Ben East Books

Grid of posts 2×3

  • Bring It

    Bring It

    Cory Booker was awesome this morning in challenging a sham senate hearing to vet SCOTUS nominee Brett Kavanaugh. After watching his exchange with John Cornyn of Texas, I pulled up the following published report. Read how the bland senator from Texas chews red tape while his righteous colleague across the aisle breaths actual fire. ‘Bring Read more

  • The Elephants’ Thunder

    The Elephants’ Thunder

    Every night I hear the drums. Out there, on the fairgrounds in the dark, the big drums throb and the high snares crackle. Two weeks from now Ganesh will march the streets, Gunpatti’s thunderous procession to the sea shaking the city’s windows and doors. Hordes will carry idols of the elephant deity in waves across Read more

  • American Tabloid*

    American Tabloid*

    In one quick blow The AP updates James Ellroy’s 1950’s noir as contemporary political sleaze. National Enquirer hid damaging Trump stories in a safe WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Enquirer kept a safe containing documents on hush money payments and other damaging stories it killed as part of its cozy relationship with Donald Trump… Tabloid Read more

  • Twinkle for Gents—A Close Shave

    Twinkle for Gents—A Close Shave

    I ask around about haircuts. Authoritative Mumbai sources say: Twinkle for Gents. Five weeks into our stay, haircuts are essential. But am I to test Twinkle for Gents? I take a 2 and 3 across the sides and top. My sons buzz down to 4 and 5. Not haircuts, so much as a few quick strokes Read more

  • What We Talk About When We Talk About Writing

    Writers write. This simple premise covers everything I need to know about our craft. The axiom provides all the cover I need to shut out the world and pretend I fulfill my purpose merely by sitting down with a few trusty instruments. A Parker Jotter. A Moleskine Cahier. A keyboard, perhaps. But the platitude, it Read more

  • Always

    Always

    Puzzled that I’d spend my time doing this, people will ask, ‘How long have you been writing?’ Part accusation, part sincere inquiry, it deserves consideration. The truest answer I have—and it’s not a wise guy answer—is always. I say ‘truest’ because of the stages leading up to my present output: two published novels; two mid-grade Read more