What We’re Reading to Start the New Year

Plus: direct democracy comes to America; requiem for a refugee camp; and why can’t you just deal with it? View in browser | Update your preferences Wednesday, January 1, 2025 In today’s newsletter, good company for the days ahead, and then: • Direct democracy comes to America • Requiem for a refugee camp • Why can’t you just deal with it? Page-Turner What We’re Reading to Start the New Year New Yorker writers and contributors on the books they’re ringing in 2025 with. By The New Yorker Our journalism relies on your support. If you believe in fearless, fair, and fact-checked reporting, please subscribe today. Subscribe now The Lede Reporting and commentary on what you need to know today. What Could Citizens’ Assemblies Do for American Politics? Photograph by Joe Kline / NYT / Redux An Oregon county is looking for solutions to youth homelessness—so it convened a random selection of residents to come up with ideas. Nick Romeo reports on the prospects for direct democracy. Read the story » Editor’s Pick Essay Requiem for a Refugee Camp In October, 2023, I could not imagine anything worse than the destruction in Jabalia refugee camp. But what is happening now outstrips anything I saw there. By Mosab Abu Toha If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please share it. Was it forwarded to you? Sign up. Joshua Rothman Why Can’t You Just Deal with It? Illustration by Josie Norton Failing to tackle some of life’s problems can be a matter of procrastination. But how should we handle the bigger challenges “when a lot is being asked of us and we’re not rising to the occasion”? Read the column » Open Questions, which explores what it means to be human, publishes every Tuesday. Fun & Games Dept. Crossword A Themed Puzzle So much to say. By Adam Aaronson Daily Cartoon Wednesday, January 1st By Joline Jourdain Name Drop: Can you guess the identity of a notable person—contemporary or historical—in six clues? Play a quiz from our archive » P.S. As you face down January, revisit “Out the Window,” a personal history by the poet Donald Hall. It begins in the wintry month and reflects on growing older in the house where generations of his family grew old before him. “When I lament and darken over my diminishments, I accomplish nothing,” he writes. “It’s better to sit at the window all day, pleased to watch birds, barns, and flowers.” 🪺 What did you think of today’s newsletter? Let us know. If you like the daily newsletter, browse more New Yorker newsletters. You’re receiving this e-mail because you signed up for the daily newsletter from The New Yorker. Manage your preferences | View our Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe Copyright © Condé Nast 2024. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.