The Cartoons & Puzzles Issue: Games, Gags, and Brainteasers Galore!

Plus: Hilton Als on the poet Robin Coste Lewis; a Profile of Kevin McCarthy; and the making of Norman Mailer. View in browser | Update your preferences Books Robin Coste Lewis’s Family Album The poet’s new book of photographs and verse is haunted by the dead who will not stay dead. By Hilton Als This Week’s Cover Cover Story Chris Ware’s “Ups and Downs” The artist turns a Q. & A. about his animated cover for the Cartoons & Puzzles Issue into a puzzle of its own. By Françoise Mouly Shop other covers from The New Yorker in the Condé Nast Store » Reporting and Commentary Profiles What Kevin McCarthy Will Do to Gain Power The Republican leader’s ambition has always been his defining characteristic. Attempting to placate both Trumpists and moderates may lead to his downfall. By Jonathan Blitzer Comment Brittney Griner and the Role of Race in Diplomacy Griner’s release recalls the lessons of the effort to free Robert Goodman, an African American Navy navigator, from Syria. By Jelani Cobb The Critics A Critic at Large The Making of Norman Mailer The young man went to war and became a novelist. But did he ever really come back? By David Denby The Current Cinema “Avatar: The Way of Water” Is Split by James Cameron’s Contradictory Instincts In the “Avatar” sequel, Cameron’s two strains—the vegan who wants to plumb the mysteries of nature, and the hard-core weapons guy—are at odds. By Anthony Lane Musical Events Looking Past the Celebrity Conductor Hype is buoying the young phenomenon Klaus Mäkelä, but Xian Zhang, at the New Jersey Symphony, shows a better way forward for the art. By Alex Ross The Theatre “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Some Like It Hot” Bring Blockbuster Energy to the Stage Brilliant casting and a palpable sense of joy make old stories feel new. By Helen Shaw More from the Cartoons & Puzzles Issue Showcase Tragicomic Creatures Great and Small Edward Koren’s lithographs and drawings depict woebegone fantastical animals affected by climate change. By Edward Koren Puzzles & Games Dept. Bagel Shop Solve the puzzle to reveal the hidden cartoon caption. By Patrick Berry Puzzles & Games Dept. Sight Gags Can you decipher the image puzzles and match each movie with its star? By Liz Maynes-Aminzade and Suerynn Lee Puzzles & Games Dept. My Life in Five Guesses or Less Wordle is everywhere, if you’re looking for it. My whole life is a guessing game now, and yours can be, too! By Ellis Rosen and Will Winfree Humor from The New Yorker Shouts & Murmurs R.S.V.P. Regrets Generator I’m sure you’ve been wondering why I couldn’t cancel my [SMALL WHITE LIE] to attend your special day. By Jiji Lee Cartoons from the Issue Cartoons from the Issue Funny drawings from this week’s magazine. Puzzles & Games Dept. The Cover Crossword A mini-puzzle inspired by this issue’s cover. By Paolo Pasco Name Drop Play Today’s Quiz Can you guess the notable person in six clues or fewer? By Matt Jackson More from The New Yorker 2022 in Review The Top Twenty-five New Yorker Stories of 2022 Our most popular pieces reflected the anxieties of the moment—but also the need for levity—and interest in an unusual way to retire. By Michael Luo Replay Argentina vs. France Was the Best World Cup Final I’ve Ever Seen From Lionel Messi’s penalty kick to Kylian Mbappé’s hat trick, the match was stuffed with so many remarkable incidents, so much tension, such dramatic momentum swings, such joy. By Ed Caesar Thanks for reading. Let us know your thoughts about today’s edition. Plus, browse more newsletters and invite a friend to sign up for The Daily. You’re receiving this e-mail because you signed up for This Week's Issue from The New Yorker. Manage your preferences | View our Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2022. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.