“When I moved to Billtown, I worried most about whether fracking tainted groundwater. By the time I left the area, my biggest concern was whether the liberty granted to citizens to lease their land, or to otherwise act in ways that limits others’ access to environmental goods, taints democracy.”
Books
When Refugee Families are Separated, Women Carry the Burden
The story of a Somali family uprooted by war and separated by America’s broken refugee resettlement system — and the siblings who brought them back together.
Why Bumblebees Love Cats and Other Beautiful Relationships
On the wonders and benefits of natural relationships and what happens when humans meddle with the delicate balance between species.
The Powerful Decide
What makes good or bad design happen anywhere depends on who has the most power.
‘The Sea and Sky Decide What They Will Allow’
“I’m working on a book about Arctic explorers, and that means swimming in a sea of sorrow.”
The Grieving Landscape
Upon discovering that her mother had been a member of the group Women Strike For Peace (WSP), Heidi Hutner becomes obsessed with feminist nuclear history.
This Week in Books: Farewell Longreads! I’m Taking This Rodeo to Substack.
To read my “This Week in Books” newsletter in the future, follow me on substack.
Palliative Brownies
“I grew up in the grip of the epidemic, maturing as people I adored as surrogate aunties and uncles fell ill and vanished from our lives.”
This Week in Books: We’ve All Been Briefed
“They have washed their hands for you. / And they take the bus home.” —Jericho Brown
This Week in Books: Pain and Power
“And it will hurt, but we won’t be the ones doing all of the feeling, finally.” -Harmony Holiday