I have argued about the future of fiction with jaded novelists, far-seeing postmodernists, technologists, television critics. The argument that future generations will not know the pleasures of the novel has been a staple of book reviewing since at least 1960. Russell Smith argueargumentbook share on social
Verisimilitude is something I am constantly seeking in fiction. I am looking for surface detail that makes something seem real. Russell Smith constantlydetailfiction Change image and share on social
An Indian tribe is sovereign to the extent that the U.S. permits it to be sovereign. Russell Smith extentindianpermit Change image and share on social
Yes, the hunky barista looks even more terrifically masculine with three days' growth on his chin. Guys under 50 mostly do. But when your beard is partly or largely grey, that stubble can just look a little unwashed. Sadly, when you're over 50, different rules apply. Russell Smith applybaristabeard share on social
The YA category is an entirely new one, and seems to have more to do with readability than with age group or theme. The adult YA readers I know do actually consistently say that they are looking for an easy read, a fun read, an unchallenging read. Russell Smith adultagecategory share on social
What I would love to see is art that explicitly addresses not personal intimacies but anonymous intimacies: the vast collections of facts about you and me that now exist in giant server banks. Russell Smith addressanonymousart Change image and share on social
If you define eccentricity as creativity, then yes, creativity is eccentricity. Russell Smith creativitydefineeccentricity Change image and share on social
There is something insouciant and boyish about the sockless ankle in summer. Russell Smith ankleboyishinsouciant Change image and share on social
If people didn't read books on the subway, underground journeys would be dreary. Russell Smith bookdrearyjourney Change image and share on social
A song is a short composition for voice and instruments. It is a piece of sung poetry set to music. It is usually only a few minutes long. Russell Smith compositioninstrumentlong Change image and share on social