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ATTENTION
ATTENTION: Dispatches from a Land of Distraction | Joshua Cohen
2 posts | 1 read | 2 to read
“The nonfiction novel of our moment.”—Jonathan Lethem A wide-ranging, rule-bending collection from “a major American writer” (The New York Times)—reclaiming the power of attention in an age of constant distraction One of Granta’s Best of Young American Novelists, Joshua Cohen arrives with his first collection of nonfiction, the culmination of two decades of writing and thought about life in the digital age. In essays, memoir, criticism, diary entries, and letters—many appearing here for the first time—Cohen covers the full depth and breadth of modern life: politics, literature, art, music, travel, the media, and psychology, and subjects as diverse as Google, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, fictional animals, Gustav Mahler, Aretha Franklin, John Zorn, landscape photography, fake Caravaggios, Wikipedia, Gertrude Stein, Edward Snowden, Jonathan Franzen, Olympic women’s fencing, Atlantic City casinos, the closing of the Ringling Bros. circus, and Azerbaijan. Throughout ATTENTION, Cohen directs his sharp gaze at home and abroad, calling upon his extraordinary erudition and unrivaled ability to draw connections between seemingly unlike things to show us how to live without fear in a world overflowing with information. In each piece, he projects a quality of thought that is uniquely his, and a voice as witty, profound, and distinct as any in American letters. At this crucial juncture in history, ATTENTION is a guide for the perplexed—a handbook for anyone hoping to bring the wisdom of the past into the culture of the future. Advance praise for ATTENTION “Cohen, one of our crucial young novelists, has written the nonfiction novel of our moment, formed of a constellation of investigations and inklings. No one’s done such a thing so well since George Trow or Joan Didion or Norman Mailer, if ever. It’s chasteningly brilliant, and the kind of chastening we unfortunately need.”—Jonathan Lethem “Joshua Cohen is one of my favorite nonfiction writers. This book is a cause for celebration.”—Elif Batuman
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Cspen113
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Any of you who have issues with being able to focus/ give your full attention to tasks....what makes reading/focusing on a book easier for you? Any tips/tricks you‘ve found?

TheNeverendingTBR Listening to the audiobook while reading at the same time has helped me many times when I'm like this.. 4y
Cspen113 @TheNeverendingTBR That‘s a great idea! I‘ve never thought of doing that. 4y
Lauram I‘ve had a tough time focusing lately. I‘ve found that setting a timer for 10 and focusing entirely on what I‘m reading really helps. (edited) 4y
Cspen113 @Lauram I‘ll have to try that! I let myself get distracted as soon as I start reading. I always think of something I need to do first, etc... instead I could tell myself I can do it in 10 minutes. 4y
BookBabe I concur with @TheNeverendingTBR ‘s comment. Immersion reading works best for me. 3y
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BethM
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ATTENTION ATTENTION! I can't go but I bet a lot of my local Littens could! I went last year and it was great. Put on by Half Price Books.