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Again. Again and Again.: Awakening into Awareness - Essays and Stories
Having once been a psychotherapist who's never hesitated to turn the therapeutical gun barrel toward himself, Mathias B. Freese ramps up his radical reflexivity in this latest work, from confessional first-person narration to third-person "stories" starring "characters" named Matt. (This genre could be called meta-Matt.) "I write to know perhaps something about who I am," Freese writes. "I write to arrive at some awareness, however dim, about self or other, for when I have that fleeting moment of awareness, I feel at one -- true." Truly, Again. Again and Again. is a song of himself.
Rocker Billy Idol proves to be an unlikely but apt echoer "When there's nothing to lose and there's nothing to prove, well, I'm dancing with myself." As a one-man show, Freese puts the "dance" in "abundance," stressing an author's singularity, the innerness of writing, the sharing -- rather than the proselytizing -- purpose of artistic expression. In other words, as Freese says, "a book is one person's awareness as he or she sees it."
More than a few times, Freese had implied that Again. Again and Again. would probably be his swan song, his "final stirrings," his ultimate testament. How laughable, considering both his prolificacy and "urge and urge and urge" (as Whitman would gush). Sure enough, the author is no longer so sure that he's expressed enough, and it seems that yet another stirring idea spurs him to create again. Again and…
About the Author
MATHIAS B. FREESE is a writer, teacher, and psychotherapist who has authored eight books. His I Truly Working Through the Holocaust won the Beverly Hills Book Award, Reader's Favorite Book Award, and was a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards, the Paris Book Festival, and the Amsterdam Book Festival. In 2016, A Memoir of Two Summers, his first memoir, received seven awards. The following year his second memoir appeared, And Then I Am Gone.
Rocker Billy Idol proves to be an unlikely but apt echoer "When there's nothing to lose and there's nothing to prove, well, I'm dancing with myself." As a one-man show, Freese puts the "dance" in "abundance," stressing an author's singularity, the innerness of writing, the sharing -- rather than the proselytizing -- purpose of artistic expression. In other words, as Freese says, "a book is one person's awareness as he or she sees it."
More than a few times, Freese had implied that Again. Again and Again. would probably be his swan song, his "final stirrings," his ultimate testament. How laughable, considering both his prolificacy and "urge and urge and urge" (as Whitman would gush). Sure enough, the author is no longer so sure that he's expressed enough, and it seems that yet another stirring idea spurs him to create again. Again and…
About the Author
MATHIAS B. FREESE is a writer, teacher, and psychotherapist who has authored eight books. His I Truly Working Through the Holocaust won the Beverly Hills Book Award, Reader's Favorite Book Award, and was a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards, the Paris Book Festival, and the Amsterdam Book Festival. In 2016, A Memoir of Two Summers, his first memoir, received seven awards. The following year his second memoir appeared, And Then I Am Gone.
166 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 2, 2023
A slim volume packed with luminous insight, cleverly recursive in its themes of time, love and death, and surrounding it all - a haunting ode to awareness, and the infinitely contradictory path a lifetime of self-reflection, (peppered with the unconscious memories and associations of decades spent learning) opens us up to the wonder, unknowingness and ultimately, randomness, of it all.
An eclectic mix of fiction-like introspections (perhaps too intimate for this moniker to apply), Freud and psychoanalytical analysis, fascinating glimpses into art and history, a writers literary “guidebook”, strangely evocative pre-historic science-fiction, heart-numbing Holocaust reckonings, and throughout it all, an existential and yearning human quest, that twists and winds, again and again, throughout and over and under and within - seeking above all else to uncover, to bear witness, to feel and be felt, a oneness with a higher awareness and awakening.
Many of the stories, told in the voice of Matt (perhaps the same “character” over time and place, or at least, his essence, revisited) represent the inner world and musings of an end-of-life-approaching octogenarian, written in the third person, yet deeply personal. So much so that one has the sense of Matt himself (literary Matt, as we read him, or, indeed, our author Matt himself) sitting off in the distance, observing, with pithy awareness and a definite nod to irony, his endeavors, as his life “whittles-down”, and grief and love and the inescapable tenderness of loss cannot help but present itself, again and again.
“I am pleased for these thousands of days that I randomly was bequeathed the ability to live and to be loved.”
I adored this read. A journey into places both familiar and challenging, this book will make you think, and most of all make you question, much of what you may take for granted. About life, and loss, and what is to come. And what, for each of us, it is to be alive.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
An eclectic mix of fiction-like introspections (perhaps too intimate for this moniker to apply), Freud and psychoanalytical analysis, fascinating glimpses into art and history, a writers literary “guidebook”, strangely evocative pre-historic science-fiction, heart-numbing Holocaust reckonings, and throughout it all, an existential and yearning human quest, that twists and winds, again and again, throughout and over and under and within - seeking above all else to uncover, to bear witness, to feel and be felt, a oneness with a higher awareness and awakening.
Many of the stories, told in the voice of Matt (perhaps the same “character” over time and place, or at least, his essence, revisited) represent the inner world and musings of an end-of-life-approaching octogenarian, written in the third person, yet deeply personal. So much so that one has the sense of Matt himself (literary Matt, as we read him, or, indeed, our author Matt himself) sitting off in the distance, observing, with pithy awareness and a definite nod to irony, his endeavors, as his life “whittles-down”, and grief and love and the inescapable tenderness of loss cannot help but present itself, again and again.
“I am pleased for these thousands of days that I randomly was bequeathed the ability to live and to be loved.”
I adored this read. A journey into places both familiar and challenging, this book will make you think, and most of all make you question, much of what you may take for granted. About life, and loss, and what is to come. And what, for each of us, it is to be alive.
A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
April 18, 2022
The Review
This was an incredibly profound and thought-provoking read. The author found the perfect balance between his 1st personal perspective essays and the more 3rd person short narratives that each highlighted an important theme or idea that the author presented. One line that immediately stuck out to me was one in which the author speaks of a friend of his who said literature always featured love and death, but in reflecting on that notion the author realized that his friend forgot time itself. This was so profound, as the author delves in one page into the heart of not only literature but life itself, for what is love and death without the time it takes to achieve both?
The thing that stood out to me as a reader immediately was the author’s writing style. Whether he was writing a short story about man’s awareness of the universe around him or a personal essay on the pursuit of greatness and how the journey is far more often beautiful than the completed end as a whole, the author always wrote as if he were having a personal conversation with the reader. This very intimate and thoughtful approach to this style of writing was so well-conceived that I was on the edge of my seat the entire reading, mesmerized by the author’s words and the passion for which he wrote.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtful in its approach, author Mathis B. Freese’s “Again. Again and Again” is a must-read book of short stories and essays on life’s most existential questions. The honesty and enlightening way the author weaves together a collection of writing that is both inspiring and philosophical really highlights the author's sense of teaching and writing, making this one book readers will not want to put down.
This was an incredibly profound and thought-provoking read. The author found the perfect balance between his 1st personal perspective essays and the more 3rd person short narratives that each highlighted an important theme or idea that the author presented. One line that immediately stuck out to me was one in which the author speaks of a friend of his who said literature always featured love and death, but in reflecting on that notion the author realized that his friend forgot time itself. This was so profound, as the author delves in one page into the heart of not only literature but life itself, for what is love and death without the time it takes to achieve both?
The thing that stood out to me as a reader immediately was the author’s writing style. Whether he was writing a short story about man’s awareness of the universe around him or a personal essay on the pursuit of greatness and how the journey is far more often beautiful than the completed end as a whole, the author always wrote as if he were having a personal conversation with the reader. This very intimate and thoughtful approach to this style of writing was so well-conceived that I was on the edge of my seat the entire reading, mesmerized by the author’s words and the passion for which he wrote.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, engaging, and thoughtful in its approach, author Mathis B. Freese’s “Again. Again and Again” is a must-read book of short stories and essays on life’s most existential questions. The honesty and enlightening way the author weaves together a collection of writing that is both inspiring and philosophical really highlights the author's sense of teaching and writing, making this one book readers will not want to put down.
August 29, 2022
There were moments in these stories that I could relate to and then there were moments that might have went a little over my head.
I most enjoyed Vade Mecum and annotated quite a bit. I found points to be very helpful and also agreed with points quite a bit.
I think Gruffworld was a bit difficult to read. I have some theories on what it all means. Whether I am right or wrong I'm not sure.
I agree with living in the the moment. I am not quite as old as this author but I already feel myself noticing how fast time flies. I agreed with quite a bit of his takes. I often feel myself reflecting on life, meaning, and purpose.
The stories/essays in this collection are a bit all over the place but isn't life? I feel there is purpose in this as well. These stories/essays are purely a reflection of life. I think most can take something away from reading this. It is one of those books that make you ponder.
Maybe if I read this again in a later stage of my life I will understand some of this a bit more. We are always evolving.
*I received this book for review.
I most enjoyed Vade Mecum and annotated quite a bit. I found points to be very helpful and also agreed with points quite a bit.
I think Gruffworld was a bit difficult to read. I have some theories on what it all means. Whether I am right or wrong I'm not sure.
I agree with living in the the moment. I am not quite as old as this author but I already feel myself noticing how fast time flies. I agreed with quite a bit of his takes. I often feel myself reflecting on life, meaning, and purpose.
The stories/essays in this collection are a bit all over the place but isn't life? I feel there is purpose in this as well. These stories/essays are purely a reflection of life. I think most can take something away from reading this. It is one of those books that make you ponder.
Maybe if I read this again in a later stage of my life I will understand some of this a bit more. We are always evolving.
*I received this book for review.
June 8, 2022
Again. Again and Again., is a collection of essays and stories which cover a broad spectrum of topics but with some common themes and recurring motifs.
As the sub-title implies, the central concept throughout is awareness whether, of the self, others, or metaphysical. This recognition or ‘awakening’ of awareness is gently probed through musings, memories, and commentary.
The book is beautifully presented and split into three parts. I found the first section the strongest. Freese showcases his natural writing skill and studied philosophies through different forms, subjects, and tones. On a purely aesthetic note, the cover design complements the book perfectly.
‘Cro-Magnon’ the opener was cleverly subtle yet wonderfully well-realized without being over-engineered. ‘The Devil Made Me Do it’ which discusses the role of the unconscious mind primarily regarding writing output was incredibly perceptive and insightful.
Writers are, on the whole, subconsciously aware that there is a zone where something else takes over and guides the narrative to places unplanned or unconsidered. However, to embrace and acknowledge the awareness of this was curiously eye-opening, mentally liberating, and strangely comforting.
‘My Socrates!’ was humorous, achingly poignant, and simmering with pathos (as the majority of these essays and stories are). The reader is given Freese’s friend, Dwayne’s imagined perspective, which, contrastingly allows for a greater level of subjectivity. Although this story is not fully ‘meta-Matt’ (where Freese writes of himself as a character), the beginnings are here and it’s an interesting technique.
The ‘meta-Matt’ interludes could be seen, in another writer’s hands, as a touch self-indulgent but Freese’s writing is so intrinsically humble without grandiosity or hyperbole that they work brilliantly. It was obvious that through using himself as a character, Freese can expound a little more; raw honesty abounds throughout Again. Again and Again., but through ‘meta-Matt’, there is greater introspective freedom, an even deeper level of personal understanding, and the ubiquitous awareness, applied and explored through humor and reminiscences.
Aside from being extremely thought-provoking, this collection is also fun to read, and quietly educational. Shot through with literary quotes, snippets of philosophy, history, and general social interest, it gives a reassuring sense of chatty intimacy. Both ‘Piss Pieta’ and ‘Donato Fabricano Here’ are excellent examples of this.
Notwithstanding, there are a couple of profoundly uncomfortable moments. The short story ‘Raymonde’ was all the more affecting because of the brutal, matter-of-fact tone. The conversational ‘Talking to Stellar Soot’ began amusingly and then was just so crushingly sad and immediate.
In ‘Final Version’, Freese refers to the writing of Oliver Sacks as “able, graceful and compelling” and wishes he could write with the same attributes. Undoubtedly, in Again. Again and Again., he has achieved this. There are some beautifully elegant turns of phrase and lovely rhetorical flourishes. The prose flows effortlessly; confident of itself and the knowledge it imparts, without pretension.
Every piece in this book enlightens, inspires, and amuses with sharply considered observations and thoughtful interpretations making Again. Again and Again., thoroughly accessible yet nicely uncompromising. Highly recommended.
As the sub-title implies, the central concept throughout is awareness whether, of the self, others, or metaphysical. This recognition or ‘awakening’ of awareness is gently probed through musings, memories, and commentary.
The book is beautifully presented and split into three parts. I found the first section the strongest. Freese showcases his natural writing skill and studied philosophies through different forms, subjects, and tones. On a purely aesthetic note, the cover design complements the book perfectly.
‘Cro-Magnon’ the opener was cleverly subtle yet wonderfully well-realized without being over-engineered. ‘The Devil Made Me Do it’ which discusses the role of the unconscious mind primarily regarding writing output was incredibly perceptive and insightful.
Writers are, on the whole, subconsciously aware that there is a zone where something else takes over and guides the narrative to places unplanned or unconsidered. However, to embrace and acknowledge the awareness of this was curiously eye-opening, mentally liberating, and strangely comforting.
‘My Socrates!’ was humorous, achingly poignant, and simmering with pathos (as the majority of these essays and stories are). The reader is given Freese’s friend, Dwayne’s imagined perspective, which, contrastingly allows for a greater level of subjectivity. Although this story is not fully ‘meta-Matt’ (where Freese writes of himself as a character), the beginnings are here and it’s an interesting technique.
The ‘meta-Matt’ interludes could be seen, in another writer’s hands, as a touch self-indulgent but Freese’s writing is so intrinsically humble without grandiosity or hyperbole that they work brilliantly. It was obvious that through using himself as a character, Freese can expound a little more; raw honesty abounds throughout Again. Again and Again., but through ‘meta-Matt’, there is greater introspective freedom, an even deeper level of personal understanding, and the ubiquitous awareness, applied and explored through humor and reminiscences.
Aside from being extremely thought-provoking, this collection is also fun to read, and quietly educational. Shot through with literary quotes, snippets of philosophy, history, and general social interest, it gives a reassuring sense of chatty intimacy. Both ‘Piss Pieta’ and ‘Donato Fabricano Here’ are excellent examples of this.
Notwithstanding, there are a couple of profoundly uncomfortable moments. The short story ‘Raymonde’ was all the more affecting because of the brutal, matter-of-fact tone. The conversational ‘Talking to Stellar Soot’ began amusingly and then was just so crushingly sad and immediate.
In ‘Final Version’, Freese refers to the writing of Oliver Sacks as “able, graceful and compelling” and wishes he could write with the same attributes. Undoubtedly, in Again. Again and Again., he has achieved this. There are some beautifully elegant turns of phrase and lovely rhetorical flourishes. The prose flows effortlessly; confident of itself and the knowledge it imparts, without pretension.
Every piece in this book enlightens, inspires, and amuses with sharply considered observations and thoughtful interpretations making Again. Again and Again., thoroughly accessible yet nicely uncompromising. Highly recommended.
March 28, 2022
‘Awareness of any kind is a hard-fought struggle’ – moments of wisdom
Mathias B. Freese is a writer, teacher, and psychotherapist who has authored eight books. After his first novel, THE I TETRAOLOGY on the Holocaust, his second work, I TRULY LAMENT: WORKING THROUGH THE HOLOCAUST, won the Beverly Hills Book Award, Reader’s Favorite Book Award, and was a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards, the Paris Book Festival, and the Amsterdam Book Festival. In 2016 TESSERAE: A MEMORY OF TWO SUMMERS, his first memoir, received seven awards. The following year his second memoir appeared, AND THEN I AM GONE. Then came NINA’S MEMENTO MORI, and now AGAIN. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Having read and been continually impressed with all of Mathias’ books, it is refreshing to enter his thoughts anew in what may just his finest work to date. As he has shared, ‘A therapist opined that I was on a spiritual journey. I bridled at the interpretation. I think not, I said. For me a spiritual search was a fool’s errand. I rather wait for my evolving self to wade into awareness, an awakening. It is subtle, nuanced, and it is how I evolve. I have no destination. I have the moment, this one.’
In a series of both essays and stories, Matthias allows us to enter his mind, discovering his perceptions and response to the ‘now’ and the ‘to come’, emphasis on the former. In one essay he writes, ‘It’s hard waiting for the unconscious to show itself, or, if you are a writer, to deliver. I cannot force it I just wait. We have been allies for decades, always reliable when revealed.’ In others he addresses the writer’s conundrum – enlightening, sharing ‘I like the immediacy of pen to paper, the original word processor.’
In closing Mathias states, ‘As I sit on this crag of old age, looking forward at oblivion’s gentle valley, I think about the future, and I think about the past. I think now, in the now, but I am much the same man that I was then. Perhaps a little wiser.’
Reading these pieces again reminds us of the profound depth of intelligence that is Mathias Freese. His eloquent words are never presumptuous or distancing, but instead invite us into the sphere of his insightful mind, a jurisdiction that becomes a golden opportunity to engage and be in his moment. Mathias is wise, thoughtful, inspiring - and a very fine writer. Highly Recommended.
Mathias B. Freese is a writer, teacher, and psychotherapist who has authored eight books. After his first novel, THE I TETRAOLOGY on the Holocaust, his second work, I TRULY LAMENT: WORKING THROUGH THE HOLOCAUST, won the Beverly Hills Book Award, Reader’s Favorite Book Award, and was a finalist in the Indie Excellence Book Awards, the Paris Book Festival, and the Amsterdam Book Festival. In 2016 TESSERAE: A MEMORY OF TWO SUMMERS, his first memoir, received seven awards. The following year his second memoir appeared, AND THEN I AM GONE. Then came NINA’S MEMENTO MORI, and now AGAIN. AGAIN AND AGAIN.
Having read and been continually impressed with all of Mathias’ books, it is refreshing to enter his thoughts anew in what may just his finest work to date. As he has shared, ‘A therapist opined that I was on a spiritual journey. I bridled at the interpretation. I think not, I said. For me a spiritual search was a fool’s errand. I rather wait for my evolving self to wade into awareness, an awakening. It is subtle, nuanced, and it is how I evolve. I have no destination. I have the moment, this one.’
In a series of both essays and stories, Matthias allows us to enter his mind, discovering his perceptions and response to the ‘now’ and the ‘to come’, emphasis on the former. In one essay he writes, ‘It’s hard waiting for the unconscious to show itself, or, if you are a writer, to deliver. I cannot force it I just wait. We have been allies for decades, always reliable when revealed.’ In others he addresses the writer’s conundrum – enlightening, sharing ‘I like the immediacy of pen to paper, the original word processor.’
In closing Mathias states, ‘As I sit on this crag of old age, looking forward at oblivion’s gentle valley, I think about the future, and I think about the past. I think now, in the now, but I am much the same man that I was then. Perhaps a little wiser.’
Reading these pieces again reminds us of the profound depth of intelligence that is Mathias Freese. His eloquent words are never presumptuous or distancing, but instead invite us into the sphere of his insightful mind, a jurisdiction that becomes a golden opportunity to engage and be in his moment. Mathias is wise, thoughtful, inspiring - and a very fine writer. Highly Recommended.
January 6, 2024
Having written reviews of two of his earlier works, I was delighted when Mathias B. Freese reached out to me to read and review his latest book Again. Again and Again: Awakening into Awareness-Essays and Stories.
Again. Again and Again is filled with Freese’s mindful and thought-provoking musings on a multitude of topics that often focus on recurrent ideas and themes. This book is divided into three parts and encompasses both essays and stories where a certain man named Matt is the main character. Among these themes include life, death, culture, schooling, love, and one’s place in the universe.
Several of Freese’s works stand out to me. In “Vade Mecum,” Freese behooves his students to think in a deeper level by assigning them a writing exercise about the contents of their refrigerators. Hmm, who knew you could find meaning amongst the milk, leftovers, and condiments?
In “Raymonde,” a young woman describes what it’s like to be in a concentration camp during World War II. She talks about the atrocities in an almost flat affect that is unnerving. Yet, I wonder if this is done as a survival mechanism.
In “Talking to Stellar Root,” Freese writes about the talks with his late wife, the beloved Nina. Ever talking about the minutiae of his daily life comforts Freese. Perhaps Nina is listening somewhere.
And in, “Cro-Magnon,” Freese offers this notable quote, “I don’t think about the future. I don’t think about the past. One is long gone, the other out there where I am not.” This reminds us that instead of obsessing over the past and wondering about the future, we must live in the here and now.
As usual, Freese’s writing is elegant and profound. Again. Again and Again is not a book that merely entertains; it also makes you think. Freese behooves the reader to always be learning and growing no matter your age.
Originally published at The Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
Again. Again and Again is filled with Freese’s mindful and thought-provoking musings on a multitude of topics that often focus on recurrent ideas and themes. This book is divided into three parts and encompasses both essays and stories where a certain man named Matt is the main character. Among these themes include life, death, culture, schooling, love, and one’s place in the universe.
Several of Freese’s works stand out to me. In “Vade Mecum,” Freese behooves his students to think in a deeper level by assigning them a writing exercise about the contents of their refrigerators. Hmm, who knew you could find meaning amongst the milk, leftovers, and condiments?
In “Raymonde,” a young woman describes what it’s like to be in a concentration camp during World War II. She talks about the atrocities in an almost flat affect that is unnerving. Yet, I wonder if this is done as a survival mechanism.
In “Talking to Stellar Root,” Freese writes about the talks with his late wife, the beloved Nina. Ever talking about the minutiae of his daily life comforts Freese. Perhaps Nina is listening somewhere.
And in, “Cro-Magnon,” Freese offers this notable quote, “I don’t think about the future. I don’t think about the past. One is long gone, the other out there where I am not.” This reminds us that instead of obsessing over the past and wondering about the future, we must live in the here and now.
As usual, Freese’s writing is elegant and profound. Again. Again and Again is not a book that merely entertains; it also makes you think. Freese behooves the reader to always be learning and growing no matter your age.
Originally published at The Book Self:
https://thebookselfblog.wordpress.com...
August 17, 2022
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Again. Again and Again.: Awakening into Awareness – Essays and Stories by Mathias B. Freese
Mathias B. Freese writings ages like a good wine does. It only gets better and better with time.
His last book Again again and again is a beautiful collection of stories that shows the depth of the author’s knowledge.
Not a dull moment in this book, it will make you laugh, it will make you sad and all the emotions in between.
Anyone that claims to be an intelligent person should buy and read this book, it will open doors and windows that you thought were never there.
You can read the book’s chapter in any order you like they are completely independent with their own start, middle and end and with their own unique meaning.
My favorite chapter was Vade Mecum where the author tries to develop the philosophical and analytical abilities of an English High-school class by giving them the assignment of describing the interior of their refrigerator.
I quote the passage as it is so you can understand the wonder that is called Mathias B. Freese:
“ I smell the Interior, a potpourri of smell and stink; I feel
The interior chill; I sense the claustrophobic space of the
box; I hear the compressor hum; with my hand I explore
the contours of space within as I move it across the dewy
surface: I see the randomness of its contents; I see the old
rings left on the glass trays and the disappearing dew
on some of the cartons; I see particles suspended in half-
drunk water bottles, a dust ball at the bottom of the
fridge; I feel how I can endure the open fridge as its cold
embraces me.”
Highly recommended.
Again. Again and Again.: Awakening into Awareness – Essays and Stories by Mathias B. Freese
Mathias B. Freese writings ages like a good wine does. It only gets better and better with time.
His last book Again again and again is a beautiful collection of stories that shows the depth of the author’s knowledge.
Not a dull moment in this book, it will make you laugh, it will make you sad and all the emotions in between.
Anyone that claims to be an intelligent person should buy and read this book, it will open doors and windows that you thought were never there.
You can read the book’s chapter in any order you like they are completely independent with their own start, middle and end and with their own unique meaning.
My favorite chapter was Vade Mecum where the author tries to develop the philosophical and analytical abilities of an English High-school class by giving them the assignment of describing the interior of their refrigerator.
I quote the passage as it is so you can understand the wonder that is called Mathias B. Freese:
“ I smell the Interior, a potpourri of smell and stink; I feel
The interior chill; I sense the claustrophobic space of the
box; I hear the compressor hum; with my hand I explore
the contours of space within as I move it across the dewy
surface: I see the randomness of its contents; I see the old
rings left on the glass trays and the disappearing dew
on some of the cartons; I see particles suspended in half-
drunk water bottles, a dust ball at the bottom of the
fridge; I feel how I can endure the open fridge as its cold
embraces me.”
Highly recommended.
September 27, 2022
"Having once been a psychotherapist who's never hesitated to turn the therapeutical gun barrel toward himself, Mathias B. Freese ramps up his radical reflexivity in this latest work, from confessional first-person narration to third-person "stories" starring "characters" named Matt. (This genre could be called meta-Matt.) "I write to know perhaps something about who I am," Freese writes. "I write to arrive at some awareness, however dim, about self or other, for when I have that fleeting moment of awareness, I feel at one -- true." Truly, Again. Again and Again. Is a song of himself."
This book of essays and stories provides the author's profound look at his life through a series of essays and stories. It's not a fast, skim-through type of book. Each paragraph, page, and chapter require thoughtful reading. I often sat quietly, thinking about how a section related to my life.
While the overall tone of the book is intellectual, humor shines through. If you can't see the humor in life, you are missing so much. Life is nothing if not absurd. (My opinion)
One of my favorite essays in the book is A Shortage of Fish, where an 81-year-old man presents himself on a dating site. There truly was a shortage of fish in the sea that were interested in a man of a certain age and intellect.
Mr. Freese writes with profound wisdom gained from his many years of life. Maybe that is the best we can hope for, that we have gained insight and knowledge over the years.
I received a physical copy of the book from the author. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
This book of essays and stories provides the author's profound look at his life through a series of essays and stories. It's not a fast, skim-through type of book. Each paragraph, page, and chapter require thoughtful reading. I often sat quietly, thinking about how a section related to my life.
While the overall tone of the book is intellectual, humor shines through. If you can't see the humor in life, you are missing so much. Life is nothing if not absurd. (My opinion)
One of my favorite essays in the book is A Shortage of Fish, where an 81-year-old man presents himself on a dating site. There truly was a shortage of fish in the sea that were interested in a man of a certain age and intellect.
Mr. Freese writes with profound wisdom gained from his many years of life. Maybe that is the best we can hope for, that we have gained insight and knowledge over the years.
I received a physical copy of the book from the author. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
July 11, 2022
Almost all of these stories have a theme or backdrop. Some of these are highly nuanced, interesting and will be a takeaway for most readers. Take, for example, the story of Michaelangelo’s Moses and the subsequent essay by Freud on it. The author peels away layers of history, mistruths and linguistic farce to talk through the experiences of his own life.
I also enjoyed the running thread of mental health throughout the book. The author examines questions of the state of mind of a writer who is writing. Does a writer have to be inherently serious? But then again, is seriousness perceived by some as depression, as his housekeeper later reveals her opinions? These and more thought provoking analyses fill the pages of musings.
from https://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/2...
I also enjoyed the running thread of mental health throughout the book. The author examines questions of the state of mind of a writer who is writing. Does a writer have to be inherently serious? But then again, is seriousness perceived by some as depression, as his housekeeper later reveals her opinions? These and more thought provoking analyses fill the pages of musings.
from https://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/2...
September 15, 2022
We get to understand people by their actions! Mathias Freese is at it again. He's composed an intimate collection of self-disclosing essays. His work appears to be predominantly non-fiction and his careful and deliberate effort enlists the tone, mood, and attitude shifts.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
December 31, 2025
is a uniquely meta-autobiographical work that represents the culmination of a lifetime of radical self-examination. Author Mathias B. Freese, a psychotherapist and award-winning writer, turns his analytical lens fully upon himself in what is presented as a potential swan song.
August 9, 2022
Mathias Freese's writing is intelligent and thought-provoking. This compilation of speculative stories and essays touches upon matters of life, death, art, and events past and present. Though I didn't always agree with some passages, I enjoyed the book's concept immensely. I don't think I've read anything quite like this before. Not in book form, anyway. I initially set out to pace my reading up ended up finishing the book in one sitting. Interesting from start to finish. It's also the kind of book you can pick up and start reading from a random chapter.
A huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
Blog review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/06/...
Spoiler review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/08/...
A huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
Blog review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/06/...
Spoiler review: https://oceanwriterreads.com/2022/08/...
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