Chubby and Cute Counts for a Lot

An extraordinary look inside the home of some of the world’s last mountain gorillas

National Geographic Explorer Brent Stirton has photographed life inside Virunga National Park over the course of nearly two decades—chronicling stories of violence and resilience.

“Deadzoning” in the Wild West: I Tried on Cowboy Life at a Montana Dude Ranch

Our columnist tries out the new travel trend of “deadzoning" at a high-end guest ranch in Montana. With zero cell service, gourmet meals, and endless trail rides, he’s now considering full-time cowboy life. The post “Deadzoning” in the Wild West: I Tried on Cowboy Life at a Montana Dude Ranch appeared first on Outside Online.

I Spent 3 Days Watching the World’s Best Kayakers Face Danger. Here’s What It Taught Me About Living.

Extreme whitewater may look like a reckless gamble, but on Idaho’s stoutest rapids, elite paddlers find a sacred language of focus, survival, and profound connection. Our associate editor soaked it all in at the North Fork Championship, kayaking’s gnarliest race. The post I Spent 3 Days Watching the World’s Best Kayakers Face Danger. Here’s What It Taught Me About Living. appeared first on Outside Online.

5 Book Reviews You Need to Read This Week

Our smorgasbord of sumptuous reviews this week includes Anahid Nersessian on Ashton Politanoff’s Dad Had a Bad Day, Peter Beinart on Akbar Shahid Ahmed’s Crossing the Red Line, Jennifer Wilson on Lars Anderson’s Brady, Sanjena Sathian on Min Jin Lee’s American Hagwon, and Jeff

Whether it’s ‘super’ or ‘Godzilla,’ El Niño is already breaking records

Lit Hub Weekly: September 21 – 25, 2026

During the season of big books, how do you choose one to read? With a flowchart, obviously. | Lit Hub Ed Simon explores the limits of language to understand why “pain makes poor poets out of all of us.” |