Alexis M. Smith put together a terrific playlist inspired by her novel Marrow Island.

Laina Dawes discussed Beyoncé and country music for Flavorwire.

At Electric Literature: a discussion of Lian Hearn’s The Tale of Shikanoko.

A new essay from Rosie Schaap on the subject of her father and Muhammad Ali.

Lydia Millet and Jenny Offill talked writing for Slate.

Stephen Burt on Catherynne M. Valente’s Fairyland novels at The New Yorker.

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