And now it’s December. What does December bring, in literary terms? An interesting array of books, representing a disparate array of styles and approaches to the craft of writing. Do you like short stories? We’ve got you covered. Do you enjoy poetry? There’s some poetry here, too. Throw some literary translations into the mix and you have a solid month for reading — with what might be your next favorite book as this year draws to a close.
In our morning reading: Jenn Shapland on books, notable 2023 collections, and more.
Night Plane
by Ian S. Maloney
Dad woke me from a deep slumber. The call came in at 2:50 am. My head was covered in my Star Wars sheets. I was seven years old, living in Marine Park, Brooklyn and tagging along with my dad, Jimmy “Bugs.” His footsteps creaked across the parquet floors upstairs and a light tap followed on my bedroom door.
“Buddy, up for an adventure for a few bucks?”
In our weekend reading: Tariq Goddard on Shane MacGowan, notable poetry from 2023, and more.
In our afternoon reading: an Ottessa Moshfegh novel on screen, writing about pirates, and more.
In our morning reading: thoughts on books by Daniel Nester and Lexi Freiman, new music by Claire Rosay, and more.
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Nina MacLaughlin’s new book, an interview with Chris L. Terry, and more.
In our morning reading: an interview with Sam Lipsyte, notes on desert art, and more.