This year Seth Kaufman released “The War on Boredom,” a collection of short stories, and “Nuns with Guns,” a social satire on America’s unhealthy gun obsession. I talked with Seth about reality TV, nuns and guns, and the power of network television. Continue reading THE SETH KAUFMAN INTERVIEW
“Houses” by Borislav Pekic offers a fascinating window into literature of the other Europe Continue reading Translation Tuesdays: Houses, by Borislav Pekic @NYJB
The “Pocket Square” is a useful guide for anyone who wears a suit, biological determinism be damned. Continue reading The Pocket Square, by A.C. Phillips @NYJB
Earlier this month over at the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography, I reviewed “Mr. Suicide,” by Nicole Cushing. As my review went online, I found out Cushing’s book won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Debut Horror Novel. In this interview, Nicole and I discuss cons, “likeable characters,” Louisville, Kentucky, and the definition of evil. Continue reading An Interview with Nicole Cushing
Last February, I reviewed “Pixiegate Madoke” by Michael Sean LeSueur at the Chicago Center for Literature and Photography (CCLaP). I had an email interview with Michael, where we discussed gender politics, bizarro literature, and pop culture. Continue reading An Interview with Michael Sean LeSueur
This week I review a specialist text on the interconnection between architecture, urban planning, religion, and politics. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: The Subversive Utopia, by Yasir Sakr
An early example of poetry by women in China. Continue reading Short Takes I: Chinese Poetry
“The War on Alcohol” by Lisa McGirr retells the story of Prohibition with a cocktail of case studies, legal analysis, and a broad scope. Continue reading The War on Alcohol: Prohibition and the Rise of the American State, by Lisa McGirr @ NYJB
Tom House: Tom of Finland in Los Angeles “celebrates the still transgressive world of gay leathermen and Tom of Finland’s place in Los Angeles’ architectural history.” Continue reading More NSFW Files: Tom House: Tom of Finland in Los Angeles, by Michael Reynolds
Gonzo journalism for those who enjoyed the Jon Stewart-era Daily Show. Jon Ronson tries to figure who out “them” are, since they are supposed to control the world from a darkened room with their Bilderberg friends. Ronson tries to find that room and why he wasn’t invited Continue reading American Odd: Them: Adventures with Extremists, by Jon Ronson
The Driftless Area Review 