He Was Hugely Influential. He Also Had a Foolish Streak.
A recent biography of the writer John Berger reminds us about his hefty influence—and how he could be blinkered by his convictions.
What To Read
Books
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An Adaptation That’s Both ‘Excellent’ and ‘Bizarre’
Lincoln in the Bardo is a bold novel that has rightfully inspired inventive adaptations.
Forget Grit
Even the luminaries of the self-help genre have begun to recognize how little in life we can actually control.
The Rise of the Sexy-Cozy Autumn Read
It’s spooky season. Time to read … romance?
Fiction
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The Guardians
A short story
Disunion
A short story
I Heard You Singing
A short story
The Wisdom of Holden Caulfield
Beneath all the alienation, The Catcher in the Rye, which turns 75 this year, has a surprisingly hopeful—and ethical—outlook.
The Five Best Books to Read Before an Election
These titles might lend readers a new perspective ahead of November 5.
Eight Nonfiction Books That Will Frighten You
These eight titles are some of the best the true-crime genre has to offer.
Six Political Memoirs Worth Reading
Hackish campaign memoirs shouldn’t indict the entire genre—there are truly excellent books written about power from the inside.
Seven True Stories That Read Like Thrillers
These immersive works of journalism follow ordinary Americans facing long odds.
Six Books That Feel Like Watching a Movie
Writing can share the thrill of movies by dissolving the physical limitations of the page.
Five Books That Conjure Entirely New Worlds
The best-written stories can make readers feel as if they have passed through mundane states of being and been brought over to another universe.
Seven Books That Demystify Human Behavior
Other people can be baffling; these titles attempt to unravel a bit of their mystery.
What to Read When You Want to Quit
These titles help readers think through pressing questions about modern employment—including whether it’s time to walk away.
Seven Books That Will Change How You Watch the Olympics
These titles will allow you to view the competition with a new appreciation.
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Eight Books That Will Inspire You to Move Your Body
Athleticism, exercise, and sports all lend themselves to heightened narrative stakes, and writers know this well.