Essays Archive | Los Angeles Review of Books

All Essays

Beyond the Green Line: Imagining a Just Future
Julie E. Cooper explores the collapse, in the wake of October 7, of traditional Zionist narratives about the presumed protections of the Jewish nation-state.
Julie E. CooperDec 6, 2023
- Around the World
- Politics
Badwatching: Scenes from a Misspent Life
J. D. Connor explains what Fox’s game show “Snake Oil,” Disney’s film “Haunted Mansion,” and NBC’s crime series “The Irrational” have in common.
J. D. ConnorDec 6, 2023
- Film
- Television
Who Shall Remember How? Palestinian Poets Respond
Four Palestinian poets write in a time of catastrophe.
Deema K. Shehabi, Elizabeth Metzger, Jessica Abughattas, Lena Khalaf Tuffaha, Sara Abou RashedDec 4, 2023
Trans Philosophy Matters
Kate Manne argues that contemporary philosophy has a trans problem.
Kate ManneDec 4, 2023
- Philosophy & Religion
Take Your Time
Todd May argues that we should resist echo chambers that reinforce our beliefs by taking a step back, taking a deep breath, and taking stock.
Todd MayDec 4, 2023
- Philosophy & Religion
“The Liberators” by E.J. Koh
An intergenerational family epic recounting imperialism and its legacy, written in prose that transcends genre. Check out our Winter 2024 pick for the LARB Book Club: “The Liberators” by E. J. Koh.
Nov 30, 2023
The “New Antisemitism” and the Logic of Whiteness
Megan Wachspress argues that the relationship of leftist activists to their own whiteness is shaping the current wave of anti-Israeli campus protests.
Megan WachspressNov 29, 2023
- Politics
Philosophy in Times Like These
Vanessa Wills argues that philosophical engagement is a necessary alternative to anti-intellectual nihilism and resurgent authoritarianism.
Vanessa WillsNov 27, 2023
An Apology for Philosophy
Jay L. Garfield defends the practice of philosophy as a political and aesthetic enterprise
Jay L. GarfieldNov 27, 2023
- Philosophy & Religion
When Philosophy No Longer Smells of the Earth
George Yancy introduces a series of essays on practical philosophy.
George YancyNov 26, 2023
- Philosophy & Religion
Mosab Abu Toha’s “Gaza Notebook (2021–2023)”
A new poem from Palestinian writer Mosab Abu Toha in Gaza.
Mosab Abu TohaNov 22, 2023
Impossible Choreographies: On the 35th Bienal de São Paulo
Oluremi C. Onabanjo describes the wealth of art exhibited at the 35th Bienal de São Paulo.
Oluremi C. OnabanjoNov 19, 2023
- Art & Architecture
The Great Leap to Valhalla: Wagner in China
Melissa Chan writes about the performance of Wagner operas in China.
Melissa ChanNov 13, 2023
“Secrets & Sisterhood” and the Burden of Afghan Representation
Azeta Hatef reviews the Hulu reality show “Secrets & Sisterhood:The Sozahdahs."
Azeta HatefNov 12, 2023
- Cultural Studies
- Television
You Hear This Voice? This Is My Mind’s Voice: A Tribute to Louise Glück
Five poets commemorate Louise Glück, including Paul Tran, Katie Peterson, Spencer Reese, Elisa Gonzalez, and Richie Hofmann.
Callie Siskel, Elisa Gonzalez, Katie Peterson, Paul Tran, Richie Hofmann, Spencer ReeceNov 9, 2023
- Poetry
Echoes of the Original: On the Task of Translating Maria Schneider
Hannah Bonner looks at Elisabeth Subrin’s documentary, “Maria Schneider, 1983,” alongside Vanessa Schneider’s memoir, “My Cousin Maria Schneider.”
Hannah BonnerNov 9, 2023