@washunbound.bsky.social
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Welcome to Washington Unbound! We are a new online journal founded by a local fiction writer and a local poet, covering all things literary in the Washington, DC, area. Reviews, interviews, an events calendar, and much more.
8 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is especially pleased to present our review of an amazing art exhibition at The National Museum of Women in the Arts. This show is a must-see.
@norahvawter.bsky.social
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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“What’s More American?” — Washington Unbound
Tawny Chatmon’s art would be well worth seeing for its sheer beauty alone. But come closer and look deeper: These pieces contain multiple levels and tell important stories. It is because of this histo...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/whats-more-american
4 days ago
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New content for a new year. Today, Washington Unbound presents Serena Agusto-Cox's excellent review of a new collection by Sara Marron.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Step inside poetic art and emerge with new perspectives on humanity — Washington Unbound
Enter through the door on the cover of Reasons for Étant Donnés by Sara Cahill Marron and you enter a world of mystery. Like the peepholes ofMarcel Duchamp’s last major artwork, Étant Donnés, ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/marron
11 days ago
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New today at Washington Unbound, another fine review by
@norahvawter.bsky.social
: Tamar Shapiro's "Restitution."
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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A review of DC area author Tamar Shapiro's novel, 'Restitution' — Washington Unbound
Tamar Shapiro's 'Restitution' (Regal House, 2025) is a quiet but powerful novel about place, belonging, and family. Following a German-American family in the aftermath of the fall of the Berlin Wall,....
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/shapiro
18 days ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is especially proud to present a remarkable interview by our awesome editorial assistant Samantha Segal. Bol Co-op is DC’s newest worker-owned bookstore and we think you’ll find their story compelling. Nice work, Sam!
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/b...
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An interview with D.C.’s newest worker-owned bookstore — Washington Unbound
Even in difficult, regressive times, there are glimpses of hope that indicate a better world is possible. Bol Co-op , D.C.’s newest worker-owned bookstore, reminds us of just that—that community empo...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/bol-interview
25 days ago
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Just in time for gift-giving or finding that perfect read for the dark days of winter, Washington Unbound presents our list of winter book recommendations. Thanks to all who contributed!
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Washington Unbound’s 2025 Winter Booklist — Washington Unbound
It’s been a whirlwind year, and many of you are probably feeling a mixture of relief that it’s almost over and amazement that the end is so near. Here at Washington Unbound , we’re very grateful that...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/winter-booklist
about 1 month ago
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Washington Unbound is very excited today to present a weekend special:
@norahvawter.bsky.social
's brilliant review of a new holiday farce.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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The chaos lurking beneath the “perfect” family holiday — Washington Unbound
Just in time for the holidays, Round House Theatre presents the U.S. premiere of Sam Holcroft’s Rules for Living , which runs through January 4 and features a dysfunctional family coming together a...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/rules-for-living
about 1 month ago
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Fresh content today on Washington Unbound:
@dctex.bsky.social
reviews "The Place That Is Coming to Us" by J.D. Smith.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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I am looking at just a crow, only one, and wait for more. — Washington Unbound
In "The Place That Is Coming to Us," long-time DMV poet J.D. Smith writes about such topics as human migration, birds, and nature in a collection of quiet yet powerful poems.
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/i-am-looking
about 1 month ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is very happy to present a fine review of Bernadette Geyer's What Haunts Me, by the always brilliant Serena Agusto-Cox.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Kinship requires a leap of faith and a keen eye for beauty in darkness — Washington Unbound
What Haunts Me by Bernadette Geyer is an intimate look at kinship and all the responsibilities and history it comes with. The narrator of these poems is looking at nature, their family, and events to...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/washington-unboundcom/kinship-requires
about 2 months ago
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Today at Washington Unbound,
@norahvawter.bsky.social
interviews Alexis Greene about her fabulous history of
@shakespeareindc.bsky.social
. Just in time for holiday gift giving too.
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/a...
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Interview with Alexis Greene, author of 'Shakespeare Theatre Company: The History of a Classical Theatre' — Washington Unbound
Author, historian, and educator Alexis Greene discusses her new book, an illustrated history of the acclaimed Washington, D.C. Shakespeare Theatre Company.
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/alexis-greene
about 2 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is very excited to present Naomi Thiers’ excellent review of Karen Outen’s novel Dixon Descending.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Book review of D.C. area author Karen Outen's novel 'Dixon Descending' — Washington Unbound
'Dixon Descending,' D.C. area author Karen Outen's debut novel, explores the the journey of two brothers as they try to survive climbing Mt. Everest, along with the reality of being Black in America.
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/outen
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Lauren Cerand Public Relations
2 months ago
The literary criticism coming out of DC lately is spectacular (as is the publishing scene it focuses on). Add
@washunbound.bsky.social
to your regular reading list! Today, Katy Gathright on
@margarethutton.bsky.social
’s debut novel, If You Leave:
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Review of D.C. area author Margaret Hutton's novel, 'If You Leave' — Washington Unbound
Read our review of D.C. area author Margaret Hutton's debut novel, 'If You Leave.' This work of historical fiction focuses on an unlikely friendship between two women during World War II.
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/hutton
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Washington Unbound is happy to present a review of new fiction, If You Leave by Margaret Hutton.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Review of D.C. area author Margaret Hutton's novel, 'If You Leave' — Washington Unbound
Read our review of D.C. area author Margaret Hutton's debut novel, 'If You Leave.' This work of historical fiction focuses on an unlikely friendship between two women during World War II.
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/hutton
2 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is especially excited to present an interview with Holly Morgan Mason Badra about her excellent new anthology of Kurdish Women Writers.
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/m...
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“Mountains bloom and tides change in our teacups” — Washington Unbound
It is unlikely that you will find a more compelling collection of writers anytime soon. In addition to its great literary value, Sleeping in the Courtyard provides an eye-opening introduction to a c...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/mountains-bloom
2 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is very excited to present an interview with D.C. literary star Kris King about her dazzling new collection of stories.
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/k...
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Interview with D.C.-area fiction writer Kristen Zory King, author of 'Ladies, Ladies, Ladies' — Washington Unbound
Washington Unbound interviews the author of 'Ladies, Ladies, Ladies.' Kristen Zory King is a Washington D.C.-based fiction writer, yoga instructor, creative consultant, and the founder of MoonLit, an ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/kristen-zory-king
3 months ago
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Today Washington Unbound is very happy to present our review of Lauren Woods' debut short story collection.
@ladiwoods.bsky.social
@norahvawter.bsky.social
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Book review of Lauren D. Woods’ short story collection, The Great Grown-up Game of Make Believe — Washington Unbound
The stories in Lauren D. Woods' debut collection, The Great Grown-up Game of Make Believe (Autumn House Press, October 2025), pendulum between the speculative and the real, embodying how many people l...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/lauren-woods
3 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound presents a review of Dorian Elizabeth Knapp's amazing book Causa Sui by
@dctex.bsky.social
.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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“Part of you wants to believe this poem was written by a human” — Washington Unbound
Using a wide array of emotional tones and an equally varied set of forms and styles, Knapp engages directly with many of the issues affecting our nation and our planet as a whole. By turns humorous, s...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/part-of-you-wants-to-believe-this-poem-was-written-by-a-human
3 months ago
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Gregory Luce, WU's poetry editor, reads on 11/2.
tinyurl.com/4tmvmyu9
3 months ago
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Honored to announce that co-founder and poetry editor Gregory Luce has been nominated for a Pushcart by
www.sligocreekpublishing.com
.
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Sligo Creek Publishing | Poetry & Stories | Washington DC
Discover powerful voices in poetry and storytelling at Sligo Creek Publishing, Washington DC. Explore books that ignite change, provoke thought, and illuminate the human experience with raw authentici...
https://www.sligocreekpublishing.com/
3 months ago
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Norah calls the Folger's Julius X a "bold experiment" that “invites audiences to reconsider both the familiar Roman tragedy and the legacy of America’s most polarizing civil rights leader." Read her excellent review on Washington Unbound.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Review of Al Letson's 'Julius X: A Reinvisioning of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar' at the Folger — Washington Unbound
The Folger Theatre’s Julius X is a bold experiment: Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar is not adapted but rather reinvisioned and transformed into a new work that uses the motifs, themes, and some...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/julius-x
3 months ago
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Exciting new content on Washington Unbound today! Greg spoke with D.C. poet, performer, and educator Alexa Patrick. She'll be reading in the Folger Poetry series on October 21.
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/a...
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Interview with D.C. poet Alexa Patrick — Washington Unbound
Alexa Patrick's first book, Remedies for Diappearing, was published by Haymarket Books. She will be giving the O.B. Hardison Reading at the Folger Shakespeare Library on October 21. A poet, musician, ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/alexa-patrick
4 months ago
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Washington Unbound is especially excited today to present an interview with the co-presidents of Washington Writers' Publishing House, Caroline Bock and Jona Colson.
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/c...
@norahvawter.bsky.social
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Celebrating 50 years of works that feel urgent and necessary in this cultural moment — Washington Unbound
Did you know that the longest continually operating non-profit, cooperative literary organization exists right here in the DMV? Washington Writers’ Publishing House (WWPH) has been publishing poetry, ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/celebrating-50-years
4 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is excited to present a review of what
@norahvawter.bsky.social
calls ”a fascinating piece of theater because of the way it weaves together the old and the new.” Read her thoughts on Shakespeare Theatre’s “Merry Wives.”
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Review of 'Merry Wives' at The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, D.C. — Washington Unbound
Merry Wives, playing through October 5 at the Shakespeare Theatre, is colorful, delightful, and teeming with joy from beginning to end. This reimagining of William Shakespeare’s comedy 'Merry Wives of...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/merry-wives
4 months ago
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"Hannah Grieco’s debut book is a slim but powerful collection of short stories that are at times funny, at times devastating, and always full of heart, intensity, and life." Read our review in today's edition of Washington Unbound.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Review of DC area author Hannah Grieco's debut fiction book, 'First Kicking, Then Not' — Washington Unbound
Hannah Grieco’s debut book is a slim but powerful collection of short stories that are at times funny, at times devastating, and always full of heart, intensity, and life. The DC area author examines ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/grieco
4 months ago
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It's September, time for back-to-school specials. So check out Washington Unbound's round up of teacher-writers.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
@norahvawter.bsky.social
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Back to school — Washington Unbound
With the school year now underway, we thought a feature on teacher-writers would be in order. Since we began publishing, Washington Unbound has featured a number of DMV writers who are also profession...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/back-to-school
4 months ago
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Washington Unbound was one of the topics when Norah Vawter and I sat down with @Elizabeth Bruce Michael Oliver for their excellent podcast Creativists in Dialogue. Give a listen.
creativists.substack.com/p/a-creativi...
creativists.substack.com/p/a-creativi...
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A Creativity & Difference Conversation with the Founders of Washington Unbound!, Gregory Luce and Norah Vawter
With Hosts Elizabeth Bruce and Michael Oliver
https://creativists.substack.com/p/a-creativity-and-difference-conversation-663
5 months ago
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New on Washington Unbound today, read Tom Navatril’s incisive interview with local novelist Edward Belfar, whose debut novel, A Very Innocent Man, offers a darkly comic take on the opioid crisis.
@norahvawter.bsky.social
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/e...
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Interview with D.C. area novelist Edward Belfar — Washington Unbound
Edward Belfar’s debut novel casts a scathing spotlight on the destructive, short-sighted greed currently prevailing among so many of the powerful in our county. A Very Innocent Man focuses on those ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/ed-belfar
5 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is especially pleased to present our review of Wetlands, the final book published by Clifford Bernier before his untimely passing, written beautifully by Naomi Thiers.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Poems of mystery and shape-shifting along the James River — Washington Unbound
From the get-go, Bernier pulls the rug out from under the reader (gently, but with koan-like force). In this poem, to know does not mean to understand; your gestures have resonance, but not meaning,...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/poems-of-mystery-and-shape-shifting-along-the-james-river
5 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is pleased to present our review of A Brief Gazelle by Mike Maggio.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Love Is a Driving Force — Washington Unbound
Writer and literary activist Mike Maggio is a long-time fixture in the DMV literary community. In addition to his six poetry collections, he has published six novels and maintains a blog in which ...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/love-is-a-driving-force
5 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound presents our end-of-summer reading list. Novels by some fine DMV writers plus a bonus poetry selection.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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A summer reading list for dark times — Washington Unbound
This has been a stressful summer to live through, politically speaking, and it doesn’t feel like the tension is going to break anytime soon. But life goes on, with these long summer days feeling norma...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/summer-reading
5 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is proud to present an interview by
@dctex.bsky.social
with DMV writer and teacher Beth Konkoski. www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/drawn-papered-and-taught
5 months ago
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Washington Unbound is fresh today. Read our review by @gregory Luce Gregory Luce of "In the House of Modern Upbringing for Girls," Majda Gama's fabulous new collection.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Songs of yearning — Washington Unbound
Rarely has a collection of poems so perfectly embodied the experiences of the poet as does In the House of Modern Upbringing for Girls, by Majda Gama. Gama, born in Beirut to a Saudi father and an A...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/yearning
6 months ago
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Washington Unbound is proud to present our review of The Phillips Collection's powerful and important exhibition on Essex Hemphill.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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The Phillips Collection memorializes one of D.C.’s finest artists — Washington Unbound
Essex Hemphill was a force of nature. The multifaceted artist—poet, performer, visual artist, activist—is the subject of a powerful exhibition at the Phillips Collection, Essex Hemphill: Take Care of...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/washington-unboundcom/reviews/essex
6 months ago
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New today, an exceptional interview by two exceptional writers and presenters.
@norahvawter.bsky.social
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/b...
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Inside the Short Story Boudoir — Washington Unbound
Short Story Boudoir is a new short story review channel on YouTube hosted by Washingtonians Katy Gathright and Samantha Neugebauer. The channel’s title comes from the original meaning of boudoir – “...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/boudoir
6 months ago
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reposted by
Lauren Cerand Public Relations
6 months ago
The amount of space, time and care
@norahvawter.bsky.social
’s urgently needed new publication
@washunbound.bsky.social
is devoting to arts criticism is stunning, and inspiring— this week’s review takes on
@marthaannetoll.bsky.social
’s Duet for One, out now:
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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A fresh perspective on classical music — Washington Unbound
Martha Anne Toll’s second novel, Duet for One , is a lovely, meditative, lyrical book that drew me in immediately. I want to say that this is a quiet novel, but it's about music and musicians, so tha...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/duet-for-one
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Today, we are delighted to present our interview with poet and Arlington County VA Literary Specialist Dan Brady.
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/d...
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Building Community Through Poetry — Washington Unbound
Dan Brady wears multiple hats, but all are indicative of his service to poetry. First, he is a poet himself, with three books and numerous journal publications to his credit. His most recent collectio...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/dan-brady
7 months ago
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reposted by
Norah Vawter
7 months ago
Check out the latest book review on Washington Unbound, written expertly by contributor
@tomnavratil.bsky.social
!
add a skeleton here at some point
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New today, our review of Elizabeth Bruce's excellent story collection.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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One-dollar stories pay off — Washington Unbound
In Elizabeth Bruce’s Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories , the needs that can be satisfied by a single dollar are varied and surprising: a can opener, the comforts of a coin-operated ma...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/one-dollar-stories
7 months ago
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Today, Washington Unbound is especially pleased to present our conversation with poet, activist, teacher, and literary entrepreneur, Regie Cabico.
@wwph.bsky.social
@norahvawter.bsky.social
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/d...
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Regie Cabico: D.C. poet, performer, activist, teacher & literary entrepreneur — Washington Unbound
“In the ‘90s in New York, I went to all the poetry open mics. And one of the places I went to was the Nuyorican Poetry Cafe . I started performing at the open mics. I didn't know anything about poetr...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/dc-poet-performer-activist-teacher-and-literary-entrepreneur-regie-cabico
7 months ago
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This week we feature
@dctex.bsky.social
's review of "Diorama" by Sandra Marchetti.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Complicated landscapes of beauty, threat, and unease — Washington Unbound
Sandra Marchetti’s third full-length collection, Diorama (Stephen F. Austin University Press, 2025) depicts a woman in complicated uneasy relationships with the world, nature, and herself. Marchet...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/landscapes-of-beauty-threat-and-complicated-unease
7 months ago
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New today, our
#pride2025
recommended book list.
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Washington Unbound Pride 2025 Booklist — Washington Unbound
In the current political climate, recognizing June as Pride Month is more important than ever. At Washington Unbound we want to celebrate and uplift queer voices in the best way we know. A booklist!
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/washington-unbound-pride-2025-booklist
8 months ago
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Some recent articles in Washington Unbound:
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
www.washington-unbound.com/interviews/d...
www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/...
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Two poets question the end of the world — Washington Unbound
In Q&A for the End of the World, D.C. area poets Kim Roberts and Michael Gushue grapple with the themes that permeate classic science fiction and horror films of the 1950s and ‘60s: the promises...
https://www.washington-unbound.com/bookreviews/two-poets-question-the-end-of-the-world
8 months ago
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Welcome to Washington Unbound! We are a new online journal founded by a local fiction writer and a local poet, covering all things literary in the Washington, DC, area. Reviews, interviews, an events calendar, and much more.
8 months ago
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