The Thousands

Nothing divides sentient humanity like a summer reading list, so I want to clarify that the following books have been chosen according to a unique set of criteria that I made up just then. Will it make me look smart if falls out my bag? Is it waterproof? Can I email the author if I want to ask annoying questions? Can I use it as an excuse for being disorganised about Christmas? In many cases below, the answer is yes.

Read 1: McSweeney’s Issue 33, The San Francisco Panorama
Details: US $16 plus shipping from The McSweeney’s Store. The most ambitious McSweeney’s project ever: they made a newspaper. The newspaper of your dreams.

Read 2: My Name Is Charles Saatchi And I Am An Artoholic
Details: AUD $14.95 at Oxford St Books and Planet Books. Charles Saatchi is the world’s most famous art collector. Refuses to be interviewed. These are the only answers he’s ever giving. Will fit in your pocket; quite a few mentions of Nigella’s boobs.

Read 3: The Thing Quarterly
Details: Current subscriptions US $200 from here. The Thing sends you a piece of art every issue. Recent editions include a window blind by Miranda July that says "When this shade is down I’m not the person you think I am." Current issue: pretend glasses by Jonathan Lethem.

Read 4: Nobody Told Me There’d Be Days Like These, Amanda Maxwell and Sarah Larnach.
Details: $24 at Serps Press and The Thousands Shop. Amanda should stop what she’s doing and write short stories the whole time. We see you Amanda, get back to your desk.

Read 5: The Psychic Soviet, Ian Svenonius
Details: Prices vary wildly, Sunshine & Grease and Drag City. Waterproof collection of philosophical rants by Ian Svenonius, published by Drag City. If you don’t know who Ian Svenonius is lucky it’s waterproof because imma dump this bucket of beans on you.