Last year, New York City’s literary community wondered if the city retained the magic of writerly mythology. For some, the question was never serious. For others, they had already left. The woman responsible for all of this sudden concern with place was Sari Botton, editor of the essay collection Goodbye to All That. Last December, Botton celebrated that book at Housing Works. The book had launched in October, leading to months long contemplation for many writers confronting their own debate as to whether they should stay or go.

More »

As concerns over the football industry’s head traumas continue to rise, author Steve Almond has released a personal, moral examination of the sport implications for himself as a fan. Spoiler: he gave up watching. Against Football, described as a manifesto, explores Almond’s evolving views on the sport from the way players are treated to the message the game sends to viewers. He was joined at The Strand by Stephen Elliott, founder of The Rumpus, to discuss the book and the sport.

More »

Tom Barbash was promoting his new collection of stories, Stay Up With Me at McNally Jackson Books alongside Mary Gaitskill, who was late. Stephen Elliott, author and founding editor of The Rumpus, briefly introduced Barbash in her place. Gaitskill would arrive later to join Barbash in a discussion and moderate questions from the audience. Barbash […]

More »