A new issue of Open Letters Monthly is out. From The Believer, an interview with political philosopher Tom Dumm on how misguided American ideas of self-reliance make for an incredibly lonely society; and the sentence is a lonely place: What is it that gives every line — in certain works of fiction — the force and feel of a climax? From World Politics Review, an article on the war in Gaza: Can Israel have military success? An excerpt from Yes Means Yes: Visions of Female Sexual Power and a World Without Rape. Kudos for the contrarian: It is mostly people who appreciate the uncertainty of our complex world who have worthwhile things to say about the future. Two academic groups — one funded by collegiate sports' governing body — aim to provide "factual" research regarding athletic issues. Should we be wary of political dynasties? David Liebers investigates. Blockbuster or Bust: Why struggling publishers will keep placing outrageous bids on new books. Accidental astrophysicists: They started with algebra and ended up learning about gravitational lensing. More on Jay Parini's Promised Land: Thirteen Books That Changed America. Who is a civilian? The bloodied children are clearly civilians; men killed as they launch rockets are undisputedly not — but what about the 40 or so young Hamas police recruits on parade? A review of A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity by Bill O' Reilly (and more).
