Dear reader,

Amid summer's heat, winter seems far off, but it isn't right to forget cold in a time of warmth. In this issue, we present works that explore the conflict between acceptance and disillusionment, as well as the desire for a reconciliation that is sometimes beyond reach. We're proud to feature poetry by Diya Chaudhuri and Blue Renner, Pete Pazmino's disturbing tale of a girl's trip to a pet store, and a review by Nora Khan of Per Petterson's new novel, I Curse the River of Time. We are also pleased to include a series of photographs by Stephen Hoffman that documents life in the projects of Coney Island.

We hope you enjoy them.

Charles Gershman