John Madera has an addictive blog devoted to people’s favorite novellas. The site starts with an introductory post by Madera, followed by posts from the 60 writers and editors Madera asked for recommendations. Renee Gladman comes up with a decent definition of a novella (a thorny, perhaps metaphysical and unsolvable issue), and Jim Hanas wonders about the effect technology will have on fiction’s form.

The composite list helpfully catalogs the novellas in alphabetical order. The most cited are obvious classics like Heart of Darkness (14 mentions), The Metamorphosis (12), Bartleby, the Scrivener (10), and The Dead (9). But up there with them (10 mentions) is Ever by Blake Butler, which was new to me.

Turns out Butler’s book is new to everyone, having come out in January. The comments made by those recommending it (“Whatever the hell Butler is talking about, he sure does talk about it pretty.” “The form is far from linear.” “This book contains something new.”) could be warnings just as easily as raves. And this excerpt is a bit David Markson-y for my taste. But hey, if it’s up your alley, you’re welcome.