Swagger & Ink

Stories that traverse the landscapes of womanhood, aging, and the American West—where grit meets grace.

Little Great Island: A Timely Tale of Climate, Connection, and Healing
Amanda Barusch Amanda Barusch

Little Great Island: A Timely Tale of Climate, Connection, and Healing

Kate Woodworth's debut novel "Little Great Island" weaves climate change into an intimate island narrative without resorting to dystopian tropes or post-apocalyptic landscapes. Set on a fictionalized island, the story follows Harry, grappling with personal grief, and Mari, an islander with her own complicated past. Through these two characters—one a "summer person," one a year-round resident—Woodworth explores the complex socioeconomic dynamics of island life against the backdrop of our escalating climate crisis.

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Envy is Ignorance
Amanda Barusch Amanda Barusch

Envy is Ignorance

The waiter's tattoo said, “envy is ignorance.” I replied, “No, it’s a deadly sin.”

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Breathe Deeply, Read Widely.
— Amanda Barusch