President Obama and Marilynne Robinson: A Conversation

In this series, New York Review contributors document the coronavirus outbreak around the world. Featuring readings by Eduardo Halfon in Paris, Anastasia Edel in Oakland, Miguel-Anxo Murado in Madrid, Ruth Margalit in Tel Aviv, Mark Gevisser in Cape Town, Elisa Gabbert in Denver, Simon Callow in London, Lauren Groff in Gainesville, Anna Badkhen in Lalibela, and Sylvia Poggioli in Rome.

In the second part of this exclusive conversation, President Obama and writer Marilynne Robinson discuss literature, politics, competition, American restlessness, teaching, and citizenship. The conversation was recorded on September 14, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa.

In this exclusive conversation, President Obama and author Marilynne Robinson discuss topics ranging from the problems of American democracy and the responsibilities of citizenship to the challenges of Christianity and their shared sense of the values and virtues of small-town America. The conversation was recorded on September 14, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. This is the first part of their conversation; the second part will appear on October 26.

A panel discussion with Laurie Robinson, co-chair of the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, critic and novelist Darryl Pinckney, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. The panelists reflect on issues of race and bias in law enforcement and whether the recommendations of the White House Task Force, if implemented, can practically address and dismantle sources of conflict, deepening racial divisions, and high rates of incarceration in the US. Recorded on September 20, 2015 at the Brooklyn Book Festival.

Ian Buruma, Joseph Lelyveld, Zoë Heller, Alma Guillermoprieto, and Andrew Delbanco discuss the future of literary journalism. This podcast was recorded on April 3, 2013 at the New York Public Library.

Michael Chabon reads from his piece about writing his first novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. Chabon spoke on February 5, 2013 at Town Hall in New York City, in a celebration of The New York Review's 50th anniversary.

Daniel Mendelsohn reads from his 2006 piece, "September 11 at the Movies," a review of United 93 by Paul Greengrass and World Trade Center by Oliver Stone. Mendelsohn spoke on February 5, 2013 at Town Hall in New York City, in a celebration of The New York Review's 50th anniversary.

Mark Danner discusses his time as an editorial assistant at The New York Review and as a contributor from the campaign trail. Danner spoke on February 5, 2013 at Town Hall in New York City, in a celebration of The New York Review's 50th anniversary.

Darryl Pickney discusses his lifelong engagement with the writing of James Baldwin. Pinckney spoke on February 5, 2013 at Town Hall in New York City, in a celebration of The New York Review's 50th anniversary.

Mary Beard discusses The New York Review’s coverage of the classics throughout its history. Beard spoke on February 5, 2013 at Town Hall in New York City, in a celebration of The New York Review's 50th anniversary.