A Biting Satire of the Art World’s Monstrousness
Ella Baxter’s new novel explores why creative genius so often seems to be at odds with being a good person.
Oliver Sacks’s Lifelong Search for Recognition
The famous neurologist and author devoted his life to revealing his patients’ humanity. He struggled harder to reveal himself.
Fossil Record for My Grandmother
A poem for Sunday
What Nikki Giovanni Wouldn’t Write About
I had the privilege of editing the poet, who died on Monday. Her biggest lesson: Keep moving forward.
‘It’s One of Those Infinite Time-Loop Situations You Might Have Heard About’
Solvej Balle’s series of novels brings up questions about physics, sustainability, and, yes, the meaning of life.
A Novel That Disrupts a Fundamental Law of the Universe
In Solvej Balle’s new series, the concept of a time loop is more than a gimmick; it’s a way of rethinking human existence.
Read These Six Books—Just Trust Us
Each title richly rewards readers who come in with little prior knowledge.
Self-Portrait: Winter Landscape, 1997
A poem for Wednesday
America Needs to Radically Rethink What It Means to Be Old
As 100-year lifespans become more common, the time has come for a new approach to school, work, and retirement.
The Carpetbagger Who Saw Texas’s Future
The notion of political realignment in the Lone Star State is older than you think. It goes back to Giant, an acidic novel by Edna Ferber.
Walk on Air Against Your Better Judgment
What Seamus Heaney gave me
In Defense of Lists
’Tis the season for best-of coverage.
Victims of Violence Don’t Owe the Public Anything
Omar Khalifah’s debut novel resists the demand placed on those who have experienced historical atrocities to tell their stories.
The Atlantic 10
The books that made us think the most this year
Castle Rose
A poem for Sunday
How Gen Z Came to See Books as a Waste of Time
Young people might be responding to a cultural message: Reading just isn’t that important.
Aftermath
A poem for Wednesday
When Haruki Murakami Takes His Own Magic for Granted
The Japanese author’s popularity rests on a blend of mystery and accessibility. His latest novel fails to achieve that balance.
The Road Dogs of the American West
Survivalists, drifters, and divorcées across a resurgent wilderness
Taylor Swift Is a Perfect Example of How Publishing Is Changing
Swift is a symptom, not a cause, of the weakening bonds between celebrities and publishing houses.