Books
'Hacking Darwin' Explores Genetic Engineering — And What It Means To Be Human
The waters of genetic meddling are murky; in a new book, technology futurist Jamie Metzl reviews where we've been in the past as a guideline for where we might be headed.
The Curious Ways We Find (And Lose) Our Way
Thanks to smartphone technology, a sense of direction is just a click away. But what happens to the brain when we outsource our navigational skills? Do apps gained mean literacy
'Moneyland' Reveals How Oligarchs, Kleptocrats And Crooks Stash Fortunes
Journalist Oliver Bullough runs kleptocracy tours in London, in which he points out mansions bought by corrupt foreign leaders and oligarchs. Moneyland describes their secretive transnational world.
David Carr's Daughter On The 'Grand Caper' Of Life, And The Grief Of Loss
Erin Lee Carr says her father's death "is the most profound loss I will ever experience." Carr's new memoir about family, addiction, mentorship and memory is called All That You Leave Behind.
These High Schoolers Have A Passion For 'Poetry Out Loud'
The Poetry Out Loud contest is kind of like a poetry spelling bee. Kids from across the country compete at reciting their chosen poems, and the winner takes home a prize of $20,000.
'Lie With Me' Captures The Wistfulness Of First Love, And First Loss
Philippe Besson's novel — ably translated from the French by Molly Ringwald — chronicles a painful teenaged heartbreak, followed by grown-up ennui. It's a well-worn but very well-told tale.
For 'Juliet The Maniac,' Healing Had To Come From Within
Juliet Escoria's autobiographical novel is a heartfelt, raw story about surviving mental illness and learning to cope with inner demons. It's not a comfortable read — but it is a powerful one.
What Don't You Talk About With Your Mom?
A book of essays from a diverse, accomplished array of writers reveals the ways our mothers fail us and we fail them — and poses the question of how much a tough conversation could close those rifts.
For National Poetry Month, Perspectives On Poetry, Identity And Inspiration
April is the most poetic month, and we're celebrating by asking poets Hanif Abdurraqib, Yanyi, and Franny Choi to talk about what inspires them to write, and how poetry helps express identity.