Personal History
Essays and memoirs.
Remembering My Hijacking
As children, my sister and I were held hostage for six days in the desert. Why couldn’t I recall what happened?
May 14, 2023
How I Was Reborn
After my mother’s death, my father plunged the family into evangelicalism, leaving our Jewish faith behind. What, I wondered, would become of our souls?
April 15, 2023
Remembering Maria Schneider, the Star of “Last Tango in Paris”
In a new book, translated by Molly Ringwald, Maria’s cousin recalls the fame and turbulence that followed the release of Bernardo Bertolucci’s controversial film.
April 13, 2023
It Was an Ordinary Name
My parents said not to tell anyone where we lived and not to open the door if anyone knocked. We were Lao refugees. They said not to tell anyone that, either.
March 5, 2023
The Sound of Grief
After the sudden death of my young son, I listened to Bill Evans, Frank Ocean, and my therapist.
February 9, 2023
Longing for More Stoppage Time
The World Cup brings back the man who made me love this beautiful game.
December 13, 2022
A Daily Walk to Friendship
Two boys find each other across racial lines in Jamaica.
November 5, 2022
Unexpected Medieval Family Counselling
I learned a lot about my wife and children when they started swinging foam swords at me.
October 30, 2022
The Mystery of Hog Island
Ten years after Hurricane Sandy, the barrier islands of New York City remain vulnerable to devastating storms.
October 29, 2022
Letters to Jeb Bush
In a moment of personal and professional failure, I began writing to someone who I thought might be in a position to understand.
October 3, 2022
