Marginalia – Stephen McClurg

Breece D’J Pancake hailed from West Virginia and writes like an Appalachian blend of Ernest Hemingway and early Cormac McCarthy, infused with the dark humor of Denis Johnson. While reading this collection, Jesus’ Son by Johnson often came to mind, possibly influenced by Pancake. Pancake’s writing is both gorgeous and devastating, capturing the lives and … Continue reading Marginalia #50: Breece D’J Pancake, What a Way to Go!, Guy Klucevsek with Mister Rogers

March 5, 2024

Marginalia #48

Exactly what the full title says it is! Rare these days, but true here. I found the reading of it consistent with other versions and interpretations I’ve read. Barnes is refreshingly open and up front about his motives and suggestions and where he sees the ideas here fitting into a larger spiritual landscape. Definitely recommend … Continue reading Marginalia #48

February 7, 2024February 7, 2024

Marginalia #46

I decided to return to my survey of Aristotle, but thought I’d also check out a few commentaries. Adler’s is written for a general reader with interest in philosophy or Aristotle. Very readable, fun, and clear. If you’re looking for something more academic, check out Jonathan Barnes’s Aristotle: A Very Short Introduction, which feels like … Continue reading Marginalia #46

January 8, 2024

Marginalia #42

Carrington exquisitely captures the moods of her paintings in her stories–disturbing, playful, strange. They read a little like Kafka’s parables or the dreams and nightmares of Angela Carter’s characters. With a symbolic density equal to poetry, well worth re-reading. If you liked Riki-Oh: The Story of Ricky, then I highly recommend The Cat (1992). Lam … Continue reading Marginalia #42