Miscellany

Odds, ENds, assorted jawns

James Baldwin, “Sonny’s Blues” – One of the best short stories ever

Anne Carson’s Lecture on Skywriting — some art is just more awake

Franklin Park Reading Series – Epic series run by Penina Roth

The Invention of Morel – “A perfect novel.” — Borges

Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia – MHB favorite

Yoko Ogawa’s REVENGE– A very good short story collection/required reading

In Palau, an island country in the Western Pacific Ocean – Jellyfish made their home in a lake that used to be connected to the sea by a tunnel

Sean Casey Animal Rescue – Brooklyn-based no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing animals

Bookstores Of the heart

Books are Magic - Beautyland was launched here! Brooklyn, NY

The Center for Fiction - Caring writing space and bookstore that launched MHB’s career, Brooklyn, NY

Exile in Bookville - one of America’s best indies, run by MHB pals Javier and Kristin in the Historic Arts Building, Chicago, IL

Giovanni’s Room - historic LGBTQ+ bookstore that helped MHB grow up in Philadelphia, PA

Golden Notebook - We love queer-owned bookstores in the heart of Woodstock, NY

Greenlight Bookstore - longstanding book refuge that launched 2 of MHB’s books, Brooklyn, NY

Liz’s Book Bar - a gem of an indie in Brooklyn, NY

Munster Literature Centre – Non-profit arts center dedicated to advancing literature, MHB was their Frank O’Connor International Short Story fellow, Cork, Ireland

A Novel Idea - adorable indie that launched Beautyland, Philadelphia, PA

Rough Draft - bar/bookstore whose event series is run by MHB pal Drew Broussard, Kingston, NY

Film

1. New way to discuss love.

2. Master class in dialogue.

3. Couldn’t talk for two days.

4. Bring me the big knife.

5. I don’t know. It’s a mystery.

6. Best last scene in film.

7. Master class in plot.

8. O R You?

9. Her famous plum cake.

10. I hope it lasts.