences I like from Andrew Sean Greer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Less. Arthur Less is a downtrodden writer who bumbles his way around the world in order to avoid attending a wedding.
I read Less in April and wrote about it in my June 4, 2018 blog post, Reading in May 2018.
“He supposes he is meant to experience humility; by now, he is well acquainted with humility. It is the one piece of luggage he has not lost.” – from Less, by Andrew Sean Greer.
Perhaps you must read the book or at least part of it in order to get the full benefit of that quote, but it encapsulates the dismal life of the 50-year-old failed novelist in this hilarious novel.
Another line I like from the novel because it paints such a vivid mental picture is the following:
“The driver works the horn like an outlaw at a gunfight.” – from Less, by Andrew Sean Greer
That analogy leaves no confusion in the mind of the reader. I aspire to write in a way that gives the reader such a clear image of what is happening.
Since my last blog post
I’ve enjoyed reading a variety of books and spending some time with long-time friends and some special cousins.
Until my next blog post
I hope you have a good book to read. I’m reading Fascism: A Warning, by Madeleine Korbel Albright, which if I had to sum up in one word it would be “chilling.”
If you’re a writer, I hope you have productive writing time.
Thank you for reading my blog. You could have spent the last few minutes doing something else, but you chose to read my blog. I appreciate it!
I look forward to your comments about today’s post. Feel free to share a line you like from a book you’ve read.
Janet
Janet's Writing Blog 
Madeleine Korbel Albright Is one brilliant woman. I saw her talking about this book on PBS. Why do we not have stellar minds like hers in government anymore. I look forward to your review on this book. Unfortunately, I have 4 books started but none to encourages me to read more. LOL Have a great week Janet😊
LikeLike
I love the outlaw/driver quote. I can totally see that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have great respect for Madeleine Albright and miss having that caliber of leaders in Washington, DC, too. Fascism is the first of her books that I’ve read. She has a wonderful writing style. The book is very readable even as she packs in a lot of history. You must read it, Katrina. I’m actually reading three books myself, but I decided to just list that one in my blog post in case I don’t finish the other two. I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself! LOL! Have a great week, Katrina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You might enjoy this book, Chris, although it’s not exactly your favorite genre. It is humorous, which surprised me since it had won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Just goes to show me not to judge a book by the awards it wins. LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll se if it’s on Audible. 🙂
LikeLike
Might be. I read it on Kindle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its there. I’ve added it to my Wishlist. 🙂
LikeLike
I hope I haven’t talked you into a book that you might not like. I was able to borrow the ebook from the public library.
LikeLiked by 1 person
All good. I’ve been expanding my list lately. I’m currently reading a biography on Leonardo da Vinci.
LikeLike
I thought about getting Walter Isaacson’s biography of da Vinci at the library, but the 600+ pages intimidated me. Maybe sometime. I’m sure it’s fascinating. I don’t seem to have the discipline to read a book that long now. Happy reading!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the one. I got it on Audible. I read while commuting. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m impressed! My sister listens to books all the time in the car, but it drives me crazy. I just can’t do it. It feels like someone is talking to me and they won’t shut up. LOL! Glad you can do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Janet, I too am snagged as i read absorbing turns of phrase, and write them down. Thank you. Keep your posts coming. Best.
LikeLike
David, thank you for your continuing encouragement. I think it’s time for me to reread your excellent book, Fighting to Win: Samurai Techniques for Your Work and Life. I feel the need for a battery recharge!
LikeLike
Janet, I am happy to encourage you–to fill you with courage. I hope you do great work and every day feel more fulfilled with your writing. . I am happy too to think of you rereading my Fighting to Win.
LikeLike
Thank you, David.
LikeLike