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As if to prove that Bumbershoot is about more than just rock poses and thrashing guitars, literary publisher McSweeney's brought three of their brightest new stars to the festival's first day. Hosted by Starlee Kine, a well-respected author in her own right, the ninety minute show touched upon such topics as writing routines, the publishing experience, and James Hannaham's jail fantasies.
Founded by multi-talented cult author Dave Eggers, McSweeney's has a reputation for being cutting-edge and somewhere south of normal, and today's panel doesn't disappoint. Hannaham's debut novel, God Says No, is a tale of repressed homosexuality and religion; Bill Cotter's Fever Chart touches on homelessness and mental illness; while Jessica Anthony's The Convalescent tells the tale of a meat-selling Hungarian dwarf.
All three authors have one thing in common, though, and that's their love of the absurd (plus, of course, their natural way with words). The show's reading touches upon zits, prostitution, outdoor toilets and Dairy Queen while hardly missing a beat, and there are even a few expletives hurled out there in the ensuing discussion.
In the middle of a day of rock music and corn dogs it's a surprisingly vibrant interlude, and if you ever needed any proof that literature is the new rock'n'roll then these three authors provide it. Hannahan himself sums it up perfectly when he tells the packed auditorium that literature is very like music, but a music that only plays in your own head. If that's the case, then McSweeney's is merrily smashing up the drumkits in our minds.
For more info:
More Bumbershoot coverage on Examiner.com
McSweeney's online store
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