Donate

Books

In this photo provided by The Federation Council of The Federal Assembly of The Russian Federation Press Service, lawmakers of Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation listen to the national anthem at a session in Moscow, Russi

In Russia, a novel about a summer romance between two men sparks outrage

LGBTQ

Novels about queer topics have been pulled from bookstores in Russia under a recent law that bans all mention of LGBTQ life in popular culture. It’s part of a regional crackdown against novelists and poets.

Residents listen from a bench, background, as Percibald García reads children's books aloud outside the high-rise buildings in the Tlatelolco housing complex, in Mexico City, on July 18, 2020.

This Mexico City architect transformed an empty public square into a storytelling stage

COVID-19
(L) The cover of "American Dirt" and (R) author Jeanine Cummins.

‘American Dirt’ reveals identity bias in publishing industry, critics say

Books
a teacher reads a book to a group of student.

The life and inspiration of Dr. Seuss

Arts, Culture & Media
A painted portrait of Christopher Columbus' son, Hernando Colón,

Christopher Columbus’ son’s universal library is newly rediscovered in this lost tome

Books
Michael (Pierre Png) and Astrid (Gemma Chan)

How to get beyond a tourist fantasy of Singapore

Media

Watching ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ this week? Here are some other perspectives on the island — that go beyond the uber-rich narrative.

Fans pose with "Fifty Shades of Grey" paraphernalia at the film's UK premiere in London in 2015.

Blushing fifty shades of red

Arts, Culture & Media

If “Fifty Shades of Grey” is such a bestseller, who’s actually reading it?

Joe Klein

Arts, Culture & Media

Kurt and novelist Joe Klein discuss the public’s perception of the modern presidency.

Special Guest: Adam Gopnik

Arts, Culture & Media

Kurt introduces special guest New Yorker critic and author Adam Gopnik.

The Writer’s Journey

Arts, Culture & Media

Christopher Vogler, author of The Writer’s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers, on the parallels between the writing process and the hero’s narrative.

Latest Episode

“To Me, This Is The Right Thing To Do”: California Governor Halts State’s Executions