If your baseball knowledge begins and ends with The Art of Fielding, good news: Chad Harbach is back with his first novel in 15 years. The Brightness returns to the fictional Westish College and to some familiar faces (though, no need to have read the first).
This time, the spotlight is on two female best friends. Pella, now in her late 20s, has finally finished her degree, is newly engaged to a Westish coach, and trying to retire her wild-child era. Then she attends her friend’s glamorous Rhode Island wedding, where a few unexpected guests put all of it at risk.
Back on campus, 21-year-old scholarship student Irma’s future is on the line after she and two pals — the self-described Witches of Westish — pull off a provocative prank protesting the school’s rape culture that goes national. Expect love, grief, and some very messy twenties. We got in touch with Harbach to chat about what he’s reading and his eggs-pert kitchen skills.
If you could be the world’s leading expert on one thing, what would it be?
Making omelets. It’s such a simple dish — three eggs, salt, butter — and yet there’s so much attention and technique that goes into doing it right. You really have to be present and keep practicing. One of my prized possessions is a dedicated omelet pan just like Julia Child’s.
What’s the one thing you can't leave the house without?
I like small paperbacks that fit in a jacket pocket.
What’s your shortcut to relaxation?
Reading in bed before sleep — a habit I’ve had since kindergarten.
What’s the last thing you read that you can’t stop thinking about?
I flew to Los Angeles last week, so I pulled out my copy of Eve Babitz’s Slow Days, Fast Company and reread it on the plane. It’s spellbinding, not to mention sexy, and as lyrical as anything in F. Scott Fitzgerald. I have a first edition I bought for $7 back when Babitz’s books were out of print — thank God they’re not anymore.
What’s one thing everyone needs to watch?
Dog Day Afternoon. Lately, I’ve been on an Al Pacino kick, which has been hugely enjoyable, and pretty edifying as well.
What’s the last social media post you sent to your friends?
I’ve been swept up in the Brewers’ run to the World Series, as has pretty much the entire state of Wisconsin. My high-school friends and I are constantly swapping game highlights, interview clips, locker-room celebrations, and anything else Brewer-related.
What’s one recipe everyone should make?
My friend Anne’s flourless chocolate cake — so easy and so delicious. My 4-year-old son has the ingredients memorized.
What’s the one place everyone needs to visit?
Everyone needs to visit the hot springs I camped beside in Monroe, Utah on a cross-country drive with my dog. The steam rose over the travertine on a clear December day and a splendid muster of peafowl, for some reason, lounged at the edge of the pool. But if I ever make it back that way, I hope nobody’s there.
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