Jessica Miglio / HBO / Everett CollectionThe First Draft of Cultural HistoryLena Dunham’s new memoir is a fascinating primary source of Hollywood in the 2010s.Boris KachkaApril 17, 2026
Illustration by James Lee Chiachan. Source: Bettmann / Getty.If You Want a Better World, Act Like You Live in ItWe’ve had Henry David Thoreau the environmentalist, the libertarian, the life coach. To understand his influence, think of him first as a dissident.Gal BeckermanApril 16, 2026
Illustration by The AtlanticThe Publishing Mystery That No One Wants to Talk AboutA minimally speaking autistic man just wrote a best-selling book. Or did he?Daniel EngberApril 15, 2026
David Avazzadeh / Connected ArchivesSix Books That Simply Must Be Talked AboutThese six books demand discussion—with a pal, a date, or a book club.Rhian SasseenMarch 10, 2026
Illustration by Paul Spella / The Atlantic. Source: Getty.Nine Books to Reset Your View of the WorldEach of these titles will widen your perspective, offering you original insight and vision.Deb Olin UnferthFebruary 25, 2026
Illustration by Pat ThomasSeven Books to Read When You Have No Time to ReadThese titles are worth picking up, even if you have only a moment to spare.Bekah WaalkesFebruary 3, 2026
Illustration by Li Anne Liew for The AtlanticSix Books You Can Get Lost InThese novels highlight the power—both good and bad—of unchecked fantasizing.Erin SomersJanuary 6, 2026