Books

Cover art for Dirt Femme by the artist Tove Lo.

What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend listening and viewing

1:39pm November 05, 2022

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Bono's memoir, the Philly Orchestra playing Dancing On My Own, and Tove Lo's Dirt Femme.

Books

Kevin Wilson on his new novel, 'Now Is Not the Time to Panic'

8:09am November 05, 2022

by Scott Simon

Two teens make posters with a mysterious phrase, and end up starting something they can't finish. NPR's Scott Simon talks with Kevin Wilson about his new novel, "Now Is Not the Time to Panic."

Books

In 'Meredith, Alone', the protagonist hasn't left her house in 1,214 days

8:09am November 05, 2022

by Scott Simon

NPR's Scott Simon talks to author Claire Alexander about her new book "Meredith, Alone." When the book opens, its protagonist hasn't left her house in 1,214 days.

Dr. Nancy Caroline with paramedic Walt Brown in 1975

How a team of Black paramedics set the gold standard for emergency medical response

6:00am November 05, 2022

by Akilah Wise

In American Sirens, writer Kevin Hazzard recounts how a group of Black paramedics in Pittsburgh in the 1970s pioneered and professionalized the modern day ambulance service.

The country has seen a dramatic shift away from jobs requiring physical strength. Fewer than 1 in 10 jobs now require what's called heavy work, a sector once dominated by men.

Men are struggling. A new book explores why and what to do about it

9:43pm November 04, 2022

by Andrea Hsu

In his new book Of Boys and Men, Richard V. Reeves of the Brookings Institution argues that men must move into fields that are now dominated by women to reverse economic declines.

Arts
Books

Billy Porter makes peace with himself: 'I set myself free, honey. No more secrets'

1:27pm November 04, 2022

by Terry Gross

Porter won an Emmy for Pose, and a Tony for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots. In addition to performing, he's also a star on the red carpet. His memoir is Unprotected. Originally broadcast in 2021.

Queue Listen Now

Katie Paterson speaks on a pre recorded video at TEDWomen 2021: What Now? December 1-3, 2021, Palm Springs, California. Photo Courtesy of TED.

Books

Building a library of unread manuscripts, locked away until 2114

11:00am November 04, 2022

Artist Katie Paterson is captivated by what humanity is leaving for future generations. So she created the Future Library, a collection of unread literature to be published a century from now.

Queue Listen Now

Books
Arts

'White Horse' is about supernatural horrors — and everyday horrors

7:52am November 04, 2022

by Gabino Iglesias

Erika T. Wurth's novel belongs to a new wave of horror fiction that delivers the creepiness and darkness readers have always associated with the genre, while also packing plenty of social commentary.

Haitian-Canadian author Myriam J.A. Chancy makes a reading list for Haiti

4:26pm November 03, 2022

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with Haitian-Canadian author Myriam J.A. Chancy about what's happening in Haiti and a list of books to help make sense of precipitating events.

Hand-carved pumpkins are displayed at Van Cortlandt Manor on Oct. 8, 2022, in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Books
Arts

Venture into the 'Fresh Air' crypt for a Halloween horror fest

3:13pm November 03, 2022

by Terry Gross

Ever wonder what keeps Stephen King up at night, or which movie scenes make Jordan Peele jump? For Halloween this year, Fresh Air rebroadcasting archival interviews with masters of the horror genre.

Queue Listen Now