Happy 21st Birthday To Largehearted Boy: A Playlist

plus music by Meg Baird and books by Kathryn Bromwich & Restrepo Montoya

Tuesday is Largehearted Boy’s 21st birthday. I had no idea in 2002 that the site would evolve into its current incarnation of literature and music hub, I was just looking to share interesting links with friends. Over the years, that list of friends has come to include everyone who has ever read the site.

My life can be broken into two phases, before- and after-LHB. The friendships I have fostered through the site are too numerous to mention, and waking up every day with the goal of evangelizing the arts has put a smile on my face even in the darkest times. In 21 years I have been divorced, adopted a dog and three cats, lost a dog and two cats, moved three times, fell in love, and dealt with serious health issues. The constant that helped me stay positive was publishing Largehearted Boy.

Thank you for reading the site. For supporting it through donations, paid subscriptions to this newsletter, and advertising. For spreading the word. Here’s to another 21 years!

This week’s subscriber playlist (open to all to celebrate LHB’s birthday) shares one song that has been featured on Largehearted Boy for every year of the past 21:

Books & Music I’ve Been Loving This Week:

Furling by Meg Baird

Meg Baird’s been heard playing guitar in Espers and drums in Heron Oblivion and Watery Love lately, but her second solo effort Furling is her strongest musical achievement yet. As captivating as it is fascinating, this is my favorite album of the year so far.

At the Edge of the Woods by Kathryn Bromwich

Kathryn Bromwich’s gorgeously quiet debut novel At the Edge of the Woods (out June 6th from Two Dollar Radio) is a profound, timeless exploration of identity. One of the year’s strongest novels.

The Holy Days of Gregorio Pasos by Rodrigo Restrepo Montoya

Rodrigo Restrepo Montoya’s debut The Holy Days of Gregorio Pasos (out July 11th from Two Dollar Radio) draws you wholly into its narrator’s world from the first page in this novel of identity and redemption.

Both this week’s recommended books are published by Two Dollar Radio. I have been reading their books (and singing their praises) since book one, they are by far my favorite indie press. If you are looking for something to read, I’d recommend their “Backlist Bangers” sale with twelve books from their backlist for $100. Some of my favorite books are available, including novels by Grace Krilanovich, D. Foy, Jeff Jackson, and Colin Winette.