Among America’s most brazen contemporary writers is former Brooklynite Tao Lin. Just shy of 30, the prolific author already has published six books of fiction and poetry, and his seventh book, a novel titled “Taipei,” will be published by Vintage on June 4. Lin’s first two novels, “Eeeee Eee Eeee” (2007) and “Richard Yates” (2010), earned critical raves, and “Taipei” has followed suit, already receiving widespread praise from esteemed writers and critics.
In “Taipei,” Lin invites readers to follow Paul, a Brooklyn-based writer, as he navigates New York City’s literary and art spheres. Lin’s uncanny ability to create scenes and characters familiar to readers – particularly Brooklyn-based readers – unfolds through Paul’s comical encounters and the relationships he forges with other emerging artists. Deeply rooted in contemporary culture, Lin’s book illuminates the intricate influences of alcohol, drugs and the internet on today’s youth. Between Paul’s numerous drug-related experiences, we see him refresh his Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr accounts; in fact, it is through the web that he meets Erin, a love interest who accompanies him on his adventures through Brooklyn and beyond.
Lin traces Paul’s journey as he embarks on a book tour and eventually travels to Taipei, where his parents live, to confront and reconcile his roots.
In celebration of the release of “Taipei,” Lin will be making three appearances in Brooklyn this summer: Wednesday, June 5 at powerHouse Arena in DUMBO (37 Main St.); Tuesday, July 9 at Spoonbill & Sugartown in Williamsburg (218 Bedford Avenue); and Monday, July 22 at BookCourt in Cobble Hill (163 Court St.)
Tao Lin is the author of the novels “Richard Yates” and “Eeeee Eee Eeee,” the novella “Shoplifting from American Apparel” the story collection “Bed,” and the poetry collections “cognitive-behavioral therapy” and “you are a little bit happier than i am.” His stories and poems have been anthologized, including in the Mississippi Review 30 Year Anthology; he has lectured on writing and visual art at Kansas City Art Institute, Columbia College Chicago, Vassar, Pratt, Duke, LSU, and other universities, including Sarah Lawrence’s graduate writing program. He is the founder and editor of the literary press Muumu House, and his work has been translated into twelve languages. He lives in Manhattan.
The June 5 event will begin at 7 p.m. powerHouse is located at 37 Main St. in DUMBO.