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JB: I used to love reading! I still love the feel of books in my hand, even though I have an e-reader. SF: Justine, you haven't read a single fucking thing in Smile Politely? You are fucking fired. Or if something is on the internet that really intrigues me or interests me, I will painfully try to digest the words. I guess I would say that I do read people's posts + keep up with those that I love and care about. Seth and I also own an online magazine, Smile Politely, and I haven't read a single thing on it since I left as a writer. If the images aren't compelling, I couldn’t care less about the text. I merely look at photos and images - perhaps it is because I am photographer. JB: I've never been one to read magazines. JJ: Do you mean that you don't read books, specifically? Or do you not read magazines, the internet, nothing? Why do or don't those other things count? Especially since it seems to be precious these days. I want to know that I'm investing in something that is worth my time. JB: If the book doesn't captivate me right from the get go, I'm out. I'm not a good quitter, so that's why I never really pick up a book to begin. But that's the thing, if reading feels like work, you should probably quit. If you are dedicated to it, you will reap the benefits. Either you sit down and do it, or you don't.
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But does it even matter if the not-reading is active or passive? JJ: Sounds like your lack of reading is just a byproduct of having other stuff to do. I love to work, because our work is straight up FUN. We promote shows at one of the best small indie rock rooms you can dream up. We create websites and branding for small companies. We publish a culture magazine that has a really strong readership here in Champaign-Urbana. We own a small company that develops and promotes a multi-disciplined festival each year. I think it's just time away from the day to day grind. Leave it on my bedside, see it sitting there, mean to pick it up again, and don't. I think when I say I "actively don't read," I mean that I get part way through and then never get around to it again. I read part of Roxane Gay's book + Caleb's chapbook + Matthew G Frank's book - loved all three and then never picked them back up to finish.
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Maybe Mexico is the secret to me reading again. Last we (Seth and I) read a book on vacation or that I finished - was in 2010 when we were in Mexico (again!) - we read and both finished the Hunger Games trilogy. It was the first time in five years that I was able to accomplish that. During two weeks while we were on vacation in Mexico. With that said, I have read three books this year. JB: Although I don't actively tell myself "don't do it" - I pretty much do by purchasing a book on my e-reader and then never getting around to reading it. JJ: OK, Justine, you jumped right into the social media mix and said that the two of you "actively don't read." Can you explain this phrase? Do you mean you have a thought, like, "Maybe I'll read a book!" and then tell yourself, "Don't do it!"?
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JB: Yes, I usually give no fucks in life. Aggressively honest about not reading, and not giving any of the fucks. Jac Jemc: I'm thrilled to talk to you guys. Justine Bursoni: Hi! My name is Justine and I blow at picking up a book. I’ll skip the part about Justine and I realizing we grew up going to the same shitty diner as adolescents, and get right on to the reading or lack thereof. It wasn’t long before I realized I had a terrific opportunity to talk to two “non-readers” at once, when Seth’s wife joined the discussion as well.
Cliffnotes hunger roxane gay series#
Seth was outed by his supposed friend and colleague, Caleb Curtiss, as being a good candidate for this series where I talk to non-readers. Justine acts as Owner and Producer of Made Fest, a two-day outdoor curated marketplace that’s part of the festival, and Seth founded Pygmalion and fills the role of Producer now. They are also two of the cluster of people behind the spectacular Pygmalion Festival, bringing a concentrated burst of music, tech, lit, arts and crafts to the city for a glorious weekend each fall. They founded and own Smile Politely, an independent, online, culture magazine covering the Champaign-Urbana scene in Illinois. Seth Fein and Justine Bursoni are cultural powerhouses.