In English, "disparate" means “different” or “miscellaneous.” In Spanish, however, "disparate" means “nonsense,” “folly,” or “absurdity”—words appropriate to Madden’s goal of undercutting any notion that essays must be serious business. Thus, in this collection of wild and playful collaborations with form and with others, the essays are frivolous and lively, aiming to make readers laugh while they think.