After Death, James Tate's Poetry Continues To Delight
Though James Tate died before his new book was published, his influence and appeal persist due to his surrealist style and willingness to blend tragedy and comedy.
Arts
#NPRreads: Wisconsin's First Lady And Syria's Dueling 'Godfathers'
Also this week, an interview with John Lydon (you may know him as Johnny Rotten), race and Instagram filters, and the cost of living in Los Angeles.
In Harper Lee's Return, First Chapter Swings From Homecoming To Heartbreak
The opening chapter of Go Set A Watchman, Lee's first novel in 55 years, is out. Reactions ran from joy to shock — as readers coped with a plot twist and lingering doubts on the timing of its release.
The Man Behind Wonder Woman Was Inspired By Both Suffragists And Centerfolds
Wonder Woman's creator had a few secrets of his own. Historian Jill Lepore describes William Moulton Marstothe's unusual life in The Secret History of Wonder Woman. Originally broadcast Oct. 27, 2014.
Daniel Silva On 'Double-Edged Sword' Of Writing An Israeli Spy Protagonist
"Israel is extremely unpopular in the world right now," Silva says, and he doesn't always share his characters' opinions. The English Spy is Silva's 15th novel starring operative Gabriel Allon.
A Very Silly '7 Days In Hell'
HBO's mock tennis documentary stars Andy Samberg as a brash American taking on a shy Brit in a fictional 2004 match that lasted a week.
A Strong Central Performance Grounds An Uneven 'Boulevard'
In his final dramatic role, Robin Williams plays a man who tries late in his life to find happiness.
Coming Back As A Better Slab Of Beef Isn't All It's Cracked Up To Be
Self/less is a dull rumination on familiar themes about body-swapping and life-swapping, exploring none of the actually provocative questions it raises.