Arts

The new novel reveals sharp observations and a great, sprawling story. But critic Roxane Gay says the book gets bogged down with absurdly drawn characters and misfired critiques of modern life.

Bloody Marys have been around for ages, but an Iowa man has invented a way to take them to a whole new level: a straw made of meat. They've become a hit at bars, ballparks and stadiums. #America

Jonathan Franzen weaves together a cavalcade of stories and characters in his latest novel. Critic Maureen Corrigan says that despite its breadth, Purity fails to "emotionally move the reader."

A new book explains that the women were not personal friends, but they were strong allies on the Supreme Court bench, especially in the legal fight for women's equality.