What do you think?
Rate this book
Connecting the Web of Humanity
Love, Sex, & Innovative Souls...Connecting the Web introduces readers to therelatable possibility of seeing ourShared, ever-changing world with fresh eyes.This isn't brain surgery, it's mind surgery.Watch me throw our gray melons out the window.Then, with fragmented imagery, put us all back togethershowing how our souls expose themselves bywriggling into every moment ofour daily lives.Bloody knuckled from knocking on "Big Trade's"great-big-bad-ass door.Another solid member of humanity'sget you some "& good luck with that" family. And...What side are you on?
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
318 pages, Paperback
Published October 20, 2023
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 14, 2023
You will probably never read another book like John Zett's Connecting the Web of Humanity, a self-professed "creative nonfiction memoir/journal." Mr. Zett's diary touches on literally hundreds of topics, but the central thrust is his effort as a would-be writer to get something published. His tone is set in a self-deprecating disclaimer which warns "...read as much of me as you can tolerate and throw me out a review wherever you bought a copy of this nonsense..."
The journal is commenced in November 2002, which is apparently when Mr. Zett set out to be a writer in earnest. The first entry, by far the longest in the book, lays out the difficulties fledgling writers have in getting published. Per Mr. Zett, odds of a writer seeing serious money are 1 in 10,000 - just to get started, a writer reportedly needs a manuscript overview, a market analysis, a comparison to competition, a biography and a publishing history. Apparently at this point Mr. Zett has submitted something, and while waiting for a reply, he waxes eloquent on the following topics - readable books and excellent porn are difficult to find; science is not threatened by the notion of a religion; which wins, the head or the heart? in the billions of light years of space, how did we end up here? does our soul have a Creator? every single day on Earth, 240 million people have sex. On December 23, he received a rejection letter, and it took until January 1, 2003 to bounce back.
Undaunted by and having acclimated to rejection, Mr. Zett continues to tilt at publishing windmills,
all the while detailing his family cleaning business, his father's brain tumor, a broken bone that won't heal, etc, etc. As the rejection letters pile up, Mr. Zett shares his opinion on US politics, legalizing marijuana, his sleep problems, the observation that 70 million Americans are overweight,
the possibility of government healthcare, a broken oven and computer. Yes, he's all over the map, but writing in some ways does resemble sausage making. Basically, this is a guy dedicated to the idea of becoming a writer who has chosen to reveal the writing process, warts-and-all, and, having published myself, I can attest that much of it rings true.
The journal is commenced in November 2002, which is apparently when Mr. Zett set out to be a writer in earnest. The first entry, by far the longest in the book, lays out the difficulties fledgling writers have in getting published. Per Mr. Zett, odds of a writer seeing serious money are 1 in 10,000 - just to get started, a writer reportedly needs a manuscript overview, a market analysis, a comparison to competition, a biography and a publishing history. Apparently at this point Mr. Zett has submitted something, and while waiting for a reply, he waxes eloquent on the following topics - readable books and excellent porn are difficult to find; science is not threatened by the notion of a religion; which wins, the head or the heart? in the billions of light years of space, how did we end up here? does our soul have a Creator? every single day on Earth, 240 million people have sex. On December 23, he received a rejection letter, and it took until January 1, 2003 to bounce back.
Undaunted by and having acclimated to rejection, Mr. Zett continues to tilt at publishing windmills,
all the while detailing his family cleaning business, his father's brain tumor, a broken bone that won't heal, etc, etc. As the rejection letters pile up, Mr. Zett shares his opinion on US politics, legalizing marijuana, his sleep problems, the observation that 70 million Americans are overweight,
the possibility of government healthcare, a broken oven and computer. Yes, he's all over the map, but writing in some ways does resemble sausage making. Basically, this is a guy dedicated to the idea of becoming a writer who has chosen to reveal the writing process, warts-and-all, and, having published myself, I can attest that much of it rings true.
December 22, 2023
I've never seen a book with a title so apt for the story within.
Written in a memoir/journal format, the story spans over multiple years and covers the narrator's struggles with getting the book he is writing published and life as he lives through it. Life is a myriad of events, moods and musings - an ever sprawling web with the narrator's relation with the manuscript at the very heart of it.
The stream of consciousness writing style is perfect and glimpses at vignettes of the narrator's life keep you invested. The chronological order and musings reveal a person who feels deeply and you find yourself sympathizing with their struggles and rooting for them.
The reflective nature of the story also fits in perfectly as we move into the end of the year and reflect on our lives. A perfect read for me personally.
Written in a memoir/journal format, the story spans over multiple years and covers the narrator's struggles with getting the book he is writing published and life as he lives through it. Life is a myriad of events, moods and musings - an ever sprawling web with the narrator's relation with the manuscript at the very heart of it.
The stream of consciousness writing style is perfect and glimpses at vignettes of the narrator's life keep you invested. The chronological order and musings reveal a person who feels deeply and you find yourself sympathizing with their struggles and rooting for them.
The reflective nature of the story also fits in perfectly as we move into the end of the year and reflect on our lives. A perfect read for me personally.
September 17, 2024
"A truly unique and refreshing read! John E. Zett III brings a deeply personal and introspective journey through the world of writing, self-publishing, and the broader human experience in "Connecting the Web of Humanity".
It's part memoir, part journal, and full of quirky humor that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with an old friend.
Zett’s candid, no-holds-barred storytelling offers a refreshing take on the struggles and triumphs of a writer trying to navigate the unpredictable world of publishing.
His honesty, wit, and raw passion make this book a must-read for aspiring writers and anyone looking to connect with the human side of storytelling.
A delightful blend of insight and entertainment!"
It's part memoir, part journal, and full of quirky humor that makes you feel like you're having a conversation with an old friend.
Zett’s candid, no-holds-barred storytelling offers a refreshing take on the struggles and triumphs of a writer trying to navigate the unpredictable world of publishing.
His honesty, wit, and raw passion make this book a must-read for aspiring writers and anyone looking to connect with the human side of storytelling.
A delightful blend of insight and entertainment!"
February 23, 2024
One of the most interesting non-fiction books I have ever read.
The book is structured as a diary, the language is very genuine. The author doesn't hold back and he addresses many topics either more philosophically, or just as they are - daily issues and happy moments with his family, or goes deeper into the question of sex and good sex. I really appreciated some of his thoughts, especially the parts of engaging the soul.
John E Zett shares with us his struggle to have his book published, and I thought it was very straight-forward and honest in a good way. To us - readers, it seems way to simple sometimes, but the reality is more complicated.
Thank you for providing me with this book John and Booktasters. 😊
December 14, 2023
I really enjoy this book.
This is a very philosophical and profound book, written like a personal diary, in which you can feel that there is a complicity between the author and the reader through the connection of sensitive topics.
Very brave effort by the author to unmask his ideas, his mind, his limiting beliefs and his ingrained ideas, I found it very simple, interesting and revealing.
I truly recommend it.
This is a very philosophical and profound book, written like a personal diary, in which you can feel that there is a complicity between the author and the reader through the connection of sensitive topics.
Very brave effort by the author to unmask his ideas, his mind, his limiting beliefs and his ingrained ideas, I found it very simple, interesting and revealing.
I truly recommend it.
January 11, 2024
Firstly, to either like or dislike Connecting the Web of Humanity, one must first understand it. This is not the easiest of tasks, as Zett’s style is very much stream-of-consciousness (which he refers to as “serious creative non-fiction”,) making it hard to follow until you get the hang of where he’s going and how he’s getting there. You also have to be comfortable with discussing sex, at least the mental and emotional part (there’s little graphic detail about the physical part,) and with getting glimpses of the author’s personal life. Once you’ve accomplished that, be prepared to maybe learn something.
Zett divides sex, and all human behavior really, into three main spheres – body, mind, and spirit or soul. The book is not segregated into any one particular religion, but any belief system that holds that any human being has a sentient and non-physical dimension will work. He covers how these three spheres came to be and how they work, together and separately. He defines having an “open soul” as that state of being where one is deeply engaged with another person, enough to have a distinct connection to the other, beyond casual chit chat or small talk. Achieving that open soul connection is key to having truly outstanding sex, transcending “having sex” and into “making love.” While it is possible to have body-only sex, deepening the connection into soul sex is infinitely preferable on every level.
About one fourth of the way through, Zett digresses into how things are going with the business he and his wife own (not bad) and how his quest to become a published author (bad) are going. These digressions do slow the pace and distract from what began as the primary point of the book. He does return to his primary focus before the end, with smaller updates about the publishing world.
Overall, Connecting the Web of Humanity is a worthwhile read. It won’t be everyone’s cup of chamomile, but you might learn something if you apply yourself and even if you don’t, you may enjoy the ride.
Zett divides sex, and all human behavior really, into three main spheres – body, mind, and spirit or soul. The book is not segregated into any one particular religion, but any belief system that holds that any human being has a sentient and non-physical dimension will work. He covers how these three spheres came to be and how they work, together and separately. He defines having an “open soul” as that state of being where one is deeply engaged with another person, enough to have a distinct connection to the other, beyond casual chit chat or small talk. Achieving that open soul connection is key to having truly outstanding sex, transcending “having sex” and into “making love.” While it is possible to have body-only sex, deepening the connection into soul sex is infinitely preferable on every level.
About one fourth of the way through, Zett digresses into how things are going with the business he and his wife own (not bad) and how his quest to become a published author (bad) are going. These digressions do slow the pace and distract from what began as the primary point of the book. He does return to his primary focus before the end, with smaller updates about the publishing world.
Overall, Connecting the Web of Humanity is a worthwhile read. It won’t be everyone’s cup of chamomile, but you might learn something if you apply yourself and even if you don’t, you may enjoy the ride.
March 14, 2024
A Must-Read for Aspiring Writers and Anyone Who Feels Deeply
The title, "Connecting the Web of Humanity", perfectly captures the essence of this captivating memoir written in a journal format. The author takes us on a multi-year journey of their struggles with getting a book published, weaving it seamlessly with the tapestry of daily life.
The story unfolds through a stream-of-consciousness style, offering glimpses into the author's experiences. These honest vignettes are not only relatable but deeply moving, revealing a character who grapples with emotions and inspires empathy. The chronological order adds a layer of reflection, mirroring how we often review our own year-end experiences.
This book is a powerful reality check for aspiring writers. Just like the author, you'll find yourself invested in their journey, rooting for their success as they navigate the "big trades" that come with pursuing this dream.
Whether you're a writer yourself or simply someone who appreciates a story that delves into the human condition, "Connecting the Web of Humanity" is a rewarding read. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a reflective and emotionally resonant experience.
I'm so grateful to John and Booktasters for letting me enjoy this book.
The title, "Connecting the Web of Humanity", perfectly captures the essence of this captivating memoir written in a journal format. The author takes us on a multi-year journey of their struggles with getting a book published, weaving it seamlessly with the tapestry of daily life.
The story unfolds through a stream-of-consciousness style, offering glimpses into the author's experiences. These honest vignettes are not only relatable but deeply moving, revealing a character who grapples with emotions and inspires empathy. The chronological order adds a layer of reflection, mirroring how we often review our own year-end experiences.
This book is a powerful reality check for aspiring writers. Just like the author, you'll find yourself invested in their journey, rooting for their success as they navigate the "big trades" that come with pursuing this dream.
Whether you're a writer yourself or simply someone who appreciates a story that delves into the human condition, "Connecting the Web of Humanity" is a rewarding read. It's a perfect choice for those seeking a reflective and emotionally resonant experience.
I'm so grateful to John and Booktasters for letting me enjoy this book.
November 12, 2023
This was written in the format of a journal. The journal began with a statement that intrigued me, so I carried on reading to see what else the writer had to say.
I think that when something is written in the format of a journal, it can create a sense of intimacy, as though the reader and the writer are getting to know each other. I think the writer expressed themselves with an openness that I had to appreciate, as a reader. Some of the content surprised me, raised my eyebrows a little, and some of it made me feel quite self-aware, because I realised that I could identify with what the writer said, even if I may have worded it differently.
It was, in some ways, quite interesting to read, and felt a little bit like having an intimate discussion with the writer.
I think that when something is written in the format of a journal, it can create a sense of intimacy, as though the reader and the writer are getting to know each other. I think the writer expressed themselves with an openness that I had to appreciate, as a reader. Some of the content surprised me, raised my eyebrows a little, and some of it made me feel quite self-aware, because I realised that I could identify with what the writer said, even if I may have worded it differently.
It was, in some ways, quite interesting to read, and felt a little bit like having an intimate discussion with the writer.
February 10, 2024
Okay, let's start with THE reality check this book gave me according to a writer's perspective! I too myself sometimes write and currently working on a draft but guys the truth is, " you cannot just get BIG". Like this book said, " Business is Business" and "Everything comes with it's price, something" and it's the absolute truth you need to hear if you're here and think I'll get big by just writing a single book!? Well no there are so many ups and downs and so many "BIG TRADES" to deal with!!
So all in all if you're really looking for someone's journey and relate it to yours, here's this book! Go ahead devour it!!
So all in all if you're really looking for someone's journey and relate it to yours, here's this book! Go ahead devour it!!
February 7, 2025
This book chronicles the author's efforts to get his manuscript published and shares his theories on everything from love, sex, and what makes us human. It's presented in a journal/memoir format and appeals to readers interested in philosophy and the overall human experience.
My Review
My Review
January 9, 2024
I enjoyed the book...
There were many quotes which I loved it and even put it in my favorite quotes..
I personally was triggered with some scene and it's not like I don't enjoyed I enjoyed every little parts .
daily life situations or even romantic situations regards to intimacy. It's all there..
Go for this book book guys.. You will love it
There were many quotes which I loved it and even put it in my favorite quotes..
I personally was triggered with some scene and it's not like I don't enjoyed I enjoyed every little parts .
daily life situations or even romantic situations regards to intimacy. It's all there..
Go for this book book guys.. You will love it
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews