Mallory Ortberg

Mallory Ortberg is an American writer known for co-founding The Toast, a feminist humor and cultural commentary website that operated from 2013-2016. They have since transitioned and now go by Daniel M. Lavery. Lavery gained recognition for their book "Texts from Jane Eyre," which reimagined classic literary characters communicating via modern text messages. Their subsequent works include "The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror," a collection of dark fairy tale retellings, and "Something That May Shock and Discredit You," a memoir exploring gender, faith, and pop culture. As Dear Prudence advice columnist for Slate from 2016-2021, Lavery addressed reader questions on relationships, family dynamics, and social etiquette. Their writing style combines literary knowledge with sharp wit and cultural analysis. Beyond their published works, Lavery has contributed to numerous publications including The New Yorker and The Atlantic. They currently write the "Ask a Friend" advice column for Slate and host the podcast "Big Mood, Little Mood."

Readers connect with Lavery's blend of literary analysis and modern humor, particularly in "Texts from Jane Eyre." Reviews highlight the author's ability to capture both the essence of classic literature and contemporary communication patterns. What readers liked: - Sharp, intelligent humor that respects source material - Fresh perspective on familiar literary works - Clear understanding of both classic and modern cultural references - Accessible writing style What readers disliked: - Some jokes feel repetitive - Humor can be too niche for readers unfamiliar with classics - Collections can feel uneven in quality - Later works described as more self-indulgent Ratings: - "Texts from Jane Eyre": 3.8/5 on Goodreads (22,000+ ratings) - "The Merry Spinster": 3.5/5 on Goodreads (8,000+ ratings) - "Something That May Shock and Discredit You": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (3,000+ ratings) One reader noted: "Perfect for English majors with a sense of humor." Another commented: "The concept is brilliant but wears thin after a few chapters."

Texts From Jane Eyre (2014) Reimagines literary characters and authors sending text messages to each other, presenting famous works of literature in modern messaging format.

The Merry Spinster: Tales of Everyday Horror (2018) A collection of dark short stories that rewrite fairy tales and children's literature with gothic and feminist themes.

Something That May Shock and Discredit You (2020) A memoir-style collection of essays exploring gender, faith, and pop culture through personal experiences and literary references.

'Dear Prudence' columns (2015-2019) Advice column written for Slate magazine under the pen name Daniel Mallory Ortberg, addressing readers' personal and ethical dilemmas.

Rainbow Rowell writes contemporary fiction that blends humor with emotional depth, often incorporating text messages and online interactions. Her characters navigate relationships and identity while dealing with family dynamics and personal growth.

Jenny Lawson creates memoirs and essays about mental health, anxiety, and unusual life experiences. Her writing combines candid personal stories with absurdist humor and internet-culture references.

John Scalzi produces science fiction that incorporates wit and social commentary with clear, conversational prose. His work frequently examines gender roles and relationships through genre frameworks.

Daniel M. Lavery writes cultural criticism and personal essays that reframe classical literature and myths through modern perspectives. His work often focuses on gender, transformation, and literary subversion.

Samantha Irby crafts personal essays about relationships, body image, and contemporary life with direct, unfiltered observations. Her writing combines self-deprecating humor with social commentary and pop culture references.