New Fiction by Thomas McGuane—Alison Bechdel’s Ultimate Workout—Blake Bailey

Plus: Téa Obreht reads Thomas McGuane, and Mike Sacks interviews John Swartzwelder. View in browser | Update your preferences Fiction “Balloons” “In those days, Joan stirred up our town with her air of dangerous glamour and the sense that her marriage to Roger couldn’t possibly last.” By Thomas McGuane This Week in Fiction Thomas McGuane on Writing from Dreams The author discusses “Balloons,” his story from the latest issue of the magazine. By Deborah Treisman Fiction “Last Night” If you liked “Balloons,” we think you will enjoy this story, from 2002. By James Salter Newsletters Sign Up for The New Yorker’s Crossword-Puzzle Newsletter Never miss another New Yorker crossword again. Essays & Criticism Books Alison Bechdel’s Ultimate Workout How the artist found freedom through fitness. By Katy Waldman Cultural Comment The Allegations Against Blake Bailey and the Shock of the Familiar As a teacher, Bailey was a type, a stock character, the sort whose behavior is often trailed by public silence. By Jessica Winter Fiction Podcast Fiction Podcast Téa Obreht Reads Thomas McGuane The author joins Deborah Treisman to read and discuss “Gallatin Canyon,” by Thomas McGuane, which appeared in a 2003 issue of the magazine. More from The New Yorker The New Yorker Interview John Swartzwelder, Sage of “The Simpsons” The first major interview with one of the most revered comedy writers of all time. By Mike Sacks Reflections An Artist on How He Survived the Chain Gang You have to play a role that isn’t really you. It’s like slavery. By Winfred Rembert You're receiving this e-mail because you signed up for Books & Fiction from The New Yorker. Was this e-mail forwarded to you? Sign up. Unsubscribe | Manage your e-mail preferences | Send newsletter feedback | View our Privacy Policy Copyright © Condé Nast 2021. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.