From NYRB, Michael Chabon on Manhood for Amateurs: The Wilderness of Childhood (and from Bookforum, a review of Chabon’s The Yiddish Policemen's Union). From Prospect, American authors enjoy the world’s best supported literary culture, but the latest generation seems hobbled by ease and self-congratulation. Real life isn't a gossip blog: Perez Hilton brings his Internet persona out on the town and gets clocked accordingly. A look at how celebrities stay famous regardless of talent. It Came from Wasilla: Todd Purdum on Sarah Palin. Forget the broader implications for the GOP — Mark Sanford's public breakdown was a human drama all its own (and more). The definitive guide to randy Republicans: Rating the greatest GOP sex scandals of the past 20 years. From The New York Times Magazine, a cover story on G.M., Detroit and the fall of the black middle class. A very intellectual bust up: Malcolm Gladwell vs Chris Anderson. Philip Ball debates science and religion with Sam Harris (and more). A review of Frames of War: When Is Life Grievable? by Judith Butler. A review of Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal by Ben Mezrich. The first chapter from Inventing Equal Opportunity by Frank Dobbin. Here's an appreciation of "Conan the Barbarian" — seriously.
