Mark Minyard > Recent Status Updates

I think I just read one of the most beautiful passages on all of literature. Had to read it twice. Just incredible.

Starting Volume III next.

I feel like some characters fates are really in the balance at this point. Things could go a lot of different directions. Lots of engagements but no weddings yet….

So stoked for Nikolay and Sonya. Sad for poor Natasha. Love she’s getting more exposure in the story now.

And we’re back with Rostov and co! So happy to continue this journey. Currently in the middle of a wolf hunting trip.

Finally picked this up again. So good to be back in this world!

“The people who succeed despite depression do three things. First, they seek an understanding of what's happening. They they accept that this is a permanent situation. And then they have to transcend their experience and grow from it and put themselves out into the world of real people.”

Easy read with some good insight. Kind of wish her editors hadn’t put so much marketing writing in here. No doubt Dr. Johnson has much wisdom to share but it kills me when people act like their model/theory/method has “cracked the code” of relationships haha. C’mon. Will share more thoughts when finished.

Solomon’s story of his breakdowns really hit home. Sounds so similar to my Dad’s final days. Heavy. Beautiful writing though. I imagine this book was very progressive for its emphasis on psychotherapy and medication use for depression.

Always had negative feelings towards this book for some reason. But I’m really enjoying this atmosphere. Way more “mystical” and lonely than I expected.

Finally. Natasha is being fleshed out. Very excited for her character arc.

I really like Ivan. I find him relatable. I hope I don't regret saying that ha.

Finished “The Grand Inquisitor” chapter just now. Will be re-reading it in another translation soon. I certainly missed a lot but it was a joy to read.

Almost to the infamous “Grand Inquisitor” section. If it’s what I think it is I will be very pleased. Really enjoying the conversation between Ivan and Alyosha.

The war is driving everyone crazy. Nobody writes people collapsing internally like Tolstoy.

Finished Volume II Part II. Back to Brothers Karamazov.

This recent section between Pierre and Bolkonsky reminded me so much of the worldviews colliding in Anna Karenina. It's amazing Tolstoy renounce these books later in life to commit to his new religious belief--essentially what began to believe later in life is said by his characters!