This is what we'd get if Jane Austen were writing in 21st century America--a book that expands the possibilities of the national novel and of the femaThis is what we'd get if Jane Austen were writing in 21st century America--a book that expands the possibilities of the national novel and of the female protagonist. Tillman brings into being a microcosm of American democracy, a scholarly colony functioning like Melville's Pequod, in which competing values--rationality and irrationality, generosity and selfishness, love and lust, shame and honor--compete with one another through a hilarious narrative, cycling through skin disease, chair design, Manifest Destiny--folded into the narrator's memories and emotional life, culminating, in Wagnerian fashion, in a supernatural event, offering escape, transcendence, or perhaps nothing…...more
The Good Fairies of New York finds two Scottish thimble fairies transported to lower Manhattan. Morag and Heather, who didn't completely fit in back iThe Good Fairies of New York finds two Scottish thimble fairies transported to lower Manhattan. Morag and Heather, who didn't completely fit in back in the old country, are a bit bewildered by their new surroundings, but make do as best they can. They're not entirely alone-as it turns out, New York is heavily populated by fairies, including Italian, Chinese, and black ones.
They glomp onto some humans; Morag joins Kerry, who suffers from Crohns disease (complete with colostomy bag), while Heather hooks up with the asocial (and unmusical) Dinnie. The humans aren't entirely enthralled by the fairies, with Dinnie telling Heather: "I've decided not to believe in you in the hope you'll disappear." His efforts are, of course, ineffective.
Some of the other fairies aren't too enthusiastic about the new foreign presences intruding on their turf either-and then there are the fairies back home, too... Whimsically and precisely, with a fun plot that turns corners on a dime, all sorts of delicious mayhem ensue.
These fairies enjoy drinking, eating magic mushrooms and passing out but they still manage to help a couple of humans to get their lives together along the way. Moreover, inhabited by a fascinating range of human ccharacters who are self centered and hedonistic but at the same time incredibly kind and loyal, Good Fairies is probably the only book out there in which race riots and Crohn's Disease are treated with lightness and good-tempered humor.
If you've ever wanted Johnny Thunders of The New York Dolls to come back from heaven to find his lost guitar, or if you've ever wondered why reels can be so tricky on the fiddle, or if you've tired of some of the more traditional types of fantasies, this book's for you....more
Born in 1947 to the writer William S. Burroughs and his common-law wife Joan Vollmer, William S. Burroughs, Jr. (known as Billy Jr.), would later descBorn in 1947 to the writer William S. Burroughs and his common-law wife Joan Vollmer, William S. Burroughs, Jr. (known as Billy Jr.), would later describe himself as "your cursed-from-birth son." Cursed From Birth is a testimony to the difficulty of living in the turbulent wake of a famous father his famous and troubled friends, and a lucid, shattering depiction of a life going down the tubes. Raised by his paternal grandparents in Palm Beach after his mother was killed by his father in a shooting accident, Billy saw his father become suddenly famous for Naked Lunch just as he became a teenager. Billy Jr.'s short life was defined by creating trouble to catch the attention of his father, mourning the death of his mother, descending into alcoholism and drug addiction, and reckoning with it all by beginning his own literary endeavors. Compiled by writer David Ohle from Burroughs Jr.'s third and unfinished novel Prakriti Junction, his last journals and poems, and correspondence and conversations with those who knew Billy, Cursed from Birth is faithful to Billy's own intentions for a last artistic effort. With the sufferings — but not the patience — of Job, Billy Burroughs's life illustrates the fall of one "whom the gods would destroy". Cursed from Birth is the funny, tragic, angry, and stunning final statement from William S. Burroughs, Jr. — a casualty of the Beat generation. Originally scheduled for publication in May 2001 by Grove/Atlantic, but withdrawn for legal reasons, the galleys that were distributed now sell on eBay for hundreds of dollars....more
From the beginning, in 1881, when an unemployed laborer, on a bet, attempts to copulate with an electricty generator, to the end, when an unemployed eFrom the beginning, in 1881, when an unemployed laborer, on a bet, attempts to copulate with an electricty generator, to the end, when an unemployed executioner who specialized in electric chairs fantasizes about electrically-enhanced sex with a prostitute, Electric Flesh runs an alternating current of language through the body of America.
The central protagonist of Electric Flesh, however, is Harry Houdini, both as the historical figure himself, and as an idea�specifically Howard Hordinary's conviction that he is the bastard grandchild of a rumored liaison between Houdini and Charmain London (Jack London's wife). Howard, tormented by multiple perversities�particularly sex and electricity�his unemployment and powerlessness, schemes to restore his status (as executionar, as Houdini grandchild). Cycling back and forth between Hordinary's present, and the fantastical Houdini past, populated by freaks, carnies, scientists, con men, lunatics. Momentarily confined by cages and straitjackets, Houdini ranges all over the world and, much has Hordinary is obsessed with Houdini, Houdini in turn is obsessed with *SZUSZU*, the enigmatic "Electric Girl," with whom he shared billing early in his career.
Combining the compressed violence of a Dennis Cooper novel, with the paranoid historical sweep of Pynchon and Vollman, and the linguistic experiments of Ben Marcus, Brian Evenson, and Matthew Derby, Claro is very much an American writer who will finally be discovered by his true audience....more
Loosely inspired by the story of tsunami survivor Petra Nemcova, the heroine of Supermodel is an outsized force of nature: fiercely competitive, intelLoosely inspired by the story of tsunami survivor Petra Nemcova, the heroine of Supermodel is an outsized force of nature: fiercely competitive, intellectually curious, emotionally wounded, resolutely moral, and of course, ravishingly attractive- a globe-trotting innocent who exudes sexuality in every way...except the most obvious.
As she literally clings to life, her story is revealed in a series of flashbacks which wing us from Middle East to Wild West, desert to tropics, country to city- all vividly described, in potent couplets, as paradises found and lost. Breskin peppers this dark comedy with unsettling wordplay, shrewd social commentary, and a reporter's acute eye for the facts of life: his virtuosic writing matches the breathless pace and rich complexity of his heroine's travails. But even as Breskin relates this supermodel's tale, his master narrative is matched (and mocked) by strangely salient scrolls of "found poetry"? culled from internet sites.
This high-pitched whine of our information superhighway- complete with detours, roadblocks, and accidents that turn out not so accidental- slices across, diverges from, abuts, bridges over, and tunnels under his story in a radically new feat of literary dovetailing. By melding a classic suspense yarn with a subtle meditation on our need for, and love for, models of all types, David Breskin has created a lush portrait on a buzzing canvas- charged offering for our age of tabloid TV and the tangled "always on" world wide web....more
Many families are looking for ways to engage the "next generation" in philanthropy. But for next generation members, getting involved raises complicatMany families are looking for ways to engage the "next generation" in philanthropy. But for next generation members, getting involved raises complicated questions. How can they bring their values to the table? How can they move more resources to social justice? Creating Change Through Family Philanthropy gives young people the tools they need to not just participate but help transform the field itself. Complete with personal stories and exercises, this guide is also an essential reference for anyone who works with families with wealth, from financial managers to philanthropic advisers to non-profit fundraisers.
Creating Change Through Family Philanthropy is distributed in partnership with the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy. ...more
Did I Wake You? is a haiku collection, a humor book, a self-help book, and an anti-self-help book all rolled into one little whimsical-and slightly hoDid I Wake You? is a haiku collection, a humor book, a self-help book, and an anti-self-help book all rolled into one little whimsical-and slightly hostile-package. Easy reading for difficult people. It’s funny, surprising, inspirational, world-conscious, and deeply personal.
Beth started writing haikus to read at “Say The Word”, a monthly reading series that's part of Beth's Un-Cabaret show where Emmy-winning writers like Cindy Chupack, Michael Patrick King, Merrill Markoe, Peter Mehlman and Alan Zweibel read true stories about their own lives. The haikus immediately caught the imagination of the other talent and lifted the spirits of audiences. Beth continues to read her Haiku (which she cvalls Haikuzzi) at the Un-Cabaret, the legendary comedy show that Rolling Stone called, “a comedy be-in”, where audiences responded immediately to the material.
Did I Wake You? is part of the pop poetry movement. Like Def Poetry Jam, and the poetry slams all over the country. “Haikuzzi”dusts poetry off and plugs it in, making it exciting and relevant to today’s audience. It's nano-technology in a book. They take only seconds to read, but they’re engineered to stick with you a long time afterwards. Read them at your desk, in your bed, on the stairmaster, on the toilet. Jerry Stahl has dubbed Beth’s book “quick-shit lit."...more
In addition to the interview with Tsitsi Dangarembga, as well as an excerpt from her forthcoming novel Tambu’s Choice mentioned in the key note, this In addition to the interview with Tsitsi Dangarembga, as well as an excerpt from her forthcoming novel Tambu’s Choice mentioned in the key note, this issue of TRANSITION includes Caine Prize-winner Binyavanga Wainaina on "How to Be an African" and photographs taken during the filming of Hannah Rose Shell's documentary on the Haitian secondhand clothing industry, “Textile Skin.”...more
Under My Roof, based on Archanians by Aristophanes, is the story of telepathic tween Herbert Weinberg, whose father Daniel decides to strike a blow foUnder My Roof, based on Archanians by Aristophanes, is the story of telepathic tween Herbert Weinberg, whose father Daniel decides to strike a blow for freedom by building a nuclear device, planting it in the lawn jockey in his front yard, and declaring independence from the United States.
The Long Island household is predictably turned upside down. Mother is out, a local weatherman is in, and he becomes both a hostage and Minister of Information. Though troops surround the belligerent ranch house-state, the appeal of independence becomes too much for many. A daring raid to kidnap Herb and bring him back to his mother snatches the boy prince from his ancestral home. Meanwhile, the house is filling up with former American refuseniks. Can the refrigerator hold out?
However, the seed has already been planted. All over America, people are declaring their independence, and simply by traveling from lawn to lawn across "the country", Herbert is able to reunite with his father and defeat American imperialism with a final burst of his telepathic powers....more
Like many self-help books, Daily Negations can be kept by the toilet and read each morning or evening, depending on your personal habits. Or it could Like many self-help books, Daily Negations can be kept by the toilet and read each morning or evening, depending on your personal habits. Or it could be kept by the bed, or incorporated into one�s daily prayer or meditation routine. The book serves at least two functions. First, Daily Negations will show people who have a negative outlook on life that they are not alone. Second, Daily Negations can be used by (or given to) people whose attitude in life is too sunny, too optimistic, too full of boundless strength and hope. Such people can come to a more normal, realistic world view by daily consultation of Daily Negations....more
In 1934 "A sickly pathetic marmoset" named Mitz came into the care of Leonard Woolf. He nursed her back to health and from then on was rarely seen witIn 1934 "A sickly pathetic marmoset" named Mitz came into the care of Leonard Woolf. He nursed her back to health and from then on was rarely seen without the amusing monkey on his shoulder. A ubiquitous presence in Bloomsbury society, Mitz moved with the Woolfs between their homes in London and Sussex. She developed her own special relationships with the family's cocker spaniels and with the various members of the Woolfs' circle, among them T.S. Eliot and Vita Sackville-West. Mitz even played a vital role in helping the Woolfs escape a close call with Nazis in Germany just before World War II.
Now, using letters, diaries, and memoirs, award-winning novelist Sigrid Nunez reconstructs this unique creature's life against the fascinating backdrop of Bloomsbury in its twilight years. Tender, affectionate, and filled with humor, Mitz offers a glimpse into a singular time not only marked by the threat of war, the deaths of beloved friends and relations, and Virginia's near-breakdown under the strain of finishing her novel The Years, but also blessed with much happiness and productivity for the literary Woolfs. It is a novel as endearing and unforgettable as Mitz the marmoset herself....more
Mira, a young woman, gets caught up in her own sexual awakening which is dark and fast and demeaning. She meets an obsessive older guy named John who Mira, a young woman, gets caught up in her own sexual awakening which is dark and fast and demeaning. She meets an obsessive older guy named John who takes advantage of her willingness and steers her into amateur porn. When Mira meets Adi, a stripper who is older and wilder than her, Mira walks willingly into a harsh world of sex work where the girls don't like her and the men are rough. It is on Adi's turf that Mira enters into a strange relationship with Gio, a religious john who tests her at every step. Conflicted, Mira becomes a participant in her own degradation. As Mira's cousin, Ezrah, tries to rescue her from "sin," Mira goes deeper and deeper into "whoredom,� a state that she feels very connected to while growing conscious of its real and surreal danger.
Loosely based on the story of St. Mary of Egypt, a prostitute who revelled in her sexuality before repenting, Berger plunges us deep into the female sexual psyche. A Woman Alone at Night is a novel so sexually intense, so morally singular, so intimately overwhelming in its determination to smash the image of the nice girl forever, so explicit, sexy, shocking, and insightful, it will ensure you never look at female sexuality the same way again....more
Whether you're a writer of fiction, poetry, or prose, the all-new, updated and redesigned CLMP Directory of Literary Magazines and Presses is the esseWhether you're a writer of fiction, poetry, or prose, the all-new, updated and redesigned CLMP Directory of Literary Magazines and Presses is the essential source for expanding any would-be author's publishing horizons. Inside find completely updated entries for independent book publishers, literary magazines, and online literary journals. Each listing provides all the information necessary to get one's work into print: journal and press descriptions, submission guidelines, contact names and addresses, and circulation figures. Extensive indexes-alphabetical, editorial, geographic, and distribution-make it easy to sort out the most promising options for publication.
The Twenty-Fourth Edition will also feature sidebar tips from editors and publishers advising writers on submissions' do's and don'ts and profiles of twenty of America's leading editors....more
The first definitive collection of American collaborative poetry, ranging through the New York School, the Beats, Language poetry, to the present, witThe first definitive collection of American collaborative poetry, ranging through the New York School, the Beats, Language poetry, to the present, with 140 poems by more than 200 authors culled from various magazines, out-of-print collections, and previously unpublished material, plus insightful process notes and author biographies....more
The Amputee's Guide to Sex is an authentic exploration of disability and sexuality. Tired of seeing "cripples" appear as asexual characters in all forThe Amputee's Guide to Sex is an authentic exploration of disability and sexuality. Tired of seeing "cripples" appear as asexual characters in all forms of media, Weise took on a subject close to home: her own disability. This does not mean that these poems "happened" to Weise in real life. While based on the experience of an above-the-knee amputee, the poems have a life of their own.
The first section, Translating the Body, draws on the historical context of disability—the masons of the Taj Mahal, the first "deaf and dumb" person granted the right to have sex, and the surgeon responsible for the technique used to cauterize war wounds. By drawing these individuals into a dialogue with personal poems, Translating the Body introduces us to the past and present of physical difference.
Help Your Physician Better Understand Your Pain engages the often overlooked lover to a person who has been in the hospital: her physician. The title poem takes its cue from a medical questionnaire. The Surgeon is a spin-off of an Anne Sexton poem. This section interrupts the book much as a trip to the hospital interrupts one's life.
The final section, Of Holman, employs a consistent masculine counterpart to show the rise and fall of a relationship. While Holman is a flesh-and-blood character, he is also representative of the larger tensions that arise between the abled and disabled.
It is also a book of poems exploring sex, pain, love, grace, redemption, and the absence of redemption. The Amputee's Guide to Sex seeks to answer H.D.'s questions in Notes on Thought and Vision: "What is the body? Where does the body come in?"...more
African Psycho concerns a would-be serial killer, Gregoire Nakobomayo, and the spiritual relationship he has developed with his phantom mentor, a far African Psycho concerns a would-be serial killer, Gregoire Nakobomayo, and the spiritual relationship he has developed with his phantom mentor, a far more accomplished serial killer, Angoualima.
The title recalls Bret Easton Ellis' infamous book but while Ellis' narrator was blank, and the book eschewed any kind of psychological exposition, accepting pure psychosis as the bottomline, Mabanckou's protagonist is all psychology and relentless internal chatter and prevarication. The act of deciding to kill, immediately exposed in the novel's first line, "I have decided to kill Germaine on December 29,� puts the psychological front and center. Whatever one may say about it, killing someone requires both psychological and logistical preparedness. This aspect is iterated within the first few paragraphs, when Gregoire introduces his deceased idol, Angoualima, the phantom to whom he continually speaks about his criminal intentions. Little by little, Gregoire interweaves Angoualima's life and criminal exploits with his own. Despite his string of previously botched criminal attempts, Gregoire's final decision and failure to kill Germaine, his live-in girlfriend and a professional prostitute, leads to an abrupt unraveling.
Although the gruesome descriptions that characterize crime fiction are many, it is Mabanckou's inventive use of language that surprises and relieves the reader by injecting humor into this disturbing subject. What had been thinly veiled geographical references to the Congo region in his past fiction have taken on comedic twists in the present narrative. Two such examples of Mabanckou's playful onomastics are the name of Gregoire's shantytown, "Celui-qui-boit-de-l'eau-est-un-idot," [He-Who-Drinks-the-Water-Is-An-Idiot] and the local road in the red-light district, "Rue-Cent-francs-seulement" [Ten-Francs-Only Road]. Such attention to the comedic appears throughout the narrative as well. This occurs, in one instance, during the report of an eyewitness to Angoualima's crime in which the reporter poses a comedic repetition of enthusiastic "Et alors?" that are followed by the witness' exclamatory repetitions, "Croyez-moi!" The narrator adds to the reader'�s amusement by recounting that journalism students throughout the country "dissect" this interview for its use of the technique that has been referred to as "Et alors? Croyez-moi!"
In sum, African Psycho most surprisingly engages readers through style, not gore, a remarkable feat for a narrative that takes murder as its subject and that references probably the most gruesome novel in recent American literature. Moreover, it does so with intimacy rater than the standoff-ish dispassion that characterizes novels that seek to contend with the volence engendered by the amorality and ennui of contemporary society.
Lauded in France for its fresh and witty style, African Psycho is a testament to this novelist's exceptional ability to carry over to prose a poet's talent for the crafting of words....more
Dam Nation combines environmental victories in the sustainable use movement with hands-on, participatory options for country and city dwellers. Not juDam Nation combines environmental victories in the sustainable use movement with hands-on, participatory options for country and city dwellers. Not just a "how-to" but a "why-to," the book begins with the story of dams in the American West, and culminates in the vision of a new water culture. Cleo Woelfle-Erskine and Laura Allen, both restoration activists and educators, demand a new approach for American watersheds and taxpayers: the restoration of the water commons. Contributors to Dam Nation interviewed water organizers and innovators on five continents. Wide-ranging articles link diverse grassroots struggles with analysis of urban infrastructure, and river restoration with experiments in alternative water systems. The “water underground” surfaces to share strategies for redirecting household and urban waste streams, for recharging our aquifers and spirit of resistance alike, and for rebuilding our communities' physical and political strength....more
At the opening of My Happy Life, the unnamed narrator of this bittersweet fictional memoir has been abandoned in a locked room of a defunct hospital fAt the opening of My Happy Life, the unnamed narrator of this bittersweet fictional memoir has been abandoned in a locked room of a defunct hospital for the mentally ill. She hasn't seen the nice man who brings her food in days; she's eaten the soap and the toothpaste; she tried to eat the plaster on her walls, a dietary adventure that ended none too well.
This woman's story—covering decades and spanning continents—is utterly tragic. And yet, curiously, the narrator is happy. Despite a lifetime of neglect, physical abuse, and loss, she's incapable of perceiving slight or injury. She has infinite faith in the goodwill of others, loves even her enemies, and finds grace and communion in places most people wouldn't dare to look. By stepping outside her meager circumstances, she's able to live each moment as though it were her last-with gratitude, longing, and delight.
With the utterly original and compelling narrative voice Millet has fashioned, this is a novel that hypnotizes the reader, that startles and keeps us reading and imbues us with the rich interior life of this woman....more
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