My brother’s murder and its aftermath.
tragedy
Could the Girls of Camp Mystic Have Been Saved?
“Dozens died in a Texas flood, dividing families over whether it was an act of God or adult failure.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
In this edition: a father’s grief; a commuter’s concern; a decision’s consequences; a teen’s hobby; and a sports fan’s hidden haven.
The Texas Artist You Hope to Never Meet
“Self-trained muralist Roberto Marquez creates public art after mass shootings and other tragedies. Unfortunately for everyone, he’s been very busy.”
The Himalayan Tragedy That Forever Changed Mountaineering
“In 1976, Nanda Devi Unsoeld, the daughter of legendary alpinist Willi Unsoeld, died while climbing the massive Indian peak for which she was named.”
10 Years After Sandy Hook, a Family Finds Bits of Joy Amid Shards of Pain
“To Hensel, one of the big things about marking 10 years, is making it 10 years.”
The Enduring Legacy of Elijah McClain’s Tragic Death
“In summer 2020, the nation’s attention turned to the killing of a 23-year-old Aurora man. His death prompted a flood of more than 8,500 letters from outside the state of Colorado—all begging Governor Jared Polis for justice. We read every one.”
Shark Attacks in Maine Were Unthinkable — Until Last Summer
“Last year’s first-ever fatal shark attack jolted Mainers into acknowledging that great whites regularly swim off the state’s shores — and that there’s plenty about them we don’t know.”
‘Joe Biden Reeks of Decency’
“Joey is going to be President someday. He was made to be in the White House. There is no one else who can lead the country. Just you wait and see.”
Call and Response: Roxane Gay Reflects on Tragedy
Roxane Gay examines her own feelings on tragedy and atrocity and in doing so, helps us find compassion in grief and anger.
