In an excerpt from “The Library Book” — inspired by a historic California library fire — Susan Orlean challenges her respect for the printed word with a match and a copy of ‘Fahrenheit 451.’
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Posted inBooks, Editor's Pick, First Chapters, Nonfiction
How to Burn a Book
In an excerpt from ‘The Library Book’ — inspired by a historic California library fire — Susan Orlean challenges her respect for the printed word with a match and a copy of ‘Fahrenheit 451.’
Posted inBooks, Crime, Current Events, Highlight, Nonfiction, Quotes, Writing
‘Can You Imagine How That Felt?’: Blake Bailey’s Predations, As Told By His Students
The inside story of author Blake Bailey’s grooming of middle-school girls.
Posted inBooks, First Chapters, Nonfiction, Story
How to Burn a Book
In an excerpt from ‘The Library Book’ — inspired by a historic California library fire — Susan Orlean challenges her respect for the printed word with a match and a copy of ‘Fahrenheit 451.’
Posted inStory
The Ugly History of Beautiful Things: Orchids
Sometimes a flower is just a flower, and sometimes it’s a powerful vehicle for giving free rein to our worst colonialist and misogynist impulses.
Posted inBooks, Commentary
The Longreads 2018 Holiday Gift Book Guide
We’ve made a catalog of books we featured in 2018 that we think would make great gifts.
Posted inBooks, Commentary
The Longreads 2019 Holiday Gift Book Guide
Let Longreads help you with your holiday shopping! We’ve made a catalog of books we featured in 2019 that we think would make great gifts for everyone on your list.
Posted inNonfiction
Just a Spoonful of Siouxsie
Surviving seventh grade with a practically perfect punk nanny.
Posted inAuthor Notes, Blog Post, Nonfiction, Profiles & Interviews
How to Report on the Life of a 13-Year-Old
There must be few journalistic feats more difficult than getting inside the head of a teenager. But with “13, Right Now,” Washington Post staff writer Jessica Contrera joins the ranks of reporters who have skillfully chronicled the lives of children and teens, including Susan Orlean (read her classic Esquire piece, “The American Man, Age 10”) and more […]
Posted inEditor's Pick
What Makes the “Lion Whisperer” Roar?
Susan Orlean profiles “Lion Whisperer” Kevin Richardson, who has dedicated his life to the ethical conservation of lions.
