When Miranda July’s new book, “No One Belongs Here More Than You,” was released in April somebody forwarded me the website she created for the release. I received it late night, a little tipsy, just before bed when websites generally fail to hold my attention, but this one kept me clicking right on through to the end. The simple design of the website was genius, so I figured the book must be pretty good too.
The 16 poignant and delightfully voyeuristic stories are the perfect length for a cross-town subway ride, a quick read before bed, or in addition to your morning coffee and bagel. They delve into obsession and depravity with an acceptance that is deliciously sweet. This warm, yet cheeky portrayal of personal disappointment is the secret to July’s success. You can get a personal dose of it on her website, where you will need a password to enter. The trick is- everything is the right password!- and after submitting your password you are greeted with reassurance: “YOU OBVIOUSLY KNOW WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT.”
A native California performance artist, writer and filmmaker, July has already written and starred in her own movie, “Me You and Everyone We Know” winning awards at both Cannes and The Sundance film festivals in 2005, and performed at the Guggenheim and two Whitney Biannuals. And, most of the short stories in her new book have already been previously featured in publications like the New Yorker, Harper’s, and the Paris Review.
July is currently on tour promoting her book and last week appeared at New York’s 192 Books and the New York Public library Live with David Byrne (the Talking Heads) and Becky Stark.
Visit her book’s website at www.noonebelongsheremorethanyou.com
And find out more about what she is up to at www.mirandajuly.com
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I love this, it’s so much fun!!!