Editors’ Picks: Winter Break Recs

Managing Opinion Editor Edwyn Choi ’27 recommends “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula K. Le Guin:

Written in 1969 (a few months before the Stonewall Riots), “The Left Hand of Darkness” follows a man from Earth who travels to Gethen, a distant, ice-age planet. Gethenians are ambisexual and only assume fixed sexes for short periods of time, i.e., whenever they decide to reproduce. The book offers subtle critiques about the English language’s dependence on binary gender norms, and how that dependence affects (or constrains) the way people think about gender and sexuality at large.

Managing Arts & Living Editor Sophie Durbin ’25 recommends “Metropolitan” (1990):

Although I’m hesitant to put forth this recommendation after discovering “National Review” named it one of the best 25 conservative movies, an honor that makes sense, in retrospect, considering the film’s iconic cast of 1980s New York debutantes, who view themselves as creatures of a dying breed and bemoan what they vaguely call “the decline,” “Metropolitan” is undoubtedly one of the most underrated Christmas movies. In the tradition of “Rushmore,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “The Secret History,” Whit Stillman’s directorial debut follows an outsider, Tom Townsend (Edward Clements), as he infiltrates a young coterie of the “urban haute bourgeoisie” during “orgy week” — the hallowed days of reverie between Christmas and New Year’s. The film could easily be out-of-touch and classist, but it redeems its pretentious, neurotically self-conscious characters, ending on a surprisingly poignant note. It’s endlessly quotable, essentially made up of a string of intellectual sparring matches, and is set against the sparkling backdrop of Christmastime Manhattan. But contrary to “National Review,” I don’t see “Metropolitan” as a eulogy to a doomed class of pseudo-aristocratic Americans, but rather a demonstration of the necessity of expanding one’s circles and making unlikely friends.

Managing Opinion Editor Tapti Sen ’25 recommends the “His Dark Materials” series by Phillip Pullman:

A philosophical treatise on the clash between science and religion, the search for truth, and the nature of authority — all in the form of a children's book. The “His Dark Materials” series is not only, deeply relevant to our current political moment, but quite honestly a super fun and engaging read!

Senior Managing Editor June Dorsch ’27 recommends “Normal Gossip:”

Normal Gossip is the perfect podcast. Every episode is a piece of anonymized gossip, and each one is a whirlwind story with constant twists and turns. You will hear about the workplace drama of a sanitation department, the mystery of stolen jewelry on a family vacation, and so, so much more. They are so entertaining to listen to, and even better when you listen with someone so you can discuss what you would do if you were in the scenario. There are seven seasons and each episode is an hour long, and since we have a LOT of free time during J-term, it is the perfect time to binge this amazing podcast.

Managing Opinion Editor Willow Delp ’26 recommends “Caucasia” by Danzy Senna:

Caucasia is the compelling story of a mixed-race family in the 1970s living in Boston, Massachusetts, narrated from the perspective of the white-passing daughter, Birdie. When the family is torn apart by the mother's involvement in revolutionary politics, Birdie is forced to separate from her beloved older sister Cole and mask her true identity. I originally read this for my research on mixed-race literature, but have been evangelizing about the genuinely intriguing plot and fantastic writing.

Managing News Editor Julia Gentin ’26 recommends “I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai:

I’m always a fan of boarding school stories and murder mysteries, but this novel sticks out in its complex characters, questions about perspective, and contemporary importance. I read it over Thanksgiving break because I really enjoyed Rebecca Makkai’s works, and it was the perfect easy read: compelling and engaging. Bodie Kane, a prominent podcaster, returns to her alma mater to teach a course. But the real reason for her return is to re-open the murder case of her former classmate. The novel questions our obsession with true crime. It also uniquely explores the roles of victim and perpetrator.

Co-Editor-in-Chief Dustin Copeland ’25 recommends “The Long Form” by Kate Briggs:

I can’t really identify a book that’s “right” for the wintertime: I know I want something cozy or reassuring or warm, but I never find it. Kate Briggs’ novel, which I read last winter, is sometimes each of those things, but mostly it does what every novel should do — it suspends time in language and leaves the reader feeling slightly out of place going back to the real world. “The Long Form” doesn’t have much of a plot, but what novel needs one of those?