2020 Book Concierge: Highlights From The Arts Desk
Four members of NPR's Arts Desk recommend books from the hundreds in NPR's 2020 Book Concierge.
Books
In Michel Faber's Latest, The Disappearance (Isappearance?) Of The Letter 'D'
Faber has created a world in which the letter d is starting to fade, imperiling things like dogs, doctors, dentists — and a girl named Dhikilo, who travels to a different world to solve the mystery.
'Ordesa' Is A Difficult Read — But Stick With It
Manuel Vilas' quiet, intensely sad new, about a middle-aged man trying to connect with his estranged family while thinking a lot of deep thoughts about death, requires patience, but it's worth it.
Maureen Corrigan's 10 Books That Will Connect You In A Socially Distant Year
Sealed into our little Zoom boxes, masked when we're in contact with others, it's easy to feel separated from the world during the pandemic. These 10 books can help break through the solitude.
'Long Time Coming' Explores Birth, Uninterrupted History Of Systemic Racism In U.S.
Michael Eric Dyson's call to action is an invitation to reimagine law enforcement, education, workspaces and all other spaces in ways that eliminate racism, abuse, misogyny and xenophobia.
'Wintering' Is Painful, But Embracing The Cold Makes It Hurt Less
Writer Katherine May describes "wintering" as the times we feel frozen, hopeless cast out — but, she says, embracing that feeling will help us endure it better, and return to the world renewed.
2020 Book Concierge: Mary Louise Kelly Picks 'Hamnet' By Maggie O'Farrell
To celebrate the launch of NPR's 2020 Book Concierge, each All Things Considered host will share a favorite book. Mary Louise Kelly's is Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell.
'Perestroika In Paris' Is A Cozy, Fairy-Tale Trot Through The City Of Lights
Fans of Jane Smiley's previous books will be pleased to see that talking horses make a return in her latest — plus a dog, a raven and a couple of ducks, all making lives for themselves in Paris.
'Wild Minds' Traces The Origins Of Animation — From Blackton And McCay To Disney
Author Reid Mitenbuler's real target is a quintessentially American story of daring ambition, personal re-invention, and the eternal tug-of-war of between art and business.
Cheryl Strayed, Author Of 'Wild,' Brings Back 'Dear Sugar' Column
NPR's Rachel Martin speaks with author Cheryl Strayed, who is reviving her Dear Sugar advice column. This time as a monthly newsletter.