Dear readers, Our critic A.O. Scott is back today with another piece about an exquisite poem: “Monet’s ‘Waterlilies,’” by Robert Hayden. If, like me, you are occasionally skeptical of the power of art to counteract real-life horror, please carve out some time to read his piece. Depending on the overall moment, pleas to “make room for beauty!” can resemble the suggestion of patching up a dam with painter’s tape. But Tony makes a very good case for what art can and cannot do in times of upheaval. As he writes: “Art can’t save us from anything, but we need it as a reminder of something better — of a world that is the antithesis of what we inhale with the news.” Hear, hear! I can feel my crust of cynicism falling away stanza by stanza. Also today, we announced the winners of The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award. Take a peek at these superb illustrations and feel your heart slowly begin to melt. Finally, the winner of the Booker Prize will be announced on Monday. I’ve only read three of the six finalists so I’m ill-equipped to make any sound predictions, but I’d love to hear which books you are gunning for. Share your favorites in the comments, and I’ll see you next week. Like this email? We hope you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times.
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