This edition of The Wonder Reader presents a selection of stories curated by our editors to ignite your curiosity and bring you joy. Subscribe here to receive it every Saturday morning.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, can add a new dimension to your life—especially when you give them names. Elizabeth Endicott recounts her experience with her daughter and their e-bike, lovingly named Toby, on its inaugural journey to school. Their adventure with a Halloween skeleton in tow sparked interactions with neighbors, creating a sense of connection unlike any other.
Beyond being an eco-friendly alternative to cars, e-bikes have been shown to bring happiness, as highlighted by Michael Thomas in 2023. However, not everyone is convinced of their appeal, with Ian Bogost questioning their essence in 2022.
Explore the beauty and complexities of e-bikes through the following reading materials:
**On E-bikes**
– *An E-Bike Transformed My Family’s Life* by Elizabeth Endicott
Discover how embracing e-bikes can enrich your daily experiences.
Read the article.
– *The Real Reason You Should Get an E-bike* by Michael Thomas
Find out how riding an e-bike can positively impact both the environment and your well-being.
Read the article.
– *The E-bike Is a Monstrosity* by Ian Bogost
Delve into the debate surrounding the identity and future of e-bikes.
Read the article.
**Still Curious?**
– Wondering about the success of electric scooters despite their quirks? Explore Robinson Meyer’s insights from 2018.
– Learn about the chaos of school drop-offs as more parents opt for driving.
– Discover what brings joy and fulfillment to impossibly wealthy women.
**Other Diversions**
– Uncover the power of asking for help to bring happiness to others.
– Explore the fascinating world of film geeks’ beloved supply closet.
– Embrace awe-inspiring moments shared by readers like Mary Beth from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, witnessing a storm approaching a sunny beach in Croatia.
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Thank you for being part of our community.
— Isabel
*Originally published in The Atlantic*
