Gloria Naylor, 'The Women Of Brewster Place' Author, Dies At 66
Gloria Naylor's debut novel, The Women of Brewster Place, won a National Book Award and became a TV mini-series starring Oprah Winfrey. Naylor has died at age 66.
Arts
From Fire Hydrants To Rescue Work, Dogs Perceive The World Through Smell
Dogs can sniff out people, drugs, bombs, cancer, time of day, oncoming storms and much more. In her new book Being A Dog, Alexandra Horowitz explores the mysteries and mechanics of canine noses.
Autumn Flush: The Best Darjeeling Tea You'll (Likely Never) Taste
Darjeeling is the "Champagne of teas," sold by distinct harvest season, or flush. But while many of India's top tea experts point to the autumn flush as their favorite, those teas are largely unknown.
Moving, Memorable 'Today Will Be Different' Balances Humor And Tragedy
Maria Semple's new novel centers on erratic, overworked mother Eleanor, who makes a promise before the book begins: Today will be different. And it is, but not the way she expected or hoped for.
Luke Cage, Marvel's Reluctant Hero In A Hoodie
Luke Cage was one of the first black superheroes on comics pages. Now, he's a TV pioneer too, with Marvel's Luke Cage, which updates the blaxploitation-inspired character for modern viewers.
Why It Took 'Forrest Gump' Author Nearly 20 Years To Write A New Novel
After Forrest Gump became a best-seller, Winston Groom says he ran out of good ideas for novels — until now. His new book, El Paso, is set during the Mexican Revolution.
For Literary World, Unmasking Elena Ferrante's Not A Scoop. It's A Disgrace
An investigative journalist claims to have uncovered the true identity of a famously private novelist. Writers and readers alike have rejected the claims as an egregious, unnecessary intrusion.
Snap, Crackle, Kale: The Science Of Why Veggies Spark In The Microwave
Online sources suggest cooking vegetables in the microwave for a quick and easy dinner. But microwaving veggies can get a little bit explosive. Who knew kale chips could offer a lesson in physics?
A Tight, Intense Drama Unfurls Within The Confines Of A Sick Room In 'The Wonder'
Emma Donoghue's latest novel focuses on an 11-year-old girl who refuses to eat, and the nurse who is responsible for her care. Critic Maureen Corrigan says The Wonder is aptly named.
Rose Tremain On Her New Novel, 'The Gustav Sonata'
Gustav Perle is a young boy growing up in Switzerland after World War II. And the defining factor in his life is that his mother does not love him. The Gustav Sonata is Rose Tremain's 13th novel.