News

Arkansas International Journal reviews The New Order

“Karen E. Bender’s new story collection is steeped in the present political moment, with an eye to our future. Our cultural corrosion—especially our denial of sexual assault and gun violence—impacts Bender’s female narrators in quiet, resounding ways.”  You can read the full review from the Arkansas International Journal here. 

Martha Stewart Living features my journal ideas for National Novel Writing Month

Martha Stewart Living features my tips for National Novel Writing Month in the November “Out and About” column, You can read the tips here. 

“The Pilot’s Instructions” in the October issue of The Yale Review

My story, “The Pilot’s Instructions” appears in the October 2018 issue of The Yale Review. The story is part of my new collection, The New Order. You can read the story here.

The New Order on list of 10 Titles to Pick Up Now in print edition of November O magazine

The print issue of the November O magazine is out and features The New Order on a list of 10 Titles to Pick Up Now. Here’s are photos:

O magazine reviews The New Order!

“Supremely crafted short fictions”–O magazine includes The New Order on a list of 10 New Books to be Thankful for in November. You can see the review here.

Starred review for The New Order in Booklist!

“With literary virtuosity, psychological authenticity, and breath-catching insight, Bender dramatizes gripping personal dilemmas compounded by a new order of social tyranny.” Booklist gives The New Order a starred review! You can read the full review here. 

Publisher’s Weekly reviews “The New Order”

“Bender’s incisive collection (following Refund) touches on a range of hot-button issues—from gun violence and political xenophobia to sexual harassment and economic downturn…. The great strength of the collection lies in her ability to examine the ramifications of violence and casual cruelty on individuals and communities….There were many types of violence in the world, some quieter,” the speaker notes. This is a thoughtful, timely collection.” You can read the full review here. 

LeVar Burton reads my story, “The Cell Phones,” on his series Levar Burton Reads.

Actor LeVar Burton reads my story “The Cell Phones,” from my forthcoming collection, The New Order, on his series, “LeVar Burton Reads.” You can listen to his reading here!

“The New Order” on Boston Globe Fall Book list

The Boston Globe includes “The New Order” on a list of Fall books to read!

NBF Presents at Wisconsin Book Festival in October

I’m excited to be part of the National Book Foundation’s program, NBF Presents this fall; I’ll be at the Wisconsin Book Festival, on a panel about literature and connection, in October. Read more here.

Huffington Post includes “The New Order” on list of Fall books to read

The Huffington Post included my story collection, “The New Order,” in a list of books to read that are coming out in Fall, 2018. You can see the list here.

Electric Literature’s Article on Cover Design Process Includes The New Order

In this article for Electric Literature about the design process for book covers, Counterpoint Press designer Nicole Caputo shares her process in designing the cover for The New Order. You can read this fascinating article here.

Here is the cover for my new collection, “The New Order.” Coming in November from Counterpoint Press.

A new story collection, “The New Order,” to be published by Counterpoint Press!

I am thrilled that my new story collection, “The New Order,” will be published by Counterpoint Press this fall. Here is the announcement from Publisher’s Lunch:

National Book Award Finalist and author of REFUND, Karen E. Bender’s THE NEW ORDER, a new collection of stories that examines the sense of instability that has grown stronger in American culture over the last two years through the increasing presence of violence, bigotry, sexual harassment, and the emotional costs of living under constant threat, once again to Dan Smetanka at Counterpoint, for publication in Fall 2018, by Maria Massie at Massie & McQuilkin

Teaching at Iowa Writers’ Workshop this summer

I’m happy to announce that I’ll be teaching an intensive 3-week workshop at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop this summer. You can find information about the workshop here. Applications are due on March 1. Apply!