Trending...
- Governor Newsom honors fallen California Highway Patrol Officer Miguel Cano
- Governor Newsom marks historic expansion of California's Film and Television Tax Credit Program, announces 16 new projects to film in the Golden State
- California: Governor Newsom statement on passage of Trump's "Big, Beautiful Betrayal"
Acclaimed author Mark Sarvas delivers an urgent exploration of social media's psychological impact through the voice of an internet troll
LOS ANGELES - Californer -- Itna Press announces the June 24, 2025 release of @UGMan a darkly humorous and unsettling new novel that examines social media's broader impact on mental health and human connection.
In this urgent work of literary fiction, Mark Sarvas, the acclaimed author of Harry, Revised and Memento Park, introduces readers to UGMan—a character whose online trolling behavior masks deep sensitivity and growing alienation from an increasingly fractured world. Through UGMan's compelling monologue, the novel masterfully weaves together literary references spanning from Dostoevsky to the Beatles, creating a narrative that is both intellectually rich and devastatingly relevant to contemporary life.
Early praise has highlighted the author's exceptional ear for language and his ability to capture the psychological landscape of our hyperconnected era:
More on The Californer
"The real power of @UGMan is Sarvas's language and his ear for the brutalist logic that governs a life lived on the Socials," notes Anthony Swofford, author of Jarhead.
Music historian and Producing the Beatles podcast creator Jason Kruppa calls the work "brisk and lacerating, with important insights regarding an affliction now common to us all."
Author Maud Newton, whose Ancestor Trouble garnered widespread critical acclaim, describes the novel as "scathing, hilarious, addictive."
"#DIGITALWASTELAND" combines strong commercial appeal with literary sophistication, making it ideal for readers of Ben Lerner, Joshua Ferris, Lauren Oyler, and Haruki Murakami. The novel's timely exploration of technology's impact on the human psyche positions it perfectly for book club discussions and classroom adoption.
Itna Press's media campaign includes readings throughout the U.S. to support the launch, recognizing the novel's potential to spark important conversations about digital culture, mental health, and human connection in the 21st century.
More on The Californer
About the Book: @UGMan by Mark Sarvas | Publication Date: June 24, 2025 | Format: 5.5" x 8.5", 236 pages Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9882829-5-2 | $18.00 Digital ISBN: 979-8-9882829-9-0 | $9.99 Distributed by Ingram
About the Author: Mark Sarvas is the award-winning author of Memento Park and Harry, Revised, with Memento Park garnering multiple accolades including a 2019 American Book Award and being shortlisted for several other prestigious awards. His debut novel Harry, Revised was published internationally to critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to Updike and Roth. A prolific literary critic whose work has appeared in the New York Times Book Review, the Threepenny Review, and numerous other publications. He lives on the Monterey Peninsula.
About Itna Press: Itna Press is committed to publishing queer, alternative, and avant-garde literature that engages with the pressing issues of our time. It was founded in New York City by author Christopher Stoddard in July 2013.
In this urgent work of literary fiction, Mark Sarvas, the acclaimed author of Harry, Revised and Memento Park, introduces readers to UGMan—a character whose online trolling behavior masks deep sensitivity and growing alienation from an increasingly fractured world. Through UGMan's compelling monologue, the novel masterfully weaves together literary references spanning from Dostoevsky to the Beatles, creating a narrative that is both intellectually rich and devastatingly relevant to contemporary life.
Early praise has highlighted the author's exceptional ear for language and his ability to capture the psychological landscape of our hyperconnected era:
More on The Californer
- Jason Koch: Pioneering the Future of Real Estate Development in New Jersey
- Amid Trump's assault on public lands, California conserves over one million acres of land and coastal waters in just one year
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.7.25
- City of Long Beach to Upgrade Its Internet Infrastructure to Enhance City Network Reliability and Performance
- Groflex Named One of the Top 100 Manufacturing Startups in San Francisco by F6S
"The real power of @UGMan is Sarvas's language and his ear for the brutalist logic that governs a life lived on the Socials," notes Anthony Swofford, author of Jarhead.
Music historian and Producing the Beatles podcast creator Jason Kruppa calls the work "brisk and lacerating, with important insights regarding an affliction now common to us all."
Author Maud Newton, whose Ancestor Trouble garnered widespread critical acclaim, describes the novel as "scathing, hilarious, addictive."
"#DIGITALWASTELAND" combines strong commercial appeal with literary sophistication, making it ideal for readers of Ben Lerner, Joshua Ferris, Lauren Oyler, and Haruki Murakami. The novel's timely exploration of technology's impact on the human psyche positions it perfectly for book club discussions and classroom adoption.
Itna Press's media campaign includes readings throughout the U.S. to support the launch, recognizing the novel's potential to spark important conversations about digital culture, mental health, and human connection in the 21st century.
More on The Californer
- BofA Directs Additional $1 Million to Los Angeles Nonprofits for Evolving Fire Recovery Needs
- Introducing LK Blue: The Cool-Girl Denim Brand That's Redefining LA Style Launches E-Commerce
- THINKWARE Announces Prime Day Deals on Best-Selling Dash Cams
- Zeta Sky Strengthens Cybersecurity Support for Ontario Businesses Facing Rising Identity & Complian
- Bach and Beyond: Cellists Return to the Beach for 2nd Annual Bethany Beach Cellofest
About the Book: @UGMan by Mark Sarvas | Publication Date: June 24, 2025 | Format: 5.5" x 8.5", 236 pages Paperback ISBN: 979-8-9882829-5-2 | $18.00 Digital ISBN: 979-8-9882829-9-0 | $9.99 Distributed by Ingram
About the Author: Mark Sarvas is the award-winning author of Memento Park and Harry, Revised, with Memento Park garnering multiple accolades including a 2019 American Book Award and being shortlisted for several other prestigious awards. His debut novel Harry, Revised was published internationally to critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to Updike and Roth. A prolific literary critic whose work has appeared in the New York Times Book Review, the Threepenny Review, and numerous other publications. He lives on the Monterey Peninsula.
About Itna Press: Itna Press is committed to publishing queer, alternative, and avant-garde literature that engages with the pressing issues of our time. It was founded in New York City by author Christopher Stoddard in July 2013.
Source: Itna Press
Filed Under: Books
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- Skool Alternatives Reddit: Skool vs Circle vs Whop - Did you join one yet?
- Southern Soul Artist Moe Z Releases New Single 'Set It Out' Distributed by Morris Day Entertainment
- SacraPod Suites Unveils AI-Powered 'Work + Rest' Smart Hospitality Model for Retrofitting Underused Motels Across the U.S
- Green Jacket Gateway" System: Your Definitive Path to Golfing Greatness
- From Real Estate to Reel Power: H.L Woods Carves His Legacy as a Cutting-Edge Visionary Filmmaker
- Luxury Auto Detailing Brings High-End Mobile Car Care to Cherry Valley and Surrounding Areas
- Transgender Visual Artist Debuts New Work
- Stay Cool All Day With BGMgirl Drawstring Half Wigs
- California: Governor Newsom proclaims Independence Day 2025
- Gundam GQuuuuuuX Takes Center Stage at Anime Expo 2025
- John Duffy Competes in Mr Muscle Beach
- New Release: 'The Invisible Alternative' Unveiled by Atrisk Corporation, Resilient
- Thorn & Bloom Magazine Unveils Groundbreaking Second Edition: "Breaking the Cycle"
- Cheap O SMS Launches Groundbreaking Free SMS API Service
- California: Governor Newsom signs legislation 7.3.25
- Fireworks, fun, and safety: California preps for the holiday weekend
- BillBoards Inc. Hits the Road with God Bless America Tour and Reality Series Now Streaming on Tubi TV
- Legacy vs. Legacy Gala: Celebrating the Past, Powering the Future of the L.A. Watts Summer Games
- Orion Retreats: Pioneering the Future of Conscious Leadership and Luxury Wellness Tourism
- Cynthia Pinot Among Artists Selected for Renowned London Art Biennale 2025