14 Comments

Hi, I like the update format. Plus I look forward to seeing links to essays that I might also choose to read!

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Thanks Mark! I'll make sure to add links whenever possible.

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Hahaahhahahahaha “ My general feeling is that the challenge is a bit harder than I thought.” dude I’m dying

CAn we get a 24/7 live camera feed of you for the duration of this challenge??

Also would u ever consider releasing the upcoming reading list ahead of time? I sorta want to join for a day or two

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Well, there is a possibility I'll go renounce civilization and try to unlearn reading mid-challenge, haha.

For now it's a bit ad-hoc, but I'll try to be plan in the future. Want to have themed weeks. Like a spooky one before Halloween.

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heck ya. lemmme think on some good recs for u

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Cool, really appreciate that :)

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Also fuck after posting this I kept reading ur post and saw the incredibly nice things u said about me 🥺🥺🥺 thank you so much Gary S is a big influence / hero so, yea, thank u

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I could visualize the New Yorker cartoon from Hitch's essay in my head!

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Good writing does that to you!

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Okay, I have some (hopefully odd) suggestions.

Poem: 'Archaic Torso of Apollo' by Rilke

Essay: 'In Defense of the Star Wars Prequel Films' by Chris Cutrone

Story: 'The Top' by Kafka

All are freely available online, so no probs getting hold of. The essay is a long one, while the poem and story -- very brief, more or less balancing out the whole 'package' :)

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OMG this is so fascinating! How is it feeling overall? Also how much would you say it’s taking on an average day?

Love that you’re linking everything. I’m a Big Ben Lerner fan and am looking forward to reading that story.

Hope it’s ok im skipping the poetry parts. I really hate poetry!

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The overall feeling's good, but it can get a bit daunting at times, when I'm not in the mood for example. But once I start reading something, I don't regret it. Even if I don't like the piece 100%, I see it as a venue to think "Why don't I like it?" "Why doesn't this sound convincing?" (in the case of essays), and so on.

Poetry is the hardest part for me at the moment.

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First off, starting out with Bradbury and O’Connor? Strong. Secondly, I love that you’re chronicling this and will be reading avidly. Finally, recommendations!

Short stories: You’ve probably already encountered it but Ambrose Bierce’s “Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” is bleak and ingenious.

Essays: C.S. Lewis is underrated as an essayist. Several collections are available, Christian Reflections is a good start.

Poems: Wendell Berry is heartbreakingly beautiful and poignant.

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Didn't know that about C. S. Lewis, will definitely add him to the reading list. And will be checking out Wendell Berry as well. Thanks!

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