9 Long Articles to Read If You're Having Trouble Getting Through Books These Days

On March 13, 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by police in her home in Louisville, Kentucky. In this article, Chicago-based writer, organizer, and artist Eva Maria Lewis speaks with Taylor’s friends and family to reflect her life and the legacy she leaves behind.

Writer and activist Cargle wrote this piece last year, but it remains as crucial as ever. In it, she defines “Black Lives Matter” as a rallying cry for a shift in statistical numbers that show that people who are Black are twice as likely to be killed by a police officer while unarmed, compared to a white individual. Read this, then show it to a friend or family member who needs to see it.

If you, like much of the country, was captivated by Netflix’s Tiger King, you need to read this deep dive by Rachel Nuwer. In it, she explains how Joe Exotic’s story opened many people’s eyes to the world of America’s big cat people, and how that momentum could lead to actual reform in the industry.

Last month, an interview with cookbook author Alison Roman in The New Consumer caused (deserved) uproar the foodisphere. Roman made some out-of-nowhere cutting remarks about fellow foodie Chrissy Teigen, as well as Marie Kondo, which…were not good. It brought to the surface a criticism of Roman and other white food stars for using “exotic" ingredients (and becoming famous as a result). Navnett Alang’s piece dives into the backlash against Roman, as well as the greater implications of food colonization.

Since the late 1500s, Black Americans have used food as a form of protest. In this fascinating history, Amethyst Ganaway writes,“Black lives lead the vanguard toward equality and revolution as they have done so many times before. We are demanding, not asking, for 'Land, Bread, Housing, Education, Clothing, Justice And Peace.'”

Late last month, playwright and AIDS activist Larry Kramer died at 84. This landmark piece, first published in 1983, was a passionate appeal against apathy in the face of the AIDS crisis. It’s titled referred to the number of people, at the time, diagnosed with serious complications from AIDS, and it accused nearly everyone connected with health care in America, from CDC officials and doctors to local politicians, of refusing to acknowledge the implications of the growing epidemic.

Thirteen years ago, Leo Rodgers, now 35, lost one of his legs in a motorcycle crash. During his rehabilitation, he found that his thirst for speed and thrills, could be sated by a bicycle. He has since competed four times at the U.S. Paralympic Track Cycling Open, and came away with eight total medals. Inspiring doesn’t begin to describe it.

Raise your hand if you or someone you know has used this time in quarantine to bake bread—lots of bread. Sourdough, in particular, has reached new levels of popularity, and this helpful article explains how it even works. Chin writes that, “You don't have to understand the science of sourdough yeasts and bacteria to bake great sourdough bread, but it sure can help.”

Brené Brown is a renowned lecturer, author and podcast host. Though her fanbase has been devoted for years, the COVID-19 pandemic has shot her to new heights, leading her to serves, essentially, as America’s therapist. But as writer Sarah Hepola finds out while profiling Brown, the fifth-generation Texan would rather not be called that.