In our afternoon reading: revisiting a surreal classic, notable horror debuts, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Revisiting “Morel’s Invention,” Protomartyr Interviewed, Horror Debuts, and More
Writing With Friends, Writing About Friends
Writing With Friends, Writing About Friends
by Kaaron Warren
It was only once I finished the first draft of Going to Summertime that I realised something important that lay at the heart of it. Friendship. The importance of it, how it can save us, but also how it can destroy us, and how it can’t always be relied upon.
Six Ridiculous Questions: P.J. Blumenthal
The guiding principle of Six Ridiculous Questions is that life is filled with ridiculousness. And questions. That only by giving in to these truths may we hope to slip the surly bonds of reality and attain the higher consciousness we all crave. (Eh, not really, but it sounded good there for a minute.) It’s just. Who knows? The ridiculousness and question bits, I guess. Why six? Assonance, baby, assonance.
Morning Bites: Na Zhong’s Launch Party, AK Blakemore’s Latest, Matt Kish’s Playlist, and More
In our morning reading: a report from a Na Zhong book party, new writing from Vivian Gornick, and more.
Sunday Stories: “The New Middle Class”
The New Middle Class
by Dolan Morgan
“Take your time, Amy,” Dr. Kenston says, as if time were a thing to be taken. As if a doctor could forget that it’s time that does the taking.
Weekend Bites: Brian Evenson’s Fiction, Remembering Ryu Murakami, Emma Ruth Rundle Interviewed, and More
In our weekend reading: a deep dive into Brian Evenson, a remembrance of Ryu Murakami, and more.
Yuko Shimizu on Illustrating a New Edition of Lafcadio Hearn’s “Japanese Ghost Stories”
This fall brings with it a new edition of Lafcadio Hearn’s Japanese Ghost Stories, published by the Folio Society. This edition includes an introduction by Yoko Ogawa and new illustrations by Yuko Shimizu. I spoke with Shimizu about her work on this edition, her experiences with Hearn’s fiction, and more.
The Library Roof: An Excerpt from P.J. Blumenthal’s “Self Portraits”
We’re pleased to publish an excerpt from P.J. Blumenthal’s collection Self Portraits, released this month by Sagging Meniscus. In their review, Kirkus Reviews noted, “The author displays a sharp, edgy sense of humor in his explorations of the human condition, with all its attendant foibles, quirky relationships, and bizarre affectations.” Read on for a glimpse inside of “The Library Roof.”