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February 2026

The Collapse of Presidential Rhetoric
From Lincoln’s eloquence to Trump’s 108-minute harangue
 • Ron Charles
In Tayari Jones’s ‘Kin,’ Friendship Persists as Lives Diverge
Oprah’s New Pick: The author of ‘An American Marriage’ is back with a novel about two girlhood friends who set off in different directions.
 • Ron Charles
Do I Still Matter?
Two new books — and a lot of free time — got me thinking about how we yearn to matter.
 • Ron Charles
Comedy in a Country on Fire
In ‘Rebel English Academy,’ Mohammed Hanif scorches state terror from the inside.
 • Ron Charles
Love, Actually (and Scientifically, and Otherwise)
From the Kinsey Institute to “Wuthering Heights” to hand-painted Valentines
 • Ron Charles
Scott Simon’s Open Book: Ron Charles joins us to talk about leaving WashPo and staying critical about Lit
A recording from Ron Charles and Scott Simon's live video
 • Ron Charles and Scott Simon
22:10
America’s Best Idea — Sabotaged
Political theater, plus Dracula, board books, and library joy
 • Ron Charles
I’ve Been Laid Off. I’m Not Done.
After 20 years at The Washington Post, I’m suddenly on my own — and still writing about books.
 • Ron Charles
What's the funniest book you've ever read?
Why are truly comic novels so rare?
 • Ron Charles
Who gets to put their face on history?
The most indelible record of power is the surface of a coin.
 • Ron Charles
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