Posts Tagged Essays
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December 13, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
Books That Blew My Mind # 9: “Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris
Holidays On Ice by David Sedaris I’m not really one for Christmas books. But there’s one favourite, one must, every year I read (and now re-read) David Sedaris’ story, The Santaland Diaries. It’s special to me for a couple of reasons – first of all it was my introduction to the world of Sedaris. I […]Archive
July 6, 2021 by Simon Sweetman
In Praise of Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib is a writer of words, observer of worlds. He’s a poet, essayist, cultural critic. I remember reading some of his articles on pop music – and liking them, but things really came alive for me with the release of his second book, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, a selection of essays. It […]Archive
December 12, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Jenny Slate: Little Weirds
Little Weirds Jenny Slate Little, Brown and Company Jenny Slate’s had a busy year of recalibration – a Netflix special of so-so comedy mixed with her charming kookiness and some deep-cut home videos to soften the blow of mistimed punchlines. And now this book of “essays” – and the accompanying promotional book-tour. A few bit-part […]Archive
November 19, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Lindy West: The Witches Are Coming
The Witches Are Coming Lindy West Hachette Books/Allen & Unwin When I’ve read Lindy West’s work (Jezebel, The Guardian, NY Times) I’ve enjoyed it. I haven’t followed her as fanatically as many but I started – and must get back to finishing – her memoir Shrill and I look forward to seeing the TV show […]Archive
October 9, 2019 by Simon Sweetman
Emily Nussbaum: I Like To Watch
I Like To Watch: Arguing My Way Through The TV Revolution Emily Nussbaum Random House [This Review Originally Appeared At The Spinoff] What Emily Nussbaum knows is that dressing up to eat a burger and pay double is fine sometimes, if it makes you happy. But what a lot of us love is a glorified […]Archive
July 26, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Sweetman Podcast: Episode 126 – Helen Heath
Welcome to episode 126 of Sweetman Podcast with support from our sponsors – T Leaf T, Yeastie Boys and La Petite Chocolat. I had a chat with Wellington poet Helen Heath. She’s released two volumes of poetry, her first, Graft, was nominated for a science writing award and won Best First Book; her brand new collection, Are Friends Electric is a […]Archive
March 3, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
Gabrielle Union: We’re Going To Need More Wine
We’re Going To Need More Wine: Stories Gabrielle Union Dey Street Books A memoir – in stories, We’re Going To Need More Wine is candid, well written. It’s both funny and heart-breaking. You know Gabrielle Union from so many movies and TV shows – but she was the ugly duckling at school, or so she […]Archive
January 14, 2018 by Simon Sweetman
PressPatron on Off The Tracks: Click to Donate and Support
As of today you’ll notice PressPatron on Off The Tracks, a banner button asking you to donate (if you wish) and a button in the side bar which tells you more specifically:Archive
December 13, 2017 by Simon Sweetman
Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib: They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us
They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us: Essays Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib Two Dollar Radio I don’t mean this to sound at all trite, I mean it as a huge compliment – even if it might feel a forced comparison, but Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib’s work here in this book of profoundly moving, politically urgent, poetic essays reads […]Archive
December 3, 2017 by Simon Sweetman
Ben Greenman: Dig If You Will The Picture – Funk, Sex, God and Genius in the Music of Prince
Dig If You Will The Picture: Funk, Sex, God and Genius in the Music of Prince Ben Greenman Henry Holt and Co. Beginning at the end – the sad, sudden end – Ben Greenman’s book about Prince is a celebration of his life and music, of what made him so special; written – unashamedly – […]Archive
November 21, 2017 by Simon Sweetman