What to Read Now

Stories of giving and of appreciating everyday wonders will warm hearts and teach valuable lessons this holiday season.

By Jennifer Hubert Swan

Memoirists and scholars explore the issue at every level, from the origins of the war on crime to what comes after “broken windows.”

By Sam Adler-Bell

Journalists and scholars explore the issue at every level, from the legacy of Cold War coups to the vulnerable lives caught up in a tangled system.

By Miguel Salazar

Journalists and scholars explore the issue at every level, from the movement that took down Roe to the human stories of women who had abortions, and those who were denied.

By Mattie Kahn

The brightest minds explore the issue at every level, from the levers that control inflation to the best way to achieve work-life balance.

By Jason Furman

Gripping histories, cleareyed memoirs and satirical fiction can help you make sense of our political moment.

By Alexander Nazaryan

Looking to dip your toe into horror this Halloween season? Entry-level thrills by Shirley Jackson, Victor LaValle and T. Kingfisher are a good place to start.

By Emily C. Hughes

Oral histories and rollicking memoirs by former “S.N.L.” cast members like Molly Shannon and Leslie Jones take you behind the scenes of the comedy juggernaut.

By Dave Itzkoff

These terrifying tales by the likes of Stephen King and Shirley Jackson are more than good reads: They’ll freak you out, too.

By Calum Marsh

How do you explain the democratic process to future voters? Start with these lively picture books and compelling histories.

By Travis Jonker