Smith was 25 in 2000 when she published her critically acclaimed first novel. Now 50, her latest collection of essays, Dead and Alive, reflects on middle age, climate change and generational gaps.

The tune crooned by Bing Crosby is still one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. It's endured as a favorite — despite a complicated and controversial history.

Right from the first note, Odeal instantly transports us to the warm, soulful pocket that we never leave.

As Jane Austen fans celebrate the 250th anniversary of her birth, they also celebrate her characters.

Nate Amos, the songwriter behind This Is Lorelei, talks about revisiting old songs, reshaping them, and what it means to hear his past work with new ears.

NPR staff share recommendations for non-fiction reading from our Books We Love list: "The War of Art," "Shattered Lands," "Toni at Random" and "Patchwork."

This year, to honor Susan Stamberg's memory, we reflect on her 34 years of performances that can still move us, make us laugh and bring us fresh meaning.



This week, Wait Wait is live in Chicago with host Peter Sagal, guest judge and scorekeeper Alzo Slade, special guest Lucy Dacus and panelists Tom Bodett, Helen Hong, and Adam Burke

NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to author Martha Ackmann about her new book on "American icon" Dolly Parton and the ambition it took the young Tennessean to reach success.

How do you cope with a blank page? NPR's Rob Schmitz talks to Elizabeth McCracken about her new book, "A Long Game: Notes on Writing Fiction."