What a fantastic wide ranging conversation with such a powerful figure- Barbie, the too-literal minded students at NYU, dark politics, novel writing, teaching pedagogy, screenwriting, Randall Kenan, Maria Popov, Henry Hoke.
So many of us are mourning the loss of Gabe. What a gentle giant. He was kind to us all. His short story collection, Dear Mr. President, is a brilliant, searing work. I was secretly hoping to impress him one day with a finished novel; who on social media didn't want to capture his gaze? I have no knowledge of the personal demons he fought. But I do know what it means to work as an adjunct. I do know what it means to fear the loss of valuable, yet wildly underpaid work. And I can only imagine how another American-sanctioned war in the Middle East might have impacted someone writing about the misguided Iraq War, a great stain resulting in the tragic loss of one million lives. At some point I hope someone does Gabe justice; reads through his latest manuscript and makes sense of a loss that may be a grave harbinger of perilous days ahead.
I haven’t read the Barbie story but hearing it described as “psychotic,” makes me want to read it so much more!
I couldn't agree with you more! Not only is the story amazing, but the story about the story is amazing!
Loved this one! Thanks Gabe. Happy Birthday!
Yay, so happy to hear you loved this interview, Melinda! And thanks for yr kind birthday wishes.
oh and happy birthday, Gabe!!
Ty so much, Claire! Really means a lot!
What a fantastic wide ranging conversation with such a powerful figure- Barbie, the too-literal minded students at NYU, dark politics, novel writing, teaching pedagogy, screenwriting, Randall Kenan, Maria Popov, Henry Hoke.
So many of us are mourning the loss of Gabe. What a gentle giant. He was kind to us all. His short story collection, Dear Mr. President, is a brilliant, searing work. I was secretly hoping to impress him one day with a finished novel; who on social media didn't want to capture his gaze? I have no knowledge of the personal demons he fought. But I do know what it means to work as an adjunct. I do know what it means to fear the loss of valuable, yet wildly underpaid work. And I can only imagine how another American-sanctioned war in the Middle East might have impacted someone writing about the misguided Iraq War, a great stain resulting in the tragic loss of one million lives. At some point I hope someone does Gabe justice; reads through his latest manuscript and makes sense of a loss that may be a grave harbinger of perilous days ahead.
Great conversation, so rich and insightful. The links are brilliant - many thanks. And Happy Birthday, Gabe!