This fall brings with it a new edition of Lafcadio Hearn’s Japanese Ghost Stories, published by the Folio Society. This edition includes an introduction by Yoko Ogawa and new illustrations by Yuko Shimizu. I spoke with Shimizu about her work on this edition, her experiences with Hearn’s fiction, and more.
We’re pleased to publish an excerpt from P.J. Blumenthal’s collection Self Portraits, released this month by Sagging Meniscus. In their review, Kirkus Reviews noted, “The author displays a sharp, edgy sense of humor in his explorations of the human condition, with all its attendant foibles, quirky relationships, and bizarre affectations.” Read on for a glimpse inside of “The Library Roof.”
It’s October, a chill is in the air, and Halloween decor is springing up all over the place. As is our wont, we have a few reading recommendations for you this month — including a few books that match up very neatly with the season. (And a few that don’t.) Read on for some autumnal suggestions.
In our morning reading: thoughts on Ingeborg Bachmann’s short stories, an interview with Hernan Diaz, and more.
Saint Newport, Long
by Cole Shuherk
You were itching before and you are scratching now. Muggsy scratches and cries at you. She has been crying. She needs a walk for her sanity and you need a walk for what remains of yours. You need to exercise and get out of the house, now just the room where the empty bottles stare at you and judge you and frighten you. White twist-on hats, warning labels unheeded. Their contents tethered you to propriety and dignity. You made the bottles empty and made their insides yours, and pissed their souls away. Their contents kept you stupid and happy in the room until they got empty and left you itching.
In our weekend reading: record recommendations from Kali Malone, an interview with Adam O’Fallon Price, and more.
In our afternoon reading: new writing by Adrian Van Young, revisiting Saul Bellow, and more.
It’s hard to understate the impact that Osamu Tezuka has made on animation and visual storytelling. Among his works are Astro Boy, Phoenix, and Black Jack, and his influence can be seen around the world. A new documentary about his work from filmmaker Jason Andrew Cohn, titled Tezuka! God of Manga, will explore Tezuka’s life and legacy.