Books and Ideas

Nell Zink’s California

Nell Zink’s California Nell Zink’s California

There is Hollywood, there are lights, but only the rich are allowed to enjoy them.

Dec 13, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Alana Pockros

Sister Souljah in Harlem in 1993

How Sister Souljah Went From Radical Activist to Scapegoat to Blockbuster Novelist How Sister Souljah Went From Radical Activist to Scapegoat to Blockbuster Novelist

After Bill Clinton used her to catapult himself to the presidency, the activist Souljah was sidelined. But the novelist Souljah continued to produce work that spoke to millions.

Dec 13, 2022 / Feature / Dani McClain

AI Comes for the Writers

AI Comes for the Writers AI Comes for the Writers

It's long been assumed that truck drivers' jobs would be first on the chopping block. Not anymore.

Dec 12, 2022 / McCaffrey Blauner

A protester at the 1999 World Trade Organization demon

How the Left Was Lost in the 1990s—but Found Its Way Again How the Left Was Lost in the 1990s—but Found Its Way Again

In the 1990s, the left was embattled and diminished. But it kept the flame burning just enough for a new generation to come along and give it oxygen.

Dec 12, 2022 / Feature / Naomi Klein

How Food Became a Weapon in the Right’s Culture Wars

How Food Became a Weapon in the Right’s Culture Wars How Food Became a Weapon in the Right’s Culture Wars

First came the politics of right-wing grievance. Then came the new foodie culture. Together, they combined to create one toxic food fight.

Dec 12, 2022 / Feature / Brent Cunningham

Trumpism Was Born in the ’90s

Trumpism Was Born in the ’90s Trumpism Was Born in the ’90s

Clintonian centrism allowed the radical right to incubate.

Dec 12, 2022 / Feature / Jeet Heer

Mall of America, 1992.

The Rise and Fall of the Mall The Rise and Fall of the Mall

Alexandra Lange's Meet Me by the Fountain recovers the forgotten past and the still hopeful future of the American shopping mall.

Dec 12, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Melvin Backman

The 1990s Were Meant to Be the End of History—Instead They Birthed the Future

The 1990s Were Meant to Be the End of History—Instead They Birthed the Future The 1990s Were Meant to Be the End of History—Instead They Birthed the Future

Welcome to The Nation’s '90s issue, a heady romp through the decade that set the stage for the present moment.

Dec 12, 2022 / Lizzy Ratner, Regina Mahone, Ludwig Hurtado, and Alana Pockros

Margo Jefferson and the Art of Life

Margo Jefferson and the Art of Life Margo Jefferson and the Art of Life

In her work, especially her new book Constructing a Nervous System, she transforms criticism into an experience one feels in the body, not just the mind.

Dec 9, 2022 / Books & the Arts / Kelton Ellis

The Political Story of Charles Barkley

The Political Story of Charles Barkley The Political Story of Charles Barkley

On this week's episode of the Edge of Sports podcast, Tim Bella joins the show to talk about his new biography of Charles Barkley.

Dec 7, 2022 / Podcast / Dave Zirin

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