The Great Read

Every weekday, we recommend one piece of exceptional writing from The Times — a narrative or essay that takes you someplace you might not expect to go.

SKIP ADVERTISEMENT

When Tommy Rath Vanished From ‘the Jungle’
He was ensnared in Ithaca’s homeless encampment. Then, in a blur of violence, he was gone.
By Dan Barry and Photographs By Todd Heisler
When Dynamite Turned Terrorism Into an Everyday Threat
In early 20th-century America, political bombings became a constant menace — but then helped give rise to law enforcement as we know it.
By Steven Johnson
Paris Dispatch
Dancing Past the Venus de Milo
The Louvre is joining in the celebration for the Olympics by opening up for dance and exercise classes early in the morning. Tickets sold out in a flash.
By Catherine Porter and Dmitry Kostyukov
Michael Cohen and Rosie O’Donnell: A Love Story
For years, Donald J. Trump hurled insults her way. Now, she is BFF with his former enforcer.
By Jacob Bernstein
Sarah Paulson Dares to Play the People You Love to Hate
The actress has received a Tony nomination for “Appropriate,” in which she portrays a woman who makes a sport out of verbally eviscerating her family members.
By Julia Jacobs
On Comedy
Bo Burnham Is Everywhere. He’s Just Very Good at Pretending to Disappear.
He’s managed to turn his supposed absence into a performance, whether on “The Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show” or in your social media feed.
By Jason Zinoman
Jean Smart Is Having a Third Act for the Ages
Like her character on “Hacks,” she’s winning late-career success on her own exuberant terms.
By J Wortham
The Unwanted Shelter Dog Who Found His Way to Westminster
An animal whisperer and her feisty mutt Miles were among the hopefuls at the dog show’s agility competition.
By Sarah Lyall
Critic’s Notebook
Cass Elliot’s Death Spawned a Horrible Myth. She Deserves Better.
The Mamas & the Papas singer was known for her wit, her voice and her skill as a connector. For 50 years, a rumor has overshadowed her legacy.
By Lindsay Zoladz
Close Friends, Competing for Coveted Olympic Spots. Who Would Make It?
Conner Mantz and Clayton Young had run side by side for more than 10,000 miles. Both vied for a place in the marathon at the Paris Games.
By Talya Minsberg