The fresh innocence of a child’s face … follow the adventures of little man Max across our pages and let his wonder remind you: life can be a joy. In the squishiness of soupy pumpkin seeds, in a bin filled with blushing apples, jumping into a pile of leaves, or bathing in cool mud. A child’s joy can be maintained throughout our lives if we remember but one rule—to treat others as we would have them treat us.

“A Good Cause” features an essay by Alyssa Nogaski, raising awareness about human trafficking. We are none of us free if one of us is a slave. Somewhere else? Think again. The United States is trafficking in human beings every day. Learn more, get involved, make a difference.

As always, our pages are filled with poetry, fiction, nonfiction that bring to light the experiences of a few, or of many. Pamela Erens, our feature author, talks to us about searching for our spiritual twin, and about the understory of The Understory, a novel you must read. Trust me, you must. The Cigar Lounge goes beyond the usual cigar review—this time, it’s the cigar experience.

Read, think, take it in. Then, bite into an apple. Hide in a pile of leaves. There is so much we must change. But never at the cost of missing out the joy all around us.