There is something magnetic about an unbothered and slightly perverted coming-of-age story like this one. Welch perfectly captures the way innocence aThere is something magnetic about an unbothered and slightly perverted coming-of-age story like this one. Welch perfectly captures the way innocence abstracts so much when you’re young and yet Orvil is at that in between age where you’re keenly aware that what you’re doing maybe isn’t so innocent but you’re not sure why yet. Every line was also just stunning; this book literally oozes with eroticism and small touches of sensuous detail that capture the dizzying experience of growing up and being angry, horny, and joyous often at the same time. This was like if the Catcher and the Rye and Call Me By Your Name had a sexy love child together who liked to get into trouble and was dangerously good looking but didn’t know it yet. I’m also a sucker for coming-of-age stories and the capturing of teenage ennui so of course I loved this. In youth there certainly was some fucking pleasure ...more
Some books feel like small miracles and Keegan’s Foster is a prime example. Slim in size and told through the perspective of a child both innocent andSome books feel like small miracles and Keegan’s Foster is a prime example. Slim in size and told through the perspective of a child both innocent and more emotionally intelligent than most the adults around her, this novella is a visceral reading experience, one that took my breath away without ever demanding resignation. Its subtlety is absolutely stunning and its mythologizing of the Irish countryside and of childhood itself is a gift to behold. The personal bonus is I found this novella in a lending library and hadn’t heard of it before taking it home � small miracle indeed! ...more
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read and beyond even my wildest expectations of what this play would have been based on the synopsis. It’s sly and This was unlike anything I’ve ever read and beyond even my wildest expectations of what this play would have been based on the synopsis. It’s sly and shocking and a truly revolutionary concept to be made into live theatre. There were some moments I couldn’t tell if they were supposed to be read as satire or in earnest yet the impressive thing about this script is moments of confusion like this almost lend themselves to the nuance of the story. I imagine a live performance would also clarify these uncertainties although I also can’t even imagine how they stage this and how it could be executed because BOY IS IT BOLD. Four stars because I need to see it live to grant it the fifth. Jeremy O. Harris is a genius. I’m utterly floored....more
The only criticism I could have for this collection is that I wish there was more of it. It goes without saying that almost everything Didion wrote haThe only criticism I could have for this collection is that I wish there was more of it. It goes without saying that almost everything Didion wrote had a prophetic clarity to it, yet The White Album illustrates an entirely new category of her prescience. While I’d read the titular essay close to a dozen times before finally attempting to read the collection in full, revisiting it after finishing the book gives it somehow more gravity than it already managed to achieve. These essays paint a population in crisis down to the individual brush stroke � Didion reveals her unravelling in the face of existential disrepair yet manages to craft a portrait of California, America, and the 1970s that remains unmatched to this day. I genuinely believe we as a society have still not grappled nor understood much of the social dissolution she lays out with such clarity and grace and are somehow still in the diagnosis phase of treating the social ailments she identified at their source. No one writes quite like Didion � her candour, scathing tone, and mastery of syntax remain unmatched � and certainly no one has come remotely close to deciphering the tumult of the 1970s (or any decade since, for that matter) and its ongoing reverberations as she was doing it in real time.
This book is a masterpiece: as timeless, urgent, and unwavering as it ever was....more
There’s no one who writes with such alchemy as Billy-Ray. He turns sorrow and hope and grief and joy into gold with shocking clarity. Probably one of There’s no one who writes with such alchemy as Billy-Ray. He turns sorrow and hope and grief and joy into gold with shocking clarity. Probably one of the best living Canadian writers, these stories are magic and warm - I’ll be returning to their sanctuary over and over again.
(While he was my Creative Writing prof, I was a fan before I was a student so my bias is negligible). ...more
“Your dreams are a mess They are my masterpiece�
“Fair reader, You are trying to recollect not autumn but freedom, A principle of freedom That existed betw“Your dreams are a mess They are my masterpiece�
“Fair reader, You are trying to recollect not autumn but freedom, A principle of freedom That existed between two people, small and savage As principles go - but what are the rules for this?�
Anne Carson actually popped off really hard on this one. I think it’s probably the kind of book I will revisit and read over and over again just to feel the rhythm of her writing (the tangos, if you will). This book reads like a breakup collection of poetry, yet it is obviously so much more. It’s a meditation on Keats, on the nearly corrupting power of beauty, and the simultaneous vitriole and admiration one can hold for the other in a relationship doomed from the start. Anne Carson is yet again proving that Eros is no simple sensation, but a bittersweetness as intoxicating as it is destructive. ...more
Zadie truly bit, ripped, chewed, and swallowed (ate) with this one (pun intended because of the teeth). While this book was a supreme pleasure to readZadie truly bit, ripped, chewed, and swallowed (ate) with this one (pun intended because of the teeth). While this book was a supreme pleasure to read in a superficial sense � masterful wit, gorgeous prose, and an eye for minute details that make every description incisive and irreverent � the true scope of this book being written when Smith was my age only makes me scratch my head and wonder how the fuck that could be possible. Her mature and kinetic narrative style and her uncanny ability to somehow perfectly jump from culture to culture and generation to generation (often in a single sentence) puts this book on a fairly rarified level of literary achievement.
I can’t imagine what it must have taken to research, plan, write, and edit a book of this scope and gravity while still in undergrad and what makes it even more impressive is that she wrote it in the 90s, without the access to internet we have today that I’d imagine would be needed to produce such insightful character studies at such a young age. Zadie is a literal queen and everyone is just playing catch up....more
Absolutely brilliant. Zadie had me completely enamoured with every character until the final sentence. I don’t really have much else to say except thaAbsolutely brilliant. Zadie had me completely enamoured with every character until the final sentence. I don’t really have much else to say except that everyone should probably read this book and I DESPERATELY need Zadie to write a limited HBO series or something because she’s just so good and I need to see this story specifically animated in real life!...more
The most charming and quaint poetry collection around. I have never sat down to read this entire compilation all in one go but what a beautiful journeThe most charming and quaint poetry collection around. I have never sat down to read this entire compilation all in one go but what a beautiful journey it is. Love Frank forever :) ...more
The Importance of Being Earnest is one of my favourite plays I have read for class yet. The absurdity of the comedy is refreshing from other literaturThe Importance of Being Earnest is one of my favourite plays I have read for class yet. The absurdity of the comedy is refreshing from other literature of the era, and the wit of Wilde speaks for itself. Favourite line: “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train� (IOBE Act 2) ...more
I think this is probably one of the best books of photography ever assembled. An earnest depiction of the derelict and queer life of a very specific NI think this is probably one of the best books of photography ever assembled. An earnest depiction of the derelict and queer life of a very specific New York subculture, Goldin put together a masterpiece in this collection - something that will forever document what the title evokes with such clarity. ...more
This is the first book I have read start-to-finish since beginning my weekly writer's salon sessions. I chose to begin with this book due to its subjeThis is the first book I have read start-to-finish since beginning my weekly writer's salon sessions. I chose to begin with this book due to its subject matter being the art of writing, but what I didn't expect was to be profoundly moved by the timeless story Patti Smith produces through ruminating on her writing process. Devotion is evocative. It inspires the reader through its overt conversation about why we write and why writing is essential to the creative being. Yet, the actual fictitious story of Devotion inspired me in the same way. Its romanticism and poetic structure overtook me, leaving me craving more to the story but also feeling extremely motivated to create a new story under the same conditions Smith defines. She finishes the book with a final rhetorical question. "Why we write?" is "because we simply cannot live." I don't know if anything else has ever spoken to me in such a concise manner. I also don't think anything else needs to. ...more
While creative non-fiction has consistently been one of my favourite genres, Stay True felt like a different type of memoir. Hsu documents his alternaWhile creative non-fiction has consistently been one of my favourite genres, Stay True felt like a different type of memoir. Hsu documents his alternative college years in such vivid detail that it feels as if this book was written in the thick of all these emotions. Hsu reserves a certain reverence for the cultural touchstones of his youth in a similar way to myself. In a lot of ways, reading this memoir felt affirming that my niche interests and judgments about art and culture are not unique, but I'm merely an archetype of a certain kind of art-obsessive, culturally-subversive student who will hopefully one day go on to write something just as profound as Stay True. Hsu's meditations on friendship and loss are so honest and unfiltered; I applaud his vulnerability in putting such thoughts into words—an absolute gem of a memoir and I look forward to reading more of Hsu's work beyond his New Yorker articles in the future! ...more
Read for ENGL 374: Post-Colonial Literature with a focus on global HIV/AIDS writing.
Every time I pick up a work by Belcourt, I am prepared for devastRead for ENGL 374: Post-Colonial Literature with a focus on global HIV/AIDS writing.
Every time I pick up a work by Belcourt, I am prepared for devastation. Despite my internal trigger warning, however, nothing could have prepared me for the sincerity and heartbreaking beauty each poem in this collection contains. As I continue along in my English degree, I find my skills for close reading with precision only continue to sharpen, but Belcourt remains one of the contemporary authors of today that I still feel like I could use a personal analysis of each poem to understand the gravity of each message he attempts to articulate. I was fortunate enough to have Belcourt speak at my class on this collection of poetry and to hear him read a selection of these poems. Yet, this interaction only left me with more appreciation and wonder for this collection than any clarity on what the deeper intentions of each poem were. Perhaps that is for the best. The mystery of poetry is what gives it such emotional intensity, what allows it to move each reader in unique and unpredictable ways. ...more
I had the pleasure of purchasing my copy of this book at the same time as I met Fran and got her to sign my edition. While I had always loved her publI had the pleasure of purchasing my copy of this book at the same time as I met Fran and got her to sign my edition. While I had always loved her public image, interviews, and tv specials, even so much as declaring to my parents (and maintaining to this day) at 17 that I would like to be the next Fran Lebowitz, I must admit this is the first time I have read her written work cohesively.
I absolutely loved every minute of this book. Lebowitz does something in her writing so rare in today's public discourse - she writes sarcastically and comedically without demanding attention. Her writing is imbued with her hot takes, whether you like them or not, and she is unapologetic in how she frames and weaves the personal with the dramatic and fictitious. This book was a joy to read and has inspired me in many ways to develop my own writing in greater detail and to pursue publishing this year. I think the world needs more writers committed to the lifestyle and romanticization of writing itself, something Lebowitz highlights in a sincere comedic fashion. You don't have to take yourself too seriously to still say something of value.
My personal favourites from the collection in no particular order: Notes on "Trick" The Last Laugh When Smoke Gets in Your Eyes... Shut Them Fran Lebowitz's Travel Hints Lesson One Opening of "Things" from Social Studies The Modern-Day Lives of the Saints Tips for Teens People How Not to Marry a Millionaire: A Guide for the Misfortune Hunter Writers on Strike: A Chilling Prophecy Letters The Sound of Music: Enough Already Soho: Or Not at Home with Mr. Art Food for Thought and Vice Versa The Primary Cause of Heterosexuality Among Males in Urban Areas: Yet Another Crackpot Theory Why I Love Sleep Digital Clocks and Pocket Calculators: Spoilers of Youth A World View The Right of Eminent Domain Versus the Rightful Domain of the Eminent Disco Hints: The New Etiquette Manners My Day: An Introduction of Sorts...more
This book has sat on my shelf for nearly 3 years now and I am stunned it has taken me as long as it has to finally read it. Vuong writes with the sincThis book has sat on my shelf for nearly 3 years now and I am stunned it has taken me as long as it has to finally read it. Vuong writes with the sincerity and delicacy of a literary master. While I always enjoy novels written by poets due to their extremely intentional use of language, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous particularly blew me away. The entire concept behind the novel is devastating to begin with, and only as more and more themes of maturity are introduced into the narrative does this unreadable letter become even more impactful. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book so precise and beautiful I had to pace myself, intentionally trying to make the reading experience last as long as I could (useful since I was travelling for the entirety of my time reading this book and often only had short moments where I could sink my teeth into it). But this book deserves not only a slow pace but likely multiple re-reads as each line feels like it’s own universe, opening itself up to envelop the reader into the heartbreaking but gorgeous literary landscape Vuong has imagined. I need to read the rest of his work ASAP and recommend anyone reading this does as well!...more
There is almost nothing I should say about this book except to just read it. If you care about art, if you care about politics, if you care about cultThere is almost nothing I should say about this book except to just read it. If you care about art, if you care about politics, if you care about culture, or the coalescence of all of the above, read it. If you’re queer or care about queer art or think queer art is about so much more than queerness, read it. Olivia Laing is inarguably and unabashedly one of the greatest living writers I’ve yet to encounter, and her niche and specific area of expertise on the human condition comes across immaculately throughout this essay collection. I am so glad I took the time to read through this book in chronological order because the development of thought and repetitive through lines Laing weaves really elevate the reading experience. I don’t know how many more times I can repeat this but just read this book and soak in Laing’s genius and learn about new artists or new things about your favourite artists and then let’s talk about how amazing this book is together over coffee :)...more
Read for ENGL 374: Post-Colonial Literature with a focus on global HIV/AIDS writing.
Koolaids is one of the most unique books I have ever read. I feelRead for ENGL 374: Post-Colonial Literature with a focus on global HIV/AIDS writing.
Koolaids is one of the most unique books I have ever read. I feel challenged by Alameddine's writing. His meta-fictional and post-modern writing style is some of the most sophisticated and impactful literature I have ever read. Koolaids is deceptively simple, written in plain English with a punchy, at times even comedic, tone to it. But this non-linear and seemingly senseless style of writing conveys exactly what Alameddine is trying to express through his convoluted and complicated prose - that narratives around plague (AIDS) and war (Lebanese civil war) are more similar than we think. Koolaids is an impressive attempt at unifying these two major themes in Alameddine's life in perhaps the only way you can, imbued with a sense of chaos and disorganization to it. But what else can be expected? HIV/AIDS and civil war are complicated issues, both crises exacerbated by a profound lack of historic critical engagement from the groups most influential in causing the problems in the first place. In this regard, I don't think it is tangible for me to ever fully understand what Koolaids is trying to impart to its reader, but I can guarantee it's a book I will be returning to over and over again....more
Read for ENGL 374: Post-Colonial Literature with a focus on global HIV/AIDS writing.
I hardly have the words to describe this book's impact on me. WojnRead for ENGL 374: Post-Colonial Literature with a focus on global HIV/AIDS writing.
I hardly have the words to describe this book's impact on me. Wojnarowicz writes in such a way that the violence and destruction he is often describing feel masked by the immense beauty he creates with his words. what I found most impressive in Wojnarowicz's writing is his ability not to allow years of disintegration define him, but instead, he channels his rage and sensuality into art and writing out of defiance more than anything. Close to the Knives offers such a timeless snapshot of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in that Wojnarowicz leaves nothing to interpretation, providing full, eloquent detail in his experiences and thoughts on the circumstances of the epidemic. I think we need more writers like Wojnarowicz to populate the earth. Writers that leave us with a sense of instability in our pre-conceived notions of the world, writers that reinvent normality and challenge established tropes in every definition of the word. ...more
A Minor Chorus has been on the top of my reading list for a while now. Belcourt's writing continually proves to be intoxicating, books I often find myA Minor Chorus has been on the top of my reading list for a while now. Belcourt's writing continually proves to be intoxicating, books I often find myself hard-pressed to put down. For this reason, I waited to open up A Minor Chorus until I knew it would receive my unconstrained attention. Once I did begin this book, I nearly finished it in one sitting, but trying to prolong the experience, I finished it in 24 hours flat.
A Minor Chorus is one of the richest novels I have ever read. Imbued with the same sublimity as his poetry, and the same emotional and critical honesty as his memoir, a Minor Chorus repeatedly broke my heart only to take the mismatched pieces and put them back together in a way I didn't know possible. Belcourt is tactical with his application of theorists and other writers as influences over his dialogue and descriptive commentary. What makes him so impressive, however, is his ability to incorporate these literary elements in a non-pretentious or overt fashion. This book doesn't scream for attention, and perhaps intentionally, neither does the subject matter or characters depicted. It's an added layer to this metafictional novel only an author with Belcourt's intellectual and creative prowess could ever achieve. While the book itself is devastating, I was devastated myself when I finished it, aching for another interlude or chapter to get lost in. For now, I will be continually re-reading Belcourt's existing library and eagerly awaiting his next published work. ...more
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