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New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Books

4 LGBTQ+ novels Trump doesn’t want you to read

4 LGBTQ+ novels Trump doesn’t want you to read

Amid a national push for censorship, engaging with LGBTQ+ literature is more vital than ever.
Taylor Morgan, Contributing Writer February 19, 2025

Late last month, the Department of Education called Biden’s book ban initiative — which worked to fight book bannings and prevent them from violating the students’civil rights...

(Charlotte Nichols for WSN)

Review: From the battles to the bedroom, ‘Onyx Storm’ was rushed and unsatisfying

“Onyx Storm” is another example of an underdeveloped romantasy novel.
Ciara Lang, Contributing Writer February 11, 2025

After waiting almost a year and a half for the third book in Rebecca Yarros’ “Empyrean” series, I almost didn’t want to buy it — my anger and confusion from the second...

(Kiara Mujica for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: Essays about the ’60s, stories about body horror and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“The White Album” by Joan Didion “We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” I have been praying at the altar of Joan Didion since I was a melancholic...

The 5 most anticipated reads of 2025

The 5 most anticipated reads of 2025

This year, some amazing authors and characters are set to make their return to the bookshelves. Here are five books that you can look forward to in 2025.
Aratrika Banerjee, Contributing Writer February 7, 2025

Each year, there are numerous exciting new books to look out for and far too many to keep track of. Here is a list of authors with upcoming 2025 releases that have all made...

(Kyra Reilley for WSN)

5 budget-friendly ways to consume books

Reading can be an expensive hobby — but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some ways to save money while keeping up with your reading goals.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor January 28, 2025

One of my guilty pleasures is walking through a bookstore, browsing the stacks for hours and leaving with a new book. But when the average price of a paperback book is almost 20...

(Allina Xiao for WSN)

Books beyond Bobst: An Irish novella, a historical fantasy book and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.

“Foster” by Claire Keegan “And that is when he puts his arms around me and gathers me into them as though I were his own.” “Foster,” a short little book by...

Many pink and yellow books stacked on top of each other, with “MMXXIV” written on one side of the book in the middle and “STAFF LIST!” written on the other.

Staff Recs: The best books we read this year

The staff of WSN shares their favorite reads from 2024.
WSN Staff December 13, 2024

As the year comes to a close, the WSN staff is reflecting on the best books we read in 2024. From old classics to new releases to academic texts, we all read a lot. Alexa Donovan,...

A photo of a half green and white book cover with a cat, three chairs and three mugs on a table. Displayed is the title “Before we forget kindness, a novel" and the author’s name “TOSHIKAZU KAWAGUCHI.”

Review: The comforting magic of ‘Before We Forget Kindness’

The latest book in Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s popular series “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” is the ultimate dose of whimsy and escapism.
Jasmin Rostamirad, Contributing Writer December 6, 2024

Some people consume media for the thrill — they relish the suspense of a mystery novel, the action in an adventure movie or the high-stakes climax of a teen drama. Personally,...

Two greyscale photos of women, with “DIDION” at the top, an ampersand in the middle and “BABITZ” at the bottom. The one above holds a cigarette and the one below looks over her sunglasses.

Q&A: Lili Anolik on literary ‘It’ girls Joan Didion and Eve Babitz

The journalist discusses her book, “Didion and Babitz”, which delves into the tumultuous relationship between the two writers, from their beginnings in Vogue and Rolling Stone to their deaths.
Julia Diorio, Arts Editor December 4, 2024

Lili Anolik is unapologetically in love with Eve Babitz, and she makes no attempt to hide it. Her profile on Babitz in Vanity Fair pushed Babitz into the spotlight, a space once...

Four illustrations of different book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: 2 collections of feminist essays, a critique of U.S. foreign policy and more

Books beyond Bobst is a book-rec column highlighting what NYU students are reading now, outside of their classes. If you’re in need of a new read, look no further.
Alexa Donovan, Mehr Kotval, Yezen Saadah and Eva Mundo December 2, 2024

“On Womanhood: Bodies, Literature, Choice” by Sophie Gilbert  “But the ability to shape the narrative in our own terms is a transformative one, as so many of the subjects...

A man with glasses and a mustache wearing a blue jacket stands in front of the McDonald’s golden arches.

Mapping out McDonald’s

Through riveting photos and reporting, “McAtlas” by CAS alum and James Beard Award-winning photojournalist Gary He shows how McDonald’s is a portrait of humanity.
Jason Alpert-Wisnia, Senior Staff Photographer December 2, 2024

There’s nothing quite as synonymous with American culture as fast food chains, and none as notorious as McDonald's. The golden arches have become so synonymous with America that...

A collage of four illustrations of book covers.

4 books about food and family to dive into over Thanksgiving break

These books will remind you of the complexities of familial relationships and leave you feeling grateful for the people in your life and the meals you share together.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor November 22, 2024

For some people, family is a source of joy, support and comfort. For others, it’s more complicated. Food, especially during the holidays, has the potential to bring families...