Words might not always be good enough, but they’re the best we have, and Maggie Nelson is one of the best writers alive to use them.
Dear Herculine responds to the trauma of shame in a curious way, by failing to do precisely what shame is supposed to induce one to do: cover up.
‘SSES” ‘SSES” “SSEY’, vols 0 + 1 – Chaulky White
A hectic, dense, ‘zine-like object of utter catharsis.
Other Planes of There – Renée Green
Green’s voice remains one of questioning the world, through a continual prodding and reexamination of methods of understanding, transmission, and communication.
Of Walking in Ice – Werner Herzog
Anyone who’s lived through a long, punishing winter knows the extent to which it can isolate you.
I just really hate feeling like the intended audience of what seems to be a manifesto to giving up on the idea of fiction.
Ismael and His Sisters – Louise Stern
Stern has brilliantly found a way for her words to tell, and not just show.
Gerard’s prose is too beautiful, too aware of the potential of poetic pacing, for wallowing.
The rat is the most destructive, the most gluttonous, and the most reproductive animal. It doesn’t kill just when it is hungry, but also, and especially, because it enjoys destruction.
The Physics of Sorrow – Georgi Gospodinov
It is a sincere vision, a sincere request for forgiveness, and yet still something laughable. He means to honor the shit, not demean the religions.