When the Author You Love Writes a Novel You Don’t
Discovering the work of Mary Gaitskill was like a revelation for the writer. Which is what makes her disappointment with Gaitskill's new novel, 'The Mare,' so hard for her to fathom.
First Person
When Did Black Folks Stop Loving Our Children?
Some of the harshest reactions to the Spring Valley high-school girl who was brutalized in the classroom came from a most surprising source: other Black people. This writer explains why.
Do We Have to Get Married?
You love each other. You move in together—which is a prelude to a wedding, right? This writer thought so, until the myth of holy matrimony was exploded by her grandparents' relationship.
I Wasn’t Supposed to Get Breast Cancer
This mother of a young daughter thought cancer was something that happened to other people. Until, at 42, she was diagnosed with the disease and her life became one of befores and afters.
I Donated My Dead Body to Give My Life Purpose
At 40, the writer—single, childless, and employed but not career bound—secretly feared dying alone having accomplished little. So she decided to do something about it. (But not today.)
We Need All Women To “Shout Their Abortions”
Terminating my pregnancy has made my life possible. Talking about it openly when Planned Parenthood’s funding is being threatened has never been more important.
To Squat or Not to Squat? (That Really Is the Question)
At 47, the writer has made peace with the fact that no amount of healthy dieting and working out will help her lose weight. So why does she do it?
Is There a “Right” Way to Teach Children About Guns?
For some Americans, feelings about firearms can be complicated. But for mothers, including this writer, fearing their deadly consequences is not.
I Wish My Mother Were Here to See Pope Francis
The Pope’s first U.S. visit inspires the “SNL” alum to reflect on the most influential person in her life: her late mother, a woman who spent years reconciling her feminism with her Catholic faith.