The Believer, a five-time National Magazine Award finalist, is a bimonthly literature, arts, and culture magazine. In each issue, readers will find journalism and essays that are frequently very long, book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and interviews that are intimate, frank, and also very long. There are intricate illustrations by Tony Millionaire and a rotating cast of guest artists, poems, a comics section, and regular columns by Nick Hornby and Daniel Handler.In The Believer's fall issue, Pablo Calvi reports on an oil pipeline that threatens Ecuadorian indigenous populations, Alex Mar has tea with the Church of Satan's high priest, Daniel Werb discusses harm reduction in Tijuana, and Esme Weijun Wang explores living with schizophrenia. Other essays focus on the anarchist who's quietly fanning the flames of our country's insurrectionary movements and the irresistibly gothic family whose middle son is the inspiration behind Bolano's mad-genius poet in 2666. There are poems by Kay Ryan and Kathleen Ossip, in-depth interviews with Megan Rapinoe, Michael Schur, Jerry Stahl, Sheila Nevins, Ronald Cotton, and Miranda July, and a special section on the theme of silence with work by Diane Cook, Sara Novic, Stephen Burt, Rachel Z. Arndt, Matthew Zapruder, and JW McCormack.

The Believer's mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought--whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking--in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Andrew Leland. Each issue includes the popular columns Stuff I've Been Reading, by Nick Hornby; What the Swedes Read (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel Handler; and Real Life Rock Top 10, by Greil Marcus. The July/August Music Issue includes a free CD of new music curated for the magazine, the March/April Film Issue includes a free DVD of otherwise unreleased films, and the November/December Art Issue includes a free, always-changing bonus item.
The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. We will focus on writers and books we like. We will give people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was The Optimist. --The Editors

"The Believer" is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that the "Believer" gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was the "Optimist").
On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that The Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was The Optimist). On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that The Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was The Optimist). On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The Believer's mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought-whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking-in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Andrew Leland. Each issue includes the popular columns "Stuff I've Been Reading," by Nick Hornby; "What the Swedes Read" (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel Handler; and "Real Life Rock Top 10," by Greil Marcus. The July/August Music Issue includes a free CD of new music curated for the magazine, the March/April Film Issue includes a free DVD of otherwise unreleased films, and the November/December Art Issue includes a free, always-changing bonus item. The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. We will focus on writers and books we like. We will give people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was The Optimist. --The Editors

Following in the footsteps of the late great Lester Bangs -- the most revered and irreverent of rock 'n' roll critics -- twenty-four celebrated writers have penned stories inspired by great songs. Just as Bangs cast new light on a Rod Stewart classic with his story "Maggie May," about a wholly unexpected connection between an impressionable young man and an aging, alcoholic hooker, the diverse, electrifying stories here use songs as a springboard for a form dubbed the lit riff.

Alongside Bangs's classic work, you'll find stories by J.T. LeRoy, who puts a recovering teenage drug abuser in a dentist's chair with nothing but the Foo Fighters's "Everlong" -- blaring through the P.A. -- to fight the pain; Jonathan Lethem, whose narrator looks back on his lost innocence just as an extramarital affair careens to an end -- this to the tune "Speeding Motorcycle" as recorded by Yo La Tengo; and Jennifer Belle, who envisions a prequel to Paul Simon's "Graceland" -- one that takes place at a children's birthday party replete with a real live kangaroo.

With original contributions from Tom Perrotta, Nelson George, Amanda Davis, Lisa Tucker, Aimee Bender, Darin Strauss, and many more -- riffing on everyone from Tom Waits and Bruce Springsteen to the White Stripes, Cat Power, and Bob Marley -- this is both an astounding collection of short stories and an extraordinary experiment in words and music.

Soundtrack available from Saturation Acres Music & Recording Co.

The Believer's mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Karolina Waclawiak. Each issue includes the popular columns "Stuff I've Been Reading," by Nick Hornby and "What the Swedes Read" (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel HandlerThe Summer Issue features new work by Nell Zink, Alvaro Enrigue, and Gary Greenberg; interviews with Robert Coover, Amber Tamblyn, and the New York Public Library's Paul Holdengraber; and new poetry by Rae Armantrout. Also in these pages, and among many other delights, you'll find a special section on the theme of wildlife, essays on the man after whom Jim Jones patterned himself and what it's like to be named after a sibling who died before you were born, examinations of the work of the artists Ray Johnson and Jimmy Robert, and the editors' short lists for the eleventh annual Believer Book Award and the fifth annual Believer Poetry Award.Table of Contents:Pockets of Resistance Catherine FoulkrodHow to Send Things to Germany Nell ZinkThe Divine Inspiration of Jim Jones Adam Morris"Abstract Expressionism": a new poem Andrew NurkinThe Confidence Man Gary Greenberg"Shooting Possums from the Back Porch of Roger's Bar": a new poem Michael McGriffWhat's in a Necronym? Jeannie VanascoA Common Language Kristina ShevoryDescending Night Elisabeth Donnelly(Untitled) Mary Mann"Comics" edited by Alvin BuenaventuraEl Vocho: A Familiar Subject Alvaro EnrigueWhat the Swedes Read Daniel HandlerThe Eleventh Annual Believer Book Award: Short ListRobert Coover interviewed by Aaron Shulman"Canary": a new poem Rae ArmantroutSchema: Top 100 US Drug Brand Names Shoshana AkabasThe Fifth Annual Believer Poetry Award: Short ListPaul Holdengraber interviewed by Lane KoivuJimmy Robert interviewed by Jude StewartSymposium: A discussion on (mostly) books as they relate to the theme of wildlife.Tim Sheedy on the orangutan, Donna Kozloskie on the rising floodwaters, Megan Pugh on a poetic doomsday prophecy, Monica Westin on vegetal being, and Bijan Stephen on spillover.Elizabeth LeCompte interviewed by Hillar LiitojaAmber Tamblyn interviewed by Rachel MatlowCharles Yu interviewed by Lev Grossman

The "Believer"'s mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought--whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking--in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Andrew Leland. Each issue includes the popular columns "Stuff I've Been Reading," by Nick Hornby; "What the Swedes Read" (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel Handler; and "Real Life Rock Top 10," by Greil Marcus. The July/August Music Issue includes a free CD of new music curated for the magazine, the March/April Film Issue includes a free DVD of otherwise unreleased films, and the November/December Art Issue includes a free, always-changing bonus item.
The "Believer" is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. We will focus on writers and books we like. We will give people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was "The Optimist." --The Editors

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that the Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was the Optimist).
On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous Roland Enviro 100 Natural recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. Focusing on writers and books they like, The Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was The Optimist.

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. Focusing on writers and books they like, The Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was The Optimist.

The Believer's mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought-whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking-in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Andrew Leland. Each issue includes the popular columns "Stuff I've Been Reading," by Nick Hornby; "What the Swedes Read" (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel Handler; and "Real Life Rock Top 10," by Greil Marcus. The July/August Music Issue includes a free CD of new music curated for the magazine, the March/April Film Issue includes a free DVD of otherwise unreleased films, and the November/December Art Issue includes a free, always-changing bonus item. The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. We will focus on writers and books we like. We will give people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was The Optimist. --The Editors

"The Believer"'s mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought--whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking--in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Andrew Leland. Each issue includes the popular columns "Stuff I've Been Reading," by Nick Hornby; "What the Swedes Read" (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel Handler; and "Real Life Rock Top 10," by Greil Marcus. The July/August Music Issue includes a free CD of new music curated for the magazine, the March/April Film Issue includes a free DVD of otherwise unreleased films, and the November/December Art Issue includes a free, always-changing bonus item.
The "Believer" is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. We will focus on writers and books we like. We will give people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was "The Optimist."

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that the Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was the Optimist).On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that The Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was The Optimist).
On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The Believer is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that the Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was the Optimist). On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

The "Believer"'s mission is to introduce readers to the best and most interesting work in the world of art, culture, and thought--whether that means literature, painting, wrestling, philosophy, or cooking--in an attractive vehicle that's free from the bugbears of condescension, mustiness, and jargony obfuscation. Its content (including essays, interviews, comics, poetry, and reviews) offers fresh perspectives from editors Heidi Julavits, Vendela Vida, and Andrew Leland. Each issue includes the popular columns "Stuff I've Been Reading," by Nick Hornby; "What the Swedes Read" (a look at Nobel Prize-winners), by Daniel Handler; and "Real Life Rock Top 10," by Greil Marcus. The July/August Music Issue includes a free CD of new music curated for the magazine, the March/April Film Issue includes a free DVD of otherwise unreleased films, and the November/December Art Issue includes a free, always-changing bonus item.
The "Believer" is a monthly magazine where length is no object. There are book reviews that are not necessarily timely, and that are very often long. There are also interviews that are very long. We will focus on writers and books we like. We will give people and books the benefit of the doubt. The working title of this magazine was "The Optimist." --The Editors

Each issue of "The Believer" includes essays on pop culture, politics, art, and music, as well as lengthy interviews with philosophers, politicians, and poets. Nick Hornby has a widely celebrated monthly books column, and Amy Sedaris (and well-known guest-columnists) offers an advice column comprised of hilariously bad advice. The celebrated graphic novelist Charles Burns illustrates the cover each month, and the magazine is littered with illustrations by a wide range of established and emerging artists, with regulars like Tony Millionaire, Marcel Dzama, and others.

"The Believer" is a monthly magazine where length is no object. It features long articles, interviews, and book reviews, as well as poems, comics, and a two-page vertically-oriented Schema spread, more or less unreproduceable on the web. The common thread in all these facets is that The Believer gives people and books the benefit of the doubt (the working title of this magazine was The Optimist).
On each issue, Charles Burns's beautiful illustrations adorn the cover; our regular raft of writers, artists, and photographers fill the pages; and the feel of the Westcan Printing Group's gorgeous "Roland Enviro 100 Natural" recycled acid-free heavy stock paper warms your heart.

From acclaimed novelist and editor of "The Believer" Heidi Julavits, comes a wildly imaginative novel about grief, female rivalry, and the furious power of a daughter's love.
Julia Severn is a talented student at an elite institute for psychics. When Julia's mentor, the legendary Madame Ackerman, grows jealous of her protegee's talents, she subjects Julia to the painful humiliation of reliving her mother's suicide . . . and then launches a desperate psychic attack.
But Julia's gifts, though a threat to her teacher, prove an asset to others. Soon she's recruited to track down a missing person who might have a connection to her mother. As Julia sifts through ghosts and astral clues, everything she thought she knew about her mother is called into question, and she discovers that her ability to know the minds of others--including her own--goes far deeper than she ever imagined.

One Autumn day in 1985, sixteen-year-old Mary Veal vanishes from her Massachusetts prep school. A few weeks later she reappears unharmed and with little memory of what happened to her--or at least little that she is willing to share.
Was Mary abducted, or did she fake her disappearance? This question haunts Mary's family, her psychologist, even Mary herself. Weaving together three narratives, "The Uses of Enchantment "conjures a spell in which the hallucinatory power of a young woman's sexuality, and her desire to wield it, has devastating consequences for all involved.