Subtle Adventures in Nihilism
Because the most adept of readers loves nothing more than to turn the pages; because we don’t let things like prose style or plausibility creep into our consciousness... because one prefers caricatures to characters, The Help is the most remarkable novel we’ve come across in years.
Death with Interruptions: A Glimpse of the Literary Philosopher
In an unnamed European country, the first day of the new year is cause for both alarm and celebration. It is the first day in that country’s history that passes without a death.
Geek Love: Is Imagination Enough?
Katherine Dunn’s 1989 novel Geek Love offers a world of unmatched imagination, of heartache and humanity, but can we look past its glaring faults?
Call for Readers
Xenith extends its hand to all bibliophiles. Send us your essays, your book reviews, your literary and cultural criticism. Writing would not be here were it not for reading.
Men in the Off Hours: Three Things to Love about Anne Carson
A look at Anne Carson's collection, Men in the Off Hours, reminds us that there are many things that make the Canadian poet a pleasure to read.
Two Interviews, a Rockstar, Ministry of Stories, and More
Before I started keeping track of these things, I had no idea just how bustling the literary sphere really is. I find myself bookmarking almost everything I read.
News from the Literary World
I've been trying to stay in touch with the literary world these days. As a result I constantly want to share information.
The Novelist’s Deflowering: On the Necessary Influx of Books
Currently afraid of novels, the amateur novelist discovers the value in books of a different sort.
Ten Most Influential Books: Part II
The list of the top ten influences continued, picking up where we left off in the summer of 2006.
Ten Most Influential Books: Part I
In a kind of craft exploration I've decided to follow the trend and identify the most influential books I've come across.
Book for February – The Name of the Rose
For February, we investigate what The DaVinci Code should have been: a real book.
Call for Submissions: Beloved Books