The Modern Dispatch

The Readers

2 articles

Author Ben Lerner reading his new story 'The Readers' to an engaged audience in a cozy, book-filled venue.
Lifestyle

Ben Lerner reads his new story 'The Readers' in anticipation

Ben Lerner recently read his new story, 'The Readers,' set for official publication in The New Yorker on June 29, 2026.

Jonah Kline·June 21, 2026
A writer's desk in a dimly lit study, with books and an open notebook, symbolizing the creative process and writing dilemmas.
Lifestyle

Analysis of Ben Lerner's The Readers novel reveals writing dilemmas

Around page 40 of Ben Lerner's new novel, 'The Readers,' one reviewer found the prose 'pale and paunchy in places,' raising early questions about its execution, according to fictionwritersreview .

Adrian Vale·June 21, 2026