Writer Joan Didion, whose 'electric anxiety' inspired a generation, has died at 87
When Didion started writing in the 1960s, she put a certain kind of voice on the page — neurotic, female — that hadn't been there before.
Books
Joan Didion: The NPR interviews
NPR's talks with Didion date back to 1977, where the author described what she meant when she wrote "writers are always selling somebody out" in the introduction of Slouching Towards Bethlehem.
For queer Seoulites in 'Love in the Big City,' pride and shame intertwine
Sang Young Park's novel can be read as an anthropological approach to Seoulite queer lives in the 21st century: Its four linked stories capture the experience of being both visible and unacknowledged.
'Small Things Like These' add up to a seismic change in 1980s Ireland
In Claire Keegan's feminist take on Dickens, a boy born to an unwed teen builds a life as a coal merchant, husband, and father to five daughters, and faces crises of faith and conscience.
'A Marvellous Light' infuses magic and adventures into 19th century England
The 19th century historical fantasy wherein magic is a layer over the already complicated strata of society is a fairly common genre, but Freya Marske makes it feel fresh in this treat of a book.
'Sex Cult Nun' says discovering self-ownership helped her break free from The Family
Faith Jones' grandfather founded the Children of God cult. She was taught sex was a service to God and that women should freely "share" their bodies, regardless of whether they wanted to or not.
'All Her Little Secrets' asks whether we can reinvent ourselves
Wanda M. Morris' All Her Little Secrets is a carefully constructed thriller wrapped in a narrative about racism, gentrification, and being the only Black person in an all-white environment.
It's the shortest day of the year. Things can only get brighter from here
Tuesday is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. That means from now till June, each day will be a little bit longer — and brighter. Here are some ways you can celebrate the season.
Boredom is one of the '100 Things We've Lost to the Internet'
NPR's Steve Inskeep talks to author Pamela Paul, editor of The New York Times Book Review, about her book: 100 Things We've Lost to the Internet.
'Cabaret' actor Alan Cumming unpacks his 'Baggage' in a new memoir
The Tony Award-winning actor previously wrote about his childhood in Scotland and his abusive father. Cumming's new memoir centers on love, sexuality, career and mental health.