Over the last decade, Bryan Bliss has built his reputation on writing deeply felt books for teens through accessible viewpoints. His fifth novel, Dispatches from Parts Unknown, follows high-schooler Julie, who, ever since her father died three years before, has heard a voice in her head: the running commentary of The Masked Man, her and her father’s favorite pro wrestler. As she goes through her senior year, navigating prom committee, budding romance, and the ongoing healing process, it’s a story in turns hilarious, heartwarming, and gut-wrenching—all delivered with the lightest touch. I was thrilled for the opportunity to ask Bliss a bit about his latest project.
Ronny Khuri: First, for those skeptics who can’t see past the presence of pro wrestling, for those who just cannot abide the spray tans and predetermined outcomes: Why should they take wrestling seriously as a storytelling medium? In other words, what is wrestling?
This was a concern, honestly. Even though pro wrestling has enjoyed a bit of a resurgence lately with people who are seemingly noticing it for the first time, it’s still a weird subculture.
