The Olive Reader

Yesterday, we published Justin Taylor’s debut novel, The Gospel of Anarchy.

This book holds a special place in my heart, since I was (gently) mocked for my gushing goodreads review of it when I read the galley back in September. So while I’ll link to real reviews below, I thought it might be fun to post mine too:

Coming out from us in feb 2011, this is justin taylor’s first novel, after his book of short stories last winter, everything here is the best thing ever. I loved EHITBTE for the way it portrayed the more unlikable members of my generation, and the gospel of anarchy continues that. It’s about a group of anarchist punks in gainesville, florida in 1999 and though some of the anarchy-talky parts were less my thing, the characters are so great and the language is amazing. it feels really trite to call someone “the voice of my generation,” and even weirder to believe it, but I’ve yet to feel that way about anyone but justin taylor.

And now, other people who like it:

“Gospel is a beautifully written, insanely intelligent, and ultimately moving novel …” (Black Book)

“Once again, Taylor blends the competing heat of religious fervor, threatening politics, and nihilistic sex, yielding dangerous results.” (Oxford American)

“These days, all the cool kids write about pharmaceuticals and cognitive science. In his first novel, The Gospel of Anarchy, Justin Taylor makes his attempt to diagnose the mal du siècle by grappling with matters of faith.” (New York Observer)

“Taylor is an undeniable talent with a contemporary voice that this new generation of skeptics has long awaited—a young champion of literature.” (New York Press)

Playlist on Largehearted Boy

Interview with Brooklyn Based

Buy it here!