Though both recount stories, the two great modes of narrative - fiction and history - can never be entirely synthesized. In fact, the concordance and discordance between them becomes more recognizable when each mode is put in dialogue with the other. Unlike novelists, on the one hand, historians in their stories do aim to re-narrate the past and are therefore subject to what once was. Plowing through documents, establishing traces – marks or signs of passing through –, and reconstructing personal encounters, all contribute to highlighting that a historian’s task cannot be reduced to merely a l ..read more

The significance of Picasso attempting to paint a painting without any trace of Picasso in it should give rise thought. Could he do it? Was it possible for him to be so disengaged from the work that its meaning and interpretation would be entirely up to the viewer? Picasso, intriguingly, set out to accomplish this, but I would wager he failed. What he was attempting – a total distinction of the subject from the object – is an impossible goal. Neutrality is not a plausible option, since intentionality is an inescapable dimension of who humans are. After all, being erased, unnoticed, excluded fr ..read more

There are at least two types of giving: obligation and desire. These are not mutually exclusive, but the latter is less duty orientated than the former. On the one hand, when we go to the store and buy something, we are obliged to give in order to receive - this is exchange. On the other hand, when we desire to give, we do so without receiving - this is gift. I'd wager therefore that there are two economies - the economy of exchange and the economy of gift. Life generally, and relationships specifically, amount to a radical negotiation between the two.  ..read more

This story is about us, our relation to self, other, and world, therefore, it's not entirely science fiction, but perhaps better a reality check. Who are we? Where are we going? What kind of universe do we live in? One of the challenges of reading this novel is it may not let you out of the narrative without considering these types of questions. https://www.amazon.com/Am-Alone-World-Gregory-Laughery/dp/1938367693/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2N2JJW2W20H4O&keywords=gregory+laughery&sprefix=laughery%2Caps%2C525&sr=8-2 ..read more

A perceptive reader said, that among other things, Am I Alone In The World? is philosophical fiction - a new genre. Maybe?  https://www.amazon.com/Am-Alone-World-Gregory-Laughery/dp/1938367693/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2N2JJW2W20H4O&keywords=gregory%20laughery&sprefix=laughery%2Caps%2C525&sr=8-2  ..read more

    Thoughtful science fiction - a great read! Reviewed in the United States ?? on March 18, 2023 Verified Purchase Greg Laughery has written an intriguing story with philosophical questions and surprising twists throughout. I particularly enjoyed the imaginative ways the main character had to sort out his new surroundings each day as he tried to find a sustainable balance between trust and suspicion with each new challenge. I found the vulnerability in his approach to each day refreshing and it kept me engaged with the story. I highly recommend picking this book up - it’s differ ..read more

 Sometimes I feel like I am alone in the world, which in one sense, but not another, may be the case. How about you? Do you ever feel this way?    https://www.amazon.com/Am-Alone-World-Gregory-Laughery/dp/1938367693/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2N2JJW2W20H4O&keywords=gregory+laughery&sprefix=laughery%2Caps%2C525&sr=8-2 ..read more

  ..read more

 We're being swept up in a tidal wave of technology and the horrible effects of climate chaos are upon us all. Both in their own ways threaten life on planet Earth. Survival is a burning question today and no doubt will continue to be in the future. The character 'I' (could be any of us) in my new novel, Am I Alone In The World? has to decide if survival at all costs is really worth it. What do you think? Read this entertaining, yet challenging story. It may help you make up your mind.   https://www.amazon.com/Am-Alone-World-Gregory-Laughery/dp/1938367693/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2N2JJW2W20H ..read more

 Since Harry released his memoir it looks like my new novel, Am I Alone In The World? has no chance of being #1 ..read more