John Williams
@johnwilliams.bsky.social
Books editor at Washington Post. Apollonian/Order Muppet. Highly sociable misanthrope.
Pinned
Do reviews draw readers? Boost subscriptions? Sell ads? And if the answer is ‘no,’ what then? Charlotte Klein explores the precarious state of cultural criticism.
Do Media Organizations Even Want Cultural Criticism?
Do reviews draw readers? Boost subscriptions? Sell ads? And if the answer is ‘no,’ what then? Charlotte Klein explores the precarious state of cultural criticism.
nymag.com
The answer to the first two questions below is yes if certain conditions are met: Putting reviews in front of online readers; not expecting/caring that every review do equally "well," traffic-wise; and caring about subscribers' desires/behaviors beyond clicks. Etc.
This one just didn't work for me, but here's the news. Different strokes, etc. www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/1...
‘Flesh’ by David Szalay wins this year’s Booker Prize
“Flesh” follows the twists and turns in the life of a Hungarian man named Istvan. The novel has been acclaimed for its attentiveness to masculine physicality and alienation.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:01 PM
This one just didn't work for me, but here's the news. Different strokes, etc. www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/1...
Reposted by John Williams
Vasily Grossman nerds: I think I’m gearing up to read Life and Fate. My sense is that it’s fine to read that before his Stalingrad, but if anyone wants to make a case either way…
November 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Vasily Grossman nerds: I think I’m gearing up to read Life and Fate. My sense is that it’s fine to read that before his Stalingrad, but if anyone wants to make a case either way…
Oh, of course. Andy and Neko win.
if you see this, post an album cover with a motor vehicle on it.
November 8, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Oh, of course. Andy and Neko win.
Cuomo’s opponent in the finale, for condo president:
November 8, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Cuomo’s opponent in the finale, for condo president:
Reposting this since it’s apparently in some theaters now.
Been at Sundance for the first time these past few days. Saw "Peter Hujar's Day" this morning, which won't be for everyone, but everyone it's for (like me) will love it. Ben Whishaw is astoundingly great in it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pkK...
Ben Whishaw and Rebecca Hall Revive A Lost Conversation In Ira Sachs's 'Peter Hujar's Day'
YouTube video by Deadline Hollywood
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Reposting this since it’s apparently in some theaters now.
RFK Jr.: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXha...
The Cowardly Lion - Running From Oz
YouTube video by whooznext
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:58 PM
RFK Jr.: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXha...
I have been reminded, alas, for the first time in many moons of the existence of J*hn R*cker, the purest emblem of all ocean-bottom-stupid bullies who stop thinking when they turn 11.
November 5, 2025 at 6:09 PM
I have been reminded, alas, for the first time in many moons of the existence of J*hn R*cker, the purest emblem of all ocean-bottom-stupid bullies who stop thinking when they turn 11.
“It’s unwieldy and unruly, and that’s part of its charm — but you know, we totally understand that that’s what people hate about it, as well.” Sophia Nguyen talked to Ilya Gridneff and Helen DeWitt about their co-written novel, or "albatross." www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/1...
‘Your Name Here’ has tortured its co-authors for 20 years
Helen DeWitt and Ilya Gridneff refer to the novel as a monstrosity, but it’s finally out in the world.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:51 PM
“It’s unwieldy and unruly, and that’s part of its charm — but you know, we totally understand that that’s what people hate about it, as well.” Sophia Nguyen talked to Ilya Gridneff and Helen DeWitt about their co-written novel, or "albatross." www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/1...
Reposted by John Williams
NAIL BITER
November 5, 2025 at 2:50 AM
NAIL BITER
Reposted by John Williams
if they can clean up the streets like this maybe my beautiful family and I will come visit from the suburbs
now that's what I call a Mamdani endorsement. Don't threaten New Yorkers with a good time, Dave. www.yahoo.com/news/article...
Dave Portnoy Threatens To Move Barstool Sports Out of New York City If Zohran Mamdani Becomes Mayor: ‘I Hate This Guy So Much’
Portnoy, 48, admitted that he has already asked his "finance guy" to begin looking at potential office spaces outside of the city.
www.yahoo.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:10 PM
if they can clean up the streets like this maybe my beautiful family and I will come visit from the suburbs
New time waster. More of my attention successfully farmed.
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www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
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www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
November 3, 2025 at 8:12 PM
New time waster. More of my attention successfully farmed.
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www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
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www.newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
Lordy, that’s a first half.
November 3, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Lordy, that’s a first half.
If Yamamoto closes this out, two series MVP trophies are the minimum he deserves.
November 2, 2025 at 4:12 AM
If Yamamoto closes this out, two series MVP trophies are the minimum he deserves.
One reason (of many) I don’t believe in robot umps is because ball 3 to Hernandez should have been a strike. Fine, it was 6 millimeters outside of an AI box, but no one should be rewarded for taking that pitch.
November 2, 2025 at 3:53 AM
One reason (of many) I don’t believe in robot umps is because ball 3 to Hernandez should have been a strike. Fine, it was 6 millimeters outside of an AI box, but no one should be rewarded for taking that pitch.
Reposted by John Williams
It's my fault I started drinking Canadian whisky in the bottom of the 8th.
November 2, 2025 at 3:44 AM
It's my fault I started drinking Canadian whisky in the bottom of the 8th.
Search “Christ” by latest. Hilarious.
November 2, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Search “Christ” by latest. Hilarious.
Reposted by John Williams
at a bar where karaoke is happening during the world series and someone is currently singing brick by ben folds five which does not match the vibe of anything at all
November 2, 2025 at 3:26 AM
at a bar where karaoke is happening during the world series and someone is currently singing brick by ben folds five which does not match the vibe of anything at all
I’m tired of losing all my pet peeve battles, so I’m begging writers and editors to stop using “generational talent.” Thank you for any consideration.
October 31, 2025 at 10:36 PM
I’m tired of losing all my pet peeve battles, so I’m begging writers and editors to stop using “generational talent.” Thank you for any consideration.
This is a trailer for a movie, and the movie was a trailer for large parts of 2015-2025. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQW9...
The Queen of Versailles Official Trailer #1 (2012) - Documentary HD
YouTube video by Rotten Tomatoes Trailers
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 6:37 PM
This is a trailer for a movie, and the movie was a trailer for large parts of 2015-2025. www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQW9...
If Wemby stays healthy all year I’d put his odds of winning MVP at something like 1-5.
October 31, 2025 at 4:05 AM
If Wemby stays healthy all year I’d put his odds of winning MVP at something like 1-5.
Reposted by John Williams
Not now, widening gyre
August 1, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Not now, widening gyre
Just listened to this, the title of which (and spirituality of) reminded me of ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9N...
Going Home
YouTube video by Charlie Haden - Topic
www.youtube.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Just listened to this, the title of which (and spirituality of) reminded me of ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=AK9N...