On the Horizon: Mid-Year Top Ten 2026

It’s time to start composing my “Mid-Year Top Ten 2026.” Each year at this point, I like to pause, look back, and take stock of my New Yorker reading. I find listing is a good way to do it. I’m not going to reveal my #1 pick just yet. But I’ll give you a hint. It features a weathervane made from an empty soda bottle and some hazard tape. That’s it, no more clues. As it is, I’ve probably given it away. Besides mid-year hasn’t arrived yet. There are two more New Yorkers still to come. Who knows what delightful surprises they might contain. 

On the Horizon: Homage to Hoagland

Edward Hoagland died February 17, 2026, age 93. He’s one of my heroes. As an act of homage, I want to consider some of his best essays. Over the next seven months, I’ll pick seven of them – one per month – and try to express why I like them. A new series then – “Homage to Hoagland” – starting May 10. 

On the Horizon: Mid-Year Top Ten 2025

It’s time to start composing my “Mid-Year Top Ten 2025.” Each year at this point, I like to pause, look back, and take stock of my New Yorker reading. I find listing is a good way to do it. I’m not going to reveal my #1 pick just yet. But I’ll give you a hint. It features a flock of birds. That’s it, no more clues. As it is, I’ve probably given it away. Besides mid-year hasn’t arrived yet. There are two more New Yorkers still to come. Who knows what delightful surprises they might contain.