New book club selections, fresh thriller recommendations, and thought-provoking book reviews featuring children's literature and memoirs are highlighted for readers.

• Book Club: Read ‘The Hounding,’ by Xenobe Purvis, With the Book Review — New York Times Books -
• Book Review: ‘The Adventures of Cipollino,' by Gianni Rodari, and ‘The Lions’ Run,’ by Sara Pennypacker — New York Times Books -
• Twisty New Thriller Books — New York Times Books -

• Book Review: ‘How to Cook a Coyote,’ by Betty Fussell — New York Times Books -

The K-Pop landscape in 2025, a curated list of holiday comedy specials, and a look at Broadway's revitalization are among the diverse offerings in the performing arts.

• 5 Comedy Specials to Get You Through the Holidays — New York Times Arts -
• K-Pop in 2025: What ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and NewJeans Tell Us About the Genre — New York Times Arts -
• A Behind-the-Scenes Player of a Transformed Broadway Takes a Bow — New York Times Arts -

The **new ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ film, including behind-the-scenes insights and a detailed look at its character development, along with cameos in ‘Marty Supreme,’** lead the film discussions.

• All the Cameos in ‘Marty Supreme,’ From Kevin O’Leary to Tyler, the Creator — New York Times Arts -
• How a Deadly Bond Develops in ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ — New York Times Arts -
• ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash' | Anatomy of a Scene — New York Times Arts -

This category features the best New York Times illustrations of 2025, a comprehensive collection of 64 visuals that defined the year in arts, and a recap of the defining culture visuals through the eyes of photo editors.

• The 40 Best New York Times Illustrations of 2025 — New York Times Arts -
• 64 Visuals That Defined the Year in Arts — New York Times Arts -
• The Defining Culture Visuals of 2025 — New York Times Arts -

The passing of Robert Lindsey, a renowned Times reporter and Reagan ghostwriter, and Michal Urbaniak, a pioneering jazz fusion violinist, are mournfully noted.

• Robert Lindsey, Times Reporter and Reagan Ghostwriter, Dies at 90 — New York Times Arts -
• Michal Urbaniak, Pioneering Jazz Fusion Violinist, Dies at 82 — New York Times Arts -

A guide to 9 essential art shows closing this winter offers a last chance to experience Monet blockbusters, Egyptian goddesses, and Black Broadway history.

• 9 Art Shows to See Before They Close This Winter — New York Times Arts -

**‘The Berlin Apartment,’ a new video game**, receives a review, delving into its unique challenges and narrative depth.

• The Berlin Apartment — New York Times Arts -