Crimson staff writer
Mia J.P. Gussen
Latest Content
Arts Vanity Issue: 13 Column Suggestions for Spring 2016
2. Reviews of reviews of hair products on Amazon as short-form creative nonfiction pieces
Taking the Stage
Harvard’s newest concentration, Theater, Dance, and Media, has already attracted substantial interest from the student body. as sophomores consider their future fields of study.
'Time Ages in a Hurry' an Unhurried Set of Gems
In this honest and gentle depiction of an individual’s private perception of reality exists a clear appreciation for the minute, even the mundane, which is transformed by Tabucchi’s linguistic caress into something dewy and new.
'The Poser' A Real Read
The novel is full of insights into human nature, as if Rubin himself had some sort of arcane power. In its totality, “The Poser” is a debut novel that demonstrates inspiring originality—of premise, of plot, and of style.
'Satin Island' Floats in the Aura of Fiction
At its worst, U.’s obsessive search for significance may become tedious for his readers; yet, on the whole, McCarthy has written an engaging work that forces the reader to reassess “meaning” itself.
'The Phosphorescent Blues' A Winning Folk Romp
“The Phosphorescent Blues” provides at once the signature genre-blending and masterful lyrical and melodic storytelling expected from Punch Brothers as well as a bonanza of rich surprises.
'The Sculptor' Doesn't Shape Up
McCloud’s evident desire to convey complex insights is commendable. However, the embodiment of these insights remains disappointingly basic. McCloud’s strengths as an explainer of theory become his weaknesses in this new context.
Hear Me Out: Nicki Minaj, "Only"
Minaj’s finesse as a rapper comes in part from the overflowing personality of her delivery—maniacal laughter and frenetic alternation between personas. But being aloof is far less original.
Faber's Most Recent 'Strange,' 'New,' and Underdeveloped
“The Book of Strange New Things” raises fascinating and worthwhile questions, though its answers remain inconclusive or noncommittal.
Artist Spotlight: Chris Thile
Chris Thile is a 2012 MacArthur Fellow and mandolin player for the bluegrass quintet Punch Brothers, as well as the acoustic trio Nickel Creek.
'Some Luck' Gets Something Right
Reading Jane Smiley’s new novel, “Some Luck,” one becomes increasingly aware of a simple truth about time: all of history was once the present, and the present will one day be history. Of course, this is a fact one knows in theory, but to make someone truly grasp the concept and its implications is not a trivial undertaking.
Moran Builds a Compelling Tale
"How to Build a Girl" is at times, perhaps, too funny for its own good—the jokes so frequent they can seem like a nervous tick. But beyond—and even by means of—the novel’s humor, Moran achieves a high degree of honesty.
