Alex Laffer
Alex Laffer is a writer, editor and researcher. He’s just finished his PhD, which involved listening to hours and hours of people talking about books; all things considered, not a bad way to pass the time. Born in Britain of Australian and Vietnamese descent, he’s interested in the negotiation of identity and empathy in literature. His reading habits jump from science fiction to natural history and most things in between, but he’s particularly fond of Japanese literature, the work of Salman Rushdie and books that do fun things with form. Alongside the day job, he’s currently trying to organise a poetry night in South London and write fairy tales for his nieces and nephew. He doesn’t like camping. Twitter: @exlaffer
Can Books Do Visual Art Justice?
June 28, 2017Can literature and poetry actually describe paintings and other forms of art well?
Celebrating Pride and Queer Lit with HIDE
June 20, 2017On the importance of LGBTQ representation, complex queer relationships in fiction, and the novel HIDE by Matthew Griffin.
Judging a Person By Their Books
May 19, 2017Let's stop making snap judgments about people based on their bookshelves.
Help! I Need the Perfect Literary Wedding Reading
May 15, 2017A groom-to-be puts out a call for suggestions for literary readings for his wedding.
Books to Inspire Hope, Thought, and Action in Troubled Times
April 21, 2017Recommendations for books that inspire compassion and action in our political climate.
The British Library: My Favorite London Literary Haunt
April 11, 2017In London? Make sure you visit the British Library!
Can’t wait for Murakami’s Killing Commendatore? Try Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World
March 12, 2017What to read while you're waiting for the next Haruki Murakami book. Spoiler: it's another Murakami title.
In Memory of Terry Pratchett: Author and Wearer of Excellent Hats
In loving memory of Terry Pratchett.
Representing Me: Seeing Yourself on The Page
February 25, 2017One reader on seeing himself -- a Vietnamese Australian born and raised in the UK -- in books.
Three Cheers to the Bookshop Bar!
February 15, 2017One reader on his dream to open a bookshop bar (with nods to his favorite spots)!