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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

A collage of four illustrated book covers on solid-colored backgrounds.

Books beyond Bobst: An art history novel, an athletic autobiography 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.

“Peggy” by Rebecca Godfrey with Leslie Jamison Before reading "Peggy," I imagined the glamorous art collector Peggy Guggenheim in a luxurious caftan, sitting at her waterfront...

An aisle of bookshelves filled with multicolored books.

5 books that will help your transition from the beach to the classroom

On the off chance you have time to read a book for pleasure this semester, here are some suggestions to get you excited for the upcoming academic year.
Alexa Donovan, Siobhán Minerva and Eleanor Jacobs September 6, 2024

With rested minds and lingering tan lines, the summer ends and the school year begins once again. New classes mean new professors, a new workload and new expectations. If you get...

Collage of four illustrated books: on the top left is an illustration of a book cover filled with oranges under a plastic film. The title “BLISS MONTAGE Stories” lies on top of the film. On the top right is an illustration of a black book cover titled “POVERTY, BY AMERICA” on a light green background. On the bottom left is an illustration of a book cover with a black, bold line across it. A bee is in the top right corner, along with the title “The Bee Sting” written between the lines. On the bottom right is an illustration of a dark green book cover with a pink box in the center, titled “THE VIRGIN SUICIDES.” There are five dark green flowers in the box and one of them has a missing petal. A pink petal is in the bottom left corner.

Books beyond Bobst: A modern classic, a short story collection 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 Bee Sting” by Paul Murray — Emily Genova, Deputy Managing Editor  This nearly 700-page novel follows an Irish family as they reckon with a failing family-run...

Collage of four books: on the top left is “HEREAFTER: THE TELLING LIFE OF ELLEN O’HARA” in red and brown font on a burgundy background, with "VONA GROARKE" written in the bottom corner in red font. On the top right there’s a pink book on a light blue background, titled “THE EDIBLE WOMAN BY MARGARET ATWOOD” in white font. Bottom left there is a book cover titled “THEY’RE GOING TO LOVE YOU” in green font, with "BY MEG HOWERY" in pink font below. Bottom right is a white book cover on a red background titled “THE COURSE OF LOVE BY ALAIN DE BOTTON” in black and blue cursive.

Books beyond Bobst: Heartbreaking tales of family, an untraditional romance 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.

“They’re Going to Love You” by Meg Howrey — Alexa Donovan, Deputy Arts Editor The night I began reading “They’re going to Love You” by Meg Howrey, I knew...

Collage of four books titled: “RED, WHITE AND ROYAL BLUE,” “ONE TRUE LOVES,” “BEACH READ” and “TINY BEAUTIFUL THINGS.”

Lovely books to read or gift this Valentine’s Day

Whether you're looking for a fictional valentine or a gift for your date, here’s a list of books that will never fail.
Diana C. Sánchez González, Staff Writer February 13, 2024

Heart-shaped chocolate boxes, red roses, romantic playlists and red-lipped stained kisses are all reminiscent of the beloved Valentine’s Day. February always becomes an inevitable...

A collage of book illustrations featuring: An illustration of a book cover titled “Ben and Beatriz,” by Katalina Gamarra, with two silhouettes over a colorful background of abstract shapes; An illustration of an orange book titled “The Bodyguard,” by Katherine Center. Two people stand in a garden with their backs toward each other; An illustration of a brown book titled “home body” by “Rupi Kaur,” with green leaf patterns surrounding the texts, placed on a dark green background; An illustration of the cover of “The Song of Achilles,” by Madeline Miller, with an ancient Greek gold helmet in the center with a dark turquoise background; An illustration of a book titled “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman, with a red border and a dog-like animal looking back in the middle.

5 books to curl up with this winter

These cozy recommendations will help you get through the city’s gray skies and freezing temperatures.
Tess McLafferty, Contributing Writer February 7, 2024

Nothing beats winter blues like a good old blanket, a cup of tea and curling up on the couch with the perfect book. Especially considering how the weather’s been lately, going...

An illustration of white-colored barbed wire and chain links from a fence. They are silhouetted on a red background.

Review: ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’ is a sleek tale of environmental revolution

With Daniel Goldhaber’s stylish direction and a strong cast, “How to Blow Up a Pipeline” turns a story about property destruction into a tense thriller.
Ethan Beck, Contributing Writer April 25, 2023

What’s the cure for apathy? In “How to Blow Up a Pipeline,” the tight, new environmentalist thriller from “Cam” director Daniel Goldhaber, the answer is direct action....

An illustration of books, albums, and a single D.V.D. case, placed on an all-red backdrop with a pattern of small, white, hand-drawn hearts.

Staff Recs: Schmaltzy art that’s worth it

WSN’s arts editors spotlight schmaltzy arts-related content to cling to this Valentine’s Day.

What do we mean when we speak of schmaltz? Perhaps a little etymological digging might help answer our question. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (which you should use...

The cover of the book “I’m Glad My Mom Died” is centered in frame. Pink text against a light yellow background reads “I’m Glad My Mom Died.” The author’s name, “Jennette McCurdy,” is pink and outlined in black. At the center of the cover is a portrait of actor Jennette McCurdy, whose hair is tied up into a ponytail. She wears a pink dress and holds a pink urn against a pink background.

Review: ‘I’m Glad My Mom Died’ offers a new take on memoirs

“iCarly” comedian Jennette McCurdy lays everything bare in her debut novel.
Madeline Kane, Staff Writer November 4, 2022

Content warning: This article discusses eating disorders and sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Although broken interpersonal dynamics may be common when it comes to child...

An illustration of the covers of three books by Deborah Levy against a light blue background. From left to right: “The Man Who Saw Everything,” “Hot Milk,” “An Amorous Discourse in the Suburbs of Hell.”

Reading Guide: Fall in love with Deborah Levy

Deborah Levy’s writing has the bittersweet simplicity of Hemingway and the intriguing strangeness of Murakami with a key element both authors lack: well-developed female characters.
Audrey Abrahams, Contributing Writer October 28, 2022

Deborah Levy’s fiction is bewitching and addictive. If schoolwork is leaving you with little free time, Levy’s short books are quick but impactful reads that are worth sparing...

The outdoor dining area on the street outside a cafe with its doors and windows decorated with flowers. A flag with text “MAMAN COFFEE. BAKERY. KITCHEN.” hangs above the entrance.

Lattes and no laptops: Unplugged cafes in NYC

The best coffee shops in the city where you can unplug and chill out with friends — plus a coffee and a treat.
Jasmine Venet, Staff Writer October 13, 2022

I can’t remember the last time I went to a coffee shop without my laptop in tow. At first, going out for coffee was a relaxing outing that allowed me to enjoy an overpriced iced...

An illustration of the cover of “Love" by Maayan Eitan. A kiss mark is on a beige background.

Review: Maayan Eitan’s ‘Love’ is an exploration of life under the male gaze

The Israeli literary sensation’s debut novella was recently translated into English. 
Stephanie Wong, Staff Writer April 12, 2022

Maayan Eitan is a bold new voice in contemporary literature and a writer and translator based in Tel Aviv. Her debut novella, “Love,” is told from the perspective of Libby,...