things i like
November 9, 2009
I read this short story by Amy Hempel that blew me away — In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried. Near perfect stuff. She worked with Carver’s editor, Gordon Lish. If’ you’ve not read her before, you’ve really got something to look forward to.
If you’re a Portlander and you ride a bike, I’m officially endorsing City Bikes as the best repair shop in town. REI is great because it’s open late and there’s this one guy who really know what he’s doing and he’ll fix what needs fixing and not try to sell you a bunch of other crap.But he’s not always there. City Bike has just always done me right. Plus it’s a collective.
Some favorite tracks from 2009.
- Sheila – Atlas Sound
- Tunguska – Cymbals Eat Guitars
- Northern Lights – Bowerbirds
- Island, IS – Volcano Choir
- I Poke Her Face – Kid Cudi
- Two Weeks – Grizzly Bear
Time for another mixed CD–please?
Tis true.
It took me a couple days to get around to it, but thanks for the suggestion. Great story, packed quite a heft in a small space, nice concision, detail. “I missed her already.”
Different stuff, but I just read a short story by Elizabeth McKenzie (in The best American nonrequired reading 2002) called Stop That Girl. Makes writing with precision to detail seem easy.