Is Cohabitation the Feminist Future?
Stories about women living together are proliferating—and offering alternative visions to the nuclear family.
Books
Introducing The Atlantic’s expanded books coverage: essays, criticism, fiction, poetry, and recommendations from our writers and editors
Peter Hujar’s Photos Are All the Rage. He’d Be Shocked.
A new biography brings the late photographer’s relationship with the artist Paul Thek to vivid life.
If You Want a Better World, Act Like You Live in It
We’ve had Henry David Thoreau the environmentalist, the libertarian, the life coach. To understand his influence, think of him first as a dissident.
The Publishing Mystery That No One Wants to Talk About
A minimally speaking autistic man just wrote a best-selling book. Or did he?
The Paradox of Modern Medicine
Testing has become so advanced that doctors now miss important elements of diagnosis.
What To Read
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Eight of the Most Fascinating Biographies to Read
Each is animated by the author’s love—for their subject, for language, and for pushing the boundaries of what the genre can do.
Six Books That Simply Must Be Talked About
These six books demand discussion—with a pal, a date, or a book club.
Nine Books to Reset Your View of the World
Each of these titles will widen your perspective, offering you original insight and vision.
Seven Books to Read When You Have No Time to Read
These titles are worth picking up, even if you have only a moment to spare.
Newsletter
The Books Briefing
Our culture editors’ weekly guide to the best in books.
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Fiction
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Scars
A short story
Fortunes
A short story
The Honor of the Layward Brothers
A short story
We Are Not One
A short story
The Art Monster Under the Bed
Ella Baxter’s new novel reminds us that mediocrity is far more common than genius.
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.