Arts

Books
Arts

Rage And Humor Alternate In 'Arab Of The Future'

5:14pm October 28, 2015

by Etelka Lehoczky

Cartoonist Riad Sattouf uses a loose-limbed comic style to tell the story of his harsh early childhood in Libya, Syria and France — but the cartoony look belies the book's anger and icy cynicism.

Books
Arts

A New Alcott Emerges From The 'Annotated Little Women'

4:01pm October 28, 2015

by Genevieve Valentine

Biographer John Matteson crams all his knowledge of Louisa May Alcott into a massive new annotated edition of her best-known book — in which the author herself emerges as a fascinating character.

Books
Arts

After 40 Years, Dungeons & Dragons Still Brings Players To The Table

3:10pm October 28, 2015

by NPR Staff

Michael Witwer, who has written a book about game co-creator Gary Gygax, says D&D does something that online games don't: It brings players physically together to participate in group storytelling.

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Riad Sattouf is a Syrian-French cartoonist whose graphic novel depicts his life growing up in Syria and Libya in the 1980s. His book was a bestseller in France and is now being published in English.

Syrian Author Finds 'The Arab Of The Future' In His Own Past

3:03pm October 28, 2015

by Eleanor Beardsley

Riad Sattouf is a Syrian-French cartoonist who brings to life the Middle East in the 1980s. Published as a graphic novel, it provides a humorous and intimate view of the author's youth.

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Oncologist Discusses Advancements In Treatment And The Ongoing War On Cancer

1:48pm October 28, 2015

During his decades-long career, oncologist Vincent DeVita helped develop the combination chemotherapy regimen that cures most cases of Hodgkin's lymphoma. His new book is The Death of Cancer.

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Books
Arts

Spellbinding 'Witches' Offers A Fresh Take On A Familiar Story

1:48pm October 28, 2015

by Maureen Corrigan

In her new book, Stacy Shiff evokes the world of Salem, Mass., and the bitter winter of 1692 when 19 people were hanged for witchcraft. Reviewer Maureen Corrigan calls The Witches a "haunting" tale.

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Arts

From 'Carol Burnett' To 'Mad Men', Here Are Four DVD Box Sets Worth Buying

1:48pm October 28, 2015

by David Bianculli

Despite the popularity of streaming services, DVD box sets continue to be released, and embraced, by serious fans and collectors. TV critic David Bianculli details four recent releases he treasures.

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Carrie Brownstein is the co-creator and co-star of the TV series Portlandia.

'Modern Girl' Carrie Brownstein Describes Finding (And Hiding) Herself In Music

11:25am October 28, 2015

The Sleater-Kinney guitarist and singer is known for her defiant performances, but it was vulnerability that initially drew her to music. Brownstein's new memoir is Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl.

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SXSW Pressured After Pulling Sessions On Gaming Culture

10:24am October 28, 2015

by David Folkenflik

The organization canceled panels on harassment and Gamergate because of threats of violence. BuzzFeed and Vox say they will pull out of the conference unless SXSW reverses its decision.

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Books
Arts

It's Coming From Inside The House ... 'Slade House,' That Is

7:03am October 28, 2015

by Jason Sheehan

David Mitchell's new novel about a soul-devouring house embraces all the classic horror tropes. Critic Jason Sheehan says you may think it's contrived ... until you realize that you, too, are trapped.