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BEATITUDE Author/Reader Discussion
This book sounds interesting and I love anything to do with poetry so I would really like to win a paper copy of this and participating in the discussion is lots of fun too. I live in the U.S. Thanks again!
I'd love to win a copy of this book and participate in the discussion. The plot sounds interesting and how can I resist two unpublished poems by Allen Ginsberg! I'd prefer an audio copy if available, otherwise a print copy works. I love in the US.
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The book sounds really interesting and I'd love to win a copy. I don't know as much as I'd like about the beats and this sounds great. I agree to participate in the discussion. I live in the US and would prefer a print copy. peguinat@comcast.net
I would love to win a print copy of this book! I live in the US and agree to participate in the conversation.
I've just got back into reading after a long, long, long, long reading stump, so I am very new to good reads.In the Summer of 2013, I went to California to visit family (I am from the UK) . My amazing cousins took me to the beat museum in San Francisco and later that month we took a road trip to Big Sur, which, I think, Kerouac said was his favourite place in the world. Since then I have been fascinated with the beat generation and for this reason I would be excited to read, analyse and discuss the characters in Closs' book and learn more about this bohemian, hippie culture.
I have only just joined this book club today but I would love to be apart of the Beatitude discussion, and I would most certainly be available February 19th - 25th
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Reaching out momentarily with emails/messages. Be on the lookout, and thanks so much your interest in the book!!!
Received a paperback copy yesterday in the mail :)
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http://larrycloss.com/beatitude/book-...
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It's Day One of the BEATITUDE discussion. Welcome Larry! We are really excited to have you here with us.
So guys, what were your initial thoughts on the book?
Larry, let me start things off with this:
What influence did/do The Beats have on you personally?
I have 100 pages to go so I will not read spoilers but so far I am intrigued.This is a type of book I wouldn't have picked to read but I think it stole my heart from page one. Harry is such an empathetic character. I just want to hug him and find him somebody to love who will love him in the same way. In that way this book is universal.
Lori wrote: "Good morning everyone!!It's Day One of the BEATITUDE discussion. Welcome Larry! We are really excited to have you here with us.
So guys, what were your initial thoughts on the book?
Larry, let me start things off with this:
What influence did/do The Beats have on you personally?
Every aspiring writer who reads the Beats—Kerouac, Ginsberg, Burroughs and company—can’t help but be influenced by them. They make it look easy. First thought, best thought. Spontaneous prose. As Kerouac wrote in his “Belief and Technique for Modern Prose,” “You’re a Genius all the time.” Only, you’re not. I’m not, anyway. For most, genius is hard work, and if you do achieve it, you likely do so in occasional moments of inspiration, not all the time. I had to figure that out, though. In very early drafts of “Beatitude,” I tried to emulate my heroes with the expected embarrassing results. It took me a while to find my own voice and, when I did, it was far from spontaneous. I spent hours crafting several sentences in “Beatitude” and I’m proud of them. There’s a single Beat-influenced sentence I decided to keep, as a sort of reminder to myself about how far I’d come. In the end, the Beats didn’t inspire me to write like them, they inspired me to write.
Pam wrote: "I have 100 pages to go so I will not read spoilers but so far I am intrigued.This is a type of book I wouldn't have picked to read but I think it stole my heart from page one. Harry is such an empathetic character. I just want to hug him and find him somebody to love who will love him in the same way. In that way this book is universal."
No spoilers here only a comment: I didn’t realize until after I’d finished writing “Beatitude” that falling for someone who can’t fall for you is something nearly everyone has experienced, regardless of the genders involved.
At first i was a little confused because of Radiohead and beats.. I didnt know what they were talking about. Later it all got clear to me. I really recognised the feelings of Harry in this book, I think everyone ever loved someone who didnt or couldnt love them back. And oh i had so much to do with Harry, if his caracter is based on someone you know, please give him a big hug of me Larry. Is this your first novel Larry? I really liked it a lot!
Are you planning on writing another one?
If you need someone to translate it info Dutch let me know ;-).
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Ann wrote: "Is this your first novel Larry? I really liked it a lot! Are you planning on writing another one?
If you need someone to translate it info Dutch let me know ;-). "
“Beatitude” is my first novel. It took me 10 years to write. I have extensive notes for a second book and, hopefully, it won’t take 10 years to complete. I appreciate the offer to translate “Beatitude” into Dutch. Translations would need to go through my publisher, though.
10 years is a lot! I think its very brave of you that you hold on and finished it. Many would quit. Also the unanswered love is a brave choice, i think you described it really really good.
Great job Larry! Be proud of yourself! :-)
Lori wrote: "Oh yes, unrequited love. I think we all know that little bugger all too well!"Yeah dont we?! I think everyone has one or is to embarresed to say so
Sharyl wrote: "Hi, Larry. I'm about 300 pages into your novel and enjoying it very much. It is inspiring me to read more by and about the beat authors and Vidal Gore, as well. And I am sympathizing very much with Harry and found the beginning dialog between him and Jay intriguingly--suggestive. Any chance you'll write these two guys into an upcoming novel?"I would never say never. But I do like that the ending of “Beatitude” lets readers imagine what will happen to Harry and Jay.
Perhaps I am dreaming but I could definitely see this starring on Broadway
Hi Larry,I'm curious about the two previously unpublished poems by Allen Ginsberg. Did you hear them at MoMa in 1995? How did you get permission to publish them? Did you meet Allen Gibsberg? I like how you incorporated Jack Kerouac and Ginsberg into the novel. We got a glimpse into the Beat Generation culture through their influence on Harry and Jay's lives.
Pam wrote: "Perhaps I am dreaming but I could definitely see this starring on Broadway"I've always thought "Beatitude" would make a good movie but Broadway didn't occur to me! Who would play the leads: Harry, Jay, Zahra and Matteo?
Rosanna wrote: "Hi Larry,I'm curious about the two previously unpublished poems by Allen Ginsberg. Did you hear them at MoMa in 1995? How did you get permission to publish them? Did you meet Allen Gibsberg? I like how you incorporated Jack Kerouac and Ginsberg into the novel. We got a glimpse into the Beat Generation culture through their influence on Harry and Jay's lives."
I had a recording of Ginsberg’s reading at MoMA. To bring the scene to life in “Beatitude” where Harry, Jay and Zahra go to see him, I incorporated excerpts from the poems he read. I happened to choose excerpts from “Like Other Guys” and “Carl Solomon Dream.” When I contacted the Allen Ginsberg Trust to clear the rights for all the poems I used in that scene, Peter Hale, who runs the Trust, told me that those two poems had never been published. I thought I would have to delete them—what were the chances I would get permission to include two previously unpublished Allen Ginsberg poems in my novel?—but Peter suggested I contact Ginsberg’s literary agent, Jeffrey Posternak at The Wylie Agency and ask him. I did, and Jeffrey arranged for me to not only feature excerpts from the two poems in the actual scene in the book but to include the two poems in their entirety in an appendix. Needless to say, as a Ginsberg fan, I couldn’t have been more thrilled that two of his poems appeared in “Beatitude” for the first time.
How old were you when you first heard about the beat generation and what made you aware of this? To be truthful this is not something that I am familiar with. I enjoyed the story very much though. You write in such a way that I felt the emotions and personality of each character with such a clear perception of the type of people that they were. I felt a real connection to them!
Rhonda wrote: "How old were you when you first heard about the beat generation and what made you aware of this? To be truthful this is not something that I am familiar with. I enjoyed the story very much though. You write in such a way that I felt the emotions and personality of each character with such a clear perception of the type of people that they were. I felt a real connection to them! "A friend recommended “On the Road” to me in grad school. I tried to read it but I couldn’t, despite, or because of, my English major background. I just didn’t “get” Kerouac’s style. I rediscovered OTR years later, after I’d read hundreds of modern novels and poetry, and after I’d become familiar with the lives of the Beats, starting with Ann Charters’ excellent Kerouac bio. Motivation is always key for me, in fiction and in real life. Once I knew the backstory—where Kerouac was coming from and how he arrived at his approach—OTR really resonated. From there, I devoured all of his writing and moved on to Ginsberg, Burroughs, Neal Cassady, Gary Snyder, Gregory Corso, John Clellon Holmes, Joyce Johnson, Amiri Baraka, Diane di Prima and Herbert Huncke. In addition to their works, I’ve read many biographies and collections of letters that really illuminate their lives and relationships, which I find as fascinating as their literary output.
Am part way though the book, enjoying it a great deal. As someone trying to finish his first book (writing one, not reading one), I enjoy seeing how seasoned authors create their characters and get them connected with the reader. Would you say your characters changed a great deal from the time you first envisioned your story to the finished product?
I have never heard of Kerouac or the Beats until reading Beatitude. I must say I am now hungry for more. Thanks for the intro
Bill wrote: "Am part way though the book, enjoying it a great deal. As someone trying to finish his first book (writing one, not reading one), I enjoy seeing how seasoned authors create their characters and get them connected with the reader. Would you say your characters changed a great deal from the time you first envisioned your story to the finished product? "Not only did the characters evolve, so did the story. I originally envisioned writing a novel about two young guys who bond over their shared fascination with the Beats. That was it. I thought of it as a sort of modern Beat novel. As with “On the Road,” there was little character development, little dialogue and no intricately plotted story. Plus, the writing was, as I noted previously, an embarrassing attempt to echo Kerouac. Missing entirely was the theme of unrequited love that ultimately became the central tension. Little by little, however, as I worked through draft after draft, a story began to reveal itself. I actually resisted at first—that wasn’t the book I set out to write—but when I finally gave in, it made sense. The characters became more genuine and their motivations more heartfelt. “Beatitude” is written in the first person, narrated by Harry, and for that reason a reader might assume I relate mostly to him, but it was essential for me to become Jay, Zahra and Matteo, too, to understand where they’re each coming from, to see Harry as they do and as Harry sees each of them. To me, the most significant development in the book is that each of the four main characters takes a step forward by putting themselves in someone else’s place.
Pam wrote: "I have never heard of Kerouac or the Beats until reading Beatitude. I must say I am now hungry for more. Thanks for the intro"You're not the first reader to say that. Quite a few have told me that "Beatitude" introduced them to the Beats and inspired them to investigate, which is very gratifying.
I LOVED this book. I was completely drawn in by the characters. Frustrating , fascinating, and endearing. The way you drew the parallel yet vastly different relationships Harry had with Matteo and Jay was wonderful. The relationship with Matteo was so isolating, while Harry's relationship with Jay seemed to bring him out into the world and into other relationships of different kinds.
One of my favorite parts was Harry's interview with Ginsburg. Where did you come up with the meat of that? Did you work from actual interviews or pull from the spirit and ideas in his works?
Diane Whitney wrote: "I am a new member to TNBBC and participating for the first time. I never would have picked this book on my own and I'm glad I ventured outside my normal genres. "I wanted a new experience, the kind of experience that only someplace unfamiliar would provide." I really enjoyed this book. I liked the journey, coming of age and growth Harry experienced. His acceptance and love of himself and others for who they are was well developed and written. Why did Harry stay with Matteo for so long? Their relationship was extremely destructive to both of them and I think Harry was intelligent enough to recognize that sooner. "I once read that some people repeat the same behavior over and over again even if it makes them unhappy because there’s a comfort in familiar circumstances, no matter how awful those circumstances might be. Awareness of that behavior doesn’t necessarily stop someone from repeating it. That was eye-opening to me. Harry’s relationship with Matteo was part of a pattern of looking for love from someone incapable of giving it, for whatever reasons. Matteo was a rebound from Harry’s previous relationship, with Konrad, which Harry also tried desperately to salvage and ultimately couldn’t. That made him even more determined to make things work with Matteo, no matter the cost to both of them. What Harry had to realize, years later, was that Matteo did love him, not in the way Harry loved him but the best he could. Harry’s acknowledgement and acceptance of that, and how he hurt not only himself but Matteo by seeking something that could never be, is the insight that finally frees his from his past and allows him to accept his relationship with Jay for what it is.
Peg wrote: "One of my favorite parts was Harry's interview with Ginsburg. Where did you come up with the meat of that? Did you work from actual interviews or pull from the spirit and ideas in his works?"I was fortunate enough to interview Allen Ginsberg once. At the time, however, I was unable to find anyone interested in publishing it. Unfortunate, right? That’s what I thought. I put it away and forgot about it until an idea for a novel I had began to take shape.
The original concept was very simple: two young guys become friends over their shared fascination with the Beat Generation. Though the manuscript was filled with references to the Beats, there was no in-depth information about them because I thought it wasn’t necessary. I figured everyone knew that Kerouac had written “On the Road” on a 120-foot scroll. Everyone could recite parts of Ginsberg’s “Howl” from memory. Burroughs? Yes. “Naked Lunch.” David Cronenberg made a bizarre movie based on that book.
But then I discovered that not everyone was as familiar with the Beats as I was. So, that led me to start incorporating more information about them. In the process, I began to see parallels between the lives of the Beats and the lives of my characters. That was one of those light-bulb moments and I ran with it. Ginsberg, one of the only Beats alive and living in New York in 1995, when I set my book, became an actual character. I read everything I could find about him that I hadn’t already read: articles, biographies, collections of interviews. And then I remembered my own interview.
For the scene in “Beatitude” where Harry goes to interview Ginsberg, I used parts of my actual interview, the parts that fit the story. I created additional material inspired by everything I read. I was gratified to hear from several people who knew Ginsberg well that the multi-faceted portrait of him that emerges in “Beatitude” is very accurate.
Hi everyone! I'm sorry it took me this long to find you! I can be such a dweeb at times.I'm enjoying this read very much, just into Chapter 17 ( began reading yesterday afternoon).
Just a few of the reasons I enjoy it are all definitely related to identification with Harry and Jay. I can see myself in both of them at times, having been one or the other in a number of past relationships. Larry, you touch us immediately thru this of course, and keep the reader engaged, looking for more more more! There is one particular "thing" you did which I don't want to elaborate because it would be a spoiler of sorts. It is related to Harry and Jay sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
I'll be back in a bit....
I feel quite privileged to be given this opportunity, Thank you!
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I really loved the push and pull relationship these guys had and the whole "being in love with someone when it's completely hopeless but being totally unable to do anything about it"....
Jimmy5star wrote: "Hi everyone! I'm sorry it took me this long to find you! I can be such a dweeb at times.I'm enjoying this read very much, just into Chapter 17 ( began reading yesterday afternoon).
Just a few of the reasons I enjoy it are all definitely related to identification with Harry and Jay. I can see myself in both of them at times, having been one or the other in a number of past relationships. Larry, you touch us immediately thru this of course, and keep the reader engaged, looking for more more more! There is one particular "thing" you did which I don't want to elaborate because it would be a spoiler of sorts. It is related to Harry and Jay sitting on the edge of Harry's bed.
I'll be back in a bit....
I feel quite privileged to be given this opportunity, Thank you! "
I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the book and I'm intrigued that you can identify with both Harry and Jay. Being able to put yourself in someone else's place is definitely one of the themes of "Beatitude." I look forward to hearing more about the "thing" you mentioned.
Lori wrote: "I'm so glad to see so many of you enjoying the book. And stretching away from what you normally read to give this book a chance. I really loved the push and pull relationship these guys had and the whole "being in love with someone when it's completely hopeless but being totally unable to do anything about it".... "
Several readers here have said that "Beatitude" isn't the kind of book they normally read but they're glad they did. A question for everyone: What sort of description of "Beatitude" would have intrigued you enough to make you want to read it?
Hmmm the story of unrequited love what would you do in its face. Btw I just finished the book and loved, loved, loved it
I loved how in the end Jay accepts the book with Zaharas acceptance of Jay and Har closeness. She sees that it doesn't impact her relationship with Jay or Har. I still want Har to find real love.
Pam wrote: "Hmmm the story of unrequited love what would you do in its face. Btw I just finished the book and loved, loved, loved it"Thanks, Pam! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the book and I also appreciate the description of "Beatitude" that would have made you want to read it. I rarely describe the book as a story of unrequited love but maybe I should start!
Pam wrote: "I loved how in the end Jay accepts the book with Zaharas acceptance of Jay and Har closeness. She sees that it doesn't impact her relationship with Jay or Har. I still want Har to find real love."Zahra really evolved over the many drafts of the book. She was the character who surprised me the most. I’ve heard other authors say that some characters almost write themselves, no matter what the author might have planned, and that was true of Zahra. With each draft, she became more prominent and more pivotal, her words and actions more unexpected. I like that there’s an air of mystery about her. And I like that the trajectory of her development equals those of Harry and Jay. She goes from encouraging Harry and Jay’s friendship to feeling threatened by it to overcoming her own insecurities to be the one who solidifies their relationship. That’s quite an arc.
As for Har finding real love, well, we can only assume he found it in the next chapter.
I have heard other authors describe their characters the same way as if they have a life of their own. I also like the aura of mystery with Zahara. Har is so upfront and genuine you just want to reach inside the book and rescue him
I must say though that when I read the description on Amazon the last lines are what drew me to purchase the book. Then while reading it the book keeps you wanting more. I think this is one book that I will remember and recommend to others for a long time.
Pam wrote: "I must say though that when I read the description on Amazon the last lines are what drew me to purchase the book. Then while reading it the book keeps you wanting more. I think this is one book that I will remember and recommend to others for a long time. "Thanks for pointing out that the last lines from the description of "Beatitude" on Amazon were what inspired you to buy it. I wrote those so long ago I had to check to see what they were:
"What do you do when you fall for someone who can't fall for you? What do you do when you're the object of affection? What must you each give up to keep the other in your life?"
That was my way of saying "this is a story about unrequited love" without actually using those words but perhaps those words would have been more to the point. I did want to emphasize, though, that "Beatitude" is about both sides of the unrequited equation—how it's just as difficult to be the one who's loved as it is to be the one who loves—while hinting that there might be a solution.
Whew! I don't know where to begin ...or end.The 'thing' that I enjoyed, was being caught unawares. When Harry and Jay are sitting for that first time at the foot of Harry's bed and the description of body position, language and then where it goes or doesn't go from there, and then the 'same' with Harry and Matteo...
I thought I had inadvertently reread H & J. I had to laugh at myself. And it made sense of course... the notion of repeating behaviours, with the unconscious hope that it would/will be different this time. Sooo familiar. Its also the definition of insanity![or so my friends tell me!]
I cried at Har's anguish, truly feeling his despair and ultimately his 'awakening'. Brilliant!
Thank you so much Larry, I so enjoyed reading Beatitude. I may or may not have picked up a copy, honestly, but I can tell you I most certainly will recommend reading it. Not because of my old friends you have rekindled an interest in, but more because of the depth of your understanding of the human spirit and your ability and stlye of delivering.
Hope to once again run into you where first I met you.
And Yes, I like very much your dedication. It all makes sense....
Jimmy5star wrote: "Whew! I don't know where to begin ...or end.The 'thing' that I enjoyed, was being caught unawares. When Harry and Jay are sitting for that first time at the foot of Harry's bed and the description of body position, language and then where it goes or doesn't go from there, and then the 'same' with Harry and Matteo...
I thought I had inadvertently reread H & J. I had to laugh at myself. And it made sense of course... the notion of repeating behaviours, with the unconscious hope that it would/will be different this time. Sooo familiar. Its also the definition of insanity![or so my friends tell me!]
I cried at Har's anguish, truly feeling his despair and ultimately his 'awakening'. Brilliant!
Thank you so much Larry, I so enjoyed reading Beatitude. I may or may not have picked up a copy, honestly, but I can tell you I most certainly will recommend reading it. Not because of my old friends you have rekindled an interest in, but more because of the depth of your understanding of the human spirit and your ability and stlye of delivering.
Hope to once again run into you where first I met you.
And Yes, I like very much your dedication. It all makes sense.... "
I appreciate your kind words and I’m glad to hear you connected with Harry’s journey. In regard to the scene you mention: Harry and Jay never sit at the foot of Harry’s bed. I think you are referring to a dream sequence that foreshadows—using the exact same language—the scene in which Harry and Matteo sit at the foot of Harry’s bed later in the book. It’s a flashback, a hint at Harry’s past and what brought him to where he is, and, of course, a glimpse into Harry’s subconscious.
Hi--Thanks for a great read, Larry! From having read letters between Ginsberg and Kerouac in the past, in some respects, I saw parallels with their complex relationship and that of Harry and Jay. Also, I guess this is less a question and more an observation, but I felt as if Harry's despair was expressed so well throughout Beatitude. It seemed like there was an aura of mourning that attached itself to Harry's thoughts, especially those of Matteo. It brought to mind Ginsberg's Kaddish.
Thank you again for this opportunity.
Larry has given us a total of 20 copies to give away (a mix of print and digital).
Print is for US residents only. The Digital (mobi and epub)is open to everyone!
In order to be considered, you must comment here or on the blog for a shot at winning one and secure a spot in the discussion that kicks off on February 19th:
http://thenextbestbookblog.blogspot.c...
This giveaway will run through January 8th.
Winners will be announced here and via email (if you provide one) on January 9th.
Here's how to enter:
1 - Leave a comment here or in the giveaway thread over at TNBBC's blog (linked above), stating why you'd like to receive a copy of the book, what format you prefer, and where you reside remember, REMEMBER only US residents can win a paper copy!.
ONLY COMMENT ONCE. MULTIPLE COMMENTS DO NOT GAIN YOU ADDITIONAL CHANCES TO WIN.
2 - State that you agree to participate in the group read book discussion that will run from February 19th through February 25th. Larry has agreed to participate in the discussion and will be available to answer any questions you may have for him.
*If you are chosen as a winner, by accepting the copy you are agreeing to read the book and join the group discussion right here in this thread next month.
3 - If your goodreads profile is blocked (set on private), please leave me another way to contact you.