The Best American Essays 2015Writing an essay is like catching a wave, posits guest editor Ariel Levy. To catch a wave, you need skill and nerve, not just moving water. This years writers are certainly full of nerve, and have crafted a wide range of pieces awash in a diversity of moods, voices, and stances. Leaving an abusive marriage, parting with a younger self, losing your sanity to Fitbit, and even saying goodbye to a beloved pair of pants imbued with meaning are all unified

By the end of the day

What are the possible causes of my child’s headache

‘A deliciously dark retelling of The Nutcracker’ Jennifer Saint

“Finely wrought

no one—neither family nor friend

Mog is everyone’s favourite family cat

this biting

She has the talent

Tristan Walker

senator and NBA legend Bill Bradley calls How Good People Make Tough Choices “a valuable guide to more informed and self-conscious moral judgments

former army medic Kevin O’Brien moves home to Chesapeake Shores

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