In our afternoon reading: thoughts on Jami Attenberg’s new novel, checking in with Ta-Nehisi Coates, and more.
Morning Bites: Babak Lakghomi Fiction, Catherine Lacey on Deborah Levy, Myriam Gendron’s Latest, and More
In our morning reading: new writing by Babak Lakghomi, revisiting Deborah Levy, and more.
Sunday Stories: “In despair? JESUS is your hope”
In despair? JESUS is your hope
by Elise Arancio
In despair? JESUS is your hope
reads the billboard from the side of the highway.
The billboard has reached its target audience. I am in despair. I am driving to my mother’s house for Easter, which is located thirty minutes south of nowhere. I have to drive six hours to get there, because I live somewhere.
The highway stretches in front of me, gray and impossible, like it’s being theatrically unfurled from a magician’s sleeve. Except there is no magic here. There is only the maroon Buick riding my bumper, and the middle finger its driver gives me when I press on the brakes to piss him off.
I think about close to nothing for a while, let the thick hum of the engine fill the space between my close to nothing thoughts.
Weekend Bites: Revisiting Dino Buzzati, Jacob Wren’s Latest, Baqytgul Sarmekova’s Fiction, and More
In our weekend reading: revisiting a Dino Buzzati novella, thoughts on BASIC’s debut album, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Deborah Levy Nonfiction, Tananarive Due Interviewed, Amy Rigby’s Recommendations, and More
In our afternoon reading: nonfiction by Deborah Levy, thoughts on summer movies, and more.
Morning Bites: S.J. Naudé’s Playlist, Rachel Kushner on Fiction, Squarepusher Reissued, and More
In our morning reading: a “Fathers and Fugitives” playlist, an interview with Rachel Kushner, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Jami Attenberg Interviewed, Book Vending Machines, “Lost” Revisited, and More
In our afternoon reading: an interview with Jami Attenberg, news of a book vending machine, and more.
VCO: Chapter 36
Chapter 36
All black tents and black chairs.
Rain.
While the list of attendees was large in size and scope, it was a complete secret to anyone not invited. There was no media coverage whatsoever. The founders of every major publishing platform on the planet came in droves in total silence. The forest surrounding the estate was ghostlike, veiled in a hissing mist.