Tessa Hadley on gaining the sense of authority she needed to write fiction, the authors whose work opens the door for her to write, and the way we are formed by our connections with other people.
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The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week, we’re sharing stories from Renee Montagne and Nina Martin, Michael Hobbes, Rebecca Traister, Naima Coster, and Kristen Roupenian.
Dawn of Dianetics: L. Ron Hubbard, John W. Campbell, and the Origins of Scientology
Read an excerpt adapted from Alec Nevala-Lee’s book, Astounding.
How Nan Talese Blazed Her Pioneering Path through the Publishing Boys’ Club
A fascinating profile of Nan Talese, a trail-blazer in publishing, and one-half of one of the most interesting, highly public marriages in history. The piece comes just as her husband, famously non-monogamous Thy Neighbor’s Wife author Gay Talese, prepares to write a book about their long, complicated, and very flexible union.
How the Meat Industry Thinks About Non-Meat-Eaters
The Atlantic talks to the editor of a meat industry trade publication about American meat production and publishing for a niche reader.
If the Rich Really Want To ‘Do Good,’ They Should Become Class Traitors Like FDR
“Winners Take All” is an indictment of the insular, Disneyfied world of Ted Talks, “thought leaders” and philanthropy as self-help for rich people. But does it go far enough?
The High Cost of Becoming a Writer as a Single Mom
Stephanie Land endured poverty, loneliness, and more to pursue her dream of being a writer.
The Only Downside to Lower Infant-Mortality Rates? All Those Baby Books
When you don’t need to worry about the big things, you can start obsessing over the small ones.
The Lasting Effects of the Lolita Complex
Lacy Warner examines the downward turn of actress Dominique Swain’s career, and how the trouble began the moment she grew up.
We Have Always Lived in the House
In the face of tragic loss, Victoria Comella searches for the home she left behind, only to find it seventeen years later in the last place she expected.

