houghton mifflin harcourt

‘The Opposite of Fate’ Embraces Life, However Inopportune

‘The Opposite of Fate’ Embraces Life, However Inopportune

In The Opposite of Fate, Alison McGhee humanizes the abortion issue in a way that is unexpected and heartening.

‘Morning Glory on the Vine’ and Joni Mitchell’s Amalgam of Craft

‘Morning Glory on the Vine’ and Joni Mitchell’s Amalgam of Craft

Joni Mitchell's latest book denotes the next step in the Joni evolution, and indicates that perhaps those different languages for her—of visual art, poetry, and music—will finally be held in equal regard.

On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey (By the Book)

On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey (By the Book)

Paul Theroux is among PopMatters' favorite travel writers. In this excerpt of On the Plain of Snakes, wherein he traverses the Mexico/US border, Theroux takes us to the ancient city of Oaxaca, bringing forth the dignity of its Zapotec and Mixtec people.

‘Best American Comics 2019’ Is Strange, Beautiful, and Challenging

Bearing the Weight of Jane Brox’s ‘Silence’

Bearing the Weight of Jane Brox’s ‘Silence’

Solitary confinement; monastic discipline; gender discrimination: In Silence, Jane Brox explores how our circumstances shape our ideals, showing how authority muffles her not so quiet subject.

‘Best American Nonrequired Reading 2018’

‘Best American Nonrequired Reading 2018’

Is there still any credence to the idea of non-required reading?

‘The Best American Comics 2018’ Beautifully Showcases the Diversity and Creativity of the Medium

John Lingan’s Tale of Patsy Cline and Jim McCoy’s ‘Homeplace’ Is Good for the Soul

John Lingan’s Tale of Patsy Cline and Jim McCoy’s ‘Homeplace’ Is Good for the Soul

By searching with an open heart and writing with frank honesty, John Lingan makes Homeplace an antidote to the divisive anger of today’s America.

The Many Benefits of Travel: Paul Theroux’s ‘Figures in a Landscape’

The Many Benefits of Travel: Paul Theroux’s ‘Figures in a Landscape’

Travel of the kind Theroux has spent a lifetime doing would compel anyone to develop patience, a love of solitude and anonymity, a constant alertness, and a resourceful toughness.

Short Stories: Surprises and Twists

Short Stories: Surprises and Twists

Five literary short stories with a twist by Alice Munro, Jorge Luis Borges, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Lee Martin, and Jennifer Lynne Christie.

‘The Mandela Plot’ Gives a Crash Course in South African Politics

‘The Mandela Plot’ Gives a Crash Course in South African Politics

This tale set in Apartheid South Africa aptly demonstrates the contours of political divisiveness, but unfortunately, the characters are flat.

Talking in Circles: ‘Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close’