Why John Steinbeck matters now more than ever (not counting the last time around he matter more than ever).  Maud Newton backs this up.

• The New York Times 100 notable books of the last 365 days.

• Mark Cuban is publishing an eBook. We’re hoping that it’s all haikus about Dirk Nowitzki.

• Jon Cotner and Claire Hamilton take a trip to Fire Island, and they put together a beautiful slideshow for The Believer.

• Ronan Farrow, the son of Mia Farrow and Woody Allen, is named a Rhodes Scholar.

• After the success of The Highline in New York, now there are plans for the “Delancey Underground.”

• Documenting 25 years of Norton Records in four nights.

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