Worth the Chuckles and Tears: Calypso by David Sedaris
Part of the magic of David Sedaris’s work stems from the simple truth that you really can’t laugh heartily until you’re hurting deeply.
Posts by tag
essays
184 posts
Lessons from a Life: Alexander Chee’s How to Write an Autobiographical Novel
[T]he effect of reading Chee’s essays is to be reminded of why we write, but also, why we read, even in these times of never-ending distress.
What Is Vibrant and Hidden: A Conversation with Jenny Boully
Jenny Boully discusses her new book, Betwixt-and-Between: Essays on the Writing Life, construction of voice, occupying liminal spaces, and editing with sincerity.
Woven from Dreams: A Conversation with Kiki Petrosino
Kiki Petrosino discusses her newest collection, Witch Wife, the career she'd have in an alternate universe, and the relationship between reading and writing.
Here’s Your Beginning: A Conversation with Lynn Freed
Lynn Freed discussions her recent essay collection, The Romance of Elsewhere, the importance of a good first sentence, and the risks involved in writing irony.
The Rumpus Book Club Chat with Terese Mailhot
Terese Mailhot discusses her debut memoir, Heart Berries, writing candidly about one's personal life, and the good that can come from anger.
Not a Single False Moment: I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell
What makes this memoir so fine, so special, is not just the power of these brushes with death, but [O'Farrell's] examination of them.
VISIBLE: Women Writers of Color: Morgan Jerkins
Morgan Jerkins discusses This Will Be My Undoing, getting her start on the Internet, and why her collection of linked personal essays isn’t just another Millennial read.
The Rumpus Mini-Interview Project #117: Paula Carter
"One of my core beliefs is that, by sharing our stories, we come to understand each other more and build empathy."
The Rumpus Mini-Interview Project #116: David Lazar
"Becoming an essayist has always seemed to me as a bit of a pratfall."
The Rumpus Mini-Interview Project #114: Chelsea Martin
"I think time is really undervalued by people who come from money because they just have the time."
Carving Out Enough Space on the Cloud: Talking with Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif Abdurraqib discusses They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us, honoring survival by showing up, and refusing to be governed by genre.