On September 7th, Hachette Books will release freelance writer Catherine Baab-Muguira’s new book POE FOR YOUR PROBLEMS: Uncommon Advice from History’s Least Likely Self-Help Guru for the public’s insatiable consumption. Instead of looking for literary inspo from “perfectly curated lifestyle accounts on Instagram or girlboss culture,” Cat turned to a literary hero of her own, the gothfather himself, Edgar Allen Poe. The brooding literary critic, poet and author may seem the unlikeliest of figures when it comes to self-help assistance, however there’s more to this mystery than you might think. Poe did marry his cousin, excelled at losing employment, doled out criticism like it was growing off of trees, and lived and died in poverty, BUT…he now has 4 million fans on Facebook, has Imdb co-writer creds like no other, and, well, his fan boy and girls just haven’t given up on the adoration (as is evidenced by the copious amounts of merch).
Poe for Your Problems will explore the lighter side of the author’s story by giving the reader hilarious lessons on imitating the long-term success of the enigmatic figure. Lessons readers, who dabble in creative ventures, may take to heart when reading the book include “leaning into your neuroses and thriving through self-sabotage,” fudging your résumé by inflating your workplace contributions,” and “losing at love, failing at sex, and much more.” Here’s to hope springing eternal or, should I say, the “tell-tale” heart knows what it wants! Also, a cognac and three roses could also help. More info below.
Mentions: Book out September 7th, 2021 on Hachette Books. Follow Cat on Twitter & Instagram for updates.