An essay on Raymond Chandler’s iconic character, Philip Marlowe. (Thanks 3:AM Magazine)

• Kevin Sampsell picks 9 of the best books from indie publishers.

• “Literary hipsters” Blake Butler, Tao Lin, Stephen Elliott, and Miranda July’s favorite books of the year.

• One of those “literary hipsters” wants you to donate his book.

• T.S. Eliot wrote a letter.

• The Awl meets Titus Andronicus.