The Words: September 2026
Letter from the Senior Editors
Hello wonderful Macalester English and Creative Writing (ENCW) community, and welcome to a new and exciting year of The Words!
Introducing the student workers!
There is no better way to get to know someone than by ridiculing or relating to their literary opinions. To introduce this fall’s group of English department student workers, we asked them to share what novel universe they’d live in if they could, and why. Take a gander through Old Main 2’s familiar faces.
Professor Emeritus Marlon James returns to Macalester to discuss new novel
Macalester students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on a recent Saturday afternoon in the J-Wall lobby to hear Booker-Award-winning author and Professor Emeritus Marlon James in conversation with English and Creative Writing Professor James Dawes. The two discussed James’ new novel The Disappearers,which follows a group of gay men in 1980s Jamaica who survive a horrific gay-bashing incident. Despite this trauma, the book abounds with pleasure. James admitted that The Disappearers was his first book that made his editor blush while reading it.
What’s New With Professor Geng?
After taking a year-long leave of absence, Professor Geng has returned to Macalester College bristling with talk experiences, a new family member, and recent theatrical research under her sleeve. In her interview, The Words inquired about what she has in store for the rest of the semester and what she accomplished while on her leave.
English Department Welcomes Back Students and Faculty at Fall Luncheon
Few English department traditions can top the annual Fall Luncheon. Free food, mingling, and the first taste of existential crisis-inducing conversation for seniors. On Thursday, September 17th, students and faculty joined together to ring in the new year with pho sandwiches from Russell’s Traveling Kitchen.
Catching up with Professor Kaston Tange
After a productive sabbatical, Professor Andrea Kaston Tange is back in the English department with a new novel underway, some revamped and exciting courses, a new puppy, and a garden that continues to bring plenty of joy to all involved. The Words sat down with her to talk about her sabbatical achievements and goals for the upcoming semester.
Alum Spotlight: M.L. Kenney ’18 on Graduate School, Teaching, and Risk-Taking
This month, The Words caught up with Macalester graduate M.L. Kenney ’18 to talk about life after graduation. While at Macalester, M.L. studied English Literature and Critical Theory. Outside of her studies, she pursued several internships in public humanities and English teaching. After graduation, M.L. continued in public service and teaching English while earning an M.S. in Secondary Literacy and Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. M.L. currently divides her time between pursuing a Masters degree in English from Middlebury College’s prestigious Bread Loaf School of English and teaching English to students with learning disabilities.
Senior Book Recommendations!
Recently, four seniors were invited by Next Chapter Books to write summary blurbs to be displayed next to a copy of their chosen novel! Additionally, starting this academic year, some ENCW senior majors will be asked for book recommendations. Each of the recommended titles were available as prizes during the “Bingo for Books” Coffee House.
Little Free Library Receives a Revamp
Denizens of Old Main 2 may notice an upgrade of a department staple—the Little Free Library. Gone are the brick-print shelves buckling under the weight of well-loved books, and here to stay is a sturdy wooden bookshelf with its own 24/7 on-site Little Librarian in the form of a Highland Coo plushie.