The 11.5.23 Issue

Highlights

Bariatric Surgery at 16
If childhood obesity is an ‘epidemic,’ how far should doctors go to treat it?
By Helen Ouyang
CreditKholood Eid for The New York Times
Some Ukrainians Helped the Russians. Their Neighbors Sought Revenge.
For people in Bilozerka, the invasion began a cat-and-mouse game of collaboration and resistance.
By James Verini and Paolo Pellegrin
CreditPaolo Pellegrin/Magnum, for The New York Times
Sigrid Nunez’s Art of Noticing
The National Book Award winner smuggles profound reflections on pain and loss into novels of deceptive lightness.
By Wyatt Mason
CreditRuven Afanador for The New York Times
Talk
Marina Abramovic Thinks the Pain of Love Is Hell on Earth
“I don’t see any good art made out of happiness,” says the legendary performance artist.
By David Marchese
CreditPhoto illustration by Bráulio Amado

My Dying Mom Confessed to Euthanizing My Grandma. Should I Tell My Family?
The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on the complications of honoring a deathbed request.
By Kwame Anthony Appiah
CreditIllustration by Tomi Um
The Ethicist
An Orange Cake From a Revolutionary Chef
Lisa Donovan weaves her own story into this recipe from Paul Bertolli’s “Cooking by Hand.”
By Lisa Donovan
CreditLinda Xiao for The New York Times. Food stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. Prop stylist: Sophia Pappas.
Eat
The Joy of Picking Up Other People’s Trash
When my neighborhood changed around me, I decided to change it.
By Jazmine Hughes
CreditGus Powell for The New York Times
Letter of Recommendation
Poem: […]
In this poem from a Palestinian American writer, absence becomes atmosphere.

CreditIllustration by R.O. Blechman
Judge John Hodgman on Thanksgiving Gift Boxes
One family gives presents to their guests. Is it too much?
By John Hodgman
CreditIllustration by Louise Zergaeng Pomeroy
Judge John Hodgman