Two-panel collage with "The Enduring Wild" book cover on left and a black and white portrait of author Josh Jackson on right

The Edge of Emptiness

Lena Rowat skied 1,600 grueling miles across the Coast Range to quiet her demons. But she didn’t begin to silence them until tragedy struck.

Weekly Top 5

The Top 5 Longreads of the Week

This week we have stories from Suzy Hansen, Raksha Vasudevan, Linda Kinstler, Erica Berry, and Dave Denison.

The Top 5 Longreads of the Week

Recommending stories from Archie Bland, Elizabeth Bruenig, Anat Rubin, Dexter Thomas, and Elena Gosalvez Blanco.

The Top 5 Longreads of the Week

Showcasing stories from Katya Apekina, Jonathan W. Rosen, Robert Sanchez, Eric Levitz, and Natalie Marlin.

Editors’ Picks

Changing Lanes

Dave Denison | The Baffler | June 16, 2025 | 5,812 words

“America’s most popular declining sport.”

A Crushing Wave of Snow

Miguel Helft | Esquire | June 19, 2025 | 6,241 words

Thirty-five years ago this July, an avalanche killed forty-three climbers on a mountain called Lenin Peak. I witnessed the disaster and have lived with the memories ever since.”

Crimes of the Century

Suzy Hansen | New York | June 16, 2025 | 10,071 words

“How Israel, with the help of the U.S., broke not only Gaza but the foundations of humanitarian law.”

Phorm Energy Screamin’ Freedom

Linda Kinstler | The New York Review of Books | June 17, 2025 | 1,687 words

“Whatever else it might be, a military parade is always a reminder of how readily the armed forces can be deployed both at home and abroad.”

The Death of a CrossFit Athlete

Calum Marsh | Rolling Stone | June 14, 2025 | 6,047 words

“One of the fittest men on Earth drowned during a race in Fort Worth. How did it happen?”

What’s Happening to Reading?

Joshua Rothman | The New Yorker | June 17, 2025 | 2,903 words

“For many people, A.I. may be bringing the age of traditional text to an end.”

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Essays and Features

The Bad Thing

Sometimes the most haunting part of trauma isn’t what happened—it’s wondering what could have happened if you hadn’t trusted your gut.

How to Scam Like a Celebrity

“His alleged victims say he bribed New York Police Department officials, stole millions in diamonds, and persuaded Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Kim Kardashian to shill for a scam cryptocurrency. So why is Jona Rechnitz still free?”

Well Without Water

Haunted by a running tap in prison, a man grows obsessed with water waste and climate change, pushing him to the edge.

The Race That Turned to Ruin

“Fifteen teams lifted off from Switzerland in gas ballooning’s most audacious race. Three days later, two of them drifted into Belarusian airspace—but only one would survive.”

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Reading Lists

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All of our year-end lists, since 2011.

Favorite stories from across the web, picked by Longreads staff, guest curators, and readers.