Red, White, and Bruised

When Donald Trump and the GOP Convention arrive in Cleveland, they will find a city with a long history of violent outbursts, racial tension—and brushes with fascism. In short, the perfect stage for the 2016 presidential campaign. Kyle Swenson explores the history of his hometown.

Source: Longreads
Published: Jul 13, 2016
Length: 13 minutes (3,440 words)

Was Diane Arbus the Most Radical Photographer of the 20th Century?

With a new biography out and a Met exhibit, Alex Mar reassesses the legacy of photographer Diane Arbus, whose personal life has often overshadowed her stunning, trail-blazing images.

Author: Alex Mar
Published: Jul 13, 2016
Length: 20 minutes (5,167 words)

The FBI, My Husband, and Me

Journalist Shirley Streshinsky recounts how J. Edgar Hoover targeted her husband, photojournalist Ted Streshinsky, in attempts to label him a Soviet spy.

Published: Jul 13, 2016
Length: 25 minutes (6,351 words)

The ISIS Correspondent

A fascinating discussion with Rukmini Callimachi, The New York Times reporter on the al Qaeda and ISIS beat. The interview reveals the very human aspects of a reporter who is dedicated to revealing the very human aspects of terrorists.

Source: Slate
Published: Jul 12, 2016
Length: 23 minutes (5,984 words)

When Will the Nose Have Its Beauty Moment

“Beauty is so frequently about an erasure of history, of ethnicity, and it’s no wonder we’re still trying to hide our noses.” Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgeries in the U.S. When will we love our noses just the way they are?

Source: BuzzFeed
Published: Jul 12, 2016
Length: 17 minutes (4,441 words)

The Fat and the Furious: 2 Fat 2 Furious

A writer recounts a horrifying episode of fat hatred, and the inner monologue that followed.

Source: King of States!
Published: Jul 12, 2016
Length: 6 minutes (1,600 words)

Six Writers on the Genius of Marcel Proust

On the occasion of the French author’s 145th birthday, LitHub invites six authors to sing his praises, and explain why his work remains essential reading. Siri Hustvedt, Edmund White, André Aciman, Francine Prose, Aleksandar Hemon, and Daniel Mendelsohn all weigh in.

Author: Editors
Source: Literary Hub
Published: Jul 12, 2016
Length: 9 minutes (2,416 words)

The Resilience of Cities

From the ruin porn of Detroit to China’s ghost towns, images of failed growth haunt our imaginations. Darran Anderson argues that humanity is robust enough to survive its own poor planning.

Source: White Noise
Published: May 22, 2016
Length: 8 minutes (2,210 words)

Tudor’s Biscuit World Is the Best Thing About West Virginia

“If I wanted to, I could use Tudor’s to construct some kind of positive metaphor for the state: The place is simple, friendly, and good—but perhaps another reason I don’t write much about where I’m from is that I find it a mostly futile enterprise.”

Source: Eater
Published: Jun 29, 2016
Length: 12 minutes (3,133 words)

Walking While Black

When he moved from Jamaica to the US, writer Garnette Cadogan had to relearn how to navigate city streets.

Source: LitHub
Published: Jul 8, 2016
Length: 17 minutes (4,271 words)