Books

Cartographer Alina (Jessie Mei Li) maps her own fate in Netflix's fantasy series, Shadow and Bone.

Books
Arts

'Shadow And Bone': Netflix's Latest Fantasy Series Is Tsar-tlingly Bingeable

5:00am April 23, 2021

by Glen Weldon

Netflix's new fantasy series contains many familiar elements, but a twisty, fast-moving plot and smart storytelling decisions make it a satisfying, eminently bingeable meal.

"I am overjoyed, excited, and eager to be guest-hosting Jeopardy!" says LeVar Burton, after an online petition helped propel him into the group of hosts for the long-running game show.

An 'Overjoyed' LeVar Burton Welcomes Chance To Guest-Host 'Jeopardy!'

5:06pm April 22, 2021

by Bill Chappell

"I've had my eye on that job for a long time," the actor and director said recently. Nearly 250,000 people have signed a petition backing his dream.

Books

In 'Crying In H Mart' Michelle Zauner Grapples With Food, Grief And Identity

4:26pm April 22, 2021

NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with Michelle Zauner, a musician who performs under the name Japanese Breakfast, about her memoir, Crying in H Mart. It's an exploration of grief, food and identity.

Children make an image of the Earth with green materials at a kindergarten on the 52nd Earth Day on April 22 in Changxing County, Zhejiang Province of China.

Looking For A Way To Mark Earth Day? Try These Movies, Songs, Books And More

2:45pm April 22, 2021

by NPR Staff

When you come back inside after celebrating Earth with a walk or by planting some trees, check out these ways NPR's Arts & Culture team has connected with our Mother Earth via the arts.

Philip Roth: The Biography, by Blake Bailey

Books
Arts

Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations, Publisher Suspends Shipping Of Blake Bailey Book

12:51pm April 22, 2021

Three former students and a publishing executive have alleged sexual misconduct by award-winner Blake Bailey, with two accusing the author of rape, according to reports. Bailey denies the allegations.

Books
Arts

Why Did The Chicken Befriend The Widow? Find Out In This Plucky Italian Novella

12:16pm April 22, 2021

by Maureen Corrigan

An older woman living on a remote farm turns to an emotional-support hen for company. Sacha Naspini's newly translated novella is a slim volume, packed with unexpected secrets and epiphanies.

Books
Arts

With Steamed Eggs And Succulents, 'Goodbye, Again' Brings Us Home

7:00am April 22, 2021

by Janet W. Lee

Writer and cartoonist Jonny Sun's new book is a collection of essays, reflections and illustrations that consider everything from Tetris to succulent plants to dealing with loneliness.

Books
Arts

Nigella Lawson On How To Find Peace While Cooking

4:43pm April 21, 2021

NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks with cookbook writer Nigella Lawson about her latest book Cook, Eat, Repeat and how to stop viewing cooking as tedious and, instead, find peace in the kitchen.

A portrait of Roya Mahboob, by former President George W. Bush

George W. Bush Lends His Voice To Immigrants In 'Out Of Many, One'

1:18pm April 21, 2021

by Rachel Martin

The former president's book features his portraits of 43 immigrants — athletes, public servants, business leaders, educators — in an effort to join those saying, "The system's broken. Let's fix it."

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We Are Bridges: A Memoir, by Cassandra Lane

Books
Arts

In 'We Are Bridges,' A Writer Resurrects Her Great Grandfather's Memory

10:38am April 21, 2021

by Martha Anne Toll

In 1904, Cassandra Lane's great grandfather Burt Bridges was lynched. In telling his story, Lane offers her own memoir — and lessons on family and American history for her future child and readers.