An obsession with an orphaned sea otter helps Marlene Adelstein process her grief over her Alzheimers-afflicted mom.
Essays & Criticism
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Quotes
The He’s-Got-to-Be-the-Help-Because-He’s-Brown Mistake
Patrick Rosal writes an open letter to a woman who mistook him for a waiter at the National Book Awards.
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction
How Much is Too Much to Save a Dying Cat?
A series of losses prompts s.e. smith to wonder why, if it’s inevitable, we tend to view death as failure.
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Story
How Much is Too Much to Save a Dying Cat?
A series of losses prompts s.e. smith to wonder why, if it’s inevitable, we tend to view death as failure.
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Story
How to Replace a Ghost
En route to a wedding, Alana Massey is haunted by the ghosts of relationships past.
Posted inBlog Post, Essays & Criticism, Nonfiction
An Unapologetic Plea for Your Help Funding More Personal Essays
Longreads’ Essays Editor on the importance of budgeting for personal narratives.
Posted inNonfiction
Language Acquisition
Diana Spechler recalls fleeing her life in New York City for a new one with a painter in his village in central Mexico.
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Story
The Doctor Will See You Now
Sarah Miller eulogizes a close (but not close) relative.
Posted inEditor's Pick, Essays & Criticism, Nonfiction
The Doctor Will See You Now
Sarah Miller eulogizes a close (but not close) relative.
Posted inEssays & Criticism, Nonfiction, Story
Judging Books By Their Covers
Jason Diamond analyzes his obsession with Vintage Contemporaries paperbacks from the 80s.