Escaping the Monoculture
Reading about reading
Often, when I find myself in a conversation about books, and it becomes apparent to the person I’m talking with that I read a lot a lot, they ask “Where do you find the books that you read?”
My knee-jerk mental reaction is always, “Ummm….everywhere??” Newsletters, social media, small publications, friends, bookstores, Goodreads… there are tons of places! I can barely keep track of all the places I collect book recommendations, feverishly adding them to my to-be-read (TBR if u real) list! I love finding things to read almost as much as I love reading.
But since I’ve gotten this question so often, I’ve realized that perhaps it is less quotidian to have a collection of esoteric tunnels down which one goes digging for their next read. It takes time to develop a taste, and it is even harder to do so when all roads seemingly lead to the milquetoast pool of “best sellers” and “new in fiction.” This is not to say these books are not good. But it’s worth noting that what has been created for mass market appeal is not always what scratches that strange and beautiful itch in us the way a book written for very our souls does.
What I am trying to say is: reading widely and weirdly can expand your brain and hone your unique literary taste. Or, at the very least, give you something to talk about on your next banal hinge date. Looking beyond the shiny new hardcovers published yesterday can make for a more personal and meaningful reading experience.
So, how can you read more widely? My secret is all I can speak to, and it’s this: read about reading. And by that, I mean read reviews, short fiction, thought pieces, opinion pieces, cultural commentaries, and diaries from authors you like. Read interviews and profiles. Read about the sources of inspiration for the authors you admire and about who they read in their free time. You know, read about reading. Like you’re doing right now.
Reading about reading is how I keep my finger on the pulse, validate my thoughts on things I’ve read (mortifying), grasp symbolism that perhaps went over my head, and find more interesting stuff to read. It makes me a better reader. It allows me to think critically, absorb new ideas, and learn new things. I end up finding books I wouldn’t have encountered on BookTok (I don’t have TikTok) or the “best seller” lists weighed down by weak shit with heavy marketing dollars.
So here we arrive at my point: I have compiled a list of places where I turn to read about reading. I’ve broken them into categories so you can peruse these various outlets as you see fit. Through these resources, I’ve discovered new authors, found some of my favorite books, and escaped the slow death march of candy-colored beach reads and self-important, pseudointellectual business books. If that’s your bag, go off, king; this is a judgment-free zone. But I hope this list will help you find something different, delightful, and deeply for yourself. Everything is linked–enjoy!
Major book lists
Ok, EYEEEE KNOW I just said, “Get away from the major book lists, etc. etc.,” BUT– if you are wondering where to start with doing some book searching, these may be a good place to begin.
The New York Times Book Section. Notice I did not say the best-seller list!!! This is an excellent section with articles on upcoming publications, author histories, interviews, book reviews, and publishing industry pieces. They have a book-specific newsletter you can sign up for here. It comes twice a week and is a great way to stay updated with literary happenings. Also, their annual “notable books” list is a great place to peruse for a good read.
NPR Book Concierge. Now, this one REALLY cranks. I think it is no longer actually called NPR book concierge, but it will forever be called that in my heart. This comes out annually, and through a mix of interactive filters and mini-reviews, you can find books to your taste. I come back to this one whenever I’m at a loss for what to read next– especially the years past.
Independent publications
Independent publications are a dying breed. It seems everything once unique and strange and good has been sucked into the jetstream of Mass MediaTM via murders and executions mergers and acquisitions, contributing to the bland and disappointing monoculture.
Enter: these weird little guys that I have lined up here. In all of them, you’ll find writing from both emerging and well-known authors, book recommendations, thought pieces, art, culture, and just good literary shit.
Literary Hub. This one is probably the place to start. I can’t totally guarantee it’s independent (some light Googling yielded inconclusive results), but it’s a banger. It’s a compendium of unique reviews, interviews, thought pieces, book lists, recommendations, and all sorts of literary content. They have a newsletter that I highly recommend as well.
Bookforum. A quarterly magazine with online and print publications. “...essays, columns, and reviews about fiction, history, fashion, feminism, current events, policy, bestsellers, fashion, film, music, pop culture, and personal obsessions.” Here’s a favorite piece of mine from there, as I love to hear what novelists think of the form itself.
N + 1. Published three times a year in print and with new articles online daily. This is for readers who like their literary pieces with a side of politics. Lots of incisive sociopolitical commentary, fiction, and musings– and they also publish books!
Newsletters
A personal favorite genre, obvi!!! Some of these newsletters are near and dear to my heart, as they are, in large part, what got me into the game.
Read Like the Wind. This is a very favorite newsletter of mine by my very favorite journalist/writer/internet person,
. Read Like The Wind ALWAYS has book recs that I’ve never heard of (usually older books), and all of the books I’ve read from this newsletter have slapped. If you don’t (want to) subscribe to the Times, find more Molly on her substack, which is my holy grail. This offers more culture + observations along with book recs, but her writing is a joy to read (and so funny) no matter what she talks about.Extracurricular. A recent discovery that I am OBSESSED with, like to the point of checking when the next installation comes out, marking my calendar, reading and rereading each new post. Written by the author of Homebodies, , it covers books, literary culture, and other lovely musings. A treat to read.
Elif Life. A newsletter by
, author of The Idiot, a much-praised coming-of-age debut about the strange and beautiful process of getting to know oneself. Her newsletter is funny and reflective, ponders the author-reader relationship, and offers beautiful insights into the literary experience.The Marginalian. Less literary, but I had to include it. The Marginalian is a newsletter dissecting the human experience, or, put ridiculously (by me), the meaning of life. I love it. It’s captivating and intelligent and has motivated many of my reading choices (and the name of this newsletter!)
Independent Bookstores
This should probably go without saying, but it bears repeating: your local independent bookseller needs you!!! Hell, ANY independent bookseller needs you. Find the one in your neighborhood, and shop there. I guarantee you will find better things to read than at B*rnes & N*ble.
The thing about independent bookstores is that the people working there live and die by reading, and they will have an exceptionally curated selection and OPINIONS, honey, so ask them what they’re reading and loving. A few indie booksellers that I follow and order from due to their distinct curation of books are:
Sunny’s Books. Great fiction and nonfiction selection. Very cool owner
, who has a delightful book Youtube channel. Yuma, AZ.Twenty Stories. Contemporary fiction with 20 unique, curated picks each month. Providence, RI.
Casa Bosques. Specializes in art, architecture, and culture books. Also where I want to be buried. Mexico City, Mexico.
Books are Magic. A timeless classic with EXCELLENT author readings and events. Brooklyn, NY.
Where to buy books online
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve signed up for at least three newsletters and have some serious reading to do! If you are going to buy some books, here’s where I recommend getting them.
Your local library! You’ll feel like a kid again. And it’s FREE. Just do it. I promise you’ll love it.
World of Books. Secondhand books on the cheap. Ships internationally.
Thriftbooks. More secondhand books sold cheaply.
Bookshop.org. The antidote to Amazon. You can shop directly from your local independent booksellers or support all independent bookstores by shopping here, as they donate a portion of the proceeds. And they’re climate-neutral! You can also use my affiliate link to get $$ off (shameless plug) for all the books I mention in this newsletter here.
Books of the moment:
✨Heads up fam! I’m using my Bookshop affiliate link for all titles recommended in this newsletter. If you buy them through these links, I might earn a commission.✨
📚Recently finished:
Pond by Claire-Louise Bennett, No rating, unforch hated this
White Out by Michael Clune, 4/5 Stars
Whorephobia: Strippers on Art, Work, and Life by Lizzie Borden, 5/5 Stars
📖 Currently reading:
I’m traveling and have not picked up a new read yet, which is devastating. Will start a new book tomorrow, god willing!!!!!
👉🏼You should read: Five O’clock Somewhere by Gary Indiana (recommended by my dear friend
!)💌 Email me book recs and other literary thoughts at emilygatesjohnson@gmail.com
🛍 Shop all Point of Departure recs (and more!) from my digital bookstore here.
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Independent bookstores foreverrrr!! I also love The New York Review for finding new books. Idk what category it would fall into...not really a major book list but not not major? Their reviews are always so interesting and the books they publish are a vibe (+lots of books in translation).