Victor LaValle is the author of the highly acclaimed novels Slapboxing with Jesus and The Ecstatic (which inspired Mos Def’s recent album of the same name). His new novel Big Machine is his most ambitious work yet: an adventure of doubt and faith on the margins of America starring a heroin addict named Ricky Rice and a shadowy band of investigators tasked with finding the voice of the almighty.
News of Note
Staff Picks
Yes Means Yes!
Written by Gabi
by Jaclyn Friedman and Jessica Valenti (Seal Press, $16.95)
With great articles--on issues of consent; overcoming trauma; learning how to enthusiastically say "Yes!"; and the objectification of black woman's bodies and sexuality--there is a ton here to think about. Women's sexuality is rarely spoken about in anti-rape activism, and Yes Means Yes poses the question, "What would the world look like if instead of women learning how to say 'No' and being afraid of rape, they learn how to have positive sexual agency and enthusiastically proclaim 'Yes!' to have the sex they want?" . Yes Means Yes turns the idea of the helpless victim on its head and portrays women as sexual beings, in charge of their own lives and sexualities. This is an inspiring and eye-opening read for people of all genders.
Trouble
Written by Jessica
by Kate Christensen (Doubleday, $26.00)
When a writer as smart as Kate Christensen does a "two New York girls having a midlife crisis in Mexico" novel, she blows all the chick lit cliches out of the water and still has a hell of a good time. Read this, and you'll find yourself craving tequila, tacos, after-midnight art parties and Latin-infused rock and roll as well as thinking about your own friendships and where they've brought you.
Out Stealing Horses
Written by Jane
by Per Petterson (Picador, $14.00)
In this deep and haunting sad story of love and betrayal in rural Norway, an old man recalls the events in his past. Though it is an international bestseller, if you are looking for a fun read, don't get this book.
Victor LaValle is the author of the highly acclaimed novels Slapboxing with Jesus and The Ecstatic (which inspired Mos Def’s recent album of the same name). His new novel Big Machine is his most ambitious work yet: an adventure of doubt and faith on the margins of America starring a heroin addict named Ricky Rice and a shadowy band of investigators tasked with finding the voice of the almighty.
With great articles--on issues of consent; overcoming trauma; learning how to enthusiastically say "Yes!"; and the objectification of black woman's bodies and sexuality--there is a ton here to think about. Women's sexuality is rarely spoken about in anti-rape activism, and Yes Means Yes poses the question, "What would the world look like if instead of women learning how to say 'No' and being afraid of rape, they learn how to have positive sexual agency and enthusiastically proclaim 'Yes!' to have the sex they want?" . Yes Means Yes turns the idea of the helpless victim on its head and portrays women as sexual beings, in charge of their own lives and sexualities. This is an inspiring and eye-opening read for people of all genders.
When a writer as smart as Kate Christensen does a "two New York girls having a midlife crisis in Mexico" novel, she blows all the chick lit cliches out of the water and still has a hell of a good time. Read this, and you'll find yourself craving tequila, tacos, after-midnight art parties and Latin-infused rock and roll as well as thinking about your own friendships and where they've brought you.
In this deep and haunting sad story of love and betrayal in rural Norway, an old man recalls the events in his past. Though it is an international bestseller, if you are looking for a fun read, don't get this book.