Essays

The Last Good Man

Watching an old friend strive for goodness in a difficult world.

Aug 6 •

The Assassination of Literature by the Coward Max Lawton

An analysis of an up-and-coming translator and his work.

Jul 23 •

Admiral Fell Promises

Lovebombed by the Magi

The internet as a fae realm and the arrival of AI.

Jul 16 •

The Priest on the Wall

A liberal response to Jordan S. Carroll’s survey of right-wing sci-fi.

Jul 9 •

M3GAN 2.0 Tries to Fake a Cult Classic

What doesn't work about the film, and if cult classics can be constructed at all.

Jul 2 •

Boring Narcissist Diaries

Worst Boyfriend Ever and what stalling out looks like in autofiction.

Jun 28 •

Lillian Wang Selonick

Unsent Letters to Former Friends

Never-saids to five people out of touch.

Jun 12 •

The Tragedy of Nick and Aella

When must we block them?

Jun 9 •

No Right to Exist

American arguments, international law, and the sovereignty of Israel.

Jun 5 •

Criers and Kingmakers

A response to Ross Barkan's "The End of Prestige" on how it's never been about the prizes.

May 18 •

Rhyme Henry Davis

The End of Prestige

Into the blue again, after the money's gone.

May 4 •

You'd Hate Van Gogh

Fighting the feeling you'd be worth more dead as an artist.

Apr 9 •

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