“Song for the Unraveling of the World” is a book of many things. Above all, it serves as a litmus test of how the reader, and how they see the species.
Kristen Arnett’s “Mostly Dead Things” is a lively examination of loss
Kristen Arnett’s book of the dead is a scintillating illumination of what we do when we lose those we love.
“Not everyone is special” a funny look into the sad and lonely among us
Josh Denslow’s book is an examination of the sad, lonely and hopeless. His voice is equal parts funny and galling.
Violet LeVoit’s new novel is a dazzling narrative not usually told
Violet LeVoit’s towering new narrative gives voice to the seedier, more disparate collection of souls that Tinseltown tends to ignore.
Make no mistake – Autumn Christian’s “Girl Like a Bomb” is a future classic
Autumn Christian’s new book is an articulation of deep meaning, sex and the ‘whats’ that keep us.
Gabino Iglesias on “Coyote Songs” and the lit genre he created for himself
Gabino Iglesias is a man of hustle and naked invention. We spoke to him about his new book ‘Coyote Songs’, his process, and the genre he established for himself.
“The Lonesome Bodybuilder” embraces the surreal and doesn’t let go
The Lonesome Bodybuilder is a walk through the underworld of the strange. Buckle up!
“For all the dead queers” – Michael J Wilson’s towering salute to the AIDS crisis
Michael Wilson’s peerless salute to those who made it (and those who didn’t) deserves to be consumed in one sitting, and plays best with wine and tissues handy.
A surrealistic masterpiece: James Reich – The Song My Enemies Sing
James Reich’s trip through the underworld of our psyche is painted with ornate tableau, a gallery that that allows the reader to fill in the blanks. Read it.
Brian Alan Ellis’ “Sad Laughter” throws back veil on standup scene
Brian Alan Ellis’ book is a retelling of a comedy career formed on Twitter, stapled into a manuscript. His cynical tone allows you to make up your own mind, primarily on who is the real punchline.
Kelby Losack’s “The Way We Came In” is a story of sibling unification, and the risk of division
Two lost brothers are reunited by desperation and a new life of crime in Kelby Losack’s towering book. More than anything, it is that empathy that grabs you.
Rashomon meets underground punk in Jeff Jackson’s “Destroy All Monsters”
Destroy All Monsters is an island powered by its own high-concept vibrancy. Jeff Jackson should be saluted and castigated in even measure.
The search for lost innocence breathes in Jonathan Ames’ “You Were Never Really Here”
Jonathan Ames’ book moves at a quicksilver pace, a homage to actioners that is deep enough to not be shallow. Consider it a casual punch to the face.
Michael J Seidlinger’s ‘Standard Loneliness Package’ an exercise in love lost
Michael J Seidlinger’s Standard Loneliness Package is a compound of beautifully broken, wasted relationships. Bitterly, it forces you to examine your own failures.
Sue Klebold, mother of Columbine shooter, pens memoir
Back before it became the norm, Columbine was the act that shocked a nation. Now, the mother of one of the shooters as attempted to chart that national horror.
Book blends extremes in Samantha Irby’s “We Are Never Meeting in Real Life.”
Samantha Irby’s book scythes into the bone of the modern experience. Blows of emotion batter the reader long after the final page.
They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us: Hanif Abdurraqib’s on point social commentary of a fractured, hopeful America
America is a country fast reaching divisive apathy, however, Hanif Abdurraqib points to another way to heal, as they have before, through the power of music.
It’s a small galaxy after all: Is Disney ruining Star Wars?
Might seem an obvious point to make, but I believe Disney taking over the Star Wars universe has doomed it.
