a good book

i am about halfway through the book “a gentleman in moscow,” and have been reminded, although i shouldn’t have needed the prompt, what a uniquely satisfying feeling it is to be part way through a very good book, knowing you are in good hands, and the author is both going to maintain your interest and not insult your intelligence. it’s a luxurious feeling. a movie is over too soon. a tv show too interruptive. a podcast too beholden to its format. a good novel could in theory go anywhere, at any length, and the author is up there on the high wire, making magic look natural.

northern white-cedar with (female) cones