The Cowardice of Guernica
The literary magazine Guernica’s decision to retract an essay about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict reveals much about how the war is hardening human sentiment.
What Do Crossword Puzzles Really Test?
In her new book, Anna Shechtman argues for puzzles that reflect a broader sense of common knowledge.
Why Does Romance Now Feel Like Work?
Two recent books dig into the crisis of modern love—and how we might forge more meaningful connections.
A Bloody Retelling of Huckleberry Finn
Percival Everett transforms Mark Twain’s classic.
Tana French Has Broken the Detective Novel
But can she put it back together?
Do Animals Have Fun?
Scientists want an evolutionary explanation for animal play. But maybe the answer is simply: It brings them joy.
Drinking Coffee in a Church
A poem for Sunday
What to Read Ahead of the Oscars
Publishing and film have long had a special relationship.
Seven Books That Explain How Hollywood Actually Works
These titles shed light on an industry that’s always bubbling with drama beneath the surface.
Saffron
A poem for Wednesday
The Tyranny of English
A new novel from the prolific translator Jennifer Croft challenges the dominance of the language.
A Memoir Shouldn’t Boss You Around
Lily Meyer recommends books that recollect personal experience without being prescriptive.
The Real Reason Trump Loves Putin
A new book explores the American right’s tendency to admire and want to emulate foreign dictators.
Writing About Yourself Isn’t Inherently Selfish
For Édouard Louis, revisiting the past is an act of survival.
A Grim View of Marriage—And an Exhortation to Leave It
This American Ex-Wife vividly describes the liberating power of a divorce but falters when it tries to persuade readers to follow suit.
Arthur Miller Explains Death of a Salesman
In a newly discovered letter to a college student, written shortly after the premiere of his most famous work, the playwright describes his theory of tragedy.
The Black-History Books Teachers Hope Won’t Be Banned
When the tools for educating young people are restricted
Is Kara Swisher Tearing Down Tech Billionaires—Or Burnishing Their Legends?
She has long sought to be the best-connected of the tough reporters and the toughest of the insiders. Balancing those goals isn’t always easy.
The Last, Improbable Refuge for the World’s Endangered Languages
Deep linguistic diversity is among the least explored but possibly most consequential factors in New York City's history and makeup.
[36. Violence: Patri-confessional]
A poem for Sunday