Alex Kudera's Blog, page 4

John Martin, rest in peace

John Martin of Black Sparrow Press passed on. This morning, I read a memory of a rare book dealer purchasing and reading Bukowski's poetry after seeing the film Barfly in the 1980s, and then I discovered The New York Times obituary released from its paywall. The Charles Bukowski introduction to John Fante's Ask the Dust is a favorite piece of writing published by Black Sparrow. Bukowski also wrote a famous letter of gratitude to his publisher. Rest in peace, John Martin.

it didn't kill brain cells

"Now I had customers up the [caboose]. Bosses, too. Welcome to Hustle-for-a-buck, USA. In the near term, the [redacted] at the six-top was screaming for refills like he intended to spray his hose all over his mother-in-law after Friday brunch. He pulled a "Sir, please" the first two times, and then shifted to no voice or eye contact with a triple spoon clink against his water glass after that. Fucking annoying, yeah, but all I had to do was hustle to the table and refill the cup. It was work. Straightforward. My first job of the day, and it didn't kill brain cells I needed for my next gig ."

~~ from "A Day's Worth" by Alex Kudera

free shipping

Support independent booksellers and enjoy free shipping and discounts.

tales of donation

Corona\Samizdat's Rick Harsch is grateful for donations that have come in since last week, but he would gladly receive more. The press is putting out titles from all over the world.

terminal since May

"People buy things because they're depressed. They have free time. If they're employed, they're lost at work. All they got left is death and Internet, cable TV or kids if they're lucky. Jim across the street croaked last month. An aunt in Pennsauken has been terminal since May. There's something soothing about paying monthlies to know it's all taken care of. Older folks are depressed, and they don't want or need any more things in their homes. A monthly reminder they are a good person who cares about others—family or friends they'll be leaving behind. That's what they want. And, if they pay more, they assume they'll be getting more."

~~ from "A Day's Worth" by Alex Kudera

A Day's Worth

The new issue of  Eclectica Magazine includes "A Day's Worth" by Alex Kudera.

The Manifold Destiny of Rick Harsch

Support Corona\Samizdat Press by donating here or contact Rick at Rick DOT Harsch AT gmail DOT com.
 

Support Corona \ Samizdat Press

Support Corona\Samizdat Press by donating here.
 

flip book

At about minute 18:40, we learn that magnificent force of literature Rick Harsch will publish an Alex Kudera "flip book"; I believe that may mean Rick is publishing two works in one volume. Please donate to Corona \ Samizdat if you can. To do so, contact Rick at Rick DOT Harsch AT gmail DOT com.

James Baldwin

Beauford Delaney's Portrait of James Baldwin is on temporary display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.