Ali Berman

My Summer Project: Read a Book a Week

administrator — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:33:18 +0000

In this world of ipads, laptops, television and droids, I find I often end up fiddling around with something that, by all standards, can be considered a waste of time. Because it’s addictive, what starts out as a little bit of fun turns into hours of dead eyed dedication.

The summer seemed like the perfect time to reassess my priorities. How could I make sure I would avoid all the tech that had lured me away in the first place? The answer was all too obvious: books. More specifically, fiction.

From May 16th – September 4th I’m reading one book per week. They can’t just be any books. In an effort to counter my kindergarten through grad school education which consisted of books primarily written by white American men, I’m excluding that chunk of authors from my reading list.

I’ll be updating this list as I finish each book. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

May (Starting May 16)
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
Lucy by Jamaica Kincaid

June
Later the Same Day by Grace Paley
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Eraser by Percival Everett
Florida by Christine Schutt
Learning to Lose by David Trueba

July
What the World Will Look Like When All The Water Leaves Us by L. Van Der Berg

Review on the Emerging Writers Network

administrator — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:22:51 +0000

Thank you to Dan Wickett and David McLendon for their very kind words about my piece in Unsaid 4.

McLendon said:

There is a nice cadence she offers the reader, and the thoughtful brevity she allows leaves one with an inward wash of feeling that is often experienced after reading a great poem. Her juxtaposition of the known and the personal braids a generous amount of tension in a small space. This she has in common with Anne Carson.

Read the full story here. And while you’re there, spend some time checking out the fantastic authors talked about on EWN.

“With Ariel In Their Hands” Live on Unsaid

administrator — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:28:10 +0000

My piece “With Ariel In Their Hands” is now live on Unsaid’s website. It was published in issue 4 of the journal. Click here to read it!

Strachan Literary Agency

administrator — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 23:52:01 +0000

I’m thrilled to announce I just signed with Laura Strachan from the Strachan Literary Agency! I’m very happy my novel “If I Were Made of Paper” has found a home with a great literary agent who believes in my work.

Published in Elimae

administrator — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:29:52 +0000

I’m thrilled to report that my new story “Estate” is now live on Elimae. It’s an online journal, so you can click here to to read it. And while you’re there, you should read the great interview with Michael Kimball and David McLendon on Unsaid…

Published in Unsaid

administrator — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:38:09 +0000

I’m pleased to announce that my work has been published in the 4th issue of Unsaid Literary Journal. Not only is it an amazing journal, but I’m also sharing binding with some of my favorite writers: Anne Carson, Dawn Raffel, David Hollander and so many more.

My piece is called, “With Ariel in Their Hands.” It’s not on the website yet (I’ve been told the website is being updated and will be ready soon) but you can order a copy for $18 by writing to info@unsaidmagazine.com.