Michael Pershan

Yes, definitely filtered through someone else's perspective, it's true!

Intentionally trying to remember a text can definitely work, it's a more direct path. But I think deep-diving and continued engagement can be a "natural" way to retain info about a text that (for me at least) is more fun.

I think when I read "Why Read Moby Dick?" or Alan Jacob's book about Paradise Lost there were details about the original that I read and were reinforced.

Dropped a couple excerpts of 𝘛𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘢 on HAD today to celebrate myself and my book release.

(Also use it to announce an accompanying HAD call coming on Thursday...)

Jane Eyre kicks ass, but you'd probably get more memory benefits from reading a book about Wuthering Heights.

Comic. [2x2 chart. Top left quadrant: seem like dinosaurs x are dinosaurs. Silhouettes of dinosaurs stegosaurus, triceratops, tyrannosaurus, velociraptor, and long-neck dinosaur. Top right quadrant: seem like dinosaurs x are not dinosaurs. Silhouettes of mosasaur, quetzalcoatlus, dimetrodon, plesiosaur, and pteranodon. Bottom left quadrant: don’t seem like dinosaurs x are dinosaurs. Silhouettes of penguin, egret, ostrich, pigeon, falcon. Bottom right: don’t seem like dinosaurs x are not dinosaurs. Silhouettes of squirrel, stapler, plant, person, and bicycle.]

Dinosaurs And Non-Dinosaurs

xkcd.com/3204/

I think you can also read a related book.

Send Chris some Bystanders!

There are a number of these that have just absolutely destroyed me.

@michaelgerber.bsky.social you'll love this

roses are red
violets are not

YouTube video by Vulture Preparing for the Creator Economy Apocalypse (with Chris Gethard)

How dare Chris Gethard say that he is not a household name. Which households, Chris? www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2uZ...

Someone in here already solved one of my teaching problems by dropping a wealth of math contest questions in my lap. Join with the link below!

Drafted a 20 page story, because the other unpublished 20 page stories on my hard drive were feeling lonely.

Let's see if we can get to ten thousand people in this discord.

Two Quick Announcements work opportunity + a discord group

Two announcements, including an invitation to join a math teacher chat space. pershmail.substack.com/p/two-quick-...

TACOMA by Aaron Burch

Seahawks championship and my new book officially out on Tuesday. Just a giant day for SeaTac. MANY PEOPLE ARE SAYING!

autofocusbooks.com/store/p/tacoma

This was awesome, the ending is perfect.

Chris is a kind of writer that I love. I know this because every time he has a new story I love it. This story is no exception. It is funny and surprising and wonderful. Way to go, Chris.

Also more powerful than hate: cringe.

The only thing more powerful than hate? Super-hate.

Good vibes in here so far! Teachers, math people, university whatever, all welcome.

“Everything you tell me now, I hear for the first time in my life,” is such a better and funnier answer than “is there a sportsball happening”

Here ya go, show up and be nice: discord.gg/UEUzN2kd

Adorable child!

Any teachers out there, especially math teachers: wanna join a discord? Message me!

I recommend

Thunder From a Clear Blue Sky
Gloria Patri

and am preodering

The Walls Are Closing In On Us

Read this very short Brian Evenson story right now. magazine.nytyrant.com/no-matter-wa...

A huge part of creative research mathematics is asking new questions. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/07/s...

Scene: a "cool" valedictorian passing through the hall, pulls a muscle trying to shove a jock into the lockers.