{"product_id":"things-you-never-knew-existed-9798990546615","title":"Things You Never Knew Existed","description":"\u003cp\u003ea book of essays by Josh Olsen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJosh Olsen's third collection of nonfiction, \u003cem\u003eThings You Never Knew Existed\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJosh 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"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 \u003cem\u003eThings You Never Knew Existed\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003eMy Grandfather's an Immigrant, and So Is Yours\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eStories Wrestling Can Tell\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"In \u003cem\u003eThings You Never Knew Existed\u003c\/em\u003e 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 \u003cem\u003eMASH\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJamboree Press, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Red Knife Plays\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Josh Olsen\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Roadside Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 09\/01\/2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 168\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.41lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.00h x 5.00w x 0.39d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798990546615","brand":"Roadside Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46939939111049,"sku":"9798990546615","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0636\/9240\/6921\/files\/img_db2fe898-97f8-412a-aead-837a8a8be43d.jpg?v=1781661313","url":"https:\/\/sonsanddaughtersbooks.com\/products\/things-you-never-knew-existed-9798990546615","provider":"Sons and Daughters Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}