Book Review: 'Citizen: An American Lyric'
Poet Tess Taylor reviews "Citizen: An American Lyric" by Claudia Rankine. It's been nominated for a National Book Award.
Books
Sen. Mitch McConnell's Political Life, Examined, In 'The Cynic'
When journalist Alec MacGillis started looking into McConnell's early politics, he says he was "startled" by how moderate the Republican used to be. The book traces McConnell's shift to the right.
'Redeployment' Explores Iraq War's Physical And Psychic Costs
In his short story collection, former Marine Phil Klay takes his experience in Iraq and clarifies it. On Wednesday, he won the National Book Award for fiction.
A Journey Through The History Of American Food In 100 Bites
Thomas Jefferson loved macaroni and cheese so much he brought it home to Virginia from Europe. The American Plate reveals these and other stories behind America's most beloved foods.
'Redeployment,' 'Age Of Ambition' Win National Book Awards
The veteran-penned short story collection and the nonfiction look at modern China and its citizens joined youth literature winner Brown Girl Dreaming and poetry winner Faithful and Virtuous Night.
Get To Know The Finalists For The 2014 National Book Award
On Tuesday night, finalists for the National Book Awards read from their nominated works at The New School in New York City. The National Book Foundation will announce the winners Wednesday night.
'Unspeakable' Gives Voice To Things We All Think, But Don't Say
Meghan Daum's essay collection is intensely personal, but also universal. Critic Tomas Hachard says that on a deep level, it's about the process of growing up and deciding whether to conform or rebel.
Norman Lear Looks Back On His Long Life In 'Even This I Get To Experience'
Lear, who co-created All In The Family, has written a new memoir at the age of 92. He tells Fresh Air about getting involved in politics and how his storylines addressed subjects like racism.
A 'Garden' Full Of Dazzling, Whimsical Tales
Young Woman in a Garden brings together 24 previously published short stories by the fantasy fabulist Delia Sherman. Reviewer Jason Heller says it's full of dazzle and heart, with a dark edge.
Take It In: 'Vape' Is The Oxford Dictionaries Word Of The Year
The growing popularity of e-cigarettes sparked the notice of the Oxford Dictionaries, which chose "vape" as the word of the year for 2014. It beat out contenders such as "bae" and "normcore."