The Strangeness of Grief

V. S. Naipaul reckons with loss. Plus: The new frontiers of digital dating and a radical restaging of “West Side Story.” View in browser | Update your preferences Personal History The Strangeness of Grief A writer reckons with the different forms of loss. By V. S. Naipaul Culture and More Comma Queen An Instant Classic About Learning Ancient Greek In “La Lingua Geniale,” Andrea Marcolongo wrote about classical Greek while young and freshly enamored of the beauty, economy, and subtlety of the language. By Mary Norris Culture Desk Bond Touch Bracelets and the New Frontiers of Digital Dating A buzz from the bracelet is meant to impart the same message as a shoulder squeeze or a gaze across the room at a party: “I’m here, and I’m thinking about you.” By Carrie Battan Video Dept. The Spicy, Transformative Condiment Chhonk The food writer Priya Krishna reflects on her Indian-American upbringing as she re-creates the flavorful condiment that enlivened her childhood meals. By The New Yorker Books The Asian-American Canon Breakers Proudly embracing their role as outsiders, a group of writer-activists set out to create a cultural identity—and a literature—of their own. By Hua Hsu From the Archives A Critic at Large Improving Ourselves to Death What the self-help gurus and their critics reveal about our times. By Alexandra Schwartz From the Magazine Miami Postcard A Street Artist Goes Corporate Shepard Fairey, who designed the “HOPE” portrait of Obama, has gotten in legal trouble for his guerrilla art. His latest project? A solo show at a venue sponsored by Citibank. By Sheila Marikar Portfolio A Radical Restaging of “West Side Story” In the new Broadway production, avant-garde choreography incorporates salsa and hip-hop. By Collier Schorr Humor from The New Yorker Daily Shouts How to Mindfully Break Up with Your Meditation App We’ve shared incredible memories, like that time I had a panic attack in the 7-Eleven parking lot after I found out my ex was already in a serious relationship. By Julia Edelman and Olivia de Recat Daily Cartoon Thursday, January 2nd By Jon Adams Sign up for more newsletters from The New Yorker. Visit The New Yorker shop. Question about your subscription? Contact Customer Care. New Yorker digital subscribers get unlimited access to everything on newyorker.com. Log in to your account here. We’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please send your thoughts and suggestions to TNYinbox@newyorker.com. This e-mail was sent to you by The New Yorker. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, NewYorker@newsletters.newyorker.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2019. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.