This is part of our Books from Banned Countries series. You can see them all here. You may think you know nothing about Somali literature, but you’re mistaken. Okay, perhaps you’re right and you can’t name a single Somali author. But unless you’ve been living under a rock somewhere way, way

 By: Jonas Barnes  New York City is the city that never sleeps. It passes out all the time and pisses itself but it rarely sleeps. Whatever your bar kink may be, NYC has a place to get your fix. This city drinks like no other and, unless you’ve lived here,

After a brief hiatus, the “In Translation” series returns with one of the lesser known Middle Eastern regions. This week’s installment focuses on Libyan literature. Once you’re done with their selection, you can ponder that ostensibly silly question “what defines a national literature”? After all, several of the authors presented

I moved to New York from the Bay Area last year, and basically since I arrived people have not stopped reminding me how little I know about living here. Nearly every week I am given an unprompted lesson in how ignorant I am to the best bars or restaurants, or

Click here to read “Books From Banned Countries Part I: Iran“ Some places have attained an almost mythical space within their communities. When the community is made of up of avid readers, specifically ones of Arabic literature, al-Mutanabbi Street in Baghdad is a popular hangout. Quite by chance, this piece will run

By: Jonas Barnes  If you’re surprised I’m writing an article about where to take the best free shits in NYC, we need to get to know one another better. If you know me, writing about taking a good free shit makes as much sense as me writing about being fat.

Enemy In Translation: Iran American’s aren’t known for their appreciation for foreign cultures. From certain states demanding that everyone speak English, to the lack of foreign films on streaming platforms. Most American’s are definitely nationalists when it comes to art. So, it should come as no surprise that books by foreign authors are