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Celestial Mechanics: A Tale for a Mid-Winter Night
CELESTIAL MECHANICS: A Tale for a Mid-Winter Night, the debut novel of famed Blue Highways author William Least Heat-Moon has received rave critical praise since its recent release in hardcover. Publishers Weekly “An elegant story of one man’s search for meaning in the cosmos. . . . This thought-provoking novel is rife with relatable and complex musings.” ALA Booklist calls it "An elegant story of one man’s search for meaning in the cosmos. . . . This thought-provoking novel is rife with relatable and complex musings.” And The Proximal Eye raves, "William Least-Heat Moon has taken a story of people making choices incompatible with their own desires and natures and given us a travelogue of the spirit. . . . a map of roads oft-traveled and too little remarked on the journey to hope.”
CELESTIAL MECHANICS embarks on a journey through the mind and wrestles with life’s major questions, like the nature of the Cosmos, the value of knowledge, and the essence of truly being alive. Heat-Moon has already proven he is a master at taking readers on powerful journeys as shown in his initial release Blue Highways, which spent 42 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Think of CELESTIAL MECHANICS as a Blue Highways of the soul, in which the author leads readers on a path unlike any other, offering new insight into finding one’s place in this universe we struggle to understand. In this novel of haunted love, the protagonist, an amateur astronomer, finds himself in a marriage descending toward darkness until the arrival of his sister-in-law and soon thereafter the appearance of a witching neighbor. In ways enigmatic, ghostly, and funny, the three women draw him into the equivocal nature of reality and dreams, leading him on a journey toward something vastly beyond himself.
Just as Heat-Moon’s nonfiction employs many fictional narrative techniques, CELESTIAL MECHANICS draws upon nonfictional practices to build a story that crosses traditional boundaries between the two genres. It is a call of a generation to a generation wanting to believe rationality and spirituality can fruitfully coexist in a culture threatened by divisions. In a disaffected, disconnected nation that widely ignores the deep implications of both what is within and beyond us—the cosmic worlds revealed by the telescope and the realms opened by the microscope-—this tale is a quest for humanity’s deepest links with the universe and the ways those ties shape love and meaning. In CELESTIAL MECHANICS, the reader takes a journey into ways we behave with each other and how humans relate to the ultimate source of our being.
CELESTIAL MECHANICS embarks on a journey through the mind and wrestles with life’s major questions, like the nature of the Cosmos, the value of knowledge, and the essence of truly being alive. Heat-Moon has already proven he is a master at taking readers on powerful journeys as shown in his initial release Blue Highways, which spent 42 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Think of CELESTIAL MECHANICS as a Blue Highways of the soul, in which the author leads readers on a path unlike any other, offering new insight into finding one’s place in this universe we struggle to understand. In this novel of haunted love, the protagonist, an amateur astronomer, finds himself in a marriage descending toward darkness until the arrival of his sister-in-law and soon thereafter the appearance of a witching neighbor. In ways enigmatic, ghostly, and funny, the three women draw him into the equivocal nature of reality and dreams, leading him on a journey toward something vastly beyond himself.
Just as Heat-Moon’s nonfiction employs many fictional narrative techniques, CELESTIAL MECHANICS draws upon nonfictional practices to build a story that crosses traditional boundaries between the two genres. It is a call of a generation to a generation wanting to believe rationality and spirituality can fruitfully coexist in a culture threatened by divisions. In a disaffected, disconnected nation that widely ignores the deep implications of both what is within and beyond us—the cosmic worlds revealed by the telescope and the realms opened by the microscope-—this tale is a quest for humanity’s deepest links with the universe and the ways those ties shape love and meaning. In CELESTIAL MECHANICS, the reader takes a journey into ways we behave with each other and how humans relate to the ultimate source of our being.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published April 11, 2017
36 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
William Least Heat-Moon
28 books424 followersFrom wikipedia:
William Least Heat-Moon, byname of William Trogdon is an American travel writer of English, Irish and Osage Nation ancestry. He is the author of a bestselling trilogy of topographical U.S. travel writing.
His pen name came from his father saying, "I call myself Heat Moon, your elder brother is Little Heat Moon. You, coming last, therefore, are Least." Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Heat-Moon attended the University of Missouri where he earned bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees in English, as well as a bachelor's degree in photojournalism. He also served as a professor of English at the university.
William Least Heat-Moon, byname of William Trogdon is an American travel writer of English, Irish and Osage Nation ancestry. He is the author of a bestselling trilogy of topographical U.S. travel writing.
His pen name came from his father saying, "I call myself Heat Moon, your elder brother is Little Heat Moon. You, coming last, therefore, are Least." Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Heat-Moon attended the University of Missouri where he earned bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. degrees in English, as well as a bachelor's degree in photojournalism. He also served as a professor of English at the university.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 13, 2018
This is a novel enhanced with a philosophical dimension. The book's plot provides a cast of characters interacting and being human that serves as the framework of conversations, thoughts and ruminations within which topics such as the meaning of life, dreams, the spiritual, the paranormal, and cosmic wonder can be explored.
The book's story follows a male protagonist who is an amateur astronomer, calls himself a cosmoterian, and has a professional background in journalism. The book's narrative tells of his relationship with five alternative female muses:
Muse No. 1—His wife who soon after marriage becomes distant, so distant that she disappears and it's not certain whether she's dead or alive—This muse ends up being a negative muse because she doesn't share many of the protagonist's interests and her disappearance ultimately becomes the cause of his depression.
Muse No. 2—His sister-in-law who has left perpetual adoration at a Catholic convent to assist our protagonist recover from a serious accident—This muse provides a judgement on Catholicism as being too narrow.
Muse No. 3—A mysterious practitioner of witchcraft who serves in the role of counselor and disappears (or maybe not) when her services are no longer needed—This muse provides the dimension of witchcraft.
Muse No. 4—A Las Vegas dancer with a special needs child with whom our protagonist corresponds—This muse puts a human face on those of her profession.
Muse No. 5—A woman from an Iowa seed company about whom the reader knows is not a real person—This muse shows how belief in something, even if not real, can provide a healing influence one's life. The irony is that our protagonist would never consider having equivalent faith in God. The book ends with him actually meeting No. 5, and it's not clear to the reader (or at least not to me) which real person has taken her imaginary place.
It's difficult to provide a summary description of the philosophical dimension mentioned in the first sentence of this review. It perhaps would be more descriptive to describe it as metaphysical. It starts with scientific concepts such as astrophysics and subatomic particles and then branches into pondering on the nature of being, becoming, existence, and reality. The narrative delves into dreams, apparitions, the occult, and magical thinking. The extent to which the author included "witchism," in the story indicates that the subject must be of importance to him.
Readers who identify closely with these character's interests and their quests will probably enjoy this book. My own reaction to the book is more distant. I appreciate the amazing collection of thoughts and ideas that the author has managed to squeeze into this book, but it's not quite my cup of tea.
The quotes and questions contained within the following link were prepared by David Nelson in preparation for a meeting of the group Vital Conversations. It's not really a "spoiler," but rather is the tool I have available to make supplemental material available for those interested and willing to click for more information.
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The book's story follows a male protagonist who is an amateur astronomer, calls himself a cosmoterian, and has a professional background in journalism. The book's narrative tells of his relationship with five alternative female muses:
Muse No. 1—His wife who soon after marriage becomes distant, so distant that she disappears and it's not certain whether she's dead or alive—This muse ends up being a negative muse because she doesn't share many of the protagonist's interests and her disappearance ultimately becomes the cause of his depression.
Muse No. 2—His sister-in-law who has left perpetual adoration at a Catholic convent to assist our protagonist recover from a serious accident—This muse provides a judgement on Catholicism as being too narrow.
Muse No. 3—A mysterious practitioner of witchcraft who serves in the role of counselor and disappears (or maybe not) when her services are no longer needed—This muse provides the dimension of witchcraft.
Muse No. 4—A Las Vegas dancer with a special needs child with whom our protagonist corresponds—This muse puts a human face on those of her profession.
Muse No. 5—A woman from an Iowa seed company about whom the reader knows is not a real person—This muse shows how belief in something, even if not real, can provide a healing influence one's life. The irony is that our protagonist would never consider having equivalent faith in God. The book ends with him actually meeting No. 5, and it's not clear to the reader (or at least not to me) which real person has taken her imaginary place.
It's difficult to provide a summary description of the philosophical dimension mentioned in the first sentence of this review. It perhaps would be more descriptive to describe it as metaphysical. It starts with scientific concepts such as astrophysics and subatomic particles and then branches into pondering on the nature of being, becoming, existence, and reality. The narrative delves into dreams, apparitions, the occult, and magical thinking. The extent to which the author included "witchism," in the story indicates that the subject must be of importance to him.
Readers who identify closely with these character's interests and their quests will probably enjoy this book. My own reaction to the book is more distant. I appreciate the amazing collection of thoughts and ideas that the author has managed to squeeze into this book, but it's not quite my cup of tea.
The quotes and questions contained within the following link were prepared by David Nelson in preparation for a meeting of the group Vital Conversations. It's not really a "spoiler," but rather is the tool I have available to make supplemental material available for those interested and willing to click for more information.
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January 11, 2017
Here you'll find a brief, spoiler-free review, and first I'll disclose that I was one of the Goodreads giveaway winners of an advance copy of the book.
In summary, Celestial Mechanics: A Tale for a Mid-Winter Night was both beautiful and frustrating. And it served me well on many mid-winter evenings this last month. Without a doubt it's a strange one, but I'd expect no less from Heat-Moon. None of what he's done is conventional. Philosophy geeks should thoroughly enjoy it and might get more out of it than the average reader. It made me want to go back to school. Heat-Moon's prose is brilliant, especially in the second half of the book. Though there are moments that feel more cookie-cutter that I would have wanted. Get through the first couple chapters and you'll be very much rewarded.
I want to say more, but I don't want to give away more. This is a book that definitely rewards unspoiled reading and will likely even further reward a second reading. It's moving, thought-provoking, ponderous, beautiful, and frustrating. Let it take you on a surreal ride. You might not be sure what you read in the end, but it's definitely worth it.
In summary, Celestial Mechanics: A Tale for a Mid-Winter Night was both beautiful and frustrating. And it served me well on many mid-winter evenings this last month. Without a doubt it's a strange one, but I'd expect no less from Heat-Moon. None of what he's done is conventional. Philosophy geeks should thoroughly enjoy it and might get more out of it than the average reader. It made me want to go back to school. Heat-Moon's prose is brilliant, especially in the second half of the book. Though there are moments that feel more cookie-cutter that I would have wanted. Get through the first couple chapters and you'll be very much rewarded.
I want to say more, but I don't want to give away more. This is a book that definitely rewards unspoiled reading and will likely even further reward a second reading. It's moving, thought-provoking, ponderous, beautiful, and frustrating. Let it take you on a surreal ride. You might not be sure what you read in the end, but it's definitely worth it.
July 4, 2017
This was my first book by the author and I was 100% guilty of judging it by its cover-I grabbed it off the shelf in the library because I miss a good hardcover book with a captivating cover! It didn't disappoint, either. Odd, thought-provoking, and written with beautiful prose, I really liked it. I actually found myself wishing I had read it for a class or book club so that I could discuss it with others. Favorite line: "Astrology is for those bored by astronomy but fascinated with themselves." Perfect!
June 16, 2017
A book quite unlike any other I've read. An interesting and understandable discussion of cosmology as well as an interesting mystery. Heat-Moon's language is more ornate than most authors these days, but my father wrote in this style, so it was familiar and understandable for me. Ready to step out of the usual fiction box? Try this story on for size. I won't summarize the plot because I'm sure many others have done so. Will be seeking out more of this author's work.
February 5, 2018
32-year-old Silas Fortunato falls in love and brings his new wife to his newly-renovated home, the recently settled rural estate of his great aunt, where he can pursue his love of nature and astronomy. But after a while she gets bored and finds a job in town, and their marriage soon begins to fall apart. Enter his sister-in-law, an aspiring nun, and a wiccan neighbor, and Silas' philosophical musings become a quest for meaning as he journeys into the vastness of the Universe and the depths of his own being. Quirky and fascinating.
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February 22, 2018Intriguing! The book invites you into the tale with the luxurious language!
May 30, 2017
If this is your first William Least Heat-Moon book, set it down, read at least one (preferably all of them!) of his others first, then start Celestial Mechanics. You will appreciate this one more.
I always love his word play, his history that somehow seems natural and germane to the story and characters/individuals, his geography (thanks for the map of the novel's areas near the beginning chapters), his interconnectedness of story and people.
Yeah, the characters are annoying at times (you know, many humans are, too) and the dialogue doesn't sound typical, but that's because the story involves how individuals deal with annoying (to say the least) and atypical issues. It's a Socratic discourse in some ways, Paulo Coelho-esque journey of self-discovery, with a dash of magical realism tossed in for flavor.
I always love his word play, his history that somehow seems natural and germane to the story and characters/individuals, his geography (thanks for the map of the novel's areas near the beginning chapters), his interconnectedness of story and people.
Yeah, the characters are annoying at times (you know, many humans are, too) and the dialogue doesn't sound typical, but that's because the story involves how individuals deal with annoying (to say the least) and atypical issues. It's a Socratic discourse in some ways, Paulo Coelho-esque journey of self-discovery, with a dash of magical realism tossed in for flavor.
October 1, 2017
This is the first physical hard cover novel that I've finished in a long while, so that is evidence in and of itself of how entranced I was by the story and the writing and the characters.
It is an unusual love story in that it tells of love and misbegotten love from a man's point of view for the most part. Silas Fortunato is a man who thinks and talks his way through the world depending on his intellect to understand all things. His weakness is a tendency to mis-feel (or would it properly be mal-feel) that leads him to marry the wrong woman--one genetically disposed to be aggravated by his intellect and words and constant desire to understand the world.
He loses her, then almost loses himself, then finds the better version of his love in the form of her sister. In the end his intellect learns to defer to his heart. A lesson many of have never learned.
MLB
It is an unusual love story in that it tells of love and misbegotten love from a man's point of view for the most part. Silas Fortunato is a man who thinks and talks his way through the world depending on his intellect to understand all things. His weakness is a tendency to mis-feel (or would it properly be mal-feel) that leads him to marry the wrong woman--one genetically disposed to be aggravated by his intellect and words and constant desire to understand the world.
He loses her, then almost loses himself, then finds the better version of his love in the form of her sister. In the end his intellect learns to defer to his heart. A lesson many of have never learned.
MLB
April 4, 2018
Heat-Moon has crafted a wonderful tale of self-discovery, mixing in ontological and spiritual musings that enhance - even dominate - the story. The dialog is so clever and profound that it makes the characters seem less real than their ideas, but this is a novel that explores what's real, so the disconnect works.
June 4, 2017
Reads more like a great philosophical, cosmic discussion than a novel at times. Great change of pace. Lots of food for thought.
August 18, 2017
I only read one other book by this author, PrairyErth, which I loved I think especially because I'm from Kansas. This book was nothing like that one and it took a long time for me to get into. It seemed to be trying too hard to find some meaning in a bad marriage and somehow connect it to the cosmos. I had to struggle to keep reading it because of the dialogue that didn't make any sense most of the time. The last quarter of the book seemed more together and came to an ending that was if not unexpected, at least not irrational.
March 12, 2019
The characters in this book began to grate on me. So much so that I didn't want to continue reading. It started to feel preachy and so I've gone back to my fantasy novels, the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Much different. This is certainly good writing though.
June 20, 2017
It was a little difficult to get into, to find the thread of the story.
February 9, 2019
4 and 1/2 stars .... no wait, 5. Just a little tedious in a few spots, but for the most part a fascinating read with interesting ideas ... and some humor thrown in here and there.
November 21, 2020
I was finished with the book before the book was finished. After a valiant effort, I relegated it to the not to be completed shelf.
January 7, 2023
He's one of my favorite writers. Celestial Mechanics doesn't disappoint
August 6, 2024
Interesting departure for one who writes on human geography. But as one cannot physically travel to write of the cosmos, the fictional setting is quite appropriate.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews