a book of essays by Josh Olsen
Josh Olsen's third collection of nonfiction, Things You Never Knew Existed, was written during a period of transition, in a space of underemployment, familial challenges, and adult disillusionment, where trading cards, action figures, and pro wrestling aren't mere reminders of a carefree youth, but function as lifelines to self-care. These essays reveal insight into the value of obscure, small pleasures, with an unyielding eye for detail, pervasive humor, and a profound sense of empathy.
Josh Olsen is a librarian, a columnist for SlamWrestling, net, and the co-creator of Gimmick Press, an independent micro publisher of pop culture inspired literature and art.
"There are versions of ourselves most of us don't let the world see. They're the versions eating fast food burgers in the car, unclogging the work toilet, losing sleep remembering moments when we were most ashamed of our bodies. They're maligned stepchildren and outsiders; adults who relish in nostalgia because trading cards, collectible stickers, and pro wrestling magazines aren't so much reminders of a happy youth as old lifelines. Josh Olsen's Things You Never Knew Existed takes up residence in this space of underemployment and adult disillusionment, yes, but its essays also reveal insight into the value of obscure, small pleasures with an unyielding eye for detail, pervasive humor, and a profound sense of empathy. One essay recalls watching an old wrestler nicknamed The Hammer search for an old action figure of himself, perhaps aware of how much he shares with an old doll-worn down, smudged, and cast aside by people younger than him, people grown up. Olsen nails this portrait of The Hammer like he nails so much else in this unforgettable collection."-Michael Chin, author of My Grandfather's an Immigrant, and So Is Yours and Stories Wrestling Can Tell
"In Things You Never Knew Existed author Josh Olsen pulls off a stunning feat. Olsen writes of 80s action figures, Oatmeal Cream Pies, crazy stepdads, recalling a wrestling show from his teenage years, parents who watch MASH, and hearing a radio DJ announce Bush as if he is writing from my own head, my own heart. I couldn't be more in love with this collection. The writing is sparse and yet reaches depths in me few other books have that I've read in recent years. Read it you must."-Adam Van Winkle, Founder and Editor in Chief of Cowboy
Jamboree Press, author of The Red Knife Plays
