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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

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...

A collage of four illustrations of book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: An activist’s self-help book, a new Percy Jackson novel 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.

“Writers & Lovers” by Lily King “There’s a particular feeling in your body when something goes right after a long time of things going wrong. It feels warm and...

An illustration of four book covers. “The Art Thief,” “A Certain Hunger,” “Knife,” and “The Nightingale” are depicted.

Books beyond Bobst: An artsy true crime book, a novel about a woman eating her lovers 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.

“Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” by Salman Rushdie “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” is a short memoir recounting the immediate aftermath...

Against a blue, red and white background reminiscent of the Filipino flag, there's a yellow sun pattern in the center with the letters “F. A. H. M.” in blue type.

5 books to read as Filipino American History Month wraps up

These reads are a perfect introduction to the rich world of Filipino literature.
Ella Sabrina Malabanan, Staff Writer October 28, 2024

Although Filipino American History Month is coming to an end, it is not too late to learn more about Filipino culture through its literature. It would be impossible to create...

A collage of four illustrated book covers.

Books beyond Bobst: An art criticism compilation, a romance set in Communist Poland 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.

“Hot, Cold, Heavy, Light, 100 Art Writings 1988-2018” by Peter Schjeldahl “Schjeldahl has enriched the sensibilities of several generations by narrating his own process...

An illustration of a book cover with a woman in a yellow jacket holding swans in a bag. The title, “Scaffolding,” is in the middle in white and the author, “LAUREN ELKIN,” is in blue in the lower right corner.

Review: ‘Scaffolding’ tears down endless emotional barriers

The novel, written by Lauren Elkin, indulges each character's deepest desires even in the face of infidelity.
Siobhán Minerva, Deputy Arts Editor October 21, 2024

Walking down any New York City street, you’ll inevitably see scaffolding, no matter the time or place. Paris — the city of love and backdrop for Lauren Elkin’s “Scaffolding”...

Four chess pieces in front of a yellow and blue chessboard background.

Review: ‘Intermezzo’ is a poignant reflection on messy relationships

Only Sally Rooney can get away with writing about braces just as much as grief.
Emily Genova, Managing Editor October 9, 2024

I’ve only reread two books in my life: “Divergent” by Veronica Roth and “Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney. The former, a self-proclaimed classic from elementary...