Richard Fallquist

Richard Fallquist spent fifty years as a consulting actuary, analyzing data and organizing complex information. While his career left little time for reading for pleasure, retirement opened the door to finally explore the classics he had always admired.

Merging his talent for list-making with the power of modern digital resources, Fallquist developed an efficient, enjoyable way to sample and appreciate the greatest works in literature, music, opera, and art. His passion for cultural discovery inspired Great Works and Me, offering readers a clear and inviting pathway into the masterpieces of human creativity.

A native of Spokane, Washington, and now a resident of the Pacific Northwest, he long harbored a desire to read the classics and explore the great cultural works he had missed during his busy career. In retirement, Fallquist combined his lifelong habit of list-making with the wealth of resources available online to create an engaging "speed launch" into the Western Canon.

After a successful fifty-year career as a consulting actuary, what inspired you to write Great Works and Me?

As a consulting actuary I had very little time to read fiction. I decided to start with some classical fiction, so I gathered lists of the top-rated books and watched some You Tubes. This approach to discovery was easy and very satisfying for me. I wanted to share what I’d come to enjoy of my approach. Fortunately, I reconnected with a high-school classmate, Jennifer McCord, who is an editorial and publishing consultant. Together, with my editors and graphic designer, we created Great Works and Me.

You describe retirement as an opportunity to explore the classics you had long admired. What sparked your desire to finally begin that journey?

In retirement, I finally had the time to undertake a study of the early classics in literature. I just knew they were great classics and I wanted to appreciate them and add more.

Many people feel intimidated by classical literature, art, music, and opera. What motivated you to create a guide that makes these works more approachable?

The Great Works can be intimidating. Once I realized I had created a method to explore and enjoy the great works without a major investment in time and effort – I wanted to share the method.

How did your background as an actuary and lifelong list-maker influence the structure and organization of this book?

Actuarial Science in its application requires some structure and organization. I have always enjoyed lists. For each chapter, I wrote a brief introduction, added some interesting You Tubes, and created a listing of the favorites. This approach tied the chapters together.

During your exploration of the Western Canon, was there a particular work, author, artist, or composer that had a profound impact on you?

Here are a few favorites: Odysseus’ travels back to Penelope, Aeneas and Dido, Richard III and the Hollow Crown, Joyce’s Ulysses, Absalom, Absalom!, The Old Man and the Sea, the many plays, the BibleProject, Picasso, Raphael, Bach, Chopin,
Nick Reveles’ Opera Talk, Renee Fleming in Der Rosenkavalier. You could say it grew into a whole book of my favorites.

What do you hope readers discover about themselves through engaging with the great works of literature, music, and art?

I want readers to add this extraordinary dimension to their lives but at their own pace. To find time to explore, to reflect, and to have self-discovery. To revisit the books they read and loved. To explore the beautiful art masterpieces and classical compositions. To find new Great Works and the pure enjoyment of discovering voices of the past that resonate with your own experience.

In the book, you discuss living the “examined life.” Why do you believe the classics remain relevant in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world?

Since the oldest stories were written in the stars, these classics have been with us through all generations. These ideas, the music, and the art are both representative of their times and relevant today. The more we read, listen, and study, we realize that despite our differences, we all have common affections, sympathies, and desires to know and belong. The examined life emphasizes self-reflection. It’s so important to slow down in this fast-paced world and see the humanity that echoes across centuries right into what we need today.

What advice would you give to someone who has always wanted to explore the classics but doesn't know where to begin?

Have no fear. Explore whatever captures your attention. Take the time to thoroughly enjoy these works no matter the depth, the speed, or route that you choose.

What is the most important takeaway you hope readers gain from Great Works and Me?

A sense of accomplishment, of growth, and some self-discovery. To think about how these works are related through the centuries, are important in our lives, and still relevant today.

If readers finish your book and choose to explore just one Great Work as a result, what would you hope that experience gives them?

The desire to explore another, and another.

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Turtle Bay Publishing LLC
206-817-1872
[email protected]

Website: https://richardfallquist.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rfallquistauth/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-fallquist-344755/?_l=en_US​

Link to purchase the book: 
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Works-Me-Enhancing-Classics-ebook/dp/B0GR6G11GX/