Ep. 25: The future of alt-lit ft. Greta Rainbow

Barbara Meyerhoff's "Number Our Days" offers a poignant ethnographic study of aging within a Jewish community in Venice Beach. The book delves into the lives of elderly residents, exploring themes of continuity, culture, and the challenges of urban life. Meyerhoff's immersive approach captures the richness of their experiences, highlighting their resilience and the enduring bonds within their community. The work challenges preconceived notions about aging and offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of human experience. It's a powerful testament to the human spirit and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

Tao Lin's "Taipei" is a novel that reflects the anxieties and alienation of contemporary life, particularly within the context of internet culture. The narrative unfolds through fragmented scenes and stream-of-consciousness passages, mirroring the disjointed nature of online experiences. The characters grapple with issues of identity, relationships, and the search for meaning in a technologically saturated world. Lin's experimental style challenges traditional narrative structures, creating a reading experience that is both engaging and unsettling. The novel's exploration of internet culture and its impact on human connection remains relevant in today's digital age. It's a work that invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with technology and its influence on their lives.

My First Book by Honor Levy is a unique collection of short stories that blend elements of essay, story, diatribe, and diary. The book explores the lives of characters deeply embedded in the digital world, grappling with formative political, existential, and romantic experiences. Levy's writing is characterized by its inventive, surreal, and culturally rich prose, reflecting the hyper-real and hyper-performative nature of the internet generation. The stories touch on themes such as digital identity, internet culture, and the challenges of forming a self in a world on the brink of collapse.