Dec 14, 2015 Vol 186 No 24

How J.J. Abrams Brought Back Star Wars

Modi Needs His Mojo
How the Indian leader can get his bold plans for his country back on track after a setback

After Paris, Life For Refugees in France Has Gotten Even Harder

The Fallacy of ‘Free Speech’
A new wave of campus revolts and campaign speeches is fueling a dangerous war on words

Six Steps to Building an ISIS Strategy

Why Giving Is the Best Gift This Year
And how to make your altruism count

From the Heart
Actors, comedians and other influencers share the gifts that have meant the most, from thoughtful meals cooked by their kids to an annual closet cleanout turned clothing giveaway

Review: The Big Short Knows Why Your Rent Is Too Damn High
Ryan Gosling, Steve Carrell, Brad Pitt and Christian Bale star in this movie about the financial crash

Review: Vintage Valor in In the Heart of the Sea
A whale tale that’s no fluke

Marco Vs. Ted: Inside the Rivalry Reshaping the GOP
The Forces Fueling the Rise of France’s Far Right

Review: Grimes’ Art Angels Hints at Pop’s Dark Side
Grimes learned to play the violin, ukulele and other instruments while recording her new album

The Millennial Beard: Why Boomers Need Their Younger Counterparts
And vice versa

Where Do People Still Hunt Whales?
Japan’s whaling fleet set sail on Dec. 1 in defiance of a 2014 U.N. order to cease the practice. It’s not the only place to bypass the International Whaling Commission’s 1986 ban on commercial operations.

9 Questions with Tiger Woods

Review: A ‘Hitch’ in the History of Filmmaking
Kent Jones’ new documentary Hitchcock/Truffaut looks at the director’s filmmaking

Buzzy Gifts for Book Lovers
2015’s most buzzed about reads--from runaway best sellers to cult classics in the making--prove to be particularly thoughtful and timely this holiday season. Cross the readers off your list with these last-minute picks at Amazon.

Quick Talk With Rick Ross
The rapper’s new album is Black Market

Verbatim