Belt Summer Reads ’23
Some of our favorite reads from this past year.
Rediscovering the Lost Midwest
Once the cobwebs are cleared off old journals, long-forgotten records consulted, and the veil of stereotypes pierced, a remarkable world is discovered.
Donora Death Fog – The First Days
Tuesday was just an average day in Donora and vicinity, when nothing particularly special happened. Nothing, that is, except a confluence of weather conditions that would place an environmental lid on the valley.
Whole Bottle of Red Pills
Belt Magazine presents an excerpt from distinguished reporter Jeff Sharlet's disturbing, brilliant, and important new book about the threat of American fascism "The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War."
Three Short Stories from “Sidle Creek”
In the hills of Appalachia in western Pennsylvania lies a bruised, stripped and timbered town of miners, mill workers and farmers called Sidle Creek. Award-winning author Jolene McIlwain's debut collection Sidle Creek unearths themes of class, health, trauma and the unexpected human conditions that happen in close-knit communities. To be released by Melville House on May 16, 2023.
Days Between Stations
I think of Father Sullivan every time I pass, imagining him walking the circular path between the stations of the cross.
Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh
Belt Magazine is proud to be the media sponsor for author Tom O'Lenic's discussion about his new book cowritten with Ray Hartjen Immaculate: How the Steelers Saved Pittsburgh as part of the Pittsburgh Humanities Festival this Sunday March 26th at Noon in the Trust Arts Center in Downtown Pittsburgh.
That That Is… (Not): 1991-1992
When I announced that I was writing this book, I was immediately asked several times if Albini would be providing a cover blurb. The question was posed partially seriously and partially sarcastically, with the ratio dependent on the questioner.
Pink Piano
Crayons were my birthright. Crayons were in my blood. The blood of family lore matched American Crayon’s most powerful primary red crayon in every box. Crayons sent me down the road to adulthood.
They Shrink From Hard Work
I don’t have enough memories to draw on to fit the form, and I can’t fake it without moving into the realm of fiction, without lying to myself, no matter how nice a story it would make, no matter how very rural or Appalachian these stories could present me.
The Dumbest Man in Pro-Sports
By Vince Guerrieri On Jan. 20, 1983, Ted Stepien was having a busy day. Less than three years into his [...]
Play Like a Man
I was a geek who loved role-playing games and knitted Dr. Who scarves in high school. I was the quintessential rule-follower and would cry and beg if I scored an A– on a quiz. But now, I’d discovered punk rock.