skinny.

Latest / The Atlantic Out Loud

Bad Luck, Bad Choices

In Richard Russo’s novels, the American dream feels like a cruel joke.

By Mark Oppenheimer

From the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠September 2026 issue⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://theatlantic.com/listen

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The skinny

The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.