In our afternoon reading: revisiting “Berlin Alexanderplatz,” new writing by Leah Umansky and Jen Doll, and much more.
Afternoon Bites: Kristen Arnett, Literary Erasure, David Grossman, Fever Ray Interviewed, and More
In our afternoon reading: interviews with Kristen Arnett and Fever Ray, new nonfiction by A. N. Devers, and more.
Weekend Bites: Lindsay Hunter, Steve Erickson Interviewed, Monica Drake, Nadia Sirota’s Latest, and More
In our weekend reading: thoughts on books by Lindsay Hunter and Gabrielle Civil, interviews with Steve Erickson and Monica Drake, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Brian Blanchfield, Anohni Interviewed, DC Punk, Leah Umansky’s Playlist, and More
In our afternoon reading: poetry’s influence on nonfiction, the state of DC punk, a playlist from Leah Umansky, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Amber Sparks Interviewed, Kaitlyn Greenidge, Leah Umansky’s Latest, “Buffy” and Storytelling, and More
In our afternoon reading: an interview with Amber Sparks, thoughts on Kristine Ong Muslim’s new collection, checking in with Andrew F. Sullivan, and more.
Morning Bites: Leonard Michaels, Literary Resolutions, Leah Umansky Interviewed, PJ Harvey’s Next Album, and More
In our morning reading: talking Leonard Michaels, an interview with Leah Umansky, news of PJ Harvey’s next album, literary New Year’s resolutions, and more.
The Zinophile: The Origins of Two Poetry Chapbooks
Good writing can take its inspiration from almost anything, from true-life experiences to speculation to riffs on objects and scenarios encountered in passing to the culture we encounter every day. The two chapbooks covered in today’s column take inspiration from wildly disparate topics. One is written in a reflexive voice, surrounding its point of origin and corresponding with it in numerous ways; the other takes the stuff of classical works — seasons, romance — and channels it through an abrupt, […]
“Either you dress for the music or the occasion”: The Complex and Challenging Poetry of Leah Umansky
I tend to gravitate towards people who can utter statements with passion and honesty sans irony to the effect of “The first chapter of Wuthering Heights changed my life.” I long ago dropped the pretension that a love of books in anyway, necessarily, speaks positively of a personality. Yet, Leah Umansky, makes me rethink my opinion. Umansky, a prolific and talented poet, a loving and devoted teacher, represents someone of the rarified kind who still believes, deeply, in the power […]