This month’s books newsletter is a bundle of contradictions, a cornucopia of counterintuitions.
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Wonderful Things: The Kid Creole and the Coconuts Story
Combining island sounds with stylish clothes and an unforgettable stage presence, one of New York City’s most original bands helped influence 1980s pop culture, and they never sacrificed their unclassifiable artistic vision.
It’s Time To Talk About Solar Geoengineering
We need to start talking about seemingly drastic approaches to the climate crisis, such as sun-dimming aerosols, right now — or we risk losing democratic control of the process.
Regarding the Interpretation of Others
When attempting to write a review of the official Susan Sontag biography, our reviewer finds himself on shaky ground after learning new information about the author.
Above It All: How the Court Got So Supreme
Secrecy and speechifying, collegiality and hierarchy, exceptionalism and opulence on the Supreme Court.
Why Some Protected Natural Areas Should Remain Off-Limits
One of the best ways to protect the world’s oldest, largest trees is to conceal their location.
Shapes of Native Nonfiction: ‘The Basket Isn’t a Metaphor, It’s an Example’
The editors of “Shapes of Native Nonfiction” talk about the craft of writing, the politics of metaphor, and resisting the exploitation of trauma.
RomCon: Our Failure to See Black Romantic Comedies
Despite the growing popularity of black romcoms, they remain segregated in public perception due to cultural white-washing.
Longreads Best of 2018: Sports Writing
We asked writers and editors to choose some of their favorite stories of the year in various categories. Here is the best in sports writing.
Twenty-Eight Days on the John Muir Trail
During a month hiking Muir’s “Range of Light,” three young women traversed snowy mountain passes, ran out of food, confronted a gendered wilderness, and learned to deal with each other.
