This Hollywood memoir is an expertly mixed cocktail of history and family drama
Matthew Specktor grew up the son of a famous Hollywood agent. In The Golden Hour he serves up family saga, cultural criticism, fictionalized biography, history and lament for a vanishing world.
Why Teens Are Impulsive, Addiction-Prone And Should Protect Their Brains
Research shows that teenagers' brains are not fully insulated, which means that signals move slowly. Frances Jensen, who wrote The Teenage Brain, explains. Originally broadcast Jan. 28, 2015.
Thrilling And Kinetic, Updated 'Jungle Book' Is 'A Triumph'
Jon Favreau's adaptation of the Disney classic reprises the story of a little boy raised by wolves. Critic David Edelstein says The Jungle Book seamlessly blends computer animation and storytelling.
'Door To Door' Reveals The Magnificent — And Maddening — Story of Traffic
Edward Humes describes his new book as a "transportation detective story" that chronicles the hidden characters, locations and machinery driving our same-day-delivery, traffic-packed world.
Jazz Guitarist Julian Lage On 'Arclight' And Shifting Musical Genres
Lage began playing guitar at the age of 5 and appeared on stage at the Grammys at 13. He talks to Fresh Air about growing up a guitar prodigy, his father's gentle coaching and his new trio album.
'Alice & Oliver' Novelist On Marriage, Cancer And The Pain Of Uncertainty
Charles Bock's wife died from leukemia just before their daughter's 3rd birthday. Bock relived the final years of her life while writing his new novel. "I was just shattered," he says of the loss.
Guitar Prodigy Julian Lage Finds His Sweet Spot With 'Arclight'
Lage mixes jazz, blues and swing on his new trio album with Scott Colley and Kenny Wollesen. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that Lage really hits his stride in Arclight.
'Gateway To Freedom': Heroes, Danger And Loss On The Underground Railroad
Historian Eric Foner recently won the American History Book Prize from the New York Historical Society for Gateway to Freedom, about the underground railroad. Originally broadcast Jan. 15, 2015.