Instead of a “best of” list we asked our editors and staff writers to share the
books, movies, or music they loved in 2014. What they contributed didn’t have to
be from
“Around the throne of God, where all the angels read perfectly, there are no
critics—there is no need for them.” –Randall Jarrell
American culture tends to harbor little love for the critic.
I.
The womb-waters of creation dance at the emergence, an archipelago of cells
drawing together as island of flesh. Drowned in amniotic fluid, the growing
assemblage that is the human embryo does not
I wanted to make a house for birds.
Actually, I wanted to make artsy birdhouses that would hang sweetly,
Pinterest-style, from the tree at the front of our house. Initially, I wasn’t
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
—Mary Oliver
In 20 days I will turn 40. Like everyone else in the world, or maybe