In Alan Michael Parker’s 19th book, Bingo Bango Boingo, published by Dzanc Books, serious fun is had by all. A post-Covid collection of 71 stories–41 told using the Bingo card format–Parker is once again his brilliant self, playing with form and tying your heart strings in a triple knot. Reading Bingo Bango Boingo, MacArthur Fellow Karen Russell says, “Alan Michael Parker is a mad genius”!
Here’s a book that can change what you think stories are, in a form you know how to play. And you can even play while reading, as five Bingo cards, in the “YOUR TURN” section, offer the chance to complete their stories, as Parker provides only some story data in some of the boxes.
Buy Bingo Bango Boingo through your local bookstore–support independent bookstores!–or here, at Main Street Books in Davidson, NC.
On Bingo Bango Boingo:
“In this collection, Parker breaks life down to its fundamental particles–lyrics and jokes, sadness and joy, insight and memory–rearranging language in ways surprising and evocative. Highly original and very entertaining.” – Charles Yu
“This is innovation of the highest order. Poetry? Stories? Yes, yes, and more. It’s best to begin in wonder. But this game is rigged. Every page will make you shout with delight.” – Gregory Pardlo
Here’s the first review of BBB, by Gabriella Contratto, writing in Manōa.