In our morning reading: revisiting books by queer and trans writers, thoughts on the state of criticism, and more.
Morning Bites: Revisiting Queer Books, Bill Orcutt’s Latest, Nebula Award Finalists, and More
Afternoon Bites: Lindsey Drager on Writing, Marie-Helene Bertino’s Collection, David Grubbs Returns, and More
In our afternoon reading: an interview with Lindsey Drager, thoughts on David Grubbs’s new album, and more.
Cat Fitzpatrick On Writing a Novel in Verse About Online Spaces
Some books about online communities venture into the science fictional to appropriately describe the goings-on there. Others, from Dennis Cooper’s The Sluts to Elle Nash’s Gag Reflex, adopt the styles and formats of certain online spaces. Cat Fitzpatrick’s novel The Call-Out also wrangles with questions of online discourse, but is likely the only novel to do so while also being written in verse. I spoke with Fitzpatrick on an autumn morning to discuss her novel, art forms, and the excellence of New Jersey.
Visceral Mythology and Transformational Songs: A Conversation With Jeanne Thornton and Alex DiFrancesco
Alex DiFrancesco’s collection Transmutation abounds with moments of intimate revelation and transforming bodies. Jeanne Thornton’s novel Summer Fun draws inspiration from a legendary rock band and takes it to a wholly unexpected place. Both books are among the best I’ve read this year, and I chatted with both authors over Zoom one summer evening. The conversation covered a wide range of subjects — from pandemic coping mechanisms to the music of Tom Waits — and an edited version follows.
Weekend Bites: Jackie Ess Interviewed, Yan Ge, Hilton Als on Renata Adler, D. Harlan Wilson, and More
In our weekend reading: an interview with Jackie Ess, Hilton Als revisits “Speedboat,” and more.