Books and Ideas

Jenny Zhang’s Goo Aesthetics

Jenny Zhang’s Goo Aesthetics Jenny Zhang’s Goo Aesthetics

Her poems, fiction, and essays are visceral and tactile explorations of the body and immigrant identity.

Jul 6, 2020 / Ana Cecilia Alvarez

Jon Fosse’s Existential Doppelgängers

Jon Fosse’s Existential Doppelgängers Jon Fosse’s Existential Doppelgängers

In the Norwegian author’s hypnotic novel The Other Name, two men come face to face with the limits of art and life.

Jul 2, 2020 / Dustin Illingworth

How Did Police Unions Get So Powerful?

How Did Police Unions Get So Powerful? How Did Police Unions Get So Powerful?

Police unions are on the defensive for perhaps the first time since their formation. It’s been a long time coming.

Jul 2, 2020 / Ross Barkan

Trump

Temper, Temper Temper, Temper

With SCOTUS rulings seen as Trump defeats, Trump answered with a burst of angry tweets. At West Point, he prepared to look like Caesar. Instead his ramp walk showed a fragile geeze…

Jun 30, 2020 / Column / Calvin Trillin

The Past and Future of Latinx Politics

The Past and Future of Latinx Politics The Past and Future of Latinx Politics

Two new books look at the history of Latinx Democrats and Republicans and the role each will play in the future.

Jun 30, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Ed Morales

Tom Tomorrow cartoon

As the Pandemic Rages On, the Right Continues Playing Dumb As the Pandemic Rages On, the Right Continues Playing Dumb

Some people really want “I miss Aunt Jemima” to be the hill they die on.

Jun 30, 2020 / Tom Tomorrow

Maria Reva’s Mordant and Profound Fiction

Maria Reva’s Mordant and Profound Fiction Maria Reva’s Mordant and Profound Fiction

In her short story collection, Good Citizens Need Not Fear, Reva documents the chaos, joy, and serendipity of life before and after the fall of the Soviet Union.

Jun 29, 2020 / Books & the Arts / Jennifer Wilson

Lee Statue

Let’s Stop Putting the Worst Americans on a Pedestal Let’s Stop Putting the Worst Americans on a Pedestal

As statues fall, we should look to the parts of our history worth celebrating.

Jun 25, 2020 / Column / Katha Pollitt

British police

It’s Time to Disarm the Police It’s Time to Disarm the Police

It can be done. Just look at London!

Jun 25, 2020 / D.D. Guttenplan

Between Mystery and Social Democracy: A Journey Through Scandinavian Crime Novels

Between Mystery and Social Democracy: A Journey Through Scandinavian Crime Novels Between Mystery and Social Democracy: A Journey Through Scandinavian Crime Novels

We talked to Wendy Lesser about her new book Scandinavian Noir: In Pursuit of a Mystery and just why this regional genre continues to strike a chord.  

Jun 24, 2020 / Q&A / Rachel Monroe

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