The impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes. —Annie Dillard
I think it is necessary that there be literary criticism—without accident—in our countries, not ten lines about an author the critic will probably never read again. That is to say, it’s necessary to have criticism that mends the literary landscape along the way. —Roberto Bolaño
You’re only as good as your record collection. —DJ Spooky
What’s Between Parentheses?
Between Parentheses is a collection of essays by the fiction writer Roberto Bolaño. Crack open that book and you’ll find the columns he wrote in the last five years of his life. Because I’m a sucker for Bolaño’s work, and because I steal like an artist, I have stolen this title. I think of this newsletter as an informal arts column where I share my thoughts on the stuff I’m reading, listening to, watching, and looking at. I’ll also occasionally share with you info re: my upcoming shows, songs, stories, schemes, etc.
Who are you?
My name is Angelo Hernandez-Sias. I’m a twenty year old college student who left a rustbelt town in west Michigan to stare at the Manhattan cityscape through library windows.
You might know me as Qixote, the name I use to make songs. Or maybe you know me from my stories and essays, which are sometimes published. More likely, I’m a classmate, a friend, or—god help you—a stranger you’ve decided to put up with by subscribing.
Whatever the case, welcome to Between Parentheses. I hope you have as much fun reading as I do sharing.
Why are you doing this?
See quotes above.
I write essays about books sometimes, but most of those don’t see the light of day after I submit to my professors. This is a place for me to publicly think about the art I consume in real-time.
I’m usually a hermit and want to show my work more.
How often?
I’ll shoot for once a week. During the busier parts of the semester, I’m guessing I’ll post less often.
Does it cost?
No, and I have no plans to charge folks. I might some day, if the newsletter blows up and I put more time into it, but that’s Future You’s problem. In the meantime, the only price you’ll pay is your precious time.
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