“In 2017, I decided to solve a longtime mystery about my family. It led me to a controversial pastime that consumes thousands—and has changed untold lives.”
Slate
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Showcasing stories from Will Leitch, Abrahm Lustgarten, Hayley Campbell, Tony Ho Tran, and Kim Cross.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Getting the Spark Back
“Dating apps destroyed in-person romance. Now they’re trying to revive it.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Fear and Hope in Springfield, Ohio
“After Donald Trump repeated rumors that immigrants here are eating cats and dogs, I came to town for the weekend. Proud Boys greeted me.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Her Dad Was the BTK Killer. Their Daughter Was Gabby Petito. Why Would They Ever Agree to This?
“America obsessed over the murders that ravaged their families. How did they end up stuck in that loop forever?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
What Happened to Ice Cube?
“He once meant everything to Black kids like me. His descent in the Trump years is a grim reminder of what we’ve lost.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
The Strange Saga of ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’
“The racist 1980s comedy broke box-office records worldwide—then promptly disappeared. The story behind it is revealing.”
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
This week we’re recommending stories by Moira Donegan, Danyel Smith, Dan Kois, Michael Aylwin, and Becky Ferreira.
Posted inEditor's Pick
Huge in Palm Springs
“An unlikely statue has become a rich-person controversy for the ages. In the California desert, I found out why.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
We’re So Back
“The ‘get-your-ex-back’ industry is booming. It really shouldn’t be.”