In this edition: Bear bones, outstanding Outkast, Brightline’s brutality, lasting lunches, ruin ruminations, and more.
The Bitter Southerner
Posted inEditor's Pick
Life and Death at the County Fair
“During annual pilgrimages to my hometown carnival, I never fail to find meaning among the doughnut burgers, feather boas, and iridescent dragons.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
All Praise to the Lunch Ladies
“Blessed are the women who watch over America’s children. “
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Showcasing stories from Jelani Cobb, Taylor Lorenz, Jack Shafer, and Max Tani; Nylah Iqbal Muhammad; Irina Dumitrescu; Leo Robson; and Caitlin Moran.
Posted inEditor's Pick
An Optimistic Quest in Apocalyptic Times
“Navigating an uncertain future by connecting to Mother Earth.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
We Salted Nannie: A Real-Life Southern Ghost Story
“Nannie, and the land around her, was thoroughly haunted. In less than a year we would break the lease, perform a binding ritual, and leave.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Arroz Imperial and the Taste Of Regret
“Miami’s famous casserole is a dish meant to be shared. (That’s where I went wrong.)”
Posted inEditor's Pick
My 24 Guitars
“Music was hazardous in my family, yet I couldn’t help playing—even in my sleep.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
For the Living of These Days
“Every summer, locals reenact the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tennessee, where Prosecutor William Jennings Bryan remains something of a hero. I wanted to see for myself why this story still resonates.”
Posted inCuration
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Recommending stories from Mariana Serapicos, Camille Bromley, Devon Fredericksen, Georgia Brown, and Sarah Golibart Gorman.