follows incarcerated people fighting as gladiators in highly publicized/commercialized arena fights. if they make their way to the top, they earn their freedom.
absolutely rips into the racism/sexism/overall injustice of the U.S. prison-industrial complex with its depiction of brutality that isn't even that dystopian or "fictional." i still regularly think about this book, and I read it two summers ago. brilliant and painful.
there were many, many layers and themes spinning and converging in the book, and my only critique is that I'm not sure they all had the space to play out (I would have read 200-300 more pages for sure), but it packs a PUNCH nonetheless
4d ago
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i got chills just reading the description. this is keeping my hunger games fervor alive!
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Gripping writing. This article has stayed w me since the summer. I often think about the paths I could have taken in life, but through circumstance, genetics, and good parenting, I never did. A tiring task, but my mind just sort of does it, and itâs the only way I know how to write half-decent fiction. My fiction writing is on pause because Iâm better at painting, but mental walks down roads not taken continues. These roads include: incel, chain steakhouse regular, anarcho-capitalist, and suburban thug. I was probably closest to that last one, given my distrust of authority and reverence for Gangster Rap music. So my interest was piqued when I saw this New Yorker headline. Itâs about the âGilbert Goonsâ a group of violent rich suburban boys in Arizona. A side of America and young masculinity that isnât often explored at this depth.
âWhen he was on the ground, a group of guys began âkicking on him,â âstanding right above and beating down,â âgetting on him and going at it,â witnesses told police. The beating was over in seconds. âHeâs out,â someone said. A neighborâs surveillance-camera footage showed ten boys running away, some of them laughing.â
Feb 28, 2025
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Like a great musical compilation that features a ton of different styles. From fiction by Honeychild Coleman and Hanif Abdurraqib to several great Roundtable Discussions called âNo Whites on the Micâ that cover topics like how to start a DIY collective, whatâs happening in the punk scene NOW and self care. I came for the great writing and the bands but came back again to fully enjoy the amazing comics and photos. This is one of those must have books like âBanned in DCâ and âShotgun Seamstress; The Complete Zine Collectionâ.
May 9, 2024
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This is one of my favorite books of all time. It says so many interesting things about groupthink and crowd violence. He hangs out with a bunch of soccer hooligans as they fly around Europe and destroy whatever city they land in. Thereâs no logic just pure adrenaline. I feel like I have a better understanding of why people act the way they do every time I read it.
Jan 4, 2022
Top Recs from @nicolefar
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love treating my shelves like an indie bookstore! the owner has fantastic taste and everythingâs free
Mar 3, 2024
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being sincere is in, thinking youâre always the most interesting person in the room is OUT.
take the opportunity to learn from this random human you have crossed paths with at the function. make a big impact with a little, casual convo. what are they into? how did they get into their line of work? what did they eat that day? what is their biggest fear? (lol) small talk is only shallow if you let it be.
tell someone working in a super busy place that theyâre doing great and you hope they get a breather soon. compliment an outfit you like when you see it. tell someone when you notice their beautiful smile. quick interactions =/= insignificant
Mar 4, 2024
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very satisfying to prolong the life of things in a world where not very many things are made to last. just applied renovating cream to my blundstones. cleaning my car, sewing up holes or tears in clothing, trimming the wicks of candles, and using slip-on covers for old books fall into this category too
Mar 11, 2024