I recently reviewed Bitter Orange, by Marshall Moore at CCLaP. In this interview with the author, we discuss the superhero genre, the concept of self-loathing, and scheduling creative writing projects around a busy work life. Continue reading The Marshall Moore Interview
This week Karl Wolff reviews “Bitter Orange,” by Marshall Moore, about a gay man coming to terms with his superpower to turn invisible. Does that make him a hero or a villain? Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: Bitter Orange, by Marshall Moore
Over at CCLaP I review “Among the Bloodpeople: Politics and Flesh,” by Thomas Glave, a new anthology of fiction and non-fiction works about prejudice, sexuality, and diaspora. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: Among the Bloodpeople: Politics and Flesh, by Thomas Glave
Today in CCLaP’s essay series on subversive erotic classics, “The NSFW Files,” Karl Wolff looks at Petronius’s first-century AD ribald romp through the Roman Empire, “The Satyricon.” Continue reading The NSFW Files: The Satyricon by Petronius
This week I explore Storm Constantine’s trilogy Wraeththu, about a hermaphroditic human species that overtakes humanity during a postapocalyptic catastrophe. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: On Being Human: Wraeththu, by Storm Constantine
This week, Karl Wolff reviews Richard Sharp’s novel “The Duke Don’t Dance,” tracing several friends across decades and continents from the jungles of Southeast Asia to a DC lobbying firm and beyond. The novel combines nuanced literary observations with cutting satire. Continue reading CCLaP Fridays: The Duke Don’t Dance, by Richard Sharp
After an overlong hiatus, “The Art of Reviewing” returns with a profile of Roland Barthes, exploring his the French semiotician and literary critic expanded the subject matter for reviewers, his influence of pop culture studies, and his usefulness in curatorial practice. Continue reading The Art of Reviewing: Roland Barthes
Food is one of the essential requirements for existence. One cannot go about one’s daily business without caloric intake. However, beyond the needs food fulfils, one takes pleasure in eating. That is why people read restaurant reviews or watch No Reservations. Food also represents a mirror of a specific place, culture, and personality. Why a book entitled Fasting for Ramadan has recipes in the back also requires explanation. Fasting for Ramadan: Notes from a Spiritual Practice by Kazim Ali is a stunning literary jewel. An extended meditation on the Muslim practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan has appeal … Continue reading Fasting for Ramadan: Notes from a Spiritual Practice, by Kazim Ali
The Driftless Area Review 