As the countdown begins for the release of one of the most anticipated collections of the year, Joshua Cohen’s Four New Messages (Graywolf Press), a little teaser emerges in the form of the above short film directed by Brian Spinks. The book comes out August 7th, and I’ll be talking with Mr. Cohen on August 9th at McNally Jackson. If you don’t feel like that’s enough time to read the whole thing (it’s less than 200 pages…), one of the stories […]
John Hodgman Writes Bio for new Mountain Goats Record
Here’s what I know about the new Mountain Goats album: It’s called Transcendental Youth, it comes out on October 2nd, the words “Florida,” “Judas,” and “Satan” are all included in the song titles, and John Hodgman wrote this biography.
They Call Him Mr. Short Story
Nathan Englander has won the €25,000 (about $30,680.00) Frank O’Connor short story award for What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank. In other Nathan Englander news: The cover for his book in England is way nicer looking than the American one. Follow Vol. 1 Brooklyn on Twitter, Facebook, Google + and our Tumblr.
Death of Salesmen: Thoughts on “A Hologram for the King” by Dave Eggers
I don’t think I’ve ever actively sold anything in my entire adult life; inadvertently, maybe, but I’ve never stood with a person and given them reason as to why they should purchase something. I’m too passive, too grossed out by monetary transactions. I’d like to say it’s something rooted in my Eastern European Socialist bloodline – but it isn’t: my family were and are capitalists who loved the American Dream enough to come here; they dig on free trade, and said they were […]
Morning Bites: Great Monday Morning Interviews, Amelia Gray Mixes, The June Brides, BFFs and More
Roxane Gay talks to Karolina Waclawiak at The Rumpus. This is your must read thing of the morning! Amelia Gray makes a summertime mix for Electric Literature. Matt Dojny and John Wray talking at Book Boroughing’s Literary BFFs reading. An excerpt from The McSweeney’s Book of Politics & Musicals at Flavorwire. Jason writes about The June Brides over at 17 Dots. J. Crew says Hello, World! Follow Vol. 1 Brooklyn on Twitter, Facebook, Google + and our Tumblr.
Granta Goes Brazilian
Do you want to know who the best young Brazilian novelists are? Granta will let you know on July 5th. The only thing we’re willing to bet is that every writer on the list will be really beautiful because Brazil seems to be a country with a large population of really good looking people. Also, if it’s anything like the previous “Best of Young [insert country/language here] Novelists,” it’s gonna be very worth your time. Follow Vol. 1 Brooklyn on Twitter, Facebook, Google + and our Tumblr.
Quotable: Books Rich People Buy
“Yet the home library is on the rise, having become something of a cerebral status symbol. Affluent homeowners are buying quality books in quantity to amass collections for private personal libraries. These rooms are as much aesthetic set pieces and public displays of intelligence as they are quiet spaces to reflect and retreat.” – First hip menswear stores starting using books for decorations, now the Wall Street Journal “uncovers” rich people doing the same thing. (Although we doubt any of […]
Quotable: It Takes a lot to be one of the Gatsbabies
“We brought up his resemblance to Clark Gable, and the woman paused. “I don’t know what Clark Gable looks like,” she said flatly.” and “We tickle people’s curiosity,” Mr. Lee said. He’s found that, as it was for Gatsby, a certain air of mystery can be useful. “The first question I get is ‘What do you really do?’” he said. “And that’s how I know I’ve garnished their attention, and that’s how I know it’s a three-pointer.” – Do you […]